MEET GABRIEL

Gabriel Jesse Medina, a fourth-generation Mexicano, was born and raised in Las Lomas, deeply connected to the community of Pajaro Valley Unified School District Area 3. Raised by a hardworking family, including his mom, who pursued her education while working as an administrative assistant, and his stepfather, a dedicated union worker, Gabriel understands the importance of perseverance, education, and community support. His early years in Area 3 schools, including Hall Elementary, Ohlone Elementary, Pajaro Middle School, and Watsonville High School, where he was actively involved in student leadership and the arts, laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to education and advocacy.

After graduating from Watsonville High School, Gabriel attended UCLA, where he designed a unique program combining Chicano literature and film studies. He furthered his education by earning a master’s degree from the prestigious USC Peter Stark Producing Program, where he honed his skills in film production and leadership. Returning home, he worked with local nonprofits like the Watsonville Film Festival and Digital NEST, where he created opportunities for young people to learn filmmaking. Gabriel also founded Calavera Media and the Central Coast Film Network, providing platforms for local talent to shine. As an instructor at Cabrillo College, he continues to advocate for expanding film and digital media programs for local students.

EARLY LIFE

Gabriel is running for the PVUSD Board of Trustees, Area 3, because he believes it’s time for real change. Area 3 has been neglected for too long, with promises of improvement going unfulfilled for decades. He has witnessed board members stay silent on critical issues, ignore the community, and allow controversies to distract from students’ and teachers’ needs. Gabriel is committed to holding representatives accountable, ensuring transparency, and refocusing attention on students, parents, and the community. His platform includes establishing a Student Bill of Rights, empowering students with ethnic studies, improving transportation infrastructure, and implementing a four-day school week to better support both teachers and students.

With his extensive education, dedication to the community, and passion for creating opportunities, Gabriel Jesse Medina is ready to take decisive action, advocate for the needs of Area 3, and create meaningful changes that will benefit every student.

READ MORE ABOUT GABRIEL'S PLATFORM!

F A Q

How does your school board representative serve you?

What is Democratic Socialism?

What is the Green Party?

Your school board representative serves as a voice for the community, making decisions that affect the quality of education, allocation of resources, and overall policies within the school district. They advocate for students, parents, and teachers, ensuring that the educational environment meets the community’s needs and standards.

Democratic Socialism is a political ideology that combines the principles of democracy with socialist economic policies. It advocates for a political democracy alongside a strong emphasis on social ownership of resources, universal healthcare, education, and workers’ rights, aiming to reduce inequality while ensuring individual freedoms.

The Green Party is a political organization that prioritizes environmental sustainability, social justice, and grassroots democracy. It advocates for policies that address climate change, renewable energy, social equity, and non-violence, promoting an ecologically balanced and socially just society.