Libraries and Senior Centers are Cool Zones

The is a great place to beat the heat over Ramona's summer. It's just one of 120 sites participating in a county of San Diego program called "Cool Zone,''
enabling seniors to go to air-conditioned public buildings on hot days.

If seniors, disabled or low income residents can't get transportation to the cool zones, the program offers a free table-top electric fan or a bus pass, if certain eligibility requirements are met.

People can also go to , which is in the Ramona Community Center building on Aqua Lane.

The Julian Library is the designated spot for that town.

The program was initiated by County Supervisor Dianne Jacob who represents Ramona and East County, after a particularly hot summer about 11 years ago. It's a way of not only allowing people to cool off but also helping residents reduce air conditioning bills.

The Cool Zones program is a joint effort by Aging and Independent Services, which is part of the County Health and Human Services Agency, and SDG&E. It ends Sept. 30.

For more information and to check to see if you're eligible for a bus pass or fan, you may call (800) 510-2020 and press 6 or go to coolzones.org on the Internet.