You're Invited to Family-Friendly Budget Open House
Learning about the County’s recommended budget can be a family affair. A kid-friendly open house is taking place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, May 22 at the County Operations Center in Kearny Mesa. Children can meet some adoptable animals, check out a live hawk or owl, and see the Sheriff’s bomb cat and other emergency vehicles up close. Grown-ups can learn how the County built its recommended budget and how it may affect them and their community. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and participants can give their feedback. A virtual community meeting is also scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28. The meeting will cover the same information from the May 22 Open House. For additional information and to register for either or both events, visit Engage San Diego County.
You may also leave budget comments online at Engage San Diego County now until 5 p.m. on June 12. The new budget will take effect July 1!
The 10th Annual Live Well Advance & School Summit is coming to the San Diego Convention Center on October 22!
Call for Sessions deadline extended!
Are YOU driving change in your community? As we reflect on 15 years of the Live Well San Diego vision, we want to spotlight colleagues, community leaders, and partners who are building a healthy, safe, and thriving region together. Whether you're activating collaborative projects, leading with passion, or launching game-changing initiatives—we want to hear about your work during this year’s breakout sessions.
Find details, guidance, and submit your proposal by May 30th, 2025 at LiveWellSD.org/Advance.
Looking forward to hearing from our speakers in October!
County Names New Public Health Officer
Sayone Thihalolipavan has been named as the County of San Diego’s new Public Health Officer. Dr. Thihalolipavan most recently served as Public Health Medical Officer within the County’s Medical Care Services Department.
Dr. Jonathan Lucas Appointed Chief Medical Examiner for
San Diego County
Dr. Jonathan Lucas, M.D., is San Diego County’s new Chief Medical Examiner, bringing over 20 years of forensic pathology experience and leadership to the role. Dr. Lucas will lead the department responsible for investigating all sudden, unexpected, or unnatural deaths to help identify public health risks and inform preventative efforts across the County, a critical function in protecting public health and safety.
Behavioral Health Resources Health Education, Blood Pressure Screening, Naloxone Distribution Public Benefits Information/Services (CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKs) Information on General County Services & Resources.
WHEN: Sunday, May 25th | 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM
WHERE: Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church | 337 Tremont St., Chula Vista, CA 91911
NEW! Measles Matter Webinar
Join us for an engaging and informative webinar focused on measles and what it means for our communities. Whether you're a healthcare provider, community advocate, or just want to stay informed, this session will cover everything from current outbreaks and vaccine facts to practical communication strategies and prevention efforts.
UC San Diego Health JEDI - Health Equity Symposium Webinar
The Department of Health JEDI at UC San Diego Health is hosting health equity symposia for our health system, internal and external partners, and collaborators. Shira Abeles, MD, Nicole Poletto, and Jennifer Woods will present on Addressing Environmental Health Through Healthcare Sustainability.
Join MoGo, in partnership with Open Heart Leaders and be a part of MoGo’s Vision 2025 Community Summit—an inspiring and empowering event dedicated to educating and mobilizing community members to counteract Project 2025.
WHEN: Saturday, May 31st | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
WHERE: Southwestern College | 900 Otay Lakes Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Join the Flood Recovery Pop Up event! If you've been affected by the 2024 San Diego floods, this is the place to be. Come together with your community to share stories, resources, and a helping hand. We'll have experts on hand to provide guidance and support, and various resources to distribute. Let's come together to rebuild and recover. See you there!
Leah's Pantry Trauma-Informed Nutrition Security Training
This training explores the connection between nourishment and both positive and adverse experiences, emphasizing a trauma informed approach to community-based work. Participants will learn key principles of trauma-informed care, reflect on their relationship with food, and consider strategies for responding to challenging interactions.
NEW!Girls Rising Mentorship Program - Girls Rising is dedicated to supporting girls ages 8-17 from underserved communities by providing positive role models and unwavering support.
NEW!3rd Annual NSD 5K Fun Run Volunteers - 2025 5K Fun Run Community Fair Purpose of Fun Run: To encourage residents of National City to explore the waterfront by participating in an outdoor lifestyle event, promoting physical activity, health, well-being and community engagement.
WHEN: Saturday, May 31st | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
WHERE: Plaza Bonita (Parking lot by the Outback Steakhouse) | 3000 Plaza Bonita Rd, National City, CA 9195
Click here to register to volunteer. Click here to view the flyer.
NEW! 2025 Request for Proposals – Latina Giving Circle- The Latina Giving Circle empowers Latinas and allies in the San Diego community and beyond to unite and amplify impact by pooling our resources to support the causes that are most important to us. Our grants support vital programs that address critical needs and create a more equitable San Diego.
NEW!SDIC - 2025 Kick the Flu+2 Summit Abstract Submissions - The 2025Kick the Flu+2 Summit will spotlight innovative strategies to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses and promote vaccinations against flu, COVID-19, and RSV in clinical and community settings.
Submission Deadline: June 27, 2025 (by 11:59 PM PST)
Community Power Efficient Refrigeration Program- Community Power is providing energy-efficient refrigerators and freezers at no cost to corner stores to stock California-grown fresh foods, thanks to funding from the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
Click here to see the available equipment you can select.
Program availability is limited, click here to apply!
Gleaning in Chula Vista - Gleaning is the collection of surplus food from farms, gardens, and backyards to address food insecurity. Community members can donate extra backyard fruit or volunteer as gleaners or drivers with ProduceGood. Opportunities are open to all ages, families, and groups.
Timeline: Ongoing year-round
UCSD MIHA Program - A free weight management program for mothers and adult daughters, offered through UC San Diego. The 24 in-person, weekly sessions focus on nutrition, physical activity, and behavior change. Sessions begin May 29, 2025, held Thursdays from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the UCSD La Jolla campus.
Me2We Scholarship- The Me2We Scholarship recognizes U.S. students who have shifted from a “me-centered” to a “we-centered” life by serving their communities. Applicants must plan to continue their education at a university, college, or trade school. A total of $5,000 will be awarded in varying amounts based on the number of selected recipients. Applicants will be notified by June 6, 2025. Please answer questions to the best of your ability. For any further inquiry, contact Donna Colbert at dcolbert@casaneighborhoods.org.
Application deadline: TOMORROW! Friday, May 23, 2025
Affordable Housing & Sustainable Communities (AHSC)-The AHSC Program funds projects that increase the availability of affordable housing near jobs, public transit, and community services, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by making walking, biking, and transit more accessible. Visit the AHSC Program page to learn about eligibility requirements, funding, and how to apply.
Application deadline: Wednesday, May 28, 2025, by 4:00 PM
NEW! Digital Divide Grant Program- The Digital Divide Grant Program will award one grant of $100,000 for rural and urban public schools and two grants of up to $50,000 each for non-profit Community Based Organizations (CBO). The grants will fund digital projects that serve beneficiary public schools/districts and non-profit community organizations. Projects may address gaps in broadband networks, affordability, access to personal devices and digital skills training. Grant recipients must be a non-profit CBO with a demonstrated record of work in addressing the digital divide.
Application Deadline: Friday, May 30, 2025
School Wellbeing Program Grant Opportunity- GiveThx is offering a free, research-backed program designed to support student and staff mental health and social-emotional learning. Up to 100 schools or districts will be selected to participate at no cost for the 2025–2026 school year, helping to strengthen school communities and promote a sense of belonging.
Maryann Jackson Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship offers 5 winners a $100 gift card for dorm essentials. Applicants must be African American, a U.S. citizen, have attended a California Community College, and be enrolled at a Historically Black College/University for Fall 2025.
Application deadline: Sunday, July 13, 2025
UC San Diego Black Alumni Scholarship Fund: This scholarship offers eligible students a four-year $10,000 scholarship, renewable at $2,500 annually. It provides financial, academic, and personal support to over 200 students currently attending UCSD.
Application deadline: before Sunday, November 30, 2025
Humanities for All Quick Grants - A grant program that supports locally initiated public humanities projects. This program responds to the needs and interests of Californians, encourages greater public participation in humanities programming, particularly by new and/or underserved audiences. It aims to promote understanding and empathy among all our state’s peoples in order to cultivate a thriving democracy.
"Blue Sky" Emergency Preparedness: Equipping Organizations for Resiliency
In this webinar, you will learn about the 4 phases of emergency management, planning on "Blue Sky" days, or non-disaster days, and some tools to assess operations, collaborate with partners, and ensure communities are prepared for emergencies.
The CARE Center focuses on connecting individuals and their families to community-based interventions to prevent crimes and victimization.
What We Do:
Mental Health
Food Distribution
Job Placement
Counseling
Address: 12 N Euclid Ave, National City, CA 91950
Phone Number: (619) 356-4489
NEW! Outpatient Behavioral Health Centers for Adults in the South Region
South Bay Guidance Wellness Recovery Center
1196 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Phone: (619) 427-4661
Maria Sardiñas Wellness Recovery Center
1465 30th St, Suite K, San Diego, CA 92154
Phone: (619) 428-1000
Behavioral & Mental Health Resources Tip Card
The LWSD South Region Community Leadership Team Behavioral & Mental Health workgroup presents the Behavioral & Mental Health Resources Tip Card. This tip card connects San Diego County residents with free, confidential, and trauma-informed services.
The Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) is dedicated to Power Your Future with a new clean-air vehicle. DCAP community members with limited credit and financial challenges are able to secure reliable transportation, fostering financial stability and environmental responsibility.
Sport season is here! The Mobile Health Services offers sports physicals. If you need a physical exam, please contact them and they will assist you in scheduling an appointment. To schedule an appointment call: (619) 662-4199. Minors must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian.
For more information on the mobile services, click here!
Free Financial Coaching!
Meet one-on-one with a FREE and confidential financial coach. Get personalized support to reach your financial goals.
Eligibility:
18 years or older
Interested in discussing your financial goals
Not required to have Social Security Number or ITIN
Contact Information:
(619) 858-0563
3040 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92102
New Health and Social Services for Eligible San Diego Medi-Cal Members
Community Supports for Medi-Cal Members | Spanish - 14 services to support well-being in the community - such as help finding housing, medically tailored meals, asthma remediation and more.
Transportation for Medi-Cal Members | Spanish - Transit passes, ride share services, accessible vans and more may be available to help you get to medical appointments or get medical supplies.
Eligible Medi-Cal members can enroll through their Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan (Blue Shield Promise, Community Health Group, Kaiser Permanente, or Molina Healthcare). Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports referral forms, materials in additional languages, and more information can be found at sandiegocounty.gov/SDAIM.
Free Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments
For property owners in National City! Brownfields are underutilized or vacant properties often due to contamination concerns. With grant funding from the EPA and California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), San Diego State University's (SDSU) National City Brownfields Assessment Project offers free Phase 1 environmental site assessments to property owners.
Benefits:
1. Learn about your property's environmental status
2. Zero cost for you, no obligation to take action
3. Potential redevelopment and funding opportunities
The Fathers First Program offers several options for fathers-to-be at no cost. These programs are available for fathers to focus on parenting techniques, relationship skills, and creating stronger bonds with your child.
The San Diego County Black Infant Health Program (BIH) is a FREE supportive service for pregnant women and new mothers who are at least 16 years of age and self-identify as Black or African American. BIH aims to improve health among eligible mothers and babies by empowering pregnant and mothering, Black/African American moms to make healthier choices for a brighter future. Participants are accepted at any stage of pregnancy and up to 6 months post-partum, regardless of income.
Scan the QR code on the flyer or click here to learn more.
San Diego County - Air Improvement Relief Effort Program
The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District is distributing free air purifiers and up to two filters to households affected by sewage odors near the Tijuana River Valley. Eligible households in the City of San Diego communities of Otay Mesa West, San Ysidro, Egger Highlands, Nestor, and Tijuana River Valley, and the City of Imperial Beach, can register online.
Please forward to colleagues, staff, partners, and community members as you see fit. New subscribers can sign up here. If you have any questions on the content of this newsletter or have a San Diego County community event you would like to share with us, please email HHSA.communities@sdcounty.ca.gov.
