Earlier today, I wrote an op-ed in response to Governor Newsom’s announcement to open some businesses. This is a small, but good step. But much more needs to be done.
In the past seven weeks, 4.1 million Californians have filed for unemployment benefits. In San Diego County, businesses are closing and our unemployment rate is now 26%. And that number does not include the many self-employed, facing dramatically declining income, who have not yet filed. An unemployment rate of 26% is a staggering number. The last time our nation has seen such a number was during the Great Depression of the 1930’s.
I’m calling for all restaurants to open, safely on May 21 and other businesses who are willing to follow the safety protocols to do the same. The citizens of San Diego are hardworking, taxpaying residents, who must be treated like adults.
Let’s move forward and get our County open.
