San Diego, CA
Here’s what to do if you smell those Tijuana River odors
Similar to alerts issued when wildfire smoke degrades air quality, the public now has guidelines for what to do if Tijuana River sewer gases surpass certain levels.
The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District on Wednesday unveiled a color-coded air quality index specific to hydrogen sulfide, a gas detected in various parts of South County due to untreated wastewater in the cross-border region.
Communities such as Nestor, Otay Mesa West, Egger Highlands, San Ysidro, Imperial Beach and as far north as Chula Vista have been reporting to the district and government agencies that the rotten egg-like odors are more than just a nuisance. They are experiencing symptoms such as nausea, headaches, dizziness and chronic coughs.
How will the public know when and what actions to take?
They can refer to the district’s newly launched online dashboard, which shows hourly levels of hydrogen sulfide tracked from Nestor and San Ysidro. Readings from Imperial Beach City Hall will also be available in the coming weeks.
Then they can check where those levels fall within the four color-coded tiers:
- Green: If monitors detect hydrogen sulfide levels at 4.9 parts per billion (ppb) for one hour, no action is needed because most people won’t smell the odor.
- Yellow: If levels are anywhere between 5 ppb and 29.9 ppb for an hour, people sensitive to the sewer gas stench are advised to limit outdoor activities.
- Orange: At 30 ppb (the state standard) or higher for an hour, many could experience odor-related symptoms such as headaches and respiratory discomforts. People are encouraged to shut their doors and windows and air out their homes after odors are gone. Air conditioners and purifiers should be on if available. And those with asthma or other respiratory problems should have their medications readily available. Schools are advised to limit outdoor activities or switch to indoor alternatives for students and to alert parents who have children with respiratory or heart conditions to talk to their family doctor.
- Purple: At more than 27,000 ppb for an hour, people could experience serious, lasting adverse health effects. First responders would evaluate whether people need to shelter in place or evacuate.
District officials said the guidelines were developed with help from the county, state public health department, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
The effort came after scientists studying the health and environmental impacts of the sewage crisis said in September they found concerning levels of hydrogen sulfide coming from the river. “The community experienced an unprecedented increase in the intensity of odors resulting from high sewage flows, inadequate infrastructure maintenance, and extreme heat,” the district said. Hot spots were detected near schools and homes. In response, some South County schools kept their students indoors, members of Congress renewed calls for a federal state of emergency and the county sent its hazmat team to check gas levels.
The county couldn’t produce the high readings, acknowledging that several factors, such as the wind, could affect outcomes. So county leaders told the public that their health faced no immediate threat. But the mixed messaging confused and infuriated many.
Officials agreed a more collaborative approach was needed to better and consistently monitor the air, as well as give the public guidelines for what to do when odors reach certain levels.
“We want residents to be fully informed about the air quality in their community and actions they can take to protect their comfort and their health,” Paula Forbis, the district’s air pollution control officer, said in a statement. “SDAPCD will continue to build upon our air monitoring efforts and provide timely information to the public.”
The launch of the monitoring systems comes as the district continues to receive odor complaints from communities at and around the Tijuana River Valley despite conditions improving a couple of months ago when Mexico fixed a pump designed to divert sewage flows away from the river.
Last month, the district sent a letter to President Joe Biden and Gov. Gavin Newsom asking them to reconsider their refusals to declare the sewage crisis an emergency. District officials said Wednesday they have not received a response.
District board member and National City Councilmember Marcus Bush said the district should reach out to President-elect Donald Trump and ask him to consider issuing such a declaration.
Also on Wednesday, the district board approved using nearly $3 million to purchase and distribute at least 10,000 air purifiers for households affected by the sewer gas odors. Those living closest to the pollution and vulnerable populations, such as seniors, people with health conditions and households with children, will be prioritized.
Officials also accepted a $200,000 grant from the county’s Neighborhood Reinvestment Program to buy a mobile air monitoring vehicle.
OCEANSIDE — The Frontwave Arena scoreboard showed 23 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Up 16, Francis Parker’s win over Westview High School for the CIF San Diego Section Open Division girls basketball championship was secure.
“No, no, no!” Parker head coach Courtney Clements screamed to freshman guard Jordan Brown, telling her there was no need to score.
So Brown walked the ball up the floor, from the backcourt, across midcourt, a 1,000-watt smile etched across her face.
With no Wolverines defending her, Brown dribbled from side to side across the logo. Then, a fraction of a moment before the final buzzer sounded, Brown flung the basketball high toward the rafters, then was engulfed by teammates.
The job was complete. Parker’s first Open Division title in program history was secure, the final reading 66-50 on Saturday night.
Of those final seconds, said Brown, who scored 23 points. “It was a surreal moment, knowing we worked for this all year long. It’s amazing.”
One reason it was amazing was because the top-seeded Lancers (21-7) were a decided favorite, but were stressed by the sixth-seeded Wolverines (20-9). Led by UC Santa Barbara-bound senior guard Sarah Heyn (18 points in the first half), Westview led 35-28 early in the third quarter.
“I just knew I had to do whatever it took to win,” said Brown. “Whether that was defense or offense. I just wanted to win, period.”
Sparked by its defense, Parker closed the quarter on a 14-0 run. Westview’s final 11 possessions of the quarter ended with five missed shots and six turnovers.
Still, the game wasn’t over. Heyn cut the deficit to 48-44 with just over six minutes to play on a bucket. But with 5:47 to play, Heyn was whistled for her fifth foul on a reach-in.
“Knowing their best player fouled out, we sealed the win,” said Brown.
As for Heyn, who finished with 23 points, she sat on the bench and pulled her jersey over her eyes, hiding tears.
Clements’ thoughts when Heyn fouled out? “I hope we can put this game away now.”
That the Lancers did, outscoring Westview 18-6 down the stretch.
The Lancers’ players and coach were effusive in their praise for Heyn, a four-year starter.
“She’s a great player,” said Brown.
“She played phenomenally,” said Clements. “She played the way you would think a senior would play in a championship game. She played desperately. She played every possession like it was the last 20 seconds of the game. She was extremely impressive. (Heyn buried five 3s, missing only once from deep.) She should be proud of herself.”
Clements was proud of her team for another reason. After blowing out two-time reigning Open Division champion Mission Hills by 26 in the semis, some thought Parker might cruise in the title game.
“I figured it was going to be a fight, and it was,” said Clements. “It was good that our girls had to come together, had to stick together. That’s what this is all about, developing character via the sport of basketball. When the kids face adversity, they have to make a decision. Who do they want to be? They showed the best version of themselves. That’s what I want to remember from a game like this.”
Francis Parker’s primary color is brown, which is fitting for the girls basketball team. They are led not only by the freshman Jordan Brown, but also junior Brieana Brown, a strong, aggressive and athletic 5-foot-11 wing.
Brieana Brown scored 25 points and yanked down a team-best eight rebounds.
About the team in brown being led by the Browns (who are not related), Jordan Brown said: “It’s super cool. I love Bri and our story. So many people think we’re related, that we’re siblings. In reality, we’re not, but we play like it.”
Francis Parker and Westview both will advance to the Southern California Regionals.
Earlier in the season, Clements — who was dressed in all black for the championship game — confessed she wasn’t crazy about Parker’s primary color. Her mood shifted Saturday night.
“Brown’s doing well for me now,” she said.
Asked if Lancers’ Brown squared tandem represents the best one-two girls basketball punch in the San Diego Section, Clements gave the questioner a “What do you think?” smirk.
“That,” said the coach of the Open Division champions, “is a no-brainer.”
Joan Endres
OBITUARY
Born January 1939 in Cincinnati Ohio. Died February 14, 2026, in San Diego, California, with her sons at her side. Her beloved husband Dean passed away in 2010.
Joan was the only child of Thomas and Edna Palmer. In 1943, the family moved to San Diego, where Joan graduated from Helix High School in 1956.
In 1957 Joan married Dean Endres of San Diego, where they raised two sons. Joan followed her two great passions outside the home, the Arts, and Gardening. Both activities being a way to bring beauty to others and to the community.
Joan received a degree in Environmental Design from San Diego State University, and afterwords worked at UCSD, for the Campus Architect.
As an artist, Joan worked in various media, especially ceramics. She was active in many cultural and arts organizations, eventually becoming President of the Combined Organization for the Visual Arts (COVA). Later she turned to gardening, with the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca Community College and the Master Gardener Association of San Diego County.
Joan is survived by her son Jeff and wife Katrin, grandson Jackson, and son Todd Endres, all of La Mesa, and sisters Alice Buck of Phoenix, Elaine Kennedy of San Diego, Nancy and husband Don Jones of Vista, Eva Budzinski of Cloudcroft, New Mexico, and their children and grandchildren.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Joan in the near future. Those who wish to attend should contact celebratejoanuvart@gmail.com to receive details when they are confirmed. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests a donation to the Water Conservation Garden or the Diego Visual Arts Network (SDVAN).
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