Gov. Jerry Brown announced today the creation of a state military council, which includes several San Diego-area officials and is aimed at protecting the 29 installations around California and expanding defense-related jobs and investment.
"California plays a crucial role in our nation's defense, and military bases and activities are vital to our state's economy,'' Brown said. "As federal priorities shift to cyber security and new military technology, this council will work to expand defense-industry jobs and investment in California.''
The governor said the council will work to protect California's military installations and operations amid ongoing Department of Defense budget cuts, and take advantage of changes in federal military strategy to position the state to continue innovation and leadership in its military mission.
San Diego elected officials and defense industry leaders lobbied hard against the automatic spending cuts to defense that were part of sequestration, citing potential job losses and economic damage. Some of them expressed concerns that a round of base closings could be ahead.
Assemblyman Rocky Chavez, R-Oceanside, state Parks and Recreation Director Anthony Jackson, San Diego Military Advisory Council President James Jackson and University of San Diego President Mary Lyons were among those named to the panel.
Chavez is a former Marine colonel, Jackson a retired Marine major general and Johnson was a Navy rear admiral. Lyons rose to a captain during 25
years in the Naval Reserve and taught at the old Naval Training Center in Point Loma.
The council will be chaired by ex-Rep. Ellen Tauscher.
