Major rail improvements on track 🛤️

SANDAG receives $300 million for the The LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project

$300 million grant from California’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program.

The big check is just the start. | Photo via SANDAG

Plans to improve the LOSSAN coastal rail corridor are chugging along. Representatives from the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and state + local officials received a $300 million grant from California’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program.

Now, the organization will move full steam ahead into the LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project that will permanently move the tracks away from bluffs and invest in the future of the rail system + local environment.

🚊 Why is this necessary?

The LOSSAN Rail Corridor runs dangerously close to the Del Mar Bluffs, but it’s critical for local economies and transportation. The rail gets its name from its route — running from San Diego through Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo — and moves over $1 billion in goods + 8 million passengers each year.

To keep this railway on track, it needs to be moved away from the bluffs, which can lose up to six inches annually due to erosion. Since 2003, the area from Coast Boulevard to Torrey Pines State Beach has endured four stabilization projects, but these are temporary fixes to a persisting issue.

LOSSAN track on Del Mar Bluffs — This view looks nice, but won’t last forever.

🚊 How will the money be used?

In the next 20 years, the LOSSAN Rail Corridor expects nearly $1 billion in improvements, with the bulk being in San Diego County. The $300 million grant will be used for the Rail Realignment Project, and crews are currently performing the environmental surveying + advanced engineering work required for a long-term solution.

This is an ongoing process, but SANDAG isn’t burying the results of its research. Based on current data, the single path along the bluffs will be replaced with a two-track tunnel system — reduced from the original plan with five tunnels — spanning from San Dieguito to Sorrento Valley.

🚊 What’s next?

While the project is moving forward, there are still many stops ahead. SANDAG anticipates LOSSAN Rail Realignment construction will begin in 2028 and the new tracks won’t operate until 2035.

The next step is presenting the final assessment of land in the summer of 2023, which will pave the path for engineers to finalize a design by 2026. North County residents can expect outreach in early 2023 to collect feedback + provide community information. SANDAG will continue sharing updates with people signed up to receive alerts.

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Friday, October 14

Kevin Hart | Fri., Oct. 14 | 8 p.m. | Viejas Arena, 5500 Canyon Crest Drive, San Diego | $79.50 | The A-lister brings his stand-up to the SDSU venue tonight + tomorrow.
Murder Ballad | Fri., Oct. 14, Sun., Nov. 6 | 8-10:30 p.m. | Patio Playhouse, 201 E Grand Ave., Ste. #1D, Escondido | $22.00 | The musical about an uptown girl who seems to have it all — though her past lingers — opens tonight and runs through Sun., Nov. 6.

Saturday, October 15

Carmel Valley Endurance Race Series | Sat., Oct. 15 | 7:30 a.m. | Gonzales Canyon Open Space and Torrey Highlands Community Park, 5977 Village Center Loop Rd, San Diego | $39.00 | Choose your challenge: 5K, 10K or 15K trail races.
De Waart leads Copland, Korngold + Dvořák | Sat., Oct. 15 - Sun., Oct. 16 | 7:30 p.m. | The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego | $25.00 - $108.00 | Classical music fills the scenic Bayfront venue.
Hillcrest Classic Car Show | Sat., Oct. 15 | 1-3:30 p.m. | Pride Plaza, Pride Square, San Diego | Free | The monthly car show rolls into the heart of Hillcrest.
Ladies at the Lake Fall Market | Sat., Oct. 15 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | 9310 Fanita Parkway, 9310 Fanita Parkway, San Diego | $6.00 | Shop from women-owned small businesses at Santee Lakes.
Oktoberfest by Junior League of San Diego | Sat., Oct. 15 | 2-6 p.m. | Tin Roof, 401 G St., San Diego | $25.00 | Beer, food, music + costumes — proceeds help JLSD fight food insecurities.

Sunday, October 16

IMAX® Documentary Film Festival | Sun., Oct. 16 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, San Diego | $19.95 - $59.95 | A day of documentaries in an immersive visual environment.
Not So Scary Halloween Festival | Sun., Oct. 16 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | San Dieguito County Park, 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, San Diego | Free | A nature-filled, family-friendly Halloween day.
Seventh Avenue Walking Tour: A Progressive Vision | Sun., Oct. 16 | 12:30-1:15 p.m. | Marston House, 3525 7th Ave., San Diego | $15.00 | A historic trip through Marston Hills where you’ll learn about Irving Gill’s vision.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

KEEP THE EVENTS COMING

Weather

68º | Cloudy morning, sunnier afternoon | 14% chance of rain

Sunrise + Sunset

Rise: 6:52 a.m.
Set: 6:16 p.m.

Tide

Low: 5:24 a.m. + 7:38 p.m.
High: 1:07 a.m. + 11:56 a.m.
Water Temperature: 67º

Civic

San Diego adopted the cannabis equity assessment that will grow the local industry and build equality. The program is expected to help people of color — who are underrepresented in the business — by providing opportunities like setting aside licenses, assisting with start-up costs + reevaluating zoning restrictions. 🤝 (KPBS)

Community

The Office of Immigrant Affairs is speaking our language with efforts to expand services. In an interview with the LA Times, Executive Director Rita Fernandez discussed the goal of offering services in more languages to help new San Diegans understand their rights, find economic opportunities + build financial literacy. 🗣️ (Los Angeles Times)

Tech

San Diego is hoping to close the digital divide with its “Tech on the Go” program that aims to help locals become comfortable using technology + the internet. It’s estimated that 53,000 households in the city don’t have the ability to get online — and the new, free classes will help residents get up to speed. (ABC 10)

Transit

SANDAG is moving closer to expansion into Tijuana. A representative from the agency announced it’s working on a proposal that will extend the Trolley’s Blue Line nearly a mile across the Mexican Border. Wait times could be reduced to less than 15 minutes, with a goal of beginning operations in 2024. 🇲🇽 (Mexico Daily Post)
Padres fans looking to beat the traffic — and LA — can take advantage of the Metropolitan Transit System’s Padres 2-Day Discount Pass. For $8 you’ll get an all day transit pass valid today and tomorrow, perfect for anyone heading to Games 3 + 4 of the National League Division Series at Petco Park. 🚃

Traffic

Expect event-related detours and traffic delays around Balboa Park this weekend, for the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Cabrillo Bridge will also see a lot of foot traffic during the event, as it is part of the route — and you can still donate or get involved. ⚠️

Shop

Sunny days call for time exploring our local attractions, and SeaWorld San Diego + Sesame Place now offer a 2-park season pass for 2023. For $149.99 park-goers will have access to both destinations for the entire year and the remainder of 2022. 🎫

Ranked

We know Barrio Logan is a sight to see, but Time Out ranks it as the No. 6 coolest neighborhood in the world. The publication was particularly impressed with the food, lowriders, artwork, coffee — and of course — the deep cultural roots represented in Chicano Park. 🕶️ (Time Out)
America’s Finest City is also one of the most costly. According to doxoINSIGHTS, San Diegans pay an average of $2,689 monthly on bills — including rent, utilities, and insurance. This is 34.3% higher than the US average of $2,003, giving us the No. 5 highest monthly bills when compared to the top 50 US cities. 💸 (doxo)

State

The state of California updated its tsunami hazard maps thanks to new computer data from The California Geological Survey — including revisions to San Diego County. Mapping was last done in 2009, and the state also shared info to stay safe + take precautions in case of an emergency. 🌊 (NBC 7)

Travel

If you’ve never ventured to Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA — or maybe it’s been a minute since you have — this serene, ocean-hued beach retreat for two is the perfect place to unwind. Explore the picturesque shops, restaurants, and galleries of downtown Carmel (just 1.5 miles away) or walk the Scenic Bluff Path for prime beach views.*

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The Wave FC keeps kicking ⚽

The San Diego Wave FC head to the NWSL quarterfinals

Wave FC Quarterfinal roster — The team is ready to make a splash.

It’s a weekend of playoffs in San Diego. In addition to the Padres’ battle for the National League Division Series, the San Diego Wave FC will host its quarterfinal playoff match at Snapdragon Stadium on Sun., Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. The team — seeded third with a 10-6-6 (W-L-D) record — will face the sixth-seeded Chicago Red Stars.

We know the Wave FC is a goals-oriented team, and if they win this match, they’ll face the Portland Thorns FC in the NWSL Semifinals Match on Sun., Oct. 23, at 2 p.m. If they make it past that game, they’ll be heading to Audi Field in Washington, DC, for the 2022 NWSL Championship Match on Sat., Oct. 29, at 5 p.m.

You can still score tickets for this weekend’s game — your last chance to see them play at home this year. The new team has already set records, including the highest attendance for a NWSL game + Alex Morgan won the 2022 NWSL Golden Boot as the league’s top scorer.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Michael.

Editor’s pick: Happy Friday, San Diego. It’s starting to feel like autumn, and this week, we had some striking weather. I mostly saw clouds, but parts of the county saw lightning. I’d never recommend going out in a storm (leave it to the pros), but the conditions do make for some pretty cool photos — and it does put me in the Halloween spirit. 🌩️

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Tips to stay safe from wildfires.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Monica Garske, Michael Beausoleil, Trevor Peters, Britt Thorson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Allie Wetteland | Advertise with us.

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