Coronado City Council to Vote on Local State of Emergency

News Summary

The Coronado City Council is set to vote on declaring a local state of emergency due to the worsening pollution crisis from the Tijuana River. The situation has severely impacted local health and economy, affecting communities throughout South Bay. Local advocacy groups are pushing for awareness and action. The upcoming council meeting will allow residents to voice concerns and support the declaration aimed at addressing environmental and public health threats.

Coronado, CA – The Coronado City Council is poised to vote on a declaration of a local state of emergency due to the ongoing Tijuana River pollution crisis, a situation that has worsened in recent months and significantly impacts the health and economy of local residents. This vote will take place during a forthcoming public meeting following the finalization of the draft declaration.

The pollution crisis from the Tijuana River is not a new issue and has affected various communities in South Bay for years. Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, National City, and even coastal areas like Pacific Beach and La Jolla have faced challenges due to contaminated water. Notably, the shorelines of Imperial Beach have been closed for over 1,000 days due to sewage contamination, highlighting the severity of the environmental impact.

Officials from Coronado have indicated that the pollution crisis has broader implications, not only contributing to beach closures and a persistent unpleasant odor but also resulting in health concerns among residents. There is significant economic fallout as well, with the pollution threatening the livelihoods of local residents—including military personnel, such as Navy SEALS and first responders—who may be exposed to contaminated resources.

Local advocacy groups, such as Emerald Keepers, are actively raising awareness about environmental issues in Coronado. As part of their initiative, the group has installed air quality monitors on homes throughout the city to better understand local air quality impacts, which are often worse than those in neighboring areas. These efforts include sharing insights and data on air quality weekly to identify patterns and potential causes of the observed deterioration.

The County of San Diego plays a role in addressing these concerns by conducting regular water testing in areas such as Coronado. However, despite these efforts, gaps remain in understanding the full impact of pollution on air quality. As the crisis continues to develop, local officials are stressing the need for collaborative solutions and advocacy at both the state and federal levels concerning cross-border pollution issues.

In addition to the environmental challenges, community involvement is evident as demonstrated by a local initiative to solidify support for the declaration of a local emergency. A student-led group, the Coronado High School “Stop the Sewage” club, has gathered over 300 signatures in favor of the declaration, showcasing the community’s urgency in addressing these critical issues.

The council, represented by Councilmember Amy Steward and other officials, is emphasizing a commitment to pursue collaborative strategies with neighboring jurisdictions to mitigate the pollution crisis. Recognizing that the situation requires a unified approach, the proposed state of emergency aims to bolster advocacy efforts that can lead to more substantial solutions and funding to address the ongoing health and environmental threats faced by residents.

As the Coronado City Council prepares for the upcoming vote, the potential declaration is seen as a critical step in addressing the longstanding challenges posed by the Tijuana River pollution crisis. The meeting will provide an opportunity for community members to voice their concerns, learn about the complexities of the pollution issues, and support initiatives aimed at safeguarding public health and environmental integrity in Coronado and surrounding areas.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Coronado City Allocates Over $1 Million in Community Grants
Emerald Keepers Launches Campaign for Water and Air Quality in Coronado
Coronado Proposes Pipeline to Address Sewage Crisis
Coronado City Council Evaluates Community Choice Aggregation
Coronado’s Northern Beaches Reopen After Sewage Crisis
Coronado City Council to Discuss Community Choice Aggregation
Coronado City Council Meeting Highlights Housing and Budget Updates
Senator Booker Addresses Tijuana River Pollution Crisis in Imperial Beach
Coronado Beaches Closed Due to Sewage Contamination
Coronado Leaders Tour USS Greeneville to Honor Navy Efforts

Additional Resources

• Coronado Times: Water and Air Quality Report
• County News Center: Water Pollution Dashboard
• Coronado Times: South Bay Officials Report on Sewage Crisis
• Wikipedia: Tijuana River
• CBS 8: Coronado Declares Emergency Due to Sewage Crisis
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Pollution
• Coronado Times: Water and Air Quality Report
• Google News: Tijuana River Pollution
• Fox 5 San Diego: EPA Chief Addresses Sewage Crisis
• Google Scholar: Water Pollution Tijuana River