dfd (Photo courtesy TK)
Our Stories
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he fall elections of 2020 gave us great hope for San Diego County’s Latino community, which was simultaneously suffering from the highest COVID-19 death rates. Our hope came by way of Nora Vargas, who was elected to the County Board of Supervisors—the first Latina to hold that office in its 172-year history. Upon taking the oath of office on January 4, 2021, she also became the co-chair of the County’s COVID-19 Subcommittee. The community had not only gained a voice, but a champion in matters affecting a third of the County’s population.
We Make a Difference By Inez González Perezchica, Ed.D Executive Director MANA de San Diego
Shortly thereafter, vaccination and testing sites were added to medical and healthcare resources in South County, which is predominantly Latino. An Office of Economic Prosperity was also established to ensure the equitable distribution of recovery funds for businesses and other fiscal programs. We are proud to share that Supervisor Vargas’ leadership development began when she served on MANA de San Diego’s board of directors—the first time she ever served on any policy-making board. SD County Supervisor Nora Vargas attends the first open meeting at the County Administration Building – November 2, 2021 (Eduardo Contreras /The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Supervisor Nora Vargas at the Latina Equal Pay Day news conference, December 8, 2022 (Photo courtesy MANA de San Diego)
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San Diego Latino Legacy – Timeline • Milestones • Stories
Chapter 8 – Facing COVID-19
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