Santa Maria City Councilman Suddenly Resigns, Motion For Ad-Hoc Immigration Committee Fails
Jarrod Zinn
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Maria City Council is reeling tonight, trying to understand why a Councilmember abruptly quit without notice.
It happened at last night’s council meeting.
Councilman Carlos Escobedo, who was first elected in 2020, announced his resignation near the beginning of the meeting and walked out.
“Due to my upcoming move outside District One, I will not longer meet the residency requirement necessary to continue serving in this role,” Escobedo said from the dais. “While this decision comes with mixed emotions, I believe that stepping down is the appropriate and responsible course of action.”
Escobedo has two years left in his term.
“So that’s effective now?” asked Councilmember Gloria Soto. “Do we talk about what happens next? That’s—No. Okay.”
His resignation appeared abrupt, seeming to catch other council members off-guard.
Brief discussion in the chamber reflects a lack of notice to city staff from the councilman.
“As surprised as I am, I will be providing the council with a memorandum as to next steps,” said Santa Maria City Attorney Tom Watson. “But as of right now, that seat is vacant.”
City attorney Tom Watson said he will have to examine the statutes before taking further steps, especially because this year is an election cycle.
“There will be an election in November,” said Watson. “But between now and then, I will provide legal opinion to council, whether or not an appointment and how such an appointment would take place.”
The council continued the meeting in Escobedo’s absence.
With Escobedo’s seat vacant, the motion to establish an Ad-Hoc Immigration Committee later in the evening tied 2 to 2, meeting with defeat.
Residents in attendance were audibly shocked and upset by that result.
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