The city of Coronado took a major step Tuesday in addressing the Tijuana River pollution crisis by voting to draft a local emergency declaration.
Once completed, the declaration will go before the City Council for final approval in an upcoming meeting.
As one of the hardest-hit communities in San Diego County, Coronado residents endure toxic air, frequent beach closures, and rising health concerns due to cross-border pollution. The economic toll is also significant, impacting businesses and livelihoods.
Additionally, Navy SEALs and first responders training in the area face direct exposure to contaminated water and air, further exacerbating the public health crisis.
The Transboundary Pollution Coalition for Advocacy and Healing, a network of over 50 community organizations, applauded this move as a crucial step toward securing federal emergency resources to combat the issue.
“I am extremely pleased the Council voted to draft a Declaration of Local Emergency. This demonstrates Coronado’s commitment to addressing the severe health, environmental, economic, and national security impacts of this crisis. As the second most affected city, this declaration strengthens our collaborative efforts with the five jurisdictions that have already declared local emergencies,” said Amy Steward, Coronado City Councilmember.
Local activism has also played a key role in pushing for action. The Coronado High School “Stop the Sewage” club collected over 300 signatures in support of the declaration.
“This declaration is vital to amplifying our demands at the state and federal levels. We look forward to a united stand against the worsening International Sewage Crisis, starting with the City Council’s declaration,” said Sean Wilbur, executive director, of Coronado High School Stop the Sewage Club.
Once finalized, Coronado’s emergency declaration will align the city with other municipalities, including Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, San Diego, the County of San Diego, and the Port of San Diego, in the fight for long-term, sustainable solutions to the ongoing pollution crisis.
