Local Politics · Santa Maria, CA
The fundraising campaigns for the open Santa Barbara County Fifth District supervisor seat have surpassed $534,000 total, making it the most expensive local race on Tuesday's ballot. Maribel Aguilera, a Santa Maria City Council member and independent, has raised $304,541 this year, while Ricardo Valencia, a Santa Maria-Bonita School District board member and Democrat, has raised more than $229,584. The Fifth District represents Santa Maria, Guadalupe and the northernmost region of the county. A political action committee backed by Sable Offshore Corp., PG&E and others has spent over $110,000 opposing Valencia and supporting Aguilera. Both candidates reported approximately $100,000 in cash on hand as of the mid-October campaign finance reporting deadline.
Crime · Santa Maria, CA
A 24-year-old man was arrested Friday afternoon on suspicion of sexually battering a female high school student near the Santa Maria High School campus, according to Santa Maria Police Sgt. Andy Brice. Officers responded shortly before 1 p.m. after learning an adult male had approached and inappropriately touched the girl. The suspect fought with bystanders attempting to detain him and was taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit. Miguel Bolanos Rodas was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on multiple violations. Police are asking witnesses to call 805-928-3781.
Local Politics · Santa Barbara County
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $167 million jail expansion project, framing it as necessary compliance with an Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuit filed years ago. The article notes that the number of beds needed for the expansion remains under debate among county leaders. The piece, written by community advocate Gina Rodarte Quiroz, argues that investment in psychiatric treatment programs and affordable housing should take priority over additional jail infrastructure.
