The Coast News sent questionnaires to all candidates running for City Council seats in North County. The following responses include brief information about each participating candidate and where they stand on a range of pressing local issues.
Carlsbad
Melanie Burkholder, City Council District 1
Briefly tell us about yourself and why you’re running: Dr. Melanie Burkholder, Council Member for District 1, is a decorated Secret Service agent, mental health counselor, and proud wife and mother. Melanie first got involved as a leader in the fight to ban toxic pesticides on school fields. As a member of the City Council, Melanie is committed to putting our interests and needs first.
How voters can best reach you: https://www.melanieforcarlsbad.com/
Identify one specific spending change, revenue proposal or operational reform you would pursue: I have supported imposing a new sewage mitigation fee on developments to upgrade sewage capacity and am considering a new fee for residential developers to have public art installed.
What specific change, if any, would you make to improve public access to city information or participation in city decisions: Carlsbad already has an open and transparent government. Carlsbad has call-in capabilities, so you don’t have to leave the comfort of home to participate. I am also open and available to any constituents who run into me across Carlsbad.
Identify a City Council decision from the past four years that you would have handled differently: I’ve strongly supported the $5 million project to double-track and trench the train lines through the Village. SANDAG plans to have a second train route and trenching the railroad would separate street and train traffic, creating an overpass for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Del Mar
Jas Grewal, City Council At Large
Briefly tell us about yourself and why you’re running: As a 35-year resident of Del Mar, I care about protecting what makes it special. I have 12+ years of civic service (Finance Committee & Planning Commission), 23 years in retail banking & business, and 35+ years of community involvement. I am running because City Council members should be good stewards and put residents’ interests first.
How voters can best reach you: Jas4DelMar.com is my website; [email protected] is my email
Identify one specific spending change, revenue proposal or operational reform you would pursue: Our city needs more infrastructure to store bikes/ebikes in key locations in our small town. By providing the appropriate storage, we will improve convenience for riders while clearing sidewalks for pedestrians. This change would make Del Mar safer and bring us closer to the goals of our Climate Action Plan.
What specific change, if any, would you make to improve public access to city information or participation in city decisions: Del Mar has a robust 2-way public comment forum in person and online, as well as several resident committees which provide crucial input to City Council. Many residents don’t receive the City’s weekly update by email. Collecting more emails will give them access to important information such as the upcoming El Niño.
Identify a City Council decision from the past four years that you would have handled differently: In 2024, a Council Member resigned for health reasons. The four-member council could not agree on someone to fill the vacant seat because of personal agendas (Del Mar City Council meetings on Oct. 7, Item 11; Oct. 21, Item 11; and Nov. 18, Item 12). I would have appointed the former mayor who volunteered to avoid a failure in governance.
Meghan Spieker, City Council At Large
Briefly tell us about yourself and why you’re running: I care deeply about Del Mar and want to help preserve what makes our community so special while preparing responsibly for the future. My legal, volunteer and personal experience position me well to serve. I know how to listen, navigate complex situations and find solutions, and I have the discipline and strategic skills to advocate for Del Mar.
How voters can best reach you: Email: [email protected], website: www.meghan4delmar.com or (858) 922-6130
Identify one specific spending change, revenue proposal or operational reform you would pursue: Our greatest challenge relates to rebuilding our influence at the regional and state level. From housing mandates to rail relocation, we need to restore our credibility and expand our influence to protect our community. I support allocating resources to a comprehensive legal and legislative strategy with impactful coalition-building.
What specific change, if any, would you make to improve public access to city information or participation in city decisions: Expanding civic engagement and participation is critical to assuring a bright future for Del Mar. We need a strategic communications plan that expands public awareness, reaches more stakeholders, solicits fresh perspectives and leverages local talent and expertise to fill vacancies and build a strong pipeline of future leaders with fresh ideas.
Identify a City Council decision from the past four years that you would have handled differently: In the two years since Dwight Worden stepped down, Del Mar has lacked a tie-breaking vote on key decisions. On Nov. 18, 2024, two solutions were on the table: a special election or appointing someone, such as former two-term Mayor Terry Sinnott as a consensus candidate. The council could not agree. I would have voted to avoid two years of deadlock.
Encinitas
Arielle Golden, City Council District 3
Briefly tell us about yourself and why you’re running: I am a community organizer, MBA, and Cardiff parent. My young family inspires me to fight for our city and hold on to what makes Encinitas special as we move into the future. My career has been in the food and agriculture industry, building a more cooperative and resilient food system through public policy and building consensus.
How voters can best reach you: [email protected], www.agoldenencinitas.com, (760)-230-3315
Identify one specific spending change, revenue proposal or operational reform you would pursue: Encinitas needs a “customer journey” project, where we assess a resident’s experience going through City processes. For example, what does a resident go through from start to finish when pulling a permit, how could that be improved, and how could our staff be empowered to improve that service? We need to ensure the city is serving residents well.
What specific change, if any, would you make to improve public access to city information or participation in city decisions: For residents who might be hard of hearing, or have children or other distractions with them, it is difficult to know it’s their turn to make a public comment. Residents have to listen closely to hear their name called out, sometimes among dozens of others. An easy, inexpensive or free fix would be to list speakers’ names in public view.
Identify a City Council decision from the past four years that you would have handled differently: On 6/24, Council directed staff not to apply for a $4M grant that our city’s contracted homelessness service provider requested to use for existing programs the city operates. I would have directed staff to apply for the grant so that we could continue offering these programs and perhaps enhance them as well without using General Fund dollars.
Ed Sprague, City Council District 3
Briefly tell us about yourself and why you’re running: I’m running to put residents first: preserve our beaches and neighborhoods, protect local control, improve public safety and wildfire readiness, and fix infrastructure. I grew up in Cardiff; my grandchildren go to school here. I’m a retired Deputy Fire Chief, former Palomar College professor, and 13-year elected Olivenhain Water director.
How voters can best reach you: [email protected], EdforEncinitas.com
Identify one specific spending change, revenue proposal or operational reform you would pursue: As a Deputy Fire Chief, I built a fire station and balanced budgets. I know maintenance can’t wait. The City has a multimillion-dollar backlog, from Fire Station 1 to the City Hall roof. I’d dedicate a set share of each capital budget to repairing facilities, roads and storm drains, protecting assets we own and avoiding costlier failures.
What specific change, if any, would you make to improve public access to city information or participation in city decisions: Communication and collaboration are key. I’d hold regular District 3 office hours, push for plain-language summaries of major agenda items, and give neighbors earlier notice before park and public works projects reach the Council. I’d also improve the City’s online dashboard so residents can track project costs and timelines.
Identify a City Council decision from the past four years that you would have handled differently: I’d have handled the Glen Park skate proposal differently. It reached the Council agenda before Cardiff neighbors were consulted, prompting numerous concerns about drainage, parking and noise. As a LAFCO commissioner on regional land use, I saw that early outreach builds trust: engage the neighborhood and its representative first.
Brad Lefkowits, City Council District 4
Briefly tell us about yourself and why you’re running: I live off Cerro Street with my wife and two sons, who attend Ocean Knoll. A small business owner for nearly 25 years, I’ve served 3 years on the city’s Urban Forest Advisory Committee. I’m running because our city needs real plans, not slogans, on safety and housing. It’s time to stop fighting old battles and start working toward our future.
How voters can best reach you: [email protected], bradlefkowits.com, 760.444.0812
Identify one specific spending change, revenue proposal or operational reform you would pursue: I would prioritize street safety funding, from painting curbs red to clarify daylighting restrictions to larger crossing and intersection improvements. This would improve visibility and protect people walking, biking and driving. One possible trade-off would be delaying new recreational amenities, such as skate features, to fund these projects.
What specific change, if any, would you make to improve public access to city information or participation in city decisions: First, stop using anonymous surveys. We need a more transparent public outreach process, and we need to give staff the time and funding to do it well. A modest investment in clear, timely information, and more opportunities for residents to weigh in, could substantially improve community awareness and participation.
Identify a City Council decision from the past four years that you would have handled differently: On April 22, 2026, Council rejected vacation rental caps and a 200-foot buffer. I would have followed staff’s advice: accept the proposal, then argue only to restore the three-night minimum, instead of throwing out nearly five years of work. Our neighborhoods should be for families and workers, not rows of hotels.
Marco San Antonio, City Council District 4
Briefly tell us about yourself and why you’re running: I grew up in Village Park, built my business in Encinitas, and now I’m raising my family in the community that raised me. Since 2025, I’ve served as your D4 Councilmember and delivered practical results. I’m running to strengthen public safety, prepare for wildfires, improve infrastructure, protect local control, and preserve the Encinitas we love.
How voters can best reach you: Marco4Encinitas.com, [email protected]
Identify one specific spending change, revenue proposal or operational reform you would pursue: I initiated fully staffing and equipping Olivenhain Fire Station, and I’ll push to fund and build a permanent station. This investment will improve emergency response times and provide unmatched wildfire protection for District 4. I’m proud to be endorsed by Encinitas Firefighters because of my deep commitment to fire safety and our first responders.
What specific change, if any, would you make to improve public access to city information or participation in city decisions: I’d provide clear, plain-language summaries of major issues, expand notification areas for high-impact projects, and improve City social media and email alerts to highlight what matters to residents. People should know what’s happening early enough to participate, ask questions and be heard.
Identify a City Council decision from the past four years that you would have handled differently: Encinitas treasures its remaining parks and open space. As your D4 Councilmember, one of my first consequential votes reversed the prior Council’s decision to designate L-7 as surplus land for development. We preserved Quail Gardens Park, protecting open space while easing a neighborhood burdened by development and evacuation concerns.
Rimga Viskanta, Mayor
Briefly tell us about yourself and why you’re running: A 20-year resident and mother of three, I’ve worked a decade in city government and served eight years as an elected school board trustee, three as president, turning deficits into a surplus. I’ll deliver solutions, not slogans, on housing affordability, street safety, and disaster readiness, working with community partners to find common ground.
How voters can best reach you: [email protected]; www.voteforviskanta.com; (760) 239-9921
Identify one specific spending change, revenue proposal or operational reform you would pursue: Many businesses sign leases before learning the city doesn’t allow their use at that address, creating redesign and permit-review cycles that tie up planning, building, and other staff for a year or more. I’d require landlords to disclose allowed uses and permit requirements before signing a lease. Trade-off: enforcing a new disclosure rule.
What specific change, if any, would you make to improve public access to city information or participation in city decisions: I’d like to hold Council conversations open to the public: workshop or town hall style meetings on single issues like housing, immigration or license plate readers, outside the regular agenda. These would let residents, experts and Council think out loud together before items come before Council for final decisions.
Identify a City Council decision from the past four years that you would have handled differently: On June 24, 2026, the council voted 4-1 against applying for a $3.9 million state grant that would have served 100 homeless people, housed 20, and cleared encampments, funding the San Diego Rescue Mission’s sobriety-first model as in Vista. I’d have voted to apply. The mayor said the alternative is using our general fund for the same work.
Bruce Ehlers, Mayor
Briefly tell us about yourself and why you’re running: I have been Mayor since 2024, on the City Council since 2022 and on the Planning Commission for 7 years since 2002. I am the author of Proposition A (2013), which gives Encinitas voters final approval on zoning, housing density increases or height increases. I am running again to defend our small, beach-town atmosphere and preserve Encinitas from overdevelopment.
How voters can best reach you: www.BruceForEncinitas.com, [email protected], (760) 944-9482, Facebook/Instagram/YouTube: BruceForEncinitas
Identify one specific spending change, revenue proposal or operational reform you would pursue: Reform of city permit processes is a top priority. Too many permittees suffer long delays and seemingly arbitrary review standards. Processes that need improvement include building, planning entitlement, short-term vacation rental, and business permits. We have new management and have made incremental improvements. There is more to do.
What specific change, if any, would you make to improve public access to city information or participation in city decisions: I have two recommended improvements. First, improve the city’s responsiveness and tracking of PRA (Public Records Act) requests. Second, reform the email retention policy so the city retains all emails. These should be available for public search, except for privileged emails such as personnel and closed-session emails.
Identify a City Council decision from the past four years that you would have handled differently: Council reviewed the Piraeus Point appeal on 8/23/26. The Council majority approved the project, and I voted against it. They approved it environmentally, finding that overall community benefit exceeded the environmental cost. I thought it should provide more community benefits, such as a trail to a local park, to further mitigate its environmental impact.
Escondido
Anthony DiMartino, City Council District 2
Briefly tell us about yourself and why you’re running: My toddler’s future is tied to Escondido’s future. My own childhood memories of Escondido include safe neighborhoods, well-maintained parks, and housing my parents could afford. I am running for City Council because I believe we have to recommit to policies that make Escondido a great place to live, work and raise a family.
How voters can best reach you: https://dimartinoforescondido.com/
Identify one specific spending change, revenue proposal or operational reform you would pursue: I would create a 12–18 month incubation period for qualifying small and medium-sized businesses, temporarily reducing eligible city taxes and fees by 10–20%. It could help fill vacant Escondido Mall storefronts after Sears’ departure and give entrepreneurs time to build clientele, trading short-term revenue for long-term growth.
What specific change, if any, would you make to improve public access to city information or participation in city decisions: We’ve heard repeatedly that constituents feel City Hall is not responsive to their concerns. I would hold monthly town halls and office hours at local coffee shops, explain key votes and positions through social media and short website videos, and prioritize timely responses to constituent concerns. Transparency should be a two-way conversation.
Identify a City Council decision from the past four years that you would have handled differently: On February 28, 2024, City Council voted to reject the evidence-based “Housing First” homelessness policy. This vote cost the City millions of dollars in state and federal funding tied to the program. I would have voted to maintain “Housing First” to ensure the City continues to receive state and federal funding rather than relying on City funds.
Elias Velazquez, Mayor
Briefly tell us about yourself and why you’re running: My name is Elias Velazquez. I was born and raised in Escondido and own a home here. I am a nonprofit executive and former mayor’s aide. Escondido can’t wait four more years for the progress we need. I’m running to address homelessness, save Kit Carson Park, and cancel the ICE contract that undercuts years of work by our police to build trust.
How voters can best reach you: [email protected], eli4mayor.com
Identify one specific spending change, revenue proposal or operational reform you would pursue: As mayor, I would change our approach to qualify for homelessness funds we’re currently ineligible for. Escondido is the only North County city paying for that out of pocket. Outside funding could free up dollars for other needs. My broader goal is to tap into outside money, so Escondido taxpayers aren’t footing bills they don’t have to.
What specific change, if any, would you make to improve public access to city information or participation in city decisions: As mayor, I’d hold more town halls, improve city communications in Spanish, and make it easier for Spanish-speaking residents to participate. I’d also remove this council’s rule requiring a second councilmember to put an item on the agenda, which effectively silenced the district I grew up in.
Identify a City Council decision from the past four years that you would have handled differently: On June 3, 2026, the council moved forward with the Kit Carson ice rink plan before asking the community what they thought. As mayor, I would have sought community input first. Their concerns about losing softball fields, threats to Ryan Park’s soccer fields, and environmental impacts should have led the council to rule out Kit Carson.
Oceanside
Oscarin Ortega, City Council District 2
Briefly tell us about yourself and why you’re running: I’m not a career politician—I’m a neighbor who has lived the struggles many Oceanside families face. I grew up poor, raised by immigrant parents, and built a nonprofit from the ground up. I’m running because City Hall should answer to the people who live here—not politicians, parties, or developers.
How voters can best reach you: [email protected] / 619-368-3790 / https://www.voteoscarin.org/
Identify one specific spending change, revenue proposal or operational reform you would pursue: I would pursue city-owned public housing while auditing contracts and administrative spending to redirect savings toward essential services. I would also partner with qualified nonprofits to fill gaps in services the city cannot efficiently provide. The trade-off is upfront investment and shifting funding away from lower-priority projects.
What specific change, if any, would you make to improve public access to city information or participation in city decisions: I would bring City Hall directly to the people. As allowed under the Brown Act, I would host neighborhood meetings and citywide Council Q&As so residents can engage directly with elected officials. I will use the Brown Act to protect transparency and public participation—not as a barrier to communication. Residents deserve a voice before votes.
Identify a City Council decision from the past four years that you would have handled differently: I would have handled public safety and inclusion differently. I would not accept outside money for Flock cameras without public oversight, privacy protections, and accountability. I also would have voted to raise the Pride flag during Pride Month. City Hall should protect public safety while respecting every resident’s dignity and rights.
Emily Gonzales, City Council District 2
Briefly tell us about yourself and why you’re running: I’ve lived in Oceanside for 21 years and built my family here. District 2 deserves a leader who listens to every neighbor, not just the wealthy and well-connected. I’m running because we can do government differently by bringing neighbors’ voices to City Hall for community care, smart growth, and affordability.
How voters can best reach you: www.d2oside.org
Identify one specific spending change, revenue proposal or operational reform you would pursue: I’d replace our flat, regressive fee and fine schedule with a progressive, income-based one. This would ease the burden on lower-income residents and boost compliance. Trade-off: less predictable revenue per case, requiring careful budgeting during the transition.
What specific change, if any, would you make to improve public access to city information or participation in city decisions: I’d add live translation at council meetings and multilingual agendas, plus a transparent public dashboard of every Customer Care/MyOceanside app issue, with status and mapping, so residents can see what’s reported, where, and whether the city is acting.
Identify a City Council decision from the past four years that you would have handled differently: On Oct. 15, 2025, Council voted 2-3 against the Community Trust Resolution, accepting a staff report instead of binding protections. I’d have voted yes with Joyce and Figueroa for enforceable commitments. Every Oceanside family, including mixed-status households, deserves to trust their city and feel safe here.
San Marcos
Thomas Gabriele, City Council District 1
Briefly tell us about yourself and why you’re running: I’d like the opportunity to represent voters and their wishes in our local government and to ensure that we represent the will of as many constituents as possible, starting with community and commonality.
How voters can best reach you: N/A
Identify one specific spending change, revenue proposal or operational reform you would pursue: I would like a clean audit of all revenue sources and spending, and to set priorities based on my constituents. Then I would advocate for those policies while maintaining fiduciary responsibility by not spending more than what is being collected.
What specific change, if any, would you make to improve public access to city information or participation in city decisions: I believe that all city and public officials should have direct closed-circuit television cameras in every public office, including schools, so we can see what every public official is doing while at work. We work for the people, and they should have 100 percent access and transparency.
Identify a City Council decision from the past four years that you would have handled differently: I am new to this city, so I do not have specifics on a specific decision. Unless we are discussing the city’s Flock camera system. I do not believe cameras should face constituents, but rather all public officials.
Maria Nuñez, City Council District 1
Briefly tell us about yourself and why you’re running: I was first elected in 2018 as a first-time candidate and re-elected unopposed for a second term in 2022. San Marcos is where I grew up, was educated, and developed my work ethic and passion for serving others. These experiences ground my leadership as an attorney, community advocate, and as a Councilmember.
How voters can best reach you: [email protected], marianunez.org, (760)579-1332
Identify one specific spending change, revenue proposal or operational reform you would pursue: The City should create an emergency fund to assist residents.
What specific change, if any, would you make to improve public access to city information or participation in city decisions: I encourage civic participation by promoting and investing in civic literacy and offering community resident academies. I also provide culturally relevant language education and activities.
Identify a City Council decision from the past four years that you would have handled differently: In 2024, when the city faced a structural budget deficit and looming budget cuts, I voted to place Measure Q — the City’s one-cent local sales tax measure — on the ballot, endorsed it, and advocated for it. Measure Q revenue will help ensure San Marcos remains the beautiful city we love.
Mike Sannella, Mayor
Briefly tell us about yourself and why you’re running: Currently San Marcos Deputy Mayor. As Mayor, I will focus on improving traffic flow, keeping neighborhoods safe, supporting local businesses, maintaining city services, and continuing the revitalization of San Marcos Boulevard as a destination where residents can shop, dine, gather, and enjoy entertainment close to home.
How voters can best reach you: Website: www.MikeSannella.com, Email: [email protected], Cell: (760) 207-7658
Identify one specific spending change, revenue proposal or operational reform you would pursue: Require every department and major program to justify its funding from the ground up, not simply receive the prior year’s budget plus an increase. This is aligned with our zero-based service review and ensures every dollar earns its place in the budget.
What specific change, if any, would you make to improve public access to city information or participation in city decisions: Continue improving access to city information and making it easier to find and use. Continue efforts already underway to make the city website more user-friendly and intuitive, so residents and businesses can find information and resources and use them more quickly and easily.
Identify a City Council decision from the past four years that you would have handled differently: I believe changing city managers was the right decision, and I still support it. It wasn’t made lightly, but leadership requires making difficult decisions when necessary. My responsibility is to ensure San Marcos has the right leadership to serve residents, protect taxpayer dollars, and keep our city moving forward.
Vista
Yolanda Kenniston Alvarez, City Council District 1
Briefly tell us about yourself and why you’re running: I’m not a career politician; I’m a long-time Vista resident, mother, caregiver, and neighbor. I’ve seen our city and economy change, and I share many of the same concerns as residents. I’m running to listen, bring a new voice to District 1, and help address neighborhood concerns.
How voters can best reach you: www.Yolanda4VistaDistrict1.com
Identify one specific spending change, revenue proposal or operational reform you would pursue: I would pursue a careful review of city contracts and spending before asking residents for higher taxes or fees. The goal is to protect core services while making sure every dollar is well spent. The trade-off is that some contracts or programs may need to be adjusted, reduced, or delayed if they aren’t delivering enough value.
What specific change, if any, would you make to improve public access to city information or participation in city decisions: I will make city information easier to access by providing clear meeting notices, agendas, and public comment instructions in plain language, in English and Spanish, and by going into neighborhoods once a month to listen to residents and help them participate in city decisions.
Identify a City Council decision from the past four years that you would have handled differently: I would have handled the Oct. 22, 2024, protected bike lanes decision differently. I support bicycle safety but I would have pressed for more review of impacts on parking, traffic flow, and emergency access and for more neighborhood input. My goal is to improve safety without reducing access or creating new safety issues.
Corinna Contreras, City Council District 1
Briefly tell us about yourself and why you’re running: My name is Corinna Contreras. As a lifelong Vista resident, I refused to accept how little the city invested in our neighborhoods, so I ran for office to change it. I’m running for re-election to keep building a strong city that supports working families, invests in healthy and safe neighborhoods, and listens to residents.
How voters can best reach you: You can call or text me at 760-936-6342, and you can visit my website contreras4vista.com for more information
Identify one specific spending change, revenue proposal or operational reform you would pursue: We can save taxpayers millions of dollars by generating and storing more clean, renewable energy at city-owned properties and facilities. We can shift energy expenses into savings and reinvest those savings into better city infrastructure.
What specific change, if any, would you make to improve public access to city information or participation in city decisions: Pushing the city to provide more opportunities for public engagement has been a priority for me since I was first elected in 2018. While we have made strides, the city needs to communicate more about available city programs and ask residents more often how they want to shape our city and how we can meet community expectations today.
Identify a City Council decision from the past four years that you would have handled differently: When I put a council discussion on the agenda titled “Community Safety and Due Process,” I could have added more information to the agenda packet. I could have explained more about how the city should protect residents from federal overreach, why it matters, and what role the city can play in upholding our constitutional rights.
Dan O’Donnell, City Council District 4
Briefly tell us about yourself and why you’re running: I’ve lived in Vista for nearly a decade. It’s where my wife and I have built our life and are raising our children. When I ran in 2022, I promised to get things done. Since then I’ve delivered on public safety, infrastructure, affordable housing, better infrastructure, local control, and parks. I’m running because there is still more work to do.
How voters can best reach you: [email protected], www.danforvista.com, 760-650-2598
Identify one specific spending change, revenue proposal or operational reform you would pursue: It’s not a spending change; I would continue being aggressive on collecting TOT from non-registered Short-Term Rentals to help increase revenue. I would also look for ways to attract new businesses, such as hotels, by reducing TOT for the first few years, while providing a steady stream of funding for future budgets.
What specific change, if any, would you make to improve public access to city information or participation in city decisions: I have hosted more town halls in my first four years than all of the other Councilmembers combined. I believe in strong communication, accessibility, and community input. I will continue facilitating community conversations on large decisions that shape the quality of life for every resident and invite them into the decision-making process.
Identify a City Council decision from the past four years that you would have handled differently: I would have approached the rollout of the citywide bike lanes differently. Hindsight is only valuable after the fact, but I would have involved fire, deputies, VUSD, EDCO, cycling groups, and other stakeholders sooner. While I was able to correct it, it was a valuable lesson I won’t repeat.
Kenneth Zuniga, Mayor
Briefly tell us about yourself and why you’re running: I want to address the cost of living by creating truly affordable housing and lowering utility and grocery prices. Help our homeless neighbors access supportive services, and invest in road repair, sidewalks, streetlights, and better connectivity. Support local businesses and union labor, and work to increase and protect our green spaces.
How voters can best reach you: https://www.zunigaforvista.com/ [email protected]
Identify one specific spending change, revenue proposal or operational reform you would pursue: I would propose directing some of the cannabis tax surplus toward increasing homelessness services and restoring the Wave, as well as other parks in the city and improving our community centers to offer more events for residents.
What specific change, if any, would you make to improve public access to city information or participation in city decisions: Build a real community engagement effort that goes to residents instead of waiting for them. Proactively reach the neighborhoods long shut out of decisions, create accessible ways to give feedback in English and Spanish, and build that feedback directly into city budgets and policy so participation actually changes outcomes.
Identify a City Council decision from the past four years that you would have handled differently: In Aug 2025, the council tabled the Flock license plate reader contract over data-sharing, immigration, and privacy concerns. I supported the pause, but I’d have gone further and rejected the program entirely. Mass surveillance of our community, especially when it is tied to a system that has shared data with ICE, has no place in Vista.
