August 26, 2020

In partnership with the City of San Diego and the New American Economy (NAE), this month’s International Business Affairs Forum hosted a virtual discussion on the economic impact of the immigrant population in San Diego and efforts to advance their civic, social, and economic integration. We heard from Mo Kantner, Director of State and Local Initiatives at the NAE, who shared key data on the demographic and economic contributions immigrants make in our community (available here by state and municipality). NAE’s research and reports have been critical in our region’s focus on the integration of immigrants in San Diego and led to the City of San Diego’s “Welcoming San Diego” initiative which launched in 2018. The Chamber was proud to support the initiative and partnered with local nonprofits, educational institutions and businesses to facilitate local immigrant integration and inclusion. As a result, the City of San Diego welcomed its first Immigrant Affairs Manager, Rita Fernandez, our second speaker at the Forum. Rita  shared an overview of San Diego’s foreign-born population and the City of San Diego’s Strategic Plan for Immigrant and Refugee Integration.

The roundtable conversation prompted comments from participants such as Ambassador Carlos Gonzalez, Consul General of México in San Diego, who shared information about the recently launched Colibri MX Scholarship Program. The Consulate and MAAC created the program in December of 2019 to promote access to higher education for  students whose families have immigrated or are of Latino descent residing in San Diego County. 84 scholarships were awarded this year to students providing them with resources needed to fulfill their academic goals. Colibri MX strives to become a catalyst for social networks to support future Latino leaders and build healthier and vibrant communities here in San Diego and across the US.

For more information on the Chamber’s upcoming International Business Affairs Forum, or to register, please visit our website.

August 26, 2020

The Mexican federal government announced a remote learning mandate until further notice to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure, with educational institutions resuming classes on Monday, August 24. The instruction excluded higher education, allowing universities to determine when and how to resume studies based on local circumstances. The Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) signed a collaboration agreement with multiple television networks and radio stations which began broadcasting educational programs nationwide. In addition, SEP will continue to provide free textbooks to students enrolled in public schools (grades K-9) and is developing a strategic plan to support working single parents.

In Baja, the Secretariat of Sustainable Economy and Tourism (SEST) signed a memorandum of understanding with Baja Health Cluster in an effort to reactivate medical tourism in the region. The agreement will facilitate data sharing; joint research to further understand the demand of health services across the state; specialized training for health professionals; and increased collaboration to promote medical tourism.

In Tijuana, a private sector-led initiative has been launched to support the city and state’s ability to test and track COVID-19 cases. The effort also helps to identify vulnerable neighborhoods and areas across the region which will support their strategy to combat the virus. This initiative comprises a system of 17 laboratories with the ability to conduct up to 500 COVID-19 tests onsite at a discounted rate and, in some cases, businesses are covering the cost for their employees. Results are available within 24 hours and submitted into a database which maps positive results. For more information, please contact Francisco@wellwavescenter.com.

A new COVID-19 testing site has opened outside of the San Ysidro East Pedestrian Port of Entry (PedEast) processing area, located next to the trolley station. The site operates from 6:30a-10:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and offers about 200 free tests daily for interested individuals. Although the initiative is primarily to serve essential workers and American citizens living in Tijuana, local residents are also welcome, and no appointments are necessary.

Health and safety checkpoints have been set up at the Ensenada and Mexicali city access points to ensure adherence to stay at home orders. This includes the Calexico West, Calexico East, and Andrade/Algodones land ports of entry, where checkpoints have been operating each Friday through Sunday. Authorities will verify the use of face masks, confirm that the trip’s purpose is essential, and conduct temperature checks for each passenger. There is also a limit of two passengers per vehicle crossing southbound through Mexicali’s land ports of entry.

August 26, 2020

We advise those crossing for non-essential purposes to reconsider their plans.

On Aug. 21, the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection implemented protocols at various ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexican border with the intent to discourage non-essential travel. Local ports affected are the San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, and Calexico West land ports of entry. The new protocols call for the closure of multiple vehicle and pedestrian lanes during “peak non-essential travel times” and non-essential travelers may be sent to secondary inspection for further inquiry.

The Chamber is greatly concerned about these new protocols which increase border wait times and affect more than non-essential travelers . Our essential workforce including those in healthcare, the food industry, and other service sectors are also subject to these extended wait times. The Chamber has dedicated its work to advocating for reduced border wait times which cost our region an estimated $7.2 billion annually in lost economic output. The impacts of  wait times extend beyond the economy.  They pose a risk to public health through increased air pollution and increased risk of exposure to COVID-19.  As we continue advocating for the reopening of businesses under proper health precautions, we will be equally vigilant for safe border reopening . An effective way to mitigate the spread of this disease across our border is a coordinated binational effort around social distancing and regularly wearing a mask.