Santa Maria Sun / News

Santa Marians had a long wait for results from the City Council race

BY AMY ASMAN

WHO WILL IT BE? As of press time on Dec. 4, Terri Zuniga held a slim lead over incumbent Bob Orach and fellow challenger Etta Waterfield in the race for Santa Maria City Council. The Santa Barbara County Elections Office planned to release the final results that evening. PHOTOS BY STEVE E. MILLER

PHOTOS BY STEVE E. MILLER

The political battle for two spots on the Santa Maria City Council has proven to be one of the closest in recent memory. As of press time on Dec. 4, the Santa Barbara County Elections Office had yet to announced the certified voting results.

The most recently available uncertified results showed Terri Zuniga—the candidate who had the fewest votes on election night—leading incumbent Bob Orach and fellow challenger Etta Waterfield by roughly a dozen votes.

At their Dec. 4 meeting, current City Council members are expected to discuss ways to fill the seat soon to be vacated by mayor-elect Alice Patino. Available options include holding a special election, making a temporary appointment until a special election can be held, appointing someone immediately, or taking applications for an eventual special appointment. The council has 60 days from Patino’s swearing in on Dec. 18 to make a decision.

To get more up-to-date information about the City Council, visit santamariasun.com.