As Trees Grow in Storm Drains

August 21, 2025

In Valencia Park, San Diego, a storm drain filled with trees and debris serves as a stark reminder of the January 22, 2024 flooding that devastated District 4 neighborhoods. Martha Abraham argues this disaster resulted not just from extreme weather but from deliberate neglect of aging infrastructure in an area officially labeled a "Community of Concern" by city officials. She identifies this neglect as environmental racism stemming from redlining and disinvestment, with maintenance requests going unanswered while residents faced catastrophic flooding that destroyed homes and disrupted public transportation.

Who is affected

Residents of District 4 in San Diego, specifically neighborhoods like Valencia Park
Parents who waded through floodwater to rescue their children
Elderly residents whose homes were damaged by mud
Families who "lost everything" in the flooding
Community members whose infrastructure maintenance requests have been ignored
Users of the Orange Line transportation service that was shut down for months

What action is being taken

Martha Abraham is running for San Diego City Council to represent District 4
Residents are submitting "Get-It-Done" requests regarding infrastructure issues
Community members are anticipating future storms without municipal support
Vegetation and debris continue to accumulate in neglected storm drains

Why it matters

The neglected infrastructure caused preventable flooding that destroyed homes, businesses, schools, and churches
The situation represents what Abraham calls "environmental racism" and "institutional neglect"
The flooding reflects broader issues of disinvestment and redlining in the community
The Orange Line transportation service was disrupted for months, affecting mobility
The community is designated as a "Community of Concern" but still faces infrastructure neglect
Residents are paying taxes that are regularly collected and increased without receiving adequate services

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint