The Power of Communication

A message from Vice Chancellor Joel Peterson

"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" 

While philosophers have debated that question for centuries, it highlights an important truth: communication helps people understand not only what is happening, but why it matters. 

As we continue advancing the San Diego Community College District's $3.5 billion Measure HH bond program, communication remains one of our most important tools. It began with sharing a vision for how investments in our campuses would support students, workforce development, and the future of our region. Today, communication continues to guide the program as we work with campus leaders, faculty, staff, students, and community members to identify priorities and help shape the facilities being designed and built. 

Communication is also essential to successful project delivery. Every day, Measure HH teams collaborate with campus leadership, architects, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders to keep projects moving forward. During planning and design, we rely on input from the people who will ultimately teach, learn, work, and gather in these spaces. Their perspectives help ensure that our facilities reflect the needs of the communities they serve. 

Keeping the broader community informed is equally important. Through our website, social media channels, newsletters, videos, public presentations, and business outreach efforts, we share project updates, contracting opportunities, and construction milestones. These efforts help stakeholders stay informed and engaged as projects progress across our campuses. 

Most importantly, communication supports transparency and accountability. Every dollar invested through Measure HH represents taxpayer resources entrusted to us by the voters of San Diego. Through Board updates, Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee meetings, public reporting, independent financial and performance audits, and ongoing outreach, we remain committed to showing how these resources are being invested to support student success and strengthen our region while fully complying with all accounting, management controls, and legal mandates and requirements.

As Measure HH projects continue to move from planning and design to construction, we appreciate your continued support and partnership and look forward to keeping you informed along the way. 

Thank you for your continued engagement and support.

Sincerely,

Joel L. A. Peterson, PhD, MBA, MA

Vice Chancellor & Executive Operations Officer

San Diego Community College District

KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY INFORMED

Transparency, accountability, and public engagement

Transparency is a key part of the Measure HH program. Watch as Chief Communications Officer Derek Danziger highlights the role of the Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee and the communications team's efforts to keep the public informed about projects, progress, and opportunities for community engagement.

BUILDING CONNECTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Outreach that strengthens partnerships and supports local businesses

Measure HH is investing not only in our campuses, but also in the local workforce. As Senior Director of Bond Communications, Outreach & Engagement, Ursula Kroemer oversees the Small Business Outreach program, which works to intentionally connect local firms with contracting opportunities, foster industry partnerships, and help businesses navigate the path to success on Measure HH projects. Through relationship-building and targeted outreach, the team helps ensure businesses are aware of opportunities and positioned to compete for work across the district.

SHARING THE MEASURE HH STORY

A behind-the-scenes look at communications in action

What does the communications team do all day? The short answer: a little bit of everything. Join Multimedia Specialist Robbie Conrad and Communications Outreach Administrative Assistant Pamela Zazueta for a behind-the-scenes look at the work that helps keep the Measure HH community informed, engaged, and connected.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

COMPLETED

Miramar College - Fire Suppression Building W

The fire sprinkler system at the Distribution and Computing Center was upgraded to meet current safety standards and code requirements. The project included the installation of a new wet-pipe sprinkler system designed to enhance fire protection and support the continued use of the facility.

In Progress:

• Police Academy Mat Room HVAC Replacement
• Police Academy (10) Classrooms Tenant Improvement

COMPLETED

Mesa College - Mesa Commons Roof Gutter

The Mesa Commons roof gutter replacement addressed water leaks caused by a deteriorated gutter above the Culinary Academy deck. The new gutter and roofing improvements help protect the building from water intrusion and support the long-term condition of the facility.

In Progress:

• Gym Floor Replacement
• Learning Resource Center (LRC) Elevator Update

COMPLETED

City College - Career Center Room 301 Remodel

The renovated Career Center is ready to welcome students back. The updated space provides a more functional and welcoming environment for career planning, job readiness, and student support services.

In Progress:

• Athletics, Exercise Science, and Health Building Roofing
• Learning Resource Center (LRC) Roofing

COMPLETED

The College of Continuing Education - Educational Cultural Complex (ECC) Welding Shop Roll Up Door Replacement

A new roll-up door has been installed at the ECC Welding Shop, replacing a door that had sustained significant wear and damage over time. The upgrade improves functionality, reliability, and day-to-day access to the facility, supporting a safer and more efficient learning environment for students and staff.

In Progress:

• Harbor View and North City - Panic Button Installation

ALPHABET SOUP

From planning to construction, Measure HH comes with a lot of terminology. Each month, we highlight one term you're likely to see or hear along the way. See more terms and definitions in our Measure HH & Capital Projects Glossary!

Stakeholder Workshop

A structured meeting with campus stakeholders, sometimes called “end users,” designed to collect input, test ideas, and build alignment during programming or design. 

ICYMI (In case you missed it)

Did you miss a past issue or want to go back and re-read an article? Here are links to some past issues:

>> March

>> April

>> May

MEASURE HH PROJECT PROFILES

Would you like to learn more about each project taking place across the San Diego Community College District? Explore the list of profiles for detailed insights on all projects.

CONNECT WITH US

With construction underway and major projects in procurement, Measure HH is transforming facilities that serve nearly 90,000 students annually while demonstrating exemplary fiscal stewardship. Future e-news updates will provide additional details on all bond-related activities.

If you are interested in learning more about Measure HH and would like to schedule a presentation for your departmental team or a community organization, or have ideas for future stories, please email us at SDCCDMeasureHH@sdccd.edu.