Leticia Ayala, EHC’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Project coordinator, center, speaks in favor of the Lead Safe Neighborhoods Program prior to the Public Safety and Neighborhoods Services Committee meeting on March 21. 
"There are many neighborhoods throughout San Diego County that have older housing stock where children could be exposed to lead," said Ayala. "Prevention is much better than regret."

The program, advanced by San Diego Council members Donna Frye, left, and Ralph Inzunza, right, was unanimously approved by the Committee. During the press conference, Frye and Inzunza praised EHC’s work in lead poisoning prevention and identifying hazards in San Diego communities.

Approved by the full council on April 30, the program will create a Task Force to develop a comprehensive lead poisoning prevention program for the City and allow the city attorney to prosecute rental owners who fail to remove lead hazards after a child has been found to have elevated blood levels of lead.