About Monte Wilson
I’ve spent my life solving problems and getting things done in business, in the community, and right here in Santa Barbara. I’m not running for City Council to build a political career. I’m running because this city is my home, and I know how to bring people together, make decisions, and deliver results.
My career took me to some of the world’s leading companies, including Adobe and Oracle, where I helped lead major business transformations. Along the way, I learned how to manage budgets, build teams, solve complex problems, and stay accountable for results. Those are the same skills I believe our city needs today.
My wife Maria and I have been married for 31 years. Maria came to the United States from Bogotá, Colombia as a child, and together we’ve built a life centered on hard work, family, and a deep commitment to Santa Barbara. We have three grown children, including a daughter who lives and works here in Santa Barbara. Like so many families, we care deeply about the future of this community because it is where our family has built its life.
Fourteen years ago, Maria opened The Painted Cabernet on State Street. Through that business, we’ve experienced firsthand both the challenges and opportunities facing downtown Santa Barbara. We’ve watched the city change, celebrated its successes, and worked through its struggles. Maria has also served on the board of the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation and chaired events for local nonprofits.
I believe Santa Barbara deserves leaders who are willing to make decisions, take responsibility for the results, and put the community ahead of politics. My experience leading organizations, managing budgets, creating jobs, and serving local nonprofits has prepared me to do exactly that. I bring a practical, results-oriented approach and a deep commitment to this city.
I am not a career politician. This isn’t a stepping stone to the next step in the political ladder. I’m a business leader, community volunteer, husband, father, and taxpayer who has spent decades solving problems and bringing people together. Santa Barbara doesn’t need more promises. It needs leadership, accountability, and results.
That’s what I’ve delivered throughout my career, and that’s what I’ll bring to City Hall.
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.