Saying this is “a pivotal moment that calls for resolute action,” all 18 mayors in San Diego County sent a letter last week to Gov. Gavin Newsom imploring him to declare a state of emergency over the decades-long sewage crisis at the border. … But what exactly would a state of emergency do? And does the sewage crisis meet the criteria? … When a state of emergency is declared, a lot of red tape is cut. For example, it could accelerate and simplify the bidding process for construction contracts and free up federal money for personnel, equipment and supplies.