Michael Inzunza is running for Chula Vista City Council. He comes from a long line of public servants and political dynamos.

Next year will be the 50th anniversary of his parents’ first major campaign victory. They ran a bilingual campaign as a couple for two local school board seats. They both won, defeating two incumbents. A picture of the couple campaigning at the San Ysidro apartment complex where the family lived is one of Michael’s earliest political memories. 

“Inzunza is part of a family of politicos who were once called ‘The Kennedys of the South Bay’ when his father, Ralph Inzunza Sr., served on the City Council of National City, his uncle, Nick Inzunza, served on the South Bay School District Board, and his older brother, Ralph Inzunza Jr., served on the San Diego City Council,” is how LaPrensa.org puts it. 

Michael has never held elected office. He has, however, built a career as a community advocate, mostly in the educational space, not unlike his parents. He's running for City Council because he believes he can make a difference in the community he loves, where just about everyone knows him and his family.

“Don't get me wrong, my name, ID and my familiarity with the South Bay really helps. But there hasn't been any member of my family in political office in 20 years. And there's never been an Inzunza elected in the city of Chula Vista. So I sort of really had to start from scratch, so to speak,” he says.

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00:01:08 - Introduction and Sugar Rush
00:03:27 - Overcoming Challenges
00:09:33 - Family Political Legacy
00:13:05 - Kennedys of the South Bay
00:13:55 - Avoiding Politics
00:14:44 - Civic-Minded Background
00:18:21 - Decision to Run
00:21:14 - Chula Vista's Growth
00:23:48 - Future Development
00:26:19 - Affordable Housing and Market Rate Housing
00:27:05 - Biotech Development in East Chula Vista
00:28:14 - Development in East Chula Vista
00:30:39 - Public Safety and Homelessness
00:36:28 - Tackling Homelessness and Housing Challenges
00:36:00 - Addressing Homelessness in Chula Vista
00:37:30 - Compassionate Approach to Homelessness
00:39:28 - Running for Office and Community Engagement
00:44:29 - Community Bond and Cultural Preservation
00:45:59 - Family Roots and Community Involvement
00:48:49 - Rapid Fire Questions