Huron, Coalinga, and Avenal are small, predominantly Hispanic communities in the San Joaquin Valley, located within the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. These cities have youthful populations, high proportions of immigrants and Spanish-speaking households. Residents face significant air pollution from agricultural operations, and oil and gas extraction from transportation corridors-leading to elevated rates of asthma and respiratory illnesses, especially among children. Community-based organizations and advocacy groups are working to monitor air quality and push for stronger pollution controls, but persistent economic and health disparities remain.

The district has teamed up with Aclima and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to launch a community air monitoring project guiding future actions as a part of SMMI. Using Aclima’s advanced sensors, the project collects detailed, block-by-block data on air quality throughout the community. This provides residents with clear information about local pollution and helps guide actions to improve air quality, focusing on the areas and people most affected.

In May of 2025, residents and stakeholders from Huron, Coalinga, and Avenal met to discuss these pressing air quality concerns and explore solutions for healthier, more resilient communities.