The Guadalupe City Council has filled its vacant fifth seat with a longtime resident who is no stranger to municipal government.

After interviewing three candidates, the four council members chose Megan Lizalde, a former interim city treasurer and daughter of former Mayor John Lizalde.

The seat became vacant when Anthony “Tony” Ramirez resigned in November to pursue a doctorate degree outside Santa Barbara County.

He had two years left on his term, setting the stage for the appointment.

Five residents initially applied for the vacancy, but two withdrew before the interviews.

On Jan. 17, the council members met with Lizalde, Courtney Cazanave and Clemente Moreno. The interviews occurred a week later than planned due to flooding in the city.

A lifelong resident of Guadalupe, Lizalde worked for Santa Barbara County for more than 15 years before resigning in 2019. The mother of three currently works as a library technician.

She also served as Guadalupe’s interim treasurer from 2017-2019 when a health problem left the position empty.

After taking the oath of office later on Jan. 17, Lizalde joined Mayor Ariston Julian and council members Eugene Costa Jr., Christina Hernandez and Gilbert Robles on the dais.