A returning mayor and City Council member along with a newcomer were sworn in Tuesday night in Guadalupe as the panel learned they will have four options for filling a vacant seat. 

Mayor Ariston Julian and Councilman Eugene Costa Jr. were re-elected to the City Council, while Christina Hernandez took a seat on the dais for the first time after City Clerk Amelia Villegas administered the oath of office.

City Treasurer Anna Marie Santillan Michaud also was sworn in following her re-election. 

“With these last four years, we did a lot of good stuff, and this next four we can keep it rolling the same way,”  Costa said.

The mayor said these will be his last two years wielding the gavel.

“I will do all I can to make sure that everybody moves forward,” Julian said.

A lifelong resident of Guadalupe, Hernandez has worked for nonprofit organizations for the past 10 years.

“Being a member of our community and local organization allows me to know where my heart and passion is. It allows me as a council member to know the needs of the community, which is why I chose to serve in this capacity,” she said. 

The mayor and two council members did not face opponents in the Nov. 8 election. 

They join Councilman Gilbert Robles on the panel, with the fifth seat still empty.

Hernandez replaced Liliana Cardenas, who did not seek another term on the council. 

“This is very bittersweet,” Cardenas said. “I have truly enjoyed my time here serving on the council.”

She was recognized upon her departure and vowed to continue being involved in city matters from the audience.

Saying he’s sad to see Cardenas leave, the mayor noted the departing councilwoman’s achievements, including leading the Guadalupe Lions Club and completing a master’s degree in business administration.

“She’s an example of what Guadalupe’s about. Given the opportunity to grow, given the opportunity for education, she sets a tone for a lot of folks that reside in Guadalupe. And she’s an example of what can happen here to all of our residents, so we appreciate your time here,” Julian said. 

Meanwhile, the City Council agreed to conduct interviews next month to fill the fifth seat, which became vacant with the resignation of Anthony “Tony” Ramirez to pursue a doctoral degree outside Santa Barbara County. 

Five people submitted letters of interest to serve the remaining two years on the term, but one withdrew his name from consideration, City Administrator Todd Bodem said. 

The four remaining applicants are Courtney Cazenave, Justin Martin, Clemente Moreno and Megan Lizalde.

“We’ve got a lot of energy out there,” Robles said. 

Interviews are scheduled for the City Council’s Jan. 10 meeting with an appointment expected that night or at the following meeting on Jan. 24.

In other items, the council appointed Michael Jimenez and Trevor Lamberson to the Guadalupe Recreation & Parks Commission. 

They also approved an eight-unit apartment complex at 849 Pioneer St. after hashing out some last-minute conditions.