Completed Projects/Issues - Other Projects

L-R) Michell, Gina & Christine (Team Peters), Bob Lewis with the Torrey Pines Planning Group, Scott Peters, Kathryn Burton chair of the Torrey Hills Planning Group, Chris Cameron (Team Peters), Paula Abney with the Torrey Hills Planning Group, at the Los Penasquitos Lagoon Clean-Up sponsored by the office of Councilman Scott Peters.

Scott Peters directs the Alpha Project as they clean up construction waste illeagally dumped near Los Penasquitos Lagoon.

Los Peñasquitos Lagoon Clean-Up

On Friday, May 10, 2002, Councilman Scott Peters sponsored a clean-up of illegally dumped construction waste and trash around Los Penasquitos Lagoon. Councilman Peters was joined by members of the Carmel Valley, Torrey Pines and Del Mar Mesa Communities to clean up illegal dumping and accumulated trash along Sorrento Valley Road. Approximately 20 members of the community as well as Councilman Peter's staff, and a crew from the Alpha Project, walked the areas around Sorrento Valley Road to pick up trash and clear illegal dumping.

"We're hear today to send a message to people who illegally dump in this area, that we won't let you destroy this lagoon, and ruin the beauty of this place," said Peters. "People are dumping concrete, yard waste and trash next to this very fragile ecosystem. One small rain would wash all of it into the lagoon. We can't let that happen."

Since being closed, Sorrento Valley Road has become the site of illegal dumping of construction waste like concrete and rebar, as well as a dumping ground for trash, landscape waste and used furniture. Los Penasquitos Lagoon is one of the City's most delicate wetland areas, and illegal dumping can damage the fragile environment. Councilmember Peters engaged the Alpha Project, a group dedicated to helping homeless individuals get off the street, to help clean up the illegally dumped construction material and the community participated in a general clean up of trash around the lagoon.

"The polluters should know that the community is watching. We have asked members of the community who use the park and ride, as well as people who hike and bike on Sorrento Valley Road to be on the look out for illegal dumping. We have already had several people make reports and we are asking the community to continue to be vigilant," said Peters.

Councilmember Peters has vowed to work with his Council colleagues as well as with law enforcement to make sure that illegal dumping is treated as a serious crime. Illegal dumping is punishable by fines starting at $1,000 and can be increased according the amount of trash dumped and the location. Illegal dumping can be reported by calling the San Diego Police Department at (619) 531-2000.

Along with bottles, cans, styrofoam and paper some of the other items found near the lagoon included concrete, shipping palates, carpet, medical waste, and a convenience store cigarette display.