VOICE AND VIEWPOINT NEWSWIRE
In response to severe flooding from the January 22 storm, San Diego crews are clearing stormwater channels in Southcrest and other impacted neighborhoods, focusing on removing vegetation, trash, and debris. The City’s Stormwater Department has completed work on four channel sections and is continuing maintenance to prepare for the upcoming rainy season.
After the storm, the City cleared 18 miles of channels, removing 9,800 tons of debris, including 12 miles in the Chollas Creek watershed. Since July 2024, an additional 421 tons have been cleared. Normally, maintenance work faces delays due to permitting processes outlined in the City’s Municipal Waterways Maintenance Plan.
To continue these efforts, Mayor Todd Gloria has allocated over $8 million in this year’s budget. Meanwhile, Assembly Bill (AB) 3227, sponsored by the City, aims to streamline maintenance by bypassing some administrative delays. The bill is awaiting the governor’s signature.
San Diego faces a $1.6 billion funding gap to modernize its stormwater infrastructure over the next five years. The City secured a $733 million federal loan for 24 flood-resilience projects, including:
- Beta Street Drainage Upgrades ($56 million) – Construction begins Fall 2026.
- Jamacha Drainage Channel Upgrades ($70 million) – Schedule pending.
For more details or to report illegal dumping, residents can use the Get It Done app or call 619-235-1000.
