Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Paula public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
3 issues in taxes budget with high priority
City Manager Dan Singer's contract will not be extended
The city publicly responded to the District Attorney's preliminary finding that the council violated the Brown Act around the city manager's expiring contract. The city attorney maintains there was discussion but no collective decision or vote, and framed the report as a voluntary clarification, not an admission.
November 3, 2026 municipal election called
The council considered letting voters decide whether Santa Paula should allow commercial cannabis businesses, which are currently banned. Staff projected $300,000–$600,000 in annual tax revenue, but opponents warned of youth access, health harms, and shrinking regional markets. The council declined to put the question on the ballot, 1-4.
Dissolution of the cannabis standing committee
A special meeting is set for Monday, April 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center to consider putting a retail cannabis measure on the November 2026 ballot — a large turnout is expected and the meeting will be translated and televised.