County Issues Post-Rain Coastal Water Advisory as UC San Diego Expands Outpatient Cancer Care

ByBrian “Weence” Bateman

San Diego, CA – March 9, 2026 – A countywide rain advisory warns of elevated ocean bacteria as UC San Diego Health brings more specialty cancer care into outpatient settings.

San Diego County health officials are urging residents to avoid ocean contact for 72 hours after recent rainfall, citing the risk of elevated bacteria levels from urban runoff. The advisory comes as UC San Diego Health continues expanding specialty cancer services into new outpatient facilities, and new data show how many local residents secured health coverage for 2026.

Rain Advisory Spans Entire Coastline

The county’s Department of Environmental Health and Quality issued a general rain advisory covering the coastline from San Onofre State Beach to Border Field State Park, including Mission Bay and San Diego Bay.

Officials said bacteria levels in ocean water can rise after storms as runoff flows through storm drains, creeks, rivers and lagoon outlets into nearshore waters. Ocean activities such as swimming, surfing and diving are discouraged for 72 hours following measurable rainfall, particularly near runoff outlets.

Beachgoers are advised to check posted signs and the county’s beach water quality updates before entering the water after storms.

UC San Diego Health Adds Outpatient Specialty Capacity

UC San Diego Health is continuing a shift toward delivering complex cancer care in outpatient settings, highlighted by the McGrath Outpatient Pavilion on the Hillcrest campus. The 250,000-square-foot facility is designed to consolidate multidisciplinary oncology clinics with imaging, infusion and pharmacy services in one location.

The health system has also described partnerships intended to extend oncology services, including care coordination and clinical trial access, beyond its main campuses into a broader regional network.

For patients, the expansion is aimed at reducing the need to navigate multiple hospital buildings and supporting more streamlined follow-up visits in community-oriented settings.

148,620 San Diegans Enrolled Through Covered California

Covered California reported that 148,620 San Diego County residents selected or renewed marketplace coverage for 2026. Statewide, 1,927,371 people enrolled during the open enrollment period.

The update follows the expiration of enhanced federal premium assistance, with California funding additional state subsidies for some lower-income enrollees. Covered California noted that residents who missed the enrollment deadline may still qualify for a special enrollment period after certain life events, such as losing job-based coverage, getting married or having a child.

What Residents Should Know

After rain, avoid ocean water contact for at least 72 hours, especially near storm drains and lagoon outlets. Patients receiving specialty care may ask providers whether appointments can be scheduled at outpatient pavilion or satellite locations. Those who need coverage changes should review eligibility rules for special enrollment periods through Covered California.

If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.

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Brian “Weence” Bateman is a health and medical writer who covers public health updates, healthcare policy, and medical developments affecting communities across the United States. He works closely with dentists and healthcare providers and focuses on making complex medical information clear, accurate, and useful for everyday readers.