San Diego Community College District

Hopefully, in spite of the rain, each of you had the chance to cast your vote in Tuesday’s Statewide General Election. As a self-proclaimed political junkie, I took advantage of the opportunity to vote weeks ago ― via mail. Regardless if you voted early, or at the polls on Election Day, the important thing is to exercise your democratic right to participate in a free and fair election.

While many races are still hanging in the balance and the election results are not yet certified, here is a summary of election results of particular interest to the San Diego Community College District.

 

SDCCD Board of Trustees Elections

Elections were scheduled in trustee districts A, C, and E this year for three incumbents, Trustees Dr. Maria Nieto Senour, Craig Milgrim, and Geysil Arroyo. After none of the three races drew challengers, the election was canceled, saving the District approximately $320,000. Each incumbent will serve an additional four-year term with their colleagues Bernie Rhinerson (District B) and Mary Graham (District D) who will be up for re-election in 2024. We congratulate our incumbent trustees, who will take the oath of office during the December 15 Board of Trustees meeting.

 

FEDERAL

On the federal level, it appears the three incumbent members of the House of Representatives that represent the SDCCD’s service area ― Congressmembers Sara Jacobs, Scott Peters, and Juan Vargas ― will be returning for another two years. In addition, Senator Alex Padilla was successful in his bid to represent California for a full six years in the U.S. Senate. It remains to be seen what the makeup of the U.S. Congress will be as Democrats are fighting to keep control of both the House and Senate. Meanwhile, it appears the predicted “Red Wave” of GOP victories never materialized. We will be following closely several races nationally since the outcome may strongly influence the direction of federal higher education policy and spending.

STATE

California Governor Gavin Newsom will get a second term after being reelected with a commanding margin of victory. Along with him, all Democrats on the statewide ballot were successful. Democrats will also continue to enjoy two-thirds supermajorities in both chambers of the state legislature. In races of interest to the SDCCD, incumbents David Alvarez, Tasha Boerner Horvath, Brian Jones, Chris Ward, and Dr. Akilah Weber all appear to be headed to reelection (the race between incumbent Brian Maienschein and his opponent Kristie Bruce-Lane continues along slim margins). Otherwise, there are several key leadership positions in play including the Assembly Speaker and chairs for the Senate Education and Assembly Education, and Higher Education committees. We will be following closely along as these positions are filled.

LOCAL

The District congratulates returning San Diego City Councilmembers Dr. Jennifer Campbell and Monica Montgomery Steppe and welcomes new Councilmember Kent Lee. In races for the County Board of Supervisors, incumbents Nathan Fletcher and Jim Desmond appear to be headed to reelection.

Also of interest: the San Diego Unified School District’s $3.2 billion school bond Measure U, looks like it will receive enough votes to meet the 55% voting threshold needed to pass. We will be closely analyzing the results of this measure as we plan our own construction bond for the 2024 General Election.

Several SDCCD employees were also on the ballot in various races across the county. Among them, Desiree Klarr has a slim lead in her race for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Board, Caitlin Tiffany prevailed in her campaign for a seat on the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District Board, Judy Patacsil appears to have won a seat on the Palomar Community College District Governing Board, as does Caron Lieber in her bid for a seat on the Fallbrook Union Elementary School District Governing Board.

We congratulate all those who were successful in their bids for public office. The District is committed to working with all those who represent us in locally, statewide, and nationally as we continue to advocate on behalf our employees and students. Thank you to each of you who took time to vote, and for encouraging our students to register and vote. A health democracy relies on us collectively and individually doing our part.

Cordially,

Carlos O. Cortez, Ph.D.
Chancellor
San Diego Community College District