Pandemic Family Resources
When the COVID-19 pandemic started, I immediately began organizing food distributions throughout City Council District 8.
District 8 took a huge economic hit as many residents work within the city’s tourism and service industry and were laid off. I voted for over $100 million in rental and utility assistance for impacted families and walked door-to-door to ensure residents received the information and knew how to apply for assistance.
Additionally, my office has hosted over 40 community cleanups in the past year, at these events my staff and I have been to connect with residents and provide information on COVID-19 resources that are available to them. It has also had an added benefit of significantly reducing the amount of illegal dumping within District 8.
Vaccine and Safety Equipment
Once the vaccine was made available, I organized vaccination events in Barrio Logan, Otay Mesa and San Ysidro, and I walked door-to-door to get residents signed up. Hosting these vaccination events at locations that residents trust, such as churches, schools and other community organizations, was critical to overcoming any misinformation barriers.
My office has also been making PPE deliveries to nonprofits and small businesses to ensure they have the equipment they need to help reduce transmission.
Supporting Small Businesses
On March 25, 2020, only weeks after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I supported allocating over $4 million in the form of $5,000 to $20,000 grants for impacted small businesses. Approving these funds was critical for our small businesses and their employees to stay afloat.
In August 2021, I voted to provide $12 million for a small business and non-profit relief fund to get San Diegans back to work
My office has also provided residents and small business owners with information on how they can apply for state and federal relief programs during the pandemic.
