DOT Drug Testing Locations San Diego, CA
Our Local DOT Drug testing facilities in San Diego, CA and the surrounding areas provide DOT Drug Testing, DOT Alcohol Testing, DOT Physicals, Consortium enrollment and other DOT services for Employers, Single operators and all DOT modes that are required to comply with 49 CFR Part 40 in San Diego, CA including FMCSA, FTA, FAA, USCG, FRA and PHMSA . Testing centers are within minutes of your home or office and same-day service is available in most cases.
Scheduling a DOT test is Fast and Easy, call our scheduling department or schedule your test online 24/7
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center.
250 MARKET ST 0.3 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92101
300 FIR ST 0.7 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92101
250 PROSPECT PL 1.5 miles
CORONADO, CA 92118
3930 4TH AVE STE 200 2.3 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92103
3969 4TH AVE STE 302 2.3 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92103
330 LEWIS ST STE 100 2.5 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92103
200 W ARBOR DR 2.6 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92103
5333 MISSION CENTER RD STE 100 3.5 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
1370 ROSECRANS ST 3.8 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92106
408 W 8TH ST 4.1 miles
NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950
2667 CAMINO DEL RIO S STE 100H 4.2 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
2815 CAMINO DEL RIO S Ste 1A 4.2 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
3505 CAMINO DEL RIO S STE 208 4.2 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
2400 E 4TH ST 5.2 miles
NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950
102 MILE OF CARS WAY 5.2 miles
NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950
2020 Genesee Ave 2nd Floor 5.3 miles
San Diego, CA 92123
1000 EUCLID AVE STE B 5.5 miles
NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950
7901 FROST ST 5.9 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92123
8008 FROST ST STE 106 5.9 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92123
7930 FROST ST STE 406 5.9 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92123
4510 VIEWRIDGE AVE OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE BUSINESS OFFICE 6.5 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92123
4647 ZION AVE FL 1 6.7 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92120
3737 MORAGA AVE STE A206 7.0 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92117
7995 ARMOUR ST 7.2 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92111
88 E BONITA RD STE E 7.4 miles
CHULA VISTA, CA 91910
480 4th Ave Ste 101, 7.4 miles
Chula Vista, CA 91910
4490 FANUEL ST 7.4 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92109
435 H ST 7.4 miles
CHULA VISTA, CA 91910
374 H ST. STE 103 7.5 miles
CHULA VISTA, CA 91910
7370 OPPORTUNITY RD STE G 7.6 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92111
525 3RD AVE Second Floor 8.2 miles
CHULA VISTA, CA 91910
5575 RUFFIN RD STE 230 8.6 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92123
5575 RUFFIN RD STE 100 8.6 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92123
9620 CHESAPEAKE DR STE 104 8.7 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92123
1111 BROADWAY STE 305 8.8 miles
CHULA VISTA, CA 91911
8090 PARKWAY DR 9.2 miles
LA MESA, CA 91942
5525 Grossmont Center Dr Ste 601 10.0 miles
La Mesa, CA 91942
5103 Garfield St, 10.0 miles
La Mesa, CA 91941
4510 EXECUTIVE DR STE 107 11.4 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92121
4650 PALM AVE FL 1 11.6 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92154
7590 MIRAMAR RD STE C 11.6 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92126
9300 CAMPUS POINT DR 11.9 miles
LA JOLLA, CA 92037
9888 GENESEE AVE 12.1 miles
LA JOLLA, CA 92037
891 KUHN DR STE 111 12.3 miles
CHULA VISTA, CA 91914
10666 N TORREY PINES RD 12.8 miles
LA JOLLA, CA 92037
10350 Barnes Canyon Rd Ste 200 12.9 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92121
9745 PROSPECT AVE STE 100 13.1 miles
SANTEE, CA 92071
10243 GENETIC CENTER DR 13.2 miles
San Diego, CA 92121
10737 CAMINO RUIZ STE 140 13.8 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92126
2520 CACTUS RD STE C 15.2 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92154
1625 E MAIN ST STE 100 15.5 miles
EL CAJON, CA 92021
1625 E MAIN ST STE 203 15.6 miles
EL CAJON, CA 92021
10605 SCRIPPS POWAY PKWY STE C 15.8 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92131
820 Jamachard Dr Ste 103 17.0 miles
El Cajon, CA 92019
11895 AVENUE OF INDUSTRY 19.7 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92128
15611 POMERADO RD Ste 525 20.4 miles
POWAY, CA 92064
15611 POMERADO RD 20.4 miles
POWAY, CA 92064
15615 POMERADO RD 20.4 miles
POWAY, CA 92064
16950 VIA TAZON 21.8 miles
SAN DIEGO, CA 92127
351 SANTA FE DR STE 210 23.2 miles
ENCINITAS, CA 92024
354 SANTA FE DR 23.2 miles
ENCINITAS, CA 92024
3257 Camino De Los Coches Ste, 25.3 miles
Carlsbad, CA 92009
1855 LOTUS CT 26.9 miles
CARLSBAD, CA 92011
860 W VALLEY PKWY STE 150 28.1 miles
ESCONDIDO, CA 92025
2185 CITRACADO PKWY 28.1 miles
ESCONDIDO, CA 92029
400 CRAVEN RD 28.4 miles
SAN MARCOS, CA 92078
120 CRAVEN RD STE 101 28.5 miles
SAN MARCOS, CA 92078
555 E VALLEY PKWY STE 3 28.8 miles
ESCONDIDO, CA 92025
740 NORDAHL RD STE 131 28.9 miles
SAN MARCOS, CA 92069
577 S RANCHO SANTA FE RD STE 102 STE 102 29.1 miles
SAN MARCOS, CA 92078
1595 GRAND AVE STE 109 29.7 miles
SAN MARCOS, CA 92078
5810 El Camino Real Ste A 29.7 miles
Carlsbad, CA 92008
902 Sycamore Ave Ste 201, 30.9 miles
Vista, CA 92081
2804 ROOSEVELT ST 32.7 miles
CARLSBAD, CA 92008
958 POSTAL WAY STE 6 33.1 miles
VISTA, CA 92083
3910 Vista Way Ste 106 33.2 miles
Oceanside, CA 92056
4002 VISTA WAY 33.3 miles
OCEANSIDE, CA 92056
130 CEDAR RD STE 200 33.3 miles
VISTA, CA 92083
2000 WESTWOOD RD 33.6 miles
VISTA, CA 92083
2122 S EL CAMINO REAL STE 100 34.1 miles
OCEANSIDE, CA 92054
840 TOWNSITE DR 34.4 miles
VISTA, CA 92084
4171 OCEANSIDE BLVD Ste 109 35.2 miles
OCEANSIDE, CA 92056
1430 Division St 35.2 miles
Vista, CA 92081
585 Arthur Ave 38.2 miles
Oceanside, CA 92057
PO BOX 2798 44.8 miles
FALLBROOK, CA 92088
1116 S MAIN AVE 45.6 miles
FALLBROOK, CA 92028
624 E ELDER ST 46.2 miles
FALLBROOK, CA 92028
(Don't see a DOT drug testing location near you, call us at (800) 221-4291)
Accredited Drug Testing can schedule your DOT drug test at any of our San Diego, CA Drug testing locations, Call us Today!
"When you need a test, choose the best"
How to schedule a DOT drug test in San Diego, CA
To schedule any type of DOT drug test or alcohol test in San Diego, CA call our local scheduling department at (800) 221-4291. You may also schedule your DOT drug test online utilizing our express scheduling registration system by selecting your test and completing the Donor Information/Registration Section. You must register for the test prior to proceeding to the testing center.
The zip code you enter will be used to determine the closest DOT drug or DOT alcohol testing center that performs the type of test you have selected. A donor pass/registration form with the local testing center address, hours of operation and instructions will be sent to the e-mail address you provided. Take this form with you or have it available on your smartphone to provide to the testing center. No appointment is necessary in most cases. However, you must complete the donor information section and pay for the test at the time of registration.
Our laboratories are SAMHSA-certified and all test results are verified by our in-house licensed physicians who serve as Medical Review Officers (MRO).
In addition to providing DOT drug testing and DOT breath alcohol testing in San Diego, CA , Accredited Drug Testing also has additional testing centers throughout the metropolitan area and surrounding cities.
On the road or on vacation, no worries, Accredited Drug Testing has over 20,000 testing centers in all cities Nationwide and we can schedule your test, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!
DOT Changes to Part 40
On May 2, 2023, the Department of Transportation published its final rule in the Federal Register to include oral fluid testing in the DOT drug testing program. This final rule became effective June 1, 2023.
Please note that DOT oral fluid testing cannot be implemented as of yet until the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) certifies at least two laboratories. One as a primary lab and a second lab to serve as split specimen testing.
Changes to DOT-regulated employees?
DOT-regulated safety-sensitive employees can now be subject to an oral fluid collection or urine drug testing collection for ANY DOT-regulated test and this choice is up to the employer. DOT has also authorized that Substance Abuse Professionals (SAP) evaluations may continue to be conducted remotely.
How do these changes affect DOT employers?
Employers must select what methodology they would like to use for their drug testing program (randoms' oral fluid, pre-employment urine, etc). Ensure you have a business relationship/agreement with any collections site for the services you wish to use for your drug testing program. As an employer, you must also have your Designated Employer representative available 24-7 in the event any problem collections or situations arise or to discuss any standing orders that may arise for problem collections.
What are the DOT drug testing requirements?.
In 1991, the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act created the following DOT Agencies which established drug and alcohol testing regulations to ensure that aircraft, trains, trucks, and buses were operated in a safe and responsible manner. As an employer or individual operating in a "Safety Sensitive" position, it is important to understand how these regulations impact you.
49 CFR Part 40 (commonly known as Part 40) explains:
- How drug and alcohol testing is conducted
- Who is authorized to participate in the drug and alcohol testing program
- What employees must do before they may return to duty after a drug and/or alcohol violation
Each DOT Agency and the USCG have specific regulations that cover:
- The agency's prohibitions on drug and alcohol use
- Who is subject to comply with these regulations
- What type of testing is required
- When testing is required
- Consequences of non-compliance
FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) amended its rule that would establish requirements for commercial driver's license employers and individuals with regard to the drug and alcohol clearing house which will take effect on January 6, 2020.
The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a secure online database that will allow employers, the FMCSA, State Driver Licensing Agencies, State Law Enforcement and individual CDL operators to access real-time important information about a CDL Driver's drug and alcohol program violations and the ultimate goal of this database is to enhance safety on our Nation's public roadways.
For specific requirements, click the appropriate agency listed below in which you or your company is regulated by. Ask about our DOT Complete Compliance Package!
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (14 CFR Part 120)
- United States Coast Guard (USCG) (46 CFR Parts 4,5 and 16)
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) (49 CFR Part 382)
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) (49 CFR Part 199)
- Federal Transit Administration (FTA) (49 CFR Part 655)
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) (49 CFR Part 219)
The Opioid Overdose Crisis
Every day, more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. The misuse of and addiction to opioids,including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total "economic burden" of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.
- Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them.
- Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder.
- An estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin.
- About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.
- Opioid overdoses increased 30 percent from July 2016 through September 2017 in 52 areas in 45 states.
- The Midwestern region saw opioid overdoses increase 70 percent from July 2016 through September 2017.
- Opioid overdoses in large cities increased by 54 percent in 16 states.
In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to prescription opioid pain relievers, and healthcare providers began to prescribe them at greater rates. This subsequently led to widespread diversion and misuse of these medications before it became clear that these medications could indeed be highly addictive.3,4 Opioid overdose rates began to increase. In 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died as a result of an opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.1That same year, an estimated 1.7 million people in the United States suffered from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers, and 652,000 suffered from a heroin use disorder (not mutually exclusive)
DOT Compliance Checklist in San Diego, CA
DOT 49 CFR Part 40 Requirements for Safety Sensitive Employees.
(FMCSA-FAA-USCG-FRA-PHMSA-FTA)
- Pre-Employment Tests
- Correct Federal Custody & Control Form (CCF)
- Substance Abuse Professional Process
- Regulations on File
- Random Pool Testing
- *Supervisor Training
- *Written Policy
- Post-Accident Testing Situations
- Previous Employers Checks
- Employee Education
- Record Keeping
- Removal of covered Employee
- Designated Employer Representative
* In addition, any company which employs 2 or more covered employees must have a written drug and alcohol policy and all supervisors must complete the DOT Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training. (Click here to learn more about our online training programs)
If a DOT covered employee or company does not have a copy of the original pre-employment drug test with a negative result, then a new DOT pre-employment drug test must be conducted, and the result maintained on file.
The department of transportation (DOT) requires that all DOT regulated "safety sensitive" employees have on file a negative DOT pre-employment drug test result and be a member of a DOT approved random selection consortium. In addition, if a DOT regulated company has more than one "safety sensitive" employee, the employer must also have a written DOT drug and alcohol policy and an on-site supervisor must have completed supervisor training for reasonable suspicion of illegal drug use or impairment.
To be compliant with DOT regulations, a company's DOT drug and alcohol testing program must have the following components. Failing to comply can result in significant fines and penalties.
What is a DOT Drug Test in San Diego, CA ?
On January 1, 2018 the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a new rule which altered the DOT 5 panel urine test. Employers and individuals should be aware that the current DOT drug test is still a urine drug test, collected by qualified collectors, analyzed at a SAMHSA certified laboratory and reviewed by a licensed Medical Review Officer. Below you will find a list of the drugs that are screened for in the DOT 5 panel urine drug test:
- Marijuana (THC)
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opioids**
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Pre-employment
- Random
- Reasonable suspicion
- Return to Duty
- Post-Accident
- Follow Up
** Special note: Opioids' was previously called Opiates' and all DOT drug tests will continue to include confirmation testing for Codeine, Morphine, and 6-AM (heroin) when necessary.
In the January rule change, the Department of Transportation (DOT) also added initial screening and confirmation testing for the semi-synthetic opioids Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, and Oxymorphone to this Opioids group
When is a DOT drug test required in San Diego, CA ?
All safety sensitive employees regardless of DOT agency are required for the following drug testing and/or alcohol testing based on each situation:
What is DOT pre employment testing in San Diego, CA ?
As a new hire or a current employee transferring from a non-safety sensitive function into a safety sensitive function (even with the same employer), you are required to submit to a DOT pre employment drug test.
Some employers may, but are not required to, conduct pre employment alcohol testing. Only after your employer receives a negative pre employment DOT drug test result (and negative alcohol test result - if administered) may you begin performing in a safety-sensitive capacity.
What is random DOT Drug Testing in San Diego, CA ?
All safety sensitive employees are subject to unannounced random drug & alcohol testing. Alcohol testing is administered just prior to, during or just after performing safety-sensitive functions. Depending on the industry specific regulations, you may only be subject to random drug testing.
Listed below are the current (2019) DOT random testing rates for each DOT agency.
The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019. | ||
DOT Agency | 2019 Random Drug Testing Rate | 2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate |
---|---|---|
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA] | 25% | 10% |
Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] | 25% | 10% |
Federal Railroad Administration [FRA] | 25% - Covered Service 50% - Maintenance of Way * | 10% - Covered Service 25% - Maintenance of Way * |
Federal Transit Administration [FTA] | 50% | 10% |
United States Coast Guard [USCG] (with the Dept. of Homeland Security) | 50% | N/A |
The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019. |
DOT Agency 2019 Random Drug Testing Rate 2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate |
---|
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA] 25% 10% |
Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] 25% 10% |
Federal Railroad Administration [FRA] 25% - Covered Service / 50% - Maintenance of Way * 10% - Covered Service / 25% - Maintenance of Way * |
Federal Transit Administration [FTA] 50% 10% |
United States Coast Guard [USCG] (with the Dept. of Homeland Security) 50% N/A |
What is reasonable suspicion DOT drug testing in San Diego, CA ?
Safety sensitive individuals and employees are required to submit to any test (whether it is a drug test, alcohol test or both) that a supervisor requests based on reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion means that one or more trained supervisors reasonably believes or suspects that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Supervisors cannot require testing based on a hunch or guess alone; their suspicion must be based on observations concerning your appearance, behavior, speech and smell that are usually associated with drug or alcohol use
What is return to duty DOT Drug Testing in San Diego, CA ?
If you have violated the prohibited drug & alcohol testing rules, you are required to take a return to duty drug and/or alcohol test before being allowed to return to a safety-sensitive function for any DOT regulated employer. You may also be subject to unannounced follow-up testing for at least 6 times in the first 12 months following your return to active safety-sensitive service.
Return-to-duty tests must be conducted under direct observation.
What is DOT post accident drug testing San Diego, CA ?
If you are involved in an event (accident, crash, etc.) meeting certain criteria of the DOT agency, a post-accident drug test will be required. In most cases you will then have to take a drug and alcohol test if you are involved in a qualifying crash. Each DOT agency may have specific rules with regards to what is a post-accident test, for example, the FRA requires a blood specimen for drug testing and an alcohol test.
If you are involved in a qualifying accident, you are required to remain available for this testing and are not permitted to refuse testing.
Remember: Safety-sensitive employees are obligated by law to submit to and cooperate in drug & alcohol testing mandated by DOT regulations.
What is DOT follow up drug testing San Diego, CA ?
DOT follow up testing occurs when an individual has violated the drug and alcohol testing rules. The amount of follow-up testing you receive is determined by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and may continue for up to 5 years. This means the SAP will determine how many times you will be tested (at least 6 times in the first year), for how long, and for what substance (i.e. drugs, alcohol, or both). Your employer is responsible for ensuring that follow-up testing is conducted and completed. Follow up testing is in addition to all other DOT required testing and all follow-up tests will be observed. For more information on the SAP process or to locate a Substance Abuse Professional in San Diego, CA simply call us at (800)221-4291
When you need a test, choose the best!
DOT Drug Testing Services San Diego, CA
(800)221-4291
For more information regarding the effects of drug abuse - Click Here
For more information on a drug free work place - Click Here
Handy Resources
Comprehensive Online Resources for Drug Testing
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Provides comprehensive information on drug testing and its role in substance use disorder treatment.
- FDA: Drug Testing
Explains the FDA's role and regulations concerning drug testing for consumers.
- PDR.net
Provides detailed drug information and safety updates through a mobile-friendly platform.
- BeSafeRx - FDA
Resource by the FDA to help consumers identify and choose safe online pharmacies.
- SAMHSA: Drug Testing Resources for the Workplace
Resources and guidelines for drug testing in the workplace.
- Drugs.com
Provides drug information, side effects, and interactions for consumers and professionals.
- Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)
Online version of the DAST to help individuals assess whether they have a drug problem.
- Merck Manuals
Consumer-friendly medical resource providing comprehensive information on a wide array of health topics, including drug testing.
- SAMHSA Store
Provides access to resources and publications on substance use prevention and treatment.
- National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
Information on state boards of pharmacy and regulations, including those related to drug testing.
- CDC: Workplace Health Promotion
CDC's resources on substance use and drug testing in the workplace.
- Mayo Clinic: Drug Testing
General information about the procedures and types of drug tests.
- MedlinePlus: Drug Testing
Offers information about various drug tests and their uses in medical diagnosis and treatment.
- University of Rochester Medical Center Health Encyclopedia
Provides a detailed entry on drug testing, including how tests are conducted and what they detect.
- World Health Organization (WHO)
International guidelines and information on public health, including substance abuse and drug testing.
- Healthline: Drug Testing
Consumer health site offering information on how drug tests work and what they look for.
- WebMD: Drug Testing
Provides a patient-oriented overview of drug testing and its purposes.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
Provides a vast database of scientific studies, including research on drug testing and its effectiveness.
AI Overview
Overview of Drug Testing Collection Locations
Drug testing collection locations are designated sites where individuals provide samples for drug testing. These facilities are crucial in supporting compliance with workplace, legal, and health standards. They serve a variety of sectors, including employment, law enforcement, sports, and healthcare. This overview explores the features, types of locations, and the role they play in drug testing processes.
Types of Drug Testing Collection Locations
- Occupational Health Clinics: Many clinics offer drug testing services as part of broader occupational health support.
- Hospital-Based Laboratories: Some hospitals have specific departments dedicated to drug testing, particularly for medical or legal purposes.
- Third-Party Laboratory Facilities: Independent labs that specialize in toxicology may also conduct drug testing, often used by employers for employment screening.
- Mobile Collection Units: These are portable facilities that can travel to workplaces or institutions, providing convenient access to drug testing services.
Role of Collection Locations in Drug Testing
Collection locations are integral to the drug testing process, ensuring that samples are collected in a controlled and secure environment. The main responsibilities include:
- Ensuring Sample Integrity: Implementing procedures that prevent tampering or contamination of samples.
- Maintaining Privacy: Providing a private space for individuals to give samples while respecting their confidentiality.
- Compliance with Standards: Adhering to regulatory and legal standards for drug testing, which may vary by jurisdiction and industry.
Choosing the Right Collection Location
When selecting a drug testing collection location, consider the following factors:
- Accreditation: Ensure the facility is accredited by relevant health and safety organizations.
- Proximity: Choose a location that is conveniently accessible, reducing the time and disruption associated with the testing process.
- Services Offered: Some locations may offer rapid results or additional screening services, which can be beneficial depending on the testing needs.
Drug testing collection locations are essential for conducting effective and reliable drug screenings. They support the enforcement of drug-free policies in various settings by providing professional and standardized testing services. For consumers and organizations alike, understanding the role and choosing the appropriate collection location is key to achieving accurate drug testing outcomes.
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Local Area Info: San Diego
San Diego (/?sæn di?e??o?/; Spanish for "Saint Didacus"; Spanish: [san ?dje?o]) is a city in the U.S. state of California. It is in San Diego County, on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, approximately 120 miles (190 km) south of Los Angeles and immediately adjacent to the border with Mexico.
With an estimated population of 1,419,516 as of July 1, 2017, San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest in California. It is part of the San Diego–Tijuana conurbation, the second-largest transborder agglomeration between the U.S. and a bordering country after Detroit–Windsor, with a population of 4,922,723 people. The city is known for its mild year-round climate, natural deep-water harbor, extensive beaches, long association with the United States Navy, and recent emergence as a healthcare and biotechnology development center.
San Diego has been called "the birthplace of California". Historically home to the Kumeyaay people, it was the first site visited by Europeans on what is now the West Coast of the United States. Upon landing in San Diego Bay in 1542, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo claimed the area for Spain, forming the basis for the settlement of Alta California 200 years later. The Presidio and Mission San Diego de Alcalá, founded in 1769, formed the first European settlement in what is now California. In 1821, San Diego became part of the newly independent Mexico, which reformed as the First Mexican Republic two years later. California became part of the United States in 1848 following the Mexican–American War and was admitted to the union as a state in 1850.