Equity

Equity in Action

The idea and promise that all of us are created equal lies at the heart of the American ideal. The County of San Diego remains dedicated to that proposition and actively works to put it into action in various ways.

Equity supports all residents in living up to their full potential, no matter what race, ethnicity, gender, age, ability and other identities they hold.

The County conducted a study to help identify the largest equity gaps in the San Diego region. The study results, released in February in our first Equity Indicators Report, now empower the County and others in the region to identify spending priorities for the areas that need it most.

To bring information directly to people and into neighborhoods, the County’s two Live Well on Wheels mobile offices rolled out a record 441 times providing more than 31,000 services to San Diegans.

"Thank you for providing books for LGBTQ children. My teen has been struggling with their identity and the library has always been a refuge for those who are seeking knowledge, even solace. Please continue to do so in places like Lakeside and Santee where kids may not readily have other supports."

- Lakeside Resident

Meanwhile, the County is investing $500,000 to implement the Uplift Boys & Men of Color initiative. It will connect at-risk youth with wrap-around services, trauma support systems and workforce development opportunities.

An additional $2 million over two years will go toward the Equity Impact Grant Program. It helps small, nonprofit organizations address inequity in areas like housing, health, education and public safety.

Ten nonprofits have each received $100,000 grants from the program and another 10 are currently under evaluation.

The County’s Workplace Justice Fund continues to help victims of wage theft. The most vulnerable are low wage earners, women, people of color, non-English speaking and those who are foreign-born. The fund helps workers’ pay the rent while the County tries to recover money that is legally owed.

In the past year, the County made its popular Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation program permanent. The program allows home cooks to turn their homes into mini-restaurants. In the county, 58% of the home kitchen businesses are owned by women and 70% by minorities.

The County is also reducing barriers for people who were formerly incarcerated for cannabis-related crimes to own a legal cannabis business in the unincorporated area.

And the Sheriff’s Office began the free Blue Envelope Program for people who have problems communicating due to autism spectrum disorder, dementia or challenges dealing with authority figures. They can display the Blue Envelope logo to alert the deputy to the condition.

Additionally, a new active recreation area at the Waterfront Park was built with equity in mind. People who can’t afford a gym membership can now take advantage of free ball courts and a fitness station. There's even an off-leash spot for dogs. The County also opened nearly a half dozen parks over this last year. Looking ahead, construction is underway on the first-ever County park in Alpine.