A shark knocked a surfer off of his board off the coast of San Clemente Monday, prompting authorities to close the water to swimmers and others on the busy Memorial Day holiday.

According to city officials, the ocean water was closed off late Monday morning “due to confirmed aggressive shark behavior” in the water in the vicinity of T-Street Beach.

The beaches remained open, but water access was closed until at least 8 p.m. Monday, “pending no additional shark sightings,” according to the city.

City Councilman Chris Duncan told CBS2 that surfers reported the activity to lifeguards, who reviewed surveillance footage and found video of the surfer being knocked off his board.

According to CBS2, officials from the Long Beach State University shark lab were consulted, and they determined the culprit was likely a juvenile great white shark.

No injuries were reported.

Updated 6:29 p.m. May 27, 2024

— City News Service

San Diego County residents were being urged Saturday to avoid contact with coastal waters due to increase bacteria levels caused by run-off from this week’s rain.

County health officials warned swimmers, surfers and other ocean users that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean waters, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers and lagoon outlets that discharge urban run- off. Activities such as swimming, surfing and diving should be avoided in the days following heavy rainfall, the county said.

The general rain advisory for urban run-off contamination applies to beaches from San Onofre State Beach south to Border Field, including Mission Bay and San Diego Bay. The warning is expected to be in place until at least 9 a.m. Monday.

Meanwhile, water contact closures remain in effect at the following locations, according to the county Department of Environmental Health and Quality:

— Sweetwater Channel and Pepper Park;

— Ocean Beach, Dog Beach;

— Coronado Shoreline south of Avenida Lunar to North Beach;

— Silver Strand Shoreline from north Carnation to south of Avenida Lunar;

— Imperial Beach Shoreline from the south end of Seacoast Drive through Carnation Avenue;

— Tijuana Slough Shoreline from the U.S./Mexico border including Border Field State Park and the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge due to cross boundary flows and;

— San Diego Bay at Embarcadero Park, Including all water north of Cesar Chavez Park and west to Coronado Island including Tidelands Park, Centennial Park and Bayview Park, and North to Broadway Pier.

More information on water contamination in San Diego County can be found at www.sdbeachinfo.com.

–City News Service

San Diego Superior Court officials warned Thursday of recent attempts by scammers to take money from members of the public by posing as court or law enforcement officials over the phone.

The scams highlighted by the court in a recent announcement typically involve individuals asking for money orders or cash to resolve outstanding warrants, failures to appear for jury duty, or other court-related fines and fees.

In one such scam, someone claiming to be a member of the San Diego Police Department, sheriff’s office, or the court system, calls someone to inform them that they have been fined. If the payments are not made, the person will be arrested, the scammer often claims.

The person is then told to obtain a money order or get cash, then meet someone outside the sheriff’s office or courthouse to pay the supposed fine.

In some instances, court officials say the victim is told a money order is required because the court does not accept cash, checks, or credit cards.

“People need to know that the court will not call someone on the phone to remedy a court issue or fine,” said Michael Roddy, executive officer of the San Diego Superior Court. “The court will send you a written notice; it will not call you asking for money. In addition, the court also accepts checks and credit cards so no one should be insisting you pay a fine in cash.”

Court officials suggest those who receive a scam phone call should hang up or call law enforcement if the calls continue.

–City News Service

San Diego County environmental health officials announced a water contact closure Saturday at Mission Bay at Tecolote Shores had been lifted, including Enchanted Cove in Fiesta Island.

The Avenida Lunar and Silver Strand Guard Shack warning was lifted as recent water quality samples for both locations meet state health standards, officials said.

The officials had earlier warned the public of the closure at Tecolote Shores that extended north of Tecolote Creek and east to the cove.

An ongoing water contact closure at Tijuana Slough Shoreline from the International Border to the south end of Seacoast Drive will remain in place until specimen sampling confirms the area is safe for contact, officials said.

“The Tijuana River is flowing, with sewage contamination reaching recreational waters,” the DEHQ said. “The public is advised to avoid water contact as the water is impacted by sewage and may cause illness.”

Additionally, the following areas were under an advisory for bacteria levels that have exceeded state health standards and may cause illness:

• Bayside Park at J St.;
• Tidelands Park;
• San Diego River Outlet;
• North Cove Vacation Isle;
• La Jolla Cove;
• Avenida De La Playa;
• Children’s Pool.

South swell conditions are present and pushing ocean waters from the south to the north (transboundary flows), officials said.

Residents can get updates on beach advisories and closure information online or by calling the 24-hour hotline at 619-338-2073.

– City News Service

Updated 7:40 p.m. July 22, 2023

As families and friends gather for poolside barbecues and picnic celebrations this July 4 weekend and throughout the summer, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance is bringing attention to common misconceptions about how and when drownings occur to help save lives.

Drowning is the single leading cause of death for children aged 1-4 and the second leading cause of death for children 5-14.

According to the NDPA, 88% of child drownings occur with at least one adult present, and 50% of children drown within 25 yards of a parent or other adult. With millions of families and friends celebrating the summer and the July 4th holiday around pools, oceans, and lakes, NDPA is stressing the importance of close, constant, and capable supervision, while reminding parents that drownings can occur without warning and may not look or sound like what one might expect.

NDPA, in collaboration with advertising agency Doner, joined forces on a public service campaign entitled Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning. Launched July 1, the purpose of the campaign is to shatter common drowning myths and direct parents and caregivers on where to find more information and resources.

The chilling, 30-second commercial created by Doner, an 86-year-old advertising agency known for its exceptional strategic, creative, and production capabilities, shows how easily the real signs of child drownings can go unnoticed even when adults are in the vicinity. In the video titled, “Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning”, the audience is led to believe they are experiencing a beautiful summer day, but in actuality, they are witnessing a child drowning. The commercial closes with the message — no splashing, no waving, no yelling, learn the signs at DrowningDoesntLookLikeDrowning.com.

“There is a common saying among water safety advocates that when everyone is watching, no one is watching,” said Adam Katchmarchi, executive director of the NDPA. “Additionally, drowning does not occur the way we are used to seeing it on television or in the movies with a lot of noise and splashing. With most children unable to call out for help, the fact is, drowning is quick, quiet, and often happens when adults are present. Statistics also show that 23% of child drownings occur during a family pool gathering.”

Added Katchmarchi, “While the majority of drownings are accidental, the good news is drownings can be prevented if parents and caregivers learn how to recognize drownings during both swim and non-swim times and familiarize themselves with and put into practice the five layers of protection.”

According to NDPA, parents and caregivers need to remain equally vigilant after the pool party is over. A staggering 70% of toddler drownings occur during the non-swim time when a child is not expected to be in the water but finds his or her way to a pool or other open water source undetected. NDPA recommends the following water safety tips to help prevent a drowning incident this summer:

1. Have a designated, active water watcher at all times
   • Adult water watchers need to provide close, constant, and capable supervision.
   • Water watchers need to stay focused and never be distracted by a cell phone, conversations, or other diversion.
   • Water watchers cannot be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
   • Water watchers should rotate every 15 minutes.
2. Identify weak and non-swimmers and always practice touch supervision by being able to reach out and touch non-swimmers at all times
3. Swim near a lifeguard whenever possible. With an adult water watcher designated even if lifeguards are present.
4. Enroll your child in high-quality swim lessons as early as their first birthday. But keep in mind, even good swimmers can drown.
5. Do not overly rely on one layer of protection as layers can break down and are designed to be used in combination with one another to reduce risk.
6. Learn CPR with rescue breaths and what to do in an emergency.

By adopting these tips and practicing NDPA’s Five Layers of Protection when enjoying a backyard pool, while on vacation, or when a child is exposed to open water, parents have the power to prevent drowning.

To learn more, visit ndpa.org.

The number of people in San Diego County hospitalized with COVID-19 has decreased by 53 to 122, according to the latest state data.

The number of those patients being treated in intensive care as of Friday increased by two to 23. There were 239 ICU beds available in the county.

Meanwhile, San Diego’s public health officials are sounding the alarm about another respiratory illness on the rise in the county, joining influenza and COVID-19 and possibly having a severe impact on people’s lives and the county’s medical resources this fall and winter.

The county’s Health and Human Services Agency and local health providers are seeing an early spike in flu and respiratory syncytial virus cases and while COVID-19 cases are currently trending down in the region, all three could tax the region’s hospitals.

“As we see a sharp increase of flu and RSV cases, I am urging San Diegans to do their part to prevent the spread of illnesses,” said Dr. Wilma J. Wooten, county public health officer. “While there’s no vaccine for RSV, ample vaccinations are available for the flu and COVID-19. These vaccines take two weeks to become fully effective, so people should get both shots as soon as possible.”

RSV is a respiratory virus that the county has detected in previous cold and flu seasons but usually doesn’t spike at the same time as the flu. It can cause significant respiratory problems, especially in young children. Symptoms of RSV include cough, runny nose, and fever. Treatment consists of managing symptoms and, in severe cases, hospitalization.

According to the HHSA, RSV is currently inundating local pediatric care providers. Rady Children’s Hospital earlier this week notified families that wait times for care in their emergency room are a lot longer than usual.

Vaccines for the flu and COVID-19, including the new bivalent boosters, are available through healthcare providers, pharmacies, clinics, and the county.

“COVID-19 and flu vaccines are safe and effective at preventing the most severe disease,” Wooten said. “While the flu vaccine does not protect people against COVID and vice versa, it is possible to get both shots during the same visit.”

More than 2.69 million or 80.5% of eligible San Diegans have received the primary series of one of the approved COVID-19 vaccines. A total of 1,485,987 or 60.2% of 2,469,569 eligible San Diegans have received vaccine boosters for COVID.

The region’s cumulative total of infections increased by 1,569 over the past week to 929,549. Deaths increased by seven to 5,524.

–City News Service

San Diego’s public health officials Friday sounded the alarm about another respiratory illness on the rise in the county, joining influenza and COVID-19 and possibly having a severe impact on people’s lives and the county’s medical resources this fall and winter.

The county’s Health and Human Services Agency and local health providers are seeing an early spike in flu and respiratory syncytial virus cases and while COVID-19 cases are currently trending down in the region, all three could tax the region’s hospitals.

“As we see a sharp increase of flu and RSV cases, I am urging San Diegans to do their part to prevent the spread of illnesses,” said Dr. Wilma J. Wooten, county public health officer. “While there’s no vaccine for RSV, ample vaccinations are available for the flu and COVID-19. These vaccines take two weeks to become fully effective, so people should get both shots as soon as possible.”

RSV is a respiratory virus that the county has detected in previous cold and flu seasons, but usually doesn’t spike at the same time as flu. It can cause significant respiratory problems, especially in young children. Symptoms of RSV include cough, runny nose and fever. Treatment consists of managing symptoms and, in severe cases, hospitalization.

According to the HHSA, RSV is currently inundating local pediatric care providers. Rady Children’s Hospital earlier this week notified families that wait times for care in their emergency room are a lot longer than usual.

Vaccines for the flu and COVID-19, including the new bivalent boosters, are available through health care providers, pharmacies, clinics and the county.

“COVID-19 and flu vaccines are safe and effective at preventing the most severe disease,” Wooten said. “While the flu vaccine does not protect people against COVID and vice versa, it is possible to get both shots during the same visit.”

More than 2.69 million or 80.5% of eligible San Diegans have received the primary series of one of the approved COVID-19 vaccines. A total of 1,485,987 or 60.2% of 2,469,569 eligible San Diegans have received vaccine boosters for COVID.

The region’s cumulative total of infections increased by 1,569 over the past week to 929,549. Deaths increased by seven to 5,524.

The number of people in San Diego County hospitalized with COVID-19 has decreased by 53 to 122, according to the latest state data.

The number of those patients being treated in intensive care as of Saturday increased by two to 23. There were 239 ICU beds available in the county, an increase of eight from Thursday.

— City News Service

The city of San Diego will begin enforcing parking regulations again starting Oct. 1 with a two-week grace period before full enforcement Oct. 15, officials announced Tuesday.

The city temporarily suspended parking enforcement on March 16 following the COVID-19 stay-at-home order. Multiple attempts in the following months to reinforce parking regulations have been thwarted by ongoing shutdown orders.

In developing a plan to restart parking enforcement, city staff consulted with several business groups representing communities across San Diego.

Starting Thursday, the city will issue written warnings for vehicles parked in violation of:

— Posted street sweeping routes;

— Metered parking restrictions;

— Curb time limits; and

— Commercial zones.

PARKING UPDATE: Enforcement of all parking regulations will resume starting on Thursday, Oct 1.

The enforcement will begin with a two-week grace period and citations with corresponding fines will be issued beginning Thursday, Oct 15.

More details: https://t.co/qPDLWySodG pic.twitter.com/Osjf4FPsrW

— City of San Diego (@CityofSanDiego) September 29, 2020

Citations will continue to be issued for vehicles parked illegally at red, white and blue painted curbs. Drivers are encouraged to follow posted signage when looking for a parking space.

Although street sweeping has continued during the public health emergency, the resumption of enforcement will allow city sweepers to sweep debris and dust pollution along the curb line to maintain improved water quality and reduce the potential for flooding as the rainy season approaches.

During the two-week grace period, courtesy notices will be distributed to inform residents of the enforcement restart.

— City News Service

A total of 342 motorists were ticketed or received verbal warnings for various traffic violations in La Mesa on Wednesday as part of a periodic multi-agency effort.

Motorcycle officers from agencies across San Diego County carried out the four-hour enforcement operation, beginning at 7 a.m., La Mesa police Lt. Brian Stoney said.

In addition to the citations and verbal admonitions issued, a dozen vehicles were impounded for driver’s license violations, according to Stoney.

Taking part in the patrols along with La Mesa police were law enforcement personnel from the county Sheriff’s Department; the cities of Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, Escondido and Oceanside; and the University of California, San Diego.

“We are happy to say that today’s detail was a success and is sure to help make our roadways a safer place for everyone (who) travels upon them,” the lieutenant said.

— City News Service

Alcoholic drinks. Photo via PixabayThe San Diego-based Institute of Public Strategies reminded residents Tuesday that reduced alcohol usage plays a large part in suicide prevention and increased mental health, especially among teenagers and young adults.

According to the San Diego County Medical Examiner, alcohol use was a factor in 30.8 percent of county suicides in 2016. Data from the National Alliance on Mental Health shows that roughly 29 percent of people with a diagnosed mental illness abuse drugs and/or alcohol. The abuse of alcohol can mask conditions like anxiety and depression, and can also impair judgment and spur impulsive behavior — two factors that lead to suicidal tendencies, according to IPS.

The risk for teenagers and young adults is especially high because alcohol and drug abuse can hamper mental and physical development. California school districts with students in grades 7-12 are required to develop policies that aid in preventing suicide and reducing the risk of suicide. Teachers are also trained to recognize the signs of drug and alcohol abuse among teens and young adults.

According to IPS, which focuses on public health and safety issues, and the San Diego County Office of Education, helping youth learn about the dangers of alcohol abuse is one of the most important suicide prevention tools educators can use.

“It is common to see substance use disorder coupled with mental disorders,” said Heather Nemour, project specialist for the SDCOE’s Student Support Services department. “Understanding the role of substance use in suicidal behavior and how to intervene early is a critical component of school staff training in reducing youth suicides.”

Local policy can also help reduce alcohol abuse in all demographics, according to the nonprofit, which advocates taking steps to increase alcohol taxes, limit alcohol sales to a certain number of outlets and enforce limits on when alcohol can be sold, using tools like blue laws, to promote healthy lifestyle choices and reduce the risks of abuse and suicide.

–City News Service