During his 8 years as a San Diego City Councilmember, Chris Cate was known as the smartest guy on the 10th floor, but he became more than a policy wonk. He worked with council members on both sides of the aisle to create positive change for San Diegans, and he became a force for his District 6 constituents, which includes the neighborhoods of Clairemont Mesa, Kearny Mesa, Mira Mesa, Miramar, Park Village, and Sorrento Valley. Chris was only the third Asian American in San Diego’s history elected to the City Council.

On this episode with Tony and Juan, Chris talks about what he’s most proud of; his luck landing a huge press event with Mark Hamill aka Luke Skywalker, who grew up in Clairemont; the Chargers running ads attacking Chris – which made national news; and more.

He said the key to succeeding at City Hall is not to take things personally. Another key, he said, is finding balance, something he was very intentional about to ensure he was being a good father to his three kids and his wife, Maria.

As the founder of 3MC Strategies, Chris now spends his days as a consultant, assisting clients with government relations and advocacy, coalition building, community outreach, and fiscal and policy analysis.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:01 - Introduction and Setting the Scene
00:04:39 - Smuggling Activities and Trips
00:05:54 - Introduction to Guest - Chris Cate
00:10:01 - The Paradox of Politics
00:12:22 - Achievements and Policy Impact
00:14:02 - Redevelopment and Community Vision
00:15:45 - Community Impact and Micro Issues
00:20:18 - Cultural Center Development
00:23:40 - Post-Council Life and Business Work
00:27:17 - Controversy and Impact
00:28:14 - Chargers' Move to LA
00:29:25 - Stadium Subsidy and Public Backlash
00:31:00 - Fallout and Re-election
00:32:39 - Remembering Father Joe
00:41:35 - Morning Routine and Productivity
00:44:19 - Remote vs. Physical Work
00:46:12 - Board Service and Community Involvement
00:48:08 - Family and Work-life Balance
00:52:30 - Conclusion and Future Episodes 

(Originally aired 19Oct23)

During his 8 years as a San Diego City Councilmember, Chris Cate was known as the smartest guy on the 10th floor, but he became more than a policy wonk. He worked with council members on both sides of the aisle to create positive change for San Diegans, and he became a force for his District 6 constituents, which includes the neighborhoods of Clairemont Mesa, Kearny Mesa, Mira Mesa, Miramar, Park Village, and Sorrento Valley. Chris was only the third Asian American in San Diego’s history elected to the City Council.
On this episode with Tony and Juan, Chris talks about what he’s most proud of; his luck landing a <a href="https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/clairemont-san-diego-mark-hamill-drive-star-wars-street-naming-ceremony/21277/#:~:text=Hamill%2C%20who%20is%20best%20known,he%20lived%20as%20a%20kid." data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/clairemont-san-diego-mark-hamill-drive-star-wars-street-naming-ceremony/21277/%23:~:text%3DHamill%252C%2520who%2520is%2520best%2520known,he%2520lived%2520as%2520a%2520kid.&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1697730656851000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2bF45EpRhCLlVnENMKzDml">huge press event with Mark Hamill aka Luke Skywalker,</a> who grew up in Clairemont; the Chargers running ads attacking Chris – <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/chargers/2016/08/18/chargers-stadium-campaign-councilman/88973650/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/chargers/2016/08/18/chargers-stadium-campaign-councilman/88973650/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1697730656851000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2pspKO2cVHU3rzwuNk739g">which made national news;</a> and more.
He said the key to succeeding at City Hall is not to take things personally. Another key, he said, is finding balance, something he was very intentional about to ensure he was being a good father to his three kids and his wife, Maria.
As the founder of 3MC Strategies, Chris now spends his days as a consultant, assisting clients with government relations and advocacy, coalition building, community outreach, and fiscal and policy analysis.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:01 - Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:04:39 - Smuggling Activities and Trips 00:05:54 - Introduction to Guest - Chris Cate 00:10:01 - The Paradox of Politics 00:12:22 - Achievements and Policy Impact 00:14:02 - Redevelopment and Community Vision 00:15:45 - Community Impact and Micro Issues 00:20:18 - Cultural Center Development 00:23:40 - Post-Council Life and Business Work 00:27:17 - Controversy and Impact 00:28:14 - Chargers' Move to LA 00:29:25 - Stadium Subsidy and Public Backlash 00:31:00 - Fallout and Re-election 00:32:39 - Remembering Father Joe 00:41:35 - Morning Routine and Productivity 00:44:19 - Remote vs. Physical Work 00:46:12 - Board Service and Community Involvement 00:48:08 - Family and Work-life Balance 00:52:30 - Conclusion and Future Episodes 
(Originally aired 19Oct23)

Dear San Diego is a public affairs podcast with personality.

Hosted by veteran communication specialists Tony Manolatos and Juan Hernandez, Dear San Diego gives newsmakers and others a platform to discuss the big issues of the day, but that’s just the beginning. 

Tony and Juan’s guests share what’s not in their bios, who they are away from work, secrets to success, and more. Tony and Juan also discuss work, home, fatherhood, health and wellness, and youth sports – where the politics can be way more fierce than they are at city hall. 

Tony and Juan met a decade ago while working for dueling mayoral candidates in San Diego. Since then, the two friends have worked together on numerous public affairs, land-use, and issue campaigns. 

Dear San Diego is a public affairs podcast with personality.
Hosted by veteran communication specialists Tony Manolatos and Juan Hernandez, Dear San Diego gives newsmakers and others a platform to discuss the big issues of the day, but that’s just the beginning. 
Tony and Juan’s guests share what’s not in their bios, who they are away from work, secrets to success, and more. Tony and Juan also discuss work, home, fatherhood, health and wellness, and youth sports – where the politics can be way more fierce than they are at city hall. 
Tony and Juan met a decade ago while working for dueling mayoral candidates in San Diego. Since then, the two friends have worked together on numerous public affairs, land-use, and issue campaigns.

Dear San Diego

Hosted by veteran public relations specialists, Tony Manolatos and Juan Hernandez discuss the not so obvious talents, attributes, and behaviors of fellow colleagues. Learn what's not in the bios and CV's and what's be the secret to the sauce of their success.

Hosted by veteran public relations specialists, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymanolatos">Tony Manolatos</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-m-hernandez-pisano-3166a275/">Juan Hernandez</a> discuss the not so obvious talents, attributes, and behaviors of fellow colleagues. Learn what's not in the bios and CV's and what's be the secret to the sauce of their success.

Advertisement