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Home My WebLink About2026/03/10 Post Agenda Packet Date:Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Location:City Hall, Bldg. A, Executive Conference Room #103 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Notice is hereby given that the City Council has called and will convene a special meeting of the City Council at the time and location stated on this agenda _______________________________________________________________________________________ In-Person Public Comments: Submit a request to speak to City Clerk staff before the close of the public comment period on an item or before the close of the general Public Comment period for non-agenda items. Electronic Public Comments: At chulavistaca.gov/councilmeetings, locate the meeting and click the comment bubble icon. Select the item and click "Leave Comment." You may also email cityclerk@chulavistaca.gov. eComments, emails, and other written comments must be received by the day of the meeting at noon for a regular meeting or three hours before the start time for a special meeting. Accessibility: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at cityclerk@chulavistaca.gov or (619) 691- 5041. Providing at least 48 hours' notice will help ensure that reasonable arrangements can be made. Gov. Code § 84308 Regulations: To promote transparency and fairness in the governmental decision-making process, there are rules to prevent public officials from being unfairly influenced by contributors to their campaigns. The type of activity these laws were enacted to limit is often referred to as “pay-to-play,” and is governed in California by Government Code section 84308. Parties to any proceedings involving a “license, permit, or other entitlement for use,” as that term is defined in the Political Reform Act, pending before the City Council must disclose any campaign contribution over $500 (aggregated) within the preceding 12 months made by the party, their agent, and those required to be aggregated with their contributions under Gov. Code § 82015.5. The disclosure must include the amount contributed and the name(s) of the contributor(s). "G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: Yes" on this agenda indicates that the item is subject to these regulations. Complete Agenda Packet: The agenda packet, including staff reports, draft resolutions and ordinances, and other backup materials, is available at chulavistaca.gov/councilmeetings or the City Clerk's Office. Pages 1.CALL TO ORDER 2.ROLL CALL 3.ACTION ITEMS 3.1 Interviews and Consideration of Appointments to the South County Higher Education Planning Task Force 4 Report Number: 26-0086 Location: University-Innovation District Department: City Manager G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: No Environmental Notice: The Project is adequately covered in a previously certified Final Environmental Impact Report (“FEIR”) for the Chula Vista University & Innovation District (FEIR-14-01; SCH #2014121097; certified by City Council Resolution No. 2018-221 on November 13, 2018). RECOMMENDED ACTION: Conduct interviews of the applicants for the South County Higher Education Planning Task Force who submitted a qualified application during the application period to fill Public Member vacancies and make the appointments as appropriate. The following applicants will be interviewed: Adrian Arancibia, Patricia Bacame, Tiffany Deal Hecklinski, Valita Jones, Gala Ledezma, and Jesse Lopez. 4.CLOSED SESSION Announcements of actions taken in closed session shall be made available by noon on the next business day following the City Council meeting at the City Attorney's office in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code 54957.7) 4.1 Conference with Legal Counsel Regarding Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) Name of case: Cynthia Clifton v. City of Chula Vista, San Diego Superior Court Case No. 24CU016325C City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Page 2 of 50 5.ADJOURNMENT to the regular City Council meeting on March 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Materials provided to the City Council related to an open session item on this agenda are available for public review, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at cityclerk@chulavistaca.gov or (619) 691-5041. Sign up at www.chulavistaca.gov to receive email notifications when City Council agendas are published online. City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Page 3 of 50 v . 0 0 5 P a g e | 1 March 10, 2026 ITEM TITLE Interviews and Consideration of Appointments to the South County Higher Education Planning Task Force Report Number: 26-0086 Location: University-Innovation District Department: City Manager G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: No Environmental Notice: The Project is adequately covered in a previously certified Final Environmental Impact Report (“FEIR”) for the Chula Vista University & Innovation District (FEIR-14-01; SCH #2014121097; certified by City Council Resolution No. 2018-221 on November 13, 2018). Recommended Action Conduct interviews of the applicants for the South County Higher Education Planning Task Force who submitted a qualified application during the application period to fill Public Member vacancies and make the appointments as appropriate. The following applicants will be interviewed: Adrian Arancibia, Patricia Bacame, Tiffany Deal Hecklinski, Valita Jones, Gala Ledezma, and Jesse Lopez. SUMMARY Assembly Bill 662, authored by Assemblymember David Alvarez, establishes the South County Higher Education Planning Task Force, creating a collaborative body that will bring together the City of Chula Vista, University of California, California State University, California Community Colleges, Sweetwater Union High School District and other stakeholders. Among the Task Force membership is at least one public member to be appointed by the City of Chula Vista. Following a call for applications, the City received 55 submissions from interested community members. On February 10, 2026, the City Council nominated six individuals to proceed to an interview. Following the interviews, the City Council may deliberate and consider making appointments to the Task Force. Page 4 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda P a g e | 2 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The Project has been reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and it has been determined that the Project is adequately covered in a previously certified Final Environmental Impact Report for the Chula Vista University & Innovation District (FEIR-14- 01; SCH #2014121097; certified by City Council Resolution No. 2018-221 on November 13, 2018). Therefore, no further environmental review is required. BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION Not applicable. DISCUSSION Authored by Assemblymember David Alvarez, Assembly Bill (AB) 662 establishes the South County Higher Education Planning Task Force, a collaborative body to advance university planning efforts. The Task Force membership includes representation from:  At least one representative from San Diego State University appointed by the Chancellor of the California State University.  At least one representative from Southwestern College appointed by the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges.  At least one representative from the University of California, San Diego, appointed by the President of the University of California.  At least one representative from the City of Chula Vista.  At least one representative from the Sweetwater Union High School District.  At least one public member appointed by the City of Chula Vista.  At least one representative appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.  At least one representative appointed by the President pro Tempore of the Senate. All task force members shall be South County residents or individuals who work or have a vested interest in the area. The Task Force will be responsible for: 1. Identifying and recommending potential governance structures for the mixed-use intersegmental educational facility, including, but not limited to, consortia and other collaborative models. 2. Identifying and analyzing potential site locations and infrastructure requirements. 3. Identifying and recommending potential funding mechanisms, resources, and partnerships for the mixed-use intersegmental educational facility. 4. Recommending legislative solutions to remove barriers to institutional innovation. The Task Force is required to submit a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations to the California Legislature by July 1, 2027. Page 5 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda P a g e | 3 City Appointments On December 2, 2025, City Council designated City Manager Tiffany Allen to represent the City of Chula Vista on the Task Force. The City Council is also required to appoint at least one public member. City staff conducted a call for applications and received 55 qualified submissions by the January 9, 2026 deadline. On February 10, 2026, the City Council nominated six individuals including: Adrian Arancibia, Patricia Bacame, Tiffany Deal Hecklinski, Valita Jones, Gala Ledezma, and Jesse Lopez to proceed to an interview. Their applications are provided in Attachment 2. City staff recommends the appointment of three public member(s) representing various perspectives including those in the business and innovation sector, higher education staff, and students. DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.). Staff is not independently aware and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter. CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT There is no current-year fiscal impact as a result of this action. ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT There is no ongoing fiscal impact as a result of this action. ATTACHMENTS 1. South County Higher Education Planning Task Force Roster 2. Applications Packet Staff Contact: Adrianna Relph, Special Projects & Legislative Manager Tiffany Allen, City Manager Page 6 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda South County Higher Education Planning Task Force Membership February 25, 2026 Appointing Authority Task Force Member Appointments California State University Chancellor appoints at least 1 member Dr. Bill Tong, Provost and Senior Vice President, SDSU California Community College Chancellor appoints at least 1 member Dr. Mark Sanchez, Superintendent/President Southwestern College Dr. Zaneta Encarnacion, Chief of Staff, Office of the Superintendent/President SWC University of California President appoints at least 1 member Dr. John C. Moore, John C. Moore, Professor, Department of Linguistics, Dean, Undergraduate Education Dr. Olivia A. Graeve, Elias Masry Endowed Professor in Engineering, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, UC San Diego; Chair emerita, UC San Diego Divisional Academic Senate Chula Vista appoints at least 1 City representative Tiffany Allen, Chula Vista City Manager Sweetwater Union High School District appoints at least 1 member Dr. Moises Aguirre, Superintendent, Sweetwater High School District Alt: Dr. Vernon Moore Assistant Superintendent of Educational Equity and Support Services Chula Vista appoints at least 1 public member City public appointments in process (3) CA Assembly Speaker appoints at least 1 member Clarissa Falcon, Principal Owner and Consultant, Falcon Strategies CA Senate President pro Tempore appoints at least 1 member Maria Anguiano, Entrepreneur in Residence, College Futures Foundation Virginia Guerra, Navy Commander, Equal Employment Specialist Page 7 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda South County Higher Education Task Force Public Member Applications Name Page No. Dr. Adrian Arancibia 2 Patricia Bacame 9 Dr. Tiffany Deal Hecklinski 15 Dr. Valita Jones 21 Gala Ledezma 32 Jesse Lopez 37 Page 8 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Submission Recorded On 01/08/2026 5:14 PM Time to Take Survey 11 minutes, 54 seconds Applicant Information *Full Name Dr. Adrian Arancibia * *Home Address bonita CA 91902 United States *Phone Business *I certify that the following statement applies to me: I live, work, or have a vested interest in South County San Diego. If you own and/or operate a business and/or property with a physical address in the City of Chula Vista or South County San Diego, list the physical address of the business or property; if this does not apply to you, skip to the next question. Business Address n/a * 45 years Employment San Diego Community College District/Sweetwater Union High School District Professor of English and Chicano Studies/Board Trustee *Have you ever been employed by the City of Chula Vista? Yes Parks and Recreation 1986-1989 Experience *Please indicate the area(s) in which you have expertise and experience, or select None: (select as many as applicable) Binational Education Higher Education (Student or Faculty) Other: Secondary Education Governance - Board Trustee Sweetwater Union HSD * I have worked as an educator for over 35 years. I began as a substitute teacher in the South Bay at various districts and became a contract bilingual 3rd grade teacher in 1996. I then worked at UC San Diego as a Teaching Assistant and Lecturer while obtaining my M.A. in English and Ph.D. in Comparative Literature. I am currently a professor of English and Chicano Studies at San Diego Community College District where I have worked for 21 years. I have worked as Department Chair and Asst Chair. *Are you currently serving on any board or commission for Chula Vista or any other governmental agency? Yes Sweetwater Union High School District Board Trustee * I want to provide my expertise in the development of programs and enrollment management for a university. I also would like to offer my expertise as an English instructor and advocate. I am currently a board member for th California Reading and Literacy Program at the University of California Office of the President. * I have lived in the South Bay for over 45 years. I am a graduate of Bonita Vista High School and was part of their first International Baccalaureate Program. I am also a product of the Parks and Recreation program at Chula Vista. I both participated in youth sports and refereed and coached in this program. I also was part of the famed choir, The Music Machine. * Email How long have you been a resident and/or owned and operated a business and/or property in the City of Chula Vista and/or the South County of San Diego? Present Employer Position If you have worked for the City of Chula Vista please, provide the department and dates of employment. If you selected one or more of the areas of expertise and experience above, please describe your expertise and experience that you would bring to the selected area(s). (250 words or less) If so, which one? What do you hope to accomplish in the role of a public member representative on the South County Higher Education Task Force? Please provide a brief description of connection to South County. South County Higher Education Task Force Page 9 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda As noted earlier, I have been part of various community groups such as the California Reading and Literacy Program in the University of California's Office of the President. I am also on the facilities committee at Sweetwater Union High School District. Are you able to commit the time required for Task Force meetings, subcommittee work, public outreach, and other responsibilities through the life of the Task Force (Final report and recommendations will be due no later than July 1, 2027)? Yes Submission of a resume with this application is required for consideration. Please upload a valid document below. *Attachment CV - Adrian Arancibia 5.23.25.pdf *Disclosure I understand that this application and any documents submitted in connection with the application process are public records and may be publicly disclosed. *Where did you hear about this vacancy? City Board/Commission Member or Staff In what ways have you previously engaged with the community (organizations, civic groups, local government, community planning, outreach, advocacy, etc.)? Page 10 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Adrián Arancibia Curriculum Vitae Bonita, CA 91902 Education University of California, San Diego, Ph.D. Literature, 2012 Dissertation: Spirits in a Material World: Representations of Gentrification in U.S. Urban Centers Advisor: Rosaura Sánchez Work in 20th Century American and Latin American Literature, Race Theory and Ethnic Studies, Chican@/Latin@ Literature in the U.S. University of California, San Diego, M.A. English Literature, 2002 Thesis: Taco Shop Poetry: Reflections on identity politics from a transformative Chican@ poetics Advisor: Rosaura Sánchez University of California, San Diego, B.A in Creative Writing and Spanish Literature, 1994 Community Leadership School Board Trustee Elected to Sweetwater Union High School District Board of Trustees Nov. 2020 College Leadership Experience Chair English, World Languages, and Ethnic Studies - San Diego Community College District Miramar Campus 2021-Present Assistant Chair English and World Languages - San Diego Community College District Miramar Campus 2015-2021 Teaching Experience Full Professor, San Diego Community College District – Miramar Campus, 2005-Present Courses taught include: English 101: Reading and Introductory Composition English 205: Rhetoric and Advanced Composition English 105: Literature and Introductory Composition English 249: Introduction to Creative Writing Edited and organized campus literary publication. U.C. California Reading and Literacy Project Board Member 2017-Present Direct and Consult a project that provides Professional Development to educators. San Diego Poetry Annual Regional Editor 2017-Present Editing and outreach for the San Diego Poetry Annual publication. Adjunct Professor, San Diego Community College District – Miramar Campus, 2004-05 (See above) Opinion/Editorial Columnist, San Diego Union Tribune – Enlace 2004-05 Page 11 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Vice President, Voz Alta Nonprofit Gallery 2002 – 2005 Officer participating in fundraising and outreach. Literary Arts Director, Voz Alta Literary Arts Project Non-Profit 1999 – 2005 Directed and scheduled after school workshops emphasizing creative writing and literature. Editor, Chorizo Tonguefire Press 1999 – 2002 Collected and edited works of San Diego poets for the Taco Shop Poets Anthology. Director Native Tongues… Poetry Reading Series. Voz Alta Literary Non-Profit, El Campo Ruse Theater & Porter Randall Art Gallery 1994 –2002 Developed, produced, and promoted poetry readings in the greater San Diego area. Teaching Assistant, Creative Writing, University of California, San Diego, 2000-2002 Literatures in Writing 8B: Introduction to Poetry Teaching Assistant, Teacher Education Program, University of California, San Diego, 2004 Sociology 117: Sociology of Education. Teaching Assistant, Spanish, University of California, San Diego, 2003-2005 Literatures in Spanish 2A: Readings and Composition Reading Assistant, Literatures of the Americas, University of California, San Diego, 2003. Literatures of the Americas 108: Intellectual and political traditions: The Chicano Movement 1965-1975 Research Assistant, Spencer Research Group, University of California, San Diego. 2004-2005 Worked under Dr. Hugh Mehan investigating the impact of school reform in San Diego Unified School District. Grants Administrator. Taco Shop Poetry Collective 1994 – 2000 Generated and managed California Arts Council grants: Multicultural Entry Grant, Rural and Inner City Touring Grant and Next Generation Grant. Literary Arts Advisor Quemarropa - 7Forty Artists Group October 1995 Solo Café (Produced at El Campo Ruse) August-September 1995 Don Pollo - 7Forty Artists Group November 1994 Elementary School Teacher, National School District Single Subject Instructor – 3rd Grade Teacher Program Co-Coordinator. Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego Crossfertilizations: Artists on the Cutting Edge III 1993 Coordinated and booked writers and performers for performances at the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego Publications "Estos Turnos" &"José José Died" published in Tribes Literary Journal Page 12 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda "hojita. el latido del corazón", published in the anthology, Tlacuilx: Tongues in Quarantine by Hinchas Press. "A Taco Shop Poet History", Latino Studies Journal Poems of Exhaustion/Poemas de agotamiento Parentheses BC Press. 2019 The Keeper/El Guardador Editorial Ratona Cartonera Mexico City February 2013 Sugarskull Sueños Tinta Vox Press. May 2012 “A Review of Day of the Dead in the USA: The Migration and Transformation of a Cultural Phenomenon” Aztlán: A Journal of Chicano Studies, U.C. Los Angeles Spring 2011 “Postmodernity and the Latin American City: Mexico City and The Savage Detectives” Black Renaissance Noire New York University Press Fall 2009 “Review of Atacama Poems” a conversation between Paul Flores and Adrián Arancibia Aztlán: A Journal of Chicano Studies, U.C. Los Angeles Spring 2009 Atacama Poems – City Works Press 2007 Intersection –The Taco Shop Poets with raúlrsalinas and José Montoya Chorizo Tonguefire Press 2004 Chorizo Tonguefire - The Taco Shop Poets Anthology Chorizo Tonguefire Press 1999 Chorizo Tonguefire the CD - The Taco Shop Poets Calaca Press 1999 Raza Spoken Here Vol. 1 Calaca Press 1999 Exploded Views - A San Diego Spoken Word Compilation Incommunicado Press 1995 Committees San Diego Community College District Honors Committee San Diego Community College Diversity and International Education Committee Miramar College San Diego Unified School District Latino Advisory Committee San Diego Unified School District Lectures/Presentations RUCO/RUTAS CONTEMPORANEAS/Museo Regional Tarapaca December 2021 Reading and Lecture Page 13 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Pacific Ancient and Modern Language Association, November 2016 “Humanities at the Crossroads or the Mall?: The Metaphoric Contradictions of our Public Personas” Southwest Council of Latin American Studies, March 2014 “@16thStProject” South Atlantic Modern Language Association, November 2012 “Reading postmodernity in the Latin American city: Mexico City through the lens of Roberto Bolaño's Los detectives salvajes.” Durham, NC. National Association of African American Studies, October 2011 “Spirits in a Material World: Representations of gentrification in Chicano/Latino literature and drama.” San Diego, CA LACMA/ Tropico de nopal, September 2008 Moderator for community discussion on Phantom Sightings: Art After the Chicano Movement. Los Angeles, CA Universidad Autónoma Nacional de Mexico – Casa Del Lago 2005 “El Spoken Word y Hip-Hop in the U.S.: Un análisis cultural comparativo”/ “Spoken Word Poetry and Hip-Hop in the U.S. : A comparative cultural analysis” Mexico City, DF Multi Ethnic Literatures in the United States, March 2005 “Nuyorican Poets and The Taco Shop Poets: An analysis of spaces of cultural production and Latino performance poetics in the 1990s” Chicago, IL Features in documentaries Americanos: Latino Life in the United States Documentary, HBO Productions Visiones Documentary, Public Broadcasting Corporation Canadian Public Television “Voz Alta”, Cox Cable Channel 4 San Diego “An Interview with the Taco Shop Poets” UC Santa Barbara Television Readings Museo del Chopo, Mexico City, Mexico 2013 Bookfair of the Palacio de Minería, Mexico City, Mexico 2013 Avenue 50, Los Angeles, CA 2012 Boston University, Boston MA 1999, 2001 Chicano Park, San Diego CA, 2001 Columbia University, New York NY 1999 Elliot Bay Books, Seattle WA 2010 La Peña, Berkeley CA 1997, 1998, 1999, 2012 Movimiento Arte y Cultura Latina Americana, San Jose CA 1996, 1998 Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego, CA 1998 Nuyorican Poets Café, New York, NY 1999, 2001 San Diego City College, San Diego CA 2006 San Diego State University, San Diego CA 2000, 2001 Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA 1998 Sidestreets Arts, Los Angeles, CA, 1995 Sushi Performance and Art Gallery, San Diego CA 2005 The National Mexican Museum (Reading and Residencies) 2002,2004 Tropico De Nopal 2002, 2003, 2004 University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA1998 Page 14 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA 2002 University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara CA 2003 University of California Riverside, Riverside CA 1995 Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Casa Del Lago, Mexico City MX 2005 University of San Diego, CA 2002 Western Washington State, San Diego CA 2001, 2003 A complete list of readings available upon request. References Rosaura Sánchez, U.C. San Diego, Jaime Concha, U.C. San Diego, Pasquale Verdicchio, Quincy Troupe, Judy Patacsil, San Diego Miramar College, David Avalos, Cal State San Marcos, Francisco Escobedo, Chula Vista Element. School District, Page 15 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Submission Recorded On 01/03/2026 8:19 PM Time to Take Survey 27 minutes, 44 seconds Applicant Information *Full Name Ms. Patricia Bacame * *Home Address Chula Vista CA 91911 USA *Phone Business *I certify that the following statement applies to me: I live, work, or have a vested interest in South County San Diego. If you own and/or operate a business and/or property with a physical address in the City of Chula Vista or South County San Diego, list the physical address of the business or property; if this does not apply to you, skip to the next question. Business Address **SKIPPED** * 35 years Employment San Diego Unified School District Community Schools Coordinator *Have you ever been employed by the City of Chula Vista? No **SKIPPED** Experience *Please indicate the area(s) in which you have expertise and experience, or select None: (select as many as applicable) Higher Education (Student or Faculty) * I worked for decades in local high schools as a college readiness advisor. I assisted thousands of high school students with transitioning to Southwestern College, SDSU, UCSD and other post-secondary institutions. I have worked for the SDSU EOP / SUHSD Compact for Success Outreach program and UCSD Admissions. I attended Southwestern College and SDSU. *Are you currently serving on any board or commission for Chula Vista or any other governmental agency? No **SKIPPED** * I aim to bring a student-centered, equity-driven perspective that strengthens access and outcomes for South Bay students. With decades of experience in college readiness, advising, and work at SDSU and UCSD, along with my lived experience as a first-generation, low-income student and daughter of immigrants, I seek to advance clear pathways, cross-sector collaboration, and policies that support students from high school through a post-secondary institution. * I have lived in the South Bay for 35 years, in various neighborhoods. I own a home in Chula Vista. I have worked with various SUHSD high schools and the SDSU/EOP Compact for Success Outreach program. My children attend Bonita Vista High School. I attended Southwestern College. * Email How long have you been a resident and/or owned and operated a business and/or property in the City of Chula Vista and/or the South County of San Diego? Present Employer Position If you have worked for the City of Chula Vista please, provide the department and dates of employment. If you selected one or more of the areas of expertise and experience above, please describe your expertise and experience that you would bring to the selected area(s). (250 words or less) If so, which one? What do you hope to accomplish in the role of a public member representative on the South County Higher Education Task Force? Please provide a brief description of connection to South County. In what ways have you previously engaged with the community (organizations, civic groups, local government, community planning, outreach, South County Higher Education Task Force Page 16 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda I have been the Chair Board for Cal-SOAP, a college readiness initiative. I am on the Board for the San Diego Education Fund, which gives scholarships to San Diego students. I was a founding member of my childrens' school Parent Student Association (PSA), Parent Student Association (ELAC), and Site Governance Team (SGT) - president of the PSA and ELAC. Member of MANA de San Diego. I have volunteered at the San Diego Rapid Response Network, Jewish Family Service of San Diego, and the Girl Scouts. Are you able to commit the time required for Task Force meetings, subcommittee work, public outreach, and other responsibilities through the life of the Task Force (Final report and recommendations will be due no later than July 1, 2027)? Yes Submission of a resume with this application is required for consideration. Please upload a valid document below. *Attachment resume south bay task force.pdf *Disclosure I understand that this application and any documents submitted in connection with the application process are public records and may be publicly disclosed. *Where did you hear about this vacancy? City’s Social Media advocacy, etc.)? Page 17 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Patricia Bacame linkedin.com/in/patricia-bacame CORE COMPETENCIES: ● Interpersonal Relations / Collaboration among diverse groups ● Advising / Counseling Skills with students ● Post-secondary Admissions and Financial Aid ● Program Management / Strategic Planning and Implementation ● Federal, U.S. Department of Education, State, and campus applicable policies, procedures, regulations, guidelines, and requirements knowledge ● Leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion / fully bilingual in Spanish EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION Master of Arts in Education with an Emphasis in Multicultural Counseling through the Community-Based Block (C.B.B.), San Diego State University, San Diego, CA Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI Certificate in Supervisory Skills, Non-Profit Management Solutions, San Diego, CA Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion, eCornell, Ithaca, NY Certificate as an Intervention Specialist, CSU Teacher and Educator Preparation California Academic Partnership Program (CAPP) PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, San Diego, CA Community Schools Site Coordinator (2023 - present) ● Implement best practices and strategies for the development of a model Community School ● Compile, prepare, and/or supervise the preparation, compilation, and maintenance of a variety of needs assessments, statistical reports, special studies and observations, and project activities. ● Represent the District and assigned site at conferences, committees, and meetings; act as the liaison to administrators, consultants, school teams, community organizations, other departments, and school sites. ● Develop, evaluate, implement, revise, interpret, and explain district and Community Schools pillars, objectives, strategies, best practices, policies, and procedures to the staff and the public. ● Develop, evaluate, coordinate, and lead Community Schools Programs and services. ● Assist in the development, evaluation, and allocation of the site-specific Community School budget and monitor budget expenditures. SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY, San Diego, CA Lead Outreach Coordinator / First Year Experience Lecturer at Educational Opportunity Programs, Outreach and Success (EOPOS) / Compact for Success Outreach (2022 – 2023) ● Strengthen partnerships and represent department at conferences, committees, and meetings; act as the liaison with students, parents, schools, community organizations, and other campus departments Page 18 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda ● Develop best practices and strategies for evaluating, coordinating, and leading bilingual outreach programs in K-12 schools, to promote a post-secondary culture, especially among underserved schools ● Develop, evaluate, implement, revise, interpret, and explain department objectives, strategies, best practices, policies, and procedures to the staff and the public ● Build a strong student and professional staff thru recruitment, hiring, onboarding, coordinating professional development, training and leadership building ● Compile, prepare, and supervise the preparation, compilation, and maintenance of a variety of needs assessments, statistical reports, manuals, handbooks, and project activities ● Assist in the development, evaluation, and allocation of the Outreach budget and monitor budget expenditures ● Identify and support writing and submission of funding opportunities WAHUPA EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, San Diego, CA Director for the TRIO Educational Talent Search Projects (2010 – 2022) ● Organized, coordinated, participated in, and scheduled bilingual orientations, workshops, and presentations for students, parents, and high school staff on post-secondary admissions and financial aid, with individual and group counseling (face to face and online), tutoring, mentoring, and campus visits for students who were historically low-income and/or educationally disadvantaged ● Established and maintained collaborative partnerships with San Diego schools and school districts, post-secondary institutions, college access programs, community organizations, governmental agencies, and the community at large via Memos of Understanding (MOU), committee leadership positions, and attending conferences / trainings ● Ensured organizational compliance through adherence to the federal Uniform Guidance and codes, statutes and regulations required of a federal program and non-profit; submission of reports to the U.S. Department of Education; serving as lead on annual external audit; perform formative/summative evaluation of the programs; and served as the liaison to the federal program officer ● Built a strong student and professional staff thru recruitment, selection, onboarding, development, training and leadership building ● Managed annual project budgets of over a million dollars ● Assisted on the project's grant writing team to secure federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education to serve fourteen schools throughout San Diego County and over 2,000 high school students annually ● Revised Project Handbook on policies and procedures ● Oversaw social media presence of projects UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, (UCSD), La Jolla, CA External Reader for the Admissions Department (2006-2012, seasonal part-time) ● Read and evaluated hundreds of freshmen admission applications on a yearly basis following department guidelines WAHUPA EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, San Diego, CA Associate Director for the Educational Talent Search Project (2004 – 2009, Promotion) ● Recruited, advised, and provided activities for high school students who were historically Page 19 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda low-income and/or educationally disadvantaged with the goal of completing a post-secondary education with financial aid ● Conducted bilingual college and financial aid trainings and workshops for students and parents; staff advisor for student club ● Ensured organizational compliance through annual audit of 1,500 participant files and required annual reporting to the U.S. Department of Education ● Supervised, monitored and trained professional college and financial aid advisors SAN DIEGO MESA COLLEGE, San Diego, CA Puente Counselor (2006-2007, temporary part-time) ● Conducted general and academic advising through individual and group counseling, for a diverse population of college students who were historically low-income and/or educationally disadvantaged with the goal of completing a post-secondary education with financial aid Professional and Community Involvement: Board of San Diego Education Fund, a non-profit which provides scholarships and mentoring to local students, 2023 - present Board of Cal-SOAP, a state-driven initiative to provide information on postsecondary education and financial aid to high school students with representatives from all local post-secondary institutions, 2010 - 2023: Board Chair from 2020 until 2023 Founding Member of Mountain View School Parent Student Association (PSA), English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC), and Site Governance Team (SGT), in charge of parental volunteering, fundraising, ensuring all families are included (especially bilingual families) and develop the Site Plan at a socio-economically diverse school, 2014 - 2022; President from 2018 to 2020 of both the PSA and ELAC Graduate of the California Academic Partnership Program (CAPP) Intervention Specialist Certification (ISC) Program, a California post-secondary collaborative project in which educational professionals research solutions on intervening to disrupt learning loss and opportunity gaps, 2022 Graduate of the Gus Chavez Educational Leadership Institute, a statewide institute dedicated to developing educational professionals that promote social justice and educational equity, 2020 - 2023 Founding Member of San Diego Imperial Valley TRIO Alliance, an association for the collaboration between federal college access programs for low-income, first-generation and disabled students, 2010 - 2022 Member of Western Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel (WESTOP), a regional TRIO association dedicated to furthering college access for low-income, first-generation and disabled students, 2000 - 2022 Member of MANA de San Diego, a non-profit organization of Latinas empowering other Latinas, member of the 2020 Latina Success Leadership Program, 2019 - 2022, 2024 - present Volunteer at Alliance San Diego, a non-profit building community power for human rights 2019 - present Volunteer at San Diego Rapid Response Network, a coalition of human rights and service organizations, attorneys, and community leaders dedicated to aiding immigrants and their families in the San Diego border region, 2019 - 2022 Volunteer at Jewish Family Service of San Diego, a non-profit human services agency in charge Page 20 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda of the Migrant Family Shelter for asylum seekers, 2019 - 2020 Volunteer at Girl Scouts, a leadership development organization for girls, 2017 - 2019 Page 21 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Submission Recorded On 01/05/2026 7:32 AM Time to Take Survey 47 minutes, 19 seconds Applicant Information *Full Name Dr. Tiffany Deal Hecklinski * *Home Address Chula Vista California 91910 United States *Phone Business *I certify that the following statement applies to me: I live, work, or have a vested interest in South County San Diego. If you own and/or operate a business and/or property with a physical address in the City of Chula Vista or South County San Diego, list the physical address of the business or property; if this does not apply to you, skip to the next question. Business Address Chula Vista CA 91910 United States * My company will have been here 3 years in May, 2026. Employment Exalt Clinical Research Founder/COO *Have you ever been employed by the City of Chula Vista? No **SKIPPED** Experience *Please indicate the area(s) in which you have expertise and experience, or select None: (select as many as applicable) Binational Business/Innovation Binational Education Business/Innovation Higher Education (Student or Faculty) * After a 20 year career in higher education working at institution including: SDSU, Ball State, University of Michigan School of Medicine and Indiana University School of Medicine, I co-founded a small business, Exalt Clinical Research. My experience in higher education as an instructor, director and consultant gives me insight to the development of curriculum, student recruitment and retention as well as faculty/staff needs which compliments my current role as a small business owner in the city. *Are you currently serving on any board or commission for Chula Vista or any other governmental agency? Yes Human Relations Commission * I hope to be a productive team member providing insight from my diverse experiences both inside and outside South County. I believe it is important to actively listen more than talk in order to gain understanding of other's perspectives, beliefs and values. My goal is to help bring a 4 year institution to the South Bay as I have experienced first- hand the value a university brings to a community - not just to those who work or attend the institution. It brings a sense of pride! Email How long have you been a resident and/or owned and operated a business and/or property in the City of Chula Vista and/or the South County of San Diego? Present Employer Position If you have worked for the City of Chula Vista please, provide the department and dates of employment. If you selected one or more of the areas of expertise and experience above, please describe your expertise and experience that you would bring to the selected area(s). (250 words or less) If so, which one? What do you hope to accomplish in the role of a public member representative on the South County Higher Education Task Force? South County Higher Education Task Force Page 22 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda * Not only do I own a small business in South County, I live 3 buildings down from my office in District 2. I walk to work, to eat, to church, to the store. My connection to the county, although not as long as others, is deep. I chose to live here. I chose to open a business here. I choose to hire employees from South County. I want what is best for my chosen community. * Human Relations Commission, District 2 Representative Boys and Girls Club, South County, Board Member Rotary International, Eastlake, Secretary and Member Business Networking International, Member SB Elevate, Board Member Are you able to commit the time required for Task Force meetings, subcommittee work, public outreach, and other responsibilities through the life of the Task Force (Final report and recommendations will be due no later than July 1, 2027)? Yes Submission of a resume with this application is required for consideration. Please upload a valid document below. *Attachment Tiff-CV.docx *Disclosure I understand that this application and any documents submitted in connection with the application process are public records and may be publicly disclosed. *Where did you hear about this vacancy? City Employee Please provide a brief description of connection to South County. In what ways have you previously engaged with the community (organizations, civic groups, local government, community planning, outreach, advocacy, etc.)? Page 23 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda -Page 1 of 4 - ❍ ❍ ❍ TIFFANY DEAL HECKLINSKI, PHD Chula Vista, CA 91910 ▪Course Director ▪Data Collection and Analysis ▪Physician/Patient Education ▪On-line Teaching ▪Public Speaking ▪Prison Teaching ▪Course Development ▪Practical Application of Theory ▪Interdisciplinary Research ▪Classroom managment ▪Team Leadership ▪Published Research PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE EXALT CLINICAL RESEARCH—CHULA VISTA, CA JUNE, 2023-PRESENT FOUNDER/COO Co-founder of clinical research clinic. Co-create business plan including office space negotiation, budget, patient recruitment strategy, and community outreach. ▪Utilize established relationships in the community to expedite clinic opening ▪Responsible for the development of clinic website including the integration of Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS) and social media platforms ▪Develop marketing plan to build database of prospective patients ▪Communicate with pharmaceutical companies to cultivate relationships for business development ▪Responsible for day-to-day operations of clinic CALIFORNIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION—SAN DIEGO, CA JUNE, 2022-JUNE,2023 RECRUITMENT COORDINATOR/COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR/PATIENT ADVOCATE Recruited, screened and scheduled patients for sentinel, phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials. Developed marketing plan and branding standards to expand established company in the clinical trial marketplace. Led team creating new website showcasing history of the company, current staff and trial opportunities along with integration of the Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS) and social media platforms ▪Screened potential patients to determine trial eligbility through inclusion and exclusion criteria ▪Certification/Registered in Institutional/Signatory Official: Human Subject Research, OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens, Good Clinical Practices, and Protecting Human Participants ▪Implemented new CTMS system to streamline recruiting, scheduling and other administrative processes ▪Examined the flow of administrative and other assigned non-clinical work to provide insight into improvements ▪Participated during site visits to learn protocol of clinical trial particulary inclusion and exclusion criteria ▪Created and maintained spreadsheets for CEO and Site Director documenting advertising dollars and recruitment numbers for current and future studies. Analyze numbers and present findings at weekly departmental meetings ▪Served as liason to disgruntled patients regarding compensation through electronic data capture. Worked with CSA’s, CTM’s and Sponsors to rectify patient complaints. ▪Helped clinical research coordinators and other clinical team members with communication skills and strategies ▪Cultivated relationships to create community partners including healthcare system leadership and local government officials HECKLINSKI COMMUNICATIONS – ANN ARBOR, MI 2012-2022 INDEPENDENT COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST Partnered with companies and individuals to provide professional instruction and mentoring in organizational manners to improve efficiency and effectiveness through communication strategies. Formulated and executed marketing plans to grow client base. Quantified, analyzed and improved several key communication practices of University of Michigan Health System Urology Department. Coordinated with entire health system. ▪Utilized Six Sigma exercise involving potential residents sitting back-to-back to recreate building made of Legos, testing verbal communication skills, ability to work in team environment, patience, and situational ownership. Exercise was cited as favorite during interview process. This activity led to a publication positing the exercise’s ability to identify skills necessary for a successful resident. Page 24 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Tiffany D. Hecklinski Page 2 of 4 ❍ ❍ ❍ ▪Managed interdisciplinary team in development of new paging system for nighttime on-call residents. Created and led team after analysis identified the number and type of pages received as a critical need on hospital floor. Implemented system resulted in decrease of uneccesary pages and a published paper chronicling quantifiable results. ▪Created survey system to measure communication skills; led to project identifying characteristics of past residents classified as “successful” to isolate themes and commonalities in applications. ▪Presented on numerous communication topics during Grand Rounds and delivered need-specific presentations to groups within department. ▪Served as advocate for patients undergoing colorectal cancer treatment. Assisted patients and families navigating issues such as treatment options, insurance, and hospice care decisions. ▪Joined patients during appointments with providers to ensure full situational comprehension by patients and caregivers. Served as liason between family and providers to help ▪Collaborated with leadership team of JDRF (Michigan Chapter) to create and implement training session to identify potential donors; formulated communication strategy to encourage participation in fundraising events. INDIANA UNIVERSITY-PURDUE UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS (IUPUI) – INDIANAPOLIS, IN 2016-2020 RESEARCH ASSISTANT (2018-2020) Collaborated with tenured faculty to collect and analyze data on research projects with 3 tenured professors in Department of Communication. Performed qualitative research, developed themes, and coded data. ▪Contributed research and data that served as a chapter in a book, paper under review for pain journal, and presentations at national healthcare and communication conferences. TEACHING ASSISTANT (2016-2018) Taught 2 sections of Basic Public Speaking course each semester. Observed and evaluated student performance in meeting course level objectives and student learning outcomes through assignments, projects, discussions, and examinations. Provided feedback to student inquiries in class, online, or during consultation office hours. Maintained records of course enrollment, attendance, student academic progress, course curriculum, and student learning outcomes. ▪Member of Themed Learning Community team for Criminal Justice majors which integrated topics from students’ major into public speaking curriculum. Selected to lead bi-weekly visits to Pendleton Maximum Security Correctional Facility for students to participate in Toastmasters program. ▪Presented poster at D.C. Health Communication Conference based on work at Pendleton, “Application of Attachment Theory in a Maximum Security Prison.” INDIANA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE – TERRE HAUTE, IN | INDIANAPOLIS, IN 2016-2018 ADJUNCT LECTURER Recruited to teach as co-instructor on Disease of Systems curriculum to 2nd year medical students, while concurrently serving in consulting role. Provided 1st year instruction on medical interview process and delivered strategies for communicating and building relationships with patients. Provided one-on-one coaching to medical students to aid in preparation for residency interviews. Taught students to build rapport with patients / families and navigate ethical decision making processes. Helped students prepare for medical interview / standardized patients in simulation lab. ▪Sole graduate student member of IUSM Curriculum Committee; researched, compiled, and delivered information in presentation to 20 members on curricula and subject matter incorporated into year 3 and 4 programming of other medical schools. ▪Assisted faculty with transmission of curriculum from main campus. ▪Co-instructed Foundations of Clinical Practice course with medical preceptor. ▪Contributed as facilitator at two professional development seminars for Indiana University students in health care field. BALL STATE UNIVERSITY – MUNCIE, IN 2004-2014 DISTANCE EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR (2007-2014) Engaged students via distance education, teaching multiple sessions each semester. Interacted with students and provided feedback through written communication. ▪Developed online curriculum for communication courses such as Communication 201 (The Fundamentals of Public Speaking) and Communication 320 (Theories of Persuasion). ▪Responsible for course management and ensuring courses met core curriculum objectives Page 25 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Tiffany D. Hecklinski Page 3 of 4 ❍ ❍ ❍ DIRECTOR OF THE BASIC COURSE (2008-2009) Directed the program for Communication 210 course, taken by all students to fulfill university graduation requirement. Taught multiple sessions of weekly lecture, addressing 500+ students per lecture. Managed 20+ graduate assistants. Taught breakout sessions to ensure course consistency and adherence to university expectations. Created exams to ensure students met course / university objectives. Ensured course alignment with university core curriculum objectives. ▪ Worked with university academic executive leadership team as largest course on campus ▪ Responsible for ensuring curriculum met core requirements established by university ▪ Developed and implemented metrics to evaluate curriculum INSTRUCTOR (2004-2008) Taught several courses that included Fundamentals of Public Speaking, Business and Professional Communication, Presentational Communication, Educational Communication – Public Speaking for Teachers, Theories of Persuasion, Argumentation and Debate, and Interviewing. Contributed as academic advisor. Applied interpersonal communication strategies to optimize engagement and content comprehension. ▪ Served as advisor for National Communication Association Student Club (COMM Club) ▪ Promoted from adjunct lecturer to full-time instructor to Director of the Basic Course over 5 years ▪ Delivered key-note addresses at numerous student organization events EDUCATION PhD, Health Communication (Minor in College Pedagogy), 2022 Indiana University-Purdue University – Indianapolis, IN ▪ Dissertation: “Privacy Issues in Young Onset Colorectal Cancer Patients and Survivors” MA, Speech Communication, 2003 University of Central Missouri – Warrensburg, MO BA, Speech Communication, 1995 University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign, IL PUBLICATIONS Bethel, E., Marchetti, K., Hecklinski, T., Daignault-Newton, S., Kraft, K., Hamilton, B., Faerber, G., & Ambani, S. (2021). The LEGO exercise: an assessment of core competencies in urology resident interviews. Journal of Surgical Education, 78(6) 2063-2069. Morhardt D., Luckenbaugh A., Hecklinski T., Killian J., Rodgers, L., Mellem, A., Reames, C., Alhassan, A. & Faerber, G. (2018). Improving resident and nurse communication practices: results of a collaborative culture initiative. Urology Practice, 5(5) 405- 410. Petronio, S. and Hecklinski T. (2020). Communication is the key element in communication privacy management theory, in Tyma, A. and Edwards, A. (Eds.) Communication is… Perspectives on Theory. (69-80). San Diego CA: Cognella Academic Publishing. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Human Relations Commission, City of Chula Vista, District 2 Representative Member, Rotary International - Eastlake Board Member, Boys and Girls Club, South County Board Member, SB Elevate Member, Business Networking International (Chula Vista Branch) Page 26 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Tiffany D. Hecklinski Page 4 of 4 ❍ ❍ ❍ Former Board Member, Gridiron Club, Rancho Bernardo High School Coach’s Wife Life https://soundcloud.com/kristen-eargle/interview-with-tiffany-hecklinski Former Board Member of National Colerectal Cancer Alliance Advisory Board https://www.ccalliance.org/about/never-too- young/advisory-board Fox 5 San Diego https://fox5sandiego.com/sports/for-sdsu-coach-greatest-victory-is-off-the-field/ Indiana Cancer Consortium https://indianacancer.org/hoosier-survivor/test-survivor-story/https://indianacancer.org/hoosier- survivor/test-survivor-story/ Indiana State University https://www.tribstar.com/news/world-health-organization-expert-panel-to-discuss-health- communication-thursday-at-isu/article_d0d6e9e6-33b4-11e9-bb89-cfc9e59ae142.html Mlive.com https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2012/11/jeff_tiffany_hecklinski_cancer.html NBC San Diego https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/football-family-and-fighting-wife-of-aztecs-coach-shares-story-of- beating-cancer-hoping-to-save-others/2903919/ Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan https://www.rogelcancercenter.org/news/archive/1-7-colorectal-cancer-patients- diagnosed-recommended-screening-age San Diego Union-Tribune https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/columnists/story/2022-03-26/column-killer-disease-meets- formidable-foe Sons of Montezuma https://sonsofmontezuma.com/2022/04/04/podcast-beating-cancer-tiffany-hecklinski-wife-of-sdsu-oc-jeff- hecklinski-story-of-victory/ Survivor.net https://www.survivornet.com/articles/my-greatest-win-is-you-college-football-coach-gushes-over-the-strength-of- his-cancer-warrior-wife/ Page 27 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Submission Recorded On 12/15/2025 10:08 AM Time to Take Survey 8 minutes, 4 seconds Applicant Information *Full Name Dr. Valita Jones * *Home Address Chula Vista CA 91910 CA *Phone Business *I certify that the following statement applies to me: I live, work, or have a vested interest in South County San Diego. If you own and/or operate a business and/or property with a physical address in the City of Chula Vista or South County San Diego, list the physical address of the business or property; if this does not apply to you, skip to the next question. Business Address **SKIPPED** * I have lived in Chula Vista since 2003 Employment UC San Diego Director, Office of Diversity & Community Partnerships *Have you ever been employed by the City of Chula Vista? No **SKIPPED** Experience *Please indicate the area(s) in which you have expertise and experience, or select None: (select as many as applicable) Higher Education (Student or Faculty) Higher Education Governance * I am a social scientist and educator trained and experiences working within a diverse and demanding environment including educational, administrative, and community. My unique competencies include the ability to function as a researcher and practitioner. I am grounded in the deep cultural thought and philosophy of human development and consider myself a content and pedagogical expert in the field of human and leadership development. *Are you currently serving on any board or commission for Chula Vista or any other governmental agency? No **SKIPPED** * Be a part of the activity to provide practical insight, knowledge, and wisdom regarding postsecondary education, pathway development opportunities for high school, community college, and 4-year universities focused students. Also be a part of a initiative to bring increased higher educational opportunities to the South Bay. * I have lived in Chula Vista since 2003. I have taught at Southwestern College. All of my children either went to high school and community college in Chula Vista. This is a community that a care very deeply for and would like to assist with the growth opportunities, as it relates to educational aspirations. * Email How long have you been a resident and/or owned and operated a business and/or property in the City of Chula Vista and/or the South County of San Diego? Present Employer Position If you have worked for the City of Chula Vista please, provide the department and dates of employment. If you selected one or more of the areas of expertise and experience above, please describe your expertise and experience that you would bring to the selected area(s). (250 words or less) If so, which one? What do you hope to accomplish in the role of a public member representative on the South County Higher Education Task Force? Please provide a brief description of connection to South County. South County Higher Education Task Force Page 28 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda I have been a part of committee for my children's school when they were younger. Are you able to commit the time required for Task Force meetings, subcommittee work, public outreach, and other responsibilities through the life of the Task Force (Final report and recommendations will be due no later than July 1, 2027)? Yes Submission of a resume with this application is required for consideration. Please upload a valid document below. *Attachment Cover Letter.docx *Disclosure I understand that this application and any documents submitted in connection with the application process are public records and may be publicly disclosed. *Where did you hear about this vacancy? City's Website In what ways have you previously engaged with the community (organizations, civic groups, local government, community planning, outreach, advocacy, etc.)? Page 29 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Valita Jones UCSD School of Medicine Medical Education Human Resources University of California San Diego La Jolla, CA 92093-0021 Dear Search Committee It is with great interest that I apply for the position of Administrative Director & Pathways Research Analyst. As you will note, I have progressive administrative experience as well as broad-based exposure within the demanding environment of academia, which uniquely qualifies me for this position. I am experienced in the management and administration of budgets, personnel, and facilities and possess competencies in using resources effectively. Working to develop and implement inclusive programs that are designed to build on students’ interests and backgrounds in community service is a specialty. Identifying populations or communities at risk for health disparities is a passion of mine, especially assisting with the directing, instructing, and proving direct exposure, training, and creating new opportunities to work with identified underserved groups of students, to further their passion, help them to gain knowledge and skills, and equip them with what they need to become agents of change and inclusive and diverse health equity conscious leaders. As a current UCSD LEAD Fellow, I am well versed in campus engagement and the facilitation of crucial conversations around improving organizational learning and campus climate. I hold a Doctorate and master’s degree in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Postsecondary Education, two bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Africana Studies and several certificates: Community College Instruction, Management and Leadership, “Institute on the Crisis of Young Black Males,” and the “Penn Equity Chula Vista, CA 91910 Page 30 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Institute.” Thus, I am well versed in working as a change agent in cooperative and collaborative ways. I have held leadership roles at the community college, public and private four-year institutions. And in doing so, have been influenced to adopt a student-centered orientation, committed to ensuring student academic, personal and educational success. I understand the importance of grounding organizational development within a sociocultural theory. Especially when working to create “communities of practice” for diverse populations and advancing the concept of equity, inclusion and social justice within organizations. As a student affairs profession, I subscribe to a conscious leadership style determined to lead in purposeful and intentional ways. My leadership platform embraces a commitment to be consciously aware, purposeful, intentional, accountable and responsible. I am committed to enhancing student learning, promoting effective organizational practices, and meeting both departmental and campus goals. As a researcher, I use predicative analysis to inform change management that is inclusive of culturally responsible interpretation. I am committed to demonstrating excellence, while driving agency, with hopes of encouraging institutional transformation, as it relates to overall equity, inclusion and social justice, simple by ensuring organizational change management, strategic planning, professional coaching and managing culture changes. Summary of Experience My approach of building authentic relationships has served me well for many years and as a result I have achieved mature insight into academic systems. I have demonstrated experience communicating with varied cultures and at all levels within organizations. The pandemic presented a unique opportunity for me to design, plan, develop, and create a new office focused on onboarding all incoming first-time freshmen. Recently, I was tasked by the President of California State University, San Marcos to create the Office of Success Coaching, focused on onboarding all newly admitted students into their first year in college. My strengths lie in my ability to attend to detail, work independently, communicate effectively with diverse cultures, and to energize and motivate students and professional staff. I have over twenty years of practical experience in staffing practices, including goal setting, Page 31 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda supervision, recruitment, hiring, training, motivating, and evaluation of staff and student employees. My expanded experiences within the field of higher education have afforded me the opportunity to observe the production and quality of work of my staff in real time, develop and implement performance standards using principles of people analytics, mentor, and provide objective feedback, while at the same time offer coaching and counseling as a resource. I possess strong qualitative assessment and evaluation competencies, which have assisted me in negotiating and mediating change and transformation within organizations. Objectively, I am skilled at monitoring and assessing staff capabilities and workloads, and if needed capable of designing training and professional development opportunities. I am fully capable of assessing and evaluating specific workplace challenges and comfortable with applying corrective actions to both students and professional staff. As an expert in change management, I believe in building “communities of practice,” both on and off campus, by aligning myself with relevant partnerships and resources. For me, working with people is a natural! I have experience working cooperatively and collaboratively across department to assess, analyze learning needs of individuals, develop educational training and professional training to achieve organizational goals and objectives. Specialist in creating cultural and intellectual tools and coordinating resources that reinforce learning and enhance individual employee’s growth and development. Excellent at levering resources and communicating/sharing programs as needed. Recognition of these attributes have earned me many distinguished students service awards such as the UCSD Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action & Diversity Award, SDSU’s Mortar Board Outstanding Faculty and Staff Award and SDSU’s Quest for the Best. I am a purposeful and intentional leader and seasoned qualitative researcher, who developed a new and innovative leadership theory and praxis, Conscious Leadership. Conscious Leadership is a shared process and embraces the understanding that everyone must become more accountable and responsible for student success and developing a rich educational environment. Page 32 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Student Equity and Success A commitment to student equity, equality and success are embedded within my leadership practice. Fundamental to my understanding of student success is knowing that it can only be accomplished through cooperative and collaborative engagements. Included in my portfolio of knowledge and practice as it relates to student development, is my extensive experience in mentoring, motivating and developing student into conscious leaders. In my role as the Retention Coordinator, I was responsible for orientating the students with institutional policies and procedures, while providing ongoing advisement in the areas of retention services, degree completion, and developing them as leaders. Moreover, I served as a Liaison/Advisor for two undergraduate Engineering student organizations, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). At UCSD, I work closely in efforts to support the needs of the student chapter Society for Advancement of Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), where I advised students on the executive board, coordinated student attendance to regional and national conferences and monitored students’ academic performance, ensuring a balanced student life. Key to this, forming both on campus and off campus collaborations. As a professional student affairs staff member, assisting students in learning about processes of shared governance, committee work and decision making, was and is my norm. Creating an optimal environment for learning and support, armored with cultural tools for actualized success for all students, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or economic circumstances. Professionally, committee work is a familiar responsibility. In my role as the Program Coordinator for the Miramar College Trio office, I sat on the International/Diversity committee and Student Services Student Learning Outcome committee. Along these same lines, at UCSD, as the Graduate Student Affairs & Diversity Officer, I guided and advocated for graduate students, regarding key shared governance issues, particularly, those concerning policies that impacted all graduate students, such as registration fee allocation and tuition affordability. In addition, I served as one of the advisors for the Graduate Page 33 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Student Association, and supervised two graduate student internships, whose position was designed to service as graduate student resource internships. Moreover, I assisted these internships in interpreting college campus policies and procedures, identify relevant resources and trained them on how to become effective advocates for the entire graduate student population. In other words, my role was to make sure that the students who held these positions received all relevant information and resources needed to best fulfill their respective duties and responsibilities. Often, my use of innovative and conscious conflict resolution techniques and practices were called upon to bring about consensus and guide the students on framing their message with constituents, concisely and clearly. In the end, I understand the importance of empowering the students, administrators, faculty and staff to move towards success. Student Services Activities My experience as it relates to planning, organizing and implementing student activities and support services are extensive. Over the years, I have demonstrated that I am a capable leader with a broad background in both traditional non-traditional student development, engagement, and creating strong supportive environments for effective teaching and learning. In my current role as Program Manager for UCSD’s Center for Investigations of Health and Education Disparities (CIHED) research unit, as well as in my former position as Director of Professional Development at SDSU’s College of Extended Studies, I have had the opportunity to develop and manage new and continuing initiatives that focused primarily on reducing educational disparities and improving support services for students. By developing communities of practice that are cooperative and collaborative, I have been able meet organizational goals and objectives. Lead student equity planning, assessment and evaluation efforts to increase success of all students and mitigate identified disparities using college-based research by gender and for current or former foster youth, students with disabilities, low-income students, veterans, and students in ethnic and racial categories. Using information technology to support the social and cultural life of a community is part of the tools I apply to ensure student success. Facebook and LinkedIn have been incorporated into our process of tracking our Page 34 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda current and previous students and keeping them informed about our program activities. Currently, I am working on establishing and expanding STEM pipelines for local community college students to UCSD. In this pursuit, stakeholder’s relationships are being developed with several community colleges, industry and UCSD departments and STEM funded research programs. The goal is not only to transfer students and assist them in navigating towards degree completion, but to make sure that they are prepared to enter graduate education or the workforces. To date, CIHED has defined relationships with all of the local community college STEM populations and provides information about and access to transfer STEM populations. Program Development, Assessment and Review I have an extensive background with program development and review. In my current role, I redesigned the UCSD National Institute of Health (NIH) funded Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) program. It is now more student-centered and incorporates a communal student engagement and learning aspect. Since taking over the management of the grant, we have increased the graduate school acceptance rate and now have less than 10% attrition rate. Part of my responsibility is to write the yearly progress reports to NIH. In doing so, I must be clear, concise and effective in how we are accomplishing the grant aims, goals and objectives. Currently, I am in the process and assisting with the re-writing of the grant for another five years. In my role as the Graduate Student Affairs & Diversity Officer in the Graduate Division, I also wrote the program progress report for our National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (NSF-AGEP) and assisted with the writing of the renewal for the grant, which was subsequently awarded for four additional years. All incoming grant graduate student recipients have achieved PhD positions or are working in research laboratories, thus having a 100% achievement. My vast experience with both state funding, and federal grants provides me with valuable insight and experience with outside agencies cooperation and collaboration. In accomplishing the commitment to college excellent, I have had the opportunity to assist in developing Student Page 35 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Learning Outcomes (SLO’s) from the faculty and administration side. Working in dual roles, has assisted me in understanding the bigger picture of what it takes to not only retain and support a student, but educate them. As a student support service officers and faculty, I understand the importance of creating metrics that to ensure the institution, faculty, staff and administrators are actively attempting to reach the goal of student success. Facilitating and engage faculty, staff, and colleagues in collaborative processes by which to continually evaluate and improve programs and services is natural process for me. I have become effective and proficient in creating alignments with campus departments to educate, provide resources and meet organizational goals. Maintaining currency of knowledge of legal requirements and regulations as they pertain to student equity and other student equity-related categorical programs, basic supplemental instruction and support services. Data Management As a conscious leader, the use of data science is critical. Assisting with the development of database management to build predictive models of at-risk students has always been a part of my professional positions. I believe data is critical to making appropriate and conscious decisions and policies. Thus, understanding how to interpret “big data” is important. I am currently responsible for the development and management of our student database. Keeping all relevant student data in a central location for tracking purposes is important for understanding programmatic needs and reporting to funding agencies. In several of my roles, both at the community college and university level, I have had the opportunity and responsibilities in coordinating and managing data. Effective data can assist with driving decisions that are effective. I am very knowledgeable and experienced in the process of data collected, analysis and reporting. I can also design qualitative and qualitative surveys, facilitate focus groups and triangulate all data for meaning and understanding. My data software knowledge includes quantitative knowledge and experience with SPSS and FileMaker Pro. Qualitatively, I understand NVIVIO and AtlasTi. I am versed in the technique of conducting environmental scans, trend analysis and interpretation to make decisions and improve on specific initiatives. Finally, I always collaborate with on- Page 36 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda campus research departments and evaluation agencies to assess progress and success rate. Budget and Personnel Development and monitoring of programmatic budget, which includes expenditure reporting, is common for me. I have prepared and managed federal expended budgets in excess of $100,000,000 in addition to various state funded grants of $300,000. I have experience specifically managing and evaluating student affairs personnel, conducting training and development opportunities as an ongoing professional development process. Beyond that, I have many years of supervisory experience with both students and permanent staff, which include but are not limited to preparing work assignments and schedules. Additionally, I have a working knowledge of various employee group contractual agreements. In me, you will get a strong conscious leader and visionary. I am student-centered and intentional in all that I do. My ability to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of people and, services, strategies and approaches has allowed me to develop my people analytics skills and adjust as appropriate Consistency is a standard value, along with demonstrating creativity, innovation to problem solve and using data to drive decisions and improve practices. Cooperation and collaboration are essential elements that I use to create quality partnerships and meet organizational goals. Over the years I have mastered effectiveness in planning, organizing, implementing, and coordinating creative, successful, well attended social, cultural and educational programs, activities and events under tight fiscal constraints. I believe in creating “communities of practice,” which are focused on student advancement and achievement. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and learn more about the position. I am full of energy and enthusiasm and ready to go. Please feel free to contact me at at your earliest convenience. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Page 37 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Thank you for your consideration, Sincerely, Dr. Valita Jones Valita Jones, Ed.D Page 38 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Submission Recorded On 01/02/2026 5:10 PM Time to Take Survey 26 minutes, 3 seconds Applicant Information *Full Name Ms. Gala Ledezma * *Home Address Chula Vista CA 91913 USA *Phone Business *I certify that the following statement applies to me: I live, work, or have a vested interest in South County San Diego. If you own and/or operate a business and/or property with a physical address in the City of Chula Vista or South County San Diego, list the physical address of the business or property; if this does not apply to you, skip to the next question. Business Address **SKIPPED** * I have been a Chula Vista Resident since 2006. Employment California State University, Chancellor's Office Senior Research Analyst, Academic & Student Affairs *Have you ever been employed by the City of Chula Vista? No **SKIPPED** Experience *Please indicate the area(s) in which you have expertise and experience, or select None: (select as many as applicable) Higher Education (Student or Faculty) * I am a PhD candidate in Higher Education at UC Irvine and a Senior Research Analyst at the CSU Chancellor’s Office. As a South Bay resident and the daughter of Mexican immigrants, I bring lived experience and professional expertise focused on community colleges, transfer pathways, and cross-institutional collaboration. My doctoral research and CSU work center on expanding equitable, place-based university access for historically underserved students in the South Bay. *Are you currently serving on any board or commission for Chula Vista or any other governmental agency? No N/A * As a public member representative, I hope to bring a perspective that is both community-grounded and data-informed. Drawing on my professional experience in higher education research and policy, I want to help the task force design a multi-university presence in Chula Vista that expands access, strengthens transfer pathways, and reflects the needs and realities of South County students and families. * I was born and raised in the South Bay and have lived throughout South County, from Imperial Beach to Chula Vista. I attended schools in the Sweetwater Union High School District and commuted to UC San Diego for college. I plan to build my family here and make South County both my lifelong home and long-term commitment. * Email How long have you been a resident and/or owned and operated a business and/or property in the City of Chula Vista and/or the South County of San Diego? Present Employer Position If you have worked for the City of Chula Vista please, provide the department and dates of employment. If you selected one or more of the areas of expertise and experience above, please describe your expertise and experience that you would bring to the selected area(s). (250 words or less) If so, which one? What do you hope to accomplish in the role of a public member representative on the South County Higher Education Task Force? Please provide a brief description of connection to South County. In what ways have you previously engaged with the community (organizations, civic groups, local government, community planning, outreach, South County Higher Education Task Force Page 39 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda I have engaged with the community through my work in public higher education, research, and student mentorship. I currently serve as a graduate mentor for first- generation Chicanx students at UC Irvine. I have participated in research-practice partnerships with local community colleges. I have also served on the PhD Admissions Committee, guiding incoming students, and on the Strategic Initiatives Committee, contributing to program and policy planning. Are you able to commit the time required for Task Force meetings, subcommittee work, public outreach, and other responsibilities through the life of the Task Force (Final report and recommendations will be due no later than July 1, 2027)? Yes Submission of a resume with this application is required for consideration. Please upload a valid document below. *Attachment Ledezma_resume_2026.pdf *Disclosure I understand that this application and any documents submitted in connection with the application process are public records and may be publicly disclosed. *Where did you hear about this vacancy? Other: Research colleague advocacy, etc.)? Page 40 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda GALA M. LEDEZMA | | San Diego, CA EDUCATION UC Irvine, School of Education Irvine, CA PhD Education Policy Expected 2026 Areas: Education Research Design & Policy Analysis, Education Data Systems, Administrative Data, Advanced Statistical Methods, Student Trajectories MA Education March 2024 Areas: California’s Higher Education Systems, Minority-Serving Institutions UC San Diego, School of Global Policy and Strategy San Diego, CA MPP Public Policy June 2020 Areas: Program Design & Evaluation, Quantitative Methods, STATA, ArcGIS BS Psychology June 2018 Areas: Social Psychology, Public Service, Education Research & Outreach RESEARCH EXPERIENCE California State University, Office of the Chancellor Long Beach, CA Senior Research Analyst, Academic & Student Affairs September 2025–Present • Design and execute complex analyses on student outcomes, enrollment trends, and institutional performance to support strategic initiatives across 22 campuses • Translate large-scale institutional data into clear reports, dashboards, and presentations for executive leadership and policy stakeholders • Support ad hoc data requests from the CSU Board of Trustees, providing timely, accurate, and actionable insights to inform systemwide decision-making UC Irvine Irvine, CA Graduate Student Researcher 2021–Present Promoting Cross-Enrollment in California’s Community Colleges PIs: Dr. Rachel Baker & Dr. Brian Sato • Collected and analyzed data for a randomized controlled trial promoting cross -enrollment in 3 California community colleges, providing financial stipends to increase accessibility for low-income students • Collaborated with community college partners to collect and maintain administrative data, including student transcripts, awards, and transfer records, tracking outcomes across 18,000+ students over 15 years • Organized and facilitated outreach sessions at partner colleges ; designed Qualtrics surveys to track participants • Used statistical software STATA to conduct advanced statistical analyses on longitudinal student data • Summarized findings in research manuscripts, policy briefs, and grant funding proposals • Presented research findings at multiple national education research conferences Page 41 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Eliminating Equity Gaps in Online STEM Courses through Humanized Instruction PIs: Dr. Michelle Pacansky-Brock & Dr. Di Xu •Collaborated with 4 community colleges and 1 CSU to collect and manage administrative data, including student-level transcript data, to quantitively evaluate the impact of the Humanizing Online STEM intervention •Independently cleaned, merged, and coded large panel datasets spanning 5+ years, using STATA to prepare and analyze data for over 14,000 students; consolidated variables across institutions to prepare data for analysis •Applied advanced statistical techniques, including difference-in-differences analysis, to determine the effectiveness of the training program in increasing equity among underrepresented minority student s •Communicated research findings in public-facing online research briefs, as well as an academic manuscript •Conducted cost-benefit analysis using project budget data to assess intervention efficiency UCI-Calbright Research Partnership: Using Behavioral Nudges and Insights to Promote Calbright Student Success PIs: Dr. Richard Arum, Dr. Di Xu, & Dr. Ben Castleman •Contributed to policy intervention design and evaluation efforts for Calbright College by drafting an evaluation plan for a “Learning Communities” intervention aimed at increasing retention and completion among online students •Developed data collection tools on Qualtrics, including weekly check -in surveys to gauge student engagement •Created pre- and post-intervention surveys to assess changes in students’ motivation, sense of belonging, and other key outcomes, enhancing the understanding of student experiences in the online environment Understanding Student Decision-Making in Community College PIs: Dr. Di Xu, Dr. Rachel Baker, & Dr. Damon Clark •Evaluated administrative and survey data to provide insights into student decision -making and enrollment pathways •Analyzed and visualized predictors of attrition for at-risk students, identifying key factors influencing retention and success within the community college, including low-income and first-generation college status Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego San Diego, CA Program Evaluation Specialist II September 2020–July 2021 •Prepared mandated evaluation reports for funders, First 5 San Diego and San Diego County Child Welfare Services •Conducted evaluations of developmental programs serving low-income communities, using quantitative and qualitative data; presented findings to internal management and community stakeholders •Synthesized evaluation results from programs into concise reports, effectively communicating key findings and providing actionable recommendations for improving service accessibility and efficiency for underserved families UC San Diego San Diego, CA Graduate Student Researcher July 2019–September 2020 •Independently developed and implemented a coding protocol for the qualitative analysis of Mexican states’ textbooks; applied deductive coding methods to identify key themes and patterns in 50+ books •Assessed content changes pre- and post-curriculum reform; drafted summary reports to outline qualitative insights Page 42 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE The Century Foundation New York, NY Higher Education Graduate Intern March 2025–Present (ends Aug. 2025) •Compiled and analyzed IPEDS instructional spending data across higher education sectors •Analyzed public datasets (e.g., IPEDS, College Scorecard) to assess program-level outcomes at HBCUs versus non-HBCUs, highlighting racial and economic disparities in cost of attendance and post-graduation earnings •Investigated the role of Online Program Managers (OPMs) in New Jersey higher education, identified their presence across sectors, and co-developed policy recommendations to enhance oversight and student protections •Independently authored public-facing TCF publications, translating complex education research into accessible insights Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) Washington, D.C. Higher Education Data Intern June–August 2020 •Extracted, coded, and analyzed program-level administrative data to develop the NASPAA Annual Data Report, which visualized key trends in admissions, enrollment, student demographics, and the impacts of COVID-19 •Drafted research briefs and infographics to summarize survey and administrative data for stakeholders; published Diversity Insights Report and Data Dashboard online, highlighting outcomes for graduate students of color PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS Ledezma, G. M. (2025). Predicting enrollment melt among community college applicants. Strategic Enrollment Management Quarterly, 4(12). Ledezma, G. M., Xu, D., & Pacansky-Brock, M. (2025). Humanizing online STEM: Preliminary research findings, Brief #2, HumanizeOL.org CERTIFICATES & TRAINING University of Pennsylvania, Center for Benefit -Cost Studies of Education Philadelphia, PA Methods Training in Economic Evaluation (Institute for Education Sciences) May 2024 UC San Diego Policy Design and Evaluation Lab San Diego, CA Quantitative Methods Certificate June 2020 SERVICE Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis (Peer -Reviewed Journal) Washington, DC Ad-Hoc Reviewer 2024 UCI Chicanx/Latinx Mentorship Program Irvine, CA Mentor 2021–Present Page 43 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Submission Recorded On 01/06/2026 9:47 PM Time to Take Survey 8 minutes, 8 seconds Applicant Information *Full Name Mr. Jesse Lopez * *Home Address Chula Vista CA 91914 United States *Phone Business *I certify that the following statement applies to me: I live, work, or have a vested interest in South County San Diego. If you own and/or operate a business and/or property with a physical address in the City of Chula Vista or South County San Diego, list the physical address of the business or property; if this does not apply to you, skip to the next question. Business Address **SKIPPED** * 3 years Employment San Diego Community College District Dean *Have you ever been employed by the City of Chula Vista? No N/A Experience *Please indicate the area(s) in which you have expertise and experience, or select None: (select as many as applicable) Business/Innovation Higher Education Financing Higher Education Governance Higher Education (Student or Faculty) Other: Workforce development, career pathway development, career services, employer relations, instructional design, strategic relationship management * I bring senior leadership experience in business innovation, higher education finance, governance, and student success, with a strong focus on regional partnerships and policy alignment. As a Dean in the California Community College system, I have led workforce-aligned program development, managed multi-million-dollar budgets, and secured and leveraged grant funding to expand innovative programs. Also, I continually engage in intersegmental initiatives, collaboration, and partnerships. *Are you currently serving on any board or commission for Chula Vista or any other governmental agency? Yes I serve on multiple advisory boards for career pathways I oversee, including business, engineering, cybersecurity, IT, and advanced manufacturing. * I hope to help design an innovative and intersegmental education hub that expands access to high-quality programs for South County residents, such as myself. Additionally, I hope to leverage my expertise in workforce development and senior educational leadership to fuel economic growth and mobility. I will contribute expertise in governance, funding strategy, collaborative partnerships, innovation, which will create meaningful opportunities for this task force. * I live in Chula Vista and I have dedicated my career to serving students. For the past fifteen years of my career, I have developed innovative programs and career pathways Email How long have you been a resident and/or owned and operated a business and/or property in the City of Chula Vista and/or the South County of San Diego? Present Employer Position If you have worked for the City of Chula Vista please, provide the department and dates of employment. If you selected one or more of the areas of expertise and experience above, please describe your expertise and experience that you would bring to the selected area(s). (250 words or less) If so, which one? What do you hope to accomplish in the role of a public member representative on the South County Higher Education Task Force? Please provide a brief description of connection to South County. South County Higher Education Task Force Page 44 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda for adult learners. My expertise includes higher education, workforce development, regional partnerships, program development, industry and employer relations, and implementation of collaborative initiatives for improved economic mobility. In my role as a dean, I collaborate with colleges and universities throughout SD county. * I have actively engaged with the community through partnerships with local colleges, workforce boards, industry advisory groups, and community-based organizations to expand education and job pathways throughout SD County. Also, I collaborate with leaders, school districts, and higher education partners on regional planning initiatives, such as SDCC’s first bachelor’s degree program. My work also includes outreach, advocacy, and public engagement to promote access, equity, and economic mobility. Are you able to commit the time required for Task Force meetings, subcommittee work, public outreach, and other responsibilities through the life of the Task Force (Final report and recommendations will be due no later than July 1, 2027)? Yes Submission of a resume with this application is required for consideration. Please upload a valid document below. *Attachment Lopez, Jesse (Leadership resume).pdf *Disclosure I understand that this application and any documents submitted in connection with the application process are public records and may be publicly disclosed. *Where did you hear about this vacancy? City’s Social Media In what ways have you previously engaged with the community (organizations, civic groups, local government, community planning, outreach, advocacy, etc.)? Page 45 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda JESSE LOPEZ ◊ ◊ www.linkedin.com/in/InnovativeEduServices SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS: 10+ years serving as an effective, solution-oriented, and compassionate leader overseeing employees, workforce and economic development projects, multiple general fund and categorical budgets, grants, MOUs, apprenticeship programs, regional and statewide CTE initiatives, scholarship programs, facility renovation projects, business development, and curriculum development. 10+ years of experience in an educational setting, including workforce and economic development, employer relations, career and technical education (CTE), career services, and advancement. CliftonStrengths: Relator, Achiever, Learner, Analytical, Responsibility (listed in order). Expert knowledge of CRM platforms to strengthen, monitor, and evaluate business and job opportunities for student job placement, philanthropy, and advancement. Experienced in building strategic plans, based on the institution’s strategies goals, to enhance the college’s economic and philanthropic development efforts. Experience leading contract/MOU negotiations and approval, grant management, and documenting project outcomes, deliverables, and accomplishments. Proficient and demonstrated experience working effectively in a remote environment. Saavy and experienced using various remote platforms, such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack, and Salesforce. Extensive experience navigating shared governance by working collaboratively with students (e.g., ASG), faculty (e.g, Academic Senate), staff (e.g., Classified Senate), and administrators (President’s Cabinet) to ensure stakeholder input, engagement, transparency, and effective communication. Experience developing and maintaining budgets and preparing written reports and oral presentations for shared governance committees, executive leadership, and the Board of Trustees. Experience managing multiple projects, simultaneously, with timely execution and achievement of deliverables. This experience includes multiple federal and state funded projects, such as Department of Labor grants, Strong Workforce funding, Perkins, Prop 39 Clean Energy grants, Improving Online Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathways grant program from the California Virtual Campus (CVC), and various foundation and scholarship funds. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Instructional Dean, San Diego Community College District 2018-Present San Diego Miramar College & San Diego City College campuses San Diego, CA Under the direction of the Vice President of Instruction, the Dean coordinates and manages the operational functions related to the School of Business, IT, Cosmetology, Engineering, Trades, and Apprenticeship at San Diego City College and School of Business and Technical Careers at San Diego Miramar College. Leadership and oversight includes faculty and staff evaluations, budget management for grants and categorical budgets (e.g., SWP and Perkins), Career Services, and special projects related to Career Education (CE) programs. The responsibilities of the position include employee leadership and oversight; strategic enrollment management; collaboration with Student Services to fulfill strategic goals (e.g., Concierge Counseling pilot), leadership in various shared governance committees; budget monitoring and management; grant compliance; performance review; coordination and management of contracts and independent contractors; development and coordination of marketing and outreach events related to career education; and development of business/industry partnerships. •Oversee various GFU (general fund) and GFR (restricted) budgets including nearly $2 million in Strong Workforce (regional and local) and Perkins. •Provide leadership as a member of various college and district committees and workgroups, including IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism) Committee, Enrollment Management Committee, Apprenticeship Management Workgroup, Regional Deans’ Council, Regional Oversight Committee (ROC), and various career education advisory boards. •Supervise, train, and evaluate a variety of faculty (contract and adjunct), classified staff, and part-time NANCE to ensure effective implementation of services. •Oversee a variety of career education programs, including automotive, aviation, child development, diesel, entrepreneurship, paralegal, and various business programs. •Oversee multiple apprenticeship programs, including the MTS Diesel and SDGE programs Page 46 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Director, Career and Technical Education (CTE) 2015-2018 Norco College, Riverside Community College District Norco, CA Under the direction of the area Dean, the Project Supervisor coordinates and manages the operational functions related to grants and contracts of the colleges Career and Technical education programs. The responsibilities of the position include program development and implementation; budget monitoring and management; grant compliance; performance review and generation of reports; coordination and management of contracts and independent contractors; development and coordination of all outreach efforts related to required partners, business/industry partners, Workforce Investment boards (WIB’s), participating community colleges, local secondary schools and ROPs and civic organizations. The position also includes coordinating activities associated with the Department of Labor TAACCCT grant, which emphasizes preparation for high-wage and high-demand occupations for adult learners. •Oversaw several grants, including a $1.8 million TAAACCT grant awarded by the Department of Labor. •Developed successful Strong Workforce proposals, which secured over $1 million in additional funding for Norco College. •Developed and managed proposals and developed resources to better serve nontraditional students. The awards included grants and regional proposals, such as Prop 39 (Clean Energy), Strong Workforce Proposals (regional and local), and the Electrician Trainee certification program. •Hired, trained, supervised, and evaluated a variety of classified staff to ensure effective implementation of services for program students. Program Supervisor 2012-2015 Los Angeles County Office of Education Downey/El Monte, CA •Managed budgets for multiple programs and LACOE sites, which included general funding allocations and federal grants. Grants from Department of Human Services and Department of Education exceeded $100,000 in annual funding, and were used to create and improve short-term training offerings by partnering with various community colleges, including Mt. San Antonio College, East Los Angeles College, and Pasadena City College. •Ensured budgetary requirements were met and facilitated fiscal audits with auditors and program monitors. No audit findings were cited throughout my employment at LACOE. •Compiled and composed various narrative and statistical reports, RFPs, MOUs, letters, memos, and other correspondences to evaluate and report progress in meeting grant work plans and community college benchmarks. •Worked with Instructors to develop new curriculum to support unemployed program participants. Employment Services Specialist/Job Placement Specialist 2008-2012 Employment Services Program-County of San Bernardino Ontario, CA •Served as the lead instructor for orientation, job search, job club, and other related training sessions for groups (up to 40 students). •Developed curriculum for training sessions related to employment services. •Supervised Job Readiness Assistants as part of the Work Experience (WEX), while developing their employability skills. •Designed job descriptions, held staff accountable, and managed scheduling needs. •Monitored a caseload with over 100 job seekers and provided individualized career counseling for each participant. EDUCATION: Doctor of Public Administration ABD University of La Verne La Verne, CA Master of Public Administration May 2012 University of La Verne La Verne, CA Bachelor of Science, Business Administration May 2007 University of La Verne La Verne, CA JESSE C. LOPEZ ◊ ◊ www.linkedin.com/in/InnovativeEduServices Page 47 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Micheal Inzunza, as the Co-Host, were you involved in any conversations with the City Manager concerning the removal of Police Chief Kenedy? Specifically, did you discuss this matter with the City Manager before, during, or after the Albondigas event ? November 21, 2025 @ 12:00 pm -1:30 pm Please join us for lunch on Friday, November21, 2025 from 12:00 PM –1:30 PM as we host Tiffany Allen, City Manager of Chula Vista at La Sabrosita! with Special Co-host Chula Vista Councilmember Michael Inzunza District 3 Written Communications - Item 3.1 Acosta - Received 3/9/2026 Page 48 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda Micheal Inzunza, I do not think that you Micheal Inzunza could be trusted to Nominate or Vote to place anyone anywhere. Let's, NEVER forget that you Micheal Inzunza got the rest of the squad to vote to remove a commissioner. I believe that the true reason, was that Commissioner commented about your Lunatic Psychotic childish behavior! That Non of your squad dare to. Then You placed your Friend and a family friend, and one who contributed to your campaign. Once again Inzunza can you tell me what is the Going Price of a Politician is? Written Communications - Item 3.1 Acosta - Received 3/9/2026 Page 49 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda South County Higher Education Planning Task Force Potential Interview Questions 1. There has been strong community interest in serving on the South County Higher Education Planning Task Force. Why are you interested in serving, and what aspects of your background or experience would make you a strong contributor to the Task Force’s work? 2. The proposed university is envisioned as a co-located, multi-institutional campus designed to expand access to higher education while aligning academic programs with workforce needs in South County San Diego. What are your perspectives on this model, and how do you see it benefiting learners and the region? 3. The Task Force will address complex issues related to governance of a multi-institution campus, potential financing mechanisms, and land use and site considerations. What experience or expertise do you bring that would inform the Task Force’s deliberations in one or more of these areas? 4. The proposed university site is located approximately seven miles north of the U.S.–Mexico border, within the broader CaliBaja region. What opportunities should the Task Force consider to leverage this binational context to strengthen educational pathways, workforce development, and cross-border collaboration? 5. The Task Force is anticipated to meet four times throughout the course of its work or through June 2027. While supported by consultants, it will be important to have as much participation as possible. Do you have any concerns about being able to attend meetings? Page 50 of 50 City of Chula Vista - City Council March 10, 2026 Post Special City Council Agenda