I am writing to bring your attention to a critical matter at Tuesday’s upcoming County Board of Supervisors meeting. It concerns the potential allocation of $3 million for migrant services and the establishment of a migrant center. This allocation is to be funded by County tax dollars – resources that I believe should be directed toward addressing pressing issues within our county.
Our community faces numerous challenges, including homelessness, deteriorating infrastructure, and mental health crises, which demand immediate attention and resources. These are issues that directly impact the lives of San Diego County residents, and they should rightfully remain the focus of county tax dollars. San Diego County is averaging nearly 600 migrants being street released daily. If this trend continues, by the end of the year, we are projected to have over 52,000 migrants street released in our region. This situation is simply unsustainable for our community, both financially and logistically.
The decision to use County funds for non-U.S. Citizens means that we are shouldering the responsibility of the federal government. While compassion for those seeking refuge is essential, it should not come at the expense of our residents, who depend on these funds for their well-being and the betterment of our community.
As we approach this pivotal decision, I urge all our community members to actively participate in the upcoming board meeting and ensure your voice is heard. Your input and involvement are crucial in shaping the future direction of our county.
Regrettably, due to a long-standing family commitment, I will be unable to participate in Tuesday’s meeting personally. However, I want to assure you that I am committed to doing everything I can to oppose the allocation of these funds for the proposed migrant center. It is vital that we, as a community, speak out and raise awareness about this proposal.
Here are some ways you can make a difference:
Attend the County Board of Supervisors meeting in person:
Board meetings are held in the Board Chamber (Room 310) of the County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101.
- You must fill out a Request to Speak form if you want to speak at the meeting. Forms are available outside Room 310 and in the Chamber.
- Write in the information and give it to the Deputy Clerk. You will need a form for each item you want to speak on. The item is #14.
- You need to turn in the form before public comment on that item begins. You can only turn in a form for yourself to speak. You cannot turn in a form for someone else.
- The Clerk of the Board will call your name when it is your turn to speak.
- You will have two minutes. You cannot give your time to someone else.
Call in comments during a meeting.
- Fill out a tele-comments form. You need to submit the form before public comment on that item begins. After you submit the form, you’ll get instructions on how to call into the meeting.
- Watch or listen to the meeting.
- When the Board begins to discuss the item you want to comment on, call the phone number from the instructions. Turn off your TV or live stream. You’ll continue to hear the Board meeting on the phone.
- When it is your turn, you will hear a message. Begin speaking after the beep.
- You will have two minutes to speak. You can hang up when you’re done.
Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to join in and voice their opinions. Share information and raise awareness about the issue on social media and within your community.
Together, we can significantly impact the decisions made by our County Board of Supervisors. Let us work collectively to ensure that our tax dollars are prioritized to address the urgent needs of San Diego County residents.
San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond
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