Residents should take an active role in cleaning the lower basin of the Tijuana River rather than waiting for government intervention, according to Fay Crevoshay, Director of Communications and Public Policy at Wildcoast.
Crevoshay spoke during the launch of the “Cleaning the Tijuana River” regional meeting at Universidad Iberoamericana in Tijuana. She said her organization will continue pushing for change in local neighborhoods to create a transformative impact on the pollution crisis.
She described the contamination of the Tijuana River as a problem that continues to grow unabated.
Pressure from the United States
Crevoshay explained that pressure is mounting from the United States, as pollution has already begun affecting the Coronado area, where strong odors, foam, and toxic gases have become prevalent.
She noted that every candidate running for governor of California has already visited the site.
In response to the crisis, California has allocated a $5 million fund for 2027 that will require plastic-producing companies to pay for the collection of their waste, Crevoshay added.
Related: Toxic Fumes from Tijuana River Pollution Prompt Face Masks and Air Purifiers
Lack of Political Will from Mexico
On the Mexican side, however, Crevoshay said there has been a lack of political will from both authorities and the private sector, neither of which has responded to invitations to collaborate.
She stressed that Wildcoast has proposed multiple solutions, but organizing remains essential.
“Here on the border, California and Baja California get along very well,” she said. “We meet and write minutes but what good is that? We need a real solution.”
Keep reading: San Diego County Issues Toxic Gas Warning After Tijuana Sewage Spill
Wildcoast’s Proposal
One of the organization’s key initiatives involves plastic collection centers, 81 of which currently operate across various Tijuana neighborhoods.
According to Crevoshay, community members simply need to bring plastics to these centers, and the organization handles recycling. The impact is clearly visible, she said, noting that the cleanliness of a neighborhood becomes immediately apparent when residents participate.
