Meet the candidates for Chula Vista’s fourth city council district

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Chula Vista City Council’s District 4 seat is up for grabs in the Nov. 5 presidential election.

The seat previously held by embattled former City Councilmember Andrea Cardenas, who pleaded guilty to two felony grand theft charges earlier this year. In August, she was sentenced to two years probation .

The two candidates vying for Cardenas’ previous position are business owner Rudy Ramirez and teacher Cesar Fernandez. Rachel Morineau, the current interim councilmember for District 4, was appointed to the position after Cardenas’ resignation and barred for running.

Early voting is set to begin on Monday, Oct. 7 via mail, drop box and at the Registrar of Voters office in Kearny Mesa. The final day to cast a vote in the election will be on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

What does a city councilmember do?

The city council is Chula Vista’s primary governing body, wielding various legislative powers. Unlike the city of San Diego, the city council consists of four district representatives and the mayor.

The city council collectively has the ability to shape laws, approve budgets, and appoint officials like the city manager, Chula Vista’s chief executive and primary administrator tasked with implementing the policies set by the council.

Who are the candidates for District 4?

Chula Vista’s fourth council district covers the southwest section of Chula Vista, including the communities of Castle Park, Boal, Harbor Side and Otay.

Rudy Ramirez

Ramirez is a metal fabrication business owner who was a former member of the Chula Vista City Council between 2006 and 2015. His priorities include public safety, helping the homeless and building more cooperation and communication between the community and police. Find out more about Ramirez’s views on his website . He has no listed endorsements on his website.

Ramirez will be interviewed on KUSI on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 4:20 p.m.

Cesar Fernandez

Fernandez is a teacher and Chula Vista Elementary School board member. His priorities include “better jobs, safer streets, and a fair shake for Southwest Chula Vista.” Fernandez’s endorsements include San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Nora Vargas, State Sen. Stephen Padilla, Rep. Juan Vargas and former Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas, among others . Find out more about Fernandez’s views on his website .

Fernandez will be interviewed on FOX 5 on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 7:15 a.m.

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