Literacy Rate Shows Need for English Tutors; Free Training Available

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

—One in five San Diego County residents cannot read at the third-grade level, and therefore 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 an English language literacy tutor. Training will take place on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Vista Library, 700 Eucalyptus Ave.

—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.

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

—The San Diego County Library’s new campaign, Most Wanted, calls on residents to donate a copy of the Book of the Month or a book on the library’s Top Ten Most Wanted books list on the second Thursday of each month. More than 400 people are currently waiting to check out Janet Evanovich’s Smokin’ Seventeen, making it July’s Book of the Month and the most requested item.

—The San Diego 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 death, the number of homicides is the lowest in 20 years, and the number of vehicle accidents has decreased, along with an increase in gas prices.

—One World, Many Languages, a sequence of introductory language courses, happens every Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the El Cajon Library, 201 E. Douglas Ave. Basic words and phrases will be taught in a different language every week and free cultural food and drink will be served.