Ariston Julian, Mayor

Term: 2022-2024

Email: ariston.julian3@icloud.com  

Brief Bio: I was born at Sisters Hospital, Santa Maria and raised all my life in Guadalupe attending Guadalupe School District, Righetti Highschool, and Hancock Junior College before enlisting in the United States Airforce and stationed at Castle AFB, Merced California for four years.  Honorably discharged as staff sergeant in 1972 immediately enrolling at Fresno State, Fresno California.  Graduated in 1975 with master’s degree in social work with a macro concentration focusing on community development, health management, and community education.  Served as a city of Guadalupe recreation commission member for four years before being elected to my first four term as a city council member in 1980.  I have served as a council member for various terms for the past 18 years and as mayor pro tem for two years.  As the current mayor I am currently serving my third two-year term to December 2024. 

I am retired with over 21 years as an Executive Director of with the Guadalupe Community Health Centers Inc., and 18 years as Facility Director with Community Health Centers of the Central Coast. I was employed by Marian Medical Center as health education outreach coordinator and several years as counselor and contract developer with a local non-profit farm worker training program.   I have been certified by Federal and California OSHA as a certified Safety trainer.  I am active in youth sport development programs, charter member, Guadalupe Sports Hall of Fame, member of a local veteran’s group and volunteer for local city parks maintenance and facilities development programs. My goal as an elected official for the city is to work with others to ensure that all community residents are served to highest degree by local officials and city staff.

Eugene Costa Jr., Councilmember

Term: 2022-2026

Email: eugene.costa@cityofguadalupe.org

Brief Bio:  Coming Soon.

Amelia M. Villegas, Councilmember

Term: 2024-2028

Email: ameliavillegas@ci.guadalupe.ca.us

Brief Bio:

Born in Santa Maria, raised in Guadalupe.

Schools: Guadalupe Elementary, Righetti High School, Allan Hancock College, Cal Poly. Earned a BS in Bus Admin

Lived in San Bruno, Manhattan Beach, New York City and San Francisco.

Worked in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, Oakland, Novato and Napa

Career: Human Resources

After living away for 30 years, moved back to Guadalupe and retired from City of Guadalupe after 13 years as the first Human Resources Manager.

I am a lifelong Dodgers fan. Strong supporter of Guadalupe Library and literacy. President of the Friends of the Guadalupe Library. Guadalupe Representative to the Santa Barbara County Library Advisory Committee. Enjoy walking and 5k & 10k races here in Santa Maria Valley and San Francisco

Christina Hernandez, Councilmember

Term: 2022-2026

Email: christina.hernandez@cityofguadalupe.org

Brief Bio: Hello!! I was born in the Santa Maria Valley and have been a lifelong resident of Guadalupe. My passion for social equity began when I started working for Nonprofits and visually experiencing firsthand the disadvantages rural community have. The past 10 years, I have been working with nonprofit organizations. I hold a deep passion to bring community members and organizations and establish equity for all.

I have served chairs on the Guadalupe Lions Club and the Guadalupe Comite for the past 5 years.

My biggest passion is connecting my community with our local outdoors. I love hiking the dunes & looking to make new connections with others that have the same passion!

Whitney Furness, Councilmember

Term: 2024-2028

Email: whitney.furness@cityofguadalupe.org

Brief Bio:  I grew up on the Central Coast and have lived in Guadalupe for the past eight years. My first job was at my mother’s antiques store in Arroyo Grande. She owned and operated her store for over 20 years, and that is where my passion for small businesses was born.

After attending Arroyo Grande High School, then Cuesta College for my general education, I went on to study business. I received my undergraduate in Business Administration, and my graduate degree in Management and Leadership. The knowledge I gained from my education has allowed me to help a number of small businesses over the last decade by providing assistance with licensing, administration and human resources consulting. I currently work for NASA’s prime contractor, a.i. solutions, at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters. My oldest daughter plays basketball for a local club team and my youngest will begin transitional kindergarten this fall. We love to spend time at the beach and take walks at Oso Flaco together.