Following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s approval to move California forward with Phase 2 of his reopening plan, select local leaders gathered together Wednesday to push for more businesses to reopen as soon as possible to get San Diegans back into the workforce.
Councilmember Scott Sherman, El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells, San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones and local business owner Phil Pace of Phil’s BBQ met in a press conference to ask officials to expedite Phase 2 of the state's reopening plan.
Newsom announced on Monday that some low-risk businesses such as clothing retailers, sporting goods and florists may be able to reopen as soon as Friday if certain health standards are met. His decision came months after Californians were ordered to hunker down at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, the local leaders are laying out their requests to open all businesses, not just those that are considered low-risk. Their reasoning is that each business is essential.
On Tuesday, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on a set of guidelines that will serve as a framework for how regional, low-risk businesses will operate as they reopen.
However, Wednesday's group of officials said those guidelines aren't enough. Pace said as a business owner, he understands that he and fellow other small business owners cannot just "wing it" and open at just a certain percentage.
