We’re heading into the rainiest months of the year in San Diego, and it’s important to make sure you’re prepared. The City is encouraging residents to review this Flood Preparedness Flyer that includes key steps you can take to better protect your home and loved ones. 

The No. 1 thing you can do to reduce your flood risk? Get flood insurance. Most homeowners insurance does NOT cover flood damage. To cover losses from flooding, homeowners and renters must have flood insurance. The good news is the City of San Diego participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, giving San Diegans access to federal backed flood insurance at a 15% discount on premiums since October 2023. 

You’ll find helpful information like that in the flyer. It also includes steps to take before, during and after a flood as well links to sign up for emergency alerts and find out if your home is in a floodplain. 

As always, you can report illegal dumping or trash in or near storm channels. Use the Get It Done app, call 619-235-1000, or email swppp@sandiego.gov.  

Let’s work together to stay safe this rainy season!  

As your Mayor, I’m committed to ensuring that San Diego remains a safe, clean, and beautiful place for everyone. That’s where our Get It Done tool comes in.  

From fixing potholes to addressing graffiti, this easy-to-use application allows San Diegans to report non-emergency issues to the City with just a few clicks. Each report helps our workers respond efficiently and effectively, improving our neighborhoods and public spaces.  

Understanding which issues fall under City jurisdiction and which are private responsibilities helps ensure efficient resolutions: 

• Graffiti:  

     • The City addresses graffiti on public property, including streetlights, traffic signs, and City-owned buildings like libraries.   

     • Property owners are responsible for removing graffiti on private residences and commercial buildings. For residential properties with four or fewer units, the City may provide assistance.   

As the 118th Congress came to a close, the City of San Diego, in partnership with our congressional delegation, was able to secure some major wins that benefit our region. 

Our Congressional delegation was able to secure $250 million in disaster funding to help repair the South Bay International Treatment Plant. These repairs are critical to help stop the flow of polluted cross-border sewage.  

Building on that progress, Congress approved the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which authorized $210 million for two new programs for our region to assist with water Infrastructure projects, as well infrastructure to clean up the Tijuana River Valley. 

The U.S Senate also passed Sen. Alex Padilla and Rep. Darrell Issa’s bipartisan legislation to place 172 acres of land in San Diego’s East County into tribal trust for the Jamul Indian Village. The Jamul Indian Village Land Transfer Act would establish these lands as trust lands in order to bring their Tribal members back to live on their reservation and develop a permanent and proper homeland. The bill now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature.  

To cap things off, the U.S Department of Transportation announced that San Diego has secured a direct, nonstop flight via Alaska Airlines to Washington’s Reagan National Airport (DCA). San Diego was the largest U.S. market not serviced by DCA. Alaska Airlines will begin service to DCA on in mid-March.  

If your New Year’s resolution was to get involved in your community or give back through volunteering, the City of San Diego has many opportunities to help you keep it! 

The City has nearly 50 boards and commissions that offer residents a chance to take part in shaping our policies, enhancing our neighborhoods, and guiding our city’s future. 

From sustainability to arts and culture, there’s a board or commission for just about every passion. I encourage you to explore opportunities to serve, whether it’s through the Human Relations Commission, the Small Business Advisory Board, or another group that aligns with your skills and interests. 

To learn more and apply, visit sandiego.gov/Boards-and-Commissions.  

Together, we can continue to make San Diego an even better place to call home.