Today, at 4 p.m., several business leaders will gather at the San Diego County Administration Center to voice their concern and frustration with the looming news that many sectors in San Diego will be forced to shut down again this week.
The coalition will include San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, Fit Athletic CEO Scott Lutwack, Retired Navy Pilot, President, and CEO of San Diego Air and Space Museum Jim Kidrick, Bub’s Owner Todd Brown, Lash Lift Owner Sara Krenciki, Catalyst Creative Events Owner Amy Ulkutekin, San Diego Coaster Company General Manager Steve Thomas, and Eastbound Bar & Grill Owner Ben Clevenger.
Supervisor Desmond has fought as hard as any leader in the country for businesses, schools, churches, museums, parks, beaches, amusement parks, and so on to be able to remain safely open. Last week, he pushed the Board of Supervisors to a vote on whether to refuse to enforce state-mandated shutdown orders upon hearing the revelation that local businesses may be forced to close again. Unfortunately, Desmond stood alone in his motion. However, he is joined by business leaders across the county who have had enough of their livelihoods being treated like a light switch.
“A group of small business owners will be holding a rally outside the County Administration Building,” said Supervisor Desmond. “I stand with all those business owners who are barely hanging on. I’m listening and I’m going to continue to fight for you!”
Desmond and the local business leaders have pointed out that the state’s ever-changing system leaves businesses and local governments in an impossible position. The arbitrary changes are not guided by science or data, but they do prevent struggling businesses from serving customers in a safe and responsible manner per public health guidelines.
“San Diego businesses are asking the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to take back control of our local, safe reopening plans. We believe that the Governor’s newest color-coded metrics are flawed. There is currently no real end to the lockdown because it was not designed in such a way it can be reasonably ended,” said the We Mean Business Coalition. “We support our County leaders taking control and creating a plan that works for San Diego. We are committed to using safety measures that are prescribed by our County Health Advisors and elected officials.”
I will keep fighting to open our businesses and get back to work, safely! pic.twitter.com/oBYQjF00O2
— Supervisor Jim Desmond (@jim_desmond) September 21, 2020
How many more permanently closed businesses? How many more lost jobs that will never return? How many more students will fall behind in school? How many more people will suffer from excruciating mental health issues as a result of the lockdowns? How many more homes will be foreclosed on? At some point, enough is enough.
