Carmichael Chamber of Commerce President Rosie Buck (center) presents 2027 Honorary Mayor contestants. Enjoying the Milagro Centre event are 2022 Mayor Kerri Mandes (left); charity representative Angie Dixon; current Mayor Mike Rockenstein; 2027 contender Lacey Martinez; charity representative Ryan Digman and 2024 Mayor Miranda Viani.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Carmichael’s annual race for honorary mayor has two rivals vying for the 2027 office.

Candidates are business consultants (current Honorary Mayor) Mike Rockenstein and hair salon owner Lacey Martinez.

With eyes on the coveted 2027 sash, the two recently launched campaigns at a Mayoral Mixer event at the Milagro Centre.

The mayoralty is a Carmichael Chamber of Commerce tradition that carries much honor but no civic power. The 2026 title-holder Mike Rockenstein will continue duties for the rest of 2026.

The campaign kickoff heralds many fundraising events. Dollars gleaned will be counted as votes. Put bluntly, whoever gets the most cash gets the sash. Each candidate has chosen a non-profit to receive 75 percent of their swag.

The victor will undertake a year of ribbon-cuttings, handshakes and baby-kissing. A July 4 parade ride goes with the territory. Platforms to promote business or charitable interests are added perks.

Previous titleholders represent a broad slice of community history. Honorary Mayors have included decorated veterans, doctors, vets, realtors, senior care staffers, builders, retailers and teachers. Name recognition favored the campaign of Donna Deterding, a descendant of Carmichael’s most famous pioneer family. The late businesswoman wore the 2004 mayoral chain.

Here are the 2027 contenders:

Lacey Martinez (33) combines running a business with raising three children, two of whom have disabilities.

Her Tangle Free salon is a three-times recipient of Best of Carmichael honors. Customers include children and adults whose disabilities make getting a haircut an overwhelming experience.

She and salon staff reduce anxieties with tender treatment. The mission, explained Martinez, is “to help people of all abilities feel safe; to help families feel understood and to help parents feel they are never alone.” If her salon's sensory-sensitive approach gives families hope or inspires other professionals to treat children with compassion, she continued, “then it’s all worth it.”

Her fundraising will benefit the Special Education Advocacy PTA of San Juan Unified School District; a non-profit that supports families of students with disabilities. Martinez is among San Juan District parents who founded the group last year.

Mike Rockenstein (55) is a business consultant and current honorary mayor. The Scoutmaster is also a Carmichael Planning and Development Council and Carmichael Park District director.

He is passionate in supporting First-Tee Sacramento, a non-profit that uses the game of golf to build life skills in young people.

Rockenstein is reluctant to retire his sash come January. “I’m enjoying the business community,” Mike explained. “I love the excitement of ribbon cuttings and how Chamber of Commerce events bring publicity for businesses.”

His charity received a check for almost $17,500 from his previous campaign. Mayor Mike wants to continue the good work.

“First Tee-Greater Sacramento is right behind my new campaign,” Mike said. “So is my family. My life will always be about giving back.”

To assist candidates or learn about the Carmichael Honorary Mayors race, go to www.carmichaelchamber.com.

First Tee - Greater Sacramento integrates the game of golf with a life skills curriculum for youth. Learn about the program at www.firstteesacramento.org.

Special Education Advocacy PTA of SJUSD supports families of students with disabilities. Contact the group at [email protected].