Since 1980, Environmental Health Coalition has defended the right to live in healthy and sustainable communities. We empower people, organize communities and achieve justice.

Through leadership development, organizing and advocacy, EHC improves the health of children, families, neighborhoods and the natural environment in the San Diego/Tijuana region.

The cumulative impacts of environmental, social, political and economic vulnerabilities that affect the quality of life in our communities inspires our work. We focus on climate justice, healthy kids, border environmental justice, leadership development, voter empowerment and toxic-free neighborhoods because we believe in the right of everyone to live, work and play in a healthy community.

Children and toxics don't mix. We understand your concerns and want to answer any questions you may have about keeping your children safe from lead in candy, including:

Facts about candy with lead
Why might lead be present in candy?
What are symptoms of lead poisoning in children?
Where can I find a list of candies that have been tested for lead?
Should I discuss lead in candies with my healthcare provider?
What is being done about lead in candy?
More questions, more information

Facts about candy with lead:

• Lead has been found in some chili and tamarind candy and some candy wrappers
• Lead damages children's brains and causes irreversible development problems
• It is against the law to sell candy that has more than .1ppm lead in California

Why might lead be present in candy?
Some candies brought into the United States may contain lead, coming from lead-containing inks found in wrappers, unwashed chilis or acidic, lead-laden spices (tamarind, chili powder and paprika, to name a few).

What are symptoms of lead poisoning in children?
Children can be poisoned by lead without looking or acting sick. As a result, lead poisoning may go unrecognized. A blood-lead test is the best way to determine the diagnosis of lead poisoning.

Potential signs and symptoms of lead poisoning in children include:

• Learning disabilities
• Reduced IQ
• Hyperactivity
• Aggressiveness 

Click here to learn more about lead-poisoning in children. 

Where can I find a list of candies that have been tested for lead?
You can find a list of candies that have been tested for lead here. You may contact the California Department of Public Health for more information.

Patients and families should be well informed before ingesting any candy. A blood-lead level test is the most readily available method to evaluate lead exposure. 

Should I discuss lead in candy with my healthcare provider?

Yes. Many cases of childhood lead poisoning occur in children under the age of six from sources other than candy, such as lead-based paint, paint chips, dust, dirt and/or glazed pottery. Such exposures are normally augmented by hand-to-mouth behavior during normal child development. Environmental Health Coalition recommends testing children once a year until age six.

Candies are likely to be ingested well beyond the recommended ages for screening, however. As a result, many cases of lead poisoning in older children, pre-teens, and adolescents may be missed. If this is a concern for you, ask your healthcare provider about a blood-lead test.

What is being done about lead in candy?

• Environmental Health Coalition advocated for years to enact a California law that removes lead from candy by requiring frequent lead-level testing and a change in candy manufacturing processes
• The California Food and Drug Branch continually monitors candies for traces of lead
• Manufacturers are regularly audited to ensure safe production of candies
• Standards are being raised statewide: to be certified as lead free in California, companies must have their candy tested for lead and checked by an independent food quality auditor
• When lead is found in candy, a recall warning is sent out by the California State Health Department. Get more information here. 

I still have questions.

You can find more answers to your concerns about lead in candy here.

If your question was not answered, you have several options.

• Call or Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo. Environmental Health Coalition - (619) 474-0220
• Contact your County Lead Prevention Program: Find your local prevention program here
• Contact the California Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch:
  • 850 Marina Bay Parkway, Building P, Third Floor, Richmond, CA 94804
  • (510) 620-5600

Children deserve healthy homes and communities where they can grow up without exposure to toxic chemicals. Asthma attacks resulting in hospitalizations and emergency room visits are up to three times higher for children living in communities with high levels of air pollution. Many homes in low-income communities of color were built before 1979 and may have lead-based paint hazards in and around their homes, which can cause permanent brain damage and other serious health problems in children. Environmental Health Coalition’s Healthy Kids Campaign empowers parents to become leaders at home, works to protect children from the dangerous health risks of exposure to toxins and lead pollution by reducing or eliminating environmental childhood health hazards and promoting homes and communities that are safe, healthy, accessible and affordable.

Healthy Homes

A home should be a place where children can grow up in a healthy and nurturing environment. Residents in  low-income communities of color spend the bulk of their income on housing, yet poorly maintained housing stock makes it difficult to ensure a healthy home for many families.

Environmental Health Coalition’s Healthy Homes project helps families make their homes healthier and more comfortable by:

• Improving ventilation in older homes to reduce respiratory illnesses resulting from mold and carbon monoxide poisoning
• Ensuring that families are reducing the use of pesticides
• Helping families switch to non-toxic household cleaning products
• Assisting families to apply for programs that can provide home improvements
• Ensuring that families live in lead-safe homes

Click here for resources on lead poisoning prevention or call the hotline phone number (858) 694-7000.

Climate change has come to San Diego.

A recent climate change study (link to SDF study) concludes that by 2050 San Diego will not meet its energy needs and will face severe environmental and public health crises. With the highest per capita greenhouse gas emissions statewide, San Diego continues to grow rapidly,  heading towards greater problems if we do not take action to reduce our carbon footprint.

From rising temperatures, worsening air quality, increased wildfires, and dwindling rainfall, these impacts pose the biggest threats to low income communities who already have less access to services and adequate health care.

Environmental Health Coaltion's Green Energy/Green Jobs campaign ensures that these environmental justice communities participate in policy development and advocacy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and benefit from the shift to clean and efficient energy practices.

Our Green Energy/Green Jobs program also participates in state and national alliances that address climate change from an environmental justice perspective.

Et quinta decima eodem modo typi qui nunc nobis videntur parum clari fiant sollemnes in. Amet consectetuer adipiscing elit sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna!

Litterarum formas humanitatis per seacula quarta: decima et quinta decima eodem modo typi qui! Elit sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat ut wisi. Facilisi nam liber tempor cum soluta nobis eleifend option congue nihil imperdiet doming id quod. Mirum est notare quam littera gothica quam nunc. Eorum claritatem Investigationes demonstraverunt lectores legere, me lius quod ii legunt saepius!

Claritatem Investigationes demonstraverunt lectores legere me lius quod ii legunt saepius claritas. Feugiat nulla facilisis, at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio. Lectorum mirum est notare quam littera gothica quam nunc putamus parum claram anteposuerit? Dolore eu dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit. Id quod mazim placerat, facer possim assum typi non habent claritatem! Dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat vel illum?

Thank you for taking action to demand clean air for all San Diegans!

Please help us spread the word and share this call to action on your social channels:

You can also share this call to action over email by copying and pasting this link in your message:

http://bit.ly/demandcleanair

The unequal burden placed on low-income communities of color resulting from historically discriminatory policies calls for an environmental justice (EJ) analysis of the City of San Diego’s Climate Action Plan (CAP). Start Here, Start Now: An Environmental Justice Assessment of the San Diego Climate Action Plan evaluates implementation progress and recommends immediate and long-term solutions.

Divided into six sections, Start Here, Start Now: analyzes the overall allocation of funds to program management and implementation, the CAP’s strategies, and air quality. It is important to highlight that this is a baseline analysis, which includes recommendations to advance equity and data collection necessary to assess progress.

For key findings, please see executive summary.

When cities advance environmental justice, everyone benefits. Through this assessment, it is evident that climate investments need to be measured to demonstrate a clear benefit to EJ communities. The assessment also demonstrates the centrality of mass transportation. Nearly all of the key priorities of the San Diego Climate Action Plan would benefit from significant investments in public transit and active transportation. Transportation Justice – here and now – is the most important message of this report. Vast improvements in transportation will improve air quality, create jobs, increase access to economic opportunity and do more to achieve GHG reductions than any other action.

Download full report here.

Low-income communities of color must lead when it comes to climate solutions. The climate crisis is real, is here, and affects us all, but it hits low-income communities of color first and worst. Environmental Justice (EJ) communities are at the center of the issue and we are the solution.

The Climate Justice Working Group defines climate justice as: “ensuring that the people and communities who are least culpable in the warming of the planet, and most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, do not suffer disproportionately as a result of historical injustice and disinvestment”. Unfortunately, the impacts of climate change are disproportionately felt by low-income communities of color, and it is these same communities who “have been kept out of the global processes to address climate change” (Indigenous Environmental Network, North America).1 As a result, Climate Justice affirms the rights of indigenous people and communities most affected by climate change to lead with the solutions. EJ communities represent and speak for themselves.

Llesenia Cevallos at the Transportation Justice Poster Making Workshop, 2015

Climate scientists predict significant changes in the San Diego region, like extreme heat, water shortages, drought, increased wild fire intensity and frequency, increased air pollution, sea-level rise and coastal flooding. The effects of climate change hit first and worst in EJ communities such as Barrio Logan, City Heights and National City. The effects are magnified because these neighborhoods house the largest sources of pollution and are already burdened by inadequate infrastructure, limited transportation options, and poor economic opportunities.

EHC’s Climate Justice Campaign works to ensure that the residents of Barrio Logan, City Heights and National City are able to speak for themselves and advance climate policies at the local, regional, state levels.

Campaign Core Elements:

1. Start Here, Star Now: An Environmental Justice Assessment of the San Diego Climate Action Plan. The prioritization of Environmental Justice Communities for climate related investments is key to real climate solutions. When cities advance environmental justice, everyone benefits.
2. Transportation Justice. Transformation of the San Diego region into a mass transit paradise where EJ community residents will not have to own a car to access jobs, go to the doctor, go to school and take care of their basic needs. Mass transit is the way.
3. Energy Democracy. Organizing to ensure investments in renewable energy are achieved for residents of low-income communities of color. Renters want solar too.

¹ Indigenous Environmental Network, North America, et al. Bali Principles of Climate Justice (2002) https://www.ejnet.org/ej/bali.pdf

We all need to move. How we get from place to place is deeply connected to our quality of life. Unfortunately, not all communities have the same access to healthy, safe, reliable and affordable transportation options, such as public transit and biking and walking paths. That means some people don't have access to the same quality of life, just because of where they live. Transportation justice is the equal access of all people to the transportation they need for a better quality of life.

Start Here. Start Now.
How we move matters, but not all communities have the same access to healthy and safe transportation options.

Public transit in communities south of the I-8 is often unaffordable, inaccessible and inconvenient. For those that don’t travel by car, a trip to the grocery store may require an hour walk on an unsafe sidewalk. Work commutes can be up to two hours longer by transit than they are by car. Improvements in transportation infrastructure must be prioritized for the people that need them most. It’s time that we demand transportation justice.

Transportation Justice Means:

• Accessibility – Better and more abundant transportation options and increased affordability give community member's greater access to goods, jobs, housing and services.
• Increased public health and safety – Pollution, along with pedestrian and bicyclist collisions with cars, are reduced through improved infrastructure.
• Equity in investment and benefits – Investment in transportation for historically underserved communities creates an equal distribution of transportation benefits for all San Diegans.

Complete Streets
Transportation justice begins by transforming streets and public space into safe places to walk, bike and take advantage of comprehensive mass transit and drive. The Complete Streets program encourages the creation of streets not just built for cars, but for all modes of transportation. The program also promotes roundabouts to slow traffic, wide sidewalks to encourage walking and protected bike lanes to separate bicyclists from traffic and streetlights.

Get involved to make your voice heard and ensure transportation justice for all. Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo. today: (619) 474-0220.

People in low-income communities struggle with high rates of unemployment and limited economic opportunities. The Green Energy/Green Jobs Campaign advocates for programs and policies that invest in local communities to create career-track jobs and create a new energy economy.

In addition to having the greatest potential to meet our energy needs, {tip Also Known As::In the business, we call this Local Distributed Generation}rooftop solar{/tip} also boosts local jobs. For example, a recent report from UC Berkeley has determined that local distributed resources create three times as many jobs as a “business as usual” renewable energy implementation—mainly centralized plants located outside the load centers.

EHC wants to make certain people living in low income communities can take advantage of these job opportunities.  

Accomplishments include:

• In 2010 we hosted a two-day energy efficiency training for our staff and allies, including representatives of City Heights Community Development Corporation.  These workers are conducting energy assessments in hundreds of homes in Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, Logan Heights, City Heights and National City.
• In all EHC energy efficiency assessment and education programs, we refer eligible families to programs that provide free energy efficiency retrofits.  These energy efficiency retrofit programs are done by nonprofit organizations that have specific energy efficiency job training programs and include the MAAC Project’s Pathways Out Of Poverty, San Diego Urban Corps’ Green Streets, and Grid Alternatives.
• EHC successfully partnered with San Diego Gas & Electric to provide 1,000 free energy efficiency retrofits for low-income families with work being partially done by the MAAC Project’s Pathways Out Of Poverty program apprentices.
• Worked with San Diego City Council President Tony Young to create a Green Energy Jobs task force.  
• In 2011, we influenced the outcomes of SDG&E's Smart Grid Deployment Plan by successfully having them integrate language and policy outcomes that we wanted. These items include:
  
  • In the Vision Statement: "It is also important to SDG&E that all market segments have access to distributed energy systems, including underserved communities."
  • In the Vision Statement and Roadmap section: "SDG&E has a strong commitment to ensure its workforce reflects the labor markets it serves.   Therefore, as with all of its recruitment strategies, SDG&E will ensure the outreach for all employment opportunities related to Smart Grid is inclusive to all communities."
• We secured a “local business” preference in their pending release of a RFP for 100MW of solar in San Diego County by SDG&E.  “In weighing different proposals, if two are close in value, the solar developer that agrees to subcontract with a local business and local hire will win the bid.”
• In 2012, we influenced the California Public Utilities Commission to direct large gas and electric companies, like SDG&E, to do a number of things:
  
  • Develop a comprehensive Workforce Education and Training (WE&T) program that increases inclusion of disadvantaged workers and connects training with job opportunities.
  • Track WE&T data throughout all efficiency programs, so we learn where the opportunities are for improving inclusion of disadvantaged workers.
  • Fund classes and collaborate with community colleges, adult education programs, & community-based organizations.

Aaaaa home should be a place where children can grow up in a healthy and nurturing environment. Sadly, families in low-income communities spend the bulk of their income on housing, and deteriorating housing stock intensifies the challenge for many families to find healthy homes.

Saving Energy At Home

EHC has helped families save on energy costs and make their homes healthier and more comfortable by:

• Improving ventilation in older homes to reduce respiratory illnesses resulting from mold and carbon monoxide poisoning
• Ensuring that families are reducing the use of pesticides
• Helping families switch to non-toxic household cleaning products 
• Working with families to make simple changes to their daily lifestyles that will reduce their energy consumption
• Assisting families to apply for programs that can provide home improvements

Home Energy Assessments

A home energy assessment is the first step to make a home more energy efficient. EHC’s Promotoras work with residents and owners to make changes that help residents use less energy and save money.

Once families make the connection that energy from polluting power sources is used every time they leave a light switch on or take a long, hot shower, they understand that their actions are saving money on their energy bill and saving our environment, protecting workers and improving our health.

Contact EHC for your home energy assessment, or click here to conduct your own.

Building A Healthy Home

There are many programs available to make a home as healthy as possible for our families. If you live in National City or in the communities of Barrio Logan, Logan Heights, Sherman Heights or City Heights, contact EHCabout our current programs.

Outside of EHC, the San Diego Housing Commission has several programs available. Visit its Rehab Loanprogram (most are zero or low-interest deferred loans), the HELP Loan program (forgivable loans for exterior and interior enhancement and water and energy conservation improvements) and the Lead Safety Collaborative Program to explore which options are best for you.

A home should be a place where children can grow up in a healthy and nurturing environment.  Despite spending the bulk of their income on housing, the deteriorating housing stock in low-income communities makes this goal a challenge for many families.  

EHC’s Green and Healthy Homes project helps families save on energy costs and make their homes healthier and more comfortable by:

• Improving ventilation in older homes to reduce respiratory illnesses resulting from mold and carbon monoxide poisoning;
• Ensuring that families are reducing the use of pesticides;
• Helping families switch to non-toxic household cleaning products; and
• Working with families to make simple changes to their daily lifestyles that will reduce their energy consumption.
• Assisting families apply for programs that can provide home improvements.

Home Energy Assessments

A home energy assessment is the first step to make a home more energy efficient. As part of the energy assessment, EHC’s Promotoras evaluate a home’s energy efficiency and work with residents and owners to make changes that help residents use less energy and save money.

Energy audits help families understand that every time they leave on light switch or take a long warm shower, energy from polluting power sources is used. Once families make the connection, they know that their actions are not just saving money on their energy bill but saving our planet, protecting workers and improving our health.

Click here to conduct your own energy assessment.

Help is available

There are many programs available to make San Diego’s housing green and healthy. If you live in National City or in the communities of Barrio Logan, Logan Heights, Sherman Heights, or City Heights, contact EHC (link to email) about our current programs.

The San Diego Housing Commission has several programs available to help make homes repairs.  Visit the Rehab Loan (most are zero or low interest deferred loans), the HELP Loan program (forgivable loans for exterior and interior enhancement and water and energy conservation improvements) and “Home Safe Home” sections of their website.

Thank you for being a part of Creating Healthy Neighborhoods: Community Planning to Overcome Injustice.

The 20-minute video below (in both English and Spanish) illustrates seven steps to fight for environmental justice through community-engaged planning.

Creating Healthy Neighborhoods explores the interconnectedness of issues facing communities and uses real-life examples and case studies to show how real people can become advocates and activists for social and environmental justice in seven steps:

Step One: Identify the Problem
Step Two: Build Power
Step Three: Develop Strategy
Step Four: Develop Core Community Principles
Step Five: Develop the Community Vision
Step Six: Organize and Advocate to Win
Step Seven: Achieve the Vision

To begin your introduction to our community-proven, seven-step process, watch the full Creating Healthy Neighborhoods video and download our leadership training below.

The movie is available for download, or you can purchase a copy of the DVD in English and Spanish.

SESSION 1

• Download Session 1 Curriculum in English
• Download Session 1 Supporting Materials in English
• Download Session 1 Curriculum in Spanish
• Download Session 1 Supporting Materials in Spanish

SESSION 2

• Download Session 2 Curriculum in English
• Download Session 2 Supporting Materials in English
• Download Session 2 Curriculum in Spanish
• Download Session 2 Supporting Materials in Spanish

SESSION 3

• Download Session 3 Curriculum in English
• Download Session 3 Supporting Materials in English
• Download Session 3 Curriculum in Spanish
• Download Session 3 Supporting Materials in Spanish

SESSION 4

• Download Session 4 Curriculum in English
• Download Session 4 Supporting Materials in English
• Download Session 4 Curriculum in Spanish
• Download Session 4 Supporting Materials in Spanish

Creating Healthy Neighborhoods - English (Download Here)

Creating Healthy Neighborhoods - Español (Descargar Aqui)

Creating Healthy Neighborhoods: Community Planning to Overcome Injustice

Creating Healthy Neighborhoods explores the interconnectedness of issues facing communities and uses real-life examples and case studies to show how real people can become advocates and activists for social and environmental justice.

Creating Healthy Neighborhoods Trailer - English 

Creating Healthy Neighborhoods Trailer - Español

Environmental Health Coalition announces a free curriculum and video-learning tool, Creating Healthy Neighborhoods. This inspirational toolkit empowers real people to become leaders for health and justice in their communities, just the way EHC community members have.

• Get The Free Curriculum
• Watch the Full Video (English)
• Watch the Full Video (Spanish)

The 20-minute full video shows the impacts of toxic pollution and discriminatory land use policies in ways that anyone can understand, empowering everyone to become involved in planning and policymaking. It illustrates seven steps to fight for environmental justice through community-engaged planning. Use this knowledge to gain a fuller understanding of land-use planning – and take action to create healthier, more vibrant and livable communities where you live.

Under California law, all municipalities are required to complete General Plans which provide a blueprint and long range vision for cities. These can be very useful documents providing clear objectives (rollover comment: EHC successfully advocated for an Environmental Health and Justice element in the National City General Plan and a buffer zone between polluters and homes/schools in the Chula Vista General Plan – both firsts in the state), or can have lofty but vague goals. Community, area and specific plans are not required to be completed under state law but when executed are intended to apply General Plan standards to a specific geographic area and can enable communities to determine the density, building height, zoning and amenities for their neighborhood.

These plans have been the focus of EHC’s Community-Driven Planning efforts because they offer the opportunity for self-determination for residents and enable residents to be proactive rather than only reacting to inappropriate development proposals. The planning process is also the most holistic strategy for a community to engage in. It may allow residents, perhaps for the first time, to envision their community using their values and aspirations, not the developer’s or the city councilmember’s.

EHC is currently working on community-driven land-use planning in Barrio Logan, the Greater Logan area and City Heights in the City of San Diego, and in Old Town National City and West Chula Vista. Click on these links for the most current updates.

In each community, the underlying process is the same.

Building Community Power

Authentic community involvement in every aspect of community planning and visioning leads to better outcomes that respect neighborhoods and their residents. EHC’s core strategies, for all our efforts, are community organizing and policy advocacy, which we combine with grassroots leadership development, research and media communications to implement each strategic plan. To ensure that the community’s voice is heard, EHC employs the following tactics:

Community Action Teams: In each community, an EHC Community Action Team comprised of residents who are EHC leaders has been established. These leaders develop the community vision and priorities that direct EHC’s efforts. They serve as the spokespersons for the campaign meetings with elected officials and government agency representatives and on various planning committees established to oversee plan development.

José Medina, National City resident since 1969 and EHC leader, expressed his hopes for the Old Town National City Specific Plan when he said: “The plan will allow me to see the neighborhood change into something I remember when I was a boy, when a lot of residents were connecting with each other. In the mid-80s it changed for the worse – I saw houses flattened and autobody shops moved in.”

Leadership Training—Salud Ambiental Líderes Tomando Acción -- SALTA (Environmental Health, Leaders Taking Action): All EHC leaders complete an eight session Core SALTA training program providing them with skills and knowledge to become effective advocates and community organizers. A five session mini-SALTA focusing on land use also provides training on redevelopment, zoning, and affordable housing, plus air quality, contaminated site clean-up, reducing industrial pollution, and sustainable building, including green building materials and renewable energy options.

Community Surveying: EHC Leaders are committed to understanding the priorities of their neighbors, and representing those needs when developing EHC platforms and positions. Community surveying is often utilized as a method for collecting and documenting these needs. In Old Town National City, for example, leaders surveyed residents and found that development of affordable housing, relocation of autobody shops and changing zoning to prohibit incompatible mixed-use were the highest priorities by far, which were incorporated into the community plan.

Community Visioning: Once aware of the impact and importance of community planning EHC leaders in both Barrio Logan and Old Town National City elected to develop their own neighborhood vision. EHC raised funds to employ a land use planning firm which, working with residents, developed detailed plans including zoning changes, volume and affordability levels of new housing units, identification of industries for relocation, park acreage, school requirements and more.

Barrio Logan’s community plan—one of the City of San Diego’s oldest—has not been updated since 1978. After years of promises and delays, residents took planning into their own hands. The result was the Barrio Logan Vision, now endorsed by over 1000 area residents, 28 community organizations and 16 local businesses. EHC then secured $1.5 million from a neighboring downtown development agency to update and revise the official Barrio Logan Community Plan, a process starting in early 2008. EHC is advocating for the community plan update to be consistent with the Barrio Logan Vision.

Hilda Valenzuela, EHC leader and Barrio Logan resident, expressed her excitement about the start of the planning process: “I hope with the Community Plan Update process we can resolve the problems sooner – improve affordable housing, have a healthier environment for children and a better place to live.”

Ensure Healthy Neighborhoods

For many years, EHC has promoted pollution prevention and the precautionary principle as the best solution to preventing toxic exposure for community residents and workers. Significant changes to these industrial practices are critical for safety but can take many years to accomplish. Communities subjected to toxic exposure due to discriminatory zoning need to take action to protect themselves and create separation between residential and industrial uses.

Buffer Zones

To accomplish this, EHC proposed the Toxic-Free Neighborhoods Ordinance in the City of San Diego in 1990, which would have required a buffer between industries using or emitting hazardous materials and residences, schools, and day care centers. Local polluters spent thousands of dollars lobbying against the ordinance and were ultimately successful in defeating it.

Without an ordinance EHC targeted polluters that chronically violated the law. Master Plating fit the bill with over 150 violations on the books. Community organizing efforts compelled the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and local government to take action resulting in Master Plating’s shutdown in 2002. CARB’s monitoring revealed a cancer risk four times higher than a ‘typical urban area’ due to hexavalent chromium emissions. As a result of this local action, CARB developed the Air Quality and Land Use Handbook in 2005 which recommended buffers for many polluters for the first time in state or local regulatory history. The recommended buffer for chrome platers is 1000 feet. The distance between Master Plating and the house next door was 4 feet! The guidance document also recommends separation of housing and major roadways which is often difficult given that ‘transit-oriented development’ may encourage development very near freeways.

Elvia Martinez, Master Plating’s next door neighbor and EHC leader, said: “This is the way it’s supposed to work…when a community works together to make its neighborhood a better place to live.”

Zoning

Community plans can include zoning ordinances that determine where industrial, commercial and residential areas will be located. Barrio Logan and Old Town National City are plagued with ‘mixed-use’ zoning that allows all three uses to be in the same area. EHC is seeking specific zoning designations that separate industrial areas from residential areas in the new community plans, and removal of mixed-use zoning.

Polluter Relocation and Removal

Rules that prohibit new sensitive uses near pollution sources are important, but in order for residential neighborhoods to truly be restored and healthy, polluters adjacent to homes and schools must be removed or relocated. EHC has pursued a few tactics to accomplish this. In National City, the City Council adopted an amortization ordinance that will phase out industries currently allowed to operate near sensitive uses, which sets up a process for relocation of prioritized industries when the amortization period is triggered.

One of the poorest and most densely populated neighborhoods, City Heights takes the title for the most ethnically diverse community in San Diego, too.

Like other EHC target communities, much of the housing in City Heights remains old and poorly maintained. Our work in City Heights began through our Healthy Kids Campaign, helping families get their children tested for lead poisoning, helping them eliminate lead hazards, and making their homes more energy efficient. This work opened opportunities to participate more fully in broad-based community planning.

In 2010, The California Endowment embarked on a new, 10-year strategic direction: Building Healthy Communities. It aims to support the development of communities where kids and youth are healthy, safe and ready to learn. It selected City Heights as one of 14 communities in California to participate in this initiative. We lead the Built Environment Team that also includes City Heights Community Development Corporation, Proyecto Casas Saludables, and the International Rescue Committee.

Through house meetings, surveys, and community meetings, the team identified heavy traffic on University and Fairmont Avenues as a major concern. Heavy-duty trucks and cars emit air pollution and frustrate walkability for families.

The communities of Sherman Heights, Grant Hill and Stockton are connected to Logan Heights and Memorial by the Commercial Street/Imperial Avenue Corridor. These communities are referred to as Historic Barrio District. All of these communities are included in the large Southeastern San Diego Community Plan, adopted in 1987.

Individual neighborhoods have created various official revitalization plans and community visions:

Sherman Heights Revitalization Action Plan - 1995

Grant Hill Revitalization Action Program - 1998

Greater Logan Heights Neighborhoods First Quality of Life Plan – 2008/09

The Planning Department of the City of San Diego is currently coordinating development of a Commercial/Imperial Corridor Master Plan. EHC is working primarily with the Historic Barrio District Community Development Corporation (that includes the neighborhoods of Sherman Heights, Grant Hill, Stockton, Logan Heights and Memorial) to influence this vision of the Corridor as a vibrant community link.

Merchants located on Imperial Avenue have long complained that the area is "red lined" making it difficult to get loans and insurance. Insurance rates are 5-10 times higher than other parts of the city.

EHC's Associate Director Georgette Gomez is Vice President of the Historic Barrio District Community Development Corporation, chairing the community and economic development committee.

According to the Industrial Element of the Community Plan:

Rezonings in the 1970s, aimed at upgrading uses and providing industrial sites have not resulted in a change of uses. "Strip" industrial zoning in the western portion of the community has resulted in access problems and conflicts with adjoining uses. These strips are located along Imperial Avenue between Interstate 5 and 22nd Street, and along Commercial Street between Interstate 5 and Bancroft Street. In these strips, there is a mixture of residential and industrial uses which is permitted under the current industrial zoning. These areas were chosen for industrial development in part on the basis of the existence of railroad tracks within Commercial Street; however little use has been made of this advantage. The expected development has not materialized since the adoption of the community plan in 1969, as residences have not given way to industrial development. The industrial activities present in these areas are typified by warehousing, distribution and automobile dismantling. These uses hire few people, are environmentally incompatible with adjacent development and are aesthetically unpleasant. (emphasis added)

Atlas Chemical, Inc. on Commercial Street is one of these incompatible business. It stores and distributes a wide variety of toxic and hazardous materials within feet of homes.

Unfortunately, the draft Master Plan calls for the continuation of Commercial Street for light industrial, only gradually transitioning to commercial, residential, community serving and cultural uses.

Welcome to Environmental Health Coalition's SALTA Community Leadership Training Program. This page has everything you need to learn about SALTA, create a registration account to download the curriculum and log in to return for more downloads and to provide feedback.

What is SALTA?
What is the SALTA approach?
What are the SALTA sessions?
How can my organization use SALTA?

WHAT IS SALTA?

SALTA (Salud Ambiental Lideres Tomando Accion – Environmental Health, Leaders Taking Action) is a web-based, interactive leadership development curriculum that provides community leaders with skill-building training in community organizing, policy advocacy, building power, community health, environmental justice and effective communication.

SALTA is a key component to ensuring that EHC achieves our core mission. More than education, SALTA is integrated with EHC's organizing and advocacy efforts to achieve environmental and social justice.

(return to top)

WHAT IS THE SALTA APPROACH?

SALTA programs represent the organic educational efforts of the different campaigns, teams, leaders, and staff that make up EHC and were designed specifically for our leaders based on our local efforts. We began SALTA trainings in 1996, and now more than 2,000 individuals have been trained.

Developed and field tested by EHC staff and leaders during the past 15 years, SALTA uses a popular education approach that makes the training inclusive and accessible to all participants. Trainings are based on the knowledge, skills and real-world experiences of EHC staff, leaders and training participants. 

Popular education, which has varying interpretations, is best defined by the practice where participants share their own understanding and feelings about a specific topic or issue and that understanding and feelings are considered valid. The idea of popular education (often described as "education for critical consciousness") as a teaching methodology came from a Brazilian educator and writer named Paulo Freire, who was writing in the context of literacy education for poor and politically disempowered people in his country. It's different from formal education (in schools, for example) and informal education (learning by living) in that it is a process which aims to empower people who feel marginalized socially and politically to take control of their own learning and to effect social change.

The SALTA sessions improve participants' sense of belonging to a community as participants and stakeholders of their societies. They begin to see themselves as empowered members who can make change.

(return to top)

What are the SALTA sessions?

Click the sessions below to learn more.

(return to top)

HOW CAN MY ORGANIZATION USE SALTA?

The main objectives of SALTA are:

• To develop unity, commitment and shared consciousness on core principles
• To enhance leader's skills and effectiveness
• To develop an understanding of all efforts

If these objectives are consistent with your organization's mission and theory of change, SALTA can provide a forum for learning and growing. SALTA training works best when integrated with active campaigns and opportunities to use the skills in the real world.

Each session builds on the prior one. You may use individual activities or sessions as stand alone workshops but be aware that there may be topics covered in prior sessions that are integral to full understanding.

You will find it necessary in some cases to change or adapt some of the information or activities to suit your purposes, communities and local efforts. EHC encourages adaptation for individual needs of non-profits, environmental and social justice organizations, unions and public schools however any for-profit enterprise must first get permission directly from EHC.

(return to top)

Download Your SALTA Curriculum

Below, you'll find the curriculum and supporting materials for each of the SALTA sessions. To download them you'll need Adobe Reader or another PDF reader program.Please have patience - files are large and may take a few minutes to download.

SESSION 1: LEADERSHIP
Social change relies on the leadership of people who understand the urgency of addressing injustice and who decide to act to improve their life conditions. In the Leadership Session, participants explore the concept of leadership within communities affected by social and environmental injustice, and their roles and responsibilities as EHC leaders. Participants will begin to recognize their position as an EHC Leader and to identify themselves as such. EHC's overall ideology is introduced, along with the general goals for the Leader SALTA training.

• Download Session 1 Curriculum in English
• Download Session 1 Curriculum in Spanish
• Download Session 1 Supporting Materials in English
• Download Session 1 Supporting Materials in Spanish

SESSION 2: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
The Environmental Justice movement grew from hundreds of local struggles by taking a civil rights and social justice approach to environmental health protection. This session defines environmental justice and environmental racism (environmental injustice). It provides an opportunity for EHC leaders to identify environmental racism in their neighborhoods. It demonstrates the effectiveness of local organizing to achieve environmental justice. 

• Download Session 2 Curriculum in English
• Download Session 2 Curriculum in Spanish
• Download Session 2 Supporting Materials in English
• Download Session 2 Supporting Materials in Spanish

SESSION 3: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH I 
Environmental Justice is the right of all people to work, live, and play in a healthy and safe environment. Environmental Health makes the link between pollution in the environment and human health. This session focuses on how toxic pollution denies this right to many, especially to workers and people living in low-income communities of color. Participants will learn how EHC leaders have taken actions and promoted policies to protect communities. Participants learn the basics of environmental health and the basics of childhood lead poisoning prevention.

• Download Session 3 Curriculum in English
• Download Session 3 Curriculum in Spanish
• Download Session 3 Supporting Materials in English
• Download Session 3 Supporting Materials in Spanish

SESSION 4: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH II
Air Toxics are substances known to have adverse effects on human health and the environment. In this session participants will learn about the sources and health impacts of Air Toxics affecting EHC's communities. Participants will also learn about EHC's current efforts to combat community air toxics through community driven land use and sustainable energy campaigns, and see how EHC's goal for prevention (pollution prevention, the precautionary principal and cumulative impacts) guide our work in these areas.

• Download Session 4 Curriculum in English
• Download Session 4 Curriculum in Spanish
• Download Session 4 Supporting Materials in English
• Download Session 4 Supporting Materials in Spanish

SESSION 5: POWER 
This session will cover the role of power in winning environmental and social justice for environmental justice communities, how to assess an existing power structure and how to gain enough power to win. The first step of EHC's Process for Action (analyze) will be introduced and the use of EHC's power mapping tool in this process will be demonstrated.

• Download Session 5 Curriculum in English
• Download Session 5 Curriculum in Spanish
• Download Session 5 Supporting Materials in English
• Download Session 5 Supporting Materials in Spanish

SESSION 6: MESSAGING FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
Persuading individuals and organizations to support EHC's goals and objectives and to take action requires effective messaging. In this session, EHC Leaders will learn the basics of message development and how their personal stories can be used to inspire trust and hope in the target audience and create the will to take action. The framework for this session flows from EHC's Power Analysis. Certain activities and concepts are adapted from The Spitfire Strategies' Smart Chart 3.0 and the work of Marshall Ganz' Camp Obama trainings. 

• Download Session 6 Curriculum in English
• Download Session 6 Curriculum in Spanish
• Download Session 6 Supporting Materials in English
• Download Session 6 Supporting Materials in Spanish

SESSION 7: ORGANIZING
Community organizing is a value-based strategy which empowers people to take action to win real improvements for the benefit of their communities and the common good. The foundation of community organizing is relationship building. In this session participants learn how to develop a relationship as a representative of EHC by sharing stories and broaden the "My Story" developed in the last session to "Our Story." EHC's organizing model and some of the organizing tactics are introduced.

• Download Session 7 Curriculum in English
• Download Session 7 Curriculum in Spanish
• Download Session 7 Supporting Materials in English
• Download Session 7 Supprorting Materials in Spanish

SESSION 8: ADVOCACY
Advocacy is the process of influencing public policy and the distribution of public resources. For EHC the purpose of advocacy is to influence policy makers to take actions to protect public health and the environment. EHC is proactive in developing public policy solutions, participating in setting the agenda and framing the issue. Solutions are based on our beliefs and values and are developed through the Process for Action. EHC Leaders have specific advocacy responsibilities, authority, and personal characteristics that help them become strong advocates.

• Download Session 8 Curriculum in English
• Download Session 8 Curriculum in Spanish
• Download Session 8 Supporting Materials in English
• Download Session 8 Supporting Materials in Spanish

SESSION 9: LAND USE ADVOCACY & LEADERSHIP II
This last SALTA session will serve as a comprehensive review of all previous sessions by combining learnings through several activities. Participants will develop a vision for a model community and then prepare a presentation advocating for the new vision before an elected official. The presentation will incorporate the Problem/Solution/Action and personal story telling framework from prior sessions. Participants will sign a Leadership Commitment pledge.

• Download Session 9 Curriculum in English
• Download Session 9 Curriculum in Spanish
• Download Session 9 Supporting Materials in English
• Download Session 9 Supporting Materials in Spanish

Conoce A Carolina Gámez

A sus escasos 22 años de edad, Carolina ya está marcando una diferencia importante en Colonia Chilpancingo en Tijuana. Carolina cursó la capacitación SALTA para aprender acerca de las problemáticas ambientales que aquejan a su comunidad, pero a cambio recibió mucho más de lo que había anticipado. Carolina se dio cuenta que todos y todas las inspiradoras líderes que conocí habían iniciado exactamente como ella – como habitantes preocupadas que buscaban un cambio y dispuestas a hacer la labor, por difícil que fuera.

Conoce A Mónica de la Lanza

Mónica sabe que su voz es potente, y ha sido gestora de la justicia fronteriza desde sus nueve años de edad. Ha formado parte del Grupo de Jóvenes de EHC por mucho tiempo, y como integrante de éste hace que se escuche la perspectiva de nuestra comunidad mediante redactar boletines informativos, crear murales y hablar en conferencias de prensa. Mónica es prueba viviente de que nuestra juventud tiene el poder de lograr la justicia para nuestras comunidades.

Conoce A Lisette Zavala

Lisette Zavala vive los efectos de la injusticia ambiental todos los días, ya que tanto ella como sus hijos sufren la contaminación atmosférica que existe en su barrio. Una vez que se sumó a EHC, Lisette comenzó a informarse más acerca de la manera en que las problemáticas ambientales afectan la salud de familias como la de ella. Lisette consistentemente eleva su voz ante líderes políticos para exhortarlos a mejorar la calidad del aire en su localidad, puesto que sus hijos y vecinos merecen un entorno sano y seguro en el cual vivir, trabajar y esparcirse.

Conoce A Paw Say

A partir de que Paw Say se sumara a EHC el año pasado, ya se ha convertido en líder. Con el apoyo del Equipo de Acción Comunitaria de City Heights que organiza EHC, Paw mantiene informados a residentes que también hablan la lengua Karen en su comunidad en temas de calidad del aire, transporte público y otras problemáticas de importancia que enfrenta City Heights. Gracias a su ardua labor, los habitantes de esta comunidad están entrando en acción para transformarla.

Conoce A Alicia Sanchez

Hace ocho años Alicia Sanchez llegó a una reunión comunitaria de EHC para aprender acerca del proyecto de vivienda asequible en su barrio. Ella se inspiró de inmediato y permaneció involucrada para ver que la ciudad aprobara el proyecto. El año pasado, Alicia fue testigo del comienzo de la construcción del proyecto de 201 unidades de vivienda en el cual ella trabajó para que se convirtiera en realidad. Alicia comenta que se siente orgullosa el saber que este proyecto mejorará la calidad de vida de muchas familias.

Conoce A Irma Ortiz

Desde que a Irma le intereso en tener una comunidad más saludable para su familia en el 2009, ella ha sido un miembro activo de EHC. Tiene una energía contagiosa. Después de una charla con Irma, sus vecinos se inspiraron a participar y hacer de su barrio un mejor lugar en dónde vivir. Ella forma parte del Equipo de Acción Comunitaria en Barrio Logan y casi nunca falta a las reuniones mensuales. Según Irma, "es importante que participemos con organizaciones come EHC para informarnos de las cosas que están contaminando a nuestras comunidades. Nosotros podemos informarnos de lo que podemos hacer para ayudar."

Conoce A Sonia Pérez

Sonia ha sido miembro de la Campaña Fronteriza para la Justicia Ambiental desde hace más de ocho años. Ella con otras once mujeres es parte del equipo de acción comunitaria base de la colonia Chilpancingo y Murúa en Tijuana y ha sido varias veces promotora de EHC, trabajando en Tijuana con el tema de la calidad del aire y con el Arroyo Alamar. Sonia tiene un gran compromiso con su comunidad, se involucra en cualquier actividad que tiene trascendencia social en el lugar donde vive. Participa continua y activamente, además del trabajo coordinado por EHC, en las actividades de la escuela donde van sus sobrinos, en la iglesia de su colonia y es miembro de la cooperativa Manos Creativas. Sonia es una mujer ejemplar, y por si fuera poco, es, además, una muy buena cocinera.

CONOCE Erick Ortega 

Erick Ortega encontró su vocación hace tres años cuando descubrió que industrias cercanas estaban contaminando su barrio, haciendo que la gente se enfermara. Después de poco, Erick se dio a la misión de compartir esta información y educar a sus vecinos en el tema de la justicia ambiental. Hoy, Erick forma parte del Equipo de Acción Comunitaria de Barrio Logan de Barrio Logan de EHC, así como del Grupo de Planeación Comunitaria de San Diego, en el que su meta es simplemente "ser la voz del pueblo". Erick comenta que nos toca a todos, no importa donde vivamos o que tan marginadas estén nuestras comunidades, participar en lograr el bienestar de nuestro barrio.

CONOCE BUI CONG TUONG 

Bui Cong Tuong se convirtió en uno de nuestros más recientes miembros tras graduarse de nuestro programa SALTA, de liderazgo comunitario. Después de su graduación, hizo una promesa a su comunidad: "por todos los medios necesarios voy a organizar y educar a la comunidad vietnamita de San Diego. Toda familia sabrá cómo luchar por la justicia ambiental en San Diego, nuestro segundo hogar." Bui es además poeta bajo el seudónimo Song Cuu. Nos encantó el siguiente pasaje de uno de sus poemas: "amamos al cielo azul como amamos la libertad y la paz en los Estados Unidos. La Tierra es nuestro hogar compartido. Protejamos juntos nuestro medio ambiente."

CONOCE Leonor Garcia 

Leonor Garcia es uno de los miembros del Comité de Acción Comunitaria del Old Town National City (CAT),ella ha participado con EHC desde el 2007. Fue promotora por 3 años y ahora participa activamente en el CAT. Leonor dice que su motivación principal es el ser parte del cambio social y ambiental y piensa que para lograr un cambio "tiene que haber un involucramiento de la comunidad, para que sus voces sean escuchadas, y sus necesidades atendidas y así poder lograr una mejor calidad de vida, con viviendas dignas y comunidades libres de tóxicos".

CONOCE Carolina Gámez 

Carolina (izquierda) con Amelia Simpson, Yesenia y Lourdes.

Carolina acaba de cumplir 20 años. Es miembro del Grupo de Jóvenes de EHC en la campaña de la frontera desde que tenía 14. Ahora su hermana Katia de 10 años es integrante de la segunda generación del grupo de jóvenes. Carolina es una joven preocupada en los temas que afectan a su comunidad y muy interesada en involucrarse en el trabajo para mejorar la calidad de vida de la gente que la rodea. En cada reunión y evento a los que asiste es atenta, participativa y se involucra en la logística. Tiene talento como oradora y ha participado como vocera del equipo en diferentes eventos. Además participó en la elaboración de los dos comics y los cuatro libros para colorear. En la fotografía aparece con Amelia Simpson, quien fuera directora de la campaña de la frontera y con Yesenia y Lourdes, dos de las más antiguas promotoras en Tijuana. Carolina está estudiando Sociología y trabajando. Aun así sigue participando muy activamente en el grupo de jóvenes. Es un ejemplo de consistencia y convicción.

National City Celebra Rutas Seguras a la Escuela con Adriana Medina

National City Celebra Rutas Seguras a la Escuela con Lorena

CONOCE ENRIQUE SANABRIA 

Enrique Senabria comenzó a participar con EHC hace un año por invitación. A Enrique le gusta participar porque aprende sobre varios temas muy importantes. También le gusta aprender acerca de lo que él puede hacer para proteger su comunidad para vivir mejor y tener mejor salud. Le gusta EHC porque concientiza a las personas sobre la importancia de cuidar nuestro planeta y tener aire limpio para todos. A él le gustaría que más gente se involucre para poder hacer cambios en nuestras costumbres y proteger nuestro planeta mejorando nuestra salud. El piensa que lo que está pasando en el mundo es el resultado directo de las industrias y nosotros que contaminamos. Es por eso que debemos unirnos y trabajar juntos para mejorar y vivir mejor. Recientemente participó en la reunión acerca del plan general del puerto de San Diego. Él se sintió bien al dar testimonio y pedirles a los comis- ionados que incluyeran el lenguaje de justicia ambiental en el plan para tener mejor calidad de vida para todos.

CONOCE ANA LANGARICA

Ana Langarica se integró la campaña de la frontera de EHC en el 2005. Entonces su hijo Alan tenía apenas unos meses de nacido. Cada día de reunión dejaba a Ángel, su hijo mayorcito, en la escuela y corría empujando la carriola con Alan para llegar a tiempo a las reuniones. Al principio era tímida, pero su compromiso era notable. Aunque hubiera mal clima ella cruzaba el arroyo para llegar a la reunión, y si la lluvia no lo permitía caminaba diez cuadras más para rodearlo y llegar a tiempo. Ana con su ejemplo enseña a sus hijos a querer y trabajar por su comunidad. Alan y Ángel son miembros del Grupo de Jóvenes y junto a su mamá ahora defienden el arroyo Alamar. 

CONOCE LORENA CHAVEZ

Lorena (derecha) con Gestora de Política, Carolina Martinez

Lorena Chavez participa con EHC desde el 2005. Su interés principal es porque ella vive en National City en el área del Old Town donde existen industrias y residencias juntas. Eso perjudica la salud de las familias de Old Town por la contaminación que generan estas industrias, siendo la mayoría de estos negocios talleres de pintura y carrocería. Lorena tiene 3 hijos; una hija de 15 años y otra de 12, y su niño de 3 años. Para ella es muy importante proteger la salud de su familia. Ella participó en la implementación del plan específico del Old Town donde se cambió el uso de suelo de esta zona y ya no se va a permitir la entrada de industrias contaminantes. Este plan comunitario fue aprobado por el cabildo en el 2010. También ha participado en el programa de hogares saludables enseñando a las familias a mantener sus hogares libres de tóxicos y a ahorrar energía. Lorena ha estado activa dentro de la organización siendo parte del CAT (Community Action Team) de National City y quiere seguir participando para poder hacer cambios positivos en su comunidad.

CONOCE MARIBEL GUZMÁN

Maribel (izq.) con Silvia León de Abogacía en Políticas, en el Cabildo de San Diego

Maribel Guzmán. Madre, hermana, voluntaria, organizadora comunitaria y mucho más. Maribel ha vivido en Sherman Heights por 39 años, actualmente con sus tres hijos, de 17, 10 y cinco años de edad. "me mantienen en alerta", agrega. Durante los últimos siete años, Maribel ha voluntariado para EHC y se capacitó en el programa SALTA. "He aprendido tanto en mi participación aquí en EHC, lo cual ha tenido un impacto a un nivel muy personal, porque mi hijo de 10 años tiene asma." Maribel comenta que el tener una mayor conciencia acerca de toxinas ambientales y disparadores del asma cambió su vida, haciendo que se diera cuenta que quería ser parte del cambio y del movimiento hacia comunidades más sanas. Se integró al Equipo de Acción Comunitaria Niños Saludables, y le encanta ayudar a familias todos los días yendo a sus hogares e informándoles acerca de hogares sanos y eficiencia energética. "Platico con las familias acerca de los riesgos a la salud que pueden encontrarse en el hogar así como fuera del hogar para darles un panorama completo de la justicia social," comentó.

CONOCE RODDY JEROME

Roddy (izquierda) abogando por su comunidad

Originario de Hawaii y hoy día residente de City Heights por muchos años, Roddy Jerome tiene un interés particular por lo que entra a su comunidad. Hace poco más de un año, él comenzó a asistir a las reuniones de EHC en City Heights y comenzó a enterarse más acerca de cómo su barrio y toda la región esta impactada por energía sucia, falta de transporte y una variedad de temas de justicia ambiental. En el 2013, Roddy asistió y rindió testimonio en las audiencias estatales en energía, ante los comités del Concilio de la Ciudad de San Diego acerca del Plan Climático de la Ciudad, y en las audiencias de SANDAG acerca del corredor para bicicletas de Mid-City y en Sacramento para cabildear a los legisladores estatales. El aspecto de la abogacía comunitaria que más disfruta Roddy es el tocar puertas e informar a sus amistades y vecinos acerca de los problemas que nos afectan a todos nosotros, instándoles que se involucren. Roddy se sigue involucrando con City Heights y EHC, y es el ejemplo perfecto de cambio social por la justicia.

CONOCE VANESA HERNÁNDEZ

Vanesa (centro) con Andrea (izquierda) e Isaac (derecha) en la zona arbolada del Arroyo Alamar

Vanesa tiene 17 años. Es miembro del Grupo de Jóvenes hace más de cinco años. Es hija de Karina Zavala y hermana de Bryan, también miembros de la campaña de la frontera. Vanesa ha participado en conferencias y entrevistas ante los medios advirtiendo los peligros por la contaminación de las maquilas en su comunidad. Tiene pensamiento crítico y le gusta escribir: "Hay empresas que solo generan basura, venden cosas que en poco tiempo dejan de servir y volvemos a comprar y así cada vez hay más basura y la empresas cada vez son más ricas"... "La respuesta es la falta de información y nuestra mejor alternativa es la organización"... Haz clik aquí para leer su ensayo. Conoce a Vanesa y otros integrantes del grupo de jóvenes aquí.

CONOCE Edith Maldonado

Edith y su hijo

Edith Maldonado vive en el Old Town National City desde hace 8 años y participa con EHC desde hace 4 años. Edith dice: "Me intereso involucrarme en la organización para poder mejorar mi comunidad, porque tenemos muchos talleres que contaminan alrededor de donde yo vivo. Yo tengo 2 hijos que viven conmigo, de 6 y 8 años y quiero que tengan una mejor vida, que vivan en una comunidad más saludable. También me gusta participar como voluntaria para informarles a otros padres de familia de los peligros de vivir en un área donde hay mezcla de industrias contaminantes y residencias. Me gastaría vivir en una comunidad libre de tóxicos y que ningún niño se enfermara de asma porcausa de la contaminación." 

CONOCE Maria Esther Aguayo

Maria (centro) en una reunión comunitaria 

Maria Esther Aguayo es miembro activo de la comunidad de Barrio Logan, y apasionada por barrios saludables y libres de tóxicos. Ella le ha permitido a EHC colocar cámaras en el frente de su casa y grabar toda la actividad de la industria en una bodega que se encuentra al cruzar la calle de su casa. Las cámaras grabaron las 24 horas al día y siete días a la semana durante dos semanas. Grabaron la actividad y el impacto del uso de suelo mixto a los residentes de Barrio Logan. Poco después de haberse expuesto los videos, la bodega fue reubicada a una zona industrial en National City - cosa que EHC había intentado por años. "Nosotros contamos con el poder de lograr cambios positivos en nuestra comunidad si nos unimos," dice Maria. "Aún cuando sé que el cambio no se logra de la noche a la mañana, tengo la esperanza de que se logre poco a poquito y me emociona ir por buen camino." Maria ha vivido en Logan Heights por 23 años con su esposo, dos hijas adolescentes y un hijo. Ella es originaria de Guadalajara, México y adora el lugar de Barrio Logan porque le recuerda a su tierra natal. 

CONOCE Itzia López Luján

Itzia y su cámara de vídeo.

Itzia López Luján tiene 13 años de edad. Es miembro del Grupo de Jóvenes de EHC desde que tenía siete años. Es hija de Guadalupe Luján, una de las más antiguas promotoras del Colectivo Chilpancingo. Itzia ha dado entrevistas en el radio y televisión sobre los temas de aire y el Arroyo Alamar. Nació en la comunidad en la que participa y se ha involucrado en todas las actividades de la campaña para promover el concepto de justicia ambiental en su comunidad.
"Me gusta hacer materiales como historietas y juegos para que otros aprendan sobre los temas que trabajamos, como la contaminación del aire y el Arroyo Alamar. Vivo muy cerca de la maquila y me gustaría ver a mi comunidad limpia y con trabajos seguros."
Conoce a Itzia y otros integrantes del grupo de jóvenes aqui.

CONOCE JOAQUINA HERNANDEZ DE NATIONAL CITY

Joaquina y su hija, Briso

Joaquina es una de las personas que más recientemente se han unido al grupo de líderes de National City . Aunque tiene 4 años de vivir en esta comunidad, hace 2 años empezó a participar con EHC. "Yo apoyo el trabajo de esta organización porque quiero mejorar mi comunidad". Cuando Joaquina empezó a participar asistió a juntas comunitarias para apoyar un proyecto de vivienda accesible en el área del Old Town Nacional City. Joaquina dice: "quiero que haya mas vivienda accesible ya que las rentas son muy caras y la mayoría de los residentes somos de bajos recursos" a ella le gustaría vivir en un lugar digno donde su hija Brisa Hernández de 10 años de edad, tenga su propio espacio, y también quiere que haya mas lugares de recreación, mas áreas verdes, que su comunidad sea segura y poder eliminar la contaminación para proteger la salud de los niños y de las personas de la tercera edad. 

CONOCE NALLELY ACEVES Y JESSICA VILLANUEVA

Nallely Aceves

EHC celebra el logro académico de dos hijas de dos de los miembros del Equipo de Acción Comunitaria de National City (CAT por sus siglas en inglés). Ambas familias se alistan para despedirse de sus hijas que ingresan a la universidad. Nallely, hija de Fabiola Aceves, ingresará a la Universidad de California Berkeley y ha sido aceptada en el prestigioso programa de Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS). Jessica, hija de Maria Villanueva, ingresará a la Universidad San Marcos del Estado de California. Estamos orgullosos de nuestros miembros del CAT y de todo su trabajo para darles a sus familias un futuro saludable y prospero. Le deseamos lo mejor a Jessica y a Nallely en sus emprendimientos académicos.

CONOSCA A ROSARIO  "CHAYO" GARCIA DE EHC

Chayo (segunda de la derecha) con Jay Powell, Martha Cortés, y Tony Young ex presidente del Concilio

Rosario "Chayo" Garcia ha sido miembro de EHC desde 1995. Ella participó por primera vez con EHC cuando tomó las clases de SALTA Liderazgo, anticipando involucrarse en temas que afectaban su comunidad. "Una de las primeras cosas que aprendí en SALTA fue que yo podía hacer cambios en mi barrio," dijo. "Esto me motivó para continuar participando y aprendiendo lo más posible," afirmó. Chayo se describe asimisma como una persona tímida a quien por medio de SALTA se le animó a hablar con sus vecinos y compartir su conocimiento con otros. Ella considera la información un prerrequisito para el cambio. "Es importante compartir la información para que otros tomen acción y protejan a sus familias," afirmó Chayo. 

CONOZCAN A MARTHA CORTÉS DE SHERMAN HEIGHTS

Martha (camiseta azul) en un evento reciente de análisis de plomo en la sangre

Martha comenzó su trabajo de organización comunitaria EHC cuando ella tenía tres meses de embarazo. En ese entonces ella vivía en una casa vieja y no sabía acerca de los riesgos del plomo a la salud en casas viejas. Martha comenzó a participar con EHC para ayudar a sus hijos y a otros. Ella sigue apoyando a su comunidad y a los niños de esta informando a sus vecinos y amistades acerca de los riesgos a la salud por el envenenamiento por plomo, y abogando por políticas que cercioren el alquiler de propiedades que estén libres de plomo. En abril se le otorgó a Martha el reconocimiento de Campeona de Niños Saludables de EHC por su trabajo. Ella anima a todos a que participen para proteger a la salud de nuestros niños y nos dijo, "¡Con la información que compartimos, todos podemos proteger a nuestros niños!" 

PRESENTANDO A PATRICIA SÁENZ DE CITY HEIGHTS

Patty es fundadora de un Equipo de Acción Comunitaria de EHC, graduada de SALTA, integrante de la junta, y de mayor importancia - madre de familia. Cuando su hogar arrojó resultados positivos de presencia de plomo hace algunos años, decidió iniciar un movimiento en City Heights para asegurarse que se hicieran pruebas en otras viviendas y que los niños estuvieran a salvo de intoxicación por plomo. Podemos contar con Patty para dirigirse a funcionarios públicos o platicar con su vecino de cuadra acerca de problemáticas de salud y calidad de vida en City Heights. Trabaja arduamente para lograr una mejor comunidad. Le invitamos a leer más acerca de Patty y su labor en una reciente entrevista con el periódico UT de San Diego. ¡En verdad apreciamos tu liderazgo en City Heights Patty! 

PRESENTA A MARIA MARTÍNEZ DE BARRIO LOGAN

Maria (izquierda) y Maria Moya de EHC hablando con Voice of San Diego

Maria vive junto a industrias que eran terribles para el medio ambiente y para la salud de los residentes. Maria, residente del Barrio Logan por 18 años, ha estado luchando por aire y agua más limpia para su comunidad desde que se dio cuenta que uno de sus tres hijos tiene asma. A menudo, Maria es vocera para su comunidad y en el 2009 fue nominada por el Equipo de Acción Comunitaria para representarlos en la Mesa Directiva de EHC. Maria, gracias por tu liderazgo en Barrio Logan.

PRESENTA A CATHEY WILLIAMS, MIEMBRO DEL EQUIPO DE ACCIÓN COMUNITARIA DE CITY HEIGHTS

Cathey dice que la participación en el consejo de la ciudad y de audiencias de la comisión del puerto, en nombre de EHC ha enseñado más sobre los problemas queenfrenta su comunidad. Ella también asistió recientemente a la formación la defensa con nuestra organización asociada en todo el estado, la Alianza Ambiental de Justicia de California. Gracias por su liderazgo que en City Heights, Cathey.

Las comunidades de color, especialmente al sur de la I-8, son el voto decisivo en las elecciones.

Patricia Saenz, un líder comunitario, habla de su experiencia en el entrenamiento en liderazgo "Salud Ambiental Líderes Tomando Acción" de la EHC.

Mensajes animadoras de las graduadas del entrenamiento en liderazgo "Salud Ambiental Líderes Tomando Acción" de la EHC.

Por más de 30 años, EHC ha enfrentado injusticias ambientales en la región San Diego/Tijuana.

"Jóvenes Pro Justicia Ambiental" es parte del Colectivo Chilpancingo Pro Justicia Ambiental y un proyecto de Environmental Health Coalition.

Está conformado por más de 20 jóvenes de entre ocho y 19 años de edad que además de aprender a organizar y sobre temas que afectan su calidad de vida se encargan de desarrollar herramientas y crear vínculos con la comunidad para apoyar las campañas de trabajo del Colectivo Chilpancingo Pro Justicia Ambiental.

Algunos ejemplos de los materiales que han desarrollado son cuatro libros para colorear con la información de las campañas de Environmental Health Colalition. El Grupo de Jóvenes también elaboró dos cómics, el primero, "La historia de mi colonia", cuenta la lucha de la comunidad para limpiar Metales y Derivados. El segundo, "Queremos Aire Limpio" explica el problema de contaminación por el paso de camiones de carga pesada por la comunidad y las posibles soluciones para mejorar esta situación.

• Cómic: "La Historia de mi Colonia"
• Cómic: "¡Queremos Aire Limpio!"
• Calendario: "Serpientes y Escalares Justicia Ambiental"
• Juego: "Salvemos la Playa"

Contactar Jóvenes Pro Justicia Ambiental en Facebook