Ricardo Santiago Soto Announces Exploratory Committee for Allan Hancock Joint Community College District Board - Area 5 Trustee

Buellton, Ca - August 3, 2025-- SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, CA – Ricardo Santiago Soto, a distinguished entrepreneur, journalist, and multi-award-winning creative professional, today announced the formation of his exploratory committee for Allan Hancock Joint Community College District Board - Area 5 Trustee in 2026.

Cover of HUFFMAG

"My name is Ricardo Santiago Soto and I am running for Trustee because I want to bring advanced technologies to Allan Hancock College as diploma, certificate, and degree offerings," said Soto. "I believe every citizen deserves to be prosperous, and I want to help our community save time and money while maximizing their income through futuristic technologies."

Bringing Innovation to Education

As founder and editor of The Journal for Innovation Corporation for 27 years, Soto has been at the forefront of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, blockchain, cybersecurity, robotics, and renewable energy. His vision is to transform Allan Hancock College into a hub for cutting-edge workforce development.

"As a journalist and editor for The Journal for Innovation, I have seen rags-to-riches stories become reality, which drives me to spark creativity and innovation within our students so the business community may thrive," Soto explained.

Distinguished Background

Ricardo Santiago Soto brings exceptional qualifications to the race:

88 awards across business, arts, film, music, photography, and writing

MBA in Finance from Aspen University and BSBA from Capella University

Listed as "50 Under 50" by Disruptors Magazine (2022)

Featured on the cover of HUFFMAG (2023)

Marquis Who's Who honoree (2024)

Certified Human Rights Consultant by the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights

A Moderate Voice for Common Ground

"There are extremists on the right and left. I look for common ground solutions," said Soto, who recently registered as nonpartisan. "I am a moderate who works with both parties to find middle ground solutions. I want to advance civilization through education, rather than hinder it through extreme policies."

Platform Priorities

Soto's campaign focuses on three key areas:

Economic Development - Promoting workforce development programs with futuristic technological skill sets

Technology and Innovation - Creating an innovation think tank on campus to discover and enhance the newest technologies

National Security - Training students in cybersecurity to defend the community from cyber threats

Community Leadership

Soto has demonstrated community leadership as a former Community Organizer for Organizing for Action (OFA) and has advocated for local issues including supporting truckers' rights in Buellton and police accountability in Santa Maria.

Endorsement

The campaign has received early support from Winford "Peter" Naylor, author, economist, banker, and international executive retired from Santa Barbara City College, and graduate of William & Mary and Stanford University.

"I stand for a world where robotic technology works for the people and the people manage the robots. I stand for a world where we live in luxury and recreation while we earn income from the work of robots," concluded Soto. "Together, we can save time and energy at work while maximizing our earning potential."

About the Exploratory Committee

The Ricardo Santiago Soto for Allan Hancock Joint Community College District Board - Area 5 Trustee 2026 Exploratory Committee is dedicated to bringing innovative education solutions to the Santa Ynez Valley community.

For more information, visit: https://www.ricardosantiagosoto.org

Required Disclosure: This message was paid for by Ricardo Santiago Soto for Allan Hancock Joint Community College District Board - Area 5 Trustee 2026 Exploratory Committee

Marquis Who's Who