Today’s newsletter is presented by Jackalope Art Fair.

Good morning, San Diego ☀️

Here’s what we have for you today:

Tessa Balc

Audience engagement producer

Top story

‘Super’ El Niño and San Diego – what scientists know now and what else they hope to learn

It’s been all across the news. The city recently put a whole press conference on about it. The unbearable (at least, for San Diego) heat we’re experiencing seems seems to serve as a warning, and the message is loud and clear: It’s going to be a big one.

Some scientists have suggested that this could be the largest El Niño in the 150-year historical record. And when we San Diegans think of the infamous weather event that forms in the tropical Pacific, typically the first thing to come to mind is rain, flooding and high surf.

But at this point, it’s really too early to know if that’ll be the definite case. Our Thomas Murphy, checked in with the Scripps Scientists to put the massive weather event into perspective. And they shared that the strength of an El Niño and actual rainfall totals are not always inextricably linked in San Diego.

On the other hand, don’t discount the possibility of a wet year entirely.

One climate researcher pointed out that during past Strong El Niño events, California saw some of the wettest years on record. It’s a real possibility flooding could be triggered from this rainfall, considering the devastation heavy rains brought to Chollas Creek in 2024.

There’s also a real possibility of coastal flooding. One geologist attested to the fact that the coast can temporarily rise by as much as 13 inches during a strong El Niño events.

With all of this in mind, the city of San Diego is recommending residents make an emergency plan and sign up for emergency alerts in case worse comes to worst. Especially if you live in or near flood-prone areas including Chollas Valley, Sorrento Valley, Mission Valley and the Tijuana River Valley.

It could go either way, but preparation never hurts.

READ MORE →

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Stories you should know about

🏗️ San Diego is evaluating developing library sites, other city-owned parcels, to address housing crunch: The city says they wouldn’t be replacing any of the existing facilities, but they are exploring the possibility of adding housing to some city libraries and operation yards.

🚔 ICE arrests in July reached nearly 50,000, the highest total in any month of Trump’s second term: The number of arrests by state and local police departments that partner with ICE has dramatically increased over the last year. Texas and Florida both have made cooperation deals with ICE, and account for 20,000 of July’s arrests.

🚨 The U.S. government has suspended consular activities in Mexicali and issued a travel alert for Americans due to a “potential threat”: No details were provided as to who or what the threat across the border from Calexico is related to. Mexican authorities said they have stepped up surveillance and patrols.

🏈 Mission Bay High football looking for another standout season: Last year, the Bucs lost in the CIF San Diego Section Div. II playoff semifinals after an undefeated regular season. Our Hector Trujillo writes the team is ready to build off of that season, despite the rocky start for this one.

What else we’re reading

📃 Voice of San Diego lost a yearslong lawsuit against San Diego Unified over the school district not releasing public records ‘promptly’ as the law stipulates. The Court of Appeals ruled that agencies may take up to months or years to fulfil requests, setting a precedent for public agencies. (Voice of San Diego)

🕯️ After weeks of tours for locals, San Diego’s refurbished Mormon temple is now officially closed to those who aren’t members of the church. Church leaders came to San Diego for the dedication. (Salt Lake Tribune)

Times of San Diego thanks our corporate sponsors. Find out more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities here.

Mid-Week News Quiz

Have you kept up with Times of San Diego this week? Let’s see!

🏘️ Why is the city of San Diego paying $10 million to settle a lawsuit from a La Jolla homeowners association and an owner of a nearby condominium?

A) Failure to fix a pothole in a timely manner caused damage to nearby properties
B) A stormwater drainpipe failed causing a giant sinkhole to form
C) An excess of late fees were issued on the neighborhood’s parking tickets
D) The city prohibited the neighborhood for planting non-approved street trees

Reply first with the correct answer to earn a shoutout in tomorrow’s newsletter.