SUNTORY COLLECTION

Michael Inzunza and Cesar Fernandez ahead in Chula Vista districts 3, 4 races

Voters also had to consider whether to renew Measure P, the half-cent sales tax that Chula Vista approved in 2016 to repair and replace aging infrastructure.

Michael Inzunza and Cesar Fernandez ahead in Chula Vista districts 3, 4 races + ' Main Photo'

Michael Inzunza and Cesar Fernandez, who came out on top during the March primary election, led their respective challengers in Chula Vista’s City Council districts 3 and 4 races, early returns showed Tuesday.

In the District 3 contest, Inzunza was leading Leticia Munguia, a human resources manager for Sweetwater Authority. Inzunza is a public affairs and community engagement representative for the California School Boards Association.

I am very humbled that my neighbors have put their faith in me to protect our families and keep Chula Vista thriving, Inzunza said after the polls closed. We walked over 12,000 homes speaking to over 30,000 residents listening to their concerns. I believe thats what got us such a large lead.

For District 4, Fernandez was ahead of Rudy Ramirez, a former City Council member. Fernandez is a Chula Vista Elementary School District trustee. His school district role, to which he was appointed, expires in December 2026.

Im feeling ecstatic, Fernandez said of his early lead from a watch party in Imperial Beach. Me and the team, we put in a lot of work, walked a lot of precincts, talked to a lot of voters about what their priorities are. So, I feel good that the city of Chula Vista has, so far, chosen me pretty strongly to represent them.

Voters also appeared to be favoring renewing Measure P, the half-cent sales tax that Chula Vista approved in 2016 to repair and replace aging infrastructure. It expires in 2027.

This election, District 3 candidates focused on increasing police presence in their communities. Inzunza said he wants to open a police substation in the Otay Ranch area and Munguia said she wants to gradually hire more police officers, as well as improving the department’s retention and recruitment.

Job creation is a top priority for Fernandez. With the coming of many construction projects in District 4, he said he wants to ensure that Chula Vista residents secure local jobs so they won’t have to leave their city for work.

Ramirez said the city needs to utilize its resources and regional connections to address homelessness better. He would encourage Chula Vista to embrace the Sunbreak Ranch concept, which is an all-in-one homeless campus proposal espoused by the late Bill Walton and George Mullen.