The Hazardous Materials Division is one of the four divisions of the Department of Environmental Health (DEH). The division's goal is to protect human health and the environment by ensuring that hazardous materials, hazardous waste, medical waste and underground storage tanks are properly managed.
San Diego County's innovative use of technology was highlighted in a recent special report from Public CIO "A Guide to Mobility in Government".
The report features the County's Innovation Council, use of a mobility virtual private network for workers out in the field and the full-scale Government WithOut Walls (GWOW) mobility strategy.
Chief Information Officer Harold Tuck is interviewed and the article highlights the savings to taxpayers from the innovations.
You can read the full story by going to page 11 of the report:
http://cwss/sites/DHR/gwow/Shared%20Documents/PCIO_Final_Mobility_Report_V2.pdf
Often the public is advised to report “suspicious activity,” but what exactly does that mean? A locally-produced video details the “Eight Signs of Terrorism” so that everyone can help law enforcement protect the region’s security.
“As the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks approaches, we are providing a resource for the public to remind them that every citizen can help prevent acts of terrorism,” said Chairman Bill Horn, Board of Supervisors.
The video features Sheriff Bill Gore and FBI Special Agent in Charge of San Diego Keith Slotter and can be viewed on ReadySanDiego.org. It has already been made available to County and City of San Diego employees to help them recognize suspicious activity while they are on the job. Brochures describing the eight signs of terrorism will also be available at County libraries.
School is starting—do all the teenagers in your house have their whooping cough booster shot? Sure?
With classes at most schools starting within the next two weeks, you are encouraged to make sure your children meet this new requirement. Without the booster shot, your child will not be allowed in school.
Find your children’s immunization record to see if they have received the pertussis booster shot, called Tdap, or take them to their doctor’s office, retail pharmacy, or one of the County’s seven public health centers to be immunized .
Another option is to go to one of 14 vaccination clinics organized by the County’s Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). The booster shots are administered on a first-come, first-served basis. For clinic hours and locations, visit www.sdiz.org or call 2-1-1.
“The clinics are a great opportunity for parents to vaccinate their children so that they can start school on time,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer.
A new law went into effect July 1 and requires all 7th through 12th graders—in public and private schools—to show proof of having received the pertussis booster shot to enroll in school.
In San Diego County, that means about 230,000 local students were required to show proof they have received the booster shot. School officials estimate that more than 42,000 still need to show proof they have received the booster.
While parents will have up to 30 days to meet the Tdap requirement once classes begin, Dr. Wooten recommends that everyone vaccinate their children now to avoid any class disruptions. Students who have not met the new requirement once the grace period is over will be sent home from school.
“Doctors’ appointments are filling up fast,” added Wooten. “We encourage parents to vaccinate their children now to avoid long lines and wait times.”
Last year’s pertussis epidemic established new records of whooping cough cases across the state, including San Diego County where 1,144 cases were reported and two infants died. This year, 343 pertussis cases have been reported to date.
HHSA has produced a 30-second public service announcement in English and Spanish on the new Tdap requirement.
Callaway Golf provided 30 San Diego County foster youth with an opportunity to take up golf, a sport that instills many positive life skills and offers a lifetime of fun. The Carlsbad-based golf equipment manufacturer hosted a three-hour training camp at the Ely Callaway Performance Center, the same facility that is regularly visited by many of the world’s top golfers, including Phil Mickelson and Annika Sorenstam.
More than 42,000 7th-10th graders across the county still need to provide proof they have received the pertussis booster shot or get vaccinated against the disease.
Every year an unfortunate number of San Diego County children die of accidental drowning. For every child who dies from drowning, another four receive emergency department care for injuries resulting from near-fatal drowning. Remember to supervise children around water, be it pools, the beach, or bathtubs.
Eight new camping cabins were unveiled during a ceremony at scenic William Heise County Park in Julian. The new cabins feature heating, indoor lighting, and Wi-Fi internet access. For reservations, visit www.sdparks.org
On Friday, Aug. 12, the County Administration Center hosted its first-ever outdoor film, Pirates of the Caribbean. Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairman Ron Roberts introduced the night and shared the County's plans to build the Waterfront Park around the CAC. The event was a great success, with about 250 people in attendance. It was part if Parks and Recreation's Summer Movies in the Park series.
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