Responsive
Collaborative
Meet Oscar
I am proud to have deep roots in our community, having attended local schools—starting at Harding Elementary, continuing through La Cumbre Junior High and graduating with honors from San Marcos High School. My passion for education and creativity led me to Santa Barbara City College, where I studied Film Production and Broadcast Journalism at the School of Media Arts. While there, I earned several awards and graduated with honors. Afterward, I transferred to UC Santa Barbara, where I continued to excel, graduating with a degree in Film and Media Studies, again receiving multiple awards and honors.
As a first-generation Mexican American, I carry with me the values my parents instilled—hard work, perseverance, and a deep sense of responsibility to our community. My parents taught me that success is more than just good grades; it’s about being an engaged and proactive member of society. This belief inspired me to start volunteering for local non-profits in high school, and it’s a commitment I’ve carried with me throughout my life.
Today, I am running for re-election because I want to continue giving back to the community that has given me so much. My goal is to build a stronger, more inclusive district, where every voice is heard, and every resident has the opportunity to thrive. I pride myself on being responsive to my constituents.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS SO FAR...
Enhanced Traffic Flow: Improved safety and efficiency at the intersections of Carrillo & San Andres and Modoc & Las Positas
Revitalized Public Spaces: Supported the remodel of Bohnett Park and Parque De Los Ninos for a safer and more welcoming community area
Invested in Libraries: Secured increased library funding and extended hours
Opened Schools to the Community: Initiated access to school campuses after hours and funded after school programs
Greener Neighborhoods: Supported neighborhood clean ups, planted more trees on the Westside, maintained vegetation along the freeway and train tracks
Safer Streets for Kids: Added more stop signs, speed bumps and upgraded crosswalks to improve safety for children and families
Brighter Nights: Improved street lighting for better nighttime visibility and security
Invested in Housing: supported the creation of the city’s Housing Trust Fund to build more affordable housing
Backing up our first responders: supported pay increases for our police and fire so that we can recruit and retain the best to keep our city safe
Addressing Housing Affordability and Homelessness
I have been a champion for affordable housing, leading the way in requiring developers to include more affordable units in their projects. I also spearheaded the creation of the City's first-ever Housing Trust Fund, providing critical support for workers and middle-class first-time homebuyers. To further increase housing accessibility, I worked to reduce bureaucratic red tape for building projects and implemented restrictions on Short-Term Rentals, which diminish our housing supply.
To protect renters, I fought for tenant protections, including funding tenant-landlord mediation services to help resolve conflicts and ensure that tenants can remain securely housed.
When it comes to tackling homelessness and reducing encampments, I’ve consistently voted to fund innovative homeless housing solutions, such as the Dignity Moves project, which provides affordable, dignified housing to move people out of encampments and into stable living environments.
Fostering Economic Development
As a small business owner myself, I have passionately supported our local businesses but collaborating with local business groups like the South Coast Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Organization of Santa Barbara, Downtown Food and Beverage Committee, the Montecito Business Improvement District, the Downtown District Improvement District, the VenTech Forums and the UCSB Economic Forecast Project.
Youth Engagement
Collaborated with the school district to open their campuses after school hours to allow the youth to have access to open play areas. Encouraged the school district to send their students to intern for the different city departments for community service and part time paid work. Fund more after school programs through our city’s park and recreation program. Supported the building of infrastructure to increase the safe routes to schools.
GET INVOLVED
Join Oscar's Victory Team
Phone Bank, Door Knock, Fundraise
