Matt's personal letter to Lemon Grove

By Matt Mendoza

Dear Lemon Grove,

Unlike the other candidates running for the Lemon Grove Council Seat I have lived in Lemon Grove all my life. I went to Monterey Heights Elementary School, graduated from Palm Junior High, and even played in the Lemon Grove Junior High School Marching Band while attending elementary school. Also I played Little League for a couple years in Lemon Grove, and went on to Mt. Miguel High School and excelled in sports.

After High School I got a job working at General Dynamics Corporation, while at General Dynamics, I worked on the advanced cruise missile defense project. I was also fortunate enough to work on one of the first Stealth Missiles ever made, which might have resulted in one of the reasons the cold war ended. Presently I am working for Boeing Satellite systems as a manager for government projects. Some of these projects are the cutting edge of the United States Defense Projects. My 33 years of aerospace experience in problem solving and leadership is what sets me apart for you. Creating a team to meet goals is my job. Whether departments, companies, government agencies or the military, bringing them together to meet a deadline, all within budget, is what I do. These skills I can bring to City Government.

My Mother and Father were born and raised in San Diego and have been living in Lemon Grove for over 50 years. My Dad proudly served in WWII and worked at General Dynamics for 47 years. My Mother raised 4 children and attended local churches and sang in the choir. They have been married for over 63 years. My parents instilled community and commitment in my life, by their commitment to each other and my Father's dedication and work ethic. That being said helping grow the Senior Citizen Center is a priority for me. I strongly feel we need to improve awareness to support the Senior Center here in Lemon Grove.

This past year has been very special for me; I for the first time got married to my teenage sweetheart Candette. We meet at a local church youth group and dated over 33 years ago, but unfortunately her family moved away. A few years ago we found each other again. Candette moved back to San Diego from Florida and we got married. Candette is a Clinical Research Coordinator; she works on Medical Research trails testing cutting edge medical procedures, drugs and devices which are seeking approval from the FDA. Her specialty has been in Cardiology, Urology and Gastroenterology. She has been in the Medical Field for over 18 years. She has even co-founded a Multi-Physician Specialty Facility. Whether her Convalescent Ministry involvement or being with her patients, Candette's heart has always been in serving others; she also studied American Sign Language to be able to communicate with all. Her love for God, Country and Community is a big support for me.

I bring a lot to the table for Lemon Grove, coming from a business style background. I know how to lead the city and will also help law enforcement to lower the crime rate in Lemon Grove.

I pledge NOT to raise taxes in Lemon Grove. When running for the State Assembly I was endorsed by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. I know how to lead in Fiscal Responsibility.

Being a lifelong resident of Lemon Grove, I have seen streets deteriorate without being upgraded. I will bring awareness to deteriorating infrastructure to city hall.

Another passion I have for Lemon Grove is to re-open the Lemon Grove Recreation Center. I remember as a youth playing hours and hours of basketball at the Mt Miguel Gym, which was opened by the Spring Valley Park and Recreation department. I know the importance for our youth to stay active in good activities, which helps keep their minds and bodies healthy. That is why when I was older I became a Coach for Basketball for 5 years at the Recreation Center in Spring Valley, and continue coaching after that for the boys and girls Basketball Teams at Mt Miguel High School. If elected to City Council I will see what I can do to bring the community together to get the Lemon Grove Recreation Center open again for our youth.

Please join me in making this happen, I need your vote, I need your neighbors vote to elect me to Lemon Grove City Council, because it is not enough to care, you have to care enough to do something and change things.

Sincerely,

Matt Mendoza