California City Council Races Focus on Housing, Services

Santa Monica Rent Control Board Chair Danny Ivanov is seeking a City Council seat, proposing expanded homelessness prevention and diversion programs, simpler business rules, downtown-focused housing and closure of Santa Monica Airport by 2028, with the site’s future subject to environmental and financial reviews. In Laguna Hills, new councilmembers will be elected in two districts as the city shifts to district elections; candidates have focused on balancing state housing demands with infrastructure capacity, neighborhood character, affordable housing and public-space upkeep. In San Diego’s District 8 runoff, Antonio Martinez and Gerardo Ramirez have disputed who represents change while citing the Tijuana River sewage crisis, flood protection, neglected infrastructure and services, and housing affordability; contentious campaign mailers and divisions among city workers and organized labor have also featured in the race. In a separate southeastern San Diego runoff, challenger Martha Abraham has business and nurses’ union backing, while incumbent Henry Foster is supported by domestic workers and the municipal employees’ association; Mayor Todd Gloria and progressive council members have taken opposing sides, making the contest a test of Foster’s record and Abraham’s momentum.