Supervisor Bob Nelson

10/17/2026

📚 ORCUTT, WE’RE GETTING CLOSER TO A NEW LIBRARY!

This Tuesday, October 20th, is a big day for Orcutt!

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors will be considering a major next step toward making our long-awaited new Orcutt Library a reality. And I’d love to see a strong showing from our community!

We’ve made tremendous progress:

✅ The County has purchased the property at Clark Avenue and Foxenwood Lane.

✅ Preliminary architectural designs have been completed.

✅ Environmental reviews and approvals are complete.

✅ Nearly $6 million in funding has already been committed to the project.

Now comes one of the most important decisions yet: committing to a funding strategy and moving the project closer to construction.

This is an opportunity for the Board to make the new Orcutt Library a priority and establish a clear path forward.

I’ve worked hard to get us to this point, and I believe Orcutt deserves a modern library that will serve our children, families, seniors, and future generations. Combined with the new OASIS Meeting Center, this project has the potential to become a wonderful community gathering place.

HERE’S WHERE I COULD USE YOUR HELP!

I’d encourage anyone who cares about this project to attend Tuesday’s meeting. Even better, consider speaking during public comment. Just two minutes sharing why a new library matters to you, your family, or our community can make a difference.

📅 Tuesday, October 20, 2026

🕘 Meeting starts at 9:00 AM (please arrive by 8:45 if you’d like to speak)

📍 Betteravia Government Center
511 E. Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria

We’ve talked about a new library for Orcutt for decades. We finally have the land, a design, and significant funding. Let’s keep the momentum going and turn those plans into something our community can enjoy for generations.

I hope to see you Tuesday!

Please share this with your Orcutt friends and neighbors!

09/11/2026

County Contrarian? Yep, that’s me. ✅

(Link to the article in the comments)

07/02/2026

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Tony Guy to the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission, representing the Fourth District!

Press Release:

Supervisor Bob Nelson Announces Appointment of Tony Guy to Santa Barbara County Planning Commission

Orcutt, CA — Fourth District Supervisor Bob Nelson announced the appointment of Orcutt resident Tony Guy to represent the Fourth District on the Orcutt, CA Planning Commission, succeeding outgoing Commissioner Roy Reed.

Reed served on the Planning Commission for two and a half years and was elected Chair by his fellow commissioners in January 2026, serving in that role during the final six months of his tenure.

Tony Guy brings decades of executive leadership in the aerospace manufacturing industry, where he led engineering, manufacturing, and business operations, including helping establish Adient Aerospace's manufacturing presence in Santa Maria. Throughout his career, he has been a leader in job creation and economic development in Northern Santa Barbara County—one of the highest priorities for the Fourth District. He currently serves as Secretary of the Santa Maria Public Airport District Board of Directors, where he has demonstrated a commitment to responsible governance, fiscal stewardship, and thoughtful long-term planning.

"Tony has spent his career solving complex problems, creating jobs, and helping our community grow," said Supervisor Nelson. "His experience, integrity, and commitment to Northern Santa Barbara County make him an outstanding choice to serve on the Planning Commission."

The Santa Barbara County Planning Commission plays a vital role in shaping the future of our communities by reviewing land use, housing, agriculture, and development proposals. Guy's experience balancing economic growth with responsible planning will bring valuable perspective to the Commission's work.

"I am honored by Supervisor Nelson's confidence and grateful for the opportunity to serve," Guy said. "I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners, County staff, and members of the public to help ensure thoughtful planning that protects our quality of life while supporting a strong local economy."

The appointment of Guy is agendized for ratification by the whole Board of Supervisors at their July 7, 2026 meeting.

01/21/2026

This morning, the RCRC 2026 Board Officers took their Oath of Office in a ceremony administered by Assemblyman David Tangipa. The 2026 leadership team is led by Chair Miles Menetrey (Mariposa County), First Vice Chair Bob Nelson (County of Santa Barbara), Second Vice Chair Anne Cottrell (Napa County,), and Immediate Past Chair Geri Byrne (Modoc County).

Chair Menetrey emphasized the importance of collaboration, persistence, and a shared vision in working toward a prosperous and sustainable future for rural California. The new officers are dedicated to advancing the interests of RCRC’s member counties throughout 2026.

01/16/2026

This week I was given the opportunity to serve the County and the Fourth District as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for 2026.

Two Santa Barbara County leaders from opposite ends of the political spectrum cordially passed the gavel Tuesday as 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps abnegated the chair's seat to 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson.
“This board operates with a system that is increasingly rare. In a time of constant noise and polarization, we still manage to put aside partisanship and focus on the responsibilities of governing. It says something about this institution that you would elect to leadership someone who is, more often than not, the lone ‘no’ vote on a number of issues.
"I don’t take that lightly. I take it as a sign of trust, trust and fairness process and the belief that disagreement does not disqualify someone from leadership,” Nelson said.
Nelson last served as the body’s chair in 2021. He won the seat again Tuesday with unanimous support from his board peers.
Read the story on SantaMariaTimes.com. Link in comment section below.

01/09/2026

Honored to be unanimously elected Chair of SBCAG for 2026, with Buellton Mayor (and Orcutt native) David Silva as Vice Chair. Two Orcutt kids working to deliver stronger transportation investments for North County.

ORCUTT, Calif. (KEYT) - A new year means new leadership for the Santa Barbara County Association Of Governments, or SBCAG. It’s marking 60 years of

11/07/2025

Apparently, some folks think I could use cooling off — and they’re getting their wish tomorrow from 11am till noon! 😅
Join us at Oak Knolls Hardware in Orcutt for a Veterans Day fundraiser supporting local vets. Every throw helps a hero… and maybe dunks your Supervisor! 💧🇺🇸

11/06/2025

09/18/2025

https://forms.gle/SdRyxqDaLdnRxkxG6

07/01/2025

✈️ Big news for Santa Maria! Proud to join today’s announcement of new commercial flights to Phoenix — a major step forward for jobs, tourism, and economic opportunity in our Valley.