When South Bay resident Giovanni Tec started attending San Diego State University over a decade ago, he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement. But after taking various classes and meeting with different professors, he realized his worldview was changing and his passion was elsewhere.
He switched his educational focus and received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and social science.
“I noticed many of the struggles that our communities or people like me would face as they merged into our community thread,” Tec said. “And a lot of it was because of language barriers, so that was one of the main reasons why I started doing my Spanish bachelor’s. But with my social sciences, I always wanted to be a school teacher or school admin, but that all of a sudden took me into health care, and that’s where I truly found my passion and ultimately, I’ve seen that all of these things have really come together.”
Tec is currently the external affairs manager at San Ysidro Health and has been working for the health care provider since 2014. He leads efforts in internal and external communications, community relations and government affairs to support San Ysidro Health’s mission to promote health care access and equity across the region. Tec said San Ysidro Health currently serves approximately 160,000 patients who mainly speak Spanish and struggle with receiving health care due to language hurdles.
“Although I’m not necessarily in the classroom, I get the chance to educate the community, engage with local officials and improve health access and health equity in our community,” Tec said.
The husband and father of two children grew up on both sides of the San Ysidro-Tijuana border and attended Montgomery Middle and High Schools. He now lives about five minutes from San Ysidro Health’s corporate offices, just south of State Route 905. He said his friends and entire family live near him, and that he has a “close connection” with the community he serves because of where he calls home.
“The same patients who come to our clinics are the same patients who are my neighbors,” Tec said. “The same patients who we serve at the clinics are the same patients whom I engaged with at (my son’s) Sunday little league, so that to me is special. It gives me a sense of belonging, but also understanding that the same challenges that I face are the same challenges that many of our patients are currently facing.”
For our weekly Handpicked by Locals series, Tec chose places to eat, shop and explore in and around San Ysidro because each is a special place to visit and support, even though some require improvements.
“One of the biggest things that I’ve seen or I’ve witnessed here in the South Bay is that our people are amazing,” Tec said. “Our community is great, but there’s also something that I keep on noticing… There’s definitely this aspect of (the South Bay) that is a great place to live in, but it’s also a place that requires a lot of attention. There’s been some local investment in the last couple of years, but there’s so much need and there’s so much more need for access to green spaces to improve the parts where our children are playing. … The community is beautiful, but there are so many things that could be improved … that can improve the health of the people that live here.”
Q: Where is your favorite dining option?
A: My favorite place for dining is Jilberto’s Mexican Food. The food is consistently good, but what makes it truly meaningful to me are the memories it holds. Growing up, it was the place we stopped at after crossing the border, whether to grab a breakfast burrito before school or to meet up with friends after class. I attended Montgomery High School, which is just up the street, so Jilberto’s became a regular part of my routine. Today, I continue to be part of the community, and it remains a frequent stop for my wife, kids and me after Little League weekends. It is more than just a restaurant; it is a place that connects my past and present.
Q: What is your favorite small retail business or pop-up vendor to support?
A: One of my favorite small businesses to support is The Coffee Machine, a cozy and creative coffee shop located near the Palm Avenue Trolley Station. It bloomed in one of the most unexpected areas, turning a quiet corner into a vibrant space for community connection. What makes The Coffee Machine truly stand out is the owner’s inspiring entrepreneurial journey, which they’ve shared openly through social media. Their story reflects grit, vision and a deep love for the community. Beyond serving great coffee, they’ve created a space that encourages learning and sharing, including a book exchange shelf, where customers can trade books. It’s a beautiful way to promote literacy and spark meaningful conversations among neighbors.
Q: Where is your favorite open space?
A: My favorite open space is “El Parque del Ala,” officially known as Montgomery Lucky Waller Park. If you are from the South Bay, this is a place you just know. It may not be the most polished or modern park, but it is where our community stays active, through T-ball practices, prayer walks with our church and activation walks with our dogs. It is a space that brings people together across generations and backgrounds. Access to quality green spaces like this is essential for the health and well-being of our community. Parks like Montgomery Lucky Waller deserve more attention and investment. They are not just recreational areas — they are vital community hubs that foster connection and movement.
Q: Where is the best piece of artwork?
A: My favorite piece of artwork is the mural at San Ysidro Health Center. It is a powerful reflection of our commitment to community healing and a beautiful tribute to our history. The mural honors the legacy of “La Casita,” where seven courageous mothers came together to advocate for better health care access for their children. That grassroots movement laid the foundation for what San Ysidro Health has become today, an organization that now serves communities across the entire county. Beyond its historical significance, the mural is visually stunning. It is colorful, vibrant and full of life. It draws you in and reminds you of the strength and beauty of the community it represents. It is not just a piece of art; it is a symbol of resilience, advocacy and unity. If you have not seen it, I encourage you to visit. It is a reminder of where we started, and why we continue to serve.
Q: Where is your favorite entertainment attraction or historic landmark?
A: My favorite attraction is the Imperial Beach Pier. While it is currently facing a serious contamination crisis, it remains a deeply meaningful landmark for our community. The pier brings us closer to our roots; it is a place where you can stand and see Playas de Tijuana just across the water, a powerful reminder of our strong connection to Mexican cultura. This space is more than just a scenic viewpoint; it is a symbol of unity, heritage and shared identity. It deserves attention, care and restoration. Protecting and revitalizing places like the Imperial Beach Pier is essential not only for environmental health but also for preserving the cultural and emotional ties that bind our border communities together.