Por Diana Jacob<\/p>\n
Big step forward: <\/strong>The Board of Supervisors recently backed my call for beefed-up services and resources for those dealing with mental illness and addiction.<\/p>\n We voted to create a network of 24\/7 crisis stabilization centers and pursue the establishment of non-law enforcement mobile crisis response teams.<\/p>\n Both will help us do a better job of connecting those with chronic mental health and addiction issues with the services and programs they need.<\/p>\n Families often struggle with how to help a loved one deal with mental health challenges. Many homeless face similar issues. I called for major improvements to the region\u2019s behavioral health system in my State of the County address in February.<\/p>\n Our great outdoors: <\/strong>I continue to work closely with the community to expand public access to open space and to showcase our beautiful backcountry.<\/p>\n The county recently moved to expand the Ramona Grasslands preserve by 123 acres. It is now bigger than Del Mar and Solana Beach combined.<\/p>\n And construction continues on the county\u2019s first backcountry nature center. The attraction is due to open later this year on the Santa Ysabel Preserve.<\/p>\n Power to the people: <\/strong>My board colleagues and I continue to explore options for launching a community choice energy program.<\/p>\n Community choice would offer consumers \u2014 now saddled with some of highest electricity rates in the nation \u2014 an alternative to SDG&E.<\/p>\n Our studies so far show that local ratepayers with community choice would see smaller utility bills. We\u2019re aiming to make a decision on the issue in a few months. Ratepayers are sick of getting ripped off and need relief!<\/p>\n