A large ongoing sewage spill in Playas de Tijuana contaminated beaches on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border for almost three weeks before California officials learned about it Jan. 18. Why did they not know sooner about this health threat that could have put thousands of San Diego beachgoers at risk? The answer is simple: We have our backs turned on Mexico.

The estimated 31-million-gallon sewage spill should serve as a wake-up call. Our relationship with our neighbors in Mexico requires greater attention from the state of California.

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