Black Faces in High Places by YBANDNB

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ARCHI TECTURE & DESIGN

BUSINESS OUTREACH • COMMODITIES

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

DISABLED VETERAN BUSINESS ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

INSPECTION • LEASE-LEASEBACK

MAINTENANCE • PREQUALIFICATION

PRODUCTS & SPECIFICATIONS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

PROJECT SCHEDULE

PROJECT STABILIZATION AGREEMENT

SOLAR • TECHNOLOGY

San Diego Uniﬁed School District held its 14 th Annual Construction Expo on July 17 District sta , prime contractors and consultants, regional public agencies, trade organizations, professional organizations, and community resource entities were on hand to answer questions from San Diego's local, diverse business community and provide insight into upcoming projects, scopes, schedules, contracting requirements, and so much more. The event drew more than 474 registrants interested in working on regional construction projects. Propositions S and Z and Measures YY and U capital improvement bonds fund San Diego Uni ed’s construction projects.

BUSINESS OUTREACH TEAM IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH

Young Black & N’ Business

sandiegounified.org/business-outreach

We salute YBNB’s dedication to excellence in helping entrepreneurs build professional networks and grow customer base through exposure opportunities that leverage the power of marketing. We value our aligned goals that encourage early entrepreneurs to consider entering the lucrative and stable construction sector to build legacy wealth.

Don’t miss out on opportunities — If you are a minority with 51% ownership of a construction contracting company or related business, contact Alma D. Bañuelos, San Diego Unified Business Outreach Coordinator at abanuelos@sandi.net.

Mayor Racquel Vasquez is a transformative leader for the City of Lemon Grove, serving as Mayor since 2016. Her election marked a historic milestone as the first Black female Mayor in both the city and San Diego County. Throughout her tenure, Mayor Vasquez has been a symbol of resilience, vision, and unwavering dedication to public service.

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Before becoming Mayor, Racquel Vasquez built a strong foundation in public service. She began as a Planning Commissioner and later served as a Councilmember for Lemon Grove, engaging with the community on a personal level and gaining insights into the needs of residents. Her commitment to the people of Lemon Grove has always been central to her leadership, driving her involvement in various groups, associations, and task forces.

With over 26 years of experience in municipal government, Mayor Vasquez brings extensive knowledge to her role. Her background in public relations within local government has equipped her to effectively communicate and advocate for the community. This experience, combined with her passion for service, has enabled her to lead Lemon Grove with a focus on practical, people-centered solutions.

Mayor Vasquez has focused on addressing critical issues facing the city and state, including the housing and homelessness crisis. She understands the importance of safe, affordable housing and has worked tirelessly to create policies and partnerships that increase housing availability. Under her leadership, Lemon Grove became the only city in San Diego County—and one of just 13 cities in California—to meet the state’s affordable housing mandate. In collaboration with East County Mayors and regional leaders, she helped provide services to over 400 people last year, including housing assistance.

Public safety has also been a cornerstone of Mayor Vasquez’s administration. The city has prioritized public safety through significant investments in law enforcement and emergency services, maintaining Lemon Grove’s ISO 1 rating, adding a state-ofthe-art fire engine, and increasing officer capacity, all aimed at enhancing the safety and security of the community.

Economic development is a top priority for Mayor Vasquez and she is dedicated to fostering a vibrant economy in Lemon Grove. Her administration has supported local businesses through innovative programs including the gift card stimulus initiative, which boosted the economy during tough times. Under her leadership, over 184 new businesses have opened, strengthening the city’s economic foundation. She is also leading efforts to establish a loan fund to support the Lemon Grove business community.

Mayor Vasquez’s governance is rooted in collaboration and transparency. She believes in the power of unity and community strength, values that have guided her through both challenges and successes. By working closely with representatives across San Diego County, as well as state and federal leaders, she has implemented practical, common-sense solutions to address the city’s most pressing issues.

Her accomplishments reflect her ability to deliver meaningful results for the people of Lemon Grove. She has managed the city’s budget with fiscal responsibility, ensuring resources are allocated equitably. Her leadership in infrastructure improvements is evident in the quadrupling of street repair investments this year. With $5.4 million in street repairs coming this fall, she continues to focus on enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Mayor Vasquez’s dedication to public service extends beyond her official duties. She has a deep love for Lemon Grove and is passionate about improving the city. Whether revitalizing parks, increasing neighborhood walkability, or reducing greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable practices, Mayor Vasquez is always seeking ways to better serve the community. As the founder of Thrive Lemon Grove, initiatives to enhance life outcomes in the community through collaboration and mission-driven efforts have flourished.

As she seeks re-election, Mayor Racquel Vasquez is committed to continuing the journey she began in 2016. Her vision is a brighter, more prosperous future for Lemon Grove—one where every resident has the opportunity to realize a sense of belonging. Her proven track record and passion for service make her the right choice to continue leading Lemon Grove toward a vibrant future.

Mayor Vasquez, along with her husband, a proud Navy veteran, and their two daughters, have called Lemon Grove home for 22 years. Deeply rooted in the community’s core values, Mayor Vasquez remains dedicated to delivering results for the city. www.RacquelVasquez.com

EXPERIENCE

Ebony N. Shelton (She/Her/Hers) Chief Administrative Officer

Ebony is a visionary leader with a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades of dedicated service to the County of San Diego. Beginning her journey at the San Diego Superior Court in 1997, Ebony has ascended through various human resource and financial roles across multiple County business groups and departments, honing her expertise in strategic planning, financial management, and administrative leadership.

Currently serving as the Chief Administrative Officer of the County, Ebony is at the helm of administering the County $8.53 B budget, a number of programs and services and close to 20,000 employees.

In her previous role as the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer, her responsibilities encompassed monitoring the annual County budget, providing administrative leadership, and overseeing operational functions within the Finance and General Group. Her adept coordination ensured alignment with the strategic plan and County goals, fostering a culture of efficiency and accountability.

Ebony also served as the Director of the Office of Financial Planning. In this position, she steered the County’s strategic financial planning policies and facilitated critical decision-making processes for the multibillion-dollar annual budget. Her tenure also saw her serve as the principal budget and fiscal advisor, demonstrating her astute financial acumen and commitment to prudent resource allocation.

Ebony’s educational background includes an Undergraduate Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and an Executive Master’s Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Public Sector Leadership from California State University at Northridge.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND

A native San Diegan and proud Afro-Latina of Black and Salvadoran ancestry, Ebony understands the impacts of history on Black and Latino communities. This is at the foundation of Ebony’s commitment to the health and economic prosperity and overall well-being of the county. She views her role as both a professional aspiration and a personal privilege, passionately contributing to the county’s growth and development on a broader scale.

In her personal life, Ebony finds joy in spending time at the beach and building lasting memories with her husband Cecil and their three daughters.