District 4 candidate
Cesar Fernandez, 50
Democrat
What is your background and why you are running for Chula Vista City Council?
We all know our community needs a fresh start. No more scandals. I’m a lifelong teacher in our public schools. I run the after-school programs that keep kids safe and off the street. I lead Chula Vista’s school board – one of the highest performing in the region. I’m ready to fight for the change our community needs.
What are your top three priorities as a council member and why?
The focus needs to be on making Chula Vista affordable again. That’s why so many of us working folks – teachers, construction workers, nurses – laid down roots here. I’ll push for the affordable housing we need so families don’t get pushed out of the Southwest. And I’ll fight to ensure local workers get the first shot at new jobs on new city projects. Because one job should be enough to make ends meet. To get it all done, we need to end the corruption and scandals. We need new leadership now.
What is District 4 excelling in and why?
Southwest Chula Vista is an amazing, tight-knight community. We deserve better from City Hall, which often overlooks our neighborhoods when it comes to funding and services. I know what makes Southwest Chula Vista so special because I’ve been raising my family here. I know how to fight for our fair share because I’ve done it on the School Board. And I know we deserve better than the incumbent who is running for office but hiding from the public while she’s on trial for money laundering.
What is District 4 lacking and what plans do you have to create solutions?
With the Bayfront development bringing 7,000 new jobs to Chula Vista, there’s so much potential. But we can’t let our community get left out in the cold. I’ll fight to ensure local workers get the first shot at new, local jobs. And we can’t just build a beautiful new Bayfront and leave our existing neighborhoods unimproved. Southwest deserves its fair share for safer, better streets and our families deserve Harborside Park to be open, clean, and safe again.
What makes you the better candidate for City Council and why?
I truly care about our community. I teach math in our public schools. I lead the after-school programs so many children rely on. When I’m not teaching, I’m giving back by volunteering with Little League and organizing graffiti clean ups. Too many politicians care only about themselves. I care about my community and have the record to back it up. That’s what the City Council in our hometown should be out – caring for our neighbors, caring for others.
What else would you like for voters to know about you?
I’m the only candidate endorsed by the San Diego Labor Council, County Supervisor Nora Vargas, and Congressman Juan Vargas. And I want to hear from you! Go to CesarForChulaVista.com to contact me directly. Together, we can clean up City Hall and give our community a fresh start.