Maywood, Commerce, Vernon, and Bell are neighboring, diverse communities in southeast Los Angeles County, located within the South Coast Air Quality Management District. These areas are home to predominantly Latino, working-class families, with many Spanish-speaking households and a significant immigrant population, reflecting the cultural richness and resilience of the region.

Residents face severe air quality challenges due to the concentration of industrial facilities, busy freeways, and heavy truck traffic. Pollution from metal foundries, meatpacking plants, railyards, and chemical processing sites contributes to some of the highest levels of fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and toxic air contaminants in California. These conditions have led to elevated rates of asthma, respiratory illness, and cardiovascular disease, especially among children and older adults.

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 April 2025, community members, local organizations, and project partners came together to discuss air quality concerns, guide the Community Air Monitoring Plan, and explore collaborative solutions for a healthier, more equitable future in Maywood, Commerce (east), Vernon, and Bell.