New members of Chula Vista’s Technology and Privacy Advisory task force met for the first time on Monday to kick-start the development of a city-wide technology oversight.
The cohort of twelve people has collective experience in technology, privacy advocacy, and civil rights. Since Chula Vista established itself as a leader in the international “smart city” movement for using technology to support public safety and economic growth, the group is tasked to study the city’s technology and draft policy for City Council’s consideration next year.
In recent months, the city advertised openings for the task force and asked residents with experience in technology, law enforcement, and civil rights to apply. Community leaders assisted Chula Vista city manager Maria Kachedoorian in filtering through 57 applicants to 21 finalists, from which the task force had formed.
San Diego County human services specialist Sophia Rodriguez was selected as Chairperson for the task force. She is also a member of the Service Employees International Union, Local 221.
Selected as Vice-Chair, Rafal Jankowski has over 20 years of experience in information and technology security, and currently is an invasive cardiology field engineer at GE Healthcare.
Members of the task force include:
- Mae Case, a program associate with People Assisting the Homeless and chairs its diversity, equity, and inclusion committee.
- Candice Custodio-Tan, is a member of Chula Vista’s Human Relations Commission and is the executive director of Asian Solidarity Collective.
- Carlos De La Toba is a retired federal law enforcement officer who developed policy and trained personnel on the proper use of personal information, and court and criminal records.
- Dominic LiMandri, district manager for Third Avenue Village Association.
- Lucia Napolez, is a Southwestern College student with a background in digital marketing.
- Art Pacheco, vice president of engineering for FICO with more than 20 years of experience with technology firms focused on the financial services market.
- Pedro Rios, program director for American Friends Services Committee, a nonprofit organization that serves migrants and border communities. He is involved with other immigrant rights organizations.
- Patricia Ruiz is an educator who became a research scientist that focuses on artificial intelligence and machine learning at Digital Promise Global.
- Charles Walker is a retired database administrator and information technology consultant with 30 years of experience. He has worked for local government agencies.
- Maria Whitehorse is a county social services worker and founder of the county’s Native American Employee Resource Group.
The Technology and Privacy Advisory Task Force will convene on May 6 at 6 p.m.
