News Summary
Paloma Aguirre has been officially sworn in as the newest member of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors following her victory in a special election. Securing 53.9% of the vote, Aguirre emphasized her commitment to prioritize working families and tackle issues such as the Tijuana River Valley sewage crisis. The festive swearing-in ceremony was marked by community support and performances, heralding a new era of governance in the region.
San Diego – Paloma Aguirre was officially sworn in on Tuesday as the newest member of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors after winning a special election on July 1. She secured her position with 53.9% of the vote, defeating Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, who garnered 46.1%. The election to fill the post vacated by former Supervisor Nora Vargas saw a voter turnout of only about 21% of registered voters.
The swearing-in ceremony was held in a festive atmosphere on the lawn of the county’s downtown office building, featuring chants of “Sí se puede” and performances by mariachi bands. This lively event marked a departure from the traditionally low-key ceremonies, reflecting the celebratory spirit from the Democratic majority now in control of the Board of Supervisors for the third time. The board oversees critical county services, including law enforcement and public health programs.
Aguirre, previously the mayor of Imperial Beach, emphasized her commitment to prioritizing working families over the wealthy in the county’s governance. She expressed her determination to tackle pressing issues that affect her constituents, particularly focusing on the Tijuana River Valley sewage crisis that has plagued her district.
The new Supervisor highlighted the urgency of addressing the sewage issue, drawing attention to the disparity in how environmental problems are managed across different socio-economic areas. Aguirre noted that solutions would likely have been expedited had similar sewage problems arisen in wealthier locales, such as Malibu or Mar-a-Lago.
In addition to environmental concerns, Aguirre’s platform includes expanding the affordable housing fund, championing organized labor, and countering challenges posed by the Trump administration. She seeks to ensure that her district receives necessary resources for housing services, public parks, community safety, and environmental health.
Aguirre’s leadership team features several key appointments aimed at enhancing community engagement and communication. Paul Worlie joins as Chief of Staff, and Aida Castañeda serves as Deputy Chief of Staff, among other positions dedicated to bolstering outreach and support within the community.
As part of her initial priorities, Aguirre announced the establishment of a “Know Your Rights” training program designed to support small business owners in navigating their rights. Additionally, the board is implementing a notification system for residents regarding changes to federal nutrition benefits. These early actions occur amidst the backdrop of new federal rules requiring additional staffing, potentially necessitating hundreds of hires to ensure compliance with regulations impacting Medi-Cal and SNAP programs for thousands of immigrants in the county.
Aguirre’s district, which encompasses Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, National City, parts of San Diego, and various unincorporated areas, has been characterized by a diverse community. In her remarks, she acknowledged her immigrant background, stressing her family’s sacrifices and hard work that paved the way for her success.
With the conclusion of her ceremonial address, Aguirre stated her enthusiasm for leading on the pressing issues facing local communities. Her aspiration is to restore public trust, advocate for working families, and initiate tangible changes for her constituents. The event was attended by local officials and community leaders, marking the beginning of Aguirre’s term with a clear message: a new era of governance focused on addressing the challenges facing the South Bay region.
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Additional Resources
- County News Center
- NBC San Diego
- San Diego Union Tribune
- Wikipedia: Paloma Aguirre
- Google News: Paloma Aguirre
