CLICK HERE to view the ADOPTED Environmental Justice Element 

What is an Environmental Justice Element?

The City of Gardena is developing its first Environmental Justice Element which will be part of the City of Gardena’s General Plan. The Element will reflect the City’s efforts in addressing Environmental Justice which is defined by the State of California as “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and national origins with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.”

Why is the City of Gardena developing an Environmental Justice Element?

In 2016, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1000 (SB 1000), also known as The Planning for Healthy Communities Act, amending Section 65302 of the Government Code. SB 1000 requires local California jurisdictions with Disadvantaged Communities (DACs) to prepare and maintain an Environmental Justice Element or to incorporate environmental justice-related goals, policies, and implementation programs in their General Plan’s other elements.

A DAC is an area of a community disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation. These areas deserve special attention to address issues of environmental justice. Within the City of Gardena, 13 out of 14 census tracts are considered DACs.

What does the Environmental Justice Element cover?

SB 1000 specifies seven topics that must be integrated into a stand-alone Environmental Justice Element or through integrated Environmental Justice goals:

1. Pollution Exposure and Air Quality
2. Public Facilities
3. Food Access
4. Safe and Sanitary Homes
5. Physical Activity
6. Community Engagement
7. Address the Needs of Disadvantaged Communities

Contact

For general inquiries regarding the Environmental Justice Element, please contact the Planning Division at (310) 217-9524 or email CDDPlanningandZoning@cityofgardena.org.