Supervisor Bob Nelson

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.

04/23/2025

This weekend, I had the pleasure of helping sponsor and host an Easter Egg Hunt for the Orcutt Youth Softball League at the Lakeview Jr. High School softball fields. Over 100 girls and their families joined in the fun!

A big thank you to the incredible volunteers, coaches, and families who make youth sports such a positive and safe experience for our community. Your dedication helps shape strong, confident, and connected young people—and that’s what it’s all about.

04/06/2025

It’s not everyday that you get quoted in the LA Times…

https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-04-06/texas-oil-firm-revive-drilling-santa-barbara

01/16/2025

Meet the new Second Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, Supervisor Bob Nelson from County of Santa Barbara! Supervisor Nelson took the Oath of Office at last week's Board of Directors meeting, administered by Congressman Doug LaMalfa.

See press release here: https://bit.ly/3PDrE5i

01/10/2025

I am thrilled and grateful for the chance to represent our incredible community and County at the state level. It’s a privilege I deeply cherish, and I can’t wait to advocate for our voices and needs!