District 4 Board of Supervisor Candidates Statements:
The Casa de Oro Alliance submitted questions to all candidates for the upcoming special election, regarding issues specific to Casa de Oro. So far we have heard from two (their answers are below, in alphabetical order by surname). More will be posted as they are provided. Additional information can be found at the County’s website and in local news channels.
Answers by Janessa Goldbeck
a. What do you think are the most pressing issues affecting Casa de Oro and how will you work to address them?
Our goal is to build and maintain a vibrant community that is full of history and diverse cultures. The issues affecting Casa de Oro are multi-layered, and as Supervisor I believe it is critical to foster a relationship with unincorporated areas to ensure we build and maintain a vibrant community that is full of history and diverse cultures. Casa de Oro should have the same investment as other communities to be a safe and inviting place for people to walk around, enjoy popular spots for dining, entertainment, shopping, and more.
Specifically there are three core areas I am focused on addressing:
First, revitalizing Casa de Oro, including the Campo Road Corridor, is a crucial part of the community’s success. The Casa de Oro Alliance’s hard work advocating for community improvement projects such as the Campo Road Corridor Revitalization Specific Plan and the subsequent unanimous approval by the County Board of
Supervisors marked a promising turning point. However, we must continue to monitor and ensure its full and efficient implementation. This includes nurturing a thriving business environment that incentivizes local businesses to establish and grow in the community.
Second, it’s high time we aggressively address the crumbling infrastructure in Casa de Oro. The community deserves safe, reliable, and well-maintained roads. As a member of the Board of Supervisors, I will be an advocate for Casa de Oro in securing funding for capital improvement projects that will enhance our infrastructure and improve the quality of life for our residents.
Third, public safety. The most intractable public safety challenges in San Diego County include homelessness, the mental health crisis, and substance abuse, all of which significantly impact the well-being of our community. We’re also seeing a disturbing rise in violent and property crimes of all kinds here in San Diego County. We don’t have to choose between protecting public safety and protecting people’s basic rights. We must do both. And we do not have to choose between having officers ready to respond and adding more social workers and medical staff to aid our first responders. Again, we must do both.
To address these challenges, we must act comprehensively. We need an approach that involves collaboration between law enforcement, social service agencies, and community organizations. This entails investing in mental health services and substance abuse treatment programs to help alleviate the burden on our public safety officers while also beefing up public safety staffing and response where it’s needed most. I am committed to working collaboratively with everyone to make every San Diego neighborhood safe for every family.
These challenges require commitment, hard work, and robust community collaboration. I am prepared to lead these efforts to ensure that Casa de Oro flourishes, and I am proud to be endorsed by public safety organizations like our County firefighters and the Deputy District Attorney’s Association and economic development organizations like the East County Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to standing with the Casa de Oro Alliance and all of our neighbors in this journey.
b. How will your approach be different for communities like Casa de Oro that aren’t incorporated?
Communities like Casa de Oro, which aren’t incorporated, face unique challenges and often lack sufficient government representation. My approach is centered around inclusive engagement. I will actively seek the perspectives of Casa de Oro residents, local businesses, and nonprofits like yours to ensure their voices
are heard at the Board of Supervisors by attending your meetings/events whenever possible and having regular staff engagement with your leadership. I will also aim to leverage county resources to ensure that Casa de Oro is not overlooked in areas like infrastructure improvement, community development, and
services.
c. The Casa de Oro community constituents are very diverse (ethnically, economically
and politically). What is your experience working with people with differing
points of view?
As someone who was a Marine Captain, is part of the LGBTQ+ community, sits on the board of MANA de San Diego, serves on the board of the County’s Behavioral Health Advisory Board, and is a member of UCSD’s Chancellor’s Community Advisory Board, among others, I am fortunate to have had extensive experience
interacting with, learning from, and working alongside people of varied backgrounds and perspectives.
My military service taught me that a diverse group of people, when working towards a common objective, can overcome the most formidable of challenges. In the armed forces, our strength didn’t stem from uniformity, but rather from the diversity of our experiences, perspectives, and skills. The troops I led had a singular mission, but it was the multitude of ideas that often led to the best solutions.
As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have been at the frontlines of advocating for rights and equality, at home and abroad. This role involves engaging in meaningful dialogues with those who may not fully understand or even agree with our community’s needs or experiences. Building bridges of understanding across those divides is a challenge I embrace.
With MANA de San Diego, I’ve had the privilege of working with Latinas in our community to promote education and leadership. In this capacity, I have learned about the unique challenges faced by this segment of our population, and also witnessed the power of culturally diverse perspectives in crafting innovative solutions.
Similarly, on UCSD’s Chancellor’s Community Advisory Board, I’ve had the opportunity to interact with leaders from various communities across San Diego. The board is a mix of differing opinions and perspectives, but we are all united by our desire to make UCSD and our broader community a better place.
In each of these roles, I have found that the key to working with differing points of view is respect, empathy, and open communication. It’s about understanding that we don’t all have to agree on everything, but we must respect each other’s experiences and perspectives. As your representative, I would apply these principles to serve the diverse constituents of Casa de Oro effectively.
d. What is your experience working with grassroots organizations such as the Casa de Oro Alliance?
Grassroots organizations like the Casa de Oro Alliance are the backbone of our communities. As a leader in various organizations, I’ve seen the power of these groups firsthand. From Vet Voice Foundation’s advocacy for veterans to my work with the San Diego LGBT Community Center, grassroots organizations have been at the heart of my public service. My experience has taught me the importance of local knowledge and involvement in making meaningful change. I look forward to partnering with organizations like the Casa de Oro Alliance to implement the revitalization plan and continue the positive transformation of your community.
e. The Board of Supervisors recently adopted a Specific Plan for the Campo road corridor in Casa de Oro. What is your experience with the development and implementation of similar land use plans? What are your ideas and suggestions on how to implement the Specific plan as adopted by the Board of Supervisors?
Reference: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/pds/advance/CasadeOroRevitalizationPlan.html
I have extensive experience engaging with land use plans and community development initiatives through my work on the Kensington-Talmadge Community Planning Group and working at the federal level to advocate for funding for infrastructure. This experience taught me the importance of thorough planning, transparent communication, and strong partnerships.
Implementing the Specific Plan for the Campo road corridor will require a coordinated, community-driven approach. Here are a few ideas:
Engagement: Regularly consult with residents, businesses, and community organizations throughout the implementation process. This not only ensures their concerns are addressed, but also promotes a sense of ownership and support.
Partnerships: Forge partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies to leverage their expertise and resources. By working together, we can achieve more than any single entity can alone.
Phased Approach: Implement the plan in manageable stages, allowing for adjustments and improvements along the way based on feedback and evolving needs.
Transparency: Regularly update the community on the progress of the plan. This helps to build trust and maintain engagement.
The Specific Plan is a milestone for Casa de Oro, and I look forward to supporting its successful implementation as your Supervisor.
——-
Answers by Amy Reichert
a. What do you think are the most pressing issues affecting Casa de Oro and how will you work to address them?
As a La Mesa resident living near Casa de Oro and having had my son attend school on Campo Road, I have been closely attuned to the numerous concerns voiced by the local community, faith-based organizations, and businesses in Casa de Oro. These concerns primarily revolve around challenges such as homelessness, illicit businesses, and substance abuse problems.
Homelessness: The homeless humanitarian crisis is a complex, multifaceted and heartbreaking issue that demands our attention. Despite spending billions of dollars through “Housing First”, the crisis continues to
worsen. We must prioritize compassionate care for domestic violence victims and their children, support foster care youth who age out of the system and face homelessness, and provide assistance for the growing population of elderly individuals who struggle to afford housing.
In tackling the issue of homelessness, it is vital that we address the root causes instead of merely dealing with the symptoms. During a ride-along with a 25-year veteran from a local law enforcement agency, I witnessed firsthand that severe alcohol and drug abuse, as well as mental illness, are the primary challenges faced by those living in homeless encampments.
My personal experiences have given me a deep understanding of crisis. When my father passed away, I was
eight months pregnant with my first child. Tragically, my daughter, Ashley, was born in a coma and passed away in the NICU when she just three days old. Through my role as a Celebrate Recovery leader, I have helped other people through difficult times in their lives and witnessed the transformative power of treatment and recovery. Unfortunately, the State of California prohibits the allocation of “Housing First” funds to be used for treatment
programs.
While Housing First has helped some individuals, we cannot ignore the devastating unintended outcomes it has produced. Motel vouchers have been given to wanted felons who utilize taxpayer-funded resources to deal drugs and even commit heinous sexual offenses against children who are also residing in these motel rooms. That is why myplan involves a “Shelter First with Treatment” approach.
We must expand our Crisis Stabilization Units, which are an Urgent Care for people experiencing a crisis
as well as expand our Homeless Outreach Teams, Mobile Crisis Response Teams, and Psychiatric Emergency Response Teams and reach people and get them the help they need before they are on the streets. We must double the amount of Psychiatric beds currently available in the County. We only have 742 and they
are always teetering at capacity.
I am honored to have received endorsements from five local mayors for the position of Supervisor, as well as Supervisor Joel Anderson and Supervisor Jim Desmond and I firmly believe that resolving this humanitarian crisis requires a unified regional effort. As your next County Supervisor, I am committed to working alongside all stakeholders, community groups such as the Casa de Oro Community Alliance and including individuals with lived experiences of homelessness. It is time for us to come together and prioritize compassionate care and recovery. People are ready for a change and I am that change. I am the only candidate that will make the necessary changes instead of going in the same direction. With unity and a focus on compassion, not politics, we can come together and make a difference.
Substance abuse: As an experienced former Celebrate Recovery leader who has successfully supported numerous individuals facing severe addictions, I am committed to addressing the addiction crisis in San Diego County. My approach will involve a compassionate and strategic plan aimed at fostering meaningful recovery. By dedicating county resources to evidence-based strategies, we can provide effective support for individuals seeking to overcome addiction.
Illegal businesses: I am dedicated to addressing the issue of illegal businesses in Casa de Oro and the unincorporated areas, prioritizing the concerns of the community. By implementing a proactive approach, I will
ensure swift responsiveness to community complaints. This means establishing a streamlined process for receiving and investigating reports, enabling us to take immediate action against illegal businesses. Through continuous rigorous enforcement measures, we will safeguard the interests of legitimate businesses and the community at large, promoting a safe and thriving environment. By promptly addressing and resolving these issues, we can foster a stronger sense of security and protect the integrity of our local economy.
You can count on me as your next County Supervisor to be your number one advocate on the Board of
Supervisors.
b. How will your approach be different for communities like Casa de Oro that aren’t incorporated?
My unique advantage as a candidate is in my personal connection and familiarity with the unincorporated communities, such as Casa de Oro, within the East County. Being a resident of La Mesa myself, I have firsthand experience and deep understanding of the challenges faced by these areas. For instance, I am actively involved in my son’s education, as he attended an elementary school in Casa de Oro. This daily involvement with the community of Casa de Oro allows me to address the specific issues affecting our community from first hand experience and relationships I have established in the community..
As County Supervisor, one of my top priorities during my first 100 days in office will be to enhance the level of support and responsiveness to residents in the unincorporated areas. To accomplish this, I will establish a dedicated staff member who will be solely focused on addressing and responding to the concerns and needs of these communities.
This staff member will serve as a direct point of contact for residents, ensuring that their voices are heard and their issues are effectively addressed. They will work closely with community members and community groups such as the Casa de Oro Community Alliance to understand their unique challenges, advocate on their behalf, and
coordinate with relevant county departments and agencies to provide timely and efficient solutions.
By dedicating a staff member exclusively to the unincorporated areas, we will enhance the level of attention and resources allocated to these communities. This proactive approach will foster a stronger connection between the county government and the residents, ensuring that their concerns are not only heard but also acted upon promptly. This staff member will also be a resident of the unincorporated area.
Moreover, the establishment of this position will provide a clear channel of communication, enabling residents to easily access the support they need. Whether it’s addressing infrastructure concerns, improving public services, or addressing other community-specific issues, this dedicated staff member will be committed to delivering results and enhancing the quality of life in the unincorporated areas.
I firmly believe that by implementing this dedicated staff position, we can significantly improve the responsiveness and engagement between county government and the unincorporated communities. It will serve as a tangible demonstration of my commitment to serving the needs of all residents and ensuring their concerns receive the
attention they deserve.
Moreover, I have demonstrated my commitment to Casa de Oro by actively supporting the Friends of Casa de Oro Library. Not only have I attended their fundraisers, but I have also participated in community meetings at the current Casa de Oro Library. This involvement showcases my dedication and willingness to engage with the
local community at a grassroots level.
It is essential to recognize that unincorporated areas like Casa de Oro lack the representation and governance provided by city councils, mayors, or city governments. As the future representative of District 4, I am keenly aware that I serve as the direct link between these communities and the support and resources they require. By electing me, the residents of Casa de Oro can be assured that their voices will be heard and their needs will be advocated for at the county level.
Furthermore, I am proud to have received the previous endorsement of the San Miguel Fire, IAFF Local 1434, in 2022. San Miguel Firefighters Local 1434 represents 72 professional Firefighters serving nearly 134,000 residents in the communities of Bostonia, Casa de Oro, Crest, Grossmont/Mt. Helix, La Presa, Rancho San Diego, Spring
Valley and the unincorporated areas of El Cajon and La Mesa. This endorsement highlights the trust and confidence placed in me by a crucial public service organization operating in the unincorporated areas. It demonstrates my ability to collaborate effectively with key stakeholders to address the specific concerns of these communities.
In summary, my candidacy offers a unique perspective and deep familiarity with the unincorporated areas, such as Casa de Oro, within the East County. With my personal connection, active engagement, and support from essential organizations, I am well-equipped to represent and advocate for the needs of these communities effectively.
c. The Casa de Oro community constituents are very diverse (ethnically, economically and politically).
What is your experience working with people with differing points of view?
Having grown up in San Diego with working class parents (my mom was a secretary and my dad worked at FedMart as a clerk at the Jewelry and Camera Counter before he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when I was eight years old and he could no longer work), I know the struggles of families who are just trying to provide for their families. As someone who was raised in a Jewish household, I understand the importance of embracing and respecting different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. As an adult, I raised my children as a single mom and faced challenges with affordable housing and reliable transportation. I am intimately familiar with the diversity that characterizes our community, including Casa de Oro, where my youngest son attended school on Campo Road.
In addition, as a proud mother of a Latino son with a first-generation immigrant father, I have firsthand experience navigating the complexities of multiculturalism and multi-languages within my own family. This personal experience has deepened my appreciation for the unique challenges and aspirations of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Recognizing the importance of speaking Spanish, I have taken the initiative to become conversant in Spanish. This commitment enables me to engage with and listen to constituents from various ethnic, economic, and political backgrounds within District 4, which happens to be the most diverse district in San Diego County.
Moreover, I believe in the importance of inclusivity and ensuring that every voice is heard and represented. As a public servant, I am dedicated to creating an environment where differing points of view are respected, valued, and taken into consideration when making decisions. I am committed to fostering open dialogue and seeking common ground while addressing the unique needs and concerns of all community members.
In 2021, I had the privilege of co-founding a non-profit organization with a strong commitment to inclusivity and non-partisanship. Our mission was to create a space where individuals from all backgrounds could come together, fostering an environment that values diversity and celebrates our shared humanity.
One of the hallmarks of our organization was the diverse leadership team we assembled. We purposefully sought out individuals from various walks of life, including representatives from Jewish, Buddhist, and Christian communities, among others. This diverse leadership allowed us to bring together a range of perspectives, ideas, and experiences, ensuring that our organization was inclusive and representative of the broader community we aimed to serve.
As leaders, we prioritized the values of encouragement and community building. We believed that by fostering an environment that promotes understanding, empathy, and dialogue, we could strengthen the bonds within our community. Through collaborative initiatives, events, and programs, we actively worked to bridge divides and bring people together, regardless of their political beliefs or affiliations.
We take immense pride in the way we guided our organization, consistently adhering to our inclusive and non-partisan principles. By promoting open and respectful communication, we fostered an atmosphere where everyone’s voice was heard and valued. We recognized that true progress is achieved when we engage with differing perspectives and work towards finding common ground.
The success of our non-profit is a testament to our commitment to building an inclusive and non-partisan community. By leading by example, we showed that it is possible to bridge differences and create a space where people can come together to address common challenges and pursue shared goals.
Moving forward, I will bring this same dedication and approach to my work within the Casa de Oro community. I firmly believe in the power of inclusivity, collaboration, and community-building, and I will work tirelessly to ensure that all voices are heard and respected, regardless of their background or beliefs.
By leveraging my personal experiences, linguistic abilities, and dedication to inclusivity, I am well-prepared to work with people with differing points of view within the Casa de Oro community. I will approach every conversation and interaction with empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to understand and represent the diverse perspectives that enrich our community.
d. What is your experience working with grassroots organizations such as the Casa de Oro Alliance?
I am in regular contact with Allan Arthur, a Board member of the Casa de Oro Alliance. On June 21, 2023, I attended the CalTrans Open House for the 94/125 Update at the request of members of the Casa de Oro Alliance. I have also build relationships with grassroots organizations near Casa de Oro such as the Grossmont-Mt. Helix Improvement Association, the Spring Valley Community Alliance and the Lemon Grove Improvement Council.
Because of this connection I am acutely aware of the issues facing Casa de Oro.
Illegal businesses, homelessness and substance abuse issues. As a former Celebrate Recovery leader myself who has helped thousands of people who struggle with severe addictions, addressing our crisis in San Diego County surrounding addiction issues, I will lead with a heart and a plan for meaningful recovery by devoting county resources towards proven plans that can help people seek recovery from addiction.
You can count on me as your next County Supervisor to be your number one advocate on the Board of Supervisors.
e. The Board of Supervisors recently adopted a Specific Plan for the Campo road corridor in Casa de Oro. What is your experience with the development and implementation of similar land use plans? What are your ideas and suggestions on how to implement the Specific plan as adopted by the Board of Supervisors? Reference: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/pds/advance/CasadeOroRevitalizationPlan.html
The implementation of the Campo Road Specific Plan marks an important step towards fostering the growth,
development, and revitalization of a community that has been overlooked by the County of San Diego for far too long. I personally drive Campo Road everyday, 2 times a day, five times a week. This plan presents an opportunity for meaningful change and progress in the area, and I am excited to be part of and help facilitate the community’s vision.
Drawing upon my extensive experience in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and differing points of view, I am uniquely positioned to bring these perspectives together and facilitate open, constructive dialogue. By actively engaging all participants in the decision-making process, especially the Casa de Oro Alliance, we can bridge divides and build a sense of unity and collaboration within the community.
I firmly believe that effective communication and harmony are essential. As a leader with a proven track record, I will prioritize creating an inclusive environment where all viewpoints are valued, respected, and given an opportunity to be heard. I understand that collaboration and cooperation are essential for achieving sustainable,
long-term solutions that address the needs and aspirations of the community and people know I am responsive, professional and attentive to community concerns and issues.
Having heard from the community and its leaders, I am committed to working closely with Casa de Oro
community members, leaders, stakeholders, and local organizations to ensure their voices are represented and their concerns are addressed. We must preserve the unique look and identity of Casa de Oro as we improve this vital corridor to the community for those who live there, shop there, work there, and own businesses there. By fostering an atmosphere of trust, transparency, and access we can establish a foundation for positive change and collectively work towards a shared vision for the Campo Rd area. The residents would like to preserve a “sense of place”, improve aesthetics, have more trees, improve landscaping. and vehicles, creating a welcoming place for everyone. This vision of creating and sustaining a vibrant community that promotes the historically rich and culturally diverse community of Casa de Oro is a goal of mine as your next county supervisor as well. We
must support existing and new businesses.
As the daughter of a father who was in a wheelchair, I deeply understand the necessity of ADA compliance with access to sidewalks and intersection curb ramps in the community. The plan must also help to reduce speeding in the community for pedestrian and cyclist safety to reduce traffic fatalities.
Through gateway signage, public art, mural that reflect the rich history and cultural diversity, landscaping and ornamental trees this plan will provide a welcoming entrance to all who enter Casa de Oro.
I wholeheartedly support the Improved Traffic Management that may include roundabouts and improved left turn lanes, wider sidewalks, on-street parking, and safe bike lanes and routes for all to enjoy. There has also been a focus on commercial growth and the development of affordable housing. This positive transformation is the result of the dedicated efforts of the Casa de Oro Alliance, who have tirelessly worked towards renovation, revitalization, and redevelopment. These initiatives have garnered strong support from various entities, including the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, San Diego County Planning Department, community members, local organizations, and area businesses.
One of the key objectives is to enhance building facades and minimize setbacks. Additionally, there is a concerted effort to reduce the prevalence of liquor, and massage bars, while encouraging local residents to support local businesses such as grocery stores and retail establishments.
Through my leadership and dedication, I will advocate for Casa de Oro’s best interests, leveraging my experience in working with community leaders to bring this project to completion. I will do whatever it takes to help Casa de Oro realize the completion of the Specific Plan for Campo Road through more funding and acquiring funding from supporting agencies. Together, we can create a harmonious and thriving community that reflects the values and aspirations of the residents of Casa de Oro.
