Wasco is a small, diverse city in Kern County, located in California’s San Joaquin Valley and within the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. The community is predominantly Hispanic or Latino and includes many bilingual and Spanish-speaking households, reflecting a rich mix of cultures and backgrounds.

Wasco faces significant air quality challenges due to its proximity to industrial agriculture, oil and gas extraction sites, major transportation corridors, and local food processing plants. These sources contribute to high levels of particulate matter, ozone, and other pollutants, leading to elevated rates of asthma, respiratory illnesses, and other health concerns-especially among children and low-income families.

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, residents, local organizations, and project partners gathered to discuss air quality concerns, review new community air monitoring plans, and collaborate on solutions to create a healthier future for Wasco.