NewsVoice of San DiegoAugust 21, 2026San Diego
Arizona explores desalination in Mexico; Chula Vista officials face pre-election scrutiny
Arizona water officials are considering proposals to desalinate water from the Sea of Cortez in Mexico to offset Colorado River supply cuts, while Chula Vista officials face political fallout over salary increases, homelessness agreements, and surveillance technology.
Read the full story at Voice of San DiegoWhy It Matters
These developments involve potential international water treaties affecting regional supply and local political decisions that may influence upcoming November elections in Chula Vista.
Key Facts
- Arizona is considering desalination projects in Mexico to secure water rights in exchange for Colorado River water.
- Proposed desalination projects could produce between 312 million and 446 million gallons of water daily.
- Any desalination agreement involving Mexico and the Colorado River would require a new international treaty.
- Chula Vista Elementary School District trustees voted to increase board salaries by 300 percent.
- Chula Vista Mayor John McCann supports an agreement allowing Imperial Beach homeless residents to access Chula Vista shelters and rental assistance.
- Former Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas is running for a seat on the Southwestern College Governing Board against incumbent Robert Moreno.
- The Chula Vista Public Safety Committee discussed the use of Flock license plate readers without taking a formal vote.
Who's Mentioned
personFrancisco Tamayo“Chula Vista mayoral candidate and school board trustee.”personJohn McCann“Mayor of Chula Vista.”personRobert Moreno“Incumbent Southwestern College Governing Board member.”organizationArizona Water Infrastructure Financing Authority“Evaluating desalination proposals.”personMary Casillas Salas“Former Mayor of Chula Vista running for college board.”other404“Media outlet reporting on the Darth Vader incident.”