San Diegans are sick of sewage - literally.

Toxic air, closed beaches, kids getting pulled from soccer practice because of the smell. We all know the crisis in the Tijuana River Valley is real.

Since 2021, I’ve made this crisis a top priority, and this week, we took another step forward.

The Board of Supervisors officially advanced a 5-point Sewage Action Plan, a proposal I helped bring forward alongside Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre, backed by educators, health experts, and community leaders on the front lines.

Let’s be clear: I can’t sign an international treaty. I can’t fix Tijuana’s sewers. But I can make sure the County is doing everything in its power to protect your health, your air, and your water.

This plan does just that.

What’s In the Plan:

• Stormwater upgrades to eliminate toxic hot spots like the Saturn Boulevard culvert;
• Enhanced air filtration systems in schools and childcare centers;
• A public health study focused on hydrogen sulfide exposure;
• An economic impact analysis on families and small businesses;
• And the creation of a County Sewage Crisis Chief to coordinate our response and ensure transparency.

These proposals are local, targeted actions to address what South County residents are living through every day. They also deliver on a pledge I made in my 2025 State of the County Address: to establish a County matching fund - and challenge every jurisdiction to put skin in the game and be part of the solution.

Sadly, not everyone agrees. One Supervisor voted against this plan — dismissing it as symbolic and unnecessary. But for families breathing toxic air and losing access to beaches week after week, doing nothing would’ve been the real failure.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about protecting our communities. 

It’s about clean air, safe schools, and the future of our coastline.

And I’m proud that this Board, despite our divisions, chooses action over excuses.