San Diego, CA

San Diego County faces multifront health threat amid transboundary sewage flow from Mexico

Published

2 years ago

February 13, 2024

San Diego County faces multifront health threat amid transboundary sewage flow from Mexico

A transboundary sewage stream that regularly flows from Tijuana, Mexico, into San Diego County may be creating a multifrontal public health crisis — as a noxious mix of chemicals and pathogens makes their way into households not just via water, but also through air and soil.

The cross-border contamination — a result of inadequate infrastructure and urbanization — poses a persistent public health threat with significant socioeconomic and legal implications, according to a new white paper, shared with The Hill prior to its public release on Tuesday.

Of particular concern is the possibility of the reemergence of diseases that had previously been eradicated in California, microbes carrying antibiotic-resistant genes and industrial chemicals that have long been banned in the U.S., per the authors.

“I don’t go to Imperial Beach anymore — I used to go all the time, quite frequently,” lead author Paula Stigler Granados, an associate professor at San Diego State University’s School of Public Health, told The Hill.

“As a scientist, when you know, it’s really hard to turn that brain off,” she continued. “Especially now that we’re talking about the contaminants becoming aerosolized, it really has me paused.”

Aerosolization refers to the suspension of waterborne pathogens and compounds in the air — a mounting concern in Southern California’s Imperial Beach, a border-adjacent city that has borne the brunt of an unrelenting transboundary sewage crisis.

The fetid flow, which results from insufficient sewage treatment on the Mexican side of the border, ends up in San Diego County both via ocean plumes and the Tijuana River Watershed — which passes through Baja California before reentering its U.S. counterpart.

Area residents have had some room for hope in recent weeks, after Mexico began overhauling an obsolete facility that releases millions of gallons of sewage daily into the Pacific Ocean.

But on the U.S. side of the border, the South Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant — which treats some of Tijuana’s waste through an international treaty — is also failing to pull its weight.

Congress in 2020 allocated $300 million toward renovating the site, but officials warned that the plant requires $150 million more to function properly. President Biden then asked lawmakers this past fall to authorize an additional $310 million, but that approval has yet to occur.

Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.), who serves San Diego County, last month called upon Congress to approve Biden’s request, describing a situation in which sewage is spewing “dangerous levels of hydrogen sulfide into the air around people’s homes.”

The congressman also requested that the San Diego-based Prebys Foundation commission the new white paper, which synthesizes about 60 reports related to the region’s wastewater woes and sheds lights on the extent of the public health crisis.

“What we realized was over the years, a lot of people had been doing research on this, but the body of it was fairly opaque,” Peters told The Hill.

The congressman said his office first became involved in this issue following the 2017 breakdown of Tijuana’s sewage infrastructure, which prompted a swell of comments on the matter from his constituents.

“We started out just getting beach closures every once a while, but it was hundreds and hundreds of days a year,” Peters said.

While border communities like Imperial Beach face the most chronic effects of the crisis, other parts of San Diego County — including the peninsular resort city of Coronado — also endure regular episodes of contamination.

Peters acknowledged that as opposed to Imperial Beach, most of his district, which includes Coronado, cannot be defined as an environmental justice community — a largely low-income or marginalized population with a disproportionate pollution burden =

But he stressed that Coronado’s beaches do serve the Latino residents of the South Bay, while also hosting Navy SEAL, U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Coast Guard operations.

To that end, Peters and fellow San Diego County Democrats — Reps. Sara Jacobs, Mike Levin and Juan Vargas, the latter of whom represents Imperial Beach — recently sent a letter to Navy leadership about how the pollution is affecting SEAL training.

The writers expressed their concern that if the contamination is not curtailed, further training cancellations could occur and “harm the Navy and our military readiness.”

Since 2018, the International Boundary and Water Commission has documented more than 100 billion gallons of wastewater entering the U.S. through the Tijuana River, according to the authors of the white paper.

“It’s just a toxic soup,” Stigler Granados said.

The continuous stream of sewage, the authors stressed, has led to more than 700 consecutive days of beach closures and taken a toll on the local economy and tourism.

The contamination not only poses public health risks but also creates environmental justice issues, as border-adjacent communities are often equipped with fewer resources and face a heightened risk of chronic diseases, the authors noted.

Most under threat are vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children, as well as lifeguards Navy personnel, first responders and border patrol agents, according to the paper.

Within the region’s soil sediments, scientists have identified more than 170 compounds — such as toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), prohibited pesticides like chlordane and DDT, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals and phthalates.

“The pesticides that we’re finding in the environment and soil — they are banned in the U.S.,” Sigler Granados said.

Many of these chemicals “are known to be persistent, bio-accumulative, carcinogenic, toxic and can be resuspended in water and air during weather events in both the wet and dry seasons, exposing nearby communities,” according to the white paper.

Levels of arsenic and cadmium in area soil samples exceeded Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) thresholds, while concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA) and triclosan were comparable to those in sewage sludge, per the paper.

As far as the region’s water is concerned, the white paper catalogs a smorgasbord of viruses, bacteria and parasites found in samples, including HIV, Hepatitis B and C, salmonella, vibrio, streptococcus, tuberculosis, listeria, trichomoniasis.

Also of concern to the researchers was the heightened presence of microbes carrying antibiotic-resistant genes, as well as antibiotic-resistant strains of E. coli and Legionella bacteria.

In addition, they flagged an emergence of zoonotic pathogens — those that can jump from animals to humans — in bottle nosed dolphins that have died of bacteria-induced sepsis.

Water tests have also confirmed the presence of pesticides, herbicides, volatile organic compounds, acetone, methanol, xylene, plasticizers, hormones and flame retardants. Out of 392 total organic chemical contaminants identified, 224 appeared on regulatory lists, while 175 were indexed under the EPA’s Toxic Substance Control Act.

“A substantial number of contaminants of emerging concern were detected in the water for the first time,” the authors stated.

The researchers stressed that pollutants and pathogens can become airborne through aerosolization and travel long distances — entering homes, schools and businesses and reaching those who have had no direct contact with the water.

Reiterating the risks posed by this exposure pathway, the writers cited a March 2023 study, in which a University of California San Diego team showed that polluted coastal waters are ending up in the atmosphere as aerosol. While the public health threat is difficult to quantify, the researchers found that the “sea spray” mix contains bacteria, viruses and chemical compounds.

“You can respire them and breathe them in and become ill as a result of that,” Stigler Granados said, noting that these pathogens can also settle on objects like playground equipment.

Although linking environmental exposures to specific illnesses remains a challenge, Stigler Granados said that an urgent care clinic in San Diego County has been reporting upticks in gastrointestinal illnesses following storm events.

But because many of these diseases are self-limiting, county-level epidemiological surveillance would be needed to explore any potential correlations, she added.

Going forward, Stigler Granados and her colleagues called for increased air quality monitoring, community exposure investigations and U.S.-Mexico strategic plans that prioritize infrastructure.

“Investments by Congress and federal and state agencies are desperately needed,” the authors concluded.

The white paper’s conclusions may have a local, San Diego region focus, but they are indicative of a broader national problem, according to Eli Dueker, a microbe aerosolization expert who was not involved in the research.

“This is actually happening across the United States and has been a very long time,” Dueker, an associate professor of environmental and urban studies at Bard College, told The Hill.

His research focuses on the connections between water and air quality in New York’s Hudson River, as well as hazard-designated sites like the state’s Newtown Creek and the Gowanus Canal.

“It is a new way to think about water quality,” said Dueker. “Whether or not you engage with the water, if you’re also breathing the water, that’s a whole different ballgame.”

Dueker credited the white paper’s authors for “laying out the kinds of things that people can be exposed to,” while noting that antibiotic-resistant pathogens are present in sewage nationwide.

“I also really appreciated the fact that they center in on the communities that are most vulnerable to this,” he added. “That’s how policy should be generated.”

With regards to federal policy and the congressional funding question, Peters said he’s “pretty hopeful” that his fellow lawmakers will approve Biden’s $310 million request.

Paloma Aguirre, mayor of Imperial Beach, told The Hill in an email that while her city is grateful for the president’s appeal, they need more federal and state support “to tackle this public health ticking time bomb.”

From an engineering perspective, Peters explained, fixing the South Bay plant is simple, but the international border and federal funding aspect creates a complicated renovation process.

“We’ve taken as many federal officials out to the plan as we can — get them out there on a nice, stinky day,” he continued. “It’s pretty remarkable.”

If the money comes through, Peters said it will double the size of the facility and provide for ongoing maintenance. Yet in the interim, he described a status quo in which Mexico is now ahead of the U.S. in terms of treatment plant reconstruction efforts.

“It’s very fashionable to blame Mexico from Washington,” Peters said, noting that Mexico is meeting its “side of the bargain” in terms of treaty obligations.

“I don’t want to be lagging behind Mexico,” the congressman added. “They’re setting the pace, and we need to catch up.”

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San Diego, CA

Tom Krasovic: Catarina Macario signing shows brighter days ahead for Wave

Published

1 hour ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Tom Krasovic: Catarina Macario signing shows brighter days ahead for Wave

The San Diego Wave and their fans deserved every second of the festive Friday morning that played out at Snapdragon Stadium.

Wave personnel and fans erupted in cheers as Catarina Macario, a star striker with San Diego roots who agreed to a record-setting contract, displayed a Wave No. 20 jersey at an introductory news conference.

Macario, 26, has taken injury detours, but stands indisputably as one of the world’s better goal-scorers among women.

The Torrey Pines High School and San Diego Surf alum’s local pedigree may also boost the fifth-year Wave, who through no fault of the club’s current leaders, lost considerable star power in recent years, contributing to an attendance decline.

At a reported $8 million, the five-year deal is reportedly the most for a women’s soccer player.

Macario, smiling often, labeled her new reality “unreal,” while seated next to Wave sporting director Camille Ashton.

She was 12 when family members, seeking better opportunities, brought her from Brazil to live in San Diego after first visiting Dallas.

“I never would have imagined, I guess, that 12-year-old Cat, not knowing how to speak English, being super scared, would one day come back and get to represent her hometown team,” Macario said. “It’s very special. It’s something I’m very proud of. It will just mean that much more, once I step on the field.”

Catarina Macario, right, holds up her jersey with Camille Ashton, Sporting Director and General Manager, at a news conference held to announce
her signing with the San Diego Wave FC March 27, 2026 in San Diego, Calif. (Photo by Denis Poroy)

Ashton called it “a monumental signing.”

Ashton, formerly Camille Levin, won a national championship with Stanford as a player. She said Macario, who came to Stanford after Ashton turned pro, fits well into the possession-driven, uptempo style the Wave have developed in a season-plus under coach Jonas Eidevall.

“Cat is a world-class player of exceptional quality, intelligence and character,” Ashton said. “Her technical ability, vision and goal-scoring instinct make her one of the most exciting talents in the game today. Just as importantly, she brings a professionalism and competitive drive that will both complement and elevate the high standards already established within our squad.”

Turmoil marked the 2024 season, the franchise’s final one under team president Jill Ellis and coach Casey Stoney.

Ellis fired Stoney, the franchise’s coach since its inception, before midseason. The team’s offense was tedious, leading to a ninth-place finish and the franchise missing the playoff cut for the first time. Ellis, amid reports of a harsh work environment, moved on.

In the first full year under Ashton and Eidevall, the Wave’s offense improved and the team made the playoffs, but was bounced in one game.

Macario will give the Wave a better chance to rebound at the gate and on the pitch from the exodus of popular stars Alex Morgan (retirement in 2024), midfielder Jaedyn Shaw (traded at her request in January 2025) and defender Naomi Girma (who was transferred to Chelsea later that month for $1.1 million).

The Macario signing comes 16 months after Lauren Leichtman and Arthur Levine, founders of a private equity firm in Los Angeles, completed a $120-million purchase of the Wave.

The record contract “just shows how serious they are about me, and getting the club to succeed even more,” Macario said.

NWSL leaders facilitated the deal as well. Ashton said the league’s adoption four months ago of the High Impact Player Rule, allowing an exception to the salary cap, “came at an incredibly good time.”

Macario said she knows several Wave players and played with versatile fullback Perle Morroni on France’s top club team, Lyon.

Given that Macario has scored goals at an extraordinary pace throughout her career — with the Surf, Torrey Pines, Stanford, Lyon and Chelsea — there’s only one major concern about how her Wave career will play out:

Health.

A left ACL injury suffered in the final game of her season with Lyon four years ago cost her a full season.

An irritation in her right knee cost her a spot on the U.S. team that won gold at the 2024 Olympics in France.

She was sidelined in recent months at Chelsea, creating uncertainty about her Wave debut.

“We’re confident her best years are ahead,” Ashton said.

Macario offered no details Friday about when she’ll be ready to play for the Wave, who’ll face Chicago in a home game today.

Smiling, she suggested being in San Diego will improve her health.

“Maybe the skies were a little too gray for me,” she quipped about health setbacks in England and France. “The sunshine will help me heal a little bit quicker.”

For a franchise that was enveloped by clouds in 2024, the forecast grew much brighter Friday.

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San Diego, CA

New Venues in San Diego for Spring 2026 Meetings and Events

Published

14 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

New Venues in San Diego for Spring 2026 Meetings and Events

Here’s a closer look at San Diego’s newest eateries, drinking spots, hotels, conference areas, private rooms, and other spaces available for events this spring. The new and renovated San Diego venues are available for corporate parties, weddings, fundraisers, outdoor functions, business dinners, team-building activities, conferences, meetings, and more.

Roppongi Restaurant & Lounge

Photo: James Tran

Roppongi Restaurant & Lounge has debuted a redesigned dining and lounge space in the heart of La Jolla, blending modern elegance with globally inspired design. Led by restaurateur Sami Ladeki, the venue features standout elements like a gold-brushed statement wall, sculptural ceiling installations by Milan-based artist Mirei Monticello, a dramatic fireplace framed by Buddha statues, and a leathered quartzite bar that anchors the space. The 5,700-square-foot restaurant accommodates up to 230 guests seated or 300 reception-style, with full buyouts available, plus a covered patio with heaters that extends the footprint for year-round events. Additional options include a 12-seat private dining room and two semiprivate spaces for 18 and 34 guests. Executive chef Alfie Szeprethy leads a globally inspired, shareable menu—from sushi and dumplings to wok-fired dishes and signature plates like Polynesian Crab Stack and Japanese hot rock steak—paired with a beverage program featuring premium sake, wine, and craft cocktails.

Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar

Photo: Courtesy of Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar

Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar debuted in November 2025 at The Westgate Hotel in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, offering a design-forward dining destination that blends French culinary tradition with a relaxed California sensibility. Designed by Jacoi Mann, the space features deep blue and gold tones, velvet seating, and softly lit chandeliers, creating a setting that feels both polished and inviting for group dining and social gatherings. The all-day concept is led by executive chef Fabrice Hardel, whose menu reimagines classic French dishes with locally sourced ingredients, from Burgundy escargot and French onion soup to seafood specialties and modern American-inspired plates. Overall, the 222-room Westgate Hotel has 12 meeting and event spaces and four culinary concepts.

Diamond Room

Photo: Eric Scire/Finest Collective

Diamond Room opened in January inside the historic Simon Levi Building at Gallagher Square in San Diego’s Petco Park, bringing an intimate, retro-chic cocktail experience to the Ballpark District. Developed by Patina Group and Finest Collective—the newly rebranded events and hospitality division of the San Diego Padres—the 50-seat lounge channels a late-1970s aesthetic with velvet, leather, mirrors, and a disco ball, creating a moody, design-forward setting for small gatherings and VIP events. The cocktail program focuses on elevated classics with a local twist—like a clarified margarita and a nitro-infused Garibaldi—while a menu of shareable bites complements the experience. The venue also offers interactive “Shaken & Stirred” mixology classes for small groups. Located steps from the Gaslamp Quarter, the space is available for buyouts and group bookings.

Dora Ristorante

Photo: Kimberly Motos

Dora Ristorante opened near the La Jolla Playhouse at UC San Diego, bringing a coastal Italian dining concept from the team behind Cori Trattoria to the city’s theater district. Led by chef Accursio Lota, the restaurant draws inspiration from southern Italy with a California twist, featuring handmade pastas, Mediterranean seafood, and a house gelato program designed for sharing. Located steps from the theater, Dora offers a pre-theater dining experience with a rotating three-course menu inspired by current productions, as well as options for full-service dinners and wine pairings. The venue includes multiple event spaces, from a 14- to 16-seat private dining room to a main dining room, bar lounge, and patio, with full buyouts accommodating up to 130 seated or 180 guests for receptions.

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Photo: Courtesy of Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Paradise Point Resort & Spa has completed a full renovation of its conference center, reimagining more than 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space with a coastal-inspired design and enhanced technology. Located on a 44-acre island in Mission Bay, the refreshed venues—including the Paradise Ballroom, Sunset Ballroom, and Mission Bay Ballroom—feature abundant natural light, flexible layouts, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, with many spaces opening onto waterfront terraces or lawns. Upgrades include integrated lighting, advanced AV capabilities, and high-speed connectivity to support both in-person and hybrid events, alongside sustainability-focused enhancements like LED lighting and eco-conscious materials. Beyond the meeting rooms, groups can take advantage of on-site amenities such as waterfront dining, a full-service spa, five pools, and beachside activities.

Fox Point Farms

Photo: Courtesy of Fox Point Farms

Fox Point Farms in Encinitas is a newly developed regenerative farm and event destination designed for immersive, multi-moment gatherings. The multi-acre working property blends indoor and outdoor venues with on-site food and beverage programs, live music capabilities, and a strong emphasis on sustainability and seasonality, allowing events to flow between gardens, fields, and dining spaces. The venue has already hosted corporate buyouts, private celebrations, and large-scale gatherings, with programming that integrates food, drink, and environment in a way that feels cohesive and place-driven. A standout feature for planners is the on-site wellness studio, which offers private group classes ranging from yoga and Pilates to sound healing and mindfulness.

Wedgewood Weddings at The Headquarters

Photo: Courtesy of Wedgewood Weddings

Wedgewood Weddings at The Headquarters has debuted in San Diego’s Seaport Village, transforming the city’s historic 1939 police headquarters into a 15,000-square-foot event venue that blends art deco heritage with modern design. The waterfront property features a range of flexible spaces for meetings and social events, including the Velvet Lounge, a speakeasy-inspired cocktail space with a circular bar and jewel-toned finishes, and the Gilded Hall, which accommodates up to 280 guests seated beneath exposed beams and statement chandeliers. Additional highlights include two VIP suites—The Rose Room and The Vault—designed for pre-event gatherings and photo moments. Located minutes from the San Diego Convention Center and airport, the venue offers a turnkey option for corporate events, galas, and celebrations within a landmark setting.

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy

Photo: Courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy opened in November 2025, bringing a 334-room hotel with design-forward suites and more than 10,000 square feet of event space to one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Located in the heart of Little Italy, the property offers a range of flexible venues—including the Amici Ballroom and Cardini Boardroom—suited for everything from intimate receptions to conferences. Guest accommodations include spacious, townhouse-style suites with features like lofted layouts, Juliet balconies, and dedicated living areas. On-site amenities include Orexi, a Mediterranean-California restaurant serving shareable plates and cocktails, along with a rooftop Skydeck pool, sunset terrace with a fireplace, and a fitness center with Peloton bikes.

Ox Coffee Roasters

Photo: Courtesy of Ox Coffee Roasters

Ox Coffee Roasters in Mission Valley is now offering its storefront for private events, providing a casual, community-driven setting for small gatherings and interactive experiences. Located near several convention hotels, the venue accommodates up to 40 guests and can host everything from morning mixers to hands-on latte art classes and coffee tastings led by resident expert Chris Dennis, a competitor in national roasting competitions like the U.S. Brewers Cup Championship. In addition to its coffee program, Ox serves tea, including matcha, and a small menu of pastries and light bites, making it a flexible option for low-key networking events, workshops, and group experiences.

Bacari North Park

Photo: Jakob Layman

Bacari North Park opened in February, marking the San Diego debut of the LA-born, family-owned Mediterranean wine bar in one of North Park’s most recognizable two-story buildings. Known for its shareable, seasonally rotating menu, Bacari offers Mediterranean-inspired small plates, wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and an extensive wine list in a setting designed to feel like an elevated dinner party. The new location spans two levels plus an outdoor patio, making it a flexible option for group dining, receptions, and full buyouts.

NÓMADA

Photo: Kimberly Motos

NÓMADA opened in Carlsbad from Grand Restaurant Group, bringing a regionally driven Mexican dining concept inspired by chef Alex Carballo’s Sinaloan roots and travels throughout Mexico’s coastal and agricultural regions. The menu highlights traditional techniques with a focus on coastal seafood, featuring dishes like Birria Chimichanga Bites, Duck Mole Taco Trio, and Cochinita Pibil. Designed for gatherings, the restaurant offers a mix of indoor dining rooms, an open-air patio, and a lively bar with a live music stage, creating a flexible setting for group dining, celebrations, and private events.

Life Time Otay Ranch

Photo: Robert Reyes

Life Time Otay Ranch opened in December 2025 in Chula Vista as the brand’s first San Diego-area destination built from the ground up, bringing a 150,000-square-foot athletic country club and wellness-focused gathering space to South County. Designed as a two-level, all-in-one lifestyle hub, the property features a 26,000-square-foot workout floor, dedicated group training studios, indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, and a more than 50,000-square-foot outdoor beach club with pools, dining, and lounge areas. In addition to fitness and recreation, the venue includes a Kids Academy, LifeSpa, and LifeCafe, making it a versatile option for wellness-driven corporate events, team-building experiences, and community-focused gatherings.

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San Diego, CA

Sir Mohamed Mansour brought a global movement to San Diego, and nearly won MLS Cup in Year 1

Published

2 days ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

Sir Mohamed Mansour brought a global movement to San Diego, and nearly won MLS Cup in Year 1

As Sir Mohamed Mansour was finalizing a deal with the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation to invest in San Diego FC in 2022, he reflected on their combined history. The Sycuan said they’d lived in the San Diego region for 12,000 years. Mansour looked to his own Egyptian culture’s 7,000-year existence.

“If we have 19,000 years of history we can’t lose,” said the 78-year-old.

When San Diego FC finally lost in the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs, it was in the Western Conference finals, capping the best debut season in the league’s history. Mansour spoke about the experience Thursday morning during the Business of Soccer conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

“The first game, to me, meant everything. That night was a sleepless night because I’m very passionate about soccer,” he said.

Mansour would have settled for a respectable loss; they were playing defending MLS Cup champs L.A. Galaxy. But San Diego FC scored twice unanswered, winning the opener. And another sleepless night ensued.

Mansour discussed early life health issues, including being hit by a car when he was 10 years old, which left him bed-ridden for three years. He read American comic books and studied. His family’s wealth was confiscated by the Egyptian government during a 1965 revolution, and he later beat cancer as a 20-year-old while studying in the U.S.

Now the billionaire chairman of Mansour Group, an Egyptian conglomerate owned by his family, Mansour is also chairman of the Right To Dream Academy, which has made San Diego its fifth outpost. San Diego FC’s $150M Sharp HealthCare Performance Center includes residences and a school for Right To Dream participants in the club’s academy system. Mansour mentioned his plans to construct 100 pitches for underprivileged kids in San Diego.

“We are more than a football academy. We’re a global movement, built upon the belief that everyone has the right to dream,” said Mansour. “We’ve been rewriting the rules of talent development for over 20 years, guided by our core belief that excellence can be found anywhere.”

While creating hundreds of opportunities for children in underdeveloped countries, Right to Dream has generated tens of millions of euros in transfer fees for clubs within the network.

Mansour, who graduated from N.C. State in 1968 with an engineering degree and then earned a Masters’ from Auburn, differs from many MLS owners because he is a native soccer fan, he had extensive soccer business experience, and even an idea of how he’d like his team to play (possession-based).

Asked which he’d prefer — for Egypt to win the World Cup or San Diego FC to win MLS Cup — Mansour answered the United States (to win the World Cup) and San Diego FC to win MLS Cup.

“I tell you why. I’m a businessman too,” he said, grinning. “And if the US does well in this World Cup, soccer is going to grow.”

Rapid fire with Sir Mohamed Mansour

Comic book hero: Superman

Kryptonite: Worrying

Favorite athlete: Michael Jordan

Favorite soccer player: Mohamed Salah

Childhood hero: His father

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