Four years ago, there were three Manteca City Council members residing in what is today Area 2.

Today there is none.

That will change Nov. 5 when Area 2 voters decide between council hopefuls Judy Blumhorst, Regina Lackey, and Gabe Galletta.

The election next month will fully implement Manteca’s switch to area council seats that divided the city into four districts.

The Area 1 seat representing southwest Manteca is basically decided given Charlie Halford, an incumbent who was elected at large in 2020 and resides within the district, was unopposed.

Area 2 consists of Manteca south and east of the 120 Bypass and Union Road as well as the city east of Highway 99 except for The Collective neighborhood.
Only those who reside in Area 2 can vote for running for council.

Dave Breitenbucher was elected to the Area 3 seat and Mike Morowit to the Area 4 seat in the first set of district elections conducted in 2022.

They are up for re-election in 2026 as is Mayor Gary Singh.

The mayor, however, is still elected citywide.

Area 2 in southeast Manteca is the second fastest growing area in the city, behind southwest Manteca.

Even so, Area 2 has a strong mixture of long-time residents and newcomers.

There was only a handful of former country homes in Area 1 and Area 2 as of 1998  when ground broke on the first subdivision south of the 120 Bypass around what is today Woodward Park.

Area 2 is the only district without a high school.

It’s commercial consists of The Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley anchored by JC Penney and Bass Pro Shops as well as one convenience store/gas station on South Main Street.

Area 2 residents — as well as those elsewhere in Manteca — can return completed ballots to the secure drop box at the Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St. — directly across from the police station.

Columns by each of the Area 2 candidates sharing why they are running will appear in Wednesday’s Bulletin.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com