Local council elections approach in San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria

Upcoming municipal elections in California's Central Coast feature several key races. In San Luis Obispo, voters will select two candidates for City Council seats under a new single-vote system resulting from a voting rights lawsuit settlement. Candidates Michelle Shoresman, Emily Francis, and Brett Cross are competing for the positions. Shoresman, an incumbent, is focusing on affordable housing, environmental protection, and neighborhood livability, while Francis is emphasizing the interconnection of housing, water, and transportation infrastructure.

In Santa Maria, District 3 incumbent Gloria Soto is seeking a third term on the City Council, facing challenger Corby Poulis Sr. Soto has highlighted her work on infrastructure and downtown revitalization, while noting the city's current structural budget deficit. Both candidates support Measure C, a proposed one-half-percent sales tax increase. Key issues in the Santa Maria race include housing affordability and the potential adoption of an inclusionary housing ordinance.