Dear Friend,
Welcome to our District 1 E-Newsletter. Five weeks ago, I proudly took my oath of office to represent the communities of District 1 on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. I am humbled by the trust voters placed in me, honored to be the first woman of color, first Latina, and first immigrant to serve in the Board’s history, and grateful to my colleagues for appointing me Vice Chair of the Board.
We ran for office on a simple premise: to ensure that government was not separate from us -- because it is us. Since day one on the dais, I have worked to ensure that the County is responsive to the needs of our communities. I promised to hit the ground running to turn our vision for a more equitable County into action, and that is exactly what we have done.
On this first edition of our newsletter I am proud to share the work we’ve accomplished as well as the initiatives we will be bringing forth to ensure we invest in building healthier and stronger communities.
|
|
|
Nora Vargas
Vice Chair
Supervisor, District 1
|
|
As Supervisor, my top priority has been to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic and focus on economic recovery. As Co-Chair of the COVID Subcommittee, I am working to ensure we stop the surge in COVID-19 cases and get as many people vaccinated in a quick, efficient, and equitable manner. Per CDC and state guidelines, vaccine distribution in San Diego County is being done in a phased approached, with people in Phase 1A and those 65 and older, eligible to receive the vaccine now.
I am proud to share that under my leadership, the County has opened four vaccination superstations, including one in the City of Chula Vista, and operates 15 smaller community points of dispensing, or PODs, with 6 of those serving the communities of District 1, including San Diego, San Ysidro, Imperial Beach, National City, Coronado, and Chula Vista.
Earlier this week, I announced the launch of a pilot program where County-funded community health workers, or promotores, will be conducting outreach to our most vulnerable populations who have experienced language or technology barriers when making their vaccine appointment. The promotores will contact people directly to help them make vaccination appointments. I'm confident this pilot program will be successful so we can expand its reach, countywide.
|
|
If you are 75 and older and do not have access to a computer or someone to assist you, dial 2-1-1, the County's resource line, for appointment assistance.
For constituents using our buses or trolley, I am happy to report that The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has stepped up to ensure people get to their vaccination appointments. MTS is offering free rides to people with proof of a vaccination appointment. The free ride is only available on the day of your appointment.
|
|
|
SOUTH COUNTY'S FIRST VACCINATION SUPERSTATION |
|
Since the start of the pandemic, communities throughout District 1 have been disproportionately impacted, specifically the City of Chula Vista. The city has seen high case rates, due to many reasons, from many of the residents being part of the essential workforce that have kept our economy going to the lack of access to healthcare.
Last month, I was proud to open South County’s first Vaccination Superstation in the City of Chula Vista. From day one, my goal has been to ensure that more community pods open to help us move through the phased approach quicker to get the vaccine to our communities as soon as possible. Thanks to the partnership with Sharp Healthcare and the City of Chula Vista, our Superstation is fully operational, and we are much closer to reaching that goal.
|
|
|
|
I know these continue to be tough times for many of our families and I want to remind you that recently, the Board of Supervisors voted to expand the emergency rental assistance program for those who have suffered economic hardships due to COVID-19.
The County’s program allows people who are facing eviction or are unable to pay their rent to apply for financial assistance to cover rent, utilities, and other household expenses. The application period will open soon. For updates, visit www.sdhcd.org.
|
|
|
|
CHAMPIONING TRANSFORMATIVE POLICIES |
|
In my commitment to creating a more equitable, inclusive, and thriving San Diego County, during these past five weeks our team has worked hard to bring forth policies with equity, economic recovery, environmental justice and racial just in mind.
On my first week on the Board, I proudly joined Chair Nathan Fletcher in introducing policies and resolutions to Declare Racism a Public Health Crisis and Create an Equitable COVID-19 Response. Both policies passed unanimously and will have a direct impact with the County now using an equity lens to make significant investments in historically marginalized communities.
|
|
To fulfill my promise of addressing the climate crisis in San Diego County, I was proud to join Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer in proposing the Establishment of a Climate Advisory Committee and the Establishment of a Regional Sustainability Plan that will guide our County to a zero-carbon future. The plan passed unanimously, and I want to give a special thanks to all the community organizations who have done the work on the ground for years. Your leadership and work created the foundation for this regional approach that is much needed for climate action.
Finally, I joined Chair Nathan Fletcher in taking a strong step forward to Provide Economic Access and Social Equity in the Cannabis Industry. The policies presented and passed by the Board of Supervisors by a 4-1 vote, put social equity at the center of the cannabis permitting program, create good paying jobs through labor peace agreements, and create opportunities for individuals who have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs.
My team and I are committed to bringing more transformational policies to create a more equitable and just County.
|
|
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE POLICY PACKAGE |
|
For years, the communities of South County have been disproportionately impacted by environmental racism, environmental injustices, and health disparities. Our frontline communities have contributed the least to pollution, yet they face the biggest consequences due to climate change.
As we build a path for economic recovery, we need to ensure that the County of San Diego builds back an economy that is more racially, socially, economically, and environmentally just.
I'm proud to announce that next week, I will be introducing an environmental justice policy package, that establishes the framework to build healthier and stronger communities.
The proposed policies include:
To view the press conference announcement, click on the video link below.
|
|
|
|
ROUNDTABLE WITH CA INSURANCE COMMISIONER RICARO LARA
|
Last month, we hosted the first in a series of roundtables as we create a path for economic recovery for our small businesses. Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara shared resources and upcoming legislation geared to helping businesses impacted by this pandemic. |
|
|
|
|
CA SMALL BUSINESS COVID-19 RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM |
Applications are being accepted for the second and final round of the CA Small Business & Nonprofit COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. First-round applicants do not need to re-submit their info.
Grants range from $5k - $25k. Deadline is February 8th. To learn more and apply, visit www.careliefgrant.com.
|
|
|
 |
NEW YEAR..NEW CONEXIONES!
Last month, I was happy to relaunch CONEXIONES as a platform to provide constituents of District 1 and all San Diegans with information on issues impacting our region.
Join me this afternoon, Friday, February, 5, 2021 at 12:00pm via Facebook Live for a COVID Response Roundtable.
|
|
|
|
LOOKING TO GET INVOLVED?
Volunteer your time and skills by applying to one of our boards and commissions!
For vacancies, click here.
To submit an application, click here.
For any questions, please email us here.
|
|
|
|
STAFF SPOTLIGHT HONORING BLACK HISTORY MONTH |
|
|
|
MEET ANDREW FEASTER
Senior Advisor for Public Policy & Equitable Reform
|
Prior to joining the Office of Supervisor Nora Vargas, Andrew worked as a Deputy Public Defender for the County of San Diego, where he was a passionate and dedicated advocate to his clients.
As an attorney, with a background in criminal law, Andrew is dedicated to finding equitable solutions to improve his community.
|
|
|
What does Black History Month mean/represent to you?
It is a constant reminder that the work is not over. The work of Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr, Fannie Lou Hamer, Angela Davis, Kathleen Cleaver, Fred Hampton, and many others is still outstanding. Their dedication and sacrifice to improving the lives of the Black community motivates me to this day.
What motivated you to become a public defender?
My own experience growing up in San Diego motivated me, because I wanted to fight for those most vulnerable in the community. Often times those charged with a crime do not have an attorney that looks like them nor do they see anyone in the courtroom that looks like them. As Bryan Stevenson said, "We all are bigger than our worst mistake." I wanted my clients to know that I was going to fight for them every step of the way.
As a father what legacy would you like to leave for your daughter?
I want to give my daughter every tool possible for her to achieve her dreams and work to remove barriers that have been placed in front of young black girls. I am also committed to making real the promises of democracy.
In this first month what has been your proudest accomplishment to date?
Helping repeal and reform the County’s prohibition on Cannabis was one my proudest moments. In everything that I do, I want to ensure that I apply an equitable analysis to every board policy, budget priority, and appointed official.
|
|
Follow us on social media |
|
The Office of Supervisor Nora Vargas |
|
|
|
|
|
|
