By Scott Sherman

Recently, the San Diego region was pummeled with heavy rains, hail, and flash floods in the first round of El Niño storms. Weather experts in the region are predicting future storms that could lead to even more severe weather.

Before the recent storm, the city declared a state of emergency and worked diligently to clear clogged storm drains and storm channels. Though some homes and property in the district were damaged, things could have been a lot worse.

To further help, our office teamed with District 7 business Superior Ready Mix, and the Urban Corps to fill 60 tons of sand into over 5,000 sandbags to distribute to residents at Qualcomm Stadium.

In addition, I wanted to make sure that you had the important information you need to help protect your home and property for the next storm.

Before it rains

• Report blocked storm drains by calling 619-235-1000 or submit an online form at sandiego.gov/el-nino.
• Sign up for Alert San Diego at readysandiego.org/alertsandiego to receive notifications for all telephones
• Visit your local fire station for free sandbags. The limit is 10 bags per person. Sand is not provided.

When rains arrive

• Report flooding to the city’s emergency dispatch center at 619-527-7500
• Leave early if your property is in a flood zone.
• Report downed electrical lines or gas emergencies to SDG&E at 619-527-7500

As always, if residents see an issue in the community, please contact my office at 619-236-6677 or email at scottsherman@sansiego.sov. We will look into it right away.

For more information regarding storm preparation, please visit sandiego.gov/el-nino.

––Scott Sherman is the elected San Diego City Councilmemeber for District 7, which includes the neighborhoods of San Carlos, Allied Gardens, Del Cerro and Grantville. Contact him at 619-236-6677 or scottsherman@sandiego.gov.