HISTORICAL CONTEXT

San Ysidro, CA

Located at the southern edge of San Diego County, San Ysidro is a community known for its unique position as the gateway between the United States and Mexico. San Ysidro and its residents often get overlooked as only a passthrough community on the way into the US, or out of the US. However, this community is home to approximately 30,000 people, most of which with roots anchored firmly in both sides of the border.

Home to one of the world’s busiest land border crossings, the San Ysidro Port of Entry and its unceasing vehicular activity have led to major environmental and health concerns. Approximately 70,000 vehicles queue for hours to cross from Mexico into the US every morning and return to Tijuana in the evening hours, leaving San Ysidro subject to the highest levels of black carbon in San Diego and one of the highest levels of particulate matter in the entire state of California.

The impact of air pollution is worsened by the lack of resources in the community. In this area, 21% of the population lives below the federal poverty level, with some census tracts reporting up to 33% of residents earning less. CalEnviroScreen (CES) 4.0 under SB 535 has classified San Ysidro as a disadvantaged community, highlighting San Ysidro as a highly impacted area. CES is an environmental justice tool utilized by the State of California to identify communities disproportionately burdened by multiple pollution sources.

This chart depicts some of the highest disparities between the City of San Diego and the San Ysidro Historic Village, according to the CalEnviroScreen (CES) 4.0 indicators.

In response to community concerns about the air quality issues outlined above, Casa Familiar has spent over a decade collaborating with research institutions, government agencies, and community residents to quantify the impact of pollution and develop holistic solutions. Below, you can find some key outcomes of our monitoring efforts. For a deeper dive into our studies, visit our Air Quality Research page. To see current air quality in the community, check out our Live Data page.

Key Outcomes of Our Air Monitoring Efforts

Clear correlation between border wait-time and pollution in the community which allowed for the creation of a PM2.5 prediction chart.

Aided in identifying the census tract near the San Ysidro Port of Entry as the one with the highest traffic levels in the whole state.

Helped identify San Ysidro as a disadvantaged community through the use of CalEnviroScreen (CES). The research influenced the modeling to reflect border-specific emissions. CES 2.0 (left) shows San Ysidro in the 50th percentile, whereas CES 3.0 (right) shows San Ysidro in the 95th percentile for Particulate Matter (PM2.5).

Successfully advocated for the inclusion of the International Border Community (San Ysidro and Otay Mesa) in the Community Air Protection Program (CAPP), to reduce pollution in the community.

Codeveloped a Community Air Monitoring Program Plan (CAMP) and a Community Emissions Reduction Plan (CERP) with the San Diego Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and community stakeholders.

Spotlighted Intervention Projects

Portable Air Quality & Improvement Relief (PAIR) Program
Partners: Environmental Health Coalition
Funder: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Adapting the PAIR Program - led by the Environmental Health Coalition (EHC) and the San Diego Air Pollution Control District (APCD) in the Portside Communities of San Diego, this program provides new portable air purifiers to residences in San Ysidro at no cost to participants.

Expected impact: 170 homes to receive free purifier

Trees for Communities
Partners: City of San Diego
Funder: City of San Diego

Collaborating with the City of San Diego, Casa Familiar engaged residents to plant trees in front of their homes in the City’s Increase the urban tree canopy cover and improve the quality of life for residents with more trees. Trees planted will be maintained by the City’s Urban Forestry Program.

Expected impact: 222+ trees planted

La Semilla Climate Resiliency Center
Partners: Various
Funders: Various

La Semilla is an innovation incubator in San Ysidro, focusing on environmental justice and climate resiliency. Named "The Seed," it aims to inspire community-driven environmental efforts. The space is part of a network of civic areas providing programming and outdoor experiences. As a demonstration area for affordable climate strategies, La Semilla will showcase sustainable architectural features, site elements, and special programs. It tackles challenges like air quality, clean transportation, sustainable buildings, water conservation, energy generation, and food growth, exceeding even LEED standards.

Questions?

Email ej@casafamiliar.org or call (619) 428-1115 to get more information on the project

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