The city of San Diego has initiated a $11 million restoration project along Chollas Creek marking a pivotal moment in the city’s efforts to combat flooding and revitalize local communities. This ambitious endeavor, which began on Friday, June 26, 2026 is part of a broader strategy to address the challenges posed by the historic floods that struck several San Diego neighborhoods over two years ago.
The Chollas Creek Watershed the largest in San Diego County, spans over 16,000 acres of urban land. In the 1970s, much of the creek was channelized with concrete, a measure that inadvertently increased the risk of major overflow when debris accumulates. The current project aims to rectify this by restoring the creek to its natural state.
Phase One: Restoring the Creek’s Natural Flow
The first phase of the project focuses on replacing a 50-foot-wide concrete channel with a natural, free-flowing waterway. This restoration will cover 1,350 linear feet of the creek and is expected to improve water quality before runoff reaches San Diego Bay. The completion of this phase is anticipated by March 2027.
The restoration effort is not just about improving water flow; it also includes the planting of 300 trees and the addition of bike and pedestrian trails. However, the second phase of the project still requires an additional $4 million due to increased costs from inflation. LaShae Sharp-Collins the 79th District Assemblymember representing the Chollas Creek area, is actively working with the state to secure the necessary funding.
Community Impact and Historical Context
The flooding in caused widespread damage in communities such as EncantoRolandoShelltown and Southcrest. Homes were left uninhabitable, streets were submerged, and trees were knocked over. The devastation led to several hundred residents suing the city, highlighting the urgent need for effective flood prevention measures.
Jack Temple and Nabeelah Khan residents of the neighborhood for seven years, have witnessed firsthand the city’s past neglect. Temple noted, “Different structural legislation that has kept this neighborhood kind of segregated and down economically.” The physical divide created by Interstate 805 has further isolated communities, limiting their access to public infrastructure like parks.
Despite these challenges, Temple expressed optimism about the Chollas Creek project, stating, “This feels like a nice turning of the page.” The restoration project offers a ray of hope for residents who have long struggled with the consequences of inadequate flood infrastructure.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Mayor Todd Gloria acknowledged the complexity of the project, emphasizing that funding remains the biggest challenge. “This is an extremely complex project, so it’s understandable that this takes time,” Gloria said. “But I would love to find any way to push the fast-forward button on these kinds of projects.” He credited the community-centered non-profit Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek with much of the focused effort driving the project forward.
District 9 Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera highlighted the broader impact of the project, noting that the communities around Chollas Creek have faced numerous challenges. “The communities immediately around this space have dealt with a lot,” Elo-Rivera said. He emphasized that the construction of Interstate 805 not only removed natural elements but also separated communities, adding noise and pollution.
Lynn Edwards a board member of Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek, pointed out that Chollas Creek is not the only area impacted by flooding. She mentioned Rolando Park as another low-income area that requires attention regarding flood infrastructure. However, her immediate focus remains on the Chollas Creek restoration. “This is really about the community for me,” Edwards said, underscoring the project’s community-centered approach.
