Everyone recognizes that Lompoc is a community with immense potential. From its beautiful natural surroundings, historical richness, and vibrant cultural life to its agricultural prowess and dedicated residents, Lompoc has all the makings of a thriving city. However, despite these desirable assets, we’ve seen the city struggle with a lack of active leadership on its City Council, leadership that takes real responsibility for Lompoc’s future and does not simply point fingers at outside forces.
Lydia Perez is exactly the kind of leader Lompoc needs. As an operations supervisor for People’s Self-Help Housing and a longtime housing expert, Lydia has the experience, energy, and vision to address one of Lompoc’s most pressing issues: housing development. But her passion doesn’t stop at housing. Lydia understands that making Lompoc a more prosperous city means working on everything from increasing job opportunities and supporting local businesses to making our city safer and more welcoming for families and seniors alike. She knows how to work collaboratively, bringing people together to tackle hard problems.
Lydia will not be a council member who just attends the weekly meetings. She’s hands-on, ready to roll up her sleeves and work with local property owners, business leaders, and everyday residents to unlock Lompoc’s full potential. She will create opportunities for dialogue through workshops and forums and going one-on-one into the community, truly listening to residents to craft solutions that work for everyone. Her leadership style is dynamic, thoughtful, and solutions-oriented. She is fearless and forward-looking, always eager to pull in partners who can accomplish far more together than working alone in silos.
Lydia Perez is also a mother who deeply cares about the future of Lompoc for families. She’s committed to making Lompoc safer, healthier, and more vibrant for all. From addressing the rising crime rates and ongoing homelessness, to finding innovative ways to bring more economic opportunities closer to home, Lydia is the leader we need right now.
Lompoc can no longer afford to sit back and blame others for its challenges. The time has come for concerted action, and Lydia Perez is the candidate who will be that energetic, action-oriented leader. Let’s stop dwelling on the past—on tired narratives that don’t serve—and start building a better future for Lompoc. I urge you to vote for Lydia Perez, Mayor—a new kind of leader for Lompoc.
Joan Hartmann
3rd District Santa Barbara County supervisor
This article appears in Oct 31 – Nov 10, 2024.