Board approves consent items including Tijuana River emergency proclamation and Valley Center corridor concept

The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included an emergency proclamation on the Tijuana River and a concept plan for Valley Center corridor improvements that attendees said could include roundabouts.

Supervisor Tim Desmond noted the new EPA administrator had said he had been briefed on the Tijuana River pollution problem and said he had written to the administrator offering to meet to pursue federal engagement. Desmond told colleagues he views the river pollution as an ongoing cross‑border crisis and urged federal action to reduce raw sewage and untreated stormwater flows into San Diego County.

Public comment on the consent items included a Valley Center resident, Pamela Willett, who presented accident statistics for two beats and urged the county to consider roundabouts to reduce head‑on collisions. Another caller urged caution on roundabouts and on projects that could narrow streets and complicate wildfire evacuations. Paul Boldt, a caller, asked that non‑routine items not be placed on consent and expressed concerns about evacuation routes and construction impacts.

Supervisor Anderson moved to approve the consent agenda; Supervisor Montgomery Stepp seconded. The motion passed with all supervisors present voting yes.

No separate debate or pull for these consent items was recorded during the meeting; staff said items on consent are routine and can be pulled for discussion if a supervisor requests it.