As the election for Los Banos District 1 City Council seat heats up, financial documents obtained by Los Banos Enterprise highlight potentially influential connections between candidate Kalid Sanchez and prominent Sacramento real estate developer Ethan Conrad. The Enterprise has repeatedly reached out to Sanchez for comment, but she has not responded. A review of Sanchez’s required Form 700 (Statement of Economic Interests) filings indicates that these loans were not disclosed, raising further concerns about compliance and transparency.
Two deeds of trust obtained through public records show that Sanchez, along with her husband, received personal loans from Ethan Conrad, secured by their property located in District 1. The first loan, dated July 18, 2023, is for $19,189, scheduled for repayment by March 31, 2027. A subsequent, larger loan for $36,000, dated September 13, 2024, matures on March 31, 2030.
Conrad, a significant commercial property developer based in Sacramento, also owns commercial spaces in Los Banos—including the location where Sanchez previously operated a business. These intertwined personal and business relationships raise concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest should Sanchez secure a seat on the city council.
Sanchez, campaigning on transparency and community advocacy, has yet to publicly address the specifics of her financial ties to Conrad. Given Conrad’s considerable real estate interests, including properties within Los Banos, voters are left to question how these financial entanglements might influence Sanchez’s decisions and priorities if elected. The presence of a “due-on-sale” clause in both deeds—which allows the lender to demand immediate repayment if the property is sold or transferred without the lender’s consent—further underscores Conrad’s financial leverage in this relationship.
Transparency advocates emphasize the importance of clear ethical boundaries for public officials. “Voters deserve to understand any financial obligations candidates might have that could influence their decision-making,” said one local civic leader who requested anonymity pending further developments.
As Election Day approaches, Kalid Sanchez faces increasing calls from constituents and political observers alike to openly clarify these relationships and reassure voters that her campaign promises to remain independent of private financial influence.
Los Banos News will continue to monitor and report developments on this issue.
