Latest news with #non-Latino
Los Angeles Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
The profound environmental health disparities between Latino and white neighborhoods in L.A.
A new data tool from researchers at UCLA highlights significant environmental health disparities between Latino and white neighborhoods in L.A., providing critical insights amid escalating public health concerns linked to the places where climate change and the Trump administration's recent immigration policy actions intersect. The Latino Climate and Health Dashboard, developed by UCLA's Latino Policy and Politics Institute with support from the California Wellness Foundation, consolidates county-specific data on how Latino communities disproportionately suffer from extreme heat and air pollution. It compares Latino-majority (census tracts that have more than 70% Latino residents) and non-Latino white-majority (census tracts that have more than 70% non-Latino white residents) neighborhoods across 23 counties in California. The counties included in the study represent more than 90% of the state's Latino population. With California anticipating a particularly hot summer, the dashboard's data highlight troubling disparities. Latino neighborhoods across California experience approximately 23 more extreme-heat days per year than non-Latino white neighborhoods. The data further reveal that Latino neighborhoods often have more impervious surfaces and older housing stock lacking modern cooling systems, both of which compound the risks of heat exposure. Residents in these communities also frequently hold jobs in outdoor or otherwise heat-exposed industries. 'Extreme heat isn't just uncomfortable, it's deadly,' emphasized Irene Burga, a member of the dashboard's advisory committee and director of the Climate Justice and Clean Air Program at Green Latinos, a national nonprofit. According to Burga, Latino communities in places already burdened by air pollution, inadequate infrastructure and systemic neglect — such as Los Angeles and the Central Valley — face intensified and exacerbated risks. Designed to be user-friendly and accessible, the dashboard has interactive maps and downloadable county-specific fact sheets. According to the researchers who developed the tool, the design is meant to enable policymakers, community advocates, journalists and researchers easily identify the areas of greatest need. Anyone can access the information, which includes statistics on extreme heat and fine particulate matter, alongside health outcomes, such as asthma rates and emergency room visits. Users can also cross-reference underlying sociodemographic factors, such as housing quality, tree canopy coverage and employment in heat-exposed industries, to see the environmental effects on various communities. The results: All of these factors appear to compound environmental health risks for Latinos. For example, if you click on the 'extreme heat' fact sheet for Los Angeles County, you will see a map showing which neighborhoods in the county experience below or above the average number of extreme heat days every year, with Latino neighborhoods highlighted. The data show that, annually, Latino neighborhoods experience 25 extreme heat days. In similar non-Latino white neighborhoods, that number is only eight. Another example: In Latino neighborhoods, 4% of land has tree canopy. In non-Latino white neighborhoods, that number is 9% on average. 'Latino communities are on the front lines of climate change, yet they've often been left out of the data and decisions that shape public health and environmental policy,' Arturo Vargas Bustamante, a UCLA professor of health policy and management and principal investigator of the project, said in a news release. 'This dashboard puts reliable, localized data directly into the hands of policymakers, advocates and residents so they can push for the equitable responses we urgently need.' Local organizations have welcomed the dashboard as a significant step forward in their advocacy efforts. 'It's everything that you need right there in a very digestible format,' said Mar Velez, policy director at the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California and a member of the dashboard's advisory committee. That said, she noted, it's essential to combine the quantitative analysis the dashboard provides with 'the human element.' Her organization 'is really going to be able to leverage the dashboard by bringing those two together,' Velez said. 'We'll be presenting and talking to legislators about [this], as we are continuing to deal with the impacts' of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. The recent ICE raids in Los Angeles and across California have intensified fears within immigrant communities, which are predominantly Latino. Such fears are preventing individuals from seeking essential medical care, potentially exacerbating existing health disparities in neighborhoods already burdened by environmental hazards. 'Immigrant communities were among the groups that were less likely to use healthcare in general, and we also knew that they lived in areas that were more likely to be exposed to climate change or pollution,' said Bustamante, the UCLA researcher. 'This situation has exacerbated the conditions that they experience.' Velez emphasized the potential effects that can be seen as temperatures rise and ICE raids continue to stoke fear in Latino communities. 'People are staying home,' she said. 'So, as temperatures increase, as the days get hotter … people are going to continue to stay at home — because they're scared to go outside, because they're scared of encountering ICE, then having health issues, heat strokes.' In a city where air conditioning isn't mandated in rental units, and cooling centers may not feel accessible or safe, Velez fears what could come next. 'I see this being a huge issue for our community. … We need our legislators to understand that we're not just dealing with the ICE raids,' Velez said. The UCLA database, she thinks, can help: 'Uncovering and really understanding the layers of impact, I think, is something that I'm really looking forward to in terms of being able to leverage this tool.'
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nationwide study uncovers major gaps in data about growing threat to public health: 'It's a consistent pattern'
A new study from the University of Utah uncovered the racial and ethnic inequities of air pollution monitoring in the U.S. According to the investigation, the Environmental Protection Agency's air quality monitors are disproportionately more common in predominantly white neighborhoods than in communities of color. The researchers included data from monitors that tracked particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, and carbon monoxide and were active between March 2019 and March 2024. They also used census block groups from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Results showed monitoring disparities for all six pollutants, especially sulfur dioxide and lead, then ozone and carbon monoxide. All racial and ethnic groups generally had fewer monitors for nitrogen dioxide, ozone, lead, and particulate matter than the White non-Latino group. Furthermore, regions with Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations generally displayed the largest disparity, followed by American Indian and Alaska Native populations and individuals of two or more races. "If there was a disparity for just one type of monitor, it could conceivably be accidental or just poor design," co-author Simon Brewer told Deseret News. "The fact that it's a consistent pattern across all pollutants suggests that the decision-making process needs to be looked at carefully — these monitors are not being distributed equitably." Bryce Bird, director of Utah's Division of Air Quality, told Deseret News that his department is required by the EPA to distribute monitors based on locations expected to have the highest concentrations of air pollution. "They aren't located targeting specific ethnicity, but they're targeting those areas where, because of the industry or the proximity to roadways, they would be expected to have the highest levels of air pollution," he said. Nonetheless, gaps in air quality coverage could further expose marginalized communities — which are already susceptible to environmental injustices — to medical complications tied to these pollutants. Contaminated air has been linked to adverse health effects, such as respiratory illnesses, decreased cognitive function, and child mortality, and it also contributes to Earth's overheating. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Recent studies have shined light on the extent of environmental injustices suffered by people of color. For example, Stanford University found that particulate matter has killed more Black Americans than any other group in the country. Meanwhile, NASA reported that Black and Hispanic residents living in the U.S. have been disproportionately affected by nitrogen dioxide produced by warehouses. This coverage can help spur legislative action to hold responsible parties accountable. GreenLatinos Colorado is leading a lawsuit against the state's air quality commission for failing to protect vulnerable populations from major air polluters, while a group of young Hawaiians sued the state's transportation system for producing "untenable levels" of planet-warming gases. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Forbes
28-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Excellence Was On Display, As The Council For Urban Professionals Builds Pipeline To Power
Never underestimate the impact of positive voices. As some of America's biggest and most recognizable companies, CEOs and boards of directors continue to fold and pivot away from investing in the power that lies within America's multicultural workforces, nonprofit groups are continuing to inspire, elevate and empower them. One of those organizations is the Council for Urban Professionals (CUP). This month, in the heart of midtown in New York City, under the vision of empowering the modern workforce in a changing world, CUP hosted a half-day experiential, cross-industry event to bring together over 400 registered mid-career professionals and inspiring senior thought leaders from all backgrounds in a town hall format. Their annual Pipeline to Power Summit focused on both the challenges and opportunities to deliver excellence in today's corporate environment. While the solutions may be academic in some cases, others—such as networking with like-minded professionals seeking to accelerate their careers—may be the key to unlocking that spark of imagination to proactively create a roadmap for their next steps. Held in the heart of midtown in NYC, CUPs 7th Annual Pipeline to Power Summit showcased the steps ... More needed to be taken by executives to overcome the recent attacks on DEI Pictured: Melissa Fenton | Executive Director, CUP, Angelina Darrisaw | CEO, C-Suite Coach, Maryam Banikarim | Co-Founder, MaryamB + NYCNext, James Francis | Founder, Artificial Integrity, Sam Lalanne | Managing Director and Chief Diversity Officer, Morgan Stanley It's no secret that America's demographics are evolving. Building a bridge to be inclusive of these new, exciting voices allows companies to overcome what has become an historic blind spot with these consumers. Addressing this blind spot encompasses messaging, marketing and elevating their importance within business and the economy at large. How big is this blind spot? Over $6 trillion domestically. It is estimated that Black Americans' spending power sits between $1.4 trillion and $1.8 trillion annually, a powerful economic bloc that's comparable to the gross domestic products of Mexico, Canada and Italy. Latinos' purchasing power in the U.S. reached $3.4 trillion in 2021 and grew over two times faster than non-Latino counterparts. Asian Americans, with $1.3 trillion in buying power, have a median household income of $104,646, well above the average income in the U.S. This demographic has grown 314% over the past two decades, becoming the fastest-growing of all ethnicity groups. Tapping into these consumer markets is not only smart, but also necessary for robust corporate bottom lines. An added bonus is that the collective intelligence, insights and skillsets of diverse populations provide opportunities for employers to strengthen their workforce head counts. Over 400 people gathered in the heart of midtown Manhattan to network to continue your career growth More and more professionals are seeking to increase their business knowledge and potentially pivot their careers. Networking is crucial for both of these goals, particularly career advancement, with so many people seeking new career opportunities, whether with their current employer or elsewhere. According to a LinkedIn survey, 54% of Americans say they plan to look for a new position this year. Why is this number so high? In 2024, many people who said they were looking for a role didn't find one, so they're still in the market today. CUP was born in 2007, to support the career progression of talented professionals nationwide, focusing on New York City and Los Angeles and more recently Martha's Vineyard. Today they serve nearly 20,000 professionals, of which, over 500 have graduated from their Fellows Program. Founded by Tarrus Richardson, CEO of IMB Partners, CUP's mission is to inspire, elevate and empower the next generation of business and civic leaders, by working with corporate partners - 75 and counting - and striving to connect more with individuals in finance, law and tech among other groups. Tarrus Richardson, Founder of CUP, alongside Michael A. Persaud, who serves as CUP Chairman of the ... More Board. 'In addition to our skill-building programs, we curate groups for cutting-edge conversations through our Forums and Summits." said Melissa Fenton, executive director of CUP "Ultimately, we recognize merit-based talent and individuals who are committed to giving back to others, and also recognize veterans who have served and sacrificed for our country.' Or, as Michael A. Persaud, who serves as the organization's board chair, and portfolio manager, global sports and entertainment associate director at Morgan Stanley puts it, 'CUP's core value proposition is to shine a light on the excellence and high performance of a group sometimes overlooked within the five industries we serve: finance, law, media/entertainment, tech and sports. We're providing pathways for them to connect the appropriate dots for further success.' In conversation: Melissa Fenton, Executive Director of CUP and Tiffany Dufu, President Tory Burch ... More Foundation. As the future of work evolves, engaging with CUP could be the game-changer for talent and businesses. Due to the organizations' ability to cross-pollinate across industries and fields, both public and private, they may prove to be the best path forward for job seekers looking to make a change. Their next Summit will take place in August in Martha's Vineyard where discussions on entrepreneurship, financial planning for ownership opportunities and investment strategies, will thrive. "At a time when DEI has been reduced by so many to refer only to race and sexual orientation, It's important to emphasize that it also means, contributing various perspectives, neurodiversity and disability, cultural and generational differences, and much more." stated Ms. Fenton
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
CVUSD teachers' union president sues district, alleges discrimination against non-Latino employees
The president of the teachers' union at Coachella Valley Unified School District is suing the school district, alleging retaliation and discrimination. Here's what you need to know. The complaint, which was filed on March 11 on behalf of Carissa Carrera, alleges retaliation for reporting racial discrimination against non-Latino employees and corruption within the district. She also claims she was falsely accused of misusing district funds for her son's mental health care, prompting an unfounded law enforcement investigation that resulted in a privacy violation and the unauthorized release of medical records. The complaint names the school district; Superintendent Frances Esparza; two board members, Jesus Gonzalez and Joey Acuña Jr.; Bea Gonzalez, CVUSD's director of expanded learning; the Riverside County Latino Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services and its executive director, Leonel Contreras; and 25 unnamed individuals. Carrera, who has worked at the district since 2004, has led the teachers' union as its president since 2017. Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, no relation to Jesus Gonzalez, recently honored Carissa Carrera the Woman of the Year for Assembly District 36 in recognition of her advocacy for educators, students, and the community. The complaint alleges that Carrera was retaliated against for reporting racial discrimination against non-Latino employees and corruption within the district. She claims the district has openly favored Latino candidates for jobs and promotions, while excluding or retaliating against non-Latino employees. Carrera also raised concerns about non-Latino employees being laid off at a higher rate than Latino employees, according to the lawsuit. Carrera was placed on paid administrative leave just days before the November general election, during which she and the union actively opposed Jesus Gonzalez's re-election. She had filed two complaints with the Fair Political Practices Commission against Gonzalez and Acuña, who was running for the California State Assembly, alleging financial conflicts of interest. More: Special election results: Incumbents lead Coachella Valley Unified school board races in unofficial results More: How much money is being raised by Coachella Valley Unified's school board candidates More: What voters should know about Coachella Valley Unified's special election in Imperial County "In retaliation against Ms. Carrera for her engagement in these protected activities, and due to Ms. Carrera's non-Latino racial identity, Defendants began in 2023 and 2024 began an increasingly hostile campaign of harassment, discrimination, microaggression, and intentional actions meant to hurt Ms. Carrera's reputation, career, and standing in the community," the complaint read. Days after Carrera filed her complaint with the FPPC, she said the school district placed her on leave on Oct. 25. The district later issued a press release stating that an employee was under investigation for allegedly misusing district funds, which the Riverside County Sheriff's Department later determined to be "unfounded." An incident report provided by CVTA in December detailed a deputy's investigation into Carrera, which began in October after the sheriff's department was contacted by a private investigator hired by the school district. The private investigator was looking into a "possible fraudulent incident" involving Carrera's use of services at the Riverside County Latino Commission, a contracted provider for the district, for her minor son, who was then a student at Desert Sands Unified School District. "As a direct and proximate result, Plaintiff was harmed; she has been humiliated, suffered emotional pain and distress, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life and economic damages," the complaint read. CVUSD has not publicly responded to the lawsuit, and the district spokesperson has not immediately returned a request for comment. Carrera is requesting a jury trial and seeks compensatory damages to be determined at trial, along with exemplary damages against the defendants. Jennifer Cortez covers education in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: CVUSD teachers' union president sues district, alleges discrimination
