Behavioral Health

Four years ago, the County launched a new way to respond to mental-health emergencies. Instead of sending law enforcement to non-violent calls, trained behavioral-health professionals are deployed to help de-escalate situations and connect people to care. 

The Mobile Crisis Response Team Program began as a small pilot in 2021 — just 131 calls in the first year — has now grown into an essential tool across the region. As of August 2025, teams have handled more than 24,000 calls, giving people in crisis real help while allowing law enforcement to stay focused on public safety.

Environmental Sustainability

In Fallbrook, work is underway on a “Green Street” project along South Mission Road to protect local waterways. A trash-capture system and new biofiltration area will filter pollution before stormwater flows into the San Luis Rey River and eventually the ocean. 

The Board also adopted an updated Climate Action Plan in 2024 to guide how the County reduces emissions at our facilities and in unincorporated communities. The plan lays out practical steps — 70 in total — focused on long-term environmental stewardship and cost-effective improvements. 

Equity

The County expanded a successful partnership with CAL FIRE and Sharp Grossmont Hospital that sends a paramedic captain and a nurse to check on rural patients after they’re discharged from the hospital. The goal of the Rural Health Discharge Program is simple: keep people healthy, reduce readmissions and make sure no one falls through the cracks. The program has grown so effectively that Sharp now staffs its own nurse to continue these home visits. 

In December 2024, the County opened a second Immigrant and Refugee Welcome Center in Escondido, housed inside the North Inland Live Well Center. The location offers help navigating available services so people can get established and become self-sufficient. 

Several community-based nonprofits also received $100,000 grants last year — including groups in North County — to strengthen the work they’re already doing for local families. 

The County continues investing in high-speed internet access for rural areas. This year, $9 million was dedicated to expanding broadband to hundreds of homes, plus additional funding for schools in Warner Springs and Vallecitos to install new fiber lines. 

County Animal Services also debuted the Pet Health Express, a mobile veterinary clinic that brings affordable spay/neuter services, basic care, and wellness checks directly into communities that need them. 

Healthy and Safe Communities

Construction began on the first phase of the new Bonsall Community Park, transforming an old golf course into 24 acres of fields, picnic areas, restrooms, and safer road improvements along Camino Del Rey.