Prepared by: Center for Justice, Tolerance & Community University of California – Santa Cruz Waste Facilities, Environmental Justice, and Community Participation:

Environmental Justice Opportunity Assessment and Analysis CJTC Presentation #2 Community Participation in Decision Making Processes September, 2003 Review content and purpose of presentation Outreach Process Introduce Community Participation and Perceptions Presentations by Community Representatives Questions and Answers

Purpose of Today’s Session  Review outreach process of the project  To provide the context for community participation analysis  To share experiences relating to community participation when interacting with the Board and Local Enforcement Agencies.

Environmental Justice "Environmental justice [vs. environmental equity] demands more than mere exposure equity. It must incorporate democratic participation in the production decision itself." ― Michael Keiman, Antipode 28(2), April 1996 Redefining environment to where we live, work, pray and go to school. ― Delegates to the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit October 24-27, 1991, Washington DC

Our Process Reaching out to networks Contacting references Newspaper and web search Attending community meetings: Santa Cruz/Moss Landing, Pacoima/San Fernando

Discussion/Conversación  What makes for effective community participation? ¿ En qué se consiste una participación comunitaria eficaz?

Discussion/Conversación  What information and data do communities need to participate fully in decision making processes? ¿ Qué información o datos precisan comunidades para participar más integralmente en los procesos de tomar decisiones?

Discussion/Conversación  What else would you like to know about this topic or like to add to the discussion? ¿Qué más quisiera saber de este tema o agregar a la conversación?

Community Messages Specific to EJ State mandate to address EJ at the CAL EPA agencies Recommendations of the EJ Advisory Committee * Public Participation * Improving Data * Effective coordination and accountability * Integrate EJ into all phases of environmental laws, regulations, and policy Cumulative exposure Precautionary Approach

Environmental Inequity is a Problem Recognized by Californians

That recognition has a real basis There is an established pattern of inequity by race and income for various environmental “negatives” in California  Toxic release inventory sites  Respiratory risk indices from cumulative exposure layers  Identified risks for school learning and academic performance

There are potential issues with waste facilities... Recall that we downloaded the Solid Waste Information System Database, and  Geo-coded all solid waste disposal, transfer, and waste tire sites  Matched these at a block group level with demographic and income variables  Conducted a preliminary analysis to see whether the patterns merit concern

Active and Permitted Disposal Sites, and the Population Percentage of the Census tract that is Non-Hispanic White in 2000, California

Active and Permitted Transfer Sites, and the Population Percentage of the Census tract that is Non-Hispanic White in 2000, California

Active and Permitted Waste Tire Sites, and the Population Percentage of the Census tract that is Non-Hispanic White in 2000, California

Analyzing the demography We decided to contrast each main site – disposal, transfer, and waste tire – with demographics within one mile. We found:  Transfers and waste tire sites are very unevenly distributed by race and income  Landfills/solid waste disposal seem more equitably located – but perceptions linger and have merit in a complex view

The Complex View: Multivariate Analysis Multivariate analysis means controlling for the effects of several variables at the same time. Sophisticated technique which helps:  Distinguish whether an apparent correlation with race is just the effect of income  Determine other important factors like population density and degree of urbanization

Regression Analysis

Regression Analysis Controlling for Urban Area

Waste Facility Preliminary Data Conclusions  While further analysis could be done, the notion that there is inequitable proximity finds support in the data  Even where support in the data is weaker, the data suggest why perceptions of inequitable proximity would exist and persist  Better outreach and improved community voice could help with both the reality and the perception

Process for Building Authentic Community Participation

Awareness and Trust Building: With the intention of moving forward, address and acknowledge previous policies and decisions that did not seek out sufficient community input or where there were difficulties.

Effective Communication through Educating and Listening: Administrators/staff share knowledge and goals in an accessible and genuine way. Decision making bodies listen to and recognize the value of community concerns. Community invests time and energy to learn about the issues and prepare presentations.

Mechanisms for Community Input: Coordination between entities to simplify processes Policy and Regulation Outreach

Institutional Support and Recognition: Provide resources and the space for community voice.

Sustained Community Involvement: Community must see concrete results that they endorse to stay involved.

We learned from the community…. People want information They want it presented honestly and completely They need a positive tone, a comfortable setting, and an open style of facilitation.

We learned from the system…. A little participation, more of the same old, same old….gets old Quality participation….gets interesting

Community Presentations Kristin Taday, Pacoima Beautiful John Mataka, Grayson Neighborhood Council Ted Griswald and Leroy Miranda, Pala Mission Indian Tribe

Community Participation Spectrum An Afterthought  Community Input  Sought After REACTIVE ROLEPROACTIVE ROLE Industry /Government Community Involvement drivencontinually from the start

Desired Outcome Goals, Concerns, Needs, defined with the community:  Community Buy-in and trust  Higher level of awareness  Mechanisms in place and functioning  Ongoing interest and participation

Questions? Preguntas?