NEWS AND PRESS
San Diego, CA — Democrat Dr. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson was endorsed by the San Diego Union Tribune yesterday stating, “Boyd-Hodgson’s scientific thinking proved decisive,” delivering a blow to incumbent Republican candidate Jim Desmond.
The UT referred to this incident at a Republican Central Committee meeting that was recorded, “…there is no press 2 for Spanish in San Marcos,” Jim Desmond brags, “because we don’t allow it,” he continues, “English is the language of government in the City of San Marcos.” The City of San Marcos, where Jim Desmond was Mayor at the time, currently has a Latino/a population of 38%. The San Diego County Supervisorial District he currently represents comprises 41% Latino/a residents.
You can hear his comments approximately 45 seconds in:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvfUOd30y_k
Biased leadership and a lack of regard for Spanish-speaking constituents has had far-reaching consequences under the current Supervisor’s leadership. Boyd-Hodgson said, “It is reasonable to assume that a portion of the Latino/a population speaks Spanish and the incumbent bragged about alienating those constituents while he represented them as Mayor of the City of San Marcos. When one is an elected representative, one represents all members of one’s district irrespective of whether they voted one into office, and irrespective of whether they are voters. Such willful disregard for a portion of one’s constituency and blatant perpetuation of barriers that could prevent a historically marginalized community from accessing needed services, is unacceptable. San Marcos deserved better and North County deserves better. How can residents be confident that their concerns will be heard and their interests be represented with such willful disregard. The incumbent’s behavior is harmful and beneath the office.”
Boyd-Hodgson is a mom of 4 and a neuroscientist. She is running to bring real, responsive representation to District 5. Her priorities include jobs, climate change mitigation, water infrastructure and diversification, healthcare access for seniors, veterans, and Spanish-speaking folks, sheltering our neighbors, county-wide broadband, district-wide school transport, and accelerating affordable housing.
The Union Tribune also commented on Desmond’s handling, or lack of handling during the COVID pandemic, citing, “he had no regrets,” regarding his handling of the pandemic. When asked if he has received his newest vaccine boosters, Desmond said, “he didn’t realize there were new ones.”
Boyd-Hodgson said, “The County’s response during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic under Chair Nathan Fletcher’s leadership was conservative and it saved lives. Additionally, it led the San Diego region to have one of the highest vaccination rates in the country. The incumbent downplayed the seriousness of COVID-19 and put out misinformation. As we continue to live with COVID-19 variants and prepare for the next event, it is important that we take what we have learned during COVID-19, convene community stakeholders, and be proactive in ways that protect front-line workers, communities, employees, employers, and patrons.”
District Five represents 2,185 square miles of North San Diego County, 94.3% of which is unincorporated area. The district stretches from Camp Pendleton and Oceanside on the coast, tracks the 78 Corridor including Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido, runs north to the county line encompassing Fallbrook, Valley Center, and east to the county line including tribal lands and the Borrego Springs desert area. With a population of 689,991, District Five is the largest supervisorial district in both population and geographical size.
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San Diego, CA — Everytown for Gun Safety has announced their support for Dr. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson in her District Five race for San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Boyd-Hodgson’s campaign focusing on clean and accessible water, affordable housing, preserving North County’s natural resources, and preventing gun violence in North County continues to resonate with local leaders and build momentum throughout the district.
“I’m proud that this organization of everyday Americans who fight for gun safety and common sense gun ownership are supporting my campaign for bold leadership in District 5,” said Boyd-Hodgson, “North County needs an advocate for our communities who understands our local gun violence issues and Everytown knows I’m the strong leader to deliver those results.”
In their statement, Everytown said, “Thank you for making gun violence prevention a core part of your campaign and for your long time leadership on the issue of gun safety.” said Everytown. “[Tiffany’s] activism as a Moms Demand Action volunteer and leadership to strengthen gun laws and make our communities safer is a testament to the movement we have helped to build together.”
Dr. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson is a scientist, small business owner, and an elected Director of the Vallecitos Water District. She lives in San Marcos with her husband and four children. In her elected position on the Water District, Tiffany has championed economic development by spearheading a jobs-in-training program with Palomar College and executing a scholarship program for local high school, college, and university students. These programs help build a pathway for skilled and trained jobs for North County residents starting a career in water or a related field. North County lost 25,000 jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic and Tiffany is committed to bringing economic relief to our communities.
Everytown for Gun Safety is an American nonprofit organization which advocates for gun safety and against gun violence. Everytown was created in 2013 when Mayors Against Illegal Guns and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America joined forces. Everytown is a movement of over 8 million mayors, teachers, survivors, gun owners, students, and everyday Americans. This endorsement continues to grow Tiffany’s endorsement roster that also includes US Congressman Mike Levin, US Congressman Scott Peters, and local gun violence prevention coalition, San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention.
District Five represents 2,185 square miles of North San Diego County, 94.3% of which is unincorporated area. The district stretches from Camp Pendleton and Oceanside on the coast, tracks the 78 Corridor including Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido, runs north to the county line encompassing Fallbrook, Valley Center, and east to the county line including tribal lands and the Borrego Springs desert area. With a population of 689,991, District Five is the largest supervisorial district in both population and geographical size.
For more information, please visit TiffanyBoydHodgson.com.
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San Diego, CA — San Diego Buildings Trades Unions have announced their support for Dr. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson in her District Five race for San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Boyd-Hodgson’s campaign focusing on clean and accessible water, affordable housing, preserving North County’s natural resources, and creating jobs in North County continues to resonate with local leaders and build momentum throughout the district.
“I’m thrilled that the San Diego Building Trades Unions have endorsed our campaign. Unions built this country. They mitigate the gender pay gap and reduce pay discrepancies between white workers and workers of color. Unions ensure that families can live with dignity and thrive. I am committed to bringing more skilled and trained jobs to North County in innovative industries that will enable District 5 people to live and work locally,” said Boyd-Hodgson.
In her statement, Carol Kim, Business Manager, San Diego Building Trades Unions said, “Tiffany understands that our workers power our region. She knows that when we support and uplift workers, the impacts resonate throughout our communities and reach our children and families. When workers’ needs and protections are prioritized, it impacts our entire county. We can count on Tiffany to stand up for working families in District 5!”
Dr. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson is a scientist, small business owner, and an elected Director of the Vallecitos Water District. She lives in San Marcos with her husband and four children. In her elected position at the Water District, Tiffany spearheaded a restriction on single-use plastics resolution to support that passed by the City of San Marcos. Additionally, she ensured the Vallecitos Water District’s strategic plan recognizes the threat of climate change and that climate change is considered going forward as a priority for the District’s efforts and planning.
The San Diego County Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO consists of the affiliated construction and trade unions representing workers in San Diego County. Currently, 22 unions representing over 30,000 workers are affiliated with the Building Trades Council. This endorsement continues to grow Tiffany’s endorsement roster that also includes SEIU Local 221, Vista Fire Fighters Association Local 4107, Fallbrook Firefighters Association Local 1622, and the Sierra Club.
District Five represents 2,185 square miles of North San Diego County, 94.3% of which is unincorporated area. The district stretches from Camp Pendleton and Oceanside on the coast, tracks the 78 Corridor including Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido, runs north to the county line encompassing Fallbrook, Valley Center, and east to the county line including tribal lands and the Borrego Springs desert area. With a population of 689,991, District Five is the largest supervisorial district in both population and geographical size.
For more information, please visit TiffanyBoydHodgson.com.
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Vista, CA — Vista Firefighters Association IAFF Local 4107has announced their support for Dr. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson in her District Five race for San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Boyd-Hodgson’s campaign focusing on clean and accessible water, affordable housing, preserving North County’s natural resources, and creating jobs in North County continues to resonate with local leaders and build momentum throughout the district.
“I’m proud that this organization of local heroes who put their lives on the line every single day are supporting my campaign for bold leadership in District 5,” said Boyd-Hodgson, “North County needs an advocate for our communities who understands our local issues and Vista FFA Local 4107 knows I’m the strong leader to deliver those results.”
In his statement, President Miles Sweeney said, “[Tiffany’s] selfless service to working families, public safety, and experience within the Vallecitos Water District will be beneficial to the citizens of the 5th District that firefighters across our County have taken an oath to protect. Local 4107 believes that we need a Supervisor that clearly understands our needs and the challenges our profession faces on a daily basis,” said Sweeney. “[Tiffany’s] proven leadership and professionalism gives Local 4107 confidence [her] transition to County Supervisor will be seamless.”
Dr. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson is a scientist, small business owner, and an elected Director of the Vallecitos Water District. She lives in San Marcos with her husband and four children. In her elected position on the Water District, Tiffany has championed economic development by spearheading a jobs-in-training program with Palomar College and executing a scholarship program for local high school, college, and university students. These programs help build a pathway for skilled and trained jobs for North County residents starting a career in water or a related field. North County lost 25,000 jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic and Tiffany is committed to bringing economic relief to our communities.
The Vista Firefighters Association Local 4107 represents more than 70 full-time professional firefighters and paramedics who protect the Vista community. Their members operate the city’s six fire stations and respond to over 14,000 incidents per year. Vista is the third-largest city in the district and represents approximately 14% of the district’s overall population. This endorsement continues to grow Tiffany’s endorsement roster which also includes US Congressman Mike Levin, US Congressman Scott Peters, and the League of Conservation Voters.
District Five represents 2,185 square miles of North San Diego County, 94.3% of which is an unincorporated area. The district stretches from Camp Pendleton and Oceanside on the coast, tracks the 78 Corridor including Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido, runs north to the county line encompassing Fallbrook, Valley Center, and east to the county line including tribal lands and the Borrego Springs desert area. With a population of 689,991, District Five is the largest supervisorial district in both population and geographical size.
For more information, please visit TiffanyBoydHodgson.com.
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San Diego, CA — Sierra Club has announced their support for Dr. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson in her District Five race for San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Boyd-Hodgson’s campaign focusing on clean and accessible water, affordable housing, preserving North County’s natural resources, and creating jobs in North County continues to resonate with local leaders and build momentum throughout the district.
“I’m proud that this well-known organization committed to climate justice is supporting my campaign in District 5,” said Boyd-Hodgson, “Climate change in the North Coastal areas means collapsing bluffs, threats of extreme weather to San Onofre, rising sea levels, and habitat degradation. In North Inland areas, it looks like more frequent wildfires and drought. In the easternmost part of District 5, climate change manifests as extended periods of extreme temperatures. The Sierra Club knows I am committed to understanding those challenges and implementing the tailored and bold steps necessary to preserve and protect our planet.”
In her statement, Lisa Ross, Chair, Executive Committee of Sierra Club San Diego said, “Tiffany has a proven track record of standing up for community interests over special interests. As a Director of the Vallecitos Water District, she has been a strong, capable supporter of clean and accessible water for all North County residents and businesses.”
Dr. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson is a scientist, small business owner, and elected Director of the Vallecitos Water District. She lives in San Marcos with her husband and four children. In her elected position at the Water District, Tiffany spearheaded a restriction on single-use plastics resolution to support that passed by the City of San Marcos. Additionally, she ensured the Vallecitos Water District’s strategic plan recognizes the threat of climate change and that climate change is considered going forward as a priority for the District’s efforts and planning.
Sierra Club has brought people together to build an effective and powerful environmental movement to tackle the challenges of a warming climate, unprecedented levels of pollution, and powerful special interests undermining basic protections. Sierra Club works with a diverse group of community partners, nonprofits, and campaigns and they know that environmental justice can’t be separated from social justice. This endorsement continues to grow Tiffany’s endorsement roster which also includes US Congressman Mike Levin, US Congressman Scott Peters, Hammond Climate Solutions, and the League of Conservation Voters.
District Five represents 2,185 square miles of North San Diego County, 94.3% of which is an unincorporated area. The district stretches from Camp Pendleton and Oceanside on the coast, tracks the 78 Corridor including Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido, runs north to the county line encompassing Fallbrook, Valley Center, and east to the county line including tribal lands and the Borrego Springs desert area. With a population of 689,991, District Five is the largest supervisorial district in both population and geographical size.
For more information, please visit TiffanyBoydHodgson.com.
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San Diego County, CA — Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America have announced their gun sense distinction for Dr. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson in her District Five race for San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Boyd-Hodgson’s campaign focusing on clean and accessible water, affordable housing, preserving North County’s natural resources, and creating jobs and safer communities in North County continues to resonate with local leaders and build momentum throughout the district.
“I’m proud that this gun violence prevention organization of grassroots volunteers who fight every day for safer communities are recognizing my campaign for bold leadership in District 5,” said Boyd-Hodgson. “The District 5 incumbent has voted to enable ghost gun proliferation and against safe gun storage. I am committed to common-sense gun policies that keep families safe and promote responsible gun ownership.”
In a statement, Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund notes, “[This distinction] is a signal to our supporters and voters across the country that a candidate advocates for gun violence prevention, and will govern with gun safety in mind if elected.”
Dr. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson is a scientist, small business owner, and elected Director of the Vallecitos Water District. She lives in San Marcos with her husband and four children. In her elected position in the Water District, Tiffany has championed economic development by spearheading a jobs-in-training program with Palomar College and executing a scholarship program for local high school, college, and university students. These programs help build a pathway for skilled and trained jobs for North County residents starting a career in water or a related field. North County lost 25,000 jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic and Tiffany is committed to bringing economic relief to our communities. Tiffany knows that when we address the root causes of violence in our communities, we can build safer communities for our children and families.
Moms Demand Action is a nationwide grassroots movement of more than 8 million volunteers working to prevent and end gun violence in their communities, with chapters in every state. They fight for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence through outreach, education, and legislation. More than 110 Americans are shot and killed every day and twice that many are wounded. 1594 Californians die by gun suicide every year. This endorsement continues to grow Tiffany’s endorsement roster which also includes US Congressman Mike Levin, US Congressman Scott Peters, and Service Employees International Union Local 221.
District Five represents 2,185 square miles of North San Diego County, 94.3% of which is an unincorporated area. The district stretches from Camp Pendleton and Oceanside on the coast tracks the 78 Corridor including Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido, runs north to the county line encompassing Fallbrook, Valley Center, and east to the county line- including tribal lands and the Borrego Springs desert area. With a population of 689,991, District Five is the largest supervisorial district in both population and geographical size.
For more information, please visit TiffanyBoydHodgson.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2022
Contact: Ross Pike (ross[a]tiffanyboydhodgson.com)
TIFFANY BOYD-HODGSON RECEIVES ENDORSEMENT FROM SEIU LOCAL 221 IN SUPERVISOR RACE
Boyd-Hodgson endorsement roster continues to grow with labor and community leaders
San Diego County, CA — Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 221 have announced their support for Dr. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson in her District Five race for San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Boyd-Hodgson’s campaign focusing on clean and accessible water, affordable housing, preserving North County’s natural resources, and creating jobs in North County continues to resonate with local leaders and build momentum throughout the district.
“I’m proud that this organization of local workers, whose services impact the daily lives of many San Diegans, are supporting my campaign for bold leadership in District 5,” said Boyd-Hodgson. “It is time for North County to be represented by an advocate for our communities and working families. SEIU Local 221 knows I’m the strong leader to deliver those results.”
In her statement, Crystal Irving, President, SEIU Local 221 said, “During the last two years of crisis, union-represented frontline employees have been taken for granted and undervalued by the District 5 representative on the Board of Supervisors. We need a Supervisor who clearly understands the challenges that working families face. That is why we are proud to endorse Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, District 5. Tiffany will uplift workers with her commitment to equity and job creation that will benefit the entire region.”
Dr. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson is a scientist, small business owner, and elected Director of the Vallecitos Water District. She lives in San Marcos with her husband and four children. In her elected position in the Water District, Tiffany has championed economic development by spearheading a jobs-in-training program with Palomar College and executing a scholarship program for local high school, college, and university students. These programs help build a pathway for skilled and trained jobs for North County residents starting a career in water or a related field. North County lost 25,000 jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic and Tiffany is committed to bringing economic relief to our communities.
SEIU Local 221 represents over 13,000 service workers in San Diego and Imperial counties, across the public sector. SEIU Local 221 members work for the County, local governments, clinics, and school districts, including Head Start. This endorsement continues to grow Tiffany’s endorsement roster which also includes US Congressman Mike Levin, US Congressman Scott Peters, and the League of Conservation Voters.
District Five represents 2,185 square miles of North San Diego County, 94.3% of which is an unincorporated area. The district stretches from Camp Pendleton and Oceanside on the coast tracks the 78 Corridor including Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido, runs north to the county line encompassing Fallbrook, Valley Center, and east to the county line- including tribal lands and the Borrego Springs desert area. With a population of 689,991, District Five is the largest supervisorial district in both population and geographical size.
For more information, please visit TiffanyBoydHodgson.com.
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PRESS
San Diego County’s sprawling Fifth District in North County will choose between incumbent Supervisor Jim Desmond and neuroscientist Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson for the next term.
Desmond, 65, is a retired pilot and former mayor of San Marcos who is running for his second term on the county Board of Supervisors. Boyd-Hodgson, 49, owns a science consulting business and serves on the board of directors for Vallecitos Water District.
The Fifth District includes vast portions of the backcountry and encompasses the cities of Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos and Escondido, Camp Pendleton and the communities of Fallbrook, Bonsall, Valley Center and Borrego Springs. Its boundaries were reconfigured during the county redistricting effort last year, and the district no longer includes the city of Carlsbad.
Desmond moved to San Diego 38 years ago as a member of the Navy, earned a degree in electrical engineering at San Diego State University on the GI Bill and then worked for 33 years as a pilot and captain for Delta Airlines. He served for 14 years on the San Marcos City Council, including 12 years as mayor, before running for supervisor in 2018. He now lives in Oceanside.
“Every day I work to protect the people in my district, keep them safe, whether it be from COVID, wildfires, crime, bureaucrats who want more of their money, higher gas prices, the scourge of fentanyl or sexually violent predators,” Desmond said. “I’ve worked on all these things, and many more, so that North County remains a great place to live and raise a family.”
Boyd-Hodgson earned her doctorate in neuroscience from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, and has worked as a medical writer and consultant on central nervous system disorders and other conditions. She moved to San Marcos in 2018, and was elected to the Vallecitos Water District board in 2020.
“With this district being over 90 percent unincorporated, our region needs an advocate to protect our waterways and deter dangerous developments in undeveloped areas prone to wildfire,” Boyd-Hodgson said. “I am a leader who will think critically and push bold ideas when tackling housing affordability issues, homelessness, and keep North County looking like North County.”
Desmond said his priorities for office include “crime control and public safety, ensuring high quality public health services and combating homelessness.”
“I’m doing so by keeping the residents and taxpayers of North County safe, by prioritizing and managing taxpayer resources, and enhancing our quality of life,” he said.
Boyd-Hodgson said she would focus on improving government efficiency, spurring economic development and improving access to health care and mental health services, particularly for seniors and veterans.
“I will continue to create pathways and forge partnerships between education and industry to prepare skilled workers for our region’s growing needs, and accelerate affordable housing development throughout North County,” she said.
Both candidates affirmed the need to address the effects of climate change, including sea level rise, drought and increased wildfire risk. As the county updates its climate action plan and develops a regional decarbonization plan to eliminate fossil fuel use, Desmond has said there should be more emphasis on electric vehicles instead of transportation plans based primarily on transit.
“Climate change is real, and we should all work to address it,” Desmond said. “It’s the only home and planet we have. It’s time for private clean energy companies and government to promote a strong economy and good jobs as we transition toward more renewable technology-driven solutions and less use of fossil fuels.”
Boyd-Hodgson said she would support programs such as using electric school buses to reduce idling in school pickup lines.
“Bold action is required to stabilize our climate and reach the county’s climate action plan goals, but it isn’t a one-size-fits-all program,” she said.
As the county has led the pandemic response, Desmond has said during board discussions that he supports vaccination but doesn’t favor vaccine mandates. He said he wants to devote more resources to parts of the county with lower vaccination rates.
“Our greatest emphasis must always be on protecting the most vulnerable: seniors and those with serious, complicating medical conditions,” he said. “Additionally, we must expand vaccine access to underserved communities and the rural areas of North and East County.”
Boyd-Hodgson said she would focus on pandemic recovery and planning for future health emergencies.
“North County lost thousands of jobs during the pandemic and many people have re-evaluated how they work and where they work,” she said. “Our recovery efforts must not only allow for this flexibility but also ensure that remote work is an option with Internet accessibility in all parts of our county.”
Both acknowledged the dual problems of a housing shortage and homelessness as regional crises. Desmond said the county should streamline permitting processes for housing development, and create more options for people experiencing homelessness.
“Housing is straightforward: we need to get out from under the red tape and unreasonable restrictions that hamper our efforts to create more housing that’s affordable to working families,” he said. “On homelessness, it’s not compassionate to have people living and dying on the sidewalk. That’s not the answer.”
Boyd-Hodgson said the county must avert homelessness before it occurs.
“Preventing homelessness starts with keeping people in their homes,” she said. “Seniors are rapidly becoming at risk for homelessness as their rent increases, but their income remains fixed. We must continue programs that help identify persons at risk and provide services to help them remain in their homes.”
She called for increasing housing near transit within developed areas and improving job opportunities to address the gap between housing costs and income and provide incentives for affordable housing construction.
With only two candidates running, the district will not go to a primary election in June, but will be decided during the general election in November. The county seat is officially a nonpartisan race, but policy issues often fall along party lines, and local political parties weigh in on candidates. Desmond, a Republican, has been endorsed by the Republican Party of San Diego, while Boyd-Hodgson, a Democrat, has the backing of the Democratic Party of San Diego.
deborah.brennan
@sduniontribune.com