Paloma Aguirre's Political Fight Against Border Sewage Pollution

County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre surveyed the Tijuana River near Saturn Boulevard on November 21, 2025, after a storm which caused the river to flood in Imperial Beach, California. Aguirre described the river as one of the most polluted in the United States, carrying dangerous chemicals, pollutants, and pathogens that threaten the health of South San Diego communities.

The pollution has led to respiratory issues and illnesses among swimmers and surfers, with parts of the Imperial Beach shoreline closed for three years due to unsafe conditions. Recent research indicates that the pollution is also airborne, with hydrogen sulfide emissions reaching levels hundreds of times higher than the state's odor threshold.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of this pollution, which can lower IQ and stunt cognitive development, according to local physician Tom Csanadi. Aguirre has spent two decades advocating for solutions to this environmental crisis, which has its roots dating back to the 1930s when cross-border sewage plants were constructed.

As a surfer and activist, Aguirre began her journey in this fight when she first encountered cross-border pollution in the surf at Imperial Beach, later working with Serge Dedina at WildCoast to organize community efforts and push for better water testing.

Aguirre's political career began when she was elected to the Imperial Beach City Council in 2018, and she became mayor in 2022, calling for a state of emergency over the pollution and lobbying for more federal resources.

Aguirre led a lawsuit against the International Boundary and Water Commission in 2018, which resulted in a settlement promising binational cooperation to address the sewage problem. In July 2023, Aguirre won a special election for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, where she initiated plans to study health effects linked to cross-border pollution and requested $50 million to address the Saturn Boulevard hot spot.

Infrastructure improvements have been made, including a $370 million investment from the Biden administration to repair the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, which now processes up to 50 million gallons of wastewater per day.

Despite these advancements, the Tijuana River continues to threaten local residents with untreated sewage and industrial chemicals. Aguirre advocates for more infrastructure improvements to clean up the river, emphasizing the need for urgent action to protect the health and safety of the communities in South San Diego.