Civic Border Dialogue and Engagement that Leads To Real Solutions — Executive Director and Co-Founder of WILDCOAST, Serge Dedina

The Finest City

This episode features Serge Dedina, the executive director and co-founder of WILDCOAST, an international conservation team. Not only did Serge serve as the mayor of Imperial Beach from 2014 to 2022, but he also chaired the SANDAG borders committee for six years, demonstrating his commitment to cross-border collaboration. With a focus on transboundary planning and conservation, Serge has been a key player in addressing the cross-border sewage pollution crisis in the San Diego-Tijuana region. In the conversation, Serge shares insights into the crucial role of cross-border collaboration in addressing sea-level change and the importance of getting involved and making a difference at the local level.

Timestamps:

[2:01] WILDCOAST is an international conservation team that conserves coastal and marine ecosystems and addresses natural climate change through natural solutions.

[2:10] Serge’s journey of co-founding WILDCOAST and his history of serving as the Mayor of Imperial Beach from 2014 to 2022.

[2:47] What does Serge hope to achieve in the role as Chair for C-3’s Knowledge Action Network, and what hopes does he have for future civic awareness of our border region?

[6:20] The border region can serve as a laboratory to get things done because there are no rules and we can take action and make up the rules to serve our community best as we go.

[6:20] Serge discusses shifting the conversation away from thought partners to action partners and the punk rock DIY philosophy that helped him transform the city of Imperial Beach.

[9:19] Serge talks about serving on the board of SANDAG and how cross-border collaboration has evolved on a government level.

[11:22] By working with the media to communicate issues, problems, challenges, and needs, Serge has caught the attention of CNN and many other national and international media organizations.

[13:43] How can we do better in solving the Tijuana sewage crisis and improving our water quality?

[14:15] What would solving this issue mean for our South Bay communities and our neighbors in Tijuana?

[19:31] The impact of our sea levels rising and holding the fossil fuel companies accountable.

[29:05] The importance of taking positive actions at the micro level.

[29:39] Instead of just tweeting and talking about things on social media, get off your device and get involved. Get active.

About C-3

Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

WILDCOAST

Serge Dedina