Steven Funkhouser

Funkhouser, who opened Emporium at Area15, provides kid-like fun for adults through arcade games and craft cocktails.

He is challenging Gloria Soto for her District 3 seat on Santa Maria City Council and has garnered support from multiple labor unions and Democrats politicians.

Early Life and Education

Steven Funkhouser was raised in Santa Maria and attended Fesler Junior High, Santa Maria High, and Allan Hancock College. A small business owner himself, he is active with several nonprofit organizations as a volunteer or board member and opened Starry Sky Coffee on the Allan Hancock College campus in 2009; furthermore he is father to Starr and Skyler Funkhouser.

He currently serves as chairman and charter adviser of the Elks Lodge Antlers Youth Program as well as president of Santa Maria Valley Contractors Association. His campaign focuses on public safety as well as downtown revitalization.

He faces incumbent Gloria Soto in District 3, and obstetrician Carol Karamitsos from District 4. Both candidates have earned endorsements from labor unions and Democratic politicians in New York City.

Professional Career

Steven Funkhouser is an active community member. He currently serves on the Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley board and participates in multiple local nonprofit organizations. Based out of Santa Maria with his wife Hollie and daughters Starr and Skyler.

He also brings extensive hospitality experience, having worked as a bartender at several restaurants and bars before opening his own establishment, the Emporium at Area15, in 2017. Here you can find local art, classic pinball machines, video games, craft cocktails and much more – making for a unique dining experience!

Funkhouser’s campaign announcement states that he will work to support law enforcement. Furthermore, he holds great passion for his community and its residents – having contributed his time and services with Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley and serving as charter advisor of Elks Lodge Antlers Youth Program to better children’s health and wellbeing.

Achievement and Honors

As a jazz pianist and bassist, Funkhouser has performed extensively throughout Boston with world musicians including Grammy winners Leo Blanco, Francisco Mela, Pablo Bencid and Tierney Sutton. Additionally, he has recorded for jazz artists like Abe Laboriel Sr., Joe Lovano and Steve Gadd.

He has an intense dedication to community and small business development, serving on the board of Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley and as chairman of Leadership Santa Maria Valley. Additionally, he is known for supporting law enforcement agencies and advocating for public safety throughout his City of residence.

Lawrence W. Funkhouser will receive the award during AAPG’s annual meeting in Dallas on April 18th – one of 37 members who will receive awards on that date.

Personal Life

Funkhouser’s poetry has appeared in many publications and collections, such as The New Yorker, Ploughshares, Boston Review and Massachusetts Review. Her poems about Sacagawea and Annie Oakley have even been staged at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory theatre! Her collection Earthly was published in 2008.

She currently resides in Essex, Massachusetts, with her husband and two children. Additionally to her professional work, she writes plays and poetry – she’s even part of Helicon Theatre Company! Plus she has written several children’s plays.

She holds an avid devotion for her community and participates in numerous civic activities, serving as board member of Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley as well as offering support for law enforcement.

Net Worth

Steven Funkhouser reportedly boasts an estimated net worth of $5 Million. As a professional musician, he has collaborated with Grammy winners Joe Lovano and Charles Neville; Abe Laboriel Sr; Steve Gadd; Luciana Souza as well as classical groups Cornell University Glee Club and Newton Community Chorus.

He uploads skateboarding content to tfunkb, where his skateboarding has earned sponsorship from Baker Skateboards, DC Shoes & Apparel and Spitfire Wheels. He currently resides with his wife and two children in Santa Maria, California.

He holds an affinity for his home city of Santa Maria Valley and is passionate about its health and well-being, serving on its board as Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley board member and actively engaging in programs designed to educate youth about harmful drugs and alcohol use.