The goal – ‘zero days of beach closure’ from Tijuana River sewage. Experts ponder if it’s possible to get there
South County has endured the Tijuana River sewage crisis for decades, with untreated wastewater forcing prolonged beach closures, fouling the air and raising persistent public health concerns from Imperial Beach to Coronado. At a public panel, local leaders, scientists and advocates warned the crisis is worsening while outlining solutions ranging from wastewater infrastructure upgrades to stronger binational cooperation and expanded federal investment. Despite frustration over years of delays, speakers said coordinated action offers the best path toward restoring the region's beaches and protecting nearby communities.
UCSD professors make up largest group of UC faculty supporting return of SAT, ACT for admissions
More than 1,400 University of California faculty members, including hundreds from UC San Diego, are urging the university system to restore SAT and ACT testing for STEM admissions, arguing that growing numbers of underprepared students are straining instructors and weakening readiness for college-level math. Faculty cited a UC San Diego report showing a sharp increase in students requiring remedial math support since the UC system adopted test-blind admissions in 2020. Critics maintain standardized tests can disadvantage low-income applicants and fail to fully capture academic potential.
Pacific Beach students honored as Hope of America for leadership, academic excellence
Students across Pacific Beach were recognized this week with the Hope of America award, honoring leadership, character and academic excellence. Presented annually by the Kiwanis Club of Pacific Beach, the award surprised students during a breakfast ceremony attended by their families and teachers. Educators praised recipients for their responsibility, self-discipline and compassion, saying many students underestimate their own impact in the classroom and community.
UCSD’s Kirklanders scarf down mountain of Costco chicken, building on rotisserie tradition
UC San Diego students gathered at the Epstein Amphitheater as the university’s Costco Club continued its quirky end-of-year tradition: devouring dozens of Costco rotisserie chickens. This year, club members consumed 60 chickens while celebrating the passing of leadership from outgoing president Jacob Hoang to the next generation. What began as a viral one-man eating challenge has evolved into a campus spectacle drawing crowds, raffles and social media attention — cementing the Costco Club’s strange but beloved legacy at UCSD.
UCSD, San Diego State part of widespread attack on Canvas education platform
Hackers linked to the cybercriminal group ShinyHunters disrupted the Canvas learning platform Thursday, locking students at University of California San Diego and San Diego State University out of coursework and finals materials. A ransom message threatened to leak data from thousands of schools if payment was not made by May 12. Universities nationwide reported outages as Canvas owner Instructure placed the platform into maintenance mode while investigating the breach. Officials warned students to avoid suspicious links and phishing attempts.