SAN DIEGO — Neglected storm drains contributed to devastating flooding in Southeast San Diego earlier this year.
After we noticed the previously clogged channel is already filling back in, CBS 8 is Working for You to find out what the City plans to do.
Perla Lopez lives in Mountain View. Her home backs up against that very storm channel on 42nd Street and Ocean View Blvd.
"I have lived here 30 years and they've never come to clean," Lopez said.
She is one of many who says the City's failure to maintain the storm drains destroyed her home following heavy and historic rainfall in January.
"I lost everything. I don't have anything," Lopez added.
After so many lost so much, the City of San Diego brought in emergency crews with heavy equipment to clear out trees, debris and mud.
Even from Lopez's backyard Friday, CBS 8's Jenny Day could see people at work. I drove over and found out they were only contracted by the city to fix the fence — but the City told CBS 8 they do have plans to maintain storm drains now, at least once a year.
"I'm more sad, because it's San Diego. I pay the taxes," Lopez said.
CBS 8 drone footage from the day after the Jan. 22 storm shows it was filled with huge trees, trash, water and mud. We flew our drone again after it was all cleared out, then we were back in the neighborhood again Thursday. You can see tires, trash and new trees are growing.
CBS 8 showed the images to the city and asked what the plan is moving forward. A city spokesperson said they will conduct repeat maintenance on all 18 miles of channels in the Chollas Creek Watershed. They will also monitor them and decide if more than once a year is needed. Funding is secure in the Stormwater Department's 2025 budget.
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