SAN DIEGO – San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairman Nathan Fletcher delivered his second State of San Diego County State of the Union address on Tuesday, focusing on issues such as homelessness, housing, and housing. mental health and public safety.
The event was by invitation only at the Performing Arts Theater of the San Diego Center for Continuing Education Educational Cultural Complex. Last year, Fletcher made the annual speech at the county’s COVID-19 supply warehouse.
Fletcher began his speech by talking about his response to COVID-19, announcing that more than 93% of the county was vaccinated while having one of the lowest mortality rates in the country.
“Half the Florida COVID Mortality Rate. Let me repeat, half the Florida COVID Mortality Rate. We saved lives. local businesses, families and workers, ”he said.
After lifting COVID restrictions nine months ago, Fletcher said rebuilding the economy is another challenge that has been faced head-on in the county.
“We spent the last year making small businesses open, COVID rules were removed and funded to help cover the damage,” Fletcher said. “They were hugely successful and they need our support to move forward. But working families are now feeling a new kind of pain.”
Fletcher went on to address the homelessness crisis that plagued the county, saying they are focusing and “seeing progress” on long-term solutions to mental health and substance abuse.
“Last year, about 500 young people at risk were placed in supportive housing,” he said. “We helped 1,420 San Diego residents find permanent homes. A new shelter for the most serious homelessness cases, launched in collaboration with Mayor Todd Gloria … is open and full.”
Fletcher also noted that San Diego is the first county in the state to support Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to relieve residents of higher gas costs.
“We need to use the state’s record surplus to relieve those most affected,” he said. “I am proud that the 5 supervisors came together through the party lines to give voice to the pain felt by working families. But a discount alone will not rebuild the middle class. It takes more than that.”
Officials provided the following announcements the county plans to make for each category:
Homelessness / Behavioral health
Working Families / Jobs / Economy
Child care and child welfare