Calistoga voters won't see a mayor or council race on their Nov. 3 ballots. On Aug. 19, the City Council voted to cancel the city election and appoint the only three candidates who filed, according to The Press Democrat. State law allows a city to do this when every race is uncontested.
Who takes office
- Kevin Eisenberg, a council member first elected in 2022, starts a two-year term as mayor. CBS San Francisco reports he has been principal of the local elementary school for 13 years and of Calistoga High School for eight.
- Scott Cooper, also first elected in 2022, starts a second four-year council term.
- Lana Richardson is the new face. She has served on the city's Housing Advisory Committee since 2021 and moved to Calistoga about three decades ago. She starts a four-year term.
The new terms begin in January.
Why cancel?
City leaders said canceling was the fiscally responsible choice because nobody else ran, The Press Democrat reported. Eisenberg told CBS he had wanted more candidates because competition "makes it a better election," and he's treating the job as if he were still campaigning.
What's still on Calistoga ballots
Calistoga voters still get ballots on Nov. 3 for state and county races and measures, including the statewide propositions. Richardson told The Press Democrat her council priority is long-term planning for the Calistoga Fairgrounds property, which the city bought.
How to vote
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls and vote centers close at 8 p.m., and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days. You can check your registration and ballot status at sos.ca.gov/elections. California lets you register and vote the same day at a vote center.