Matheny Tract, an unincorporated community near Tulare in Tulare County within the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, is a predominantly Latino area with a resilient history. The community faces serious pollution challenges from nearby agriculture, industrial operations, trucking, and the local wastewater treatment plant. Residents have also struggled with contaminated drinking water and high levels of toxic air pollutants, making Matheny Tract one of California’s most pollution-burdened communities. 

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 of 2025, residents and stakeholders met to discuss these environmental and health concerns and explore solutions for a healthier future.