Behavioral Health

In August 2024, the County reported that it had distributed more than 28,000 kits of naloxone, also known as Narcan, to help save people from dying from opioid and fentanyl overdoses. Nearly 4,000 of those overdose-reversing medication kits were made accessible to the public through vending machines stationed all around the county. From January 2023 through June 2025, the number of kits distributed has grown to more than 88,000 in total, with more than 10,000 distributed through vending machines. 

In January 2025, the County’s rapidly growing Mobile Crisis Response Team Program celebrated four years  of helping people who face behavioral health crises. The teams send trained behavioral health experts rather than law enforcement, when appropriate, into non-violent situations to de-escalate and help people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. The program has grown exponentially since the County launched it as a pilot program in 2021. In the program’s first year, teams answered 131 calls. As of August 2, 2025, the total number of calls has jumped to more than 24,000. 

Environmental Sustainability

In September 2024, the Board adopted the County’s 2024 Climate Action Plan, the blueprint for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the unincorporated areas and at County facilities, with the goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2045. The plan includes 70 actions designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Equity

In July 2024, the County opened new active recreation features at the Waterfront Park downtown. The new features give everyone — including people who may not be able to afford a gym membership or local sports program — a new, free place to enjoy basketball courts; pickleball courts; table tennis; and a fenced, off-leash dog area with agility equipment. 

The County continues to work to close the “Digital Divide” in unincorporated communities — places where some people may still not enjoy universal access to high-speed internet. This past year the County made $9 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding available to bring high speed internet service to people in hundreds of households, including in San Dieguito. 

In December 2024, 10 local, small nonprofit organizations, including “Mano a Mano” in District 3, became the second batch to win $100,000 County Equity Impact Grants and a year’s worth of custom coaching to help them further their missions and advance equity and belonging throughout the region. The grants were announced by the County’s Office of Equity and Racial Justice.

Healthy and Safe Communities

In October 2024, the County Health and Human Services Agency, working with the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), personally hit the streets to survey people living near the Tijuana River Valley about sewage pollution and its effect on their health and well-being. The County and CDC ultimately conducted two health surveys of people living and working in the most impacted parts of the South Bay to help determine what actions the County could take with the state and federal government in the future.  

In January 2025, the County and community members broke ground on a project to revitalize the Mira Mesa Epicentre as a County-operated community center and recreation center for teens. Designed with community input, the new center will include a multifunctional pickleball and basketball court, community garden, open lawn area, rentable community space, music room, game room, practice kitchen, and flexible study and work areas. The project will make the area safer and promote health and well-being through programs that will include mentoring, career counseling, performing and visual art, gardening, cooking and recreational classes. 

Homelessness and Affordable Housing

The County celebrated the opening of Vista Azul in Carlsbad in November 2024, a 70-unit affordable housing community for people and families earning less than the area median income. The project, located near retail shops, jobs and schools, includes 32 one bedrooms, 19 two bedrooms and 18 three bedrooms. It also includes a community room and kitchen, free Wi-Fi, a teen room, common laundry area, outdoor barbecue and picnic area, play structure, tot lot and a bocce ball court. 

The County also made $11.5 million available to local developers to create affordable housing to help people with low incomes and veterans experiencing homelessness. 

Public Safety and Justice Reform

This June, the County Public Defender welcomed nearly 100 law interns to help, and learn from, County deputy public defenders — both in preparing cases and how to advocate for clients before judges and juries. 

Looking to give young people who have faced challenges a path toward possible careers as paramedics or emergency medical technicians, San Diego County Fire/CAL FIRE and County Emergency Medical Services started a new paid-training program in July 2025. The program sought 18-to-26-year-olds affected by the juvenile justice or child welfare programs. Those who are selected are paid a monthly stipend to take part in a five-month, hands-on training program. The program combines classroom instruction, hands-on skills training and regular ride-alongs with local ambulance providers.