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Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas is leaving her position, citing personal safety

Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas is leaving her position, citing personal safety

Supervisor Nora Vargas
Supervisor Nora Vargas at a rally in 2022. File photo by Chris Stone/Times of San Diego)

In a surprise announcement, Nora Vargas, chairwoman of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, said Friday that she will not seek a second term out of concern for her “personal safety.”

“After very careful consideration, I have decided to end my term as County Supervisor and complete my first term on January 6, 2025,” she said in an email to voters. “For reasons of personal safety, I will not take the oath of office for a second term.”

Vargas easily won re-election in November with 62.5% of the vote.

But she has faced criticism from some conservatives in San Diego County for her advocacy for justice and human rights and her support for immigration, while she has also drawn some scorn from her own constituents for her handling of the ongoing sanitation crisis at the border.

In recent years, tensions have become increasingly intense at county supervisory board meetings. As recently as December 10, Vargas called for a recess because a person in the gallery was shouting during a controversial public speech about immigration policy.

“It has been an honor to serve in public office during unprecedented times, including the last four years on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors,” Vargas said in her message.

“Whether serving as an elected board member on the Southwestern College Governing Board for seven years or as your first Latina County Supervisor, I, along with many others, have had the privilege of leading transformative initiatives in San Diego County and beyond for nearly 30 years .”

“As a Guerrera at the core, I remain committed to continuing the fight for justice, equity and human rights – just in a different capacity. I look forward to continuing to work wholeheartedly for a more just society.”

A county spokesperson said District 1 residents will continue to receive support and services even after Varga’s departure.

City News Service contributed to this article.

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