May 2021

SupervisorNoraVargas.com

Dear Friends, 

As we continue on our path towards an equitable recovery, we have made amazing progress in administering over three million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine throughout San Diego County. I am particularly proud of the partnerships we’ve established with community, business, and faith organizations to ensure we provide vaccine access to hard-to-reach communities.

In this edition of our May newsletter, I am happy to provide an update on where we are at with our COVID-19 vaccination efforts, highlight some of the transformational policies I’ve recently championed, as well as share critical resources for our residents.

Furthermore, our office is taking the lead on addressing the public health crisis of the Tijuana River Valley through a unified regional approach via the newly formed South County Environmental Justice Task Force. Additionally, this past week the County kicked off its budget process with the release of staff's recommended budget of $7.03 billion for Fiscal Year 2021-2022. I look forward to working with you during this process so together we can shape a County budget that advances racial, social, and environmental justice, as well as provide opportunities for economic recovery.

I know this continues to be an incredibly difficult time for many and I want to assure you that my team and I are available to answer any questions. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office, we are here to serve you.

In Service,

Vice Chair Nora Vargas

Supervisor, District 1

We have reached a milestone in our efforts to put an end to the pandemic, by reaching over three million vaccinations administered as well as achieving high vaccination rates in District 1.

Additionally, to ensure that workers and families who have not been able to get vaccinated due to their work schedule can do so, we have opened evening hours (1pm-8pm) at the following three vaccination sites:

Oceanside

Sun. to Thurs.

North Coastal Live Well Health Center

1701 Mission Avenue

Chula Vista

Sun. to Thurs.

South Region Live Well Center at Chula Vista

690 Oxford Street

El Cajon

Tues. to Sat.

East Public Health Center

367 North Magnolia Avenue

Today we also announced that the County expects to start vaccinating youth ages 12-15 by this Thursday, May 13th, 2021, pending approval by the California Department of Public Health.

For more information, please visit coronavirus-sd.com/vaccine.

We convened the first meeting of the South County Environmental Justice Task Force, an effort proposed as part of my Environmental Justice Policy Package.

The task force is comprised of over 60 stakeholders representing government, nonprofit, and community entities, with a steadfast commitment to ending the decades-old cross border pollution of the Tijuana River Valley. The goal of this working group is to serve as one regional voice to advocate for additional funding and resources to address the Tijuana River Valley public health crisis.

Last week I was proud to be joined by a coalition of renters, landlords, and public officials, at a press conference in support of a temporary eviction ordinance designed to protect our county’s most vulnerable communities who have been hit the hardest by this pandemic and are facing eviction. The ordinance was passed by a 3-2 vote.

As a long-time advocate for working families, I was glad to introduce a Board Letter supporting the passage of H.R. 842 Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act).

The PRO Act restores fairness to the economy by strengthening the federal laws that protect worker's right to join a union.

I was proud to join my colleagues in supporting a resolution urging Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to end qualified immunity and certain lethal police techniques.

George Floyd’s murder was a catalyst for a movement of people across the world demanding an end to police brutality, systemic racism, and calling for substantive reforms. This legislation is a first step in bringing forth systemic change and rooting out white supremacy and anti-blackness within our law enforcement agencies.

Last week, my colleagues and I approved a package of policies to restructure County operations to focus on sustainability. It’s important that as the third largest job provider in the region, that we lead by example as we evaluate our day-to-day operations, and push for environmental justice policies for our communities.

San Diego County is home to 19 Native American reservations. With our rich Native American history, I am proud to have presented policies, adopted by my colleagues, that strengthen our relationships with each Tribal government.

Grand Opening of the Greg Cox Bike Park

Late last month we celebrated the opening of the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park Campground and I was thrilled to join community members for the ribbon cutting.

The 79-acre campground offers scenic views of the valley, access to more than 20 miles of trails and 51 primitive campsites, including 16 for tents, five for equestrian campers, 30 multi-use sites that can accommodate trailers, and 10 yurts. The campground also features an amphitheater, a nature education center and nature play equipment made of natural objects for children, and restrooms and showers.

For reservations, click here.

*Note: The County of San Diego has extensively studied the area and has proven there is no contamination. We are also currently leading a Tijuana River Study to identify short-and-long term solutions to address public safety concerns associated with the Tijuana River.

Insta Charla on Telehealth

On Thursday, May 13, 2021, join me at 6:30 p.m. for an Instagram Live with Dr. Kyle Bukowski, Associate Medical Director at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, discussing all things telehealth.

Live will be held on Instagram via @noravargassd.

In an effort to increase representation and bring new community voices to our County Boards and Commissions, I am thrilled to welcome four new commissioners, who are ready to serve the residents of District 1.

I'm excited to introduce you to new members of the District 1 Equity Squad. Each member of the team brings the dedication and commitment necessary to ensure we meet our constituents where they are at and make county government work for them.

Marco Briones 

Senior Digital and Outreach Strategist

Beto Gurmilan

Press Secretary

David Flores

Senior Policy Advisor

Jessica Garcia

Ramon Saldivar

Jasmine Osuna

If you are a resident of District 1 and need assistance with an issue, please contact our office by clicking the button below.