Capital Plan 2026 - 2031

Did you know the San Dieguito Watershed Water Quality Improvement Plan identifies bacteria as a priority pollutant?

The County’s Watershed Protection Program (WPP) works to protect local waterways by preventing pollutants from entering the County’s storm drain system. One way that WPP advances this mission is through the implementation of green infrastructure projects throughout the County.

The stormwater program is different from other construction projects on the County’s Capital Plan. It’s mandated by the State through a stormwater permit issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board. This drives the County to reduce pollution in watersheds where an unincorporated footprint exists by delivering projects that reduce pollution like trash, bacteria and other contaminants from stormwater runoff.

The recent 4S Ranch Park Biofiltration project incorporates green infrastructure elements like a biofiltration basin and drainage improvements that together capture and treat runoff from approximately 1.2 acres of previously untreated drainage area. And the Goldentop Road Water Quality Improvement project includes a trash capture device capable of removing nearly 1,000 gallons of trash from local waterways.

To learn more about these and other stormwater projects, click here.

Opened in 1978, Vista Detention Facility is owned by the County of San Diego and operated by the San Diego County Sheriff's Office. The facility has been remodeled and expanded twice, bringing its rated capacity to 807. The detention facility sees about 13,660 jail bookings per year. The Sheriff's vision for a new North County facility will prioritize public safety by emphasizing programming and mental health support, positive behavior change, reducing recidivism, and encouraging staff wellness.

Vista Detention Facility (VDF) is the only jail in North County serving the unincorporated area and incorporated cities. The detained population at VDF consists primarily of incarcerated persons awaiting court proceedings for North County cases. In addition, VDF houses individuals with medical challenges, those under psychiatric care, an administrative separation unit, as well as defendants facing high-publicity trials. VDF provides a wide range of medical and psychiatric services, including infectious disease control, X-ray, and dental care. Services are provided by physicians, psychiatrists, dentists, nurses, and clinical social workers in addition to sworn deputies. There are 142 County and Sheriff's employees who work at the detention facility.

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COMMUNITY EVENT

The North County Detention and Re-Entry Facility is a phased project that is currently in Pre-Construction and includes several years of Planning and Design. Sheriff will host a community event in early 2026 to share the project Master Plan, initial scope and timeline. For more information, visit the Sheriff's Office website.

The 2026-2031 Draft Capital Plan is now available! The 5-year plan focuses on taking care of our existing infrastructure, ensuring that the facilities you’re already using remain at their best, and that the County team can continue to provide critical services and resources to our residents. This plan further strengthens our commitment to improving the safety and wellbeing of our community through various Public Safety, Behavioral Health, Parks, and Library capital projects.

We invite you to review the Draft Capital Plan and use the Comment on the Capital Plan tool to submit your feedback.

The Draft Capital Plan will be presented to the Board of Supervisors for approval in Spring 2026.

Our commitment to mental wellbeing continues!

The Children’s Crisis Residential Care project will expand access to behavioral health care by establishing new infrastructure and services to support Medi-Cal eligible children and youth experiencing mental health crises. Current plans are to establish a 15-bed program that provides alternative placement to psychiatric hospitalization. This safe “step-down” from acute inpatient care will improve the mental health and behavioral functioning of clients by stabilizing acute crisis symptoms before transitioning to a lower level of care.

The project was approved by the Board in Spring 2025 and is currently in pre-construction. Construction kickoff is targeted for February 2026 with anticipated completion in March 2027. This service type will be the first of its kind in San Diego. The program will be located in the North Central Region and will serve clients countywide.

For more information on this and other HHSA capital projects, please contact Adonis Relieve Jr. or visit their website.

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CHECK YOUR MOOD

This annual event aims to promote and raise awareness of mental health topics through the observance of National Depression Screening Day and Mental Illness Awareness Week. These efforts aim to de-stigmatize mental health screenings, empower individuals to seek help, and raise awareness of the global impact of depression. Check our page for more information!

Have you seen the outdoor improvements at Heritage Park?

The historic site in San Diego’s Old Town District attracts nearly 6 million visitors annually. Its location is ideal for overnight stays and is popular with locals for its restaurants and shops. The Board of Supervisors approved the District 4 Heritage County Park Improvements project in December 2022.

Phase 1 outdoor improvements were completed in July 2025. The next phase will rehabilitate four Victorian-era buildings into up to 23 overnight guest rooms, suites, and ADA-accessible lodging. Improvements also include community spaces, a check-in area, upgraded park offices in Senlis Cottage, and parking lot upgrades.

These enhancements will improve public access to Heritage Park and create expanded opportunities for public and private events such as weddings, meetings, and educational field trips for local schools and community groups.

For more information on this and other County Parks capital projects, please contact Kasia Trojanowska or visit their website.

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OCTOBER IS HAWKTOBER!

Hawktober is our annual celebration of local birds of prey, including hawks, owls, and falcons. This marks the event's seventh year offering FREE workshops at parks, campgrounds and wilderness preserves across San Diego County. Click here for more information!

A new fire station is coming to Descanso!

County Fire's next priority capital project is Descanso Fire Station 45. With the current station originally constructed in 1940, it’s time for a new modern and resilient facility. We look forward to shifting this project from the Planning List to the 2026-2031 Capital Plan. Health, safety, and quality of life will be enhanced by state-of-the-art design, sustainable construction, and improved living quarters. This new station will strengthen County Fire’s response capabilities and better serve the community’s evolving needs.

For more information on this and other County Fire capital projects, please contact Monica Toledo or visit their website.

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Join us on Saturday, September 13 at Station 80 in Ramona for an Open House from 10am to 1pm. Fire Engine Tours, games and prizes, fire extinguisher training, and more! 829 San Vicente Road, Ramona, CA 92065

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Periodically throughout the Capital Plan cycle, we'll be providing a sneak peek to our planning process.

Make sure to check back soon for more Department Spotlights!