Santa Maria’s Newest Council Member Hits The Ground Running

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - The calendar is already full for Santa Maria’s new city council member for District One sworn in last Tuesday.

Ricardo “Richard” Batalla says he has ’hit the ground running."

Born in Santa Barbara, Batalla moved to Santa Maria at the age of five.

As a child, he says, he was a police explorer and his interests have always leaned in that direction.

Shortly after high school he became a father and attended Fresno State University.

He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Chicano Latin-American Studies.

Batalla told your News Channel he took the seat to find a full roster of business and immediate local needs.

His top priorities as he enters the District One seat are rising rent levels, public safety, and a budget deficit of $25 million.

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