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Council appoints Ricardo Bataya to fill District 1 vacancy
Summary
The Santa Maria City Council on April 7 appointed Ricardo Bataya to the District 1 seat left vacant by a March resignation. Bataya said he will prioritize youth programs, affordable housing and public safety and was sworn in at the meeting.
The Santa Maria City Council voted April 7 to appoint Ricardo Bataya to fill the District 1 council vacancy through the November 2026 election.
Bataya, who lives in District 1 and serves as youth development director at the YMCA, told the council he grew up in the district and described priorities he would bring to the seat: support for young people, work on affordable housing and attention to public safety. "I'm committed to listening, being accessible, and representing our community with integrity and transparency," Bataya said.
The clerk's office had posted a notice calling for applications after Councilmember Carlos Escoto resigned in March. Staff reported eight applicants, five of whom live in District 1. Several applicants and residents spoke during the public-comment period, and family members and community supporters addressed the council on Bataya's behalf.
Councilmembers discussed options under state law: appointing a qualified person at the meeting, conducting interviews and appointing at a later special meeting, or calling a special election consolidated with the November municipal ballot. After a nomination and second, the council voted to appoint Bataya. He was sworn into office immediately by the clerk.
The appointment is effective until the next election for the seat; the winner of the November 2026 contest will take the seat after certification. Council members thanked all applicants for stepping forward and encouraged continued community involvement and participation on boards and commissions.
Bataya told the council he will work across the city even while representing District 1: "While I would represent District 1, I recognize that every decision impacts our entire city and I'm committed to serving all Santa Maria." The council adjourned after other business and a manager's report.
The appointment followed extended agenda items including public hearings on CDBG funding and presentations on public safety technology and city finance.
