🌱 Patch AM: Imperial Beach arrest follows disturbing string of antisemitic graffiti

Good morning Imperial Beach! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Imperial Beach arrest follows disturbing string of antisemitic graffiti
• What new hydrogen sulfide data at Imperial Beach Civic Center reveals
• What a new federal health report just revealed about Imperial Beach air.

Also on today's calendar: OCEAN BLUFFS Annual Bazaar, Saturday October 3, 8am-noon and 7 more events.

Today's riddle: Riddle: David's parents have three sons: Snap, Crackle, and what's the name of the third son? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Saturday: Partly sunny and humid, with a high of 79 and low of 68 degrees.
• Sunday: Partly sunny and humid, temps: high: 80, low: 65.
• Monday: Mostly sunny and humid, with a high of 77 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Onetime 'world's youngest hacker' arrested on suspicion of antisemitic vandalism of SoCal homes (latimes.com subscription) — An 18‑year‑old was arrested in Imperial Beach on suspicion of repeatedly scrawling antisemitic graffiti on nearby homes, after deputies reviewed surveillance video and tracked him to an alley where vandalism had occurred. The case, now charged as hate‑motivated vandalism, has left affected residents feeling shaken, and authorities are asking anyone with additional information to contact the Sheriff's Office or Crime Stoppers.
   

2. Elevated Hydrogen Sulfide Levels Pose Health Risks in Tijuana River Valley, Federal Report Finds (edhat.com) — Hydrogen sulfide pollution from the Tijuana River Valley is being closely tracked right at the Imperial Beach Civic Center, where federal and county monitors have recorded elevated levels tied to sewage flows. A new health report links the rotten‑egg odor to headaches, nausea, and stress for South Bay residents, and outlines resources like real‑time monitoring and free air purifiers while U.S.‑Mexico infrastructure fixes continue through 2027.
   

3. DAILY DIGEST, 9/25: Nearly 70% of California is 'abnormally dry' as drought, El Niño strengthens; Solano County Supervisors put spotlight on Delta, its diversity; Report shows major progress in Califo (mavensnotebook.com subscription) — A new federal health report confirms that hydrogen sulfide from the long-running Tijuana sewage crisis is polluting air, soil, and water in Imperial Beach, posing a documented public health hazard. Researchers detected the toxic gas in most samples from South Bay neighborhoods, including around a local elementary school, and linked it to decades of sewage and failing infrastructure, especially impacting Latino and outdoor workers.
   

4. Community Development Block Grant 2027- 2028 (California) (fundsforngos.org) — If you live or work in Imperial Beach, this notice matters because the city runs its own Community Development Block Grant program separate from the County's new application cycle. The County explains who can apply for its CDBG funds, what kinds of housing and community projects qualify, and clarifies that projects primarily serving Imperial Beach residents must instead go through the city's own process.
   

5. It's official: Coronado is the newest addition to San Diego Community Power – San Diego Union-Tribune (sandiegouniontribune.com) — Imperial Beach residents are already part of San Diego Community Power, and now neighboring Coronado has officially joined the program, expanding the regional customer base. The article explains how the CCA works, compares its renewable energy options and prices with SDG&E, and outlines what enrollment and billing look like for participating cities across the South Bay.
   

📸 Around Imperial Beach

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Imperial Beach

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Monday September 28
• Varsity Flag Football vs Chula Vista
  Southwest High School, 1685 Hollister St, San Diego
  5:00 pm
Wednesday September 30
• Bilingual Storytime / Hora de Cuento Bilingüe
  Otay Mesa Branch Library, 3003 Coronado Ave., San Diego
  10:30 am
• Digital Navigator one-on-one assistance
  Otay Mesa Branch Library, 3003 Coronado Ave., San Diego
  11:30 am
• Flag Football Vs Sweetwater
  Montgomery High School, 3250 Palm Ave, San Diego
  4:00 pm
• LEGO Creators Club
  San Ysidro Branch Library, 4235 Beyer Blvd, San Diego
  4:00 pm
Thursday October 1
• Girls Volleyball @ Julian
  Julian Union High School, 1656 CA-78, Julian
  4:00 pm
Friday October 2
• Varsity Football @ Mater Dei
  Mater Dei Catholic High School, 1615 Mater Dei Dr, Chula Vista
  6:30 pm
Saturday October 3
• Cross Country - Sundevil Invite
  Morley Field Sports Complex, 2221 Morley Field Dr, San Diego
  8:00 am
• OCEAN BLUFFS Annual Bazaar, Saturday October 3, 8am-noon →
  3340 Del Sol Blvd, Otay Mesa West
  8:00 am
Wednesday October 14
• CSA San Diego County Fair Housing Workshop →
  9:00 am

📣 Imperial Beach Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Saturday September 26
• PAWS to Read! /Perros para leer!
  Logan Heights Branch Library, 567 S. 28th St., San Diego
  10:00 am
• Reggae Bash World San Diego →
  3008 Main Street, Chula Vista
  10:00 pm
Sunday September 27
• 2026 San Diego Regional →
  Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado
• Costas Tacos and Tours →
  920 Avenida Neptuno, Chula Vista
  11:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• It is the HEART OF THE BEAST —Jeri Jacquin Read on Patch
• Friends Travel to FORGOTTEN ISLAND —Jeri Jacquin Read on Patch

• Hey everyone, due to financial and personal reasons I have my 9 month old MC kitten Max that's need to be Rehomed .
  My priority is finding a safe, caring home with someone who understands the needs of a MC and is prepared for the time, attention, grooming, and… (Nextdoor Nestor-Egger Highlands Central)

• Big 5 Sporting Goods posted a job opening for Assistant Manager - Part Time in Imperial Beach. Apply here.
• Verge Mobile, LLC posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate, Verge Mobile, a T-Mobile Authorized Retailer - Imperial Beach, CA in Imperial Beach. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Imperial Beach here.

Ok Imperial Beach! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: David (Thank you Thomas F. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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