Oscar is Santa Monica
As a young leader at Santa Monica High School, Oscar’s passion for public service ignited when he served as student body president. That passion led him to earn a Master’s in Public Administration and return to the city he loves, ready to take on some of its toughest challenges. In response to an epidemic of gang and gun violence, Oscar founded the Pico Youth & Family Center (PYFC), a grassroots organization that has not only saved lives but transformed them, bringing hope and safety back to our streets.
In 2002, the community entrusted Oscar with a seat on the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education. For 18 years, he fought tirelessly to ensure that our local schools remained among the best in the nation, giving every child the chance to succeed.
When public safety began to deteriorate and city leadership failed to address it, Oscar once again stepped up. In 2020, he ran for City Council as part of the “change slate” and won, fueled by the belief that our city deserves better. Since then, Oscar has championed initiatives to restore safety, address homelessness with compassion and accountability, and revitalize our local economy. Thanks to his efforts, we have more police officers on our streets, stronger partnerships with the County of Los Angeles to care for those suffering from mental illness, and expanded opportunities for local businesses to thrive.
In 2024, Oscar’s leadership was recognized when he was appointed Chair of the Westside Cities Council of Governments (WSSCOG). In this regional role, he is uniting leaders to establish a Regional Behavioral Health Center, a beacon of hope for those struggling with mental illness.
Oscar de la Torre is more than a public servant; he is a voice for the people, standing up for our shared values and fighting for a future where everyone in Santa Monica can thrive. His journey is our journey, and together, we are shaping a city that works for all of us.
Oscar Delivers Progress
1. Public Safety & Crime Reporting: Advocated for the Chief of Police to provide quarterly public crime statistic reports to the City Council.
2. Police Staffing: Supported hiring more police officers and continues to advocate for 250 sworn officers in Santa Monica.
3. Community Clean-Up Efforts: Ensured the public works division funded a quarterly community clean-up effort and initiated the 'Help SM Shine' program.
4. Opposition to Needle Distribution in Parks: Voted against the LA County Health Department's needle distribution in parks program.
5. Transparency in Services for Unhoused Individuals: Ensured more transparency in the outcomes and financial reporting of city-funded programs for the unhoused.
6. Affordable Housing: Supported affordable housing construction with a focus on effective management and championed affordable housing initiatives.
7. Regional Behavioral Health Center: As Chair of the Westside Cities Council of Governments, worked towards opening a Regional Behavioral Health Center.
8. Behavioral Service Vans & Fire Dept. Community Resource Units: Collaborated with County Supervisor Horvath on Behavioral Service Vans and funded SM Fire Dept. Community Resource Units for outreach and mental health crisis care.
9. Public Safety Resource Team: Plans to create a Public Safety Resource Team for a multi-departmental approach to public safety challenges.
10. Neighborhood Revitalization: Led efforts to revitalize neighborhoods through community engagement and infrastructure improvements.
11. Parks Improvement: Advocated for the enhancement and maintenance of local parks, including increased funding for park amenities and safety.
12. Environmental Justice: Promoted environmental justice initiatives and supported policies aimed at reducing environmental impact and improving community health.
13. Policy Advocacy: Advocated for state and regional policy changes to achieve a cleaner, safer city and enhance community well-being.
14. Small Businesses: Supported local small businesses through initiatives and policies designed to foster economic growth and resilience.
15. Youth Development: Maintained a strong focus on youth development programs and initiatives to support and empower young people in the community.