Sheila Pell

1 week ago | sandiegoreader.com | Sheila Pell

A new report by University of California researchers warns that it’s time to get serious about dust storms. Historical records suggest the state’s dust emissions are now higher than ever, while the forecast points to increasing dustiness and a rising toll on public health, the environment and farming. Windblown soil is a feature of the state’s desert lands, and it can wind up in oceans, mountains and valleys thousands of miles away, scientists say.

2 weeks ago | sandiegoreader.com | Sheila Pell

Carlsbad residents pay less for water than other cities around the county, but rates are about to jump. A 20 percent increase in July will add $25.30 to the average customer bill, with more to come. The Carlsbad City Council voted 4-1 last week to raise rates for water, sewer and recycled water that will bring additional increases in Jan. 2026 and 2027, for a total of $61.75, or 49% over the current rate.

3 weeks ago | sandiegoreader.com | Sheila Pell

Too many bus drivers are taking the off ramp to easier jobs, transit officials say. San Diego Metropolitan Transit System's hardest job to fill currently has 24 vacancies. The majority say they're leaving for less demanding work like delivering packages for Amazon or collecting trash for Republic Services. "It's not an easy job," said Thuy Nguyen, who oversees recruitment for the agency. "They're having to give up their weekends, their nights, working holidays, working split shifts.

4 weeks ago | sandiegoreader.com | Sheila Pell

To encourage cycling and walking on scenic highway 101, Encinitas built a protected bike lane along the north and southbound shoulders between Chesterfield Drive in Cardiff and Solana Beach to the south. Soon after the low concrete barriers went up in 2020, there were reports of crashes and injuries. Walkers and slower recreational riders were using the bike lane; faster "spandex riders" were choosing the sharrows; and people were weaving around the wheel stops and bollards.

1 month ago | sandiegoreader.com | Sheila Pell

And forget about San Dieguito Lagoon Since the pandemic, e-bikes have been a growing share of the transportation mix of objects moving at different speeds on roads, trails, and sidewalks. Riders of all experience levels jostle and merge — or try to. The result: collisions and regulations.