Member of the City Council, District 1 - Short Term
Source: content.civicplus.com
This seat represents District 1, not the whole district above. We can’t match an address to an area this small, so this race may not be on your ballot.
What does this office do?
- Passing city laws, called ordinances
- Approving the city budget
- Funding city services, such as police, trash, and parks
Affects: Environment and Public Health, Government Efficiency, Government Spending Reduction,
Candidates:
Celest Mendoza
LostNonpartisan
As of September 2026, we found no public information about Celest Mendoza's job, background, or goals.
Nonpartisan
Gary Janek Michaels is president of E-rate Compass, a consulting firm for schools and libraries, and has served on the Santa Maria-Bonita School District bond oversight committee. His priorities are fiscal responsibility and an independent citizens oversight committee for City Hall.
Nonpartisan · Incumbent
Richard Batalla was appointed to the Santa Maria City Council in April 2026 and works as youth development director at the Santa Maria YMCA, with a background in special education. His priorities are supporting young people, affordable housing, and public safety.
Records: Government Spending Reduction 1 for, 2 against, Housing Affordability 1 for
Source: countyofsb.org