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For far too long, the communities across San Diego's South Bay have been consistently overlooked and deprioritized. This disregard has resulted in a lack of investments and insufficient measures to protect against the harmful impacts of poorly planned and hastily constructed urban environments.
Having grown up in Barrio Logan, I personally experienced the consequences of such negligent planning, where the mixing of residential areas with industrial zones became a stark reality. The home I lived in stood adjacent to a chrome plating facility that emitted exhaust directly into the yard where I once played as a child.
Regrettably, numerous communities across the South Bay and California face similar challenges, as a lack of careful planning and the intentional concentration of polluting industries have disproportionately exposed these areas to hazardous levels of pollutants. As a result, their urban landscapes have been restricted to limited outdoor spaces like parks and beaches.
For more than 15 years, I have been engaged in a tireless fight to rectify these injustices and bring about meaningful change. Unfortunately, there is still so much more to get done so this fight continues in Sacramento.
in funding in the State Budget to combat cross-border pollution with new wastewater systems/infrastructure.
Setting limits on vehicles and large trucks from driving through our residential neighborhoods
To reduce the amount of Single-use plastics and styrofoam That contaminate our oceans and beaches.
Ensuring that our city continued to invest in
Assemblymember Alvarez has played a crucial role in the fight against the sewage issue impacting the Tijuana River Valley. Recognizing the severe environmental and public health risks posed by the ongoing sewage spills from Tijuana, he has actively advocated for solutions to fix this ongoing issue.
As a San Diego City Council member, David led the charge to declare a state of emergency for the sewage pollution and engaged with officials, community groups, and residents to address the problem. David also pushed for increased funding to improve sewage infrastructure and fostered collaboration between government agencies on both sides of the border. As Assemblymember, David continues to be a forceful advocate for pressuring the federal government to declare a state of emergency in response to the sewage issue and to allocate federal funds to rectify the problem. Through his Cleaner Communities initiative, he has been instrumental in raising awareness and mobilizing the community to address pollution in the Tijuana River Valley.
Additionally, David introduced a legislative package to direct additional resources to combat cross-border sewage pollution and to improve water quality in Imperial Beach.
Southern California Water Quality (AB-1596) will direct the State Water Resources Control Board to identify and implement projects that address ocean water quality on public beaches that have experienced significant closures due to bacteria levels that exceed public health standards. A recent study published by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography identified 76% of potentially infectious airborne bacteria found in Imperial Beach is linked to cross-border pollution, which demonstrates the impact is greater than just water quality.
Open Imperial Beach Bill (AB-1597) will provide for appropriations, loans, grants, and direct expenditures to the North American Development Bank (NADBank) for projects in Mexico, improving water quality and reducing cross-border flows impacting our beaches and estuary. The funding will be prioritized for projects that receive resources from all levels of government on both sides of the border.His tireless efforts to hold responsible parties accountable and secure federal support demonstrate his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the environment and public health in the Tijuana-San Diego border region.
As an avid bicyclist himself, David was passionate about the development and improvement of the Bayshore Bikeway, a significant cycling infrastructure project in San Diego. Recognizing the importance of providing safe and accessible transportation options for residents and promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle, David actively advocated for the expansion and enhancement of the bikeway.
David's efforts resulted in significant milestones for the Bayshore Bikeway, including the promotion of cycling as a viable mode of transportation. By advocating for the bikeway's expansion, he has helped create a more sustainable and inclusive transportation system that benefits both residents and visitors alike.
Through his dedication to improving cycling infrastructure and expanding opportunities for active transportation, David has contributed to the development of a vibrant and bike-friendly community. His work on the Bayshore Bikeway exemplifies his commitment to creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for all residents of San Diego.
David played a pivotal role in addressing the issue of truck routes through Barrio Logan. Recognizing the detrimental impact of heavy truck traffic on the community's health and quality of life, he successfully influenced the adoption of a community plan that prioritized the protection of Barrio Logan from the negative impacts of industrial traffic. The new truck route improved not only quality of life, but lessened noise, traffic, and pollution. He continues to work on ways to foster a healthier and more livable community for AD80 residents.
David played a pivotal role in advocating for the approval of the Pure Water Program's North City Project, recognizing its paramount significance for the future of San Diego's drinking water. This initiative was an excellent investment and solution to address the City's water needs. By actively supporting the Pure Water Program, he aimed to empower San Diego with greater control over its water supply, reducing vulnerability to rising costs associated with imported water.
Furthermore, he emphasized the program's remarkable potential to mitigate ocean pollution while enhancing the City's resilience against the impacts of climate change. David's dedicated involvement in advancing the Pure Water Program reflects his unwavering commitment to securing a sustainable future for San Diego, ensuring access to clean, reliable drinking water while protecting the environment for generations to come.
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David has been a dedicated advocate for equitable access to clean and sustainable transportation solutions. His work has notably included initiatives to allocate funds for the development of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in underserved and disadvantaged communities. Recognizing the importance of ensuring that all Californians can benefit from the transition to electric vehicles, David has championed policies and budget allocations that prioritize the installation of EV charging stations in areas where access to clean transportation options may be limited. Additionally, to combat air pollution and promote the adoption of cleaner transportation options, David co-authored AB 241, the Vehicular Air Pollution Act. This bill proposes several measures related to vehicle registration and identification plate service fees, as well as the extension of the smog abatement fee. This bill also establishes a Clean Transportation Program, which aims to encourage the use of cleaner and more environmentally friendly modes of transportation.
When there is a lack of a community plan, it poses challenges to the community's well-being. For example, Barrio Logan’s inadequate zoning regulations permit the construction of homes in close proximity to industrial facilities, impacting the cleanliness and health of the neighborhood. To address this issue, David took action in 2014 by establishing the Barrio Logan Planning Group. Serving as the official advisory body for the city, this crucial initiative empowers the community to have a voice in shaping new developments and driving positive changes.
By advocating for an updated community plan and establishing the Barrio Logan Planning Group, David is committed to ensuring that communities have the necessary framework and regulations in place to promote clean and healthy environments. Through these efforts, we can foster communities that thrive and offer better opportunities for all residents.
Through his active involvement in Otay Mesa Community Plan. David's influential contributions have been crucial in unlocking new opportunities and fostering a vibrant and sustainable future for the entire region. By prioritizing cleanliness and sustainability, David strives to create a better quality of life for all community members and pave the way for a brighter, cleaner future.
David continues to create opportunities for a healthier and more vibrant living environment by advocating for more parks like Cesar Solis Park and Dennery Ranch Park. These projects not only enhance the quality of life for community members but also contribute to a cleaner environment. By incorporating green spaces and prioritizing sustainable design, these parks provide opportunities for outdoor activities, relaxation, and a closer connection with nature.
David's accomplishments in creating cleaner communities reflect his vision of a greener and more sustainable future. By investing in crucial infrastructure and promoting the importance of parks and green spaces, he has made a lasting impact on the well-being of residents and the overall environmental health across the South Bay.
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