October 22, 2021

In 2012, Chula Vista voters approved legislation to create four geographic city council districts within the City of Chula Vista. Redistricting is required by law to occur every decade, following the census, to redraw boundaries for the four city council districts. Input from residents is compiled and considered by the Chula Vista Redistricting Commission for submission to the Chula Vista City Council for approval of a final map.

You may provide input at any of their upcoming public meeting held at the Chula Vista’s City Council Chambers, located at 275 Fourth Avenue. Meetings will also be live streamed here.

October 22, 2021

Five new mayors took office across Baja this month, including Montserrat Caballero as the first elected female mayor in Tijuana’s history. Mayor Caballero was also voted Chair of the Baja Municipal Committee which aims to increase collaboration across the state. The first item on their agenda is to work with the Federal Commission of Electricity (CFE) to restore electricity supply for the Colorado River-Tijuana aqueduct that ensures water supply in Tijuana. The Chamber has met with Mayor Caballero and looks forward to continued collaboration with the City of Tijuana under her leadership.

At the state level, Baja’s Governor-elect Marina del Pilar will take office on November 1. She has made several announcements to introduce new cabinet members including former Tijuana Mayor and businessman Kurt Honold, who will serve as Secretary of Economy and Innovation. Marina del Pilar has met with California and San Diego elected officials including Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, County Supervisor Nora Vargas, and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria to foster binational relationships, and traveled to Mexico City to meet with federal officials to discuss efforts to advance border infrastructure projects and promote regional economic development. She also joined our Mexico City Summit last month and shared a message with our business community.

President Lopez Obrador traveled to Baja to meet with state authorities and work on a plan to integrate migrants from South America and other Mexican states. He was last in our region back in June when he visited Tijuana, Mexicali, Ensenada, and San Quintin.

October 22, 2021

After more than 18 months of travel restrictions impacting our land ports of entry, the U.S. announced that fully vaccinated travelers from Canada and Mexico will be able to enter the country by land or ferry starting November 8. In addition, starting January 2022, all inbound foreign travelers crossing into the U.S. – whether for essential or non-essential reasons – will be required to provide proof of vaccination. This includes truck drivers crossing through commercial ports of entry. Foreign-born travelers entering the U.S. by air will need to provide proof of vaccination and a recent COVID-19 test.

Following the announcement, Supervisor Vargas submitted a resolution urging the federal government to provide economic opportunities for businesses and communities impacted by restrictions. The Chamber applauds the efforts of business organizations and government officials in the region who joined us in urging the federal government to lift restrictions that directly impacted our economy and cross-border workforce. Border delays cause over $3.4 billion in lost economic output every year.

As we move forward and continue to collaborate with the federal government to reduce impacts due to border delays, the Chamber hosted a virtual meeting with CBP Executive Director of Cargo and Conveyance Security Thomas Overacker. We are following up with DHS and CBP to confirm what documentation will be deemed acceptable proof of vaccination; if children under 12, who are not eligible for vaccination, will be allowed to cross when traveling with vaccinated guardians; whether the U.S. government will accept vaccines other than Pfizer, Moderna, or J&J; and advocate for sufficient staff at ports of entry to meet increased demand.

Among vaccines that are yet to receive approval from the CDC or FDA are CanSino and Sputnik V, which were widely distributed in Mexico.