City Council — October 20, 2026

Meeting Summary

Present: 4-Aguilera-Hernandez, 1-Batalla, 3-Soto, 2-Flores · Absent: Patino

This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.

The council recognized World Polio Day, citing a 99.9% global reduction in cases since 1988.
Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week was designated to highlight the role of officers in ensuring public safety and welfare.

A representative argued that the 2020 Model Lease failed to address rent stabilization issues effectively.
The speaker requested the adoption of a uniform, mandatory rent stabilization program similar to neighboring jurisdictions.
Concerns were raised regarding the lack of action on a previous motion to improve or replace the lease.

A resident offered to remove deteriorated neighborhood watch signs using personal resources.
The mayor directed staff to provide the resident with contact information to clarify city policy on the action.

A committee member described the proposed half-cent tax as a solution for unrestricted local funding.
The speaker noted that current funds are restricted by grant conditions, whereas Measure C would allow for citizen oversight and independent audits.

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for November 3 with a lighter agenda.
The November agenda includes presentations for a police commander's graduation and a dispatcher's retirement.
An additional town hall for Measure C is scheduled for October 29 at the Elwynn Muscle Senior Center.

Council Member Soto requested a staff presentation detailing measures to ensure city resources are not used for ICE enforcement.
Council Members Aguilera and Batalla reported attendance at various community events, including the State of the City and the Black & White Ball.

World Polio Day: A proclamation was presented recognizing October 24, 2026, as World Polio Day. The text cited Rotary International’s 38-year campaign to eradicate polio, noting a 99.9% worldwide reduction in cases since 1988 and identifying Afghanistan and Pakistan as the only remaining endemic countries. Holly Eads of the Rotary Club of Santa Maria Breakfast accepted the recognition.
Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week: A proclamation was presented designating the week of October 11–17 as Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week. The text highlighted the role of code enforcement officers in ensuring safety, health, and welfare through the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws. Don Palacios accepted the recognition on behalf of the team.

Mobile Home Rent Stabilization: Gary Hall, representing the North Santa Barbara County Manufactured Homeowners Team (NESBIT), stated that the 2020 Model Lease and Enforcement Agreement had failed. He requested that the council replace the model lease with a uniform, mandatory, and enforceable mobile home rent stabilization program, similar to neighboring jurisdictions. He noted that a June 7, 2022, motion to improve or replace the lease did not result in action and asked why the topic had not been placed on the agenda.
World Polio Day Recognition: A speaker thanked the mayor and council members for recognizing World Polio Day and supporting Rotary’s efforts to eradicate the disease.
Neighborhood Watch Signs: A resident of the Country Club area offered to remove deteriorated neighborhood watch signs in the area using personal tools and time. The resident asked for confirmation on whether the city permitted this action or if it was an active program. The mayor directed staff to provide the resident with contact information and a card to facilitate communication.
Measure C Support: Cynthia Gudino, a committee member for Measure C, described the proposed half-cent tax as a measure to address the city’s deficit, support public safety, repair streets, and improve parks and youth/elderly programs. She explained that current city funds are restricted by grant conditions and that Measure C would provide unrestricted local funding with citizen oversight and independent audits.

Upcoming Meetings: The City Manager reported that the next City Council meeting is scheduled for November 3 with a lighter agenda.
Agenda Items: The November 3 agenda will include three presentations: a "Businesses of the Quarter" presentation for Commander Todorika’s graduation from the FBI National Academy, and a retirement resolution for Senior Dispatcher Laura Brannan.
Town Hall: An additional town hall for Measure C is scheduled for October 29 at the Elwynn Muscle Senior Center from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Council Member Soto: Reported attending the Hispanic Heritage event on October 9, the Mayor’s Ball on October 10, the State of the City on October 13, and the Black & White Ball on October 17. The member requested a presentation from city staff, including the Police Department, detailing measures taken to ensure no city resources (including parking lots) are used to support ICE enforcement or staging operations, citing SB 54.
Council Member Aguilera: Reported attending the Hispanic Heritage event on October 9 and the State of the City on October 13.
Council Member Batalla: Reported attending the Women Lawyers Association gala on October 8, the State of the City on October 14, a meeting regarding hospitals in Santa Barbara County, and the Black & White Ball on October 17.