We took a 1500 lb magnet to the most polluted rivers in the country—and the haul was unbelievable. A mix of history, grime, and mystery pulled straight from the murky depths.

This article is part of a cross-border investigative series supported by Journalismfund Europe. Chris Carlton built his house ...

Several coastal areas in Mission Bay, La Jolla, Del Mar and Cardiff State Beach were under excessive bacteria advisories.