Shirley Horton, Mayor, 1994 - 2002

The right people, at the right place, at the right time. That’s what it takes to do big projects -- to take big dreams and turn them into reality. Consider the redevelopment of the Chula Vista bayfront, a big project on the drawing boards for more than 40 years. One day in the not-so-distant future, the bayfront dream will come true.

A power plant that has outlived its useful purpose will finally blossom into a complex that helps turn Chula Vista into an economic powerhouse for the region, preserving the environment we love, the ecosystems we need and providing dramatic new public spaces for all to enjoy. Turning the dream into reality was the hard work of leaders who came together to develop a strategy and to make it happen – the right people at the right place at the right time.

One of those people was David Malcolm, Chairman of the Port of San Diego’s Board of Port Commissioners, and a former Chula Vista City Councilmember. The complicated financial plan and political strategy were his brainchild, leading to the sale of 200 acres owned by SDG&E, which included the power plant, to the Port for $110 million, with Duke Energy buying the rights to operate the plant for 11 years at a price of $115 million.

Malcolm led the charge with help from State Senator Steve Peace and San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox. Also playing crucial roles were Don Felsinger of Sempra Energy, Laura Hunter from the Environmental Health Coalition and Michael Shames of the Utility Consumers Action Network (UCAN).

I was fortunate to be Mayor during much of this period. My role was to help set the direction and provide support in any way that I could. I am proud to have been a part of this team.

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