The Los Banos City Council on Jan. 8, 2025, appointed Evan Sanders to the District 2 seat and Marcus Chavez to the District 3 seat after a multi-stage interview and voting process that included procedural disputes among council members.

The selections conclude a months-long vacancy process. Council members interviewed four District 2 candidates — Refugio Lamas, Cody Jared Camacho, Abel Molina and Evan Sanders — and five District 3 candidates present at the meeting — Miguel Alejandra, Steven Nunez, Marcus Chavez, Erasmo Gaveras and Sybil Halloran (two other District 3 applicants had withdrawn). After two rounds of ranking and a later, final resolution vote, the council adopted resolutions 6866 and 6867 to formalize the appointments.

The selection process drew attention during the meeting when Councilmember Lambert refused to follow the pre-agreed ranking procedure for the second round, arguing he would cast a single vote for his preferred candidate instead of ranking three candidates. Councilmember Deborah Lewis and other council members pressed to honor the method the council had set at an earlier meeting. The disagreement prompted a series of clarifications and a temporary modification of the immediate voting procedure before the council proceeded with point-based ranking and final confirmation votes.

Evan Sanders, who was chosen to fill the District 2 vacancy, told the council during his interview that he favors a “growth mindset” for Los Banos and emphasized short-term priorities such as “clean neighborhoods, safe streets, strong enforcement of community standards.” Sanders described himself as a longtime resident who has worked in information technology and said he would seek to “bring transparency back to the city council” if appointed.

Refugio Lamas, one of the District 2 applicants, emphasized collaboration and his Marine Corps leadership background during his remarks. Cody Camacho and Abel Molina likewise highlighted economic development and infrastructure as priorities for the city during their interviews.

In the District 3 interviews, Marcus Chavez said his motivation to serve was personal: he described raising his family in Los Banos and said he hopes to help create opportunities that will encourage younger residents to return and work in town. Sybil Halloran, Ross Mugaveros, Miguel Alejandra and Steven Nunez also addressed the council; Halloran emphasized transparency, community engagement and process, while others cited job creation, infrastructure and public safety as top concerns.

The council used a points-based ranking system to winnow applicants in both districts: in the initial round council members were to select top candidates who would advance; in later rounds council members assigned 3 points for a first-place rank, 2 points for second and 1 point for third. At several points the council paused to reread procedures and confirm that each member understood how points would be allocated. The contested moment brought up the cost and timing of holding a special election: one council member noted that sending the selection to a district vote would be expensive and likely timed for a November election, with an estimated cost in the six figures cited during discussion (approximate amount discussed: $110,000; cost not formally adopted by the council during the meeting).

After the ranking rounds, Evan Sanders accumulated the highest point total in the District 2 selection and Marcus Chavez earned the most points among District 3 candidates. The council then passed two resolutions to appoint Sanders (Resolution 6866) and Chavez (Resolution 6867). For each resolution the council moved, seconded and adopted the item by voice vote. The clerk read the motions and the council chair called for ayes; the resolutions were approved and the mayor administered oaths of office later in the meeting.

Council members repeatedly returned to themes heard in candidate answers: a need for jobs that pay family-supporting wages, faster and clearer permitting and infrastructure improvements, and more visible city leadership and transparency. Several candidates and council members also discussed parks, recreation and the city’s small‑town qualities as assets to be preserved while pursuing growth.

The appointments fill interim vacancies on the council; each appointee will serve the remainder of the unexpired term for the district seat to which they were appointed. The council said it will follow the standard administrative steps to finalize paperwork and deliver oaths of office; the meeting concluded after the oath administration and brief closing remarks.