ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Wildfire & Smoke Experiences Project

In partnership with the ​​University of California, Irvine, Program in Public Health, CNC EF is examining the health impacts of short-term repeated exposure to wildfire smoke or smoke events, such as fires associated with agriculture burning and illegal burning operations. The project focuses on the unincorporated communities of eastern Riverside County, including Mecca, North Shore, Oasis, Thermal, and the tribal lands of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians. Through multiple focus group discussions, the project has engaged more than 100 neighbors and family members, along with representatives from the Coachella Valley Unified School District, County of Riverside, South Coast Air Quality Management District, and more. In the fall of 2023, the project will host a community workshop to deliver key findings and recommendations to families, community members, and stakeholders.

LÚCETE LATINA

Video Series

Since 2021, CNC Education Fund’s Lúcete Latina program has highlighted stories of women throughout California, paying special attention to Latinas in the San Joaquin and Coachella Valleys. The Latinas that are “luciendo” or “shining brightly” are fighting to end the profitability of white supremacy by organizing, advocating, and voting for policies that uplift their neighborhoods. These Latinas are leading the way for their families, neighbors, and the state on everything from achieving housing justice, health equity, reproductive freedom, environmental justice, and more, creating a Liberation Economy where people of the global majority, or people of color can thrive.

As a result of the 2020 census and subsequent redistricting, California now has three new Latino-majority districts, California Congressional Districts 13, 21, and 22 - which translates to Latina power! Latinas are now the largest racial/ethnic group in the state. Voter data shows that Latinas are registered to vote more than Latinos and show up to vote more than their male counterparts by 5%. This data is confirmed by the work CNC does on the ground. We know that when Latinas are engaged, they register and vote, and also activate their families, friends, and neighbors.