Buellton’s District 4 residents will vote on Aug. 26 to fill the city council seat vacated by David Silva, who defeated incumbent Dave King to become mayor in November 2024.

The outcome of the special election will determine who serves the remaining partial four-year term, ending in late 2026, with two candidates competing: Carla Mead, board chair of Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society & DAWG and former middle school teacher; and Dave King, a retired California Highway Patrol officer and former Buellton mayor and councilmember.

The election, prompted by a 2-2 deadlock during a Jan. 23 council meeting, requires voters to drop off ballots at designated locations.

During the Jan. 23 meeting, Silva and Vice Mayor Elysia Lewis expressed support for Mead, while councilmembers John Sanchez and Hu

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