v . 0 0 5 P a g e | 1
March 10, 2026
ITEM TITLE
Interviews and Consideration of Appointments to the South County Higher Education Planning Task Force Report Number: 26-0086
Location: University-Innovation District
Department: City Manager
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: No
Environmental Notice: The Project is adequately covered in a previously certified Final Environmental Impact Report (“FEIR”) for the Chula Vista University & Innovation District (FEIR-14-01; SCH #2014121097; certified by City Council Resolution No. 2018-221 on November 13, 2018).
Recommended Action
Conduct interviews of the applicants for the South County Higher Education Planning Task Force who submitted a qualified application during the application period to fill Public Member vacancies and make the appointments as appropriate.
The following applicants will be interviewed: Adrian Arancibia, Patricia Bacame, Tiffany Deal Hecklin ski, Valita Jones, Gala Ledezma, and Jesse Lopez.
SUMMARY
Assembly Bill 662, authored by Assemblymember David Alvarez, establishes the South County Higher Education Planning Task Force, creating a collaborative body that will bring together the City of Chula Vista, University of California, California State University, California Community Colleges, Sweetwater Union High School District and other stakeholders. Among the Task Force membership is at least one public member to be appointed by the City of Chu la Vista. Following a call for applications, the City received 55 submissions from interested community members.
On February 10, 2026, the City Council nominated six individuals to proceed to an interview. Following the interviews, the City Council may deliberate and consider making appointments to the Task Force.
P a g e | 2
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Project has been reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and it has been determined that the Project is adequately covered in a previously certified Final Environmental Impact Report for the Chula Vista University & Innovation District (FEIR-14- 01; SCH #2014121097; certified by City Council Resolution No. 2018 -221 on November 13, 2018). Therefore, no further environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
Authored by Assemblymember David Alvarez, Assembly Bill (AB) 662 establishes the South County Higher Education Planning Task Force, a collaborative body to advance university planning efforts.
The Task Force membership includes representation from:
At least one representative from San Diego State University appointed by the Chancellor of the California State University.
At least one representative from Southwestern College appointed by the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges.
At least one representative from the University of California, San Diego, appointed by the President of the University of California.
At least one representative from the City of Chula Vista. At least one representative from the Sweetwater Union High School District. At least one public member appointed by the City of Chula Vista. At least one representative appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly. At least one representative appointed by the President pro Tempore of the Senate.
All task force members shall be South County residents or individuals who work or have a vested interest in the area.
The Task Force will be responsible for:
1. Identifying and recommending potential governance structures for the mixed -use intersegmental educational facility, including, but not limited to, consortia and other collaborative models.
2. Identifying and analyzing potential site locations and infrastructure requirements.
3. Identifying and recommending p otential funding mechanisms, resources, and partnerships for the mixed-use intersegmental educational facility.
4. Recommending legislative solutions to remove barriers to institutional innovation.
The Task Force is required to submit a comprehensive rep ort with findings and recommendations to the California Legislature by July 1, 2027.
P a g e | 3
City Appointments
On December 2, 2025, City Council designated City Manager Tiffany Allen to represent the City of Chula Vista on the Task Force.
The City Council is also required to appoint at least one public member. City staff conducted a call for applications and received 55 qualified submissions by the January 9, 2026 deadline. On February 10, 2026, the City Council nominated six individuals including: Adrian Arancibia, Patricia Bacame, Tiffany Deal Hecklinski, Valita Jones, Gala Ledezma, and Jesse Lopez to proceed to an interview. Their applications are provided in Attachment 2.
City s taff recommends the appointment of three public member(s) representing various perspectives including those in the business and innovation sector, higher education staff, and students.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
There is no current-year fiscal impact as a result of this action.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact as a result of this action.
ATTACHMENTS
1. South County Higher Education Planning Task Force Roster
2. Applications Packet
Staff Contact: Adrianna Relph, Special Projects & Legislative Manager Tiffany Allen, City Manager