FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                            

March 17, 2023                                                                                                  

Contact: Jack Gallagher

jack.gallagher@asm.ca.gov

(916)319-2080  

Assemblymember Alvarez urges the full stop of all border wall construction projects at Friendship Park in San Diego

(San Diego) - Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego) condemns the continued construction of the replacement border wall at Friendship Park. United States Congressman Juan Vargas joined the Assemblymember, California State Senator Steve Padilla, San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas, and John Fanestil of Friends of Friendship Park today to gather near this historic location to oppose the continued destruction of the park and demand a halt of all border wall construction.

"Friendship Park is a bi-national community asset," said Assemblymember Alvarez. "The continued destruction of this park will cause long-term damage to these communities and eliminate a space that has allowed families and friends to connect with loved ones for many years. I implore President Biden and the Department of Homeland Security to stop the construction of these 30-foot walls and work with our communities for a smarter and safer alternative."

On January 20, 2021, President Biden issued Proclamation 10142, which paused all border projects along the United States-Mexico border. Additionally, it directed federal agencies to review these projects' funding procedures and impacts. The current Friendship Park Border Wall Project falls within the definition of wasteful spending as outlined in the proclamation.

Assemblymember Alvarez and the California Latino Legislative Caucus have written in letters to both the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Border Patrol to demand a halt of all construction on the 30-foot walls and instead invest in the enhancement of Friendship Park with community stakeholders led by the Friends of Friendship Park.

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The 80th Assembly District includes the communities of Barrio Logan, Logan Heights, Sherman Heights, Lincoln Acres, Bonita, Otay Mesa and San Ysidro, along with the cities of Chula Vista, National City and Imperial Beach.

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