Whoever owns the road fixes it. City streets go to the city, freeways and on-ramps to Caltrans, and unincorporated roads to the County. Pick where the pothole, dead streetlight or clogged drain is:
Make the report count
- A photo and a map pin beat a description; the city apps take both.
- Streetlights: the pole number or the nearest address. Crews fix lights in daylight, so the exact spot matters.
- Danger right now (a hole in a freeway lane, a signal out at a busy intersection): call 911 or the CHP first.
- Keep the confirmation. Caltrans emails when it gets the request and again when the work is done.
Pothole damaged your car?
File a claim with whoever owns the road. For a state highway, Caltrans uses form DOTLD-0274 for claims of $12,500 or less, sent to its district claims office; bigger claims go to the State's Government Claims Program. For a city street, file with that city. Claim deadlines against public agencies are short, so file soon, with photos, the exact location and repair receipts.
Source: Caltrans, submit a damage claim.
Storm season
Rain opens potholes and clogs drains: El Niño 2026-27, how to get ready · free sandbags · alerts today. More who-to-call: water · trash · animals. Can't get the app to work? Text PJ.
Sources: City of Solana Beach Public Works and its Caltrans guidance · City of Encinitas, Report an Issue · City of Del Mar · City of Carlsbad, street-related repairs · Caltrans Customer Service Request · County of San Diego. Checked October 6, 2026.
Need a human?
This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.
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Questions people ask
How do I report a pothole in Solana Beach?
Use the City of Solana Beach app (photo and map pin) or call Public Works at 858-720-2470. Freeway and on-ramp issues go to Caltrans at csr.dot.ca.gov.
How do I report a pothole in Encinitas?
Use the MyEncinitas app or the City's online request form, or call Street Maintenance at 760-633-2850.
Who fixes potholes on I-5?
Caltrans. Submit a Customer Service Request at csr.dot.ca.gov (staffed weekdays 8am to 4pm); for a hazard in the lanes right now, call 911 or the CHP.
Can I get reimbursed for pothole damage to my car?
File a claim with the agency that owns the road. Caltrans uses form DOTLD-0274 for claims of $12,500 or less; for city streets, file with the city. Deadlines are short, so file soon.
Know someone who needs this?
Something changed here? Text PJ and we'll update this page.
More free local tools: the North County toolkit.