By Olivia Clark, Voice & Viewpoint Staff Writer
This article was updated on 11/20/25 at 1:30 p.m.
The Governor’s Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC) hosted the seventh stop of its California Connects Regional Convenings series on November 5 at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Mission Valley. The event brought together community-based organizations, state agencies, and local partners for a day dedicated to collaboration, connection, and community empowerment.
The California Connects series aims to strengthen partnerships between state and local organizations, expand access to resources, and promote effective communication between government agencies and the communities they serve. Through these gatherings, the OCPSC seeks to foster greater understanding, equity, and engagement across California’s diverse regions.
The event began as attendees flowed into the conference room, their hands full of fresh coffee, mini muffins, and fresh fruit. They found their seats at round tables adorned with bowls of markers, note cards, and informational packets. These small tools symbolized the spirit of shared creativity and collective action that defined the day of connection.
Aubrie Fong, Acting Executive Director of the OCPSC, welcomed the nearly 200 attendees and reflected on the importance of recognizing a shared purpose. “These convenings are designed to spark new connections, strengthen resilience, and equip organizations with the tools and resources they need to make lasting impact in their communities,” she said.
The OCPSC, established in July 2022 within the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve), expands public awareness of and increases engagement in local and statewide initiatives through inclusive, multilingual outreach.
Josh Fryday, California Chief Service Officer and Director of GO-Serve, which aims to elevate paid service and volunteerism, promote youth and community engagement, and advance public awareness and outreach campaigns, appeared via video message to deliver his remarks. “We have to engage our communities differently,” he said, emphasizing that true engagement “is a two-way street.”
Attendees participated in interactive workshops, collaborative activities, and plenary discussions throughout the day. Interactive activities, such as “Stronger Together” and “Bridge Builders,” saw attendees sharing priorities and resources, as well as exploring new perspectives and normalizing conversations about connections. These active and engaging sessions offered opportunities to learn more about community-centric state agencies and organizations, build connections, and form lasting partnerships with fellow community members.
Those in attendance also got the chance to hear directly from state agency leaders about current and upcoming funding opportunities, how to navigate state grant portals, how to amplify community voices through storytelling, and more.
During the scheduled breaks for lunch and refreshments, participants were encouraged to connect with one another, share experiences, exchange contact information and identify ways to bridge gaps in the services they offer to better meet the needs of their community.
Special guests included Assemblymember Christopher M. Ward of the 78th District and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, who welcomed visitors from across the state. Mayor Gloria highlighted San Diego’s commitment to community and collaboration, praising those who dedicate their time to advancing service and civic engagement. “This work is not easy, and that’s why I wanted to be here. Any opportunity to express appreciation and gratitude to non-profit community partners, I’ll take that opportunity,” he said in his pre-lunch remarks.
The San Diego convening marked the seventh of eight stops on the statewide California Connects tour, which also visited San Francisco, Los Angeles, Anaheim, Sacramento, Riverside, Oxnard, and Fresno. These cities were uniquely chosen as representatives of California’s diverse regions and to ensure that voices from every corner of the state have a seat at the table.
The other state organizations that form GO-Serve, the California Youth Empowerment Commission and California Volunteers, also had representatives in attendance to offer guidance and information to attending partners and organizations. The California Youth Empowerment Commission, which is also housed within GO-Serve, advises the Governor, Legislature, and state agencies on issues affecting California’s youth while also creating pathways for youth civic engagement, leadership, and public service. California Volunteers empowers Californians to take action to improve their communities through paid service and volunteer opportunities.
Emphasizing the power of service and connection in building a stronger, more resilient California, California Connects reflects the mission of GO-Serve itself: the creation of a growing network where every initiative, program, and person plays a role in empowering communities, elevating every voice, and creating lasting systems that deliver for all Californians.
For more information about the OCPSC and the 2025 California Connects: Regional Convenings series, visit the OCPSC Regional Convenings website.
Watch a quick video summary of the event below or on the Voice & Viewpoint YouTube page.
