Create an SMC Strategic Plan for 2026–2030

Oscar will work collaboratively to create an updated strategic plan that aligns SMC’s goals, resources, and staffing patterns with the training and educational needs of students.

His goal is to build a culture of collaboration among SMC’s major stakeholders, strengthen morale and trust, and ensure that faculty, classified staff, managers, students, and residents are heard and included in shaping the college’s future.

Address the Dropout Rate and Strengthen Student Support

SMC has a strong transfer record, but the campaign identifies first-year retention as a major challenge, especially for lower-income students dealing with the high cost of living in Los Angeles.

Oscar supports developing effective retention strategies to improve graduation and completion rates and protecting student support services from further budget cuts, including Emeritus courses and programs.

Create a Resident Worker Retraining Initiative for the Jobs of the Future

Generative AI and other changes in the economy will reshape the way people work. Oscar believes SMC, working with SMMUSD, local businesses, and the City of Santa Monica, is well positioned to help residents prepare for those changes.

He plans to seek direct input from residents about workforce training needs and use that feedback to inform a worker retraining initiative serving students, local workers, and employees in public institutions.

Create a Welcoming Campus Environment for All

Oscar supports an initiative to address hate and promote unity across SMC’s diverse campus and community.

His priorities include expanding courses such as American Cultures and Ethnic Studies, along with panel discussions and events that recognize the diversity of the community.

Student and Workforce Housing

The high cost of housing affects both students and the ability of local educational institutions to attract qualified educators. Oscar supports exploring affordable housing options on SMC-owned property for lower-income students, students experiencing homelessness, and members of the education workforce.

He would prioritize partnerships among the City of Santa Monica, SMMUSD, and SMC to pursue student and workforce housing.

Put Santa Monica and Malibu Residents First

Oscar believes SMC should recognize the significant contribution made by Santa Monica and Malibu residents who support college facilities through local bonds.

He supports resident priority enrollment, better transportation and parking planning to reduce impacts on neighboring communities, and continued use of Project Labor Agreements so union labor & local hire goals are integrated into SMC construction projects.

Expand Access and Opportunity Through P–16 Partnerships

Oscar has served in both school district governance and city government and believes the City, SMMUSD, and SMC should work together rather than operate in silos.

He supports regular joint meetings and shared planning around dual enrollment, college access, student and workforce housing, childcare, mental health, youth development, and workforce training.

He also supports a stronger P–16 education coalition that creates pathways from early education to college, career, and lifelong learning.

Transparency and Accountability

Oscar’s approach is to protect classroom instruction and student support services as much as possible while examining how budget decisions affect the students who depend most on SMC.

He also supports honest communication with faculty, classified staff, managers, students, residents, and employee unions. People may not agree with every decision, but they deserve transparency and a meaningful voice in the process.