About Gabe
Fourth-generation Mexicano. Las Lomas native. Elected trustee.
Biography
Gabriel Jesse Medina is a fourth-generation Mexicano, born and raised in Las Lomas. He attended Hall Elementary, Ohlone Elementary, Pajaro Middle School, and Watsonville High School — the same schools he now represents as an elected trustee.
In December 2024, Gabe became the first Green Party member ever elected to the PVUSD School Board. He represents Area III as a Green Socialist: pro-labor, pro-student, pro-transparency, and unapologetically community-first.
After graduating from Watsonville High, Gabe attended UCLA and later earned a master's degree from the USC Peter Stark Producing Program. He returned home to work with local nonprofits including the Watsonville Film Festival and Digital NEST. He founded Calavera Media and the Central Coast Film Network, and teaches film and digital media at Cabrillo College.
As a trustee, Gabe sits on the Agenda Setting Committee. He has fought against teacher layoffs, voted no on every resolution that eliminated classified and certificated positions, pushed for expanding student representation on the board, and advocated for reducing central office spending so more dollars reach classrooms and school sites.
He believes the voting age should be lowered to 16 so students can elect the trustees who govern their schools. He opposes pesticide use near school sites. He believes district money belongs in classrooms, not the district office.
What He Stands For
Pro-Labor
Standing with PVFT, CSEA, and every worker who makes these schools run.
Students First
Every decision should start and end with what's best for kids.
Transparency
The public deserves to know how their money is spent and how decisions are made.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a school board trustee actually do?
A trustee sets policy, approves budgets, hires and evaluates the superintendent, and votes on contracts and programs that affect every student and employee in the district. They are elected by the public and accountable to the community, not to the administration.
What is the Green Party?
The Green Party is a political organization that prioritizes environmental sustainability, social justice, grassroots democracy, and non-violence.
What is democratic socialism?
Democratic socialism combines democratic governance with policies that prioritize workers, public services, and community needs over corporate profit.