Features Archives

Winning Student Artwork Spotlights the Value of Water in Otay Student Poster Contest

August 21, 2025/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Five student artists were named the winners of the Otay Water District’s 2025 “Being Water Wise is…” Student Poster Contest for best illustrating the value of water. The annual contest invites K-12 grade students attending schools in the District’s service area to submit their artwork.

Students learn about the importance of a clean, reliable water supply in the classroom through the Otay Water District’s educational program, which promotes water-use efficiency through art, and turn what they’ve learned into the award-winning posters.

Students Inspire Others To Protect Vital Resource

“We are grateful for all who participate in our program and help share the many ways to use water wisely, whether at home or outdoors,” said Eileen Salmeron, Otay’s communications assistant and contest coordinator. “We hope our young generation will continue to inspire others to join in the effort in protecting this vital resource.”

This year’s high school winner, Zhaoyu Zhai, captivated the judges with his drawing of an alien figure named Adrian taking a short shower, alongside the message “Short Showers Save Water.” Adrian is part of an ongoing character series that he has been developing over the past two years and has applied to other creative projects.

“As a parent, we’ve seen how passionate Zhaoyu is about these characters,” said Zhaoyu’s mother Huiyu Li. “His work includes both hand-drawn illustrations and digital pieces that combine drawing with animation and editing. His inspiration often comes from everyday life and his creative imagination.”

Winners Advance to Regional Southern California Competition

Although there were no middle school submissions, winners were selected in the kindergarten-third grade, fourth-sixth grade, and high school categories. The District recognized the winners at its Aug. 6 Board of Directors meeting with a gift card, certificate, art kit, and a goody bag.

The 2025 Student Poster Contest winners include:

K-Third Grade Category:

Second grader Ethan Quintero-Ramos, won in the elementary school category. Photo: Otay Water District

First Place: Ethan Quintero-Ramos, Second Grade, Olympic View Elementary

First grader Jacob Irons won second place in the K-Third Grade Category. Photo: Otay Water District

Second Place: Jacob Irons, First Grade, Discovery Charter Elementary

Fourth – Sixth Grade Category:

Mila Vega's winning artwork won first place in the sixth grade category. Photo: Otay Water District

Mila Vega’s winning artwork won first place in the fourth to sixth grade category. Photo: Otay Water District

First Place: Mila Vega, Fifth Grade, Valle Lindo Elementary

Sophie Coghill’s poster won second place in the fourth to sixth grade category. Photo: Otay Water District

Second Place: Sophie Coghill, Fifth Grade, Tiffany Elementary

High School Category:

Zhaoyu Zhai’s creative alien theme won the high school category. Photo: Otay Water District

First Place: Zhaoyu Zhai, Ninth Grade, Otay Ranch High School

The posters now advance to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s regional contest, for a chance to be featured in MWD’s 2026 Art Calendar. The winners will be announced later this year.

Otay Water District students have won the regional contest and been included in the Metropolitan calendar the past three years, including Ava Fabunan from Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in 2025; Sofia Cardenas Loera of STEAM Academy and Sophia Garvida of Bonita Vista Middle School in 2024; and Christian Rogacion from Thurgood Marshall Elementary School and Khilee Haull from Hillsdale Middle School in 2023.

Winning posters are online at otaywater.gov/poster-contest-winners-2025.

Janet Chambers replace the grass at her new home with plants native pollinators love. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Pollinator Paradise Wins 2025 Vista Irrigation District Landscape Contest

August 20, 2025/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Vista Irrigation District board of directors recognized Janet Chambers as the district’s 2025 WaterSmart Landscape Contest winner at its August meeting.

Chambers moved into her current residence about 11 years ago. The original yard consisted of a plain-looking lawn and one large Liquidambar tree. Because the existing lawn consumed a tremendous amount of water and provided little benefit, she decided to make a change.

Replacing Grass With Flowering Plants for Pollinators

The new landscape features a wide variety of blooming plants in bright colors. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Chambers began by removing her turf and installing a decomposed granite path and a cobblestone sitting area; she then set out to create a drought-tolerant garden with an emphasis on providing flowering plants for pollinators, such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Once the new garden was installed, the change in her front yard’s character was dramatic.

“Now the garden is alive with constant movement of pollinators, and it’s a joy to sit on my cobblestone patio and watch all of the activity,” said Chambers.

Chambers says the garden does not require pesticides or herbicides and practically takes care of itself by reseeding empty areas on its own. She waters the landscape with a drip system several times weekly during the summer months. She is able to turn off the irrigation system during wetter winter months.

Annual Contest Highlights Value of Watersmart Landscapes

Janet Chambers added a Small Little Library to her vibrant, watersmart landscape. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

The annual contest recognizes outstanding water-wise residential landscapes based on the criteria of overall attractiveness, appropriate plant selection, design, appropriate maintenance, and efficient methods of irrigation.

“Free regional WaterSmart landscape workshops are available online and in person to assist homeowners to upgrade their home’s landscape to reduce water bills,” said Sandra Sanchez, Vista Irrigation District water conservation specialist.

“Additionally, landscape conversion rebates, such as for turf replacement, are available to help with the cost.”

The district joined eleven other local agencies that held landscape contests this year, providing an opportunity to highlight water-wise residential landscapes throughout the region. Participating agencies (besides Vista Irrigation District) include Helix Water District, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Otay Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, San Dieguito Water District, Sweetwater Authority, Vallecitos Water District, California American Water, Rincon Del Diablo Water District, and the cities of Escondido and Oceanside.

For more information about the contest and to see more examples of WaterSmart landscaping, visit www.landscapecontest.com . Visit the district’s website at www.vidwater.org or call 760-597-3160 to find out more about free landscape workshops and incentive programs

A wildlife and pollinator friendly landscape project is the 2025 winner of the San Dieguito Water District landscape makeover contest. Photo: San Dieguito Water District

Haven for Wildlife and Pollinators Wins San Dieguito Water District 2025 Landscape Makeover Contest

August 18, 2025/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

The transformation of an Encinitas yard into a sustainable landscape providing habitat for wildlife and pollinators is the 2025 winner of the San Dieguito Water District’s annual landscape contest.

Wildlife biologist Shea Okeefe said when she decided to take on the landscape project, she drew on her professional expertise as a scientist.

“When we decided to re-landscape our yard, I wanted to include vegetation that was beneficial to local wildlife, including pollinators of all shapes and sizes,” said Okeefe.

Landscape Project Protects Local Watershed

Inclusion of the dry creekbed to replenish groundwater is a major feature of the project. Photo: San Dieguito Water District

She also wanted to include areas where precipitation and runoff could recharge groundwater and reduce runoff into our waterways. The dry creekbed created with rocks connects to the property’s rain gutters and backyard drainage. Softscaping and mulch also contribute to allowing runoff to percolate down into the watershed.

Okeefe explains that by focusing on native plants, they are waterwise because of their many years of adapting to the region’s local climate, soil conditions, and topography.

The landscaping features a variety of native plants. Photo: San Dieguito Water District

Plants used in the design include a variety of native sages, Monkey Flowers, Penstemon, Buckwheat, Bush Sunflower, Deer Grass, Giant Wild Rye, Yarrow, lavenders, aloes, a variety of succulents, an oak tree and several non-fruiting olive trees.

Smart Irrigation Technology Detects Needs

Drip irrigation was installed using a Racchio irrigation system that can be remotely programmed and controlled. It also detects precipitation events with weather forecasts and will automatically shut off irrigation if weather reports forecast a rain event.

The drip irrigation system can detect rain and shut off to avoid wasting water. Photo: San Dieguito Water District

Okeefe says now that the plants are established, she has shut off the irrigation, which can be used as needed during long dry periods. Okeefe received help with the selection and layout of her smart irrigation and plant selection from Steve McDearmon with Garden Rhythms.

Understanding Every Drop: How Flume & the Water Authority are Shaping the Future of Water Use

August 14, 2025/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Jordan Beane

The San Diego County Water Authority is in the midst of its second year operating a cutting-edge program across the region to help residents and member agencies know — down to the gallon — how the region uses water. From the garden hose to the kitchen faucet, the toilet to the shower, getting a clear understanding of how residents use their water helps resource agencies make the best planning decisions for the future.

The program is a joint venture between the Water Authority and Flume, a California-based company, that collects anonymous data from regional residents and builds a robust understanding of where each drop goes. Flume’s flow sensors are simple to install and provide real-time data about household water use. That provides a big benefit to property owners who can monitor water use from their phones and receive alerts if a leak is detected.

In addition, the program has given the Water Authority a window into trends and datapoints from more than 4,300 Flume devices that would not have been available otherwise. This information allows the Water Authority to see how residents use water over time and how events such as droughts and storms impact regional water use.

The data is aggregated at the regional level from residents who voluntarily installed Flume devices on their water meters, through a grant-funded program managed by the Water Authority. In addition, some local water districts have promoted – or even paid for – the use of flow sensors to reduce leaks and improve water-use efficiency.

A data set showing the kind of information collected by Flume.

The data has provided a detailed look at regional water use in a way that has never been available before. From 2022 to 2025, the Flume devices showed decreasing water use, with households going from 380 gallons per day to 321. This data confirms the general trendlines about water conservation being a way of life across the region. Another trend highlighted by the data was that rain tends to have a greater effect on water use than heat, with storms pushing water use down more than heat increases it. In addition, the devices confirm that outdoor water use continues to outpace indoor water use, making up 63% of the region’s total residential water footprint.

Water Authority Board members aren’t just supporters of the program; some of them are also among the thousands of residents around the region who use Flume devices to understand their own water use. “You can’t manage water use when you don’t know how much you’re using,” Helix Water District Director Kathleen Coates Hedberg said during a recent Board meeting.

The Water Authority’s Water Resource Department will continue to monitor the regionally aggregated data to help agencies across San Diego County better understand where every drop is going, allowing for better water management decisions in the years to come.

Impactos de Tráfico en Dos Sitios Durante Construcción

July 31, 2025/in Features /by Jordan Beane

Empezando la segunda semana de agosto, peatones y automovilistas en Escondido notarán impactos en el tráfico debido a construcción en instalaciones de la Water Authority.

A partir de 11 de agosto, habrá zona de trabajo en Bear Valley Parkway justo al norte de San Pasqual Valley Road donde un carril de bicicleta en Bear Valley Parkway se mantendrá cerrado, lunes a viernes de 7 am a 5 pm.

Un segundo sitio de trabajo estará ubicado en Harding Street, justo al norte de la intersección con East Valley Parkway, donde se cerrarán carriles en ambas direcciones debido a trabajos de construcción nocturnos, que se llevarán a cabo de lunes a viernes, de 5:00 p.m. a 7:00 a.m.

Señales y personal de control de tráfico ayudarán a dirigir la circulación alrededor de las zonas de trabajo. Las actividades de construcción incluirán excavación, corte con sierra, soldadura, colocación de concreto, relleno y pavimentación. Los equipos de trabajo operarán maquinaria pesada equipada con bíperes para señalar movimiento en reversa.

Se anticipa que cada uno de estos trabajos duren aproximadamente cuatro semanas.

En total, las obras del Primer Acueducto abarcan 21 millas, comenzando al norte de Escondido y al este de la carretera interestatal 15, y continuando hacia el sur hasta Slaughterhouse Canyon, terminando al oeste en la presa de San Vicente en Lakeside. A lo largo de su recorrido, la obra atraviesa las comunidades de Escondido, Poway, Rancho Bernardo y zonas no incorporadas del Condado de San Diego.

El Primer Acueducto ha estado en servicio por más de 70 años y abastece a 11 agencias de agua a través del condado. Se calcula que las obras de construcción seguirán hasta el verano de 2026 con mejoras a 99 estructuras conectadas a dos tuberías masivas de agua.

La Autoridad del Agua está coordinando estrechamente con las agencias locales de agua para reducir los impactos a los vecinos y asegurar que no haya interrupciones en el suministro de agua.

Para más información sobre el Proyecto de Mejoramiento de las Instalaciones del Primer Acueducto, incluyendo un mapa interactivo donde los visitantes pueden ver las zonas de trabajo, visite www.sdcwa.org/first-aqueduct. Para hacer preguntas o comentarios llamé al (877) 682-9230 ext. 7004 o envié un correo electrónico a .

Traffic Impacts Planned for Two Escondido Sites During Aqueduct Upgrades

July 31, 2025/in Achievements, Features /by Jordan Beane

Starting the second week of August, pedestrians and motorists in Escondido will notice traffic impacts due to construction work on Water Authority facilities as part of the Southern First Aqueduct Facilities Improvement project.

Beginning on August 11, work will take place on Bear Valley Parkway just north of San Pasqual Valley Road where a traffic lane and a bike lane on Bear Valley Parkway will be closed, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At a second site on Harding Street, just north of the intersection with East Valley Parkway, traffic will be rerouted in the evenings starting on Aug. 18. The southbound traffic lane, left turn lane, and #1 northbound lane will be closed for nighttime construction from 5 pm to 7 am, Monday through Friday.

Signs and flag crews will help direct traffic around the work areas. Construction activities will include excavation, saw cutting, welding, concrete placement, backfill and paving. Work crews will be driving heavy construction equipment with required backup alarms

A map of the worksite on Bear Valley Parkway.

Work at each of these locations is estimated to last four weeks.

This is part of the Water Authority’s work to upgrade the historic First Aqueduct and ensure continued delivery of safe and reliable water supplies for the region.

The Southern First Aqueduct project stretches 21 miles starting north of Escondido and east of Interstate 15 and continuing south to Slaughterhouse Canyon on the west and ending at the San Vicente Reservoir in Lakeside. Along the way, the work crosses the communities of Escondido, Poway, Rancho Bernardo and parts of unincorporated San Diego County.

The First Aqueduct has been in service over 70 years and serves more than 2 million people countywide. Work around the region to improve the First Aqueduct is expected to continue through summer 2026 with upgrades to 99 structures connected to two massive water pipelines.

The Water Authority is coordinating closely with its member agencies to minimize impacts to residents and businesses and ensure there is no interruption to water delivery.

For more information about the Southern First Aqueduct Facilities Improvement Project, including an interactive map where viewers can zoom in to view work areas, visit www.sdcwa.org/first-aqueduct. For questions or comments, call (877) 682-9230 ext. 7004 or send email to .

The winning 2025 OMWD landscape project features native plants and is both drought tolerant and fire resistant. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Encinitas Resident Wins OMWD 2025 Landscape Contest

July 25, 2025/in Achievements, Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

Encinitas resident Ramona Copley’s landscape makeover project was selected by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District as the 2025 winner of the annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest. The OMWD board honored Copley at its June board meeting.

Salvias provide plenty of color in the winning landscape design. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“To reduce our water use, my husband and I wanted to transform our yard of trees and grass into a low-water-use garden,” said Copley about the motivation behind their project.

Design Is Drought-Tolerant and Fire-Resistant

The dry creek bed is a major feature in the new landscape design. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Copley’s landscape design features a dry creek bed, drip irrigation using a smart controller, blue fescue grass, and a variety of colorful plants, including orange kangaroo paw, purple salvia, and red autumn sage. The garden features several plants native to our region that are both drought-tolerant and fire-resistant, such as California lilac, white rockrose, and Cleveland sage.

“Drought-tolerant landscaping helps conserve San Diego’s water supply,” said OMWD board secretary Christy Guerin. “Mrs. Copley’s landscape offers a good example of an appealing design, climate-appropriate plant selection, and water-efficient irrigation.”

Plant choices are both drought-tolerant and fire-resistant. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“We receive many compliments,” said Copley, “and I enjoy taking in the view as I sit in the front yard.

“I am proud to say that my water bill has not changed since we installed the garden. The bill is the same as it was when the yard contained only dirt, while we planned the project and found a landscaper for the design I had in mind,” added Copley.

Countywide Contest Inspires Homeowners

Award-winning landscape projects offer inspiration to other homeowners pursuing their own landscape makeovers. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Since 2006, the county-wide contest has encouraged residential water agency customers to showcase their water-wise landscapes. OMWD is one of 12 water agencies participating in the contest. Each agency selects a winning landscape.

Winners selected by San Diego County Water Authority member agencies throughout the county, and a wide range of landscape resources are available at www.landscapecontest.com.

The result of the Claermans' carefully planned landscape makeover is the 2025 City of Escondido Landscape Contest winner. Photo: City of Escondido

Escondido Landscape Contest Winner Inspired By Local Gardens

July 24, 2025/in Achievements, Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

The transformation of the Claerman family’s landscaping began with research and field trips. The results of their landscaping makeover were named the 2025 City of Escondido Landscape Makeover contest winner.

Yannick Claerman’s landscape transformation process included research on drought-tolerant plants, plant groupings, soil types, and how to use compost and mulch to enhance water efficiency.

He made visits to local demonstration gardens, which provided him with a little extra inspiration as he began curating a selection of manzanitas, native irises, yarrows, monkeyflower, and multiple varieties of sages.

Grass Becomes A Carpet Of Stars

No longer a traditional lawn, this expanse of lush greenery is made up of 250 dwarf “Carpet of Stars” succulents. Photo: City of Escondido

It takes a second look to see the change in an original patch of lawn. It doesn’t look much different at first glance, but it underwent an incognito transformation. Claerman replaced this section of grass with 250 Dwarf Carpet of Stars plants, a succulent with a close-growing pattern. Dwarf Carpet of Stairs is dense enough to support foot traffic, just like grass, but it leaves no room for weeds to grow in between the plants.

The slope below the “Carpet of Stars” lawn is planted with flowering natives with every color of bloom and foliage. Photo: City of Escondido

The Dwarf Carpet of Stars plants are now slowly growing in. Once they do, it will look as if the lawn never left, offering a space for walking, sitting, and recreation.

Claerman and his wife decided against removing the existing mature palm trees and added a variety of fruit trees and other edible plants alongside the drought-tolerant backdrop.

Sustainable, Efficient Irrigation Use

The Claermans named each of the zones and unique features throughout the yard. This dry riverbed feature is called “Rio Rudy” after the Claermans’ friend, Rudy, who helped Yannick with laying the rocks and myriad other jobs in the landscape transformation process. Photo: City of Escondido

Nevertheless, Claerman still found ways to minimize potable water irrigation. He makes the most of reclaimed water by capturing rain runoff from his roof. Water is stored in a new 2,650-gallon rainwater tank. The runoff water collected in the tank, along with a simple graywater system that reclaims the household’s shower water, is used to irrigate the east side of the garden.

A separate graywater system for the front yard recycles wash water from the laundry room. Yannick placed rocks above ground to mark the path of the graywater delivery pipes below ground, helping him to select the optimal spot for each new addition to the plant community. Photo: City of Escondido

Claerman installed a separate graywater system for the washing machine, which irrigates the front yard garden.

A door for the garden’s smallest and most whimsical visitors. Although you may not find fairies here, you are sure to see winged pollinators from bees to butterflies, and even bats (roosting in a recently installed bat house) gliding among the blooming natives. Photo: City of Escondido

Claerman feels rewarded not only by the beauty of the garden, but also by the knowledge that his work in crafting a resilient home landscape will contribute to broader efforts by gardeners everywhere to create a more sustainable future.

"Me-xal Overlook" by Jeff Shearer is the winner in the "Scenic View" category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District photographers honored

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Voted “Best Place to Volunteer”

July 23, 2025/in Achievements, Features /by Jordan Beane

Last week, The Coast News Group announced its 2025 Best of North County contest winners, which included Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve (EFRR). EFRR took first place in the “Best Place to Volunteer” category after an online vote that included 18 other candidates.

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve was originally developed when the Olivenhain Municipal Water District partnered with the San Diego County Water Authority and the Bureau of Land Management as an element of the regional Emergency Storage Project. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“This accolade is a testament to the wonderful people who make up EFRR’s volunteer community, OMWD rangers, and our strong partnership with the Escondido Creek Conservancy,” said OMWD board director Ebin Lanfried.

Volunteers with EFRR’s Trail Patrol, improve trails and engage with visitors. Volunteers also interact with the public at the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty and take part in outdoor education programs.

Volunteers are encouraged to develop their own programs, such as nature walks, guided hikes, or concerts. EFRR volunteers also engage in social events, environmental presentations, and educational field trips. Currently, EFRR has a team of 68 volunteers, some of whom have been serving since the program began in 2009.

The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve provides a wealth of opportunities for recreation, outdoor education, and environmental appreciation for all ages. Photo: Olivehain Municipal Water District

The 784-acre Reserve was developed by OMWD in partnership with the San Diego County Water Authority and the US Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management, as an element of the Olivenhain Water Storage Project and the Authority’s Emergency Storage Project. The Reserve first opened in 1992. Owned by the Authority and managed by OMWD, the Reserve has been designed to unify the interests of domestic water supply development, natural resources management, and recreational opportunities.

The shoreline firepits at Lake Jennings are especially popular during the summer months. Photo: Lake Jennings reservoirs

San Diego Regional Reservoirs Offer Summer Activities

July 14, 2025/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Although San Diego County is best known for its beautiful beaches, it is also home to more than 20 freshwater lakes and reservoirs. These bodies of water offer a variety of recreational opportunities.

Lake fishing lets anglers hook catfish, bluegill, carp, crappie, sunfish, bass, and trout. Water enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, boating, rowing, and wakeboarding on the calm waters. For families, barbecue and picnic areas offer the perfect location to spend the day by the lake.

Many of San Diego County’s most popular reservoir recreation areas offer seasonal events through Labor Day to celebrate San Diego County’s beautiful summer weather.

Summer In Full Swing At Santee Lakes

Night fishing is a popular activity at Santee Lakes during the summer months. Photo: Santee Lakes

Santee Lakes offers a variety of summer activities, including fishing, camping, picnic shelters with BBQ grills, and entertainment. The park also features playgrounds, a sprayground at Lake 1 to cool the kids and their adult friends, and hiking trails. For campers, there is laser tag on Friday nights.

Enjoy live music with the “Summer Jams on Deck” series featuring music on select Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 7 p.m.

More than 230 species of birds migrate through or call Santee Lakes home. Photo: Santee Lakes

Santee Lakes has seven lakes where fishing is permitted, with options for both day and night fishing (for campers with a permit). If you’re new to fishing, “Fishing 101” is offered on select Saturday mornings through September. A park ranger can offer tips both for beginners and seasoned anglers. Meet at the General Store from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Check the website Events Calendar for dates.

Originally opened to the public in 1961, today, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve hosts over 760,000 visitors annually. The 190-acre park’s lakes are stocked with fish year-round. Other amenities include cabin rentals, boating, facility rentals, and approximately 230 bird species.

Lake Jennings Open For Summer Fun

Fishing hours are extended at Lake Jennings during summer months. Photo: Lake Jennings

Lake Jennings is open daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Through Labor Day, hours are extended for boating and fishing until midnight (entrance gate closes at 10 p.m.). It is catfish season, with the lake restocked with 1,000 pounds every few weeks throughout the season.

If you want to try for the lake record, Chris Sprecco caught an 84.4 lb. blue catfish on January 18, 2020, breaking the previous lake record of a 71.3 lb. blue catfish held by Bob Bowden on June 1, 2014.

Especially popular in summer months are Hermit Cove lakefront firepit rentals from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Firepit rentals include lake entrance fees for up to six people, Adirondack chairs, two bundles of wood, fire starter, and set-up/clean-up. A ranger is on hand to help light and extinguish fires. Visitors can add on S’mores supplies or tailgate supplies, including hot dogs.

Family and friends enjoy gathering around the Lake Jennings firepits on warm summer nights. Photo: Lake Jennings

Advance reservations are required for dates through October. Firepits can be reserved online or by calling (619) 390-1623. Fishing permits are not included and must be purchased separately.

Lake Jennings is an exceptional destination during the summer months for the serious and casual wildlife viewer and photographer. The rolling hills, the endless lake, the coastal sage, and the riparian areas provide a diverse habitat in a small area. Common sightings include deer, fox, and osprey. Bird watchers are drawn to Lake Jennings for its rich variety of bird species.

Shoreline Fishing At Sweetwater Reservoir

Shoreline fishing is allowed along a 2.5-mile stretch on the south side of Sweetwater Reservoir from Friday through Monday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September. Located at the eastern edge of Bonita, Sweetwater Reservoir’s Recreation Program is easily accessible and offers outdoor activities, including birdwatching and a riding and hiking trail operated by the County of San Diego.

Visitors must bring their own food, drink, bait, and tackle, including drinking water. Portable restrooms are provided.

The entrance is located at 3203 Summit Meadow Road in Bonita. A valid California Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing License is required. Regular fishing fees remain in effect on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays. For more information on current hours, fees, and safety, visit www.sweetwater.org/fishing.

Primarily a local water supply for the Authority’s 200,000 customers in National City, Chula Vista, and Bonita, the Authority has created recreational opportunities including fishing programs and a riding and hiking trail at Sweetwater operated by the County of San Diego through a license from the Authority.

Lake Miramar Offers Oasis In The Heart of San Diego

The five mile road circling Lake Miramar is popular for cycling, walking, and running. Photo: City of San Diego

Just east of Interstate 15 in Scripps Ranch, the Miramar Reservoir is popular for producing some of the biggest largemouth bass in the world. Visitors can also enjoy boating, kayaking, and canoeing activities. There are 18 barbecues and 48 picnic tables for family outings.

The park’s concession facility offers boat and bike rentals, bait and tackle, and snacks. For walkers, runners, and cyclists, the lake’s five-mile-long scenic trail that wraps around the lake is a popular highlight.

The lake is open daily from sunrise to sunset. For more information, visit the City of San Diego’s website.

San Vicente Reservoir A Favorite For Water Sports

Some of the region’s best water sports and fishing is found at the San Vicente Reservoir in Lakeside. Photo: City of San Diego

Located in Lakeside, the San Vicente Reservoir is open Thursdays through Sundays from Memorial Day through October. From one half hour before sunrise until sunset, general boating and water contact sports such as water skiing, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, and canoeing and kayaking are permitted.

Personal watercraft are allowed if safely towing a skier, wakeboarder, or tube device meeting safety regulations.

At San Vicente, visitors can enjoy some of the region’s best fishing. Picnic and barbecue areas and restrooms are open. Leashed dogs are permitted. Visit the lake webpage for additional information.

You are now in Education Features category.