California Connects Builds Bridges for San Diegans

November 12, 2025

The Governor's Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications held the seventh California Connects regional convening in San Diego on November 5, bringing together approximately 200 participants from community organizations, state agencies, and local partnerships. The daylong event featured interactive workshops, collaborative activities, and plenary discussions designed to strengthen relationships between state and local organizations while improving access to resources and communication channels. Notable speakers included Acting Executive Director Aubrie Fong, California's Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, Assemblymember Christopher Ward, and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, who emphasized the importance of two-way community engagement and collective action.

Who is affected

Nearly 200 attendees at the San Diego convening
Community-based organizations across California
State agencies
Local partners and organizations
Communities served by these organizations across California's diverse regions
Residents of the eight cities hosting convenings (San Francisco, Los Angeles, Anaheim, Sacramento, Riverside, Oxnard, San Diego, and Fresno)

What action is being taken

The OCPSC is hosting the California Connects regional convenings series (with San Diego being the seventh stop)
Attendees are participating in interactive workshops, collaborative activities, and plenary discussions
Participants are connecting with state agencies to access funding and resources
Organizations are building capacity and strengthening communication through the sessions
The OCPSC is leading inclusive, multilingual outreach efforts for public awareness campaigns and community partnerships

Why it matters

The California Connects series is significant because it strengthens the critical link between state government and local communities, ensuring that diverse voices from across California have representation and access to resources. By fostering two-way communication and collaboration, these convenings help bridge gaps in services and equip organizations with tools to create lasting community impact. The initiative promotes equity and engagement across California's diverse regions while building resilience and empowering communities to better meet their specific needs.

What's next

The eighth and final stop of the California Connects statewide tour (Fresno is mentioned as one of the eight cities, suggesting it may be the remaining location).

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint