Get to know Merisa

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I grew up in Santa Paula.

 I remember spending summers at the community pool, riding our bikes around town and painting  business windows on Halloween, and simply enjoying time with friends and family. Our neighbors knew one another, looked out for one another, and shared a true sense of community. Santa Paula felt like one big family—and that is the spirit I want to help strengthen and preserve.

My roots remain firmly planted here. My mother, my sister, daughter, grandkids and so many people I love still call Santa Paula home. This community helped shape the person I am today.

For more than 30 years, I have worked as a human resources professional, managing budgets, operations, compliance, and difficult workplace decisions. That experience taught me the importance of listening, asking hard questions, studying the facts, and being willing to sit at the table when decisions are made that affect people’s lives. These skills have prepared me to accept the responsibilities of serving on the Santa Paula City Council. 

My volunteer work has always been about more than attending events or raising money - it has been about showing up and doing the work. I have helped organize activities,  coordinate people and resources, solve problems and handle the important behind - the-scenes details needed to make community efforts successful.

My decision to serve is also deeply personal. My parents taught me the importance of helping others and giving back to our community. After my father's passing in February of this year,  I thought back to his encouragement to run for City Council. 

My dad spent his life helping people, often quietly and without expecting recognition. I want to continue the example he set by bringing people together and being the best community member and public servant I can be.

I want strong and safe neighborhoods. I want access to quality healthcare close to home. I want responsible growth that protects Santa Paula’s character while creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and bringing new economic opportunities to our city. 

Most importantly, I want a city government that is transparent, accountable, and focused on the best interests of the entire community, not a select few.

As I speak with residents throughout Santa Paula, I continue to hear many of the same concerns. People want to know whether decisions are being made in the best interest of our city and its future. I will ask the difficult questions, challenge practices when necessary, and make sure residents have the information they need to understand and participate in the decisions affecting their families.

I will never promise that I can create change alone. City government requires collaboration, public participation, responsible budgeting, and majority support from the City Council. My promise is to listen, study the facts, explain my decisions, and work persistently to build support for practical solutions.

Santa Paula’s future and the future of our children DEPENDS ON THE  DECISIONS WE MAKE TODAY. I am ready to bring my experience, determination, and love for this community to the table and serve the city I call home.