State Water Board Convenes in San Diego for Border Infrastructure Session

Public Workshop on Border Funding Guidelines

The State Water Resources Control Board is holding a critical session today, March 5, 2026, in San Diego to address infrastructure and environmental concerns along the U.S.-Mexico border. The in-person workshop, scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board on Northside Drive, focuses on the draft emergency regulations and guidelines for the Proposition 4 US-Mexico Border Program. The session allows local officials and members of the public to weigh in on how state funding will be administered for water quality and infrastructure projects in the border region.

San Diego Unified Details Widespread Layoffs

Parallel to today's water board session, the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) is moving forward with the fallout from a major board vote held earlier this week. Following a Tuesday session, the district confirmed today that 221 classified positions—including secretaries and clerks—are being eliminated to bridge a projected $47.7 million budget deficit for the upcoming school year. Superintendent Fabiola Bagula noted that while roughly half of the affected employees may be reassigned to vacant roles, at least 69 staff members are expected to receive official layoff notices by the March 15 deadline. The cuts are projected to save the district approximately $19 million as it grapples with dwindling federal and state support.

City Hall Prepares for Spring Recess and Budget Cuts

While the City Council does not have a formal legislative session scheduled for today, municipal offices are active as they prepare for the upcoming Spring Legislative Recess in late March. Mayor Todd Gloria’s office recently announced the successful passage of "Preservation Package A," a policy that has sparked significant debate in coastal communities like Ocean Beach. Critics argue the new rules make it more difficult for neighborhoods to qualify for historic protection, highlighting the ongoing tension between the administration's housing production goals and community preservation efforts.

Public Safety and Budget Planning

The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) is also utilizing today to push forward its budget planning for the next fiscal year. Facing potential reductions as part of broader city-wide cuts to address a $318 million structural deficit, the department has launched a public survey to gather resident input on spending priorities. Police representatives emphasized that the department is already operating with minimal staffing and that public feedback will be essential as they finalize their requests to the Mayor and City Council this spring.

• State Water Board Workshop: 1:00 p.m. at 2375 Northside Drive.
• SDUSD Layoff Notices: Initial warnings issued following $19 million in cuts.
• City Council: Currently in committee review ahead of the mid-month recess.