County Annual Report Posted on CWW

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It’s been a tough year, and like other government organizations across the state, the County will be facing more trying times ahead.

But there’s reason to be proud. Despite the stress on County government, the County continues to be a well-run, financially sound organization, still delivering top-notch service to residents.

The 2008 – 2009 Annual Report is the County's accounting to the public. And it’s a showcase of the great work County employees do every day.

For the first time, the Annual Report, produced by the Department of Media and Public Relations, was designed to be viewed online. Nothing printed. This "green" version not only saves paper and cuts costs. It makes it available to anyone who's interested in reading it.

You can take a look here.

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.