Barrio Logan is a predominantly Latino community located adjacent to several highways and the Port of San Diego.
Large ships, trucks and heavy machinery emit diesel fumes that pollute the climate and the air people in communities breathe.
The city's zoning has long allowed industrial development in the Logan District.
Corrales: “So you have warehouses and welding shops and body shops next to homes. … It all results in a highly polluted community with very disproportionate health hazards and impacts.
Julie Corrales lives in Barrio Logan and works for the local nonprofit Environmental Health Coalition.
Data shows community residents are exposed to disproportionately high rates of air pollutants that can increase cancer risk and worsen asthma.
As a result, residents have been fighting for protection.
Last year they won government approval for a new community plan that would ban new industrial development in about two dozen residential areas.
Corrales: “When the vote came unanimously, there were tears and applause. … I mean, this is the culmination of decades of work.
The plan will not impact existing businesses. As a result, Corrales said more needs to be done to protect Barrio Logan. But she said it's a step in the right direction.
Report source: Sarah Kennedy/ChavoBart Digital Media
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