Grace Under Lobbying

Former San Diego County Regional Airport Authority boardmember Xema Jacobson, once business manager for the San Diego County Building Trades Council and an ex–chief of staff to Democratic city councilwoman Marti Emerald, is now in the public relations and lobbying business. She and an associate, advertising man Robert Billings, have set up Trilogy PR Group to peddle what they say is their considerable influence. “We are experienced ‘insiders’ who successfully guide you through the maze of red tape because of our unparalleled relationships with those who make the decisions and influence public policy,” says the company’s website. “Our grace under fire approach to Public Relations and Public Affairs will make sure that you get back to safe haven unharmed. Mission accomplished.” The company claims Jacobson’s former employer, the trade union council, as its flagship client. Others have included Metropolitan Airpark, a development proposal for city-owned Brown Field on the border; Southwestern College; and ticket telemarketing for various San Diego State University athletic teams, the firm’s website says.

Yet another client, according to a recent lobbyist disclosure filing at San Diego city hall, is the giant French conglomerate Veolia Water. According to the document, Jacobson is angling for a “long term contract/agreement” with the City regarding “management for water department infrastructure services and operations and management.” For that assignment, Jacobson reported lobbying San Diego mayor Jerry Sanders and two of his aides, chief of staff Julie Dubick and deputy director of intergovernmental relations and fiscal policy Almis Udrys. Trilogy was paid $9000 for its work, according to its filing.