Preserve San Diego’s natural resources through environmental policies that protect our coastline and air quality.

I cannot stress enough the importance of safeguarding our environment and coastline. One of the most pressing challenges we face is the Tijuana sewage issue, which has plagued our region for generations. Raw sewage continues to flow from Mexico, through the Tijuana River Valley, into the United States, ultimately polluting our precious Pacific Ocean. This ongoing environmental disaster has demanded our immediate attention and action.

I joined forces with several mayors in the county, including Mayor Dedina, Mayor Faulconer, and County Supervisor Greg Cox. We formed a bipartisan coalition committed to addressing this crisis. Together, we embarked on a mission to lobby our congressional delegation and engage with key stakeholders in Washington, D.C., such as the White House and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Our tireless efforts bore fruit in February 2020, when we secured over $300 million in appropriations to tackle this issue head-on. This was an encouraging step forward, demonstrating that our concerns were heard and recognized at the highest levels. However, it is essential to note that the total cost of resolving the Tijuana sewage problem is estimated at around $600 million.

While we continue to work diligently to obtain the remaining funds required, I am pleased to report that Mexico is willing to take responsibility. In August of last year, they signed a treaty committing to allocate $150 million toward addressing the sewage issue. This agreement marked a significant milestone in our collective efforts to protect our coastline and environment.

Furthermore, recent developments have given us renewed hope. Additional funds have been appropriated by Congress to address the issue on our side of the border, bolstering our resolve to find a lasting solution. The progress made so far leaves no doubt that this problem will be solved. The question now is not if but when.

In the next two to five years, we anticipate the completion of the comprehensive suite of projects being developed to address the sewage problem. The groundbreaking ceremony will be the first tangible step in this direction, expected to occur within the next few months. The momentum is building, and the day when we can finally bid farewell to this environmental nightmare draws nearer with each passing day.

Preserving our environment and coastline is not just a responsibility but a moral imperative. Our beautiful shores, diverse marine life, and thriving ecosystem are priceless assets we must protect for future generations. The Tijuana sewage issue is a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting our environmental obligations. It highlights the urgency to collaborate across borders and political boundaries to safeguard our planet.

As the Mayor of Coronado, I remain steadfast in my commitment to protecting our environment and coastline. I will continue to collaborate with local, state, and federal authorities and our neighbors in Mexico to ensure that the necessary resources and actions are in place. We owe it to our community, our children, and the generations to come to leave behind a legacy of a clean and thriving environment.

The day we can proudly declare victory over the Tijuana sewage issue draws closer. Let us stay united, resilient, and determined on this journey toward a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.