City of San Diego crews with the Stormwater Department have successfully completed a significant channel infrastructure project in Valencia Park. The channel clearing and slope stabilization repairs will help protect nearby neighborhoods by improving flood resilience. Over the past several months, the dedicated team, led by in-house City engineers and crews, has worked diligently to clear debris and make crucial repairs to the stormwater channel, which is part of the Chollas Creek Watershed.

As part of the project, City workers and partners at Urban Corps removed approximately 1,700 tons of debris and invasive vegetation. In addition, workers repaired 150 feet of eroding channel slope near Imperial Avenue and Stevens Way. The work will enhance the area’s ability to handle stormwater during heavy rains.

“This channel-clearing project is a vital investment as we continue modernizing our stormwater system to help reduce flood risk citywide,” said Stormwater Director Todd Snyder. “These proactive steps to repair and clear channels ahead of the rainy season are critical as we work to protect our neighborhoods against flooding.”

Projects like this are important to the City’s ongoing efforts to strengthen flood resiliency in every neighborhood and maintain a safe, clean and efficient stormwater system.

Under the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026, the Stormwater Department expects to be able to keep up with maintenance on the 18 miles of storm channels that were addressed following the January 2024 floods. This includes 12 miles of channels within the heavily impacted Chollas Creek Watershed.

Additionally, the City launched an educational campaign to help residents plan for storms. In December 2024, informational brochures in English and Spanish with essential guidelines on emergency preparedness, evacuation plans, flood insurance, and other critical flood-related resources were mailed to approximately 10,000 people who live or own property in floodplain areas. Learn about the importance of modernizing San Diego’s stormwater infrastructure at Thinkblue.org.