Carolina Chavez, a Chula Vista council member and the city’s current deputy mayor, is running for county supervisor representing District 1.
The San Diego Union-Tribune asked her and all the candidates running a series of the same questions about the big issues facing South County, and their priorities and plans if elected. Here’s what she told us.
1.) Why are you running, and what makes you the best candidate?
I’m running for county supervisor because every family in District 1 deserves a fair shot at success. As deputy mayor of Chula Vista, I’ve worked tirelessly to address housing affordability, expand economic opportunity and improve community safety. My experience in regional leadership spans over 20 years — advocating for healthcare access, economic development and cross-border collaboration.
At the county level, we need leadership that understands the unique challenges our communities face and has the experience to deliver solutions. I’ve secured resources, built coalitions and implemented policies that uplift working families. Now, I’m ready to bring that same results-driven leadership to the Board of Supervisors to tackle homelessness, expand small business , address the public health crisis of the Tijuana River Valley and ensure every resident — no matter their ZIP code — has access to good jobs, stable housing, clean air and water and safe neighborhoods. I’m ready to get to work for District 1.
2.) What are the top 3 issues facing this district and the county generally?
Homelessness and mental health, public safety and affordable housing.
We must expand behavioral health services, create more affordable housing and ensure coordination between city, county and state resources to get people off the streets and into stable care.
We need more investment in our first responders, community policing programs and youth intervention initiatives to prevent crime before it starts.
Families are struggling with rising rents and home prices. We need a balanced approach that can accelerate housing development by streamlining the permitting process through practical leadership that takes bold action.
The county has the resources in place, and I will prioritize balanced solutions that deliver real results. Crime and emergency response times remain concerns in our communities, and I would invest in public safety. Additionally, streamlining the permitting process that provides for fast-tracking priorities such as affordable housing and infrastructure projects can accelerate economic growth and housing availability.
3.) What are the first 3 things you would do in office if elected?
I will prioritize funding for behavioral programs, affordable housing and crisis response teams that help people experiencing homelessness get the care they need. I will work to increase funding for our first responders and emergency response teams, while also investing in community-based crime prevention programs that work to keep our communities safe. I will push for streamlined permitting, workforce housing incentives and infrastructure investments that help businesses grow and create jobs, ensuring working families can continue to afford to live where they work.
We need to act with urgency and bring real leadership with experience to the Board of Supervisors and start focusing on policies that make a tangible impact in people’s lives. I pledge to work toward expanding mental health and homelessness services, to strengthen our public safety and to small businesses and bring forward housing solutions.
4.) What are your plans for addressing homelessness in San Diego County and in this district specifically?
San Diego County must take a regional approach to homelessness, combining housing solutions with mental health and education services. I will prioritize creating more emergency shelter beds, expanding crisis response teams and investing in long-term ive housing. In District 1, I will work with cities to increase transitional housing options and expand programs that connect homeless individuals with job training and behavioral health care. We must move beyond temporary fixes and implement policies that address the root causes of homelessnessto ensure people get the they need to rebuild their lives with dignity.
5.) Recent wildfires in Los Angeles County have brought renewed attention to the potential effects on areas with high fire risk. Do you think the county should encourage development in rural unincorporated areas, and if so, how should it mitigate fire risks in them? Also, what more should the county do to combat the region’s housing and affordability crisis?
We need to balance responsible growth with fire safety. While we need more housing, we cannot ignore the dangers of building in high-risk wildfire areas. In Chula Vista, we had another wildfire recently, and I was on-scene working with our fire department and volunteers. I have seen first-hand the need to ensure that any development, especially in rural areas, meets strict fire mitigation standards that include defensible space requirements alongside better evacuation planning and investments in firefighting resources.
To address the housing crisis, we must focus on smart growth — building more infill housing near transit corridors and job centers. The county should streamline permitting and project approvals for affordable and workforce housing projects while ensuring that new development is sustainable, safe and connected to necessary infrastructure.
Affordable housing and public safety should not be at odds – we can build a county where families have both security and opportunity.
6.) San Diego County recently drew national attention for its effort to bolster its immigration “sanctuary” policies. What are your positions on immigration enforcement and goals for immigrant communities, and how should the county pursue these and respond to federal crackdowns? What is your response to the sheriff’s refusal to comply with new county policy?
San Diego County must protect immigrant communities and ensure they feel safe reporting crimes or seeking services without fear. As Supervisor, I will champion greater ability and ensure county resources are focused on public safety — not immigration enforcement that erodes trust.
The best way to keep our neighborhoods safe is by strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the communities they serve. When deputies and residents work together, we see better cooperation, safer streets, and a more united county. I am committed to fostering open communication, trust and collaboration to make that happen.
Immigrants are vital to our region’s economy and social fabric. We must expand legal aid, workforce training and small business so families can thrive — ensuring our policies reflect our values of inclusion, opportunity and safety for all.
7.) Are you satisfied with the county’s handling of the sewage crisis thus far? What specific actions would you take to tackle the issue, and what relief would you seek for constituents?
The county has made more progress on this crisis in the past four years than ever before, but a problem decades in the making requires even stronger action. This is an environmental and public health emergency that continues to threaten District 1’s coastline, economy and quality of life. We need immediate federal and state action while also strengthening local wastewater infrastructure and pollution monitoring.
As supervisor, I will leverage my binational experience and cross-border relationships to push for stronger cooperation with Mexico and secure lasting solutions. I will fight for funding to upgrade water treatment systems and advocate for federal disaster relief for impacted businesses and residents. South Bay communities deserve urgent action — not delays or empty promises.
8.) What else should be the county’s top priorities on public health and, separately, on behavioral health? Do you the county’s current courses of action on both, and how do you think it should improve?
Public health efforts must expand access to care, especially in underserved communities. The county should invest in community clinics, mobile healthcare units and preventative care programs to improve long-term health outcomes.
For behavioral health, we need more crisis response teams, expanded mental health facilities and stronger integration of mental health services with homelessness solutions. The county’s recent investments are a step forward, but we must scale up services to ensure people receive care before a crisis escalates.
I will fight for a system that prioritizes long-term mental health care and wellness, not just temporary fixes.
9.) District 1 has borne the impacts of climate change in the form of recent wildfires and floods, as well as the health effects of climate-warming emissions. How would you improve climate resilience within the district, and how would you improve transportation options that reduce emissions?
District 1 is on the front lines of climate change, facing wildfires, floods and rising sea levels. We must invest in climate resilience — improving flood control infrastructure, expanding green spaces and protecting our coastline from erosion.
To reduce emissions, we need better public transit options and incentives for clean energy. I expanding bus and trolley service in South Bay, improving biking infrastructure and promoting electric vehicle adoption.
We must also ensure that new developments are sustainable, requiring energy-efficient buildings and stronger environmental protections. Climate action is not just an environmental issue — it is an economic issue and a public health necessity.
10.) The CaliBaja region — the combined economies of San Diego and Imperial counties and Baja California — is the largest integrated economic zone along the U.S.-Mexico border. How would you protect this cross-border economy as the presidential istration threatens heavy tariffs on Mexico, and how would you make the county friendlier to businesses, small and large?
The CaliBaja region is a vital economic engine, and we must protect cross-border trade from harmful tariffs and policies that threaten jobs and businesses. As an experienced leader in binational affairs who has partnered with county leaders from border communities, I will work to strengthen economic ties, advocate for smart trade policies, and binational infrastructure projects that keep supply chains strong.
At the county level, we must foster a business-friendly environment by streamlining permits, expanding workforce development programs, and reducing unnecessary regulations. I will ensure San Diego remains a place where businesses — both small and large — can grow and thrive.
