FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Aug. 20, 2023

CONTACT:
MayorPress@sandiego.gov

SAN DIEGO – As Tropical Storm Hilary bears down on Southern California, Mayor Todd Gloria today proclaimed a local emergency for the City of San Diego, enabling the City to seek state and federal disaster-assistance resources.

“The emergency proclamation I signed today will allow us to access state and federal assistance to help us respond to, and recover from, this unprecedented tropical storm,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “I ask San Diego to continue to be vigilant – make sure water has a place to go around your property, prepare for power outages, steer clear of downed power lines and report them to 9-1-1, and avoid any unnecessary travel.”

The Mayor’s emergency proclamation follows the proclamation of a state of emergency that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed on Saturday for Southern California, including San Diego County, and a proclamation of emergency by the County of San Diego.

“I want to thank Governor Newsom for his quick action of declaring a state of emergency and Mayor Gloria’s commitment to ensuring the City of San Diego is ready to protect our residents and respond to emergencies,” City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera said. “While Hilary has been downgraded to a tropical storm, its impacts could create conditions that jeopardize public safety and test the limits of our infrastructure, especially our aged stormwater system. I am working with my colleagues to call a special City Council session as soon as possible to consider ratification of the emergency proclamation so San Diego is positioned to received state and federal assistance.”

The City has created a storm-specific website where residents can get tips on preparedness and the latest on closures and impacts to services.

The City has closed all public facilities to the public through Monday, Aug. 21, and may reopen on Tuesday, Aug. 22, depending on the storm conditions. These closures include:

• City libraries, recreation centers and swimming pools.
• All City beaches, regional and community parks and open space parks.
• All City reservoir lakes.
• Torrey Pines, Balboa and Mission Bay golf courses.
• The City Administration Building, located at 202 C St. Passport services will not be available in person on Monday, previously scheduled appointments will be rescheduled.

San Diego Gas & Electric has created a map for residents to track power outages in the region.

Trash and recycling collection services scheduled for Monday, Aug. 21, may be delayed. Residents are encouraged to secure their bins and not place the bins out for collection until Monday, depending on weather conditions.

For people experiencing homelessness, the City’s Inclement Weather Shelter Program has been activated, and the City is urging unsheltered San Diegans to immediately seek shelter. Four locations are available with additional 192 shelter beds. People experiencing homeless can call 2-1-1 or show up directly at the locations to gain access to a bed. For a list of locations, visit the Inclement Weather Shelter Program webpage.

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