Community members are the ones who best understand the challenges their communities face. Through ActiveSGV’s Baldwin Park Community Leadership Program, 8 residents had the opportunity to use their lived experiences to conduct community-based action research and better understand environmental issues affecting their community. Over the course of 8 weeks, our participants gained a deeper knowledge of green infrastructure and local water issues through hands-on activities, interactive tools, and guided discussions.

At the beginning of the program, participants reflected on their experiences of environmental concerns they face in their everyday lives. Through these group discussions, our participants identified 3 main issues: poor air quality along the freeways, flooding, and limited green space. Participants then formed groups based on their interests and worked collaboratively to collect quantitative and qualitative data. In addition to reviewing research articles, the cohort hosted a community workshop at the Esther Snyder Community Center and heard directly from 18 Baldwin Park residents. The cohort gathered community feedback through surveys and conversations that helped shape their proposals and recommendations. 

The air quality group focused on the area along the I-10 and I-605 freeways, where residents voiced concerns including difficulty breathing and irritation on the eyes, nose, and throat. To address these concerns, the group proposed adding more trees and vegetation walls to improve the local air quality while creating greener public spaces.

The flood mitigation group explored how Baldwin Park can better prepare for future extreme weather events. While the city does not face severe flooding issues, the group identified opportunities to prevent flooding and community preparedness. Their recommendations included adding habitat gardens, replacing concrete with permeable materials, and increasing public education about severe weather precautions.

The green spaces group researched repurposing parking lot spaces in Baldwin Park that are underutilized. The group noticed that many of these areas are all concrete and lack greenery. These lots are typically concrete and do not have a lot of trees.Their proposal focused on transforming these underutilized spaces into pocket parks that could provide multi-benefits, like improved air quality, reduced stress, and stronger social connections among the community.

At the end of the program, participants presented their research and recommendations. Representatives from the City of Baldwin Park, including Councilmember Estrada, CEO Carillo, City Clerk Saenz, and Planning Commissioner Pena, attended the graduation and celebrated the cohort’s work. Participants were invited to be recognized at a Baldwin Park City Council meeting in honor of their contributions to the community.

Upon completion of the program, each community leader received a $500 stipend. We’re incredibly proud of these leaders for their dedication to creating a positive change in their community. Their work reflects the importance of community leadership that centers community needs and long term improvements to build healthier communities. 

The SGV Water Action Program is funded by the Safe, Clean Water Program’s Public Education & Community Engagement Program and administered by the Water Foundation, ensuring ongoing support for environmental initiatives.