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Dear friend,
The National Weather Service is expecting a heat wave this weekend that will bring scorching temperatures to our mountains and deserts. Please stay safe if you visit these areas and do your part by participating in a statewide flex alert to save energy.
According to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, around 140,000 San Diegans who received their first Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine dose are overdue for their second dose. Since a single dose of either vaccine is less effective, county health officials encourage those overdue to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Click here to view vaccination sites and appointments.
This week, I continued my work here in the district. Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you.
San Ysidro Port of Entry and Tijuana River Valley Tour
On Tuesday, I visited the San Ysidro Port of Entry with Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51). We observed the inspection of various vehicles by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as they crossed the border and discussed how different travelers are processed. Later during the tour, Border Patrol agents took us through the Tijuana River Channel and to Border Field State Park. We talked about ways to make the border more efficient and secure, and how we can work together to clean up the environmental disaster occurring in the Tijuana River Valley.
Testing Vaccination and Resource Center Tour
After our tour, we visited a shelter for individuals processed by CBP at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Jewish Family Services operates this Testing Vaccination and Resource Center. The success of this shelter depends on key partnerships with local and state agencies such as the California Department of Social Services, the Office of Emergency Services, and Department of Public Health. UC San Diego Health also offers medical attention and resources at this site.
The San Ysidro Port of Entry is the only port along the U.S. southern border with an active collaboration between non-governmental organizations and CBP. This collaboration is critical for the wellbeing and health of asylum seekers, refugees, and San Diegans. Thank you to everyone who is working hard to keep these partnerships running and to treat those who enter our country seeking refuge with dignity and respect.
"One River, Two Countries: Solving the Tijuana River Pollution Problem" Virtual Town Hall
Also on Tuesday, I attended a virtual event to discuss the Tijuana River Valley pollution problem. Dr. Gabriela Muñoz, from Colegio de la Frontera Norte and Fay Crevoshay from WILDCOAST joined the panel moderated by Voice of San Diego's MacKenzie Elmer and Vicente Calderón from Tijuana Press.
We discussed the history of this problem, the challenges we face to make progress on both sides of the border, proposed solutions, and the role of the American and Mexican governments to solve this problem. If you missed this event, you can watch it here.
Wildfire Safety Workshop
On Thursday, I joined Councilmember Marni von Wilpert for a workshop on wildfire safety and preparedness. Members of the San Diego Fire Department, CalFire, San Diego Police Department, California Insurance Commissioner's Office, and San Diego Gas and Electric also joined this important event. I discussed wildfire-related priorities I've been working on in Congress and reiterated the need for collaboration as climate change drives increased wildfire activity.
Visit to MCAS Miramar
On Wednesday, I visited MCAS Miramar for a briefing on the energy resiliency work the base continues to develop. This work will enhance our national security and support local energy requirements during peak times, such as heat waves. Under Colonel Dockery's adept leadership, the base has become a national and international model for microgrid energy projects. We're proud to have this innovative project here in San Diego!
Meeting with Members from Local Paralyzed Veterans of America Chapter
Today, I met with members from the local chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America. We discussed expanding veteran access for earned benefits, and enhancing the VA's network of care, particularly in telehealth and specialty care services. We also talked about housing issues for veterans and the VA claims appeals backlog, as well as my role in the long-awaited spinal cord injury clinic and community center at the San Diego VA.
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:
Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated guidance for COVID-19 prevention in K-12 schools. It states that fully vaccinated students and teachers do not need to wear masks in school. Do you think this is an appropriate update? Or, should schools open more slowly because of the highly contagious Delta COVID-19 variant and the presence of a large unvaccinated population?
Click here to submit your answer via Google Forms.
Last week's question was: This week, President Biden met with governors from western states, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, to discuss wildfire prevention, preparedness, mitigation, and response efforts. Given the increasing intensity and danger of wildfires in recent years, what is your level of concern as temperatures rise?
Here are the results:
365 Responses: 75.9% I'm very concerned about the fire season ahead. 13.2% I'm moderately concerned the same potential for wildfires exists every year. 3.6% I'm not concerned about this. 7.3% 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
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