Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Paula public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues with low priority
Parks and Recreation operations report
A receive-and-file report covering summer camp for 440 kids, 6,853 senior meals, 3,001 maintenance work orders, and heavy park reservations — with councilmembers flagging a resident complaint about groups reserving fields and not showing up.
Proposition 43 Opposition
The council formally opposed the November ballot measure that would require two-thirds voter approval for voter-initiated local special taxes — the same threshold already required for council-placed taxes — which opponents say would make it much harder to fund fire, road and homelessness services.
Community Center lobby remodel
The city is spending up to $114,989.65 to refresh the well-used Community Center lobby — the low bid from five contractors — funded within the approved 2026-27 budget.
Water meter and smart-meter purchases
The water enterprise is buying 400 new water meters and 400 advanced metering endpoints from PACE Supply Corp. for $192,358.83 — a step toward more modern metering.
Interim City Attorney transition
The council unanimously appointed Kellan Martz as Interim City Attorney, and said farewell to Monica Castillo, who served the city from 2022 to 2026.
Utility undergrounding priorities on 10th Street and Telegraph
Edison cost estimates suggest available undergrounding funds can cover maybe one of three or four locations on 10th Street; council may need to pick the best use of limited funds, with Telegraph as an alternative.
City Manager 2026 Performance Evaluation
The council privately reviewed how City Manager Dan Singer is doing in his job. No decisions or changes to his contract were announced afterward.
Tacos El Torazo beer & wine license
A downtown family restaurant wants to serve beer and wine with meals. The census tract has more alcohol licenses than the state usually allows, but staff said the mix skews toward full-service restaurants and the use fits downtown's character.
Council Term Limits Request
Resident Joseph Beerhalter asked the council for the third time to place term limits on a future agenda. City Manager Dan Singer noted staff completed a term limits report in the recent past that was not supported, and will share it with Beerhalter and the council.
Utility Box Art Project
Local artists, students, and groups will be able to paint about 20 city utility boxes under new criteria approved with the Santa Paula Arte & Cultura Collective — at little cost to the city, with sponsors covering supplies.
City branding and wayfinding program
Santa Paula showed off its new Craftsman-inspired brand kit and rollout plan for downtown signage. $150,000 is allocated; officials noted it's a down payment on a much bigger signage need.
Temporary labor agreements for emergencies
Vice Mayor Crosswhite's idea to set up an on-call skilled labor pool with the laborers' union for emergencies and staff shortages got a friendly reception; staff will study feasibility, AB 339 union-notice rules and funding.
30 Years of City Water Enterprise
The city celebrated 30 years of running its own water system and honored 30-year employees Joe Dugas and Tim Martinez.