DATE: November 10, 2020
SUBJECT:
Title
A PROCLAMATION HONORING GREG COX FOR HIS LONG AND DISTINGUISHED CAREER IN PUBLIC SERVICE, CULMINATING IN 25 YEARS OF REPRESENTING DISTRICT 1 ON THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS WHICH INCLUDES ALL OR PORTIONS OF ALL FIVE PORT MEMBER CITIES
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox is leaving office after 25 years on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors as the representative of District 1, which includes portions of San Diego and the cities of National City, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach and Coronado. He is leaving office due to term limits and plans to retire from an exemplary career of public service that includes serving two terms as Chula Vista’s Mayor and teaching students at Sweetwater Union High School.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Approve a proclamation honoring the good works of Supervisor Cox.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact to the Port of San Diego.
Compass Strategic Goals:
This agenda item supports the following Strategic Goal(s).
• A Port with a comprehensive vision for Port land and water uses integrated to regional plans.
DISCUSSION:
Greg Cox is a lifelong resident of Chula Vista who has devoted his life to public service in Chula Vista and the South Bay.
He currently serves as Chairman of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors in this, his 25th year on the Board. He is leaving his District 1 office due to term limits.
While serving on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, he has been a champion for projects that benefit the Port of San Diego’s member cities of San Diego, National City, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, and Coronado. His crowning achievement may be the 24-mile Bayshore Bikeway, a nearly completed circuit that connects all five cities.
Cox has also been a valued partner with the Port of San Diego on other projects of regional significance, including the Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan, the Living Coast Discovery Center, and the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market.
He has worked to improve the quality of life for South Bay residents by making sure that a representative portion of the county’s budget - currently $6.27 billion - is spent in his district. He has sought innovative ways to deliver services to children, the elderly, foster and adoptive families, and others in need of access to affordable health care, workforce training, homeless services, and well-paying jobs.
Cox was initially elected to the Board of Supervisors and took office in January 1995, but he followed the call to public service much earlier. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from San Diego State University and taught students at Sweetwater Union High School, following the lead of his parents who were both teachers.
He went on to be elected to the Chula Vista City Council, then was elected Mayor by Chula Vista residents for two terms.
He is the only elected official in California to be chosen by Mayors and City Councilmembers across the state as President of the League of California Cities. He was also elected by County Supervisors statewide to be President of the California State Association of Counties.
He has served on the California Coastal Commission and received numerous regional and national awards, including the Outstanding Public Official Award from the National Association of County Parks and Recreation Officials.
He is married to Cheryl Cox, herself a former two-term Chula Vista Mayor and a former educator. They have two adult daughters.
After leaving office, Cox plans to retire.
General Counsel’s Comments:
The Office of the General Counsel has reviewed this agenda sheet and the proclamation as presented to it and approves same for form and legality.
Environmental Review:
The proposed Board action, including without limitation, a proclamation honoring a career in public service, does not constitute a “project” under the definition set forth in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 because it would not have the potential to result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment and is, therefore, not subject to CEQA. No further action under CEQA is required.
The proposed Board action complies with Section 35 of the Port Act, which allows the Board to do all acts necessary and convenient for the exercise of its powers. The Port Act was enacted by the California Legislature and is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine. Consequently, the proposed Board action is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine.
The proposed Board action does not allow for “development,” as defined in Section 30106 of the California Coastal Act, or “new development,” pursuant to Section 1.a. of the District’s Coastal Development Permit Regulations. Therefore, issuance of a Coastal Development Permit or exclusion is not required.
Equal Opportunity Program:
Not applicable.
PREPARED BY:
Ronald Powell
Program Manager, Government & Civic Relations
Attachment(s):
Attachment A: A Proclamation Honoring Greg Cox