Conservationist Serge Dedina, a 43-year resident of Imperial Beach, has filed papers to run for mayor of the city in the November general election.
Dedina will face incumbent Jim Janney, who is running for a third term as mayor of the most southern beach city in California.
“We need a mayor who cares about the people of Imperial Beach and who can make sure that our tax dollars are invested in neighborhoods throughout Imperial Beach rather than just the beachfront,” said Dedina.
He said he would be “an advocate for kids, families and the community rather than special interests” and fight for clean beaches and “make sure that border agencies do their job to prevent sewage spills.”
Dedina, 50, is the executive director and co-founder of WILDCOAST, a cross-border conservation organization. While studying at UC San Diego, he worked as a lifeguard on Imperial Beach and Silver Strand State Beach. He is the father of two boys, Daniel, 16, and Israel, 18, and has been married to his wife Emily for 25 years.
“I will run a positive, grassroots campaign that brings people together to share our love for Imperial Beach,” said Dedina. “We need a Mayor who cares passionately about working together with all of the residents of Imperial Beach to make our wonderful city an even better and more family-friendly place to live. “
