San Diego, CA

San Diego thinks it’s found a way to fix its crumbling infrastructure faster

Published

2 months ago

October 16, 2025

San Diego thinks it’s found a way to fix its crumbling infrastructure faster

San Diego is stepping up its efforts to tackle billions in overdue infrastructure projects by shifting to a model where contractors help design projects, instead of just building ones already designed by city engineers.

Officials expect the new model, which the City Council approved last week, to reduce cost overruns, improve quality, boost transparency and help the city tackle its massive infrastructure backlog more quickly.

“These changes aim to help the city meet growing infrastructure needs by streamlining the capital improvement program, enhancing public works contracts and encouraging innovation,” said city engineer Rania Amen. “This diversified approach will enable the city to better manage costs, schedules, risks and quality.”

City officials say the new method will be used for large and complex upcoming projects like the Hodges Dam replacement, convention center expansion and new drainage channels in parts of southeastern San Diego that flooded in January 2024.

They say early collaboration between a contractor and city officials boosts understanding of project goals and agreement on them, making projects easier to build and allowing innovations that improve quality.

San Diego faces nearly $12 billion in infrastructure projects over the next five years, and the city expects to have only about $5.5 billion to spend on infrastructure during that time.

That leaves a $6.5 billion gap, which is the largest ever. And the gap has more than tripled since early 2020, when city officials estimated it at $2.16 billion.

Officials say the new method could help them more quickly replace the city’s daunting amount of aging infrastructure — a result of so much of it having been built during the city’s population boom of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.

Because contractors will be chosen based on qualifications instead of submitting the lowest bid, costs for some projects may be higher, city officials said.

But because the new model fosters earlier collaboration between the city and the contractor, cost overruns are much less likely and savings from mutually agreed-upon value engineering are more likely, they said.

Some projects might start more slowly because a contractor must be chosen before design begins, but the new model is likely to end up being faster overall because it will eliminate some tasks now handled sequentially, the city’s independent budget analyst said.

A key element of the process is the contractor being required, partway through the design process, to propose a guaranteed maximum price. The city can either accept that price or reject it and find another contractor.

Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera called the new model an important change in city policy.

“We’ve actually missed out by not having these tools in the city’s toolbox,” he said.

The new tools are called “progressive design-build” and “construction manager at risk.” The key difference from the city’s existing policy is that contractors will participate in design.

The city’s existing process has design work being completed either by city engineers or outside architects before a contractor is chosen — a decision based on which contractor submits the lowest bid.

City officials said that method will still be used for smaller projects with clear scopes and fully developed plans.

They said the progressive design-build approach will be used for projects that require significant innovation and that face potential permitting and regulation headaches, such as sewer and water projects.

They said the “construction manager at risk” approach would likely be used for projects that require more design work, such as dams and large buildings.

Officials said other city projects that are candidates for the new method include Fire Station 49 in Otay Mesa, a proposed joint training facility for police and firefighters in Kearny Mesa and Phase Two of Pure Water — the city’s sewage recycling system.

Construction crews work on the Pure Water facility in mid-September 2024. (Ana Ramirez / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

While San Diego hasn’t previously used these construction methods, many other local agencies have since they first became common about a decade ago.

They were used to build the new Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport, the sheriff’s Ramona substation and the San Diego Trolley’s Blue Line extension to University City.

“Early contractor involvement is critical,” said Matthew Fleming, a local contractor.

Michael Daneshvar of Turner Construction said the new method is the right move.

“It’s better value for the city of San Diego and better value for the taxpayers,” he said.

Mike Guzzi of Clark Construction said shifting to the new method will encourage higher-quality contractors to pursue the city’s projects.

“I think all of the major, competent and qualified general contractors in the area will lean more into San Diego projects,” he said.

Councilmember Marni von Wilpert said it can’t hurt for the city to have multiple possible ways to tackle projects.

“We need to broaden the options,” she said.

An aerial view of the San Diego Convention Center, as pictured on Aug. 4, 2025. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

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San Diego, CA

Two San Diego Police Officers Struck by Alleged DUI Driver

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Press Room

Two San Diego Police Officers Struck by Alleged DUI Driver

PACIFIC BEACH (CNS) – Two San Diego police officers who were on foot in a Pacific Beach intersection were struck tonight by a car operated by a wrong-way driver who was believed intoxicated.

The crash occurred at 8:25 p.m. Saturday in the intersection of Thomas Avenue and Mission Boulevard, San Diego Police Department Officer Anthony Carrosco told City News Service.

The suspect’s Honda Civic was eastbound in westbound lanes when it struck the on-duty officers, Carrosco said. It was unclear what the officers were doing in the roadway.

One officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken by ambulance to a trauma center, he said. The other officer was not injured.

The man driving the Honda was arrested for suspicion of felony DUI, Carrosco said. The man’s name and age were not immediately released.

The intersection was closed for the investigation, he said.

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San Diego, CA

Nick Canepa: Latest College Football Playoff flap has me defending Notre Dame

Published

22 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Press Room

Nick Canepa: Latest College Football Playoff flap has me defending Notre Dame

Sez Me …

We should have known better. I’m an idiot for not guessing that making sense out of the College Football Playoffs would be about as pleasurable as getting a colonoscopy with a rusted rake left out in the snow.

As far back as I can remember — and those of us over 50 know this Unsocial Media’s Generation’s memory goes back a week — I’ve been shouting from the rooftops that we must have a college football playoff.

(Although I will admit to not spending much time on rooftops lately, now that TV antennas have gone the way of the carburetor.)

A four-team tournament was a good start, but obviously not large enough. When it went to 12, it appeared to be the ideal number. Those who bitched over not making the final four now were going to get a chance to prove themselves on the field of play.

The big deal today is Notre Dame being left out of the top 12, with James Madison and Tulane getting in because the system allows conference champions. Notre Dame is independent, thus no conference — in football only.

This is a real shame.

As you know, I’m no fan of the Irish. Up to this minute, they’ve been privileged beyond belief. Both ND and Miami finished with 10-2 records, but the Irish lost to the Hurricanes in the opener, and by the time the selection committee made its final list, it took head-to-head into account. Which is the way it should be, when both teams finish with the same records.

Pouting Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua, whose school has chosen not to appear in a menial (for them) bowl game, says few schools ever have had a more successful run than ND.

The programs the Irish beat in that 10-game span had an overall record of 55-65. Historic.

Despite all that, ND was one of the few teams that seemed capable of winning the national title. It certainly belonged in over Alabama, but the SEC has special powers.

The Irish will be in it soon enough. I suspect the tournament will balloon to 16 teams. The problem now is that with NIL and rampant portal transferring, we have parity as we’ve never had it before. And that’s not a good thing. It will be much harder for the James Madisons of the world to make it.

But this isn’t basketball. It doesn’t deserve to be in.

The Dukes lost 28-14 to Louisville, their only power conference opponent (and not a good one). And they’re a three-touchdown underdog to Oregon in the tournament. Notre Dame and Oregon would be close.

But that’s just too damn bad. …

Indiana’s Curt Cignetti is the most dour head football coach at any level I’ve seen. You can sit this guy down in front of “Blazing Saddles” and he’s watching “Camille.” …

Curt isn’t winning the national title, but he’s done a helluva job at Bob Knight’s school. Come to think of it, he’s Bob without the chair. …

The Eagles’ Nick Sirianni, who is leaning at the tape as the worst head coach to win a Super Bowl, worked all week with the Philly offense. Jalen Hurts had a 31.2 passer rating vs. the NFL Team That Used To Be Here on Monday night. Smokey Gaines, where are you? That’s 31.2 more than a dead man. …

Daiyan Henley tackling Tony Jefferson after his overtime pick vs. the Eagles was wise. But because it was OT, even if Jefferson had fumbled it away and Philly recovered, the game would have been over. No extra possessions allowed in OT. …

Philip Rivers, 44, who last played football in 2020, should stay as far away from the NFL as humanly possible, perhaps have another child. Alas, he can’t help himself. …

Philip has been signed by the Colts, moving his Hall of Fame eligibility up five more years — which could mean a few more kids. …

But he’s going to play. Probably Sunday. You know that. …

In fact, I’m certain Philip eventually will become the first great-grandfather to play in The League. …

Philip has to be in better shape than Justin Herbert, no? …

Jim Harbaugh is right. Herbert is a superhero. …

Patrick Mahomes is a great quarterback. But he is a lousy quarterback under pressure. Always has been. Except there’s more pressure now. Still, if the Judases give him time to throw Sunday, adios J’s. …

With that offensive line protecting Herbert the way Sarajevo cops guarded Archduke Franz Ferdinand, it remains a wonder the Judases can win a game. But it’s December, when defense matters. …

Told you. Joe Burrow is Andrew Luck waiting to happen. …

The only games the NFL should play on Christmas Day are the ones the athletes and coaches bought for the kids to open. …

Todd Bowles, we know you can cuss. Try coaching better before driving the bus over your players. …

Bill Johnston, for 39 years publicist for the NFL Team That Used To Be Here, and serving for the last nine with the Padres, is retiring. He learned from the best, Rick Smith, a bulldog, and Bill had that attitude as he battled relentlessly beside wife Ramona through her two-decade battle with Huntington’s Disease. One of the finest men I’ve known. …

Sherrone Moore has been fired as Michigan’s football coach because of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Sherrone then lost it and got thrown in stir for stalking and home invasion. Lane Kiffin still has time to change his mind and go to Ann Arbor. …

The Michigan job is near the top. Great history. Unlimited resources. …

USC’s Makai Lemon was the best receiver I saw all year. So he won the Biletnikoff Award. Amazing. Others agreed with me. …

The Padres have signed reliever Daison Acosta. Now there’s one with some teeth. …

The Padres and Diamondbacks will meet in Mexico City April 25 and 26? Why? Plenty of Mexican food here, and Richardson’s in Phoenix is the best Mexican in America. OK, international games are stupid. …

Now in his second year in the Fox booth, Tom Brady is getting better as he tries to earn all of that 10-year, $375 million salary. It’s what happens when Bill Belichick tells him what to say. …

Happens every week. During Steelers-Ravens, the officials screwed the Ravens into Fort McHenry. …

Officials finally got something right. They called 19 accepted penalties on the pathetic Falcons Thursday night vs. the Bucs. Atlanta still won. …

Hey, Bicycle Mayor and His Ham & Eggers: Have you taken a ride south on Kettner toward the I-5 South onramp, featuring the Rick Schloss bump? Hope you have four-wheel drive. What a disgrace. Welcome to San Diego, rental car users. …

Jeff Kent was a good baseball player. I never considered him a Hall of Famer. Still don’t. …

Army-Navy. Fastest game. As though Randy Jones were pitching. …

I was at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, which, I believe, makes me eligible for the FIFA Peace Prize. …

How can whistles be that clean?

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San Diego, CA

San Diego State Edge Plans to Enter Transfer Portal After Rob Aurich Takes Nebraska Job

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

San Diego State Edge Plans to Enter Transfer Portal After Rob Aurich Takes Nebraska Job

Nebraska’s defensive line overhaul under new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich is already appearing to create potential landing spots for veteran defenders across the country.

Less than a week after news broke that Aurich would be Nebraska’s next defensive coordinator, San Diego State junior and former three-star edge August Salvati announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal when it opens in January.

While it instantly creates a potential connection between the soon-to-be senior and his former coach, Salvati becomes a name to watch for a Nebraska program that is believed to be taking an aggressive approach to shoring up both lines of scrimmage over the offseason.

For the veteran defender, the move comes after his most productive collegiate season to date. With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about the Clearwater, FL native

In 2025, Salvati totaled six tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one interception during the regular season while helping Aurich boast the nation’s No. 7 total defense for the year. His snap count was modest, but the production still stands, as Salvati’s sack total would instantly become a team-high on Nebraska’s squad during the same timeframe.

To put in the context the stark contrast between the Husker’s and Aztec’s ability to affect the passer, Salvati’s 3.5 sacks raked fifth highest on his team this fall. Three other San Diego State defenders totaled more than 6.5 sacks alone.

With that in mind, Salvati’s role under Aurich in the Golden State was situational, and he appears to be looking to parlay his success this year into a more impactful one in 2026. For a Nebraska program that needs all the help they can get, the veteran defender likely becomes attractive to Matt Rhule’s staff.

Salvati’s career mirrors that of many players in the modern era of college football. Out of high school, the 6-foot-3, 245-pound defender took his talents to Kilgore College in Texas. There, his first season of collegiate ball became a resounding success. Salvati totaled 29 tackles, 7.0 sacks, and a fumble recovery on his way to earning SWJCFC honors.

He then transferred to Florida Atlantic in 2024. In his lone season in Boca Raton, Salvati appeared in one game without recording any stats. After the season, that is where his timeline connects him to Aurich. Entering the transfer portal around this time last year, the, at the time, junior moved across the country to join Aurich’s Aztec squad, and the rest is history.

Rob Aurich has coached at Bemidji State, Idaho, South Dakota, and SDSU. | San Diego State Athletics

Under Aurich, San Diego State took a tremendous jump. In a season that saw the Aztecs go 9-3, Aurich oversaw a defense that allowed just 266.7 yards per game while holding opponents to 12.6 points on average.

His group slashed its yardage allowed by more than 154 yards per game en route to shutting out three different opponents on the year. The Aztecs also excelled in the area that Nebraska’s defense struggled in this fall. The Huskers totaled 19 sacks in 12 regular-season games, compared to the Aztecs’ 32. San Diego State also recorded the best red zone defense in all of college football, whereas Nebraska was slotted second-to-last.

On paper, the hire appears to be one in which Rhule struck gold. Every stop that Aurich has been, his teams have improved, and players have developed into all-conference level athletes. That’s yet another area the Huskers have struggled at in recent years. But from Aurich’s addition and impending announcements regarding Nebraska’s defensive line coaching position, the Huskers seem to be attempting to turn the page in that regard.

Whether Salvati does indeed end up in Lincoln next fall, or is just another name potentially linked to the Huskers’ program, Nebraska’s defense seems to be in good hands moving forward. Aurich has repeatedly proved himself to be resourceful and now has the resources needed to make an even bigger jump. Believe it or not, the Huskers are significantly more aligned in the NIL and revenue-sharing era of college football than any of their new defensive coordinator’s previous stops.

While that doesn’t mean the Huskers now have an unlimited budget, it does mean Aurich will not be limited while making additions over the coming months. He’s shown he can turn role players into NFL Draft picks, and now he’ll be asked to do the same at Nebraska.

For now, Aurich gets himself adjusted to Lincoln, but before you know it, he’ll be adding his first wave of reinforcements to his squad. The transfer portal opening date is just under three weeks away; expect more news to be had as soon as it hits.

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