During the more than 40 years I have resided in San Diego County, trash and sediment accumulation, along with toxic and wastewater contamination of the Tijuana River and our binational coastal waters, have been a persistent health concern for South San Diego and Tijuana residents. I have been actively involved in trying to bring attention to and address these issues since the 1990s, when I first represented the area in the state Legislature. As a full-time Imperial Beach resident since 2009, I long to see skilled surfers and frolicking families enjoy our beach waters again.