In today’s newsletter,

• Basement bear

• TJ Pooptastrophe

• Surfing overachievers

The Tijuana River is so nasty the CDC is coming to town

The Tijuana River along the San Diego-Tijuana border has long had a poop problem. It’s a nasty and ridiculous situation. Millions of gallons of raw sewage have poured into the river in recent years, prompting over 1000 days of beach closures. It’s gotten so bad that the Centers for Disease Control is coming to town to find out if the river is making San Diego residents sick — as many claim it is.

Demolition starts on Oceanside Pier after fire

More than five months after a fire damaged the Oceanside Pier, demolition of the affected section is set to begin on October 15. The pier will remain open during most of the work, though full reconstruction is expected to take three to four years, with the pier reopening before the restaurants are rebuilt.

Can you catch 100 waves in a day?

Someday, I’m lucky to catch three waves when I go surfing. That wouldn’t cut it at the 15th annual 100 Wave Challenge, which took place on September 28 in Mission Beach, California. Around 160 surfers tried to catch 100 waves to raise $1,000 each for Boys to Men Mentoring, an organization that connects young men with positive male role models.

Gear Deals:

Gobi Racks is offering $200 off its vehicle racks. Not sure how long the sale lasts, but it's a good deal if you are in the market. I’ve owned one of the racks for my Jeep and they are worth a look. The promo code is 200KGND.

REI is offering up to 50% off select gear.