Local officials are again distributing air purifiers to residents inundated with pollution from the Tijuana River sewage crisis after they botched their first attempt to do so. The first batch of 400 air purifiers distributed through a lottery system under former District 1 Supervisor Nora Vargas lacked the necessary filters to clean the gases in the air. Specifically, the first purifiers lacked the necessary potassium permanganate and charcoal to effectively filter toxic gases. A contractor also failed to transfer applicant information to the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, forcing people to reapply for the purifiers without notification.

Other Tijuana River news:

• Voice of San Diego: Commentary: Lawmakers go after Tijuana River sewage crisis — again