On Wednesday, January 17th, the Smart Border Coalition organized a warm farewell ceremony for Ambassador Carlos Gonzalez Gutierrez, who will proudly represent the Mexican community in Los Angeles. Ambassador Gonzalez was Consul General of Mexico in San Diego from 2019 to 2024.

Smart Border Coalition Members present included: Jorge Goytortua, CBX, Jorge Kuri Rojo, ABC Aluminio, Adriana Eguia, VESTA, Christopher Cohen, Inmobiliaria EDSACO, Eduardo "Lalo" Acosta, R.L. Jones, Don Jose Galicot, Tijuana Innovadora, Mario Lopez, SEMPRA Infrastructure, Hank Morton, Baja Bound Insurance, Mark Ballam, SDSU, Gustavo De La Fuente, Kingstone Financial, James Clark, CaliBajio.

Proclamations were presented by San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Chairwoman Nora Vargas, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, State Senator Steve Padilla, as well as video testimonials from Mayor Gloria and from Roberto Velasco Chief Officer for the North American Unit at the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs.

More than 100 guests attended the farewell ceremony held at the UCSD Park and Market facility in downtown San Diego.

The Smart Border Coalition extends its sincere appreciation to the event sponsors: VESTA, Sempra Infrastructure, ABC Aluninio, G-Global Logistics, and Baker & McKenzie. Special recognition is also given to the Burnham Center for Community Advancement and UCSD Park & Market for providing the venue.

We extend our heartfelt best wishes to Carlos as he embarks on his new endeavor. His unwavering dedication to proudly representing and serving the Mexican community in the United States has been commendable.

May his innate charm, humbleness, and natural ability to build bridges serve as a catalyst for unity and diplomacy.

We are confident that Carlos will play a vital role in fostering positive relations between the Mexican community and the diverse fabric of Los Angeles.