Chula Vista officials are making their marks in leadership positions for their respective professional associations or agencies. Police Chief David Bejarano is President of the San Diego County Chiefs’ and Sheriff’s Association. Fire Chief Dave Hanneman is President of the San Diego County Fire Chiefs Association. City Attorney Glen Googins is President of the City Attorneys Association of San Diego County. Ann Moore serves as the City of Chula Vista representative on the Port of San Diego Board and currently is Chair of the Board of Commissioners. And, I just started my term as President of the San Diego City/County Managers Association.
Why should you care? Well, this means we are working with our peers on issues important to Chula Vista and critical to the region. We discuss good governance, economic development, public safety, law and public policy. We hear other’s perspectives on moving the region forward and are able to share our expertise as representatives from Chula Vista, the second largest city in San Diego County. Let me highlight what we’re hoping to accomplish:
Police Chief David Bejarano in his leadership role works through the Chiefs’ and Sheriff’s Association to coordinate law enforcement activities among federal, state, and local officials. The group also provides a forum to exchange ideas and information among the various leaders of law enforcement agencies in the county. In addition, the association develops regional emergency preparedness plans and responses for law enforcement across San Diego County.
As President of the San Diego County Fire Chiefs Association, Dave Hanneman collaborates with his colleagues who represent nearly 60 Fire Department Chiefs in the county. The Fire Chiefs Association focuses on providing leadership to the its members, training for personnel, and developing common response guidelines. Chiefs Bejarano and Hanneman also serve together on the SANDAG Public Safety Committee representing the region’s Police and Fire Chiefs.
City Attorney Glen Googins is President of the City Attorneys Association of San Diego County (CAASD). The Association was established more than 40 years ago and includes City Attorneys from all 18 cities in the County as well as attorneys from local public agencies including the Port of San Diego and SANDAG. The CAASD members are very active and focus on current municipal legal issues and continuing education for members. Special projects this year include working on developing best management practices in key areas and to improve knowledge and appreciation amongst the judiciary and the local bar on core municipal law principles.
Ann Moore currently serves as the Chula Vista Commissioner for the Port of San Diego and this year is Chair of the Board of Port Commissioners. What a great year for Chair Moore. She oversaw the demolition of the South Bay Power Plant and currently is working to promote California’s fourth largest port in the areas of maritime industry, tourism, water and land recreation, environmental stewardship and public safety.
The City County Managers Association includes representatives from 18 cities and the County of San Diego. The group has been at the forefront of pension reform, developing public-public partnerships, and working together to create sustainable communities in San Diego County. This coming year, we also will be focusing on areas such as regional connections for public safety and identifying more efficient ways to deliver public services.
In addition, Finance Director Maria Kachadoorian recently was recognized as “CFO of the Year” for a government agency by the San Diego Business Journal. Under Maria’s financial leadership, the City of Chula Vista has weathered one of its most volatile financial periods and currently has achieved a measure of financial stability while maintaining a favorable credit rating of A-.
I think it’s important for residents to know that Chula Vista is at the helm of leadership in government service associations. While our focus is on Chula Vista, we are actively working to provide outstanding public service, and with our peers, to improve the quality of life for all county residents.
Sandoval is Chula Vista City Manager.
