Local Crop Values Up, Despite Economy, Drought

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Local growers produced another record-breaking year, with crops valued at more than $1.5 billion dollars, a 1 percent increase compared to 2007 values.

“Thanks to an increase in the value of a few key crops, the total value managed to rise in 2008 even though growers were challenged with tough economic times and severe drought,” said County Agricultural Commissioner Bob Atkins.

Crops that increased in value include bedding plants, avocados, eggs, cut flowers and foliage, and herbs. The top crop continued to be indoor flowering and foliage plants, with a value of more than $319 million, although that is a drop of 1 percent from 2007.

San Diego County has more farms than any other county in the US, with almost 7,000, and the 16th largest agricultural economy. The farms produce more than 200 different commodities due to the wide variety of microclimates.

The crop report highlights the acreage, yield and value of local agricultural production, as well as the diverse programs and services of the Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures. For more information, visit http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/awm/.

Some interesting facts about San Diego County's agriculture industry:

  • The number of farms in San Diego County increased 27 percent between 2002 and 2007, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
  • San Diego has the sixth highest urban population among counties in the US, but our county also has the 16th largest agricultural economy.
  • Sixty-eight percent of San Diego County farms are between one and nine acres. The median size of a farm in the region is only four acres. Agricultural Commissioner Bob Atkins speaks to the media about the 2008 Crop Report.
  • Nearly 27 percent of farms in San Diego County are operated by women.
  • San Diego County ranks first in both California and the nation in the production value of nursery, floriculture and avocados. Statewide, San Diego County is in the top five in the production of avocados, oranges, lemons, grapefruit, tangerines, floriculture, nursery, eggs, fresh market tomatoes, mushrooms and honey.
  • San Diego County has the largest community of organic growers in the state and nation, with 343 farms growing more than 150 crops.
  • The National Weather Service describes the county’s climate as the most nearly perfect in America, characterized as Mediterranean, with warm winters and cool summers.

Back to School Without Breaking the Bank

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County's Consumer Expert Provides Tips to Stretch Your Dollar

You’ve got a long list of required supplies from the teacher, a tattered backpack that needs replacing and your child’s pleas for some new, fashionable clothes. But, like for many American families, times are tight.

So what do you do? There’s a lot of ways you can ease the burden – by smart shopping and spreading out your expenses, says Patti Wooten Swanson, a nutrition, family and consumer science advisor with the County’s Farm & Home Advisor Office.

 “Let your kids know that this a different budget year and that spending will be a little more restrained,” Wooten Swanson says.

“Make your kids part of the process; talk about wants vs. needs and what you’re going to buy for school,” Wooten Swanson says. According to the National Retail Federation, families will spend an average of $548 on back to school clothing, supplies and electronics this year. But that doesn’t mean you have to.

Wooten Swanson says parents should consider these cost-saving strategies:

  • Decide in advance how much you want to spend, and stick to it!
  • Use cash, not a credit card, to pay for purchases. People spend more with credit cards, and end up paying more with interest.
  • Make a list and then prioritize. Can some items wait a month or two?
  • Comparison shop through ads or online before you go to the store.
  • Know the school’s dress code before you buy.

 

County Names New Parks Director

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Brian Albright has been chosen to lead the County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Albright returns to the County from the City of Carlsbad, where he also served as Parks and Recreation Director. Formerly he served as the County’s Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation from 2003 to 2008, during which time the park system expanded by more than 12,000 acres.

“On behalf of the County’s Land Use and Environment Group, I want to welcome Brian back as a member of our team,” said Chandra Wallar, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer in charge of the County’s Land Use and Environment Group.

“During these difficult economic times, Brian has the necessary knowledge and experience, and he will work to provide the public the best recreational and open space opportunities possible,” Wallar said.

Albright replaces former Parks Director Renée Bahl, who resigned to take a job as the director of Arizona's state parks.

Earlier in his career Albright served as Chief of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities for the City of Alexandria, VA.

Recently Albright was elected president of the American Parks and Recreation Association. He earned a master’s in business administration from American University in Washington, D.C.

County Launches Web Site to Help Veterans and Their Families

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The County Health and Human Services Agency and military officials today are launching a new Web site to help veterans and their families access mental health counseling, emergency housing, and employment assistance.

The Network of Care for Veterans & Service Members is a state-of-the-art site that serves as a one-stop-shop for veterans, National Guard, reservists, active duty personnel, and their families to learn about services and organizations that can help them.

The site is being announced this afternoon during an event at the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center in Balboa Park, attended by Supervisor Bill Horn, HHSA Director Nick Macchione and Director of HHSA's Mental Health Services Alfredo Aguirre.

Over the next two years, about 1.5 million veterans from across the country are expected to return home. A recent study conducted by the Rand Corporation found that about 300,000 Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans report suffering from major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Only about half of those sought help.

Fear of rejection and discrimination often prevents people with a mental illness from accessing needed mental health services.

One out of every five Americans is diagnosed with a mental disorder every year. A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behavior, resulting in an inability to cope with life’s ordinary demands and routines.

Information on the Network of Care for Veterans & Service Members Web site is offered in 11 languages. People suffering from a mental illness can access services by calling the County’s 24-hour, multi-lingual Access and Crisis Line at (800) 479-3339.