Randy Torres-Van Vleck joins PANA as the Project Manager for the Refugee & Immigrant Cultural Hub (RICH). RICH is a community-driven initiative that will build affordable housing and commercial space on 2.2 acres of land on University Avenue in Mid-City.
Randy brings 15+ years of experience in the fields of community development, planning, engagement, policy, transportation, housing, organizing and advocacy.
Prior to joining PANA, Randy worked at City Heights Community Development Corporation for 13 years. He played a leadership role in working with community members to secure over $300 million in infrastructure funding. $150 million of that has been implemented in programs/projects such as free transit for youth and walkability improvements in Little Mogadishu aka Little East Africa.
In the role of City Heights CDC’s Director of Policy & Planning, Randy launched the State Route 15 Transportation Equity & Affordable Housing (TEAH) Task Force. TEAH has shaped City housing policy and development. In 2023, he oversaw the City of San Diego Eviction Prevention outreach team.
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has appointed Randy to the Interagency Equity Advisory Committee which advises Caltrans, CalSTA, and CTC. He’s also co-organizer of Los Cruzadores Transborder Bike Rides which has led over 1,000 people from San Diego to Tijuana.
Randy grew up in the Castle Park neighborhood of Chula Vista near the U.S./Mexico border where he lived primarily with his mom; an immigrant from Brazil. He transferred from Southwestern Community College to UC San Diego. Graduating with honors, he earned a BA in Sociology and a Minor in Urban Studies & Planning. In 2020 he completed a Master of Public Affairs from UC Berkeley.
He can be reached at Randy@PANASD.org