By Dianne Jacob

Big step forward: The Board of Supervisors recently backed my call for beefed-up services and resources for those dealing with mental illness and addiction.

We voted to create a network of 24/7 crisis stabilization centers and pursue the establishment of non-law enforcement mobile crisis response teams.

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.

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’s behavioral health system in my State of the County address in February.

Our great outdoors: I continue to work closely with the community to expand public access to open space and to showcase our beautiful backcountry.

The county recently moved to expand the Ramona Grasslands preserve by 123 acres. It is now bigger than Del Mar and Solana Beach combined.

And construction continues on the county’s first backcountry nature center. The attraction is due to open later this year on the Santa Ysabel Preserve.

Power to the people: My board colleagues and I continue to explore options for launching a community choice energy program.

Community choice would offer consumers — now saddled with some of highest electricity rates in the nation — an alternative to SDG&E.

Our studies so far show that local ratepayers with community choice would see smaller utility bills. We’re aiming to make a decision on the issue in a few months. Ratepayers are sick of getting ripped off and need relief!

— Dianne Jacob is chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and represents District 2. For more District 2 news, visit diannejacob.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter. For assistance with a county issue, call 619-531-5522 or email [email protected].