News Summary
The Coronado City Council is preparing to vote on a proposal to declare a local state of emergency due to the pollution crisis affecting the Tijuana River. Health issues and economic repercussions have prompted this action as untreated sewage and debris continue to impact air and water quality. Community surveys reveal serious health concerns and a significant number of residents have reported negative effects related to the contamination. Local organizations and officials are advocating for immediate action to protect residents’ health and well-being.
Coronado City Council to Vote on Declaring Local State of Emergency Amidst Escalating Tijuana River Pollution Crisis
The Coronado City Council is set to vote on a proposal to declare a local state of emergency in response to the ongoing pollution crisis affecting the Tijuana River and adjacent areas. This vote comes as residents report health issues and economic repercussions resulting from the contamination of local air and water.
This crisis has prompted several municipalities in the region, including Chula Vista, to declare similar emergencies. These actions are a response to the unchecked flow of untreated sewage, trash, and sediment into the Tijuana River Valley, which has negatively impacted the health and quality of life for residents in Coronado and surrounding cities.
Emerald Keepers, an organization focused on raising awareness about environmental concerns in Coronado, has been actively monitoring air and water quality in the area. The County of San Diego conducts regular water quality tests in Coronado to assess the impact of the sewage crisis. Recent findings indicate that air quality levels in Coronado are frequently worse than those in neighboring cities across the bridge.
In order to create a clearer picture of the ongoing issues, Emerald Keepers publishes weekly data regarding air and water quality, with the intent of identifying patterns and possible causes of the poor conditions. They have also deployed air quality monitors in various homes across Coronado to gather more precise information.
A community survey involving over 2,000 residents in San Diego’s South Bay revealed that a significant number of respondents, 60%, reported that their children have missed school due to symptoms believed to be related to the ongoing sewage crisis. Additionally, 34% of local workers reported missing work for similar health concerns.
Residents have reported experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches, runny noses, congestion, and coughing. Concerns also extend to pets; 25% of pet owners indicated that their animals have suffered health issues like skin, ear, respiratory, cardiac, and digestive problems related to sewage contamination.
Mental health impacts from the pollution crisis are equally alarming, with 28% of respondents experiencing anxiety and 21% reporting feelings of depression. The survey revealed that a staggering 86% of participants are residents of the affected area, and 67% do not feel that it is safe for living, working, or visiting.
City Councilmember Amy Steward has voiced support for the emergency declaration, highlighting the need to address the ongoing health and environmental impacts faced by the community. The pollution crisis is also concerning for San Diego County’s military community, which includes Navy SEALS and first responders who frequent the affected region.
In an effort to rally support for the local emergency declaration, a high school student group known as the “Stop the Sewage” club collected 300 signatures advocating for immediate action from the City Council.
The draft for the local emergency declaration is set to be finalized and presented at an upcoming public meeting, where the City Council will vote on the matter. As Coronado grapples with the repercussions of this pollution crisis, the local government aims to take definitive steps to protect the health and well-being of its residents.
The socioeconomic impact of regular beach closures and health concerns stemming from contaminated air and water creates an urgent need for effective solutions. Residents and local officials alike are looking to the upcoming vote as a pivotal moment in addressing a crisis that has persisted far too long.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Diego County Extends Beach Closures Due to Sewage Contamination
San Diego County Extends Beach Closures Due to Bacteria Levels
Coronado School District Faces Budget Crisis Amid Enrollment Drop
Coronado City Council to Discuss Key Agenda Items
Coronado City Council Considers Historic Home Protection and Safety Enhancements
Race the Rock Scavenger Hunt Fundraiser in Coronado
Coronado City Council Explores Nanobubble Technology to Combat Water Pollution
Coronado City Council to Vote on State of Emergency for Pollution
Health Risks Rise at Imperial Beach Due to Water Pollution
San Diego Extends Beach Closures Amid Sewage Contamination
Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: Water and Air Quality Report (Sept 2025)
- Wikipedia: Tijuana River
- Coronado Times: Water and Air Quality Report (Aug 2025)
- Google Search: Tijuana sewage crisis
- Coronado Times: Water and Air Quality Report (Apr 2025)
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pollution
- Coronado Times: South Bay Survey on Pollution
- Google News: Coronado pollution
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
