The La Mesa Woman’s Club began the year by taking action on an important civic issue affecting our region. While many members were already aware of the ongoing Tijuana River sewage crisis, information shared at a recent Southern District meeting inspired Club leadership to deepen its involvement.
At our January General Meeting, we welcomed Payton Galvez, a Constituent Services Manager for California State Assemblyman Carl DeMaio, who spoke to members and guests from six sister clubs. The presentation provided valuable updates on progress made to date, as well as the significant work still ahead.
The Tijuana River forms part of the border between the United States and Mexico before flowing into the Pacific Ocean. For more than four decades, untreated sewage, trash, and toxic pollutants have entered the river and ultimately the ocean, contaminating coastal waters and surrounding communities.
Beyond environmental damage, these pollutants can become airborne, contributing to serious and ongoing health concerns. Communities near the river—including children attending the eleven schools located within 1.5 miles—are especially vulnerable. Experts have described this situation as one of the most severe environmental and public health crises of its kind in the United States.
Following the presentation, Club members took action. In a unanimous decision, the membership committed to supporting a mass letter-writing campaign to local and state legislators, urging immediate and sustained action to address the Tijuana River sewage crisis.
