By Jay Wilson

Hello, Del Cerro. As I submitted this article, there has been no update from anyone at ColRich regarding their proposed housing development along College Avenue. Their director of marketing has assured us that they will update us as soon as they have new information.

Another frequent question is, “What is the latest update regarding what store(s) is going in at the old Albertsons site on Waring Road?” I keep checking in with Linda Lasher, the property manager for the entire shopping center. She just contacted me and said there is no update at this time.

The Del Cerro Action Council Adobe Falls Committee met to discuss priorities for the committee. And keeping pressure on San Diego State University (SDSU) is a key objective by working with local and state elected officials. Nicole Borunda, the community relations manager for SDSU, has stated that the school has received permission from Caltrans to close off pedestrian traffic through the tunnel under Interstate 8 from SDSU to Adobe Falls during non-inclement weather. On July 6, at the request of Councilmember Scott Sherman, the San Diego Water Quality Control Board (SDWQCB) conducted an on-site inspection of Adobe Falls. Below are the abbreviated findings, comments and recommendations listed in the SDWQCB report:

“II. FINDINGS

1. Alvarado Creek is a perennial creek that runs along the northern edge of the SDSU campus… The culvert is used extensively by trespassers as evidenced by the graffiti within the culvert and spray paint cans found inside.
2. Graffiti and used spray paint cans littered the north end of the culvert. Boulders surrounding the creek and vegetation had been spray painted.

3. There were neither physical barriers (e.g. fences) nor signage indicating that walking alongside the creek and/or through the culvert was prohibited or was considered trespassing.

III. RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Should graffiti removal be proposed in the canyon via power washing or other similar means, the project proponent must present a clean-up plan to the San Diego Water Board prior to implementation, including proposed best management practices (BMPs) to ensure capture and containment of pollutants. A clean-up plan should also include controls to ensure that vandalism of the creek and riparian area does not continue.
2. Caltrans should be consulted if a clean-up plan is to include installing a physical barrier at the upstream end of the Interstate-8 culvert. The San Diego Water Board has concerns that installation of such a barrier wouldn’t be a successful deterrent to vandals and may act as an impediment to the flow of Alvarado Creek, causing flooding during storm events.
3. Should SDSU, the City of San Diego, or other entity(ies) propose cleanup work in Alvarado Creek using heavy equipment …, they must apply for and receive a 401 Water Quality Certification prior to commencement of work. Use of hand tools would not require Certification.
4. SDSU should consider restricting access to Alvarado Creek from its right-of-way to reduce vandalism.

IV. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

5. To date, SDSU has not uploaded a facility map into the Storm Water Multiple Application and Report Tracking System (SMARTs) database that includes the Adobe Falls canyon area, even though SDSU owns this land. This is a violation of Provision A.1.b. of the General Phase II Permit.

6. The San Diego Water Board recently audited SDSU’s MS4 Program to assess compliance with the General Phase II Permit… Audit conclusions included: 1) SDSU has failed to develop and create programs to meet both year 1 and year 2 General Phase II Permit requirements, which specifically include failing to create programs to prevent pollution through illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE) measures, good housekeeping, and education through outreach. Additionally, SDSU has yet to finalize their 2013 draft Storm Water Management Plan. SDSU’s failure to finalize their pollution prevention plan, and implement pollution control programs has likely caused and contributed to a condition of pollution in Adobe Falls. The San Diego Water Board shall utilize enforcement tools for instances of non-compliance, as necessary.”

Stay tuned – we will keep you informed. A PDF of the report is on the DCAC website.

Discussion continues regarding a proposed Maintenance Assessment District. This is not a DCAC project nor has DCAC taken a position. If you want more information, email the Friends of Del Cerro at [email protected].

The next DCAC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El.

—Jay Wilson is secretary of the Del Cerro Action Council. Reach him at [email protected].

—Jay Wilson is secretary of the Del Cerro Action Council. Reach him at [email protected].