How I spent August in San Diego

Dear Friend,

I loved spending so much time at home in August and catching up with so many amazing people in our community! I’m back in Washington D.C. for the legislative session now, so I wanted to share a quick update on what I was up to last month – from addressing the Tijuana River Valley crisis to taking steps to end homelessness in San Diego.

Keep reading for more highlights:

Addressing the Tijuana River Valley Crisis

In San Diego, we all know that the sewage and pollution flowing through the Tijuana River Valley has serious consequences for our community – from harming our health to closing our small businesses and beaches. That’s why I’ve been working hard alongside local, federal, and Mexican officials to address this crisis – including by bringing home over $450 million in federal funds.

I was glad to welcome Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma to the South Bay wastewater treatment plant to tour the facility and discuss the next steps in tackling this crisis. Our efforts are far from over, but I’m grateful that the design phase for the repairs and expansion of this plant has started. We will continue our oversight to ensure this project has what it needs to be successful.

This crisis is also worsening our air quality, so I joined the San Diego Democratic delegation last night to ask President Biden and Governor Newsom to declare a State of Emergency in our community so we can get the resources we need.

Expanding Access to Child Care

If you’re a frequent reader of my newsletters, then I’m sure you’re also familiar with the child care shortage in San Diego – especially for those in our military community. Waitlists are long, providers can’t afford to stay in their jobs, and families can’t find and afford the care they need.

That’s why I was so proud to secure over $2 million in federal funding to expand the ASYMCA’s Center for Military Families to create much-needed child care slots – and I was so excited to attend the groundbreaking of the facility last week!

Tackling the Homelessness Crisis

It will take all of us to end the homelessness crisis in San Diego, and that’s why I’m so grateful for the work of local organizations that provide critical wrap-around services and help people find safe housing.

Last week, I toured PATH’s new permanent housing development, Villas El Cerrito, and spoke with their staff and residents about how I can support their efforts at the federal level and help our community address homelessness and lower the costs of housing.

Stopping by Local Businesses on Adams Avenue

I had so much fun chatting with the owners and seeing the behind-the-scenes business operations at Blind Lady Ale House, Dink’s Barbershop, Bica, and Artistic Florals! I highly recommend checking out these incredible small businesses on Adams Avenue.