who is gil rebollar: from halfway house to council chambers

edited by sarina e. guerra

When I attended #ImperialValleyCollege in 2009, fresh out of high school, it offered me the education I needed to take my first step into Journalism, and also an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. While attending, I had no idea one of those people would be involved in governing the city of Brawley, let alone be the current Mayor. The most charismatic guy I met while taking IVC’s Theater Arts class, Gil Rebollar, displayed his talents not only as a performer but also as someone who effortlessly connected with me and my friends, always making time to share a laugh. But there was an inner struggle going on with Gil. One that escalated soon after.

The Gil I knew back then was just from my limited perspective. We knew each other for a few months at IVC, and during that time, I saw him as a funny, outgoing guy in Theater Arts. It wasn’t until I saw him running for the school board, becoming part of the city council, and chatting with him years later that I realized how much more there was to his story and how his journey had shaped him into the leader he is today.

But before exploring where Gil is currently, let’s take a moment to uncover the story behind the man in the yellow tie and thrift store sweaters. I met Gil at his family’s restaurant, Brownie’s Diner, for an interview on December 16. I assured him we wouldn’t delve too deeply into our shared history at IVC, though our conversation touched on some of the challenges he faced along the way.

Growing Up in Brawley

If you were to turn the clock back about two decades ago, you’d find Gil visiting his cousins on J Street and his grandma, Mary Brown, on D Street in Brawley. Growing up on the East Side, he was often surrounded by his family, particularly his mom, Juanita, who kept him active from a young age and enrolled him in sports and art classes to keep him busy. “I’m just always on the go because I’ve been on the go since I was little.”

Gil’s first job was at the family’s other restaurant, Town Pump, where he worked as a busboy in sixth grade before moving on to Brownie’s Diner during high school. “I’m really grateful,” Gil said. He credits much of his accomplishments to his love of reading, which his mom instilled in him at an early age. “I like to think I’m smart,” he said, “People have said I’m smart, but it’s only because I read.” Reading two books at a time (non-fiction during the day and fiction at night) has helped shape how he communicates with others.

When asked if he had a lot of friends, Gil jokingly replied, “Of course, I’m a politician.” His natural charm and sense of humor has made him well-liked, and he was generally known as the class clown throughout his school years. Though his mischievous side never led to expulsion, it did result in the occasional phone call home. “Gilly’s not…” he said, quoting one of his teachers, before remembering an important detail about himself. He was raised as “Gilly”, a nickname that still sticks today. Now Mayor of Brawley, he opts to embrace it because he knows it speaks to the small community here that watched him grow. To them, he will always be “Gilly.”

Today, Gil isn’t a fan of the current neighborhood school system because he said it divides the students. In the not-too-distant past, however, he recalled a time when the schools were more unified, despite students and faculty being from different parts of town; a way of life that fostered lasting friendships across would-be barriers. “When I went to Hidalgo, I was with kids from the East Side and West Side. It just mingled us all together,” he explained. Looking back on high school, he added, “I was a good kid up until then, but high school brought…

Like many young people in the valley, Gil felt lost after high school. “I was like, ‘What do I want?’ I didn’t know,” he recalled, mulling over the confusion that led him down a destructive path. Football seemed like his way out, as he was a three-year varsity player who earned first-team honors during his junior year and drew interest from junior colleges and Division III programs. He had also been a multi-sport athlete, dabbling in baseball and even soccer during high school. “I would try different things,” he said. “If I wasn’t 5’7 and like 180, it would have been pretty cool, but size matters when it comes to athletics, and it can only take you so far.”

During his senior year, just before the playoffs, a broken shinbone derailed those dreams. “It happened during practice over Thanksgiving break,” Gil recalled. “It was a routine drill. I came up and tackled someone, which I’ve done hundreds of times before. It was no crazy drill. Just one of those things where things line up.” Instead of undergoing surgery, he chose to let the injury heal naturally. However, managing the pain with medication and living bedridden for a month caused him to fall behind in school, ultimately failing his English class. “Here I am, loving reading, writing, yet I didn’t even pass my English.”

Entering Rehab

By 21, after a second DUI and worsening drinking problem, Gil’s life was spiraling out of control. “I was lost,” he admitted, owning the fact that he struggled with addiction. “That leg break really put me down a path of self-destruction.” It wasn’t until he hit rock bottom that he checked into rehab to find the help he needed. With a daughter on the way and no clear path forward, he knew change was necessary. “My mom told me…

…and I could hear the disappointment in her voice. It wasn’t anger, it wasn’t frustration. Just disappointment.” That was the moment he knew he had to change. “If you really want to change, we’ll get you help but you have to be serious,” his parents told him. And he was serious. Soon, he found himself at a treatment center in Palm Desert.

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When Gil first arrived at rehab, he met a guy named Landon who asked him if he was serious about this. When Gil said yes, Landon replied that not everyone here is, but if he is, he was there to help and offered his hand in friendship. That simple interaction set the tone for his stay, and pushed him to commit fully to the program. Unlike others who left early, including Gil’s roommate who disappeared after the first week, Gil decided to make the most of those 30 days. He hadn’t told many people about his decision to enter rehab, only his wife, Holly, and a few close family members knew. The strict rules, like only having access to his phone for an hour each day, gave him the space to focus on making real changes in his life.

During that first week in rehab, Gil’s phone was flooded with texts asking where he was or what was happening that night. As time went on, the messages became less frequent, and by the end of his stay, they stopped altogether. None of those messages asked if he was okay or if he needed help, he said, they were only about where to find the next party or hookup. Disappearing from that lifestyle was eye-opening and humbling for Gil. While a few friends checked in and stayed connected, most people faded away, showing how shallow those relationships were. Coming into rehab ready for change allowed him to let everything fall into place.

During his recovery, Gil reflected on the people who had shaped his journey, including a counselor from Brooklyn. This tall, no-nonsense New Yorker pushed the group to open up about how the substances made them feel and to share the worst things they had done under the influence. He then posed a thought-provoking question: if a medication could provide the same feelings but came with harmful side effects, would you still take it? This experience forced Gil to confront his choices and take responsibility for his actions, with the 12-step program playing a crucial role in his journey. A sponsor, who had transformed his own life by earning a PhD and becoming a college professor, inspired Gil with a vision of what could be achieved.

Commitment to Substance Abuse Treatment

After rehab, Gil moved into a halfway house for about two months to transition back to the real world. The structure of rehab was replaced with more freedom, but there were still rules, like curfews and mandatory evening sessions. He volunteered at a thrift store, Angelview, reigniting his love for thrifting. This time allowed him to build better habits and prepare for his future, especially taking into consideration the arrival of his daughter. By the time Gil left, he felt he was ready to be a dad and provide for his family.

Living with other men in the halfway house created a sense of collectivity and provided a place where they could exchange ideas and encourage each other. Gil found it inspiring to be with others who were working through similar struggles. Despite the stigma surrounding addiction, Gil believes that halfway houses, done right, can improve communities.

…mentioned by Gil, illustrated how environment influences behavior. Isolated rats chose drug-laced water over regular water, while rats in stimulating environments ignored the drugs. This idea stuck with me, especially as a millennial scrolling through social media, and made me wonder how the same could apply to humans. Gil sees similar challenges in the valley, where issues like unemployment, lack of resources, and oppressive heat create conditions that drive people to use drugs as an escape. He believes that changing the environment to keep people engaged and active could help reduce substance abuse.

He said Holly has been a cornerstone of his recovery. “My wife today, that’s another support, too. She’s been with me throughout all that,” Gil said while emphasizing how she stood by him through his darkest days and continues to catch him when he falls. Although she isn’t interested in politics, her ability to see through “shadiness” has shaped his decisions. A strong advocate for substance abuse treatment, Gil believes the lack of accessible services shouldn’t prevent anyone from seeking help. With the growing #fentanylcrisis, he’s committed to expanding treatment options in the valley, driven by the belief that everyone deserves a second chance, regardless of affordability.

Working with seniors at the #AreaAgencyonAging helped prepare him for a transition into local politics. In order to gain a better understanding of the system, he started interviewing politicians and officials for a podcast he started, conducting over 200 interviews with casual conversations. This approach allowed him to build a network and make valuable connections.

As his daughter grew older, he noticed that none of the candidates running for the elementary school board were parents, despite his own daughter being about to enter the system. Seeing an opportunity to bring a parent’s perspective to the table, he decided to run. School board elections were relatively easy to enter. All he had to do was fill out paperwork, pay a fee, and he was in. He ran for school board and won first place, helping to implement a dual language program and bringing the #LatinoSchoolBoardAssociation’s summit to Brawley.

In 2020, he ran for city council to strengthen the connection between the city and schools, recognizing the importance of collaboration for the local economy. He focused on issues like road repairs near Oakley School, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the city and schools.

He pointed out that the issues his daughter faces today, such as high unemployment, the Salton Sea, and water rights, are the same ones he struggled with as a teen. This made him question why the valley isn’t getting the attention it deserves. He believes that the shift from blue to red locally reflects a desire for change rather than loyalty to any political party. People are tired of being ignored and isolated, he said. For Gil, being Mayor is a chance to represent Brawley and the valley with dignity, always aiming to have the community’s best interests in mind. He takes the responsibility of holding this position seriously and looks forward to making meaningful progress.

He acknowledged the challenges of working with the previous council, where long tenures and entrenched methods made progress difficult. Despite this, he felt the council worked together, especially in areas like public safety, with successful collaborations on grants and partnerships. Now, with a new council, Gil is excited about starting fresh, focusing on fostering transparency to ensure everyone is informed. He aims to move the city forward cautiously, avoiding overpromises, and instead wants to build on what Brawley already has, by revitalizing downtown and supporting local businesses rather than relying on external solutions.

He expressed concerns about relying on quick-fix solutions, like #LithiumValley, to address broader issues such as addiction, the environment, and community development. While money is important, he believes the focus should be on looking inward and growing from within.

He acknowledged the ongoing stigma surrounding addiction in the community, with a history of challenges in accessing services. A conversation about treatment will soon take place, and although he cannot take a public stance before the vote, he looks forward to addressing the issue with the community. He noted that drug problems, particularly in the valley, are not new, citing the region’s historical reputation as a hotspot for heroin. The drugs have become stronger, cheaper, and more accessible, but the need for services remains critical. Gil emphasized that it’s about helping people, not about politics.

The Role of Family

The Mayor acknowledged the tough love and accountability his family provided during his difficult moments. “It wasn’t as if they simply allowed me to continue getting in trouble,” Gil explained. “They helped me stay accountable. They gave me tough love, but…

He received his share of wake-up calls and reality checks, but when he made the decision to change, his family was there to assist him. Rebollar pointed out that many families fail to provide that same support, leaving individuals to face the consequences of their actions on their own.

“I think the importance of family is everything,” he said, reflecting on the constant encouragement he has received from his wife, daughter, parents, and grandmother. He acknowledged the value of the roots that helped him get to where he is today, despite the challenges he has faced. “There’s always that support,” he continued, “founded on strong family roots, that no matter the ups and downs, we’re always there.” Gil is especially grateful for his second chance in life and is aware that many others haven’t had that opportunity. “How do we give them an opportunity to succeed?” he asked.

The Craft of Storytelling

As the conversation went on, I asked Gil about his music tastes, as they often stay with us throughout our lives. “Last year, it was more techno, but this year it’s Kendrick,” he said. He mentions that his top five songs were from the Kendrick-Drake beef, which he studied for their impressive writing. “It was essentially two poets writing poems about each other,” he explained, showing appreciation for the cool beats and flows while respecting the craft of good writing.

Near the end of our discussion, Gil’s love for stand-up comedy emerged as he shared how this passion developed after high school. For a summer, he pursued stand-up in Los Angeles, attending open mics each weekend to hone his craft. Although his comedy career never took off, he cherishes the experience as a period of growth, recalling both the thrill of performing and the sting of bombing when opening for Felipe Esparza. Today, Gil’s appreciation for comedy endures, often using humor in his city council role to connect with others and bring good energy wherever he goes.

Even now, Gil remains active in the comedy scene, frequently visiting the Comedy Store in Hollywood and attending performances by famous comedians, such as Anthony Jeselnik and Marc Maron, his favorite being Dave Attell. “I really respect what comedians do,” he said. He often takes fellow elected officials and Holly to comedy shows, demonstrating his deep admiration for the art form. He sees comedy as a skillful craft that blends timing, storytelling, and vulnerability.

Despite his achievements, Gil remains grounded in the love of his family and friends, including longtime friend Andrew Arevalo, who has been a constant presence in his life, with each of them playing a significant role in Gil’s growth. Throughout his journey, from class clown to public service, Gil has shown humor, resilience, and a deep connection to Brawley fueled by the unwavering love and encouragement of those closest to him.

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The following clip, one of Gil Rebollar’s favorites by comedian Bo Burnham, a music bit that critiques the commercialization of modern art in society.

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