News and notes from County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Dianne Jacob

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Keeping communities safe

The Board of Supervisors recently gave the green-light to prepare for the next wave of rural fire prevention and protection improvements.

Supervisor Jim Desmond and I got board approval to ask county staff to flesh out several proposals, including the development of a grant program to encourage homeowners in high-risk areas to install fire-resistant materials.

We’re also looking at ways to strengthen the fire code for construction and create a regional plan for controlled burns and other preventative measures.

The county continues to work overtime with Cal Fire and others to address the on-going threat of catastrophic wildfire. Since the 2003, the county has invested more than a half-billion dollars on fire prevention and emergency medical service improvements across our backcountry.

Housing

The county’s growing efforts to encourage the development of granny flats and other accessory homes are generating a lot of interest.

In my recent State of the County speech, I talked a lot about the need for such housing to help address the region’s affordable housing crisis. For more information, call 858-495-5382.

Parks and rec

A recent Board of Supervisors vote cleared the way for a much-deserved, long-awaited park in Alpine.

The board agreed to buy 98 acres near South Grade and Tavern roads and to work closely with the community to turn it into a park and public open space.

A big win for the region!

For more District 2 news, go to www.diannejacob.com or follow me on Facebook and Twitter. If I can assist with a county issue, please call my office at 619-531-5522 or email dianne.jacob@sdcounty.ca.gov

Have a great East County day!

Dianne