Steve Padilla was born in San Diego, California, and lives in Chula Vista. Padilla graduated from Bonita Vista High School in 1985. He also graduated from the Southwestern Police Academy. Padilla earned undergraduate degrees in liberal arts and public administration from Southwestern College and National University. Padilla was elected to the Chula Vista City Council in 1994, serving two terms. He served as mayor from 2002 to 2006.
