We look at supply and demand and know Oceanside's a desirable place to be, from a business as well as an individual standpoint. Just as Oceanside's Marine presence is a mixed blessing, Chula Vista both benefits and is sometimes vexed by its closeness to the Mexican border. And when Mexico's economy goes into recession, the effects are felt throughout the region as cross-border retail traffic falls off. Chula Vista Assistant City Manager George Krempl praises forward thinking leaders. But when Mexico's economy booms, as it is doing now, the prosperity also heads north.
Mexican shoppers pack local malls and cross-border enterprises flourish.
Homes in Chula Vista's booming suburbs have been sold to many Mexicans with business connections on both sides of the border. City officials note that industrial companies such as Leviton have located in Chula Vista precisely because of its easy access to Mexican manufacturing and maquiladoras.