E. Howard Green Will Seek Santa Barbara College Board Seat
The 88-year-old student plans to run for a four-year term on the community college board this November.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Adult Education
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E. Howard Green, an 88-year-old resident, will compete for a seat on the Santa Barbara Community College Board of Trustees in November 2026. He is running to fill the vacancy created as incumbent Marsha Croninger does not seek re-election.
Why it matters
Green aims to influence policy on student health fees, transit services, and campus facility management. His campaign also focuses on addressing employee salary structures following concerns over recent executive pay raises.
Candidate E. Howard Green has completed 45 credit courses and 33 enrichment classes at the college. He faces 44-year-old opponent Dominique Luján for the four-year board term.
The players
E. Howard Green
He is an 88-year-old student and Independent voter who has lived in Santa Barbara for 20 years.
Dominique Luján
He is the 44-year-old opponent running against Green for the open seat on the Board of Trustees.
Erika Endrijonas
She serves as the Superintendent-President of the college and has overseen recent multi-year salary adjustments.
Marsha Croninger
She is the incumbent board member who chose not to seek re-election to the Santa Barbara Community College Board of Trustees.
The details
Green, an Independent voter, has attended board and committee meetings to evaluate current operations and policies. He is prioritizing the management of $198 million in Proposition P bond money as the college prepares its infrastructure for 2036.
Timeline
Green has taken classes at district campuses over the past 15 years.
He learned the incumbent would not seek re-election in early summer 2026.
Green observed a board meeting regarding instructor raises on September 10, 2026.
He attended a board retreat on September 15, 2026.
The target year for long-term facilities planning is 2036.
Roadmap
The campaign highlights the ongoing struggle to balance long-term campus infrastructure projects with rising administrative costs. It follows a pattern of local candidates seeking to direct the future of taxpayer-funded educational facilities.
The election of a new trustee will directly influence future student health fee structures and local bus service availability on campus. Residents may see changes in how the college manages its budget and allocates funds for future building projects.
The takeaway
Green's candidacy underscores the active role community members can take in shaping local institutional oversight. His platform encourages voters to consider how board policies directly affect both student costs and campus infrastructure development.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic initiatives in the Adult Education section.
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Should local board candidates prioritize their professional experience over official political party endorsements?
