Bright-blue Velella velella have washed ashore in huge numbers along California’s coast, carpeting beaches from the Bay Area to Southern California while experts say they’re mostly harmless.

San Diego County closed the Campland beachline in Mission Bay after water tests flagged contamination. Swimmers, paddlers and pets should avoid water contact while samples are retested.

A $1.1 billion makeover will turn the former El Toro base into a 1,300‑acre Great Park with a 10,000‑seat amphitheater, lakes, a 90,000‑sq‑ft retail hub and a 400‑ft balloon.

A donated play structure and a quick city installation should return a playground to Fanuel Street Park by Memorial Day as larger Mission Bay upgrades continue.

A mountain lion dove beneath a parked car in Escondido Monday as police and wildlife crews converged. Neighbors were warned to avoid the 700 block of N. Grape St.

SeaWorld says Marc, an injured sea lion, remains mobile on San Diego cliffs; crews ask the public to keep back and report sightings to 1‑800‑541‑SEAL.

A Clairemont hiker says overgrown brush, dead trees and invasive palms on Keller Canyon trail and Marian Bear Park could fuel a wildfire; she says Get It Done reports went unanswered.

A dead whale was found floating off San Diego County and towed offshore by lifeguards; officials warned beachgoers as sharks and other scavengers were sighted nearby.

Supervisors voted to reopen environmental review of the Alpine Community Park after a court found gaps in the project's EIR. The move pauses approvals while the county revises the report.

CAL FIRE and California State Parks will run a prescribed burn on April 22 near Middle Peak south of Lake Cuyamaca; smoke is expected to be visible across San Diego County.

A new Mangrove Threat Index from Scripps and Mexican partners scores patches 0–1 to identify forests at immediate risk and guide protection. Local tests in La Paz show the index predicts where losses are likely to happen.

A rotten‑egg sulfur smell sent residents near Frazee and SR‑76 online Tuesday; the city suggested nearby Talone Lake as a possible source. County and federal guidance explain why wetlands can emit the odor and when to get help.

A planned prescribed burn in Jeff Valley may send visible smoke across Palomar Mountain; officials ask residents not to report the smoke and to check air-quality updates.