Fifth District Candidates Meet Up in Guadalupe for Second Forum

Noozhawk
May 23, 2026
If you missed the buzz in Guadalupe last week, don’t worry — our neighbors up north have been doing the heavy lifting for us. According to Noozhawk, candidates for the Fifth District Board of Supervisors seat gathered for their second forum in Guadalupe on Thursday, diving into the nitty-gritty of taxes, budgets, and what really matters to folks from Santa Maria to the Gaviota Coast. It’s easy to forget that decisions made in that boardroom affect everything from potholes in Goleta to fire safety in the Santa Ynez Valley, so it’s good to see these conversations happening out in the community, not just in downtown Santa Barbara.
What struck me most was the focus on local priorities — not just talking points. Whether it’s affordable housing or water security, the candidates are being pressed to get specific. For us here in Santa Barbara, this race matters because the Fifth District stretches from our northern neighbor Lompoc all the way to the county line. The person who wins will have a say in how our region grows, how we protect our coastline, and how we balance tourism with everyday life. So next time you’re grabbing coffee on State Street, take a moment to look up who’s running — our corner of the 805 is part of that conversation too.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from Noozhawk.
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NoozhawkPublished
May 23, 2026
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