The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is “absolutely and unequivocally committed” to a government that residents know represents and cares for them, its new chairman said Tuesday, Jan. 5.

Nathan Fletcher said the county must now tackle climate change and a global COVID-19 pandemic, improve racial justice, build more affordable housing, provide quality physical and behavioral health care, provide more economic opportunity and ensure transparent government.

Supervisors voted unanimously for Fletcher to serve as chair. Along with Fletcher, Nora Vargas will serve as board vice chair a...