Candidate for
Council Member; City of Chula Vista; Seat 1

A Former Police Officer, Steve Padilla graduated from the Southwestern Police Academy in 1986 and went on to become a Police Officer and Detective. As a detective, Padilla handled domestic violence and child abuse cases.

A Mature, Proven Leader, Steve Padilla has served his City as Mayor, Port Commissioner, Coastal Commissioner and City Councilmember. Steve was first elected to the City Council at the age of 27 and quickly earned a reputation as an outspoken reformer instituting mandatory ethics training at City Hall and fighting for a fair share of resources for all neighborhoods. As Mayor, Padilla led the charge to build more parks and open space in Chula Vista neighborhoods and built broad coalitions to support the Bayfront Plan and University Research Center economic development projects. These smart investments in Chula Vista's economic future are now coming to fruition and, with renewed focus at City Hall, will create good jobs for local residents.

A Mature, Proven Leader, Steve Padilla has served his City as Mayor, Port Commissioner, Coastal Commissioner and City Councilmember. Steve was first elected to the City Council at the age of 27 and quickly earned a reputation as an outspoken reformer instituting mandatory ethics training at City Hall and fighting for a fair share of resources for all neighborhoods. As Mayor, Padilla led the charge to build more parks and open space in Chula Vista neighborhoods and built broad coalitions to support the Bayfront Plan and University Research Center economic development projects. These smart investments in Chula Vista's economic future are now coming to fruition and, with renewed focus at City Hall, will create good jobs for local residents.

Padilla's Local Roots Run Deep. Born at the US Naval Hospital, the son of a marine and a hard working mom, Steve's parents were high school sweethearts in National City and were their senior class' "Cutest Couple" in 1966! Steve's family moved to Chula Vista in 1972, shortly after a car accident tragically took the life of his father. Chula Vista has been home for Steve Padilla ever since. Steve attended Bonita Vista High School and was active in the community from an early age, participating in Boy Scouts, playing AYSO soccer and joining the Chula Vista Police Explorer Scouts.

Steve's Proudest Accomplishment is as a Father. His daughter, Ashleigh, a sophomore at San Diego State University (Go Aztecs!), remains the most important person in his life. He lives in the Otay Ranch area of Chula Vista with Ashleigh and his partner of seven years, Clayton.