Residents living near Tijuana River request more frequent elevated sewage gas alerts

Residents near the Tijuana River in San Diego are calling for more frequent and timely alerts about elevated sewage gas levels, which have become increasingly problematic during hot weather. The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District currently sends out alerts once daily, but advocates like Bethany Kay of the Tijuana River Coalition argue this is insufficient, especially for families with children. As of Friday, the district has begun issuing alerts as early as 5 a.m. and as late as 10 p.m., a change prompted by community pressure. Meanwhile, KPBS explores other local developments: UC San Diego’s new Soil Health Center is pioneering a plant probiotic to improve crop resilience and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, with field trials underway at Coastal Roots Farm. On a different note, a San Diego Navy reservist’s campaign for Congress is under scrutiny for downplaying his reserve status, sparking debate about transparency in veteran political campaigns. In end-of-life care, Teresa Kelly, a 69-year-old woman with terminal illnesses, shares her story of choosing medical aid in dying under California’s End-of-Life Option Act, highlighting the need for greater awareness—especially among marginalized communities. The episode closes with updates on Padres’ new Diamond Room lounge, WonderCon’s growing appeal, and broader public media support.