About Monte Wilson
Monte Wilson has spent his life solving problems and getting things done, in business, in the community, and right here in Santa Barbara. He isn’t running to build a political career. He’s running because this city is his home and he knows how to deliver results.
After a long career leading major transformations at companies like Adobe and Oracle, Monte shifted his focus locally. His community work is equally deep. For a decade, he’s co-chaired Rally4Kids, helping raise millions for the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County. As Board President of the MAD Academy, he even traveled with students to Mexico to build homes for families in need. He’s supported the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, worked with the Santa Barbara Police Foundation, mentored young professionals, and invested in local entrepreneurs.
Monte and his wife, Maria, have been married for 30 years. Maria immigrated from Bogotá, Colombia as a child, and together they’ve built a life rooted in hard work, family, community and love for Santa Barbara. Fourteen years ago, Maria opened The Painted Cabernet on State Street, a studio that has become a staple for locals and visitors. They’ve watched the evolution of downtown up close and lived the struggles, the successes, and see the opportunities ahead. Maria has served on Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s Board and chaired many events for local non-profits. Two of their three children and their two grandchildren live here, making the city’s future personal.
For Monte, Santa Barbara isn’t a stepping-stone, it’s home. It’s where his kids are raising their own families and where he’s committed to making meaningful, lasting progress. He believes in Santa Barbara’s potential and is ready to put his proven, results-driven leadership to work for the community he loves.
My Community Work
For as long as I can remember, giving back has been part of who I am. Whether it’s helping kids, supporting small businesses, or bringing people together through shared passions, community service has always been at the center of my life.
Early in my career, I helped create the Children’s Hospital Race of Champions in Colorado, an event that brought the motorsports world together to raise money for children’s healthcare. That effort later evolved into the Morgan Adams Concours d’Elegance, which continues to raise millions for pediatric cancer research.
When my wife Maria and I moved to Santa Barbara, we continued our efforts to support the younger generations. For more than a decade, I’ve co-chaired Rally4Kids, the largest fundraiser of the year for the United Boys & Girls Clubs, raising nearly $3,000,000 since it’s inception. The event has grown into one of the region’s biggest and most meaningful fundraisers, supporting after-school programs and youth mentorship.
We’ve also invested our hearts into The Painted Cabernet on State Street — a small business place that celebrates creativity, and connection in our community. Supporting local charities via fundraisers and donations is central for our business.
As lifelong car enthusiasts, Maria and I co-founded Santa Barbara Cars & Coffee as a Non-Profit, raising funds for local causes like The Unity Shop, Toys for Tots, Santa Barbara Police Foundation and we’ve proudly supported events like the Montecito Motor Classic.
In every step in our lives, from championing youth programs to mentoring new entrepreneurs, my goal has been simple: to help others succeed and keep Santa Barbara a place where all of our community thrives.