Meet Kristen
Proven Reliable Leader for Santa Barbara
I am running for Mayor of Santa Barbara because, as a 39-year resident, I know and am passionate about Santa Barbara, and about representing the beautiful community-centered neighborhoods and the unique City that we all cherish.
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Santa Barbara is at a crossroad in its history. As City leaders, we have made and will continue to make important decisions for our environment, local economy, housing, and community stability, while adapting to changes in extreme weather, fire hazards, water use, and public safety.
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Through my experiences as a professor of Environmental Geology and City Council member, I bring a balanced perspective to Council that honors preservation of our City’s unique character while contributing to our long legacy of environmental leadership. I believe that continuing my hard work with my fellow Council members, City staff, and community members will bring us closer to our goals of environmental sustainability, economic vitality, diverse housing choices, and community stability, while also maintaining Santa Barbara’s very special qualities.
I know Santa Barbara as a student, a professional, a shared head of family, an educator, and a community leader.
I am a local who graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1989, not long after the last stop sign was removed from the 101, and before Paseo Nuevo made its debut. I paid my own way through college, first attending Santa Barbara City College, then transferring to UCLA where I majored in Applied Geophysics, and completing my education with a Masters in Environmental Geophysics, specializing in the analysis of groundwater contamination.
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My husband, Chris (also a Don '89), and I are lucky to raise our three children in this city we all love. While our children were young, I was Chair of Starr King Parent-Child Workshop, graduated from Women’s Economic Ventures, served six years as an executive officer on the Governing Board of Peabody Charter School, earned my College Counseling Certificate, and opened a small college counseling business. I have volunteered teaching college test prep for high school first-generation students, volunteered as a radio co-host discussing issues involving our local teens, and currently teach Environmental Geology at Santa Barbara City College.
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In addition to my thorough preparation for and participation in regular City Council meetings, I thoughtfully dedicate my time to eighteen committees and City-related agencies found in this link
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I would like to hear from you! Please email me with questions, what matters to you and what you envision for the future of Santa Barbara. I hope to earn your vote for Mayor of Santa Barbara!​
Related Boards and Commissions:
Cachuma Operations and Management Board, President
Cachuma Conservation Release Board, President
Ordinance Committee
Sustainability Council Committee, Chair
Legislative Council Committee, Chair
Central Coast Water Authority, past alternate
De la Guerra Plaza Revitalization Design Advisory Committee, Chair
Sea-Level Rise Adaptation Plan Committee, Chair
State Street Advisory Committee, Council Representative
Water Commission, Liaison
Historic Landmarks Commission, Liaison
Creeks Advisory Commission, Liaison
Parks and Recreation Commission, alternate
County Affordable Housing Task Group, Council Representative
South Coast Youth Safety Partnership, alternate
Firesafe Council, Council Representative
Former Board Chair Starr King Parent-Child Workshop
Former Board Chair Peabody Charter School
Women in Science Engineering and Math, Colorado School of Mines