A Record of Service
Unmatched Record Supporting Our Youth and Public Education
Oscar de la Torre has spent decades serving Santa Monica through public education, youth development, civic leadership, and work that expands opportunity for students and families.
A Record Rooted in Community Service
22 Years of Public Service
A Career Focused on Youth & Families
Oscar has dedicated 22 years to public service in Santa Monica, including 18 years on the SMMUSD Board of Education and four years on the Santa Monica City Council.
His work has remained rooted in public education, youth development, working families, and the Santa Monica community. He also led the Pico Youth & Family Center for 20 years, supporting young people and families and helping strengthen connections between PYFC, SMMUSD, and Santa Monica College.
18 Years on the SMMUSD Board
A Long Record Strengthening Public Education
Education has been central to Oscar’s public service. He served for 18 years on the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education.
His connection to local students began before elected office. After returning to Santa Monica, Oscar worked as a counselor at Santa Monica High School, helping students who were on the verge of dropping out and mentoring student leaders.
4 Years on the City Council
Experience in Santa Monica City Government
Oscar also served four years on the Santa Monica City Council, bringing his experience in education and community service into city government.
That experience gives him a working understanding of the relationship between the City, SMMUSD, and Santa Monica College, and of the importance of local institutions communicating and working together around the needs of students, families, and residents.
A Lifelong Connection to SMC
Student. Employee. Parent.
Oscar’s connection to Santa Monica College is personal. He is a former SMC student, a former SMC employee, and the parent of SMC students.
As the first program coordinator for SMC’s Pico Partnership Program, he worked with students who had historically struggled to access and complete college. That experience gave him first-hand exposure to the challenges facing first-year, first-generation, and lower-income community college students.
Support Oscar for SMC Board of Trustees
Support experienced leadership for Santa Monica College. Help ensure a stronger future for SMC, its students, its faculty & staff, and the residents of Santa Monica and Malibu.