Ruben Davis

CEO (Center for Employment Opportunities) Eco-Challenge

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0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
51 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

30

minutes

spent learning

Ruben's actions

Health

Learn About Local Environmental Justice Concerns

I will spend 30 minutes researching environmental justice and environmental racism concerns in my region, who is affected by them, and local initiatives to address these concerns.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.

To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?

Ruben Davis 3/04/2024 11:30 AM

ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM
Steeped in rich history and vibrant culture, and home to the world-renowned Chicano Park, Barrio Logan has been the epicenter of San Diego’s Mexican-American culture. The neighborhood is a sought-after location, but behind its newfound appeal among gentrifiers and land developers is a long history of environmental injustice and racism that residents have been forced to endure. Barrio Logan’s struggle against pollutants and other environmental contamination is part of a revolutionary legacy of resistance and self-determination that has physically shaped the composition of the neighborhood itself.

For decades, the working-class, historically Mexican-American and immigrant residents have fought uphill battles against junkyards, ship yards, and industrial repair shops that moved into the barrio, creating air pollution, noise pollution, and numerous other conditions that would never be tolerated in San Diego’s more affluent surrounding residential areas. It’s no coincidence that Barrio Logan is one of the most polluted areas of San Diego—the area is also more than 70% Hispanic, and about 20% of residents live below the poverty line.

Today Barrio Logan still sits right next to the Port of San Diego, a hot spot for 18-wheelers, cargo equipment, and ships. The neighborhood has higher levels of diesel pollution than almost anywhere in the state of California, thanks to the combination of emissions from the port, shipyards, the U.S. Navy, and the I-5 highway. According to the EPA, Barrio Logan residents have an 85-95% higher risk of developing cancer than the rest of the U.S.

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Ruben Davis 3/04/2024 11:30 AM

The purpose of the Environmental Justice Element is to identify and reduce unique or compounded health risks in our city with a focus on disadvantaged communities.

This initiative focuses on the following priority areas of the Strategic Plan:

Protect & Enrich Every Neighborhood

Includes policies that plan for cleaner air, high quality public spaces, safe and healthy homes, and other necessities that make great communities in traditionally underserved communities.

Champion Sustainability

Promotes reducing pollution exposure and advancing safe and sanitary homes to further support a built environment that best sustains our natural environment and public health.

Foster Regional Prosperity

Fostering connected and thriving communities equitably creates a livable city for San Diegans of all socio-economic backgrounds which supports workers at all levels crucial to a strong local economy.

"[The] fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies."

California Government Code Section 65040.12(c)

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