The following information was compiled by the San Diego Convention Center Corporation and will be updated and posted online at www.visitsandiego.com as needed in an effort to keep attendees, exhibitors, meeting planners, and members of the media updated on important news related to the fires in San Diego County. Fire Update: There are NO active fires in the City of San Diego. San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders has announced that all San Diego neighborhoods will be re-opened for evacuees by the end of the day. Qualcomm Stadium, the site of the largest shelter, is closing at noon Friday. Businesses, hotels, shops, and restaurants are open. Updates on the fires can be accessed at http://www.sdcountyemergency.com/. Mayor Sanders has issued a statement encouraging convention and meeting attendees to move forward with their planned events in San Diego. The San Diego Zoo will play host to a press event with Mayor Jerry Sanders, San Diego Convention Center President and CEO Carol Wallace and Convention and Visitor Bureau President & CEO David Peckinpaugh to drive home the message that the San Diego tourism, convention and meeting industry is OPEN for Business. A copy of press materials will be posted at www.visitsandiego.com. Hotel Capacity: The downtown hotel room supply has returned to normal occupancy levels. The return of evacuees to their homes has improved situation and has alleviated hotel room supply concerns in the downtown area where most attendees participating in Convention Center events are housed. Events at the Convention Center: The Convention Center is open and fully active. Approximately 6000 attendees of the American Society of Human Genetics are currently utilizing the Convention Center through Saturday, October 27th. The fires are not expected to impact any future events at the Center. On Sunday, Oct. 28th, the National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Officials with approximately 2000 attendees, will begin a three day conference in the Convention Center. Following NAHRO, the Society for Neuroscience, with 32,000 attendees, will begin meetings in the Convention Center, from November 3-7, 2007. A complete list of upcoming events can be found at www.visitsandiego.com. Weather: The Santa Ana conditions, which fed the regional fires, have ended. Low pressure and cooling temperatures have increased humidity in the San Diego area. Coastal areas experienced a morning marine layer today, including the downtown area. Fog and a low-level marine layer are expected to continue into early next week when temperatures are expected to increase. Weather updates are available at http://www.srh.noaa.gov/fwd/productviewnation.php?pil=SGXAFDSGX&version=0 Airport & Roads: The San Diego Regional Airport remains open and fully operational. No delays or cancellations are anticipated. Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways and JetBlue Airways are waiving their fees to change ticketed reservations for passengers traveling in and out of Southern California this week due to the wildfires. Updates are online at www.san.org. All major arterials in and out of the City of San Diego, including Interstate 5 and 15, are open and traffic is moving normally. Air Quality in Downtown: The air quality for Friday, October 26 forecasts slightly more favorable conditions according to regional air quality officials. The Convention Center, hotels, restaurants and shops used by most event attendees are located in downtown San Diego where air quality remains moderate to good. Individuals with respiratory issues are being advised to stay inside to avoid possible irritation. Air quality assessments are done regularly and the most recent update can be viewed at http://www.sdapcd.org/air/maps/today_pm.html. Local Attractions: The San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, and SeaWorld, are all open. Museums in Balboa Park and area theaters are open as well. The San Diego Convention and Visitor Bureau, http://www.sandiego.org/article/visitors/922, provides updates on local attractions. How You Can Help: Support relief efforts throughout San Diego and the Southern California region via the American Red Cross by calling 800-Red-Cross or donating online at www.redcross.org.
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