Community Corner

Record-Setting Love in San Diego County This Valentine's Day

County officials estimated 250 couples said their "I dos" at the four San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk's offices on Friday.

Nearly 450 lovebirds have tied the knot on Valentine's Day at the four San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk's offices on Friday.

As of 4 p.m., 234 marriage licenses had been issued and 218 ceremonies performed, according to county officials.

As many as 250 marriages were expected to take place across the county by the end of the day, according to the head of the office, Ernest Dronenburg Jr.

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Dronenburg said that would set a one-day record, the result of Valentine's Day falling on a Friday before the long Presidents Day weekend.

"Some people say it's cheesy but I think it's a fun holiday to go out, a special day with her -- you can't forget it," Tim Jones told NBC7/39, with his bride Lindsay by his side.

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A few same-sex couples are also taking advantage of the holiday opportunity.

"They are part of it, too, and we're glad to have them," Dronenburg—who has drawn the ire of gay and lesbian advocates for filing and later withdrawing a legal challenge to same-sex marriage—told CBS8.

Walk-ins were welcome during the day at the County Administration Center, but appointments were required at the branch offices in Chula Vista, El Cajon and San Marcos.

County health officials were also offering free blood pressure screenings throughout the region in the third annual "Love Your Heart" campaign.

Dianne Jacob, chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors, called it "one of the easiest and most important steps you can do to take charge of your health."

Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in San Diego County, according to health officials.

The screenings are being offered at more than 200 locations across the region, including fire stations, libraries, community centers, health clinics, businesses and county facilities, among other places. Residents can call 2-1-1 or go online to loveyourheartsd.org for the nearest screening location.

—City News Service


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