SAFE & CLEAN ENVIRONMENTS HISTORY
In 2003 GREEN-MPNA rooted itself in the community by hosting the First Annual Walk-a-Thon, Resource Fair, and Cultural Festival.
Hundreds of residents attended these events, enjoying physical activities and cultural presentations, all within the neighborhood park. In addition, residents found important resources and information on how to gain access to health and wellness education, medical services, city and county services, legal services, and community news. Over time, these efforts gained momentum through our volunteer leaders, advisors, collaborators, and staff.
After this groundbreaking work, GREEN-MPNA saw an opportunity to further its impact in the community after the enactment of California Assembly Bill 617, Senate Bills 673 & 1000.
GREEN-MPNA sought and was awarded a grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to create the CUAL (Comunidad Unida Aire Limpio) Committee, a resident-driven air monitoring network and environmental justice steering committee. Our CUAL members learned about Environmental Justice, advocated for clean air, collected air samples and conducted research side by side with academic investigators. With the support of new State legislation, CUAL advocated for local representatives to incorporate environmentally friendly policies in the City of Santa Ana’s General Plan that protect our health, particularly children and the elderly.