SAN DIEGO — Today, Environmental Health & Justice Campaign (EHJC), an organization that empowers communities to achieve environmental justice, endorsed candidate David Alvarez for mayor of San Diego. Focused on communities south of I-8, EHJC says that the Barrio Logan resident and candidate signifies a critical chance to elect a leader who represents all San Diegans. It declared that communities of color located south of Interstate 8 have the voting power to ensure the District 8 councilmember wins the special election Nov. 19.
“This is our time to elect a leader who has emerged from San Diego’s communities to guide our region into the next decade with a new way of thinking,” said Diane Takvorian, executive director of EHJC. “For too long our communities have shouldered the burden of environmental injustice and Alvarez represents a sea change for the entire region.”
According to EHJC, communities in urban south San Diego, such as City Heights, Barrio Logan, Logan Heights and Sherman Heights, have historically felt the burden of pollution, air quality issues and other environmental degradation from the lack of thoughtful leadership in the region.
“The time is now for our communities. Our children deserve clean air, and we want green jobs to improve our economy,” said Beatriz Barraza, president of EHJC. “We have long been ignored by City Hall, but we now have the opportunity to elect a mayor who understands, listens and takes action to our needs.”
Alvarez has represented communities south of Interstate 8 as a city councilmember and has demonstrated leadership that protects the residents’ rights to clean air, green jobs and healthy neighborhoods. Alvarez recently led the effort to secure City Council approval for the Barrio Logan Community Plan Update, ensuring improved environmental and economic health for the city. EHJC also selected Alvarez because of his mayoral platform, which prioritizes neighborhood investment in infrastructure, parks and public safety.
“We want a mayor who understands the environmental, health and economic issues we’ve faced for generations and one who understands how we can work together to move beyond those burdens and achieve a greater quality of life for all,” said Takvorian.
Yesterday, three former chairs of the San Diego County Democratic Party: Maureen Steiner, Bob Jellison and Kennan Kaeder, endorsed Alvarez for mayor.
“David is truly the best person to represent the Party in this important upcoming election,” said Maureen Steiner.
