Ricardo Valencia has announced he will launch his grassroots canvassing operation with a community kickoff event in Santa Maria, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Democratic Club of Santa Maria Valley offices, 327 Plaza Drive, No. 2, Santa Maria.

Joined by County Supervisor Joan Hartmann, Valencia will speak with volunteers as they prepare to begin door-to-door voter outreach focusing on local priorities, such as housing affordability, good-paying jobs, and accountable county leadership, organizers said.

The event marks the formal start of the campaign’s field program, emphasizing direct voter contact and a people-first approach to county government, organizers said.

Volunteers will receive training, materials and assignments before heading out to canvass nearby neighborhoods.