Bruce Gibson, 57, is a fifth-generation Californian who has lived in Cayucos and Cambria since 1989 with his wife, Grace Crittenden, and their family. Bruce and Grace have two grown sons, Brian and Scott. He has been active in San Luis Obispo County’s public issues for more than 15 years.
Bruce was first elected 2nd District Supervisor in 2006. Previously, he had compiled a long history of community service, starting on the Cayucos Community Advisory Council and the Cayucos Land Conservancy Board of Directors. In addition, Bruce was a trustee and former President of the Board of the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County. He served as the 2nd District representative to the SLO County Planning Commission in 2005-2006, prior to which he had served on a variety of committees for the County and local school districts (see complete list below).
After graduating from Pomona College, Gibson completed his master’s degree in geophysics at the University of Hawaii. In 1976, he took a job in Houston, Texas, doing research in exploration seismology. After eight years there, Bruce helped establish a seismic exploration program at Rice University, where he also earned his doctorate.
With the move to Cambria, Bruce switched fields from geophysics to agriculture. Since 1993, he and his family have lived on their ranch in rural Cayucos, where Bruce still farms the county’s oldest commercial orange grove. He is a licensed pilot and he loves all forms of recreation that involve being on, in, or under water.
Public Service
Bruce’s accomplishments during his memorable first term are listed on the home page. Before his election, Bruce was also part of some remarkable successes:
- The preservation of Estero Bluffs north of Cayucos – now a State Park
- The dramatic growth of the County Land Conservancy’s programs in land protection and habitat restoration
- The historic effort to permanently conserve 82,000 acres of the incomparable Hearst Ranch
On two occasions, Bruce has been honored to accept the SLO County Environmental Achievement Award on behalf of organizations he has worked with: In 2003, he was Board President when the Land Conservancy was recognized for its conservation and restoration efforts. In 2005, Hearst Ranch Conservation NOW was honored for its contributions to the Hearst Ranch conservation project.
The common thread in all these activities and his service as County Supervisor has been the drive to bring diverse groups of people together to solve sometimes contentious problems. Bruce’s ability to lead discussions and balance competing interests has produced an impressive record of accomplishment with public boards, community advisory councils, land trusts, school committees, and advocacy groups.
Present Responsibilities (2007 –present)
- County Supervisor, District 2, San Luis Obispo County (Chair, 2009)
- SLO Local Agency Formation Commission, County Representative
- SLO Council of Governments Board Member, currently Vice President
- Integrated Waste Management Authority Board Member, currently President
- California State Association of Counties Board Member – Chair, Government Finance and Operations Committee; Member, State Government Reform Task Force
Previous Community Activities
2005 – 2006 – Planning Commissioner, District 2, San Luis Obispo County
2005 – 2006 – Environmental Awards Selection Committee, SLO Community Foundation
2004 – Cayucos Education Support Committee, promoting the successful passage of a bond measure for the Cayucos Elementary School District
2004 – Co-chair, Hearst Ranch Conservation NOW, an independent advocacy group in support of the Hearst Ranch conservation project
2001 – 2006 – Board of Directors, Cayucos Land Conservancy, a private non-profit land trust
2000 – 2003 – Ag Preserve Review Committee, San Luis Obispo County, advisory committee for Williamson Act contract applications
1998 - 2006 – Board of Trustees, The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County, a private, non-profit land trust. President, 1999-2001 and 2002-2004
1998 - 1999 – Facilities Advisory/Oversight Committee, Coast Union School District, Cambria, CA
1995 – 2003 – Board of Directors, Santa Paula Orange Association, a grower-owned cooperative packing house within the Sunkist Growers system
1994 – 2003 – Cayucos Citizens Advisory Council, a community organization advising the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors. President 1994-1996 and 2001-2003
1992 - 1993 – School Site Council, Cambria Grammar School
