Candidates Would Get Right to Work on These Issues

I recently wrote the candidates running for the offices of Chula Vista Mayor, Councilmember District 1 and Councilmember District 2. I asked them a few questions for the benefit of our Sunnyside Common Sense readers, to assist them in picking candidates that are inline with their own beliefs.

As of today's publishing, four of the eight questions asked have been answered by the participating candidates. Their names appear in the order that I received their responses.

Question 3: What are the first 3 things you would work on if elected?

MAYORAL CANDIDATES

Yair Gersten

First, I would create a citywide “government triage” system so residents and businesses can submit problems once and get routed to the right department with deadlines, tracking, and accountability. Second, I would launch a traffic and mobility review focused on SR-125 toll avoidance, San Miguel Road, Eastlake-to-west Chula Vista trips, and stronger transit links between shopping centers, schools, parks, Third Avenue, the Bayfront, and the trolley. Third, I would review major city investments and permitting processes to make sure Chula Vista is easier to do business in, easier to visit, and easier to navigate. That includes protecting existing neighborhoods from unintended impacts while optimizing projects like the Gaylord/Bayfront and making Third Avenue a stronger more diverse entertainment and small-business district.

John McCann

No response

Francisco Tamayo

No response

DISTRICT ONE CANDIDATES

Chuck Sanfilippo

Police—Increase Reserve Officers, K-9 Unit, More Cross Trained Specialty Units, Two New Substations East and South.

Fire—Add a new Brush truck and Fire Boat and cross trained crew for the port area, as it takes over 30 minutes for Harbor Police Fire Boat to arrive, if they’re not on another call.

I support the implementation of a rapid electronic Ai Software called Archistar & Civic Code building permit system in which the assessment of building permit applications are streamlined. Then affordable housing would follow and be more viable.

Joy Emmanuel

Coordinated emergency response between police, fire and ambulance services, including more hiring, greater capacity to offload ambulances at hospital sites, and a substation or station in the eastern part of the city to reduce response times.

Much of District 1 resides next to open space and canyons. Los Angeles is a lesson. Our emergency services and fast response in our area makes all the difference for people's lives and their homes. Emergency vehicle access and citizen evacuation is one of the many reasons why we need traffic amelioration in District 1.

We need to make it easier for people to do business in Chula Vista in general to create more jobs, and in District 1 in particular. Toward this end, I support Assemblymember Alvarez’ bill, AB 664, which expands access to affordable four-year degrees here in South San Diego County by authorizing Southwestern College to offer four workforce-aligned bachelor's programs.

Carolina Chavez

One of my top priorities will be continuing efforts to advance the feasibility study and planning process for an East Chula Vista police station to help ensure public safety resources keep pace with our city’s growth.

I will also continue working with city staff and community partners to expand access to shelter, supportive services, and long-term housing solutions so unsheltered residents can access the resources they need while maintaining safe, welcoming neighborhoods for all residents.

In addition, I’m leading efforts to bring a senior center to District 1—a welcoming space where older adults can stay active, connected, and supported while helping residents better navigate city and county services.

I will also continue advancing traffic and infrastructure improvements, including pedestrian safety, traffic calming, and roadway improvements that improve the quality of life across our communities.

Greg Martinez

No response

Sergio C. Vargas

No response

DISTRICT TWO CANDIDATES

Russ Hall

1. Return public comments time to five minutes during city council meetings. The three minute rule is suffocating the public and is totally unnecessary.

2. A line item budget review to see where the taxpayer money is really going which provides full and complete government transparency to ensure against fraud, waste and abuse!

3. Return all homeless issues to that State and County who in fact already have the services, administrative infrastructure and oversight to administer all homeless services and issues. The cities were never set up or structured for these social issues. Why recreate the wheel at enormous expense!

Jose Preciado

No response

Angelica S. Martinez

No response

Jesse Navarro

No response

Look for a second Q&A in today's Common Sense:

Do you currently support or oppose the use of ICE enforcement for immigrants who have committed crimes? What is your message to immigrants in this district?

Stay tuned for the answers to tomorrow's questions:

Rohr Park is in District 1, yet it is located in the middle of the neighboring Bonita-Sunnyside community. What are your ideas about calming traffic, quieting elevated noise levels and reducing light pollution (from lighted fields) that may arise from additions to the Rohr Park Master Plan? 

There is presently a debate over retaining the Rohr Park Horse Arena or replacing it with additional soccer playing fields. Which use do you support and why? 

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