LLamas is aiming for a comeback to the Los Banos City Council as mayor

Commits to building a public swimming pool and supports the recall of two council members, including one who defeated him in 2022

By Allen D. Payton

After losing the 2022 elections, former Los Banos District 2 councilor Refugio LLamas is aiming for a comeback, this time as mayor. He launched his campaign with an August 11 kickoff at Smokey Joe’s Billiards. An announcement on its official Facebook page for the event reads: “Refugio will provide the leadership needed to return responsibility and public oversight to our City Council. Join us and be part of the solution!” His first name is pronounced “ref-yoo-hee-yo” and his last name is pronounced “ya-moss”.

On his campaign website, the former councilman says he is offering “A new vision and direction for Los Banos,” and LLamas says his “campaign is rooted in a commitment to honor, integrity and responsibility.” His “platform emphasizes transparency in government operations and ensures that your tax dollars are spent wisely and with your input,” the campaign website also states. He claims that Los Banos “lacks a clear vision for the future,” is “determined to change that by ensuring every resident’s voice is heard” and that his “goal is to create an inclusive environment promote where everyone feels welcome and valued.”

LLamas also shares the five pillars of his campaign, which are “centered on transparency, accountability, fairness, responsiveness and providing up-to-date information to our residents.” He also says, “What sets my campaign apart is my commitment to making city government fully accessible and responsive to you.” His campaign website provides details on each of the pillars on the “Services” page.

Background, experience and education

As previously reported, LLamas served two years on the City Council, where he was appointed unanimously in January 2021 after the former mayor, then-Councilman Tom Faria, left the seat vacant after winning the 2020 mayoral election. LLamas is a former local business owner of a pet store called Marinas Pet Supplies and retired in 2021 as a Sergeant in the Marine Corps. As of two years ago, LLamas worked for Merced County as a Veterans Service Officer. When asked if he still works in that position or currently has another one, he did not answer.

LLamas served a total of 27 years in the Marine Corps, most of which as an infantry platoon commander. He also served as a foreign military advisor to Guatemala, assisting in the fight against transnational organized crime.

Public service

In addition to his time on the City Council, LLamas also served on the Los Banos Planning Commission in 2014 and 2018 and in 2016 served on the School Oversight Board for Creekside Middle School. He earned a BS degree in business administration with an emphasis in management.

Campaign Commitments

LLamas’ campaign promises include being “dedicated to building a public swimming pool, controlling the city and supporting the recall of city council members who do not serve your interests,” his website states.

Record and achievements

The first-time mayoral candidate voted to hire City Manager Josh Pinheiro in 2021 and then was one of three council members who voted to fire him in June 2022. LLamas was later defeated by current District 2 Councilman Doug Begonia, who is currently one of the council members. facing a recall.

Facing two opponents, including Llanez, who would not appoint LLamas to mayoral vacancy in 2022

He faces incumbent Paul Llanez, who is running for his second two-year term as mayor, and former Mayor Mike Amabile, owner of Españas Southwest Bar and Grill in Los Banos. Although Llanez was the only candidate running for mayor, LLamas declined to vote in 2022 to appoint him to the vacancy created when Faria resigned and left the city. That’s despite the fact that LLamas promised in a text message to Llanez to appoint him “as soon as possible” and told this reporter: “The sooner we can seat Mr. Llanez, the better.” The council split 2-2 on whether to hold the appointment process, leaving the mayor’s seat vacant for another two and nearly three months. (See related article) The same night Llanez was sworn in as mayor was LLamas’ last meeting as a council member.

Personal life

LLamas is married but did not respond to emailed questions asking how long, his wife’s name, whether they have children or grandchildren, and how long he has lived in Los Banos.

LLamas provides phone number and email address so that the public can contact him

LLamas posted a Facebook Live video on September 4 saying, “I think the most important thing is for the mayor to hear from you. It is important to know what your thoughts are, what your ideas are, what your questions are, and what your concerns are. I am very interested to hear from you so that together we can shape a better future and a more prosperous future for Los Baños. Thank you.” Unlike many other candidates, LLamas provides an example of transparency by including his personal email address both in his video and on his campaign website, as well as his phone number on the website.

For more information about his campaign, call LLamas at (209) 829-5349 or email (email protected).

Please check back for any updates to this report.