Who We are

Welcome to Ricardo Santiago Soto for Allan Hancock Joint Community College District Board - Area 5 Trustee 2026 Exploratory Committee

There are extremists on the right and left. I look for common ground solutions.

Some may see me as a republican when I supported Brooks Firestone as California State Assemblyman, or democrat when I interned for the Obama-Biden campaign. I created this image for liking both sides issues at various times when I saw democracy at its best. I overcame this challenge by recently registering nonpartisan as undeclared-undecided.

We should move forward, not backward
.


Connecting my Creative Passions to the Campaign

As a multifaceted individual with a range of creative interests, I bring a unique perspective to my campaign for Allan Hancock Joint Community College District Board - Area 5 Trustee 2026 Exploratory Committee. My passions for fine art drawing, documentary filmmaking, and creating EDM music demonstrate my ability to think outside the box and approach problems from different angles. These skills are valuable assets in developing innovative solutions for the community college district. For instance, my experience with documentary filmmaking could be leveraged to create compelling campaign videos or tell the stories of the district's successes and challenges.

My diverse creative pursuits also highlight my ability to connect with a wide range of people and understand different perspectives, a crucial skill for a representative on the community college district board. By embracing my creative side, I bring a fresh and artistic approach to the campaign, setting me apart from more traditional candidates and resonating with voters looking for a new perspective.



About Ricardo Soto

Treasurer

Ricardo Santiago Soto is a fine artist having won 88 awards in art (10), business (10), film (7), honorary (5), international (2), journalism (8), music (1), photography (7), politics (1), sports (1), and writing (35). He is listed as a 50 Under 50 by Disruptors Magazine (2022). Ricardo received his AA Liberal Studies in Social and Behavorial Sciences (2015) from Santa Barbara City College, BSBA (2012) from Capella University, and MBA in Finance (2020) from Aspen University. Mr. Soto is a lifetime member of the Golden Key International Honour Society. He runs RS-IP as it's owner. He graced the cover of HUFFMAG November issue (2023). Ricardo was appointed into Lexington Who's Who (2001), Empire Who's Who (2004 / 2005), Cambridge Who's Who (2008), and Marquis Who's Who (2024). Ricardo is a certified Human Rights Consultant (2021) by the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR).

I have 27 years of experience working as a journalist and editor for The Journal for Innovation Corporation, which I founded in 1998. The Journal for Innovation brings the latest news in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, blockchain, corporate finance, cyber security, data science, electric vehicle/battery, fintech, internet of things, life sciences, machine learning, medical devices, nanotechnology, patents, robotics, semiconductor, solar, and space industries. I want to bring these advanced technologies to Allan Hancock College as diploma, certificate, and/or degree offerings.



Platform

Issue #1: Economic Development

Position on the issue: Promoting workforce development programs. Education is the key to promoting our workforce by developing their futuristic technological skill sets and managing abilities.

Issue #2: Technology and Innovation

Position on the issue: Supporting tech startups and innovation hubs. My goal is to create an innovation think tank on campus that will discover and enhance the newest technologies for use by the entire community.

Issue #3: National Security

Position on the issue: Implementing measures to protect critical infrastructure and personal data from cyber threats. Train our military with cyber security so they may be hired as the frontline of our nation when it comes to protecting our personal and business assets.



Let's work for a better future

Let's get more scientists to work by conducting biotechnology research.

Protect our assets from cyber attacks

Let's help the military defend us from domestic and international cyber attacks.

Peace studies

Let's train more ambassadors, conflict and dispute negotiators to end wars, as well as, police-involved shootings.

Robotics management

Let's train more robotics managers to handle manufacturing plants that use assembly-line robots, et al.

Issues & Plans

I view educational issues on a macro to a micro level.
Below you will see my local vision:

"We respect God at all times.”

When we include God within our educational journey we become blessed.

I challenge you to enjoy and love your research, while in college, so you can do great things in life.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC GOOD

Be responsible for understanding and responding to the educational, as well as, future workforce needs of the community the college serves.

FINANCING OUR PROJECTS

Work within congressional Acts that spur innovation via grants, while finding ways to fundraise locally.

BUILD A RESEARCH THINK TANK

Focused on researching ways to make life easier by keeping up with the latest discoveries.

RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Higher education is worth it when it helps you save time, energy, and make more money. Example, artificial intelligence (AI) can accomplish this, while improving your finances.

Events

You are invited to participate in any of the following events, whether it is a fundraiser, volunteering, and/or a one-on-one meeting.
We would love to see you at an event.

Fundraiser

Pledge your support

Pledge your support to vote for Ricardo on Election Day and be invited to purchase a $100 ticket to our fundraiser event.

Detail
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Volunteer

Available daily

Help Ricardo win by signing up for a canvass and/or phonebank shift.

Apply
Virtual office hours

One-on-one.

Speak to Ricardo on an educational issue, during office hours.

Detail

FAQ

Hello, my name is Ricardo Santiago Soto. The top questions I get asked are found here.
Here are my answers:

"I enjoy performing good deeds.”

I want to give back to the community, which is the educational community.

I ask for your support and your vote.

What have you accomplished in your professional career?

In Buellton, I helped truckers get recognition in The Santa Ynez Valley News and KEYT after a local group tried to remove them from the area. The mayor of the city halted the visioning process and asked the council for a re-vision. In Santa Maria, I stood by my cousin who was shot and killed by police, while he was on duty. I asked the council to fire the chief of police who was forced out by resignation.

Have you served your community in an official role (board member, elected official, etc.)?

I have served as a Community Organizer within this congressional district for Organizing for Action (OFA) after successfully helping out Organizing for America (OFA) with healthcare reform in the great state of Texas.

What have the results of previous elections been? Are they encouraging?

The party in power usually has difficulty making progress after the mid-terms. This requires a moderate voice who can find common ground and make things happen.

What about your campaign sets you apart? Does the experience or skill you or others involved in your campaign possess make it more likely you’ll succeed?

I am a moderate, I work with both parties to find a common middle ground solution. I want to advance civilization through education, rather than hinder it through extreme policies. I want to make citizens lives easier, more efficient and effective, while being more prosperous.

Endorsements

I am very grateful to receive the support from the following community leaders.
These esteemed individuals enhance my credibility immensely with their endorsements.


Winford "Peter" Naylor

Author, economist, banker, international executive, retired from Santa Barbara City College.
Graduate of William & Mary, followed by Stanford University.



Press

Here you will find press releases on my exploratory committee.
I am available for interviews.


Ricardo Santiago Soto suspends trustee exploratory committee

Ricardo Santiago Soto Announces Exploratory Committee for Allan Hancock Joint Community College District Board - Area 5 Trustee