La Jolla residents can pick up free pre-filled sandbags on Saturdays through Nov. 14 as San Diego braces for El Niño storm season.
The city is distributing the bags from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Saturday while supplies last, Council President Joe LaCava said on X on Friday, Oct. 23. Each household is limited to 10 pre-filled sandbags.
The nearest coastal pickup site for La Jolla-area residents is Robb Field in Ocean Beach, according to LaCava. The Associated General Contractors of San Diego, AMR and California Coast Credit Union are supporting the program.
The Saturday distribution is separate from the city's standing sandbag program, which provides empty bags at 11 recreation centers across San Diego. Under that program, listed on the city's El Niño preparedness page, the District 1 pickup location is Pacific Beach Recreation Center at 1405 Diamond St. Residents must fill those bags themselves, and sand cannot be taken from the beach or bay, according to the city. Residents picking up empty bags need identification showing proof of residency, KPBS reported.
Both programs limit households to 10 sandbags.
The sandbag push comes as the National Weather Service predicts El Niño will intensify during the fall and winter of 2026 and 2027. Mayor Todd Gloria has declared a local state of emergency, following a statewide declaration, to mobilize resources for coastal erosion, flooding, mudslides and winter storms, according to the city's preparedness page.
The city warns residents to expect heavier-than-usual rainfall, stronger winds, flooding and raised sea levels of 6 to 13 inches due to Kelvin waves. Those waves can cause higher tides, coastal flooding and beach erosion.
Residents can report storm-related issues such as flooding or downed trees through the city's Get It Done app or by calling 619-527-7500.
