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$20M for Climate Resiliency in Central Historic Barrios

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

San Diego Foundation Selected to Receive $20M U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Grant to Support Sustainability, Climate Resiliency in Central Historic Barrios

Grant to Fully Fund Transformative Climate Communities Local Health Initiative

SAN DIEGO (July 25, 2024)—San Diego Foundation (SDF) announced today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has selected it to receive $19,999,317 for its joint initiative with the Environmental Health Coalition to help fund climate-resilient projects that will preserve, protect and strengthen San Diego’s central historic barrios.

“We are grateful to the EPA for recognizing how transformational this funding will be for San Diegans,” said Mark Stuart, President & CEO, SDF. “This federal grant is an endorsement of our coalition of partners and community-driven approach to fund much-needed projects that will improve the health and lives of residents in our central historic barrios and create a healthier, more vibrant and resilient community,”

The EPA grant will be combined with a previously announced $22 million grant received in December 2023 from the California Strategic Growth Council for the Transformative Climate Communities initiative, “Rooted in Comunidad, Cultivating Equity.”

“San Diego’s central historic barrio communities are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change like extreme heat or wildfires, because of existing toxic pollution, disinvestment and chronic disease like asthma,” said José Franco García, Executive Director, Environmental Health Coalition. “Residents that suffer these conditions have voiced the community’s need for investments in clean air, green spaces, healthy homes and pollution-free transit. Now, we can put their vision into action in order to help their families and neighbors thrive for generations to come.”

“Today’s announcement is welcome news for families in San Diego and across the region. This funding demonstrates our continued commitment to addressing long-standing environmental and climate justice challenges and investing in the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52). “I’m proud to have voted for the Inflation Reduction Act to support projects just like this one and look forward to seeing the positive impacts to come.”

“Efforts to address climate change need to include all communities, especially neighborhoods that have historically been underfunded. The nearly $20 million in Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change grant money coming to San Diego will fund much-needed improvements to air quality, expand access to clean public transportation, and provide green space that will mitigate extreme heat and beautify neighborhoods. This is another great example of how the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act is truly helping all Americans,” said Representative Scott Peters (CA-50).

Through the grants, the neighborhoods encompassing San Diego’s central historic barrios will experience unprecedented investment in green spaces, housing and transportation, community-led food production and distribution, and community centers, among other climate-resilient and community benefit projects. San Diego’s central historic barrios include the seven neighborhoods of Logan, Stockton, Grant Hill, Mt. Hope, Sherman, Southcrest and Shelltown. For a full description of projects, visit the Environmental Health Coalition’s project proposal website.

In 2022, Environmental Health Coalition and SDF, along with 10 partners, worked to ensure their project plan was grounded in the community and led by the community. During the application-building period for the California Strategic Growth Council, Environmental Health Coalition hosted a survey and two community workshops that included participation and feedback from 400-plus community members.

The EPA grant is one of seven awarded in California and one of 21 nationwide by the EPA during this inaugural round of funding. Selected applicants help disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience and build community capacity. Made possible by the federal Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Change Grants Program is the single-largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history. The funding announcement is the first tranche of nearly $2 billion from the program that was designed based on community input to award grants on a rolling basis. For more information on the Community Change Grants Program and a full listing of awards, visit EPA.gov.

About San Diego Foundation
San Diego Foundation inspires enduring philanthropy and enables community solutions to improve the quality of life in our region. Our strategic priorities include advancing racial and social justice, fostering equity of opportunity, building resilient communities, and delivering world-class philanthropy to realize our vision of just, equitable and resilient communities. The Environment Initiative preserves and protects our resources, builds a more sustainable path of economic growth and ensures a higher quality of life for those who call San Diego home. For nearly 50 years, SDF and its donors have granted $1.8 billion to support nonprofit organizations strengthening our community. Learn more at SDFoundation.org.

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Contact: Lorena Nava Ruggero, lruggero@sdfoundation.org, 619-814-1365

What Are Our Neighbors to the South Breathing?

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Students Find Dangerous Levels of CO2 and Toxic Air Pollution in Tijuana & Rosarito

Map of San Diego and Tijuana

Most San Diegans have ventured south of our border to Tijuana and Rosarito to visit family, enjoy authentic Mexican food, receive affordable healthcare, or simply dip our toes in the Pacific Ocean. Many Tijuana residents cross the border daily to work in San Diego. Have you ever wondered what our southern neighbors, and often co-workers are breathing, or what we are breathing when we visit? 15 students from Tijuana decided to find out.

Using data from air monitors, the students found dangerous levels of CO2, particulate matter, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in coastal and central Tijuana, as well as Rosarito. These air pollutants contribute to climate change and are harmful to human health, especially to vulnerable populations like people who already have long-term health issues, elders, and children.

Map of Tijuana and Rosarito

The majority of participants were university students from the Universidad Tecnológica de Tijuana. They were joined by several students from the youth group Colectivo Salud y Justicia Ambiental. Led by EHC’s Border Environmental Justice Campaign Director, Anibal Méndez, the students set up air monitors in three locations in Rosarito, six Tijuana beaches, and five locations in eastern Tijuana. The air monitors were set up to measure CO2, PM1, PM2.5, PM10 and VOC.

The air quality index states that a safe CO2 level is less than 1000 ppm. However, CO2 levels in Rosarito have reached an alarming 4549 ppm, in Playas de Tijuana 3596 ppm, and in Zona Este de Tijuana 3002 ppm. These elevated levels can cause serious health issues, including difficulty breathing, eye and nasal irritation, headaches, dizziness, and concentration problems. Below are some more of the student’s most significant findings.

  • In the coastal area, two monitors in Rosarito recorded between 12% and 15% of CO2 measurements exceeding 1000 ppm over the course of a month, concerning levels for outdoor areas.
  • In the East, a monitor near the Technological University of Tijuana (UTT) revealed that 20% of the CO2 measurements taken every ten minutes over a month exceeded safe levels.
  • Concerning air quality, measured by particulate matter (PM) and Volatile Organic compounds (VOC) levels, 17% of the readings in the coastal zone and 26% in the eastern zone were classified as polluted or very polluted.

“All of this is worrisome and highlights the urgent need for more studies to help find the sources of this pollution so we can create solutions that improve people’s health and quality of life,” said Méndez.

There might be a border between Tijuana and San Diego, but that doesn’t keep air pollution from crossing it. Just like San Diego and Tijuana communities are connected and intertwined so it the quality of the air we breathe.

This program was made possible thanks to grant support from the San Diego Foundation.

USDG Fuel Update: Community Confronts Polluter

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On May 23rd, more than 50 National City residents came together at a scoping meeting to raise their voice against USDG Fuel’s proposed fuel transfer station. A project that would increase pollution in their community.

Thanks to community organizing, the proposed fuel station will undergo an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to assess the health and environmental hazards the project would have on National City. The first step in the EIR process was the scoping meeting. This was an opportunity for the company to meet the community and help explain the EIR process. Unfortunately, USDG didn’t show up to face the community directly, instead they sent a consultant who was unable to answer some of the residents most crucial questions. For example, what would the impact be if one of the trains or trucks carrying toxic chemicals serviced at their station were to crash or explode?

“I heard comments from the community members that USDG’s absence was disrespectful because they are the ones who want to come to National City. The community is already here defending their environment and the air they breathe,” shared EHC’s National City organizer, Monserrat Hernandez.

Running 24/7 the station would massively increase lung-damaging diesel trucks and train trips. The project would be located less than a mile from homes, Kimball Elementary School, and St. Anthony of Padua Church. The trucks and trains serviced at the station would transport large amounts of hazardous chemicals through our communities increasing the risk of a catastrophic emergency.

View images from the meeting here!

What is an Environmental Impact Report?

According to the Los Angeles Public Library, “Environmental Impact Reports (or EIRs) are reports to inform the public and public agency decision-makers of significant environmental effects of proposed projects, identify possible ways to minimize those effects, and describe reasonable alternatives to those projects.”

What are the next steps in the EIR process?

  • The City will prepare a draft EIR
  • Residents will have 45 days to provide feedback on the EIR
  • The City will then publish the EIR
  • The Planning Commission will then vote to recommend that the City Council either approves or rejects the project
  • The City Council will vote to approve or reject the project
Learn more about USDG Fuel’s Transfer Station

Toxic lead in fashion: the true cost

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Over 25% of fashion accessories tested from Ross and Burlington contained toxic lead levels

by Ash Valentin

On TikTok, a prevalent running joke revolves around Mexican moms enjoying shopping at Ross and Marshalls for hours. Though humorous, this joke bears a seed of truth. I’ve personally endured numerous hours at Ross as my mom meticulously browses through every clothing rack, adding more items to an already overflowing cart. Upon reflecting on these experiences, I find myself pondering the potential extent of lead exposure, polychlorinated biphenyls exposure, and other potentially toxic chemicals that my family and I may have encountered over the years.

In recent years, consumers have become increasingly concerned about the presence of harmful chemicals in everyday products. Proposition 65, formally known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, stands as a crucial piece of legislation aimed at protecting public health from exposure to toxic substances. Proposition 65, initially passed in California, requires businesses to provide warnings to consumers about significant exposures to chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm (OEHHA). The law covers a wide range of products, including food, beverages, household products, and even clothing.

While it has been a topic of discussion for decades, its relevance remains significant, especially in light of recent controversies surrounding high levels of lead found in clothing sold by retail companies like Ross, Burlington, Marshalls, Nordstrom Rack, and TJ Maxx (CEH). Lead is a heavy metal known for its harmful effects on human health, especially children causing brain damage, learning disabilities, and aggressive behavior. Lead is also one of the key chemicals that Proposition 65 addresses (CEH). While lead exposure is commonly associated with sources like lead-based paint, lead-contaminated house dust, and contaminated water, it may also be present in certain textiles, particularly those imported from regions with less stringent regulations (EARTH DAT). Lead can find its way into clothing through various means, such as dyes, pigments, or embellishments, posing a risk to both consumers and workers involved in the manufacturing process (NCBI).

Emily DiFrisco’s article: “Toxic Fashion: New Report Reveals High Lead Levels in Off-Price Retailer Accessories” presents insightful analysis with more statistics about the high lead levels found in the retail stores. I highly recommend reading it, especially considering their revelation that in 2022, “over 25% of fashion accessories tested from Ross and Burlington contained lead levels ranging from 0.03% to 1.7%, as reported by nonprofit watchdog Center for Environmental Health (CEH)”. These findings have raised concerns among consumers and sparked debates about the adequacy of regulations. Exposure to lead via clothing can happen either by direct skin contact or ingestion, and it’s been associated with heightened chances of cardiovascular diseases and various health issues in adults and children (NCEBI). Even minimal exposure to lead can negatively impact neurodevelopment, potentially causing cognitive and behavioral disorders (NCEBI).

Decades of environmental racism have subjected residents from Southeast San Diego to the harmful consequences of unjust policies and actions, evident in instances like the contamination of soil with Polychlorinated Biphenyls and pollution of bay waters in Logan Heights (IHPSD). Consequently, Logan Heights residents face significantly elevated rates of asthma hospitalizations, cancer risks, and mental health disorders compared to national averages (IHPSD). Disparities in the distribution of stores are glaring, with the Coronado community having no retail stores like Ross while Southeast San Diego has over five, exemplifying inequities in access to resources like affordable and safe retail options. These disparities compound existing vulnerabilities, including limited green spaces, inadequate healthcare, and scarcity of healthy food options, further exposing communities like Logan Heights to risks like lead exposure and harmful pollutants.

Source: CalEnviroScreen 3.0
Source: CalEnviroScreen 3.0

Proposition 65 plays a crucial role in alerting individuals to potential dangers, yet its efficacy hinges on strong enforcement and business cooperation. Retailers bear the responsibility of ensuring product safety and addressing any chemical contamination promptly. Conversations with our families about high levels of lead or other toxic chemicals in commonly used items like clothing and accessories can be challenging. Often, the conversation shifts towards the affordability of clothing rather than delving into its material composition or considering potentially harmful chemicals that the product may contain. Although there’s no perfect solution for persuading our loved ones to stop shopping at such establishments, initiating these dialogues with care for their safety and well-being is essential.

However, it is imperative that our communities have access to affordable and safe products. With their vast resources, multi-billion companies like Ross and Marshalls have the means to implement basic safety measures to protect both their workers and consumers. It is essential for these corporations to cease the distribution of products containing harmful chemicals, ensuring they never reach store shelves or the hands of consumers and workers. Access to reasonably priced items should not come at the expense of sacrificing health within our community.

In the long run, the actions of the retail stores negatively impact the health of already vulnerable communities while they benefit from the profits. Low-income communities face greater health risks than affluent communities due to limited access to or inability to afford eco-friendly goods and products. The connection between Proposition 65 and retailers like Ross and Burlington highlights the need for heightened awareness and scrutiny regarding chemical contaminants in garments and health disparities in communities that already have a long history of environmental racism. As consumers, we must remain vigilant and informed, demanding greater accountability from businesses and advocating for policies that prioritize our health and well-being. Despite my mother’s continued shopping at these retail stores, I find solace in her heightened awareness of its impacts and her increased conscientiousness regarding her purchases, indicating that our dialogues have sown a seed of change.

Sources:

  1. https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/about-proposition-65#:~:text=Proposition%2065%20requires%20businesses%20to,are%20released%20into%20the%20environment.
  2. https://www.earthday.org/toxic-textiles-the-chemicals-in-our-clothing/#:~:text=Lead%20is%20a%20heavy%20metal,in%20vividly%20colored%20synthetic%20products.
  3. https://ceh.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Fashion-Accessory-Testing-Report-2024-2.pdf
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4961898/
  5. https://ihpsd.github.io/stories/living_in_the_shadows_of_the_nassco_shipyards.html
  6. https://ihpsd.github.io/stories/environmental_racism_and_asthma.html
  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10221355/

Does your home have toxic lead?

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Homeowners Can Now Apply for City of San Diego’s Low or No-Cost Lead Paint Hazard Abatement Services

San Diego residential lead abatement program is the result of a multi-million dollar legal settlement

Thursday, April 18, 2024

SAN DIEGO – Lead paint is the primary source of childhood lead poisoning, and thanks to a multi-million-dollar legal settlement with three paint companies, the service to remove toxic lead hazards – a process called abatement – is available for little or no cost to those who qualify. Homeowners in San Diego city limits can now apply for lead abatement services through the City of San Diego’s new San Diego Residential Lead Abatement Program (SDRLAP).

“After years of litigation against the lead paint industry, the City can finally use the recovered funds to provide essential abatement services to impacted neighborhoods,” said City Attorney Mara W. Elliott. “Scientific research shows that lead exposure imperils the health and safety of our residents and their children. The City’s abatement program should help alleviate those risks.”

The City’s abatement program is the result of a settlement reached between three paint companies and 10 California jurisdictions. ConAgra Grocery Products Co., NL Industries Inc. and Sherwin-Williams Company agreed to pay into a fund to remove toxic lead paint hazards from residential properties, with San Diego being awarded $15 million. The primary purpose of the funding is to remediate lead paint hazards in low- to moderate-income areas.

“Lead exposure through deteriorated lead paint continues to be one of the biggest environmental health concerns facing children today,” said Environmental Services Department (ESD) Program Manager Jessica Weislogel. “Reducing and preventing exposure through abatement activities is one way to help children live healthier lives.”

Lead poisoning can cause adverse effects on a child’s development and later in adulthood. In San Diego County between 2017 and 2021, 231 children under the age of six received services from the San Diego County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) due to lead poisoning. Even small levels of lead in a child’s blood can cause permanent damage including developmental, health and behavioral problems. More information about the effects of lead poisoning is available at sdhealthyhomes.org.

The City is currently accepting SDRLAP applications from anyone who owns residential property. Properties that qualify for the program will be inspected and abated of lead hazards if they are present. In some cases, temporary relocation of residents may be required during abatement activities, and in those cases, temporary relocation services will be provided. All services will be conducted with confidentiality. Renters are encouraged to learn more about the program and to work with their landlords, as only residential property owners can apply.

To apply or get more details, contact Laura at 619-768-8047, or LauraB@environmentalhealth.org.

Learn more about lead hazards in your home and SDRLAP

About the Environmental Services Department (ESD):
ESD ensures that City of San Diego residents have a clean and safe environment. The department pursues waste management strategies that emphasize waste reduction, recycling and composting, and environmentally sound landfill management.

Transit Ballot Measure Qualifies for 2024 Ballot

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Let’s Go! San Diego Announces that Regional Transportation
Ballot Measure Has Officially Qualified for November 2024 Ballot

January 5, 2024

The Let’s Go! San Diego Coalition is excited to announce that the campaign’s recent signature drive has successfully qualified the regional transportation measure with more than 125,000 projected valid signatures from San Diego County residents. The coalition received official notice from the Registrar of Voters yesterday (attached) and the campaign to push for passage on November 5, 2024 is already in full swing. 

If approved by voters, Let’s Go! San Diego will fund much-needed repairs and updates to transportation infrastructure throughout all of San Diego County, including fixing roads and potholes; adding carpool lanes; expanding bus and rail services; fixing the crumbling coastal rail line; adding an airport rail connection; making safety improvements to bridges, sidewalks, and bike lanes; and ensuring transit passes are affordable for seniors, youth, and the disabled. These investments will also create thousands of good, local union jobs in construction and transit operations.     

“After more than two years of organizing, Environmental Health Coalition, transit riders, and community advocates are proud the transit measure will be on the 2024 ballot. We worked hard for this moment,” said Carolina Martinez, Climate Justice Campaign Director. “Currently, 70% of jobs are not reachable by public transit. This forces San Diegans into congested streets and highways which are leading contributors to climate change and air pollution in the San Diego region. By increasing service, frequency, and access, the measure will help build our economy, clean our air, and achieve our climate goals.” 

“As a recent college graduate, I rely on walking, biking, and public transit to get to school, restaurants, and work,” said Emma Rodriguez, a campaign coordinator with SanDiego350 “Let’s Go! San Diego will help me, and all San Diegans by increasing transportation options, relieving traffic, delivering cleaner air, and improving road safety.” 

The growing list of supporters and endorsements can be viewed at https://www.letsgosd.org/endorsements/.  

Contact:  

Gretchen Newsom, Campaign Spokesperson 

(619) 208-4853, gretchen_newsom@ibew.org