For Governor: Tom Steyer

You know how we love a good local endorsement around here, especially when it comes from a source we trust. The *Santa Barbara Independent* just threw its weight behind Tom Steyer for governor, and honestly, it makes a lot of sense for our neck of the woods. Steyer isn’t just a name on a ballot—he’s a guy who has poured serious energy into climate action and clean energy, two issues that hit close to home every time we look at the wildfire risk in our backcountry or watch the fog roll in over the Channel.

What I appreciate about the *Independent*’s take is that it’s not just a rubber stamp. They’re pointing to Steyer’s track record of fighting for environmental justice and holding corporations accountable, which feels especially relevant here in Santa Barbara, where we’ve seen the scars of oil spills and the fight for sustainable tourism. If you’re still on the fence about who to back in the primary, this endorsement gives us a solid, local reason to take a closer look at Steyer—not just as a billionaire with a plan, but as someone who actually gets what matters to the Central Coast.