July 14, 2010 -- This past Saturday I decided to run for re-election to the School Board and not seek election to the Santa Monica City Council. As a lifelong resident of the City, I love Santa Monica and the Council can benefit from my experience in governance, but family matters come first. On May 18, 2010 my wife Maria and I welcomed our second son Fidel Esteban into our humble apartment. As many parents can understand, the added responsibilities of fatherhood weighed heavily in my decision.

In principle, I see my involvement in public office as a way to give voice to people who lack political power and to make improvements in the quality of life for all residents. For this reason I decided, with voter permission, to continue my service on the school board. I could not in good conscious abandon the school district during the largest fiscal crisis we have suffered in recent memory. When I was elected in 2002, we faced a similar circumstance and I believe that my experience and leadership will benefit the school district in the years to come.

I have a personal commitment to serving the students of this district. As a product of Will Rogers, JAMS and Samohi, I love this school district and have committed my life to providing future generations the same opportunities I was afforded. Being the only board member that is a former student and employee of the district and serving as Executive Director of the Pico Youth & Family Center, gives me a unique perspective that has allowed me to connect policy to the real life situations our students and families face.

I want to thank every community leader and supporter that encouraged me to seek a seat on the City Council. I believe that Santa Monica is blessed to have committed leaders who are currently serving on the City Council. I wish all the candidates the best and thank them for supporting the issues the community has brought before them. I look forward to strengthening our partnership between School and City leaders for the benefit of the youth and families we serve.

Oscar de la Torre