Guadalupe mayoral candidates debate budget deficit and ICE presence

Candidates for mayor and City Council in Guadalupe, California, addressed critical municipal challenges during a recent forum hosted by the League of Women Voters North Santa Barbara County.

Incumbent Mayor Ariston Julian and challenger Christina Hernandez are debating how to manage a $3 million budget deficit. Julian emphasized the need for spending freezes, noting that the city has already paused the historic Royal Theater restoration project and moved to terminate a police contract with the Santa Maria Airport to avoid significant layoffs. Hernandez criticized the city's reactive approach, advocating for long-range planning and increased pursuit of outside grants to avoid placing further financial burdens on residents.

In addition to fiscal concerns, candidates discussed the impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity on the community. Hernandez shared personal experiences of fear regarding ICE presence, noting that even citizens feel anxious. Julian expressed strong opposition to current enforcement tactics, stating, “ICE is wrong. I would defund ICE.” Council candidates Robert Diaz and Randy Altergott also addressed the issue, with Diaz describing current tactics as “brutal and completely unnecessary.”