Was San Diego always a safe haven? The Area de deslave whispers a different story. Right here before us lie the remnants of past floods. These weren’t gentle rains. They were catastrophic events. The Area de deslave is a scar on the landscape. It’s a stark reminder of San Diego’s vulnerability to nature’s fury.
The Area de deslave isn’t just a place. It’s a testament to the power of water. It shows the unpredictable nature of San Diego’s rivers. The Santa Margarita San Luis Rey San Dieguito San Diego Sweetwater Otay and Tijuana Rivers. They have all carved their paths through this land. Sometimes their paths are destructive. The Area de deslave stands as a monument to this destruction.
Imagine the force of water tearing through these hills. Millions of dollars in property damage resulted. Loss of life occurred in past floods. Flooding in Mission Valley El Cajon Ramona and Borrego Springs have been particularly devastating. These events weren’t isolated incidents. Flash floods happen in San Diego’s central and eastern portions. The mountain canyons dry creek beds and high deserts make these areas highly susceptible. Alluvial fans in Borrego Valley pose unique construction challenges.
The County of San Diego developed a Floodplain Management Plan in 2007. It assesses flood hazards. The plan includes mitigation strategies and future actions. A Mitigation Action Plan also exists. It identifies and prioritizes mitigation activities. It includes a responsible party and deadlines for completion. The Area de deslave is a stark example of the ongoing need for this plan.
Today the Area de deslave is relatively quiet. Yet the silence speaks volumes. It speaks of past devastation. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of floods. We must respect the power of nature. The Area de deslave teaches us a vital lesson about preparedness and resilience. It’s a place to remember and learn. Let’s move on.