News Around the County: Leading Causes of Deaths

Here’s a roundup of news from San Diego County last week:

— The county offers marriage licenses and ceremonies by appointment only now. Both parties are required to appear together at an office.

— The county medical examiner found heroin to be the No. 1 substance found in drug/medication deaths of people under the age of 30. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of deaths in the county, the number of homicides is the lowest in 20 years, and the number of vehicle accidents has decreased, which coincides with the increase in gas prices.

— The county Board of Supervisors has declared July Parks and Recreation Month, promoting the use of the county’s recreational opportunities and parks. The proclamation says that parks increase good health, social connections, a sense of community and the protection of natural resources.

— One in five county residents cannot read at the third-grade level, so they do not possess the literacy to fill out a bank deposit slip or sign a form. San Diego County Library’s LEARN (Libraries Empower All to Read Now) program for adult literacy will have a free training session for those interested in becoming English language literacy tutors. Training will take place on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Vista Library, 700 Eucalyptus Ave.