Toxic gas invaded South Bay again Sunday night. Levels of hydrogen sulfide spewing from the sewage-polluted Tijuana River exceeded what the state says is safe for sensitive groups like children and the elderly in Nestor and San Ysidro. The San Diego Air Pollution Control District alerted the community, but that’s the extent of the authority air pollution cops say they have. That could change if the California Legislature approves a bill by State Sen. Steve Padilla, a Democrat representing District 18. Padilla’s bill, SB 58, would require the state Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to develop a new public health hydrogen sulfide standard, direct the state to hold public workshops on the matter locally, and give more power to local air pollution control districts to protect the public from harm.

Other Tijuana River news:

• City News Service: Coronado Shoreline closure expands due to sewage contamination