Los Banos, CA (July 23, 2024) — In the lead-up to the special election for the District 1 City Council seat, both candidates were contacted by the Los Banos Enterprise and offered the opportunity to be interviewed. Appointments were scheduled based on the availability provided by each candidate. Mitzy Perez confirmed and completed her interview as planned, offering insight into her background and priorities. Kalid Sanchez also initially confirmed an interview time, but forwarded the scheduled call to voice mail and has not responded to follow-up emails or phone calls. Similar missed interviews have reportedly occurred with other media outlets. As of publication, Sanchez has made no public statement regarding her absence.
Perez, who has lived in Los Banos for approximately ten years, brings a background in athletics, logistics, and community outreach.
Perez immigrated to the United States from Mexico at age six and described her early experiences navigating language and educational barriers. “We lived in like a two-bedroom apartment for around six of us… but I also got really good resources, you know, transitioning from the language barrier. I got a special teacher on the side that would focus solely on helping me learn the language,” she said. Perez credited public school resources in Southern California with helping her pursue higher education and said she hopes to bring similar support systems to the Los Banos community. “That’s one of the main things that I see are problematic in Los Banos—that the schools don’t have as many resources to accommodate all the population.”
Perez, a naturalized U.S. citizen, emphasized the importance of representation in city government. “I take pride that I was able to become a naturalized citizen all by myself. I waited until I was out of the house on my own… it brings me a lot of joy to know that I was able to make it happen.” She believes increased representation could strengthen public trust in local government.
When asked about the city’s proposed $2.5 million pickleball project, Perez expressed skepticism regarding its community impact. “I personally don’t know too many people that are into pickleball. That’s a lot of money on just pickleball. I think we could have opened up a lot more options… how many more fields could we have done with that money?” Instead, she expressed interest in investing in park equipment that encourages broader public use, including outdoor fitness stations and additional recreational fields. “Our parks need better recreational areas like soccer fields, baseball fields… promoting activity and a healthy lifestyle would be great.”
Perez voiced support for managed growth in Los Banos but emphasized the need for deliberate planning. “We need growth, but definitely managed growth,” she said. “We can bring more jobs, bring more businesses to want to set up in Los Banos, but we don’t want the growth to go too crazy to where we lose the… character.” She said future development should be tied to community benefit, particularly in areas such as education, employment, and recreation. “The more money coming into Los Banos, the more we’ll have to make other changes as well.”
On the topic of infrastructure, Perez acknowledged she is still learning. “I still have to do some more homework on that,” she said, noting that she has been canvassing District 1 to hear residents’ views. “Everyone loves the community. They like the small-town vibe. A lot of people are hesitant about growth.”
In light of the city’s recent political controversy—including a $1.8 million payout to a former city manager—Perez said many residents have expressed distrust in local government. “A lot of people don’t even know we have this election… I’m hoping they see someone that they can relate to.” She added that she has been campaigning door-to-door to speak with voters directly and believes that personal outreach is critical to restoring trust.
Regarding homelessness, Perez identified mental health and substance abuse as primary drivers and said that housing solutions must be paired with access to services. “It’s not just about people not having homes or putting people in homes… there’s mental health issues, drug addiction. I think Los Banos should try our best to get resources… maybe have some centers that can help people off drugs.”
Perez cited road safety and limited special education support as two of the most immediate concerns she has heard from residents. “There’s a lot of people that just drive really fast past these roads,” she said, adding that she supports speed bumps and additional traffic safety staff near schools. She also noted concerns from parents of children with disabilities. “They don’t want their kids to be neglected… that is one of the biggest concerns that I’ve been receiving.”
When asked about what differentiates her from other candidates, Perez pointed to her determination. “I don’t always say, ‘Oh, I’m going to try to do this.’ I say, ‘No, we’re going to make it happen.’” She also said she believes younger candidates can help bridge generational gaps in community engagement.
“I think it’d be easier for someone younger to talk to the younger generation and kind of prep them for when they’re older as well,” she said.
Perez identified selflessness and open-mindedness as her guiding values. “You have to go into the position with a whole new mindset… things are always changing. I want people to know that those are my values… we have to do what’s best for everyone.”
