LOS BANOS, CA — The Los Banos City Council met on January 8, 2025, to appoint new representatives for Districts 2 and 3, filling vacancies created by the November 2024 recall election. The meeting highlighted tensions over procedural rules but ultimately concluded with the appointment of two new councilmembers who will play pivotal roles in addressing pressing local issues.
A Contentious Selection Process
The process of selecting new councilmembers sparked debate among the remaining councilmembers, particularly over the ranked voting system established before the meeting. Councilmember Ken Lambert raised objections, questioning whether the system accurately reflected the will of the council. Despite his protests, Mayor Mike Amabile emphasized the importance of adhering to pre-approved procedures to ensure transparency and fairness.
“This is about maintaining the public’s trust,” said Amabile. “We must follow the rules we set to show we are committed to accountability.”
The disagreement delayed the proceedings, adding tension to what was already a high-stakes decision. Ultimately, the council moved forward with the ranked voting system, allowing each member to rank their top three candidates for each district.
New Leadership for Districts 2 and 3
After a rigorous process that included public interviews and multiple rounds of voting, Evan Sanders was selected to represent District 2, while Marcus Chavez was appointed to District 3. Both candidates bring a mix of experience and fresh ideas to the council.
Sanders, an IT professional and longtime Los Banos resident, has emphasized transparency and smart growth, aligning with community concerns about balancing development with preserving the city’s small-town character. Chavez, who has focused on sustainable development and public safety, has pledged to address the growing homelessness crisis and advocate for long-term infrastructure solutions.
“The trust placed in me by this council and the residents of District 2 is an honor,” Sanders said after being sworn in. “I am committed to working for a future that reflects our community’s values and aspirations.”
Chavez echoed this sentiment, adding, “This is a chance to make real progress for District 3 and for Los Banos as a whole. We have to tackle the issues that matter most to our residents, from safety to housing.”
Aligning with Community Priorities
The new appointees will face significant challenges as they step into their roles. Recent community discussions have revealed strong opinions on several key issues, including managing growth, addressing homelessness, and investing in recreation.
Growth management, in particular, has been a contentious topic, with discussions about limiting annual development to prevent infrastructure from being overwhelmed. Public safety, especially the visibility of homelessness, has emerged as another priority, with residents calling for compassionate yet effective solutions to a problem that impacts neighborhoods and businesses alike.
Recreation investments have also sparked debate. Some community members advocate for targeted projects like pickleball courts, while others support broader initiatives such as a regional sports park. These decisions will require careful consideration of both immediate and long-term needs.
Moving Forward with Renewed Focus
The January 8 meeting marked a turning point for the council as it returns to full capacity and looks to rebuild trust with the public. Mayor Amabile framed the appointments as an opportunity to reset and refocus on delivering results for Los Banos residents.
“We are stronger when we come together, even when we don’t always agree,” said Amabile. “The challenges ahead require all of us to work collaboratively, and I believe this council is ready to rise to the occasion.”
With the council now complete, its next meeting will address budget priorities, infrastructure planning, and public safety initiatives. The appointees’ ability to navigate these challenges will be a key test of their leadership as Los Banos moves forward.
