Candidate for
Mayor; City of Chula Vista

About Cheryl

Cheryl Cox was sworn in as Chula Vista's 39th mayor on December 6, 2006. In her first year, Mayor Cox initiated an Independent Financial Review that identified the reasons behind the city's fiscal problems and offered recommendations that would ensure a sustainable approach to budgeting in future years.

The Urban Core Specific Plan, a zoning document that lays the foundation for revitalization and redevelopment in the northwest area of the city, received Council approval in 2007. One year later, the Plan, which promotes green building standards and provides for mixed-use development, a modern public transit system and walkable neighborhoods, was singled out for an award from the Urban Land Institute.

Other milestones include establishing a civic engagement strategy for Southwest Chula Vista and opening up the H Street view corridor by demolishing vacant industrial buildings along the bayfront. More progress by the Port on H Street's approach to the bayfront is anticipated in 2010.

To help residents learn more about how their government works, Mayor Cox held three Citizens' Leadership Academies beginning in September 2007. She welcomed the opening of the new South Bay Expressway, a direct route to new shopping centers and restaurants in eastern Chula Vista in November 2007. To encourage Chula Vistans to spend locally, the Mayor launched the continuing Shop/Dine Chula Vista campaign in cooperation with the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to her election, Mayor Cox was a local teacher and school principal. She served six years on the Chula Vista Elementary School District Board of Trustees. During 11 years as a member of Sharp Healthcare's Advisory Board, she worked on plans to improve and expand hospital outpatient and emergency services.

Mayor Cox served on the City's Charter Review Commission and ad hoc Committee for Campaign Finance Reform. For several years, she was a governmental relations and education consultant.

Mayor Cox received a Bachelor's degree from the University of San Diego, a Master's degree in political science from San Diego State University, and a Doctorate in education from the University of Southern California.

In 2007, she received the San Diego Urban Corps' Kate Sessions Environmental Award, the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce's Leadership and Involvement Award, and was selected for Hilltop High School's Hall of Fame. In 2008, the California Women's Leadership Association recognized Mayor Cox with a Trailblazer Award, and the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) recognized her as their 2008 Public Official of the Year. She received a 2009 Presidential Award from the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Cox is the daughter of retired Navy officer John Willett, who currently is the Chair of Advisory Committee for the Otay Valley Regional Park, wife of San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox, and mother of two adult daughters.