NORA VARGAS

Contact:  Ernesto.Castaneda@sdcounty.ca.gov

(858) 289-9198

Ernesto Castañeda is a dynamic professional with strong connections to Tijuana, BC, and Southern California, especially San Diego and Rancho Cucamonga. He holds a B.A. in Political Science with a Minor in History from California State University, San Bernardino, and a Certificate in International Relations from the University of Oxford. In 2023, he earned his Master’s in International Affairs from UC San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy, specializing in International Politics.

With over four years of experience in consulting, research, and legal analysis, Ernesto currently serves as a Community Representative for the Office of Chairwoman Nora Vargas. In this role, he engages and supports the communities of Barrio Logan, Bonita, Chula Vista, San Ysidro, and others, ensuring residents’ concerns are addressed in policymaking. Previously, Ernesto was an Account Coordinator at Southwest Strategies, where he provided consulting services for projects with organizations like SANDAG and SDG&E. He also worked as a Graduate Student Researcher at the Center for U.S.-Mexico Studies, analyzing migration trends in the Tijuana-San Diego region, and gained legal experience as a Paralegal and Clearances Analyst at Jukin Media, focusing on copyright and intellectual property.

Outside of work, Ernesto enjoys running, surfing, playing chess and video games, exploring new coffee shops, and traveling. He is a passionate supporter of Club Tijuana – Xolos, Chargers and the San Diego Padres. Ernesto’s deep connection to the San Diego-Tijuana border region drives his commitment to making a meaningful impact in binational affairs and improving the San Diego community.