|
Dear friend,
San Diego County health officials notified the public that we're moving to the yellow tier ahead of a full reopening next week on June 15. This tier signifies a minimal spread of COVID-19 in our region. Now, the County's new adjusted case rate is only 1.2 cases per 100,000 people.
The pandemic has caused so much pain and devastation, but we've come a long way since March 2020 with the help of science and people like you who made sacrifices to stay safe.
This week, I continued my work here in San Diego. Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you.
This Week's Casework Success Story
Richard from Mira Mesa contacted the office to request assistance with reinstating the tax-exempt status of a local non-profit that serves children in foster care. He works as the executive director of this organization and noticed the Internal Revenue Service had revoked the tax-exempt status due to late filing. Richard had filed the return in time thanks to the extended deadline established due to COVID-19. Upon reaching out to the IRS with proof of filing and date in which the return was submitted, IRS acknowledged the system error. This week, IRS officials reinstated the tax-exempt status of Richard's organization.
Committee Work
"A Humane Response: Prioritizing the Well-Being of Unaccompanied Children" Hearing
On Wednesday, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations (of the Committee on Energy and Commerce) held a hearing on prioritizing the well-being of unaccompanied children. Acting Assistant Secretary JooYeun Chang at the Department of Health and Human Services provided an update on how the department is caring for these minors while in government custody. We discussed San Diego's role in this effort and the collaboration with local leaders that led to the temporary shelter at the Convention Center.
INVEST in America Act Funds for San Diego
Yesterday, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed the INVEST in America Act, which now moves to the House floor. This surface transportation bill authorizes funding for transit projects across the country, including three local transit projects my office requested. The bill allocates $25 million for San Diego Association of Governments' (SANDAG) Central Mobility Hub Pre-Construction Project, $5.6 million for the City of San Diego's Downtown Mobility Phase 3A construction project, and $800,000 for the Port of San Diego's Harbor Drive 2.0 project.
Two of these projects were jointly requested with Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-53) and Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51). I want to thank them for their partnerships, as well as the City of San Diego, the Port of San Diego and SANDAG for submitting these proposals.
Click here to learn more.
District Work
Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month Virtual Event
Click image to watch CBS 8's story on this event.
On Thursday, I hosted a virtual event to recognize June as Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. CBS 8's Marcella Lee moderated the event and shared her personal connections with the disease as she discussed her mother's journey with Alzheimer's. Dr. James Brewer from UC San Diego, Dr. Jerold Chun from the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute and Ana González Seda from the Alzheimer's Association San Diego/Imperial Chapter shared their expertise during our discussion. They spoke about the importance of the 52nd district's thriving life sciences sector, the scope of their research to understand this disease, and the steps we can take to support our health and those who already suffer from Alzheimer's.
If you missed our event, you can watch it here.
Briefing at U.S. Consulate in Tijuana and Tour of Otay Mesa East Port of Entry Site
Earlier today, the San Diego Congressional Delegation visited the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana and the future site of the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry. During our time at the consulate, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51), Rep. Darrell Issa (CA-50), Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-53), and Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) and I received a briefing on immigration, COVID-19 recovery and efforts to curb pollution in the Tijuana River Valley. SANDAG and CalTrans officials then joined us at the Otay Mesa site and provided updates on the construction of the new port of entry, freeway connections and congestion pricing.
Meeting with the National Live Events Coalition
On Tuesday, I met with representatives from the National Live Events Coalition to discuss the impacts of COVID-19. The pandemic left many coalition members, including women-owned small businesses, struggling to stay afloat. We discussed the need for Congress to continue supporting these industries who work tirelessly behind the scenes and boost our broader economy.
Meeting on LOSSAN Realignment
On Monday, I joined Del Mar Mayor Terry Gaasterland and other Del Mar city staff for a discussion on the relocation of the rail line from the coastal bluffs in Del Mar. The 351-mile LOSSAN Corridor is the second busiest intercity passenger rail corridor in the United States that travels through six counties in Southern California. We spoke about the need for state collaboration with federal action as well as the importance of the line to our regional economy.
Participate in Our Weekly Poll!
This section in our e-newsletter allows readers to weigh in on current events. Thank you to everyone who has participated so far. Here's this week's question:
President Biden is currently in Europe on his first international trip since taking office. Do you believe his work will help reestablish ties between the U.S. and our partners around the world?
Click here to submit your answer via Google Forms. Last week's question was: An indicator of our COVID-19 recovery is the recent surge in travel. The Transportation Security Administration workforce screened over 5 million travelers at airports across the country over Memorial Day weekend. Have you recently traveled by plane or booked tickets to fly for a summer vacation?
Here are the results:
256 Responses: 22.7% I recently traveled by plane. 25.8% I haven't traveled by plane recently, but already have plans to fly during the summer. 42.6% I haven't traveled by plane recently and don't have plans to travel by plane anytime soon. 5.1% I only travel by car.3.8% Other
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or need assistance with a federal agency, reach out to us through our website or by calling the district office at 858-455-5550.
To stay updated on my work throughout the week, you can also follow my social media accounts by clicking on the icons below.
|