‘Chocolate brown’ water

In the constant debate over politicians – who’s winning, who’s losing, Democrat vs. Republican, tax-and-spend vs. lower taxes and spending – often people forget the purpose of elected officials. We might actually want them to be effective.

To a certain audience, Paloma Aguirre has achieved that during the long fight against border sewage that continues to contaminate South County communities and sicken residents.

Congressional representatives, federal officials and even members of the Trump administration – better known for slashing funding than giving the green light for more resources – have claimed some victories on this front, but as one local academic said of Aguirre, “she’s moved a problem that has been stuck, when other people could not.”

Our partner, CalMatters, examined Aguirre’s work and the former Imperial Beach mayor’s path to the San Diego Board of Supervisors, which she joined in July. The surfer years ago found herself in what she described as ‘chocolate brown’ water in the South Bay. Now she’s discussing what she wants to happen next to curb Tijuana River pollution.

In a developing story, the city may have to pay a massive settlement in the case of a teen-age boy killed by a San Diego police officer last January. Konoa Wilson, 16, was fleeing from a suspect who had aimed a gun and fired at him. While running, the teen crossed the path of the officer, who was responding to the report of gunfire, and was immediately shot.

Konoa’s parents sued the city in June. We’ll learn more Tuesday, when the city council considers the settlement.

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