ABout gabe.
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Gabe Escobedo knows that Santa Barbara is one of the most extraordinary places in the world to live. But he also knows that too many working families are wondering whether they can afford to build their future here.
That's why he's running for Santa Barbara City Council.
Gabe believes that the people who choose to call Santa Barbara home deserve a city government that delivers real value—safe and welcoming neighborhoods, thriving local businesses, housing people can actually afford, well-maintained parks and public spaces, and a City Hall that listens, responds, and gets things done.
A Story of Opportunity
Gabe was raised by a hardworking single mother who worked multiple jobs to provide for him, his older sister, and his younger brother. Growing up, his family experienced financial hardship firsthand. His father spent years cycling in and out of the criminal justice system, giving Gabe an early understanding of how difficult it can be for families to overcome poverty and instability.
Despite those challenges, Gabe was fortunate to have mentors who believed in him. A high school coach encouraged him to pursue college—a turning point that changed the course of his life. That opportunity led him to earn both his bachelor's and master's degrees before beginning a career dedicated to helping others achieve their own dreams.
Those experiences shaped Gabe's belief that everyone deserves the chance to succeed, and that good public policy can create opportunities that change lives.
A Record of Getting Things Done
Gabe has devoted his public service to making Santa Barbara stronger, more affordable, and better prepared for the future.
As a member—and later Chair—of the Santa Barbara Planning Commission, he helped shape policies that encouraged thoughtfully designed housing while preserving the unique character, beauty, and neighborhoods that define Santa Barbara. He believes the city can grow responsibly without losing what makes it special.
As President of the Santa Barbara Unified School District Board of Education, Gabe has focused on improving student outcomes, supporting teachers and staff, and leading one of the region's most significant workforce housing initiatives. By helping move forward affordable housing for teachers and school employees, he has worked to ensure that the people educating Santa Barbara's children can continue living in the community they serve.
Gabe also chaired Santa Barbara's Community Formation Commission, leading a broad public process that brought residents together to strengthen trust, accountability, and transparency in local government.
Building a Better Future
For Gabe, public service has always been about improving people's everyday lives.
He believes Santa Barbara should be a place where young families can afford to stay, local businesses can succeed, neighborhoods are safe and vibrant, and residents feel proud of the value they receive from their city government.
That means focusing on the basics: creating more housing opportunities, supporting a thriving downtown, maintaining beautiful parks and public spaces, improving city services, and protecting the quality of life that makes Santa Barbara unlike anywhere else.
Gabe is running for City Council because he believes our best days are still ahead—and because building a better future starts with leadership that listens, collaborates, and delivers.