Santa Barbara native, Sebastian Aldana Jr. is running for City College’s open Board of Trustees seat for area three, Santa Barbara.
Aldana was born and raised in Santa Barbara and has contributed to the community for many years. He has been a member of the Neighborhood Advisory Council representing the Eastside of Santa Barbara since 2009 and is currently a Parks and Recreation commissioner.
In this position, Aldana expressed business owners’ and residents’ concerns to the city council, in hope of improvements. He hopes to bring that experience to City College.
“I will do the same for the students and faculty here. That is why I need to know people’s needs and concerns,” Alanda said.
He attended City College and during the time he spent at the school, he learned his trade which was painting. Aldana went on to paint for 35 years as a career.
If elected, he hopes to bring in more hands-on vocational trade classes or programs to enhance City College. The possible vocational trades he’d like to add to City College include electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and welding classes. He says this idea will ideally help increase the enrollment and outreach issue that’s been occurring at City College.
Aldana is aware that many locals will travel to other community colleges because of the lack of trade classes at City College.
“If we have buildings or classrooms not being used here I honestly feel new vocational training or job apprenticeship programs would be good for many individuals,” Aldana said.
An issue Aldana hopes to address and change if elected is student housing. He has ideas of using the unoccupied buildings on campus, turning them into a dorm-style complex for unhoused students.
He hopes to reach out to students and set up a time for them to meet the new board of trustees. Aldana states this is a time to get to know students by hearing their needs and concerns on campus.
His vision is to prioritize and create solid solutions as well as enhance all departments by listening to the necessities of students and staff at City College. He hopes to assist with any issues students are experiencing and help the City College community.
“I am not opposed to anything or anybody. I am willing to help and assist which is what I have done for 20 years out in the community,” Aldana said.
As a candidate, Aldana is opposed to Measure P. He stated that there is no actual plan and would be extended to taxpayers till 2061.
“I am for a measure that has a plan, a measure that has their projects prioritized, and a measure of when money comes in that the money is earmarked for those projects only,” Aldana said.
To ensure funding is used carefully, Aldana expressed that City College needs to spend it wisely and divide it properly. Each department needs funding and must be divided fairly among all departments.
Aldana likes to express ideas and know his voice is heard. He will continue to assist and enhance people’s lives and wants to continue to support others.
“I have no hidden agendas, I am not using this as a launching pad,” Aldana said. “I am doing it for the community.”
