Living in San Diego County, the threat of a wildfire is constant. I'm always amazed by the bravery of firefighters who protect our community. With all of their gear on, in usually scorching temperatures, they run towards the fire, while we all evacuate. 

Back in March, I allocated a grant to the San Diego Fire Foundation. The funds went towards purchasing new battery-powered extrication equipment for the Escondido Fire Department. This week, I got to see the new devices in action and even got to try them out! 

When I was elected Supervisor four years ago, I made behavioral health a top priority. Behavioral health and homelessness go hand and hand and unfortunately, many of the people who end up living on our streets, are suffering mentally and aren't given the proper medicine or care to help stabilize them.

You've probably heard me say it before, but I must repeat it again, One Safe Place is transforming lives. One Safe Place is a center that serves human trafficking victims, seniors suffering from elder abuse and is a place someone that is being domestically abused can go to escape from their perpetrator. Today, I wanted to share an incredible success story from One Safe Place.

Just now, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved requiring fentanyl education and increasing narcan distribution. This is a major step for the Safety of San Diego County as accidental deaths caused by fentanyl is the number one killer of people between the ages of 18 and 45, far exceeding the number of deaths caused by car accidents, COVID, heart disease, and gun violence within this age group.

Earlier today, I submitted a California Public Records Act request to the State of California asking for all correspondence regarding Sexually Violent Predators with Liberty Healthcare. 

An important part of being prepared in an emergency is making sure that you have a plan for your pet. Ahead of fire season, come receive a free Emergency Pet Kit.

San Diego County is home to one of the nation’s largest population of veterans. As of 2021, more than 200,000 veterans call San Diego County their home. Although San Diego County is historically known as a military town, our veteran unemployment numbers are higher compared to other counties.

Living in San Diego County, the threat of fires is constant, that is why I have made fire safety one of my top priorities during my time on the Board of Supervisors.

Seniors are the fastest growing population in North County and we must do all we can to help those living on fixed incomes. With the cost of basic necessities continuing to rise, we want to make sure our senior population has resources available to them. I’m pleased to say, this week we took a couple of major steps toward helping our senior citizens.