Calistoga City Council Cancels Election, Appoints Three Candidates

Published on August 20, 2026

The Calistoga City Council voted at a special meeting on Wednesday, August 19, to cancel the November 3, 2026, municipal election and appoint the three candidates who qualified for the three available City Council seats.

Because the number of candidates did not exceed the number of offices to be filled, state election law allows the City Council to appoint the candidates rather than proceed with an election. Canceling the election is expected to save the City approximately $35,000 to $60,000 in election-related costs.

The following candidates were appointed:

• Kevin Eisenberg, currently serving as a City Councilmember, was appointed to a two-year term as Mayor.
• Scott Cooper, currently serving as a City Councilmember, was appointed to a second four-year term on the City Council.
• Lana Richardson was appointed to a four-year term on the City Council.

Eisenberg and Cooper were first elected to the City Council in 2022. Richardson has served on the City’s Housing Advisory Committee since 2021 and has been a Calistoga resident for nearly 30 years.

The newly appointed terms will begin in January 2027.

During the August 19 meeting, Councilmembers noted that proceeding with an election when there were no contested seats would result in significant costs to the City without changing the outcome of the races. Councilmembers also expressed appreciation for those willing to serve the community in elected office and encouraged additional residents to consider becoming involved in local government and public service.

Additional information about the Calistoga City Council and upcoming meetings is available on the City’s website at https://calistoga.civicweb.net/Portal/Welcome.aspx

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