San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria
Mayor Gloria, City of San Diego and Community Partners Team Up to Help Residents Prepare for El Niño
FREE SANDBAG DISTRIBUTION AND COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS EVENT NOV. 14 SUPPORT CITY'S EFFORTS TO HELP SAN DIEGANS STAY READY FOR EXTREME WINTER WEATHER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, November 13, 2026
CONTACT:
MayorPress@sandiego.gov
SAN DIEGO – With the rainy season approaching and the potential for a wetter winter driven by El Niño conditions, Mayor Todd Gloria and the City of San Diego are partnering with local businesses and community organizations to provide free, pre-filled sandbags and emergency preparedness resources to residents.
On Saturday, Nov. 14, the City will distribute free sandbags at five locations across San Diego, including a larger community preparedness event at the Neal Petties Mountain View Community Center. The event will bring together City departments and community partners to help residents prepare their homes, protect their property and learn how to stay safe during heavy rain and potential flooding.
The effort is part of the City's Stay Ready San Diego preparedness initiative and is made possible through collaboration with the Associated General Contractors of San Diego, Hyundai Motor America, California Coast Credit Union and other community and industry partners, who donated the funds and materials to ensure pre-filled sandbags are be available for San Diegans.
“We've been working year-round to make San Diego better prepared for severe storms, and we're not waiting for the rain to arrive to take action,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “From clearing storm drains and maintaining critical infrastructure to strengthening emergency response coordination and getting preparedness resources into our neighborhoods, our City teams have been hard at work protecting San Diegans. This free sandbag distribution is another important part of that effort, and I'm grateful to our community and business partners for stepping up to help. Preparing for storms is a shared responsibility, and we're doing everything we can to make sure San Diego is ready for whatever this winter brings.”
The November 14 distribution builds on the City's ongoing efforts to make storm preparedness resources available in neighborhoods across San Diego, particularly communities that may be vulnerable to flooding.
Residents can receive up to 10 free, pre-filled sandbags per household, while supplies last.
Sandbag Distribution Locations – Saturday, Nov. 14
Time: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., or while supplies last.
- Robb Athletic Field – Council District 2
- Encanto Recreation Center – Council District 4
- Neal Petties Mountain View Community Center – Council District 4
- Southcrest Recreation Center – Council District 8
- City Heights Recreation Center – Council District 9
At the Mountain View location, residents can also connect with City departments and partner organizations offering emergency preparedness information, educational outreach and resources to help families prepare for severe weather.
“Preparedness is a communitywide responsibility, and we’re happy to see several organizations step up and join us in this effort,” said Asst. Fire Chief Rob Rezende, with the City’s Office of Emergency Services. “Having these businesses fund the distribution of pre-filled sandbags to some of our most vulnerable and flood-prone areas is crucial with El Niño rains looming.”
Community Partners Support Storm Preparedness
The sandbag distribution program demonstrates the impact of collaboration between local government, businesses and community organizations to support residents ahead of the rainy season.
The Associated General Contractors of San Diego and its members have joined the effort to help make sandbags available to residents.
“As we prepare for what could be a very wet winter, San Diego's construction industry is partnering with the Associated General Contractors San Diego (AGCSD) and the City of San Diego to deliver free sandbags to our community,” said Jason A. Mordhorst, President of Hazard Construction Company and current AGCSD Board Chair. “Our members have been building infrastructure and buildings in San Diego for the last century and we are always ready and willing to serve our hometown.”
California Coast Credit Union has also contributed funding to support the City's sandbag distribution program.
“For more than a decade, California Coast Credit Union has partnered with the City of San Diego to strengthen our communities and support the well-being of local residents. We are proud to help fund this sandbag distribution program and join the City's efforts to prepare for the potential impacts of El Niño. By working together and planning ahead, we can help protect the people and neighborhoods we all care about,” said Todd Lane, President and CEO of California Coast Credit Union.
National University is building on its 12-year partnership with the City by contributing funding for El Niño preparedness and sandbags for residents. The university has long supported City employees through education, scholarships and tuition discounts, and is now extending that commitment directly into San Diego neighborhoods.
"National University has called San Diego home since 1971, and many of our students live in Southeastern San Diego," said Dr. Mark D Milliron, President and CEO of National University. "Our connection to this community extends well beyond our campus. We are proud to partner with the City of San Diego in an effort that supports residents and strengthens the neighborhoods we all call home. Supporting the communities where our students live and learn is an important part of who we are."
Hyundai Motor America is expanding its commitment to San Diego's public safety with a $75,000 donation supporting the City's El Niño preparedness efforts. As the Official Vehicle of the San Diego Lifeguards, Hyundai has also provided vehicles to support lifeguard operations, reinforcing its investment in keeping San Diegans safe.
The City is grateful to Associated General Contractors of San Diego, California Coast Credit Union, AMR, Hyundai Motor America, National University and other community partners for stepping up to help protect San Diego neighborhoods. Their generosity and commitment are strengthening the City's preparedness efforts and putting critical resources directly into the hands of residents ahead of winter storms.
Stay Ready, San Diego
The City encourages all residents, especially those living in flood-prone areas, to take steps now to prepare for the possibility of heavy rain and flooding.
In addition to obtaining sandbags where appropriate, residents are encouraged to clear debris from drainage areas on their property, secure outdoor belongings, prepare emergency supplies, sign up for emergency alerts and develop a family emergency plan.
The City's Stay Ready San Diego initiative provides information and resources to help residents prepare before storms arrive, stay informed during severe weather and recover safely afterward.
Thanks to continued community support, the City plans to continue Saturday sandbag distributions at the five locations through the end of the year. Additional dates and distribution details will be announced as schedules are confirmed.
For more information about storm preparedness, flood safety and available resources, visit https://www.sandiego.gov/elnino.
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