Our speaker at the February 17th meeting is Escondido City Councilman Christian Garcia.
His story: Like so many other members of our community, my family’s story doesn’t begin here in the United States. I am the proud son of Mexican immigrants who legally came here in search of better opportunities for my siblings and me. Their pursuit of the American Dream helped me become who I am today. After growing up here in San Diego County, I graduated from UC Irvine and earned a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Southern California. I served in the Peace Corps, teaching English in Cambodia and advancing America’s interests abroad. Since coming home, I have worked as a full-time classroom teacher, mainly teaching high school math and social studies.
My experiences as a teacher led me to run for the Palomar Community College Board. When I stepped up to run, Palomar was in a dire financial situation and the elected board was more interested in playing politics than doing what’s best for our students.
I wasn’t going to stand by. I defeated an incumbent board member and was elected by Escondido residents to turn things around. During my time on the board, we leveled out our financial position without going to taxpayers for more money. I led tough negotiations and we began to change the culture at Palomar to focus on student outcomes.
In January 2023, I was approached by many members of our community to apply for the vacant position on the Escondido City Council. I was honored to be appointed by the City Council and to now have the opportunity to serve my community in an even greater capacity.
He ran for a full term on the City Council to continue working on homelessness solutions, public safety, supporting small businesses, and addressing the high cost of living in Escondido.
Escondido is my home. This is the place where my wife and I purchased our first home, and earlier this year, it is where we welcomed our firstborn son.
I will never stop fighting for Escondido.