'Operation Watchdog' Nets Dozens of Investigations Into Sex Offenders

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

– Registered sex offenders in San Diego County were located and examined when the San Diego SAFE (Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement) Task Force accomplished “Operation Watchdog,” a countywide sweep, on Wednesday.  In the early morning, 91 search teams swept through the county and knocked on 1,012 doors where sex offenders were known to reside.  “We want offenders in San Diego to know they are being actively watched. Our goal was to verify they are complying with registration laws, and to identify any illegal activity they might be engaged in,” said David Collazo, Commander of the SAFE Task Force. About 60 people were under investigation as a result of the sweep.

– The County launched its Cool Zone program for the summer hoping to help seniors and other beat the heat at designated air-conditioned settings Wednesday at The Salvation Army Nutrition Center in El Cajon.  The Cool Zones can lessen individual energy costs, reduce the number of heat-related health problems, and provide a place for people to meet and socialize. Click the Cool Zone logo located at the bottom of the home page here: www.sandiego.networkofcare.org/aging to find a Cool Zone.

– On Friday, June 17, San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis announced the launch of a web page where the public has the ability to receive general information on the District Attorney Office’s open criminal cases and be notified of set hearing and court dates for specific cases via email.  “It’s important that members of the public, especially victims, interested in our cases have a place where they can easily find basic information,” DA Dumanis said. “This web page is in keeping with our office’s commitment to openness and transparency and allows anyone to access up-to-date information online about criminal cases.”  Click here to view the webpage: http://www.sdcda.org/case/index.php.

– The Lemon Grove Branch of San Diego County Library will host a series of lectures and free Chipotle-sponsored vegetarian lunch for its Global Citizenship Day on Saturday, June 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The program coincides with the Seeds of Change exhibit opening, sponsored by Soka Gakkai International-USA, which will be up through July 30.

– San Diego County Library (SDCL) received a Special Mention honor from Library Journal and Gale Cengage Learning this year for its innovation, excellence, and dedication to community.  Circulating over ten million items in one year, SDCL has utilized innovative technology, hosted life-changing programs, and provided the finest materials to the community, all regardless of budget cuts.

– The Lemon Grove Branch of SDCL will host the first of a series of free Community Law School classes for library customers on June 29 at 5:30 p.m., courtesy of SDCL and Housing Opportunities Collaborative. Local attorneys and judges will teach on the topic of Small Claims Court.

– In an effort to bring local musicians and talent to libraries across the county, SDCL is hosting an additional round of free concerts in its Acoustic Showcase series.  Libraries across the county will host the concerts through August, 2011.

– SDCL was awarded a National Association of Counties (NACo) award in recognition of its efforts in creating a new community partnership program during its Winter Reading Program. NACo awards identify innovative programs for county governments.

– The potentially-deadly hantavirus was found in six trapped rodents in East and North County last week during a routine examination.  “People should never sweep up or vacuum rodent droppings or nesting material when they find it,” said Jack Miller, director of the County Department of Environmental Health. “Instead, they should ventilate closed areas for at least 30 minutes, and then carefully use bleach or a full-strength disinfectant before removing them.”  County officials said the best way to thwart the disease is to seal holes larger than a dime in houses, sheds, and garages to keep mice away.

– Next Wednesday, June 29, various wetlands in the county will receive mosquito larvacide due to San Diego Vector Control program’s third aerial application of the mosquito larvacide. The program hopes to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus and mosquito population.