The Platform
Statement of Purpose
Leadership for Santa Maria Valley 2024 is dedicated to supporting and electing seasoned leaders to the Santa Maria City Council who will provide steady, effective governance. Our goal is to build a strong, resilient community through experienced leadership and informed decision-making.
Endorsed Candidates
Alice Patino, Mayor, City of Santa Maria
Alice Patino has served Santa Maria in various capacities for decades, including as the city's first female Mayor and a long-time City Councilmember. Her career began in education, teaching from 1972 to 1982 and serving on the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board from 1976 to 1991. In 2000, she was appointed to the City Council and elected in 2002. She made history by becoming Santa Maria’s first female Mayor in 2012, and was re-elected in 2016 and 2020.
Patino's community involvement extends to numerous organizations. She has been recognized as “Elks Citizen of the Year” (2019) for her advocacy for youth and has held leadership roles in the Rotary Club, Minerva Club, Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, and other groups. Her contributions to the Marian Medical Foundation, where she served as Board President, helped raise nearly $1 million for critical programs.
In addition to her public service, Patino worked as an Administrative Assistant/Field Representative for Fourth District County Supervisor Joni Gray from 1998 to 2009. Alice has been married to John Patino for over 50 years, and they have two sons and four grandchildren, all of whom are involved in rodeo.
Carlos Escobedo, Santa Maria City Councilmember, District 1
Carlos Escobedo was elected to the Santa Maria City Council in November 2020, representing District 1. A first-generation American from Jalisco, Mexico, he has a background of hard work, from laboring in broccoli fields to serving as a cashier, cook, and hotel banquet server. Escobedo currently works as a Student Success Outreach Specialist at Allan Hancock College, helping many local residents pursue higher education and technical careers. He is also the Event Coordinator for Santa Maria Open Streets ¡Calles Vivas!, a major community event that drew 20,000 participants in its inaugural year.
Escobedo's community involvement is extensive. He was recognized as Young Professional of 2019 by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and received the Paul Harris Fellow award from Rotary International in 2020. He has served in various leadership roles, including founding the first Spanish-speaking Toastmasters club on the Central Coast. His volunteer work includes supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs, United Way, Bici Centro, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, and many other organizations.
Escobedo holds a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from the University of Guadalajara and certifications in special event management and executive leadership.
Mike Cordero, Santa Maria City Councilmember, District 2
Mike Cordero served on the Santa Maria City Council from 2008 to 2012 and was re-elected in 2016 and 2020. He retired in 2008 from the Santa Maria Police Department after 36 years of service, having worked his way up from patrol officer to the rank of Lieutenant. During his career, Cordero held various leadership roles, including overseeing the Narcotics Unit, Records, Property/Evidence, and working with the Gang Suppression Team.
Cordero attended Santa Barbara City College and Allan Hancock College, earning an A.S. degree. He and his wife, Linda, have three grown sons and three grandchildren who live in Santa Maria. Cordero remains active in the community, serving on the Community Action Commission, United Way, and as a Drug and Alcohol Commissioner for Santa Barbara County. He is also Secretary of the Elks Lodge 1538.
Mike's wife Linda is a retired elementary school principal and serves as a Trustee on the Santa Maria-Bonita School Board. Both Mike and Linda support numerous local non-profit organizations and attend many community events. Mike enjoys outdoor activities like hunting and fishing, as well as BBQing for large gatherings.
Cordero also represents the City on committees such as Central Coast Water Authority and Central Coast Community Energy.
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Learn More & Donate
For questions or information on how to donate, email us at info@leadershipforsantamaria2024.com.
