Santa Maria · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Maria public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Lori Family Mortuary conditional use permit
A proposal to open a mortuary offering funerals and memorial services, with a caretaker's residence, on South Broadway in a commercial planned-development zone. The Commission was scheduled to consider approval with conditions.
Supervisor Election Endorsement
A local opinion piece is calling out supervisor candidate Ricardo Valencia, saying his endorsement by the Working Families Party is a red flag. The author thinks Valencia will push a socialist agenda and wants you to vote for Maribel Aguilera instead.
City Council Meeting
Your local City Council is meeting April 7, 2026, and they'll be making decisions that could impact your daily life in Santa Maria. It's your chance to stay informed on what's happening in your city.
Council Member Swearing-in
Get ready for a new voice on the Santa Maria City Council! Gloria Flores is officially taking her seat tonight, and they're also giving a shout-out to Mike Cordero for his time on the council. It's mostly procedural stuff, but it's a big moment for Flores and a chance to thank Cordero.
Mayoral Election
Mayor Patino won re-election, securing another term in office. He beat out challenger Perez and two other candidates to keep his seat.
Mayoral Candidates Forum
Unsure about who to back for Santa Maria mayor? The League of Women Voters is putting on a forum where you can hear directly from the candidates themselves. It's your chance to get the inside scoop before you cast your ballot.
Election
Get ready for a shake-up in Santa Maria City Council District 1! Local attorney Maria Salguero is officially running, promising new ideas and a fresh perspective for our city.
City Council Election
It's looking like Maria Escobedo might be the next City Council member for District 1! Keep an eye on this race as the results come in.
District Elections
Santa Maria's city manager is downplaying the impact of switching to district elections. They're saying it's business as usual and won't change how the city operates.