Chairwoman Nora Vargas delivers State of the County Address

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego County Chairwoman Nora Vargas delivered the State of the County Address standing at her alma mater Southwestern College.

“We are a strong, vibrant and inclusive community, with a booming economy,” Vargas said.

The address was postponed to this month after historic flooding in January. Vargas was proud to announce the approval of FEMA assistance for the region.

“These funds will help us rebuild vital infrastructure damaged by the storm for our residents and our businesses,” Vargas said.

Vargas kicked off a series of topics affecting the county by speaking about immigration. She vowed to fight for more federal funding while acknowledging the overwhelming increase of asylum seekers trying to cross at the San Diego border, which is an average of 700 to 900 a day.

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“Putting additional pressures on our already strained resources and services. That’s why my colleagues and I declared this a humanitarian crisis in the county of San Diego,” Vargas said.

The county was recognized for its efforts to fight homelessness throughout the region and secured more than $20 million from the state to address homeless encampments.

San Diego received a “pro-housing” designation from the state, which allows for more funding and less barriers for building.

“In 2023, 750 units started construction, 500 units were completed and more than 1,100 homes were built in San Diego County,” Vargas said.

Vargas also tackled the topic of the Tijuana River Valley sewage crisis, promising to fight for the health of the region, better air quality and a revitalization of the area.

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