San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria is in Washington D.C. asking for help on several issues, including the border.
After a year-and-a-half of restrictions for nonessential travel, the mayor is hoping to move the needle on the issue affecting border communities.
According to a news release sent out by his team, he’ll be addressing San Diego’s homeless crisis, infrastructure, pollution in the Tijuana River Valley, and the lifting of non-essential travel restrictions at the U.S.-Mexico border.
It’s Gloria’s first visit to Washington D.C. since he was elected mayor, but it’s not the first time he has tried to advocate for the full reopening of the southern border.
In July he sent a letter to the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, saying small businesses dependent on border crossings were hurting.
Local business leaders are glad to hear Gloria is pressing for the lifting of non-essential travel, but aren't sure what will come from it.
“Mayor Gloria, County Supervisor Nora Vargas have been fabulous on this issue, unfortunately they have been ignored as I have," said Jason Wells of the San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce. He's also tried to bring attention to the matter.
On Monday the chamber made its latest cry for help and sent a letter to Rep. Juan Vargas, D-San Diego.
“Over 2,000 jobs have been lost 2,000 families that can't feed their children, over a political decision,” Wells said.
He said more than $1 billion have been lost in retail sales in the last year.
Wells hopes Oc. 21 will be the end of border restrictions.
“If we go through another year without a holiday season you can chalk up at least 100 businesses that will be gone and 1,000 jobs that will be lost forever,” he said.
