EHC Organizer Sonia Rodriguez reads from one of the more than 300 postcards delivered to Councilmember Ralph Inzunza .

Riding the wave of the temporary shutdown of Master Plating, Barrio Logan residents filled the auditorium at Perkins Elementary School for a town hall meeting with County Supervisor Greg Cox, City Councilman Ralph Inzunza and other officials from the City and County of San Diego. The officials were on-hand to share information with the community and get input regarding Master Plating and the larger land-use, air quality, and government issues that affect the neighborhood.

During the town hall meeting, residents presented Inzunza with signatures from more than 300 community residents asking for a new community plan. Barrio Logan is plagued by mixed land-use zoning that allows polluting industries to be located near and even next to residences. Residents have long asserted that the chrome-plating operations located in their neighborhood posed serious health risks. The Barrio Logan community plan has not been updated since 1979. A new plan could mean historic changes for a community that has long suffered the ills of poor zoning.

City Councilmember Ralph Inzunza,right, responds to questions during a town hall meeting with community residents. Inzunza, County Supervisor Greg Cox, left, and other officials were on hand to get community input on issues facing Barrio Logan residents..

Councilmember Inzunza enthusiastically accepted the postcards and public testimony. Inzunza then stated his strong commitment to developing a new community plan and revising zoning to address the many incompatible land-uses and contamination issues present in the community. Inzunza also committed to adopting a City ordinance, which will give the City additional powers to require the cleanup of contaminated properties in the community. On July 10, 2002, the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee voted unanimously to adopt this ordinance, now called the Brownfields Restoration Program. It should go before the full City Council on Sept. 3.

Supervisor Cox described the legal action taken by the County aganist Master Plating for various environmental permit violations. A restraining order stopping the chrome plating operations was issued on March 25 and is still in force. Residents expressed their appreciation for Cox’s leadership and commitment to resolving these important issues.

Moving forward
A final ruling on the Master Plating case is expected in the next few months. In the meantime, EHC will be conducting an empowerment and training program later this year as a precursor to the community planning process to help Barrio Logan residents hone the skills they will need to create a plan for a community where they can live and raise their children free of the threat of toxic pollution.