South County EDC Newsletter
Get in the Know - September 22nd, 2025
 
 
 
South County Economic Development
Council Represents Region in Sacramento  
 

Last week, the South County EDC — represented by Past Chair Debbie Espe and President & CEO Jim O’Callaghan — joined the San Diego Tourism Authority, Visit Carlsbad, and Visit Oceanside in Sacramento for a special two-day engagement with Visit California and its partners.

The trip provided a unique opportunity to meet with the entire Visit California team, share insights into San Diego County’s diverse offerings, and contribute to critical statewide marketing initiatives. Through engaging presentations, we highlighted the region’s unique experiences, explored new collaborative approaches to enhance visibility, and strengthened partnerships aimed at keeping both California and San Diego top of mind for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences
and meetings.

We are grateful to the Visit California team for their hospitality, partnership, and continued leadership in showcasing the Golden State. The South County EDC is also proud to share that we will serve on the steering committee for the 2026 Outlook Forum, which will be hosted at the Gaylord Pacific next year.
 
 
 

Save the Date: November 21st, 2025, for the Workforce & Education Forum
The South County EDC announces the Workforce and Education Forum will take place on November 21st, 2025, at the South County Lighthouse.

The Workforce & Education Forum is designed to bring together business leaders, educators, employees, policymakers, and community stakeholders for a day of collaboration, networking, and solution-building. 
 

 

 
 
 

Chula Vista University Legislation Advances to Governor’s Desk
Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego) announced that Assembly Bill 662 – The Chula Vista University Act – passed out of the State Senate with bipartisan support.
 
AB 662 establishes the South County Higher Education Task Force—a collaborative body that will bring together the University of California, California State University, CA Community Colleges, the City of Chula Vista, Sweetwater Union High School District, and other stakeholders to evaluate the governance models, funding mechanisms, and statutory changes required to create a university.
 
 
 

The 38th Soiree Awards Reception at Novo Brazil in Imperial Beach

The South County Economic Development Council (EDC) proudly participated in the 38th Annual Soiree & Awards Reception on September 18th at Novo Brazil Brewpub in Imperial Beach, hosted by the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce.

Thank you, Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunities to be part of this special event!

SPECIAL GUESTS:

  • Paloma Aguirre, County Supervisor,
    District 1
  • Vivian Moreno, City Councilmember for District 8
  • Ambassador Alicia G. Kerber-Palma, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego
  • Consul General Christopher Teal, U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana
  • Sidney Aki, Director of Field Operations
 

 

 
 

Sweetwater Authority Unveils New 2.2-Mile Scenic Trail Along Sweetwater
Reservoir

The Sweetwater Authority has unveiled a new 2.2-mile scenic trail along the Sweetwater Reservoir in Bonita, CA. Previously accessible only as a maintenance road, the trail has been repurposed for public use, offering opportunities for walking, running, and mountain biking.

 

 

 

Watch on CBS8 here.
 
 

Coronado Receives SANDAG Platinum Diamond Award   

The City of Coronado has been honored with the Platinum Diamond Award by SANDAG’s Employer Commuter Program, in recognition of our work promoting sustainable commuting options such as carpooling, bike infrastructure, and vanpools, which help reduce vehicle miles traveled and cut CO₂ emissions. health.

 

 

 
 

Community Events Planned to Showcase New Medi-Cal Services

People experiencing homelessness, those with mental health conditions or substance use disorders, and former foster youth, among others, may be eligible for new services through Medi-Cal.
 

 

 
 

South County EDC Board of Directors Recap with Mayor John McCann

Thank you to everyone who attended the South County EDC Board of Directors Meeting on Tuesday, September 9th, hosted by PSAR.

A special thank you to Mayor John McCann for his presentation on the Chula Vista Bay Front Update. Please click on the link below to download the presentation.

 

 

 
 
 

NOW Enrolling!
The South County EDC Hosts the Young Entrepreneurs Academy 
The South County EDC Young Entrepreneurs Academy empowers high school students to become successful business leaders. Through hands-on learning experiences, participants gain essential skills in marketing, finance, and leadership. 

This innovative year-long program offers mentorship from local business professionals and networking opportunities with peers who share a passion for entrepreneurship.
 
 
 
 
Membership Rewards Program
 
Refer & Win! Help SCEDC Grow + Enter to Win Golf & Dinner Prizes!
 
 
 
 
 
 
SCEDC Recovery Loan
 
Do you own a small business in need of a loan to acquire new equipment or hire additional employees?
 
 
 
 
 
 
What's Coming Up
 
 

Board of Directors
Meeting

 
October 7th,
8 AM - 9:30 AM
 
 
 

Policy and Infrastructure
Committee

 
October 15th
3 PM - 4 PM 
 
 

Membership and Marketing
Committee
 
October 17th,
11 AM - 12 PM
 
 
 
South County Economic Development Council
(SCEDC) Copyright 2025 
 
 
 

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