About Nick Sebastian
I am running for City Council as an independent, nonpartisan candidate because our city deserves leadership that puts people before politics. I’m not here to serve a party or special interests—I’m here to serve you, the residents of our community. We face real challenges, and it’s time for a local government that prioritizes public safety, local control, and responsible planning.
“District 6 is the soul of Santa Barbara—our downtown, our history, our gathering places. I’m running to make sure this district remains vibrant, inclusive, and livable for generations to come. That means preserving what we love while tackling today’s real challenges—from housing and safety to sustainability and small business support. I believe in practical progress, listening first, and building a Santa Barbara that works for everyone—especially those who call it home.”
A Lifelong Santa Barbaran with a Record of Service
I’ve called Santa Barbara home for over 50 years. I’m not just running for City Council—I’m stepping up to protect the community I’ve spent a lifetime serving.
From the cobblestone charm of our historic courthouse to the trails of the Riviera, I know what makes Santa Barbara special. I’ve walked our neighborhoods, volunteered in our institutions, and worked behind the scenes to keep our public systems running smoothly. I believe it’s time for experienced, local leadership that respects our city’s character while preparing it for the future.
Experience You Can Trust
For over three decades, I worked in the Santa Barbara Unified School District as a technology administrator, where I managed some of the district’s most critical systems. I oversaw payroll, personnel databases, financial reporting tools, student health systems and student records—ensuring accuracy, accountability, and efficiency for one of the city’s largest public organizations.
That experience taught me what responsible governance looks like:
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Transparency
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Efficient spending
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Systems that serve people, not bureaucracies
I know how government works—and where it doesn’t. That insight gives me a unique ability to identify waste, streamline city processes, and ensure taxpayer dollars go where voters intended.
A Proven Local Leader
I’ve worn many hats in our community:
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Education Advocate: Collaborated with school boards to enhance digital learning tools and keep kids safe in the classroom.
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Civic Volunteer: Docent at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, Old Mission Santa Barbara, and Casa del Herrero—because preserving our history matters.
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Nonprofit Founder: As Executive Director of Seaside Wellness Gardens, a 501(c)(3) supporting individuals with special needs, I’ve raised funds, built partnerships, and delivered services that make a real difference.
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Real Estate Professional: I understand our housing crisis not just as a concept—but from inside the process. I’ve helped families navigate impossible markets and believe our policies must put locals and workers first.
Santa Barbara is at a crossroads. State mandates threaten our city’s identity. Reckless spending puts vital services at risk. And too often, City Hall forgets who it works for.
I’m running for City Council to bring common sense, fiscal responsibility, and local control back to our government. I want to preserve what’s best about Santa Barbara—while ensuring our city is safe, sustainable, and thriving for future generations.
This isn’t just politics to me. It’s personal.
Let’s Keep Santa Barbara… Santa Barbara.
If you believe in preserving our small-town charm, protecting public safety, and ensuring city government works for the people—I ask for your support.
~ Nick Sebastian
Candidate for Santa Barbara City Council, District 6
