Gloria, Tijuana mayor meet; pledge to work together

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria held a virtual meeting Tuesday with the new — and returning — Tijuana Mayor Karla Ruiz MacFarland, in which both reiterated their commitment to strengthen binational ties and promote safety during the pandemic.

“Our relationship with Tijuana is about much more than trade or economics –- it’s about people. Our cities are inextricably linked, and it’s more important than ever for the leadership of our two cities to work together during these times,” Gloria in a news release.

Gloria added that he looks forward to working with the new Tijuana mayor to “ensure the health, safety, and sustainability of our megaregion and stand united on issues of immigration, commerce, and cross-border pollution.”

In the meeting, both mayors recognized how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected residents and businesses in the border region and pledged to continue to promote safety to reduce the spread.

They also committed to continuing to advocate together for the border region in both nations’ capitols, when is safe to do so just as their predecessors have done in the past.

In a press release by Gloria’s office, they highlighted the significance of the meeting, as both mayors represent firsts: the first person of color and LGBT elected mayor of San Diego and the first female mayor in Tijuana

“We will work together to support our communities on both sides of the border to strengthen the economic and social bond in the region,” Mayor Ruiz MacFarland said.

Last October, Ruiz MacFarland made history when she became Tijuana’s first female mayor, taking over for Arturo González Cruz, who stepped away from office to seek the state government candidacy for his Morena political party.

Ruiz MacFarland, the former secretary of municipal education, functioned as suplente or “substitute” for the elected mayor, González Cruz.

Her term lasted less than a month since González Cruz returned unexpectedly to resume his mayoral duties.

Friday, Ruiz MacFarland took office for a second time to finish González Cruz’s term following his resignation, this time citing family matters.

In December, days after Gloria took office, he also met virtually with then then Mayor González Cruz. His office said Tuesday’s meeting was at his request to “establish a positive, productive relationship” with the new mayor.