On March 17, 2014, County officials and community partners celebrated former County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price’s service to the region with a bench dedicated in her name at the Solana Center. Slater-Price has been a tireless champion of environmental and health initiatives in San Diego County for more than 20 years.
 
County Supervisor Dave Roberts, who replaced Pam after her retirement as County District 3 Supervisor, spoke about her impressive portfolio of work including as former Mayor of Encinitas, Co-Chair of the Healthy Works Leadership Team and strong supporter and advocate for the Childhood Obesity Initiative.

“She’s been a great champion for public health and wellness,” said Roberts.  “Her works have affected not only Encinitas but San Diego County as a whole. Her recognition with a bench placed in the Solana Center exemplifies the great work she has done with education, children and the environment.”

Nick Macchione, County Health and Human Services Agency Director, and Dr. Wilma Wooten, County Public Health Officer, went on to praise Slater-Price for being a tireless champion for children’s wellness and for her continued efforts to make great changes in San Diego’s public health.  Said Macchione; “Be it in schools or gardens, Slater-Price always rose to the occasion for anything that improved the lives of children. Encinitas is a phenomenal community that supports living well in all domains as a result of her work.”

Slater-Price herself highlighted the importance of teaching children their connection to the earth through programs that support hands-on learning.  She talked about inspiring children to go back to the basics: gardening, eating healthy and observing nature.

The Solana Center, with Slater-Price’s support, was recognized as a Regional Garden Education Center in 2011. The Solana Center offers many programs for San Diego County residents that support environmental changes in their communities.