Latest news with #TijuanaRiver
CNN
5 days ago
- Health
- CNN
US and Mexico agree to long-term wastewater treatment plan in the San Diego-Tijuana region
The governments of Mexico and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday to fund and expedite several wastewater treatment projects in the Tijuana River basin. Untreated wastewater continually affects residents living along the river, which flows across the border from Tijuana and through several of San Diego's southern neighborhoods. Residents living along the river have long battled severe health issues which researchers say stem from the river's contamination. One research team based at the University of California San Diego found that trace amounts of waterborne chemicals from tires, personal care products, and even illicit drugs present in the Tijuana River are being introduced into the air — exacerbating health concerns for tens of thousands of residents living on its banks. In Thursday's event celebrated in Mexico City, US Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Lee Zeldin and Mexico's Secretary of the Environment and National Resources of Mexico Alicia Bárcena agreed to a series of actions to be taken by both governments by 2027 to address the deteriorating wastewater treatment crisis. The agreement stipulates that both Mexico and the US will re-commit to funding the construction and renovation of water treatment infrastructure on both sides of the border. The document also accelerates several projects to be completed over the next two years. 'What we are doing, in reality, is trying to resolve once and for all the problem of wastewater from the Tijuana River,' Bárcena said during her speech on Thursday. Zeldin concurred, saying the agreement represented 'a huge win for millions of Americans and Mexicans.' He attributed the success to President Trump's distinct interest in the issue and noted that addressing the water contamination crisis will ensure a safer environment for residents and Navy SEALS training on nearby beaches. Former Commissioner of the International Water and Boundary Commission (IBWC) Maria-Elena Giner called the agreement 'excellent news' toward reaffirming commitments made by the US and Mexican officials in Minute 328, which outlines how Mexico and the US will share the costs of operating and maintaining water treatment infrastructure on the border. Permanent and continued diplomacy, transparency of information, and defined concrete action with Mexico will be needed. Former IBWC Commissioner Maria-Elena Giner Funding wastewater treatment facilities and their continued operation has posed a constant challenge; this agreement sets expectations for construction and rehabilitation projects that haven't yet been financed. But given that Bárcena's and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's Morena party currently controls the country's legislature, it is likely the funds could be allocated in the 2026 and 2027 budgets. At the Mexican President's daily press briefing on Friday, Bárcena noted that she is working to secure an agreement where the US and Mexico each cover half the costs of upgrading the critical San Antonio de los Buenos treatment plant, located southwest of Tijuana. She estimates the improvements for this project alone will cost $67 million or 1.2 billion pesos. CNN's Verónica Calderón and Isa Cardona contributed to this report.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
John McCann concedes to Paloma Aguirre in District 1 special election
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Chula Vista Mayor John McCann has conceded to his opponent, Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre, in the race for the District 1 seat on the County Board of Supervisors. McCann's campaign sent a statement confirming McCann congratulated Aguirre Wednesday morning. Aguirre takes early lead in San Diego County D1 Supervisor special election 'Despite the outcome, I am proud that my campaign presented a clear statement in support of reducing the cost of living, getting the homeless off the streets and keeping our community safe,' McCann said in the statement. 'These are the principles that have guided me as Mayor of Chula Vista and will continue to be important objectives as I work on behalf of the city I love.' He continued, 'I called to congratulate Mayor Aguirre this morning and offer my assistance with the critical challenges facing South County. We have worked closely together to address the ongoing Tijuana River sewage pollution and that environmental crisis will continue to be an important partnership for us. Additionally, I know we will work together on improving South County homeless programs and strengthening public safety.' McCann also thanked the volunteers who supported his campaign. More District 1 Supervisor Special Election Stories Tuesday was the final day of voting in the special election to fill the vacancy left by former county supervisor and board chair Nora Vargas last November. Aguirre took an early lead after 8 p.m. Tuesday. She issued a statement of her own, thanking her opponent for a 'hard-fought campaign.' 'I've spent my life, from organizing in forgotten neighborhoods to standing up as a small-town Mayor, fighting for working people and to fix the sewage crisis, and I'm not going to the County to back down — I'm going to double down and deliver,' Aguirre stated. 'Now, let's get to work.' Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) issued the following statement, congratulating Aguirre: 'San Diego County has elected a leader of conscience, tenacity, and vision. Paloma Aguirre is a tireless champion for working families, a dedicated public servant, and a dear friend. As Mayor of Imperial Beach, she has been a critical partner in our work to bring meaningful solutions to the ongoing cross border pollution crisis plaguing southern San Diego and I look forward to continuing that partnership as she steps into this new role. Congratulations Paloma!' District 1 includes the cities of Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, National City, and some communities in the City of San Diego, such as Barrio Logan, East Village, Golden Hill and more. District 1 also includes the unincorporated areas of Bonita, East Otay Mesa, Lincoln Acres, Sunnyside and La Presa. The election results are still considered unofficial until they are certified by the Registrar of Voters on or before July 16. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
E&E News
10-06-2025
- Politics
- E&E News
California sewage crisis bubbles up in key House race
A cross-border sewage crisis affecting Southern California could play a role in a prominent congressional race, where a Republican challenger has become a national figure on the issue. Jim Desmond, a San Diego County supervisor, has been sounding the alarm recently on Fox News and other conservative outlets about the untreated sewage that's been flowing from the Tijuana River in Mexico to the Pacific Ocean, contaminating the water and sickening residents. At the same time, he's seeking to unseat Rep. Mike Levin, accusing the Democratic incumbent of not doing enough to protect residents. 'We need to put more leverage on Mexico,' Desmond said in a recent interview. Advertisement Levin counters that Desmond is a Johnny-come-lately on the matter, though he has praised the Trump administration for taking action.
