By Han Psalma
Otay Valley Regional Park is a good idea. It is an increasingly precious sliver of nature wending its way between San Diego County’s two most populated cities. It has a river, ponds teaming with life, beautiful vegetation and some wonderful wildlife.
It is also in need of attention.
Otay Valley Park is full of trash, fouled water and petty vandalism. It is crying out for help.
Humans have traversed the banks of the Otay River for more than 10,000 years. La Jolla and Kumeyaay People traveled along the river to the mountains and ocean following the seasons. In the 1770s Junipero Serra and Spanish conquistadors used the valley for their first camp in Alta California. Spanish ranchos occupied the area in the 1800s prior to California statehood in 1850.
American towns and settlements were scrubbed from the face of the Earth in 1916 when the original Otay Dam gave way following torrential rain, killing hundreds. A new dam was built and the riverbed was mined for gravel from 1920-1990.
A park sprang to life in 1990 as an agreement between San Diego County, Chula Vista and the city of San Diego to restore natural habitats and give the community the opportunity to appreciate nature.
Otay Park is potentially lovely, but isn’t. Neglect, trash, pollution and some shady people have taken their toll.
Upon entering the park through a residential area on Beyer Boulevard in western Otay Mesa, the first sight is the popular Greg Cox Bike Ramp Park. Children and teens whooped in delight as they launched their bikes skyward from ramps and dirt mounds. A wooden bowl for more expert riders and skateboarders allows users to test their talent and courage.
The hike gets off to a promising start. After a relaxing series of bridges straddling creeks offer great views of cactuses and statuesque palmera, hikers encounter a quandary. Crossing the third wooden bridge there is a fork in the path and no clear way forward. There are no trail markers or signs.
An underpass of the roaring Interstate 805 is the first clear checkpoint. It was an area that could unnerve a young woman because it is very secluded. Hiking in pairs or small groups is advised. While it felt incredible to see huge palm trees the size of the columns of the bridge, it was also a bit creepy, even in broad daylight. The sight of cast aside women’s shoes did not help.
A mound of trash wrapped around the bridge like malevolent Christmas presents under a grey concrete tree. Bags of recycling, Amazon boxes, refrigerator filters, mattresses, cans and bottles despoiled nature and clogged the riparian pathway. Trash persisted, nature resisted. A battle ensues.
People need to rescue the rare plants and animals in the Otay Valley Park before it becomes the northern twin of the filthy Tijuana River Valley. Otay Valley feels abandoned.
Potential abounds. Glimpses of beautiful wildlife leave hope. Trees and plants seem stressed but ready to rebound.
Otay Valley Regional Park needs an army of high school and college volunteers with rakes, gloves and Glad bags to pack out the trash of the piggish people who disrespect nature. A more permanent solution beckons. Chula Vista, San Diego and San Diego County officials seem to be passing the buck and pointing fingers. We need the three jurisdictions to start working together to save the park.
Otay Valley Regional Park remains a good idea, even a great idea. All great ideas need effort and commitment to reach their potential. Otay Valley needs us to rescue it.
