San Diego City Wire

California Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones, representing San Diego, recently hosted a grand opening and legislative open house at his new office in Scripps Ranch. The event on October 4, 2023, drew over 1,300 attendees and featured participation from elected officials as well as exhibits from 40 community groups and non-profits within the district.

"We are thrilled that the grand opening of my Scripps Ranch office was an enormous success with over 1,300 attendees joining us to learn more about my office and the good work of community groups around the district," said Leader Jones. "This incredible turnout reflects the strong sense of community and shared purpose that defines our district. I am deeply grateful for the support of our constituents and look forward to continuing our work together."

During the event, Jones honored EDUCATE! University City Foundation for Public Schools as "Senate District 40 Non-Profit of the Year." The organization has contributed over $2 million in supplemental funds to support core programming and education for nearly 5,000 students across five University City public schools.

Bari Landry Vaz was recognized as "Senate District 40 Woman of the Year." Vaz is active in several Mira Mesa community groups and serves as President of both the Mira Mesa Town Council and Mira Mesa Community Foundation.

Exhibits at the event included various district and regional non-profits such as San Diego Police Officers Association, San Diego Unified School District, Fallbrook Food Pantry, G.I. Film Festival – San Diego, among others.

Local restaurants and businesses also participated by providing food donations. Notable contributors included Popeyes; Eastbound Bar & Grill; Phil’s BBQ; McDonald’s locations across San Diego County; Crumbl Cookies in Poway; Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling; EDCO Waste & Recycling Services; Republic Services; Takhrai Thai Restaurant in Mira Mesa; Toyota of El Cajon; Old Town Mexican Café.