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Environmental Justice

Learn more about Environmental Justice in the City of Santa Ana General Plan by viewing the presentation and the documents below.

Outreach summary

View a summary of the Environmental Justice (EJ) outreach campaign and Environmental Justice survey results (English / Spanish) that were completed Spring 2021. You can also view an infographic of the EJ survey (English) (Spanish).

Expanded focus on Environmental Justice

Learn more about how the City of Santa Ana is addressing the topic of environmental justice in our General Plan (English or Spanish).

Environmental Justice Policies and Actions

View the approved EJ policies and actions to bring about positive change and improvements to our communities.

What is Environmental Justice?

Throughout our communities, some bear a disproportionate burden of pollution and associated health risks. Environmental justice (EJ) seeks to correct this inequity by reducing pollution and increasing public investments in these communities, while also ensuring their input is considered in decisions that affect them.

Recent state law (SB 1000) requires all cities and counties to update public policies to address environmental justice. In Santa Ana, we are seeking to build upon the important work that our residents have already started to improve conditions for residences, childcare centers, schools, medical facilities, senior care centers, and parks and recreational facilities in these communities.

What is an EJ Community?

An EJ community, or environmental justice community, is an area of the City where residents have the highest risk of exposure to pollution in the air, water, and soil. This pollution may be caused by passing vehicles (cars and trucks) or by the daily activities of businesses and institutions. Residents in these areas also tend to be burdened by socioeconomic and health issues, such as higher rates of language barriers, poverty, and asthma.

Such areas also tend to experience lower rates of investment and improvements from individuals, private companies, and public agencies. All of these factors can lead to unequal opportunities to lead a healthy and prosperous life.

What changes are we making?

The City is considering changes to its goals, policies, and actions that will improve existing and future conditions for all of Santa Ana, with a focus on those in greatest need of help and protection. Consistent with our General Plan Shared Vision and Core Values, the potential changes will emphasize:

  • Reducing exposure to pollution. Develop strategies and support regulations that will help reduce exposure to air pollution and hazardous materials.
  • Improving public facilities. Increase access to community health facilities, parks, community centers, and other public services and facilities, particularly in underserved areas.
  • Promoting healthy food. Improve the health and wellness of all residents through policies, regulations, and programs that foster healthier food options.
  • Creating safe and sanitary housing. Add to existing efforts to reduce health hazards associated with construction materials, building standards, and deferred maintenance.
  • Increasing physical activity. Establish new opportunities for outdoor and indoor recreation as part of a comprehensive and integrated network of spaces and facilities, with a focus on underserved areas.
  • Enhancing civic engagement. Increase the amount and quality of community engagement throughout the planning, development, and operation of our communities and City.
  • EJ specific polices and actions. View the draft EJ policies and actions to bring about positive change and improvements to our communities.

Attorney General feedback on City's Plan

On October 16, 2020, the Attorney General's Office provided a letter to the City of Santa Ana to serve as a resource and provide initial feedback on the City's General Plan Update. Subsequently, the City of Santa Ana responded to the Attorney General's letter on October 30, 2020. The City's response highlighted efforts made to engage EJ communities as well as to address the requirements of SB 1000. Attachments to the letter include changes made to the draft policies and implementation actions in response to the feedback provided by the Attorney General's letter dated October 16, 2020.

Where can I find more information?

  • City Factsheet. View a brief overview of how the City is incorporating environmental justice into our General Plan (English / Spanish).
  • EJ Background & Analysis. View the updated March 2021 Environmental Justice background and analysis for the General Plan Update.
  • CalEnviroScreen. Click on the following links from the State’s website to learn more about the latest version of the State’s data model (CalEnviroScreen 4.0), which was used by the City to identify and evaluate environmental justice communities in Santa Ana.
    • Combined map showing the overall results and individual maps by census tract for 20 different factors related to environmental hazards and vulnerable populations.
    • State website (English and Spanish) provides a comprehensive set of maps, links, and detailed discussion of the model and its results.
    • State report with more details on the overall methodology, individual indicators, and statewide results.
  • SB 1000.  Read the text of Senate Bill 1000, the Planning for Healthy Communities Act, which introduced environmental justice as a required topic in general plans.
  • South Coast Air Quality Management District. Find additional information and resources provided by the South Coast Air Quality Management District related to environmental justice.

How can I ask questions or submit comments?

The City encourages you to email us (newgeneralplan@santa-ana.org) or leave us a voicemail (714-667-2781) with your insights and questions about environmental justice issues facing your community, as well as your thoughts about the draft goals, policies, and actions.

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