The California Senate Rules Committee has appointed Gabriella Garcia, executive director of Storyteller, to serve as a commissioner for First 5 California.
She was appointed at the recommendation of California Senator Pro Tempore Monique Limon, who represents Santa Barbara in the 21st District.
“I am deeply honored to serve on the California Children and Families Commission and to bring the perspective of children, families, educators, and community-based organizations into statewide conversations,” Garcia said. “I am incredibly grateful for the confidence placed in me through this appointment and look forward to contributing to this work across California.”
Garcia has over a decade of experience working in nonprofits and early childhood development.
For four years, Garcia has overseen Storyteller, a therapeutic preschool and resource center for at-risk and homeless children based in Santa Barbara.
She has also served as the Vice Chair of the First 5 Santa Barbara County Advisory Committee, contributing to local efforts on early childhood systems and family well-being. Garcia will step down from this role as she begins her new appointment.
37th District Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) administered Garcia’s oath of office at Storyteller’s De La Vina campus in August. Hart previously owned and operated the campus as Transitions Preschool before being gifted to Storyteller.
“Gabriella is a dedicated advocate for children and families, and I know she will bring an important Central Coast perspective to her statewide service.”
First 5 California, or the California Children and Families Commission, is an organization under the state government funding programs for children through age five. It was established in 1998 when voters passed Proposition 10, which added a tax on tobacco products to fund young children’s development.
