City Council - Successor Agency - Housing Authority
October 20, 2026

CITY OF FULLERTON
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Community and Economic Development Department
Item No. 1
August 12, 2026
6:30 p.m.

Public Hearing
TO: Chair Valadez and
Members of the Planning Commission

APPLICATION
LRP-2026-0005

APPLICANT
City of Fullerton

LOCATION
Citywide

SUMMARY OF REQUEST
Staff recommend that the Planning Commission approve the following action related to adoption of the Environmental Justice Element:

Recommendation to City Council to approve an amendment to The Fullerton Plan (General Plan) by adopting a new Environmental Justice Element (EJE) as Appendix N.

CEQA DETERMINATION
This General Plan Amendment is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) - Common Sense Exemption. The EJE is a policy-level document that identifies impacted communities and establishes goals and policies to address compounded health risks; it does not authorize any specific development project, create zoning or development standards, or approve any new development or construction. Future projects implemented under the Element's framework will undergo their own project-level CEQA review.

A Draft Notice of Exemption (NOE) will be prepared prior to the scheduled City Council Public Hearing and will be filed with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder upon adoption.

AUTHORIZATION
Planning Commission Staff Report – Environmental Justice Element August 12, 2026
Item No. 1 Page 2 LRP-2026-0005
Pursuant to Fullerton Municipal Code (FMC) Sections 15.72.040 and 15.72.050, the Planning Commission has the authority to conduct a Public Hearing to consider proposed amendments to The Fullerton Plan. Following the Public Hearing, the Planning Commission must issue a recommendation to the City Council supported by findings that the proposed amendments satisfy applicable state requirements. The proposed project would amend The Fullerton Plan to add the goals, policies, and implementation framework of the EJE.

California Government Code 65101 authorized the Planning Commission's July 22, 2026, Study Session where staff provided background on Environmental Justice laws and a preview of the Draft EJE in advance of tonight's Public Hearing.

PUBLIC OUTREACH
Notice of the Public Hearing was published in the Fullerton News Tribune on July 23, 2026.

The planning process for the EJE began in September 2025, alongside the Open Space and Conservation Element update, following the hiring of Michael Baker Internation (MBI) as the consultant team for both efforts. In support of this, the City launched a dedicated project webpage introducing both the Open Space Element and the Environmental Justice Element, featuring summaries of engagement activities, major milestones and deliverables, status updates, and draft documents. The City also utilized multiple media channels, including a website banner, email blasts to residents, Instagram posts, and digital display boards at the Transit Center. Lastly, the City reached out to the local native American tribes, as required per Senate Bill (SB) 18.

As this is the first ever EJE introduced to the City, staff and the consultant conducted multiple engagement events. Community engagement to date has included an online survey (October 27 - November 30, 2025), which received 642 responses across five survey categories, and two inperson outreach events. The public events included a pop-up booth with over 150 visitors, conducted for the companion Open Space Element process at OktoBOOfest (October 30, 2025), and a Community Meeting and public workshop focused on EJ topics held at the Fullerton Hunt Branch Library (July 16, 2026).

The Draft EJE (Attachment 2) was also published on the City’s dedicated webpage for a 30-day public review period (June 1 - June 30, 2026). Eight written public comments have been received by the Planning Division to date. A complete compilation of public comments received during the 30-day public review period, along with staff’s response letters, is included as Attachment 5 to this report.

Staff received a variety of written comments; however, some did not directly pertain to the Draft EJE. Generally, the comments included the following:
 Supported additional tree planting, shade, and green infrastructure to reduce heat and improve walkability.
 Supported expanding parks, open space, trails, and habitat preservation opportunities.  Requested that noise pollution at Coyote Hills Golf Course be addressed.  Expressed interest in renewable energy, including solar and energy storage opportunities for affordable housing communities.
 Suggested incorporating waste reduction and resource conservation strategies into environmental planning efforts.

Planning Commission Staff Report – Environmental Justice Element August 12, 2026
Item No. 1 Page 3 LRP-2026-0005
 Raised concerns about maintaining and funding core infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and public services.
 Raised concerns about traffic congestion, high-density housing, and impacts on neighborhood quality of life.

Staff provided responses to questions that were received in an effort to clarify the purpose and constraints of the Draft EJE.

Additionally, a tribal representative expressed interest in understanding how tribal perspectives and Indigenous knowledge may be incorporated into the EJE, particularly regarding cultural resource protection, environmental health, land stewardship, and meaningful tribal engagement in future planning efforts. Staff will continue this dialogue consistent with the Senate Bill (SB) 18 tribal consultation process conducted for the companion Open Space and Conservation Element.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION / BACKGROUND
Environmental Justice, as per California Government Code Section 65040.12(e), is defined as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and national origins with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. In practice, this means that no group should bear a disproportionate share of pollution or environmental harm, that communities most affected by environmental decisions have a meaningful voice in making them, and that access to clean air, water, and healthy neighborhoods is treated as a right rather than a privilege.

Senate Bill (SB) 1000, the Planning for Healthy Communities Act (Chapter 587, Statutes of 2016), amended Government Code Section 65302 to establish Environmental Justice as a required topic of General Plan review, responding to evidence that low-income communities and communities of color have historically borne a disproportionate share of pollution burden while having the least influence over the land use decisions that created those conditions.

Effective January 1, 2018, SB 1000 requires jurisdictions to address Environmental Justice when they (1) adopt or revise two or more General Plan Elements concurrently on or after that date, and (2) contain one or more identified disadvantaged communities. Fullerton meets both criteria:
the City completed updates to the Housing, Safety, and Open Space and Conservation Elements after 2018, and contains identified disadvantaged communities, discussed later in this report.

Per the law, a jurisdiction may comply either by adopting a stand-alone EJE or by integrating EJ goals and policies throughout existing General Plan Elements. Due to the cost and complexity of updating additional Elements, the City of Fullerton elected to prepare a stand-alone EJE.

Fullerton's Environmental Justice conditions are rooted in a layered history. The Tongva and Acjachemen peoples inhabited the region for thousands of years before Spanish mission settlement (1776) and the Rancho Era (1837) reshaped land use through ranching and the displacement of native peoples. Later, George and Edward Amerige founded Fullerton in 1887 around agriculture, rail, and oil extraction, with early 20th century freeway and rail siting concentrated industrial uses near working class neighborhoods, leaving impacts reflected in today's elevated CalEnviroScreen scores.

Planning Commission Staff Report – Environmental Justice Element August 12, 2026
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Separately, early 1900s redlining and restrictive covenants limited housing access for communities of color nationally. Fullerton was not directly mapped, but similar zoning practices shaped uneven investment, and disparities persist despite the 1968 Fair Housing Act. This history continues to shape the impacted communities identified in the Draft EJEs Section 2 Existing Conditions. The Element addresses these conditions as a policy-level General Plan document that establishes goals and policies rather than authorizing any specific development project.

DRAFT ELEMENT OVERVIEW
As previously described, staff received and then implemented community input into the draft document as well as comments provided by the Planning Commission during the Study Session held on July 22, 2026. Attachment 2 (Appendix N: Draft Environmental Justice Element) represents the final draft document for the Planning Commission’s review and recommendation.

It contains the following:
• Introduction and Statutory Basis (Sections 1.1-1.2)
• Planning Process and Community Engagement Summary (Section 1.3) • Relationship to Other General Plan Elements (Section 1.4) • Existing Conditions, including identification of Disadvantaged Communities (DACs) and the CalEnviroScreen screening methodology (Section 2)
• Proposed Goals and Policies, organized under eight key goals and 47 supporting policies (Section 3)
In addition, an Action Plan (Attachment 4) was created to serve as an internal document for the City to act as an implementation framework.

One of the fundamental drivers for the requirement to create an EJE is the presence of a DAC within a jurisdiction’s boundaries. Under SB 1000, a jurisdiction identifies DACs using one or more of the following methods:

1. A census tract scoring in the top 25 percent statewide on the CalEnviroScreen cumulative pollution and vulnerability score.

2. An area with household incomes at or below 80 percent of the statewide median that is disproportionately affected by pollution or hazards.

3. Community-specific data, such as local health surveys, air monitoring, or Code Enforcement records, that reveal burdens generic statewide models may miss.

Fullerton identified its DACs using Method 1 (CalEnviroScreen). Methods 2 and 3 were not used to designate the tracts themselves; however, they remain available as alternative or supplemental approaches under SB 1000.

For further explanation, CalEnviroScreen is an online, automated mapping tool designed to identify California communities that are disproportionately affected by pollution and are especially vulnerable to its effects. CalEnviroScreen, which was developed by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) and the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), calculates its score from pollution burden indicators (air quality, drinking water contaminants, pesticide use, toxic releases, proximity to hazardous facilities, and traffic density) Planning Commission Staff Report – Environmental Justice Element August 12, 2026
Item No. 1 Page 5 LRP-2026-0005
combined with population characteristics (poverty, unemployment, low birth weight, asthma and cardiovascular emergency room visits, educational attainment, and linguistic isolation).

Screening
As a part of the review process for the City of Fullerton, all census tracts were reviewed as per the aforementioned three listed criteria. It should be noted that Criteria 1 utilized CalEPAs official 2022 designation of disadvantaged communities established under SB 535. Below are the resulting Census Tracts that were identified:
• Criterion 1 (Top 25% of CalEnviroScreen 4.0 overall scores) - Census Tracts 001404, 001801, 001802, 011403, 011601, 011602, 086701, 086802
(eight tracts; note that 011502 does not meet this criterion). • Criterion 2 (Identified in the 2017 SB 535 designation, regardless of current score) - Census Tracts 001404, 001801, 001802, 011403, 011502, 011601, 011602, 086701, 086802 (nine tracts).
• Criterion 3 (Community-specific data) - Not used.

In summary, Fullerton has nine Census Tracts officially designated as DACs: 001404, 001801, 001802, 011403, 011502, 011601, 011602, 086701, and 086802 (see Exhibit 1 below – Figure 2-1 in the Draft Element).

The list of nine census tracts was reviewed and finalized by the City’s consultant and formed the required basis for the EJE. Other local data could have been used to help describe conditions throughout the City; however, it would not have changed which tracts are listed as DACs.

As shown in Exhibit 1 below, impacted communities are concentrated in three areas of the City:
the Northern Industrial Corridor, the Southwest Communities, and the Southeastern Communities.

Planning Commission Staff Report – Environmental Justice Element August 12, 2026
Item No. 1 Page 6 LRP-2026-0005
Exhibit 1: CalEPA Designated Disadvantaged Communities (Impacted Census Tracts) Government Code Section 65302(h)(1) requires that Environmental Justice policies address the unique or compounded health risks of disadvantaged communities across seven required topic areas: (1) pollution exposure (reducing exposure and improving air quality); (2) public facilities (equitable access to community facilities); (3) food access (access to healthy, affordable food); (4) safe and sanitary homes (housing free of health hazards); (5) physical activity (safe places to walk, bike, and play); (6) civic engagement (a meaningful role in public decisions); and (7) prioritized investment (improvements targeted to the needs of disadvantaged communities). In addition, a policy may be added to address any other compounded local health risk identified by the community.

The Draft EJE is organized around eight goals and 47 supporting policies that respond to the seven required topic areas and one community-identified area. The goals are summarized as follows:

Goals 1 through 3 address reducing the pollution burden and health risks facing Fullerton’s impacted communities. Goal 1 focuses on protecting residents from disproportionate exposure to air, noise, and odor pollution by promoting cleaner land use patterns and reducing vehicle emissions. Goal 2 addresses water quality by minimizing pollutant loading and supporting compliance with state and federal standards. Goal 3 strengthens resilience to climate change and Planning Commission Staff Report – Environmental Justice Element August 12, 2026
Item No. 1 Page 7 LRP-2026-0005
cumulative pollution burdens by prioritizing resilience strategies in communities facing multiple, overlapping hazards.

Goals 4 through 6 focus on equitable access to the resources and services that support healthy communities. Goal 4 ensures equitable access to high-quality public facilities and infrastructure that support community well-being and opportunity. Goal 5 expands and improves access to parks, recreation facilities, and active transportation infrastructure. Goal 6 supports access to affordable, nutritious food by strengthening local food systems and addressing food deserts.

Goals 7 and 8 address housing quality and community voice. Goal 7 promotes safe, sanitary, and affordable housing by enforcing habitability standards and remediating environmental hazards. Goal 8 strengthens civic engagement by ensuring meaningful, accessible, and multilingual participation for impacted communities in public decision-making, directly responding to the lack of civic engagement identified through community outreach.

The full text of all eight goals and key words of forty-seven supporting policies is provided in the table below, organized by focus area.

Goal Focus Area Goal Description Key Policies
Goal 1 Air, Noise, and
Odor
Protect residents, especially those
in disadvantaged communities,
from disproportionate exposure to
air, noise, and odor pollution by
promoting cleaner land use patterns, reducing vehicle emissions, and enhancing natural buffers.

P1.1 Land Use Compatibility
P1.2 Promote Pollution Mitigation
P1.3 Preserve and Enhance
Natural Buffers
P1.4 Monitor Air Quality
P1.5 Reduce Vehicle Miles
Traveled
P1.6 Enforce Truck and Bus Route
Regulations
P1.7 Cleaner Municipal Fleet and
Fueling Infrastructure
Goal 2 Water Quality Minimize water quality pollution,
including compliance with state and
federal water quality standards,
reducing off-site runoff and surface
pollutants, and reducing pollutant
loading in the water system.

P2.1 Compliance with Water
Quality Regulations
P2.2 Maintenance and Monitoring
P2.3 Low Impact Development
P2.4 Collaborate with Neighboring
Jurisdictions
P2.5 Support Water Quality
Remediation
Goal 3 Climate
Resilience
Reduce vulnerability to climate
change, cumulative pollution
burdens, and overlapping health
risks by implementing resilience
strategies and prioritizing interventions in communities facing multiple hazards.

P3.1 Climate-Responsive Planning
P3.2 Sustainable and EnergyEfficient Development
P3.3 Hazard Mitigation and
Climate Resilience
P3.4 Assessment of Cumulative
Pollution Burdens
P3.5 Avoid Disproportionate
Impacts
Goal 4 Public Facilities Ensure equitable access to highquality public facilities and infrastructure that support community well-being and opportunity.

P4.1 Transit-Oriented
Development
P4.2 Collaborate with
Transportation Providers
P4.3 Equitable and Multimodal
Transportation
P4.4 Equitable Distribution of
Planning Commission Staff Report – Environmental Justice Element August 12, 2026
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Public Facilities
P4.5 Equitable Access to
Educational, Cultural, and Civic
Facilities
P4.6 Maintenance and Quality of
Public Facilities
P4.7 Fair-Share Contributions for
Public Infrastructure
Goal 5 Parks and Active
Transportation
Expand and improve access to
parks, recreation facilities, and
active transportation infrastructure
to promote health, physical activity,
and environmental benefits in
impacted communities.

P5.1 Equitable Recreational
Programming
P5.2 Joint Use of Recreational
Facilities
P5.3 Recreation-Supportive
Facility Siting
P5.4 Universal Access to Parks
and Open Space
P5.5 Urban Greening and Active
Environments
P5.6 Prioritizing Park Access in
Underserved Areas
P5.7 Expanding Park
Opportunities Through Creative
Solutions
Goal 6 Healthy Food
Access
Ensure residents have access to
affordable, nutritious food by supporting local food systems, incentivizing healthy food retail, and
addressing food deserts.

P6.1 Promote Farmers Markets
and Community Gardens
P6.2 Promote Healthy Food
Decisions
P6.3 Promote Healthy Food
Through Land Use
P6.4 Community Partnerships to
Address Food Insecurity
Goal 7 Safe and
Sanitary Homes
Provide residents with access to
safe, affordable, and healthy
housing by enforcing habitability
standards, remediating environmental hazards, and supporting programs that improve housing
quality in impacted communities.

P7.1 Implement Housing Element
Policies
P7.2 Diverse Housing
Opportunities
P7.3 Encourage Housing
Maintenance
P7.4 Promote Housing
Rehabilitation and Maintenance
Funding
P7.5 Homeownership Support
Programs
P7.6 Environmental Health
Awareness
Goal 8 Civic
Engagement
Strengthen community voices in
environmental and land use
decisions by ensuring meaningful
participation, accessible information, and equitable representation of impacted communities in public
processes.

P8.1 Meaningful Participation in
Planning and Environmental
Decisions
P8.2 Inclusive and Multilingual
Communication
P8.3 Accessible Meeting
Locations, Times, and Formats
P8.4 Coordinated and Efficient
Outreach
P8.5 Addressing the Digital Divide
P8.6 Community Representation
and Advisory Participation
Planning Commission Staff Report – Environmental Justice Element August 12, 2026
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ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
The Draft EJE is being prepared in accordance with several state laws and requirements. Each requirement is outlined below.

1. Consistency with State Law
The Draft Element is specifically structured to meet SB 1000s requirement that policies address the unique or compounded health risks of disadvantaged communities across the topic areas identified in Government Code Section 65302(h)(1)(A)–(C). The nine formally designated impacted census tracts, identified using CalEPAs 2022 Disadvantaged Community criteria, serve as the required geographic basis for the Element's goals and policies.

The eight goals meet the SB 1000 required focus areas as follows:

Senate Bill (SB) 1000 Requirement Corresponding City of Fullerton Goal(s) Reduce pollution exposure and improve air
quality
Goal 1 (Air, Noise, and Odor)
Goal 2 (Water Quality)
Promote public facilities Goal 4 (Public Facilities)
Promote physical activity Goal 5 (Parks and Active Transportation) Promote healthy food access Goal 6 (Healthy Food Access) Promote safe and sanitary homes Goal 7 (Safe and Sanitary Homes) Promote civic engagement Goal 8 (Civic Engagement)
Community identified goals Goal 3 (Climate Resilience)

2. Internal Consistency with the City's General Plan - “The Fullerton Plan” The EJE was processed concurrently with the Open Space and Conservation Element update, which the Planning Commission and City Council previously considered and adopted as Appendix M of the General Plan in June 2026. The two Elements were designed to be internally consistent, sharing a common community engagement process including the public online survey and community pop-up events, as well as internally consistent, communityinformed goals and policies, and coordinated implementation strategies, particularly around climate resilience, urban greening, and equitable park access (Goals 3 and 5).

The EJE is proceeding through its own adoption process as proposed Appendix N of the General Plan. Once adopted, it will remain consistent with the remaining General Plan elements: with Land Use, by applying health-protective siting and buffering criteria (P1.1, P1.3) within the Land Use Element's existing designations and zoning framework rather than proposing new land use categories; with Housing, by implementing rather than duplicating existing Housing Element commitments on habitability, rehabilitation, and affordable housing production (P7.1, P7.4, P7.5); with Mobility (Circulation), by aligning vehicle emissions, truck routing, and transit access policies (P1.5, P1.6, P4.1, P4.2) with the Mobility Element's roadway classifications and transit priority corridors; and with Safety, by drawing its hazard mitigation and cumulative pollution burden policies (P3.3, P3.4) from the risk assessments and mitigation strategies already adopted in the Safety Element.

3. Responsiveness to Community Input
Planning Commission Staff Report – Environmental Justice Element August 12, 2026
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The draft goals and policies reflect the themes identified through the 642-response online survey and in-person outreach. Although only about 45 percent of respondents were familiar with the term "environmental justice," respondents identified age, poverty status, and disability as key vulnerability factors, and prioritized air and water pollution, noise, land use compatibility, and climate related health risks such as extreme heat and flooding.

Community priorities such as affordable housing, safer and cleaner public spaces, more green areas and trees, improved sidewalks and transportation, and programs supporting vulnerable groups are reflected throughout the eight goals, and a lack of civic engagement identified through outreach directly informed Goal 8. Written comments received during the 30-day public review period were also incorporated into the goals, policies, and action plan items where possible.

4. Senate Bill 18 Tribal Consultation Process Completed Consistent with SB 18, a tribal consultation process was conducted for the EJE. On May 7, 2026, outreach was conducted via email to Native American tribes with historical ties to the lands in and around the City of Fullerton. Notification letters were delivered by email to 34 tribes, including peoples within the ancestral territories of the Tongva/Kizh and Acjachemen (Juaneño) tribes.

As a result, one tribal representative expressed interest by requesting that tribal perspectives and Indigenous knowledge be incorporated into the EJE, particularly regarding cultural resource protection, environmental health and land stewardship, and meaningful tribal engagement in future planning efforts. Staff's response to the tribal representative is included as Attachment 6.

5. Environmental Review
Staff have determined that the EJE is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the Common Sense Exemption, as described at the beginning of this report.

6. 30-Day Public Review Period and Comments
The City published the Draft EJE on the City's webpage for a 30-day public review period (June 1 - June 30, 2026). A record of the public comments received, and staff response letters are included in Attachment 5.

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS AND REGULATIONS
The Draft EJE satisfies the requirements of SB 1000 and Government Code Section 65302(h)(1), addressing the unique or compounded health risks of Fullerton's nine formally designated disadvantaged communities across the eight goals and 47 policies described in this report.

Based on the analysis and outreach conducted during preparation of the Draft EJE the document satisfies state mandates, is grounded in data and meaningful public and tribal input, and provides a clear, actionable policy framework addressing the compounded health risks facing Fullerton's nine disadvantaged communities. Once adopted, the City's General Plan website will list the Environmental Justice Element (2026) as Appendix N.

If the Planning Commission adopts the recommended Resolution, the item will proceed to a City Council Public Hearing, tentatively scheduled for September 2026. Upon adoption by the City

LRP-2026-0005 – ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT
Attachment No. 1
Draft Planning Commission Resolution No. PC-2026-11
RESOLUTION NO. PC-2026-11

A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF

FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY

COUNCIL APPROVE A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO ADOPT THE

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT OF THE FULLERTON PLAN, AS

APPENDIX N
LRP-2026-0005
APPLICANT: CITY OF FULLERTON
RECITALS:

WHEREAS, pursuant to FMC Section 15.72.020.(C), the Planning Commission of the City of Fullerton is authorized to review and make recommendations to the City Council regarding amendments to the General Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Fullerton has held a duly noticed public hearing on August 12, 2026, as required by law, for LRP-2026-0005, to consider amendments to the General Plan pursuant to Fullerton Municipal Code Section

15.24.130 and Government Code Section 65353; and
WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing was published in the Fullerton News Tribune on July 23, 2026, in accordance with all applicable legal requirements; and WHEREAS, the City of Fullerton ("City") is a municipal corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of California; and WHEREAS, Senate Bill 1000 (2016) and California Government Code Section 65302(h)(1) require, upon the adoption or next update of two or more elements concurrently on or after January 1, 2018, that a city or county with disadvantaged communities within its boundaries either adopt a standalone environmental justice element or integrate environmental justice goals, policies, and objectives into other elements of its general plan; and
WHEREAS, the City of Fullerton adopted The Fullerton Plan on May 1, 2012, which serves as the City’s General Plan pursuant to state law, and which did not previously include a standalone Environmental Justice Element; and WHEREAS, the City has identified nine formally designated disadvantaged communities within its boundaries, consisting of Census Tracts 001404, 001801, 001802, 011403, 011502, 011601, 011602, 086701, and 086802, and the concurrent processing of this Environmental Justice Element with the updated Open Space and Conservation Element triggers the requirements of Senate Bill 1000 (SB 1000) and Government Code Section 65302(h)(1); and
Resolution No. PC-2026-11

WHEREAS, the Draft Environmental Justice Element was developed through a comprehensive planning process that included analysis of the unique or compounded environmental and health risks facing the City’s disadvantaged communities, including but not limited to pollution exposure, access to healthy food, safe and sanitary housing, physical activity, civic engagement, and the equitable distribution of public facilities; and WHEREAS, the Draft Environmental Justice Element organizes its policy framework under eight goals and forty-seven policies addressing the unique or compounded environmental and health risks of Fullerton’s nine formally designated disadvantaged communities; and
WHEREAS, the Environmental Justice Element planning process included robust community and tribal engagement, including a public online survey conducted from October 27 to November 30, 2025, which received 642 responses, an in-person outreach event at OktoBOOfest on October 30, 2025, a community meeting and public workshop held at the Fullerton Hunt Branch Library on July 16, 2026, a Planning Commission Study Session held on July 22, 2026, a 30-day public review period held from June 1 to June 30, 2026 during which eight written public comments were received, and tribal notification consistent with Senate Bill 18, delivered on May 7, 2026 to 34 California Native American tribes with historical ties to the lands in and around the City of Fullerton; and WHEREAS, the Draft Environmental Justice Element is internally consistent with the other elements of The Fullerton Plan, including the concurrently processed Open Space and Conservation Element, adopted by the City Council in June 2026; and WHEREAS, the adoption of a General Plan Element is a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Environmental Justice Element was determined to be exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the Common Sense Exemption, as the Element is a policy document that does not authorize direct physical changes to the environment; future projects implemented under its framework will undergo their own project-level CEQA review, and a draft Notice of Exemption (NOE) will be prepared prior to the scheduled City Council public hearing will be filed with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder upon adoption; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has reviewed and considered the staff report, the Draft Environmental Justice Element dated May 2026, and all other materials and testimony presented at the public hearing.

THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FULLERTON HEREBY FINDS AND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

Finding 1: The Draft Environmental Justice Element has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Senate Bill 1000, California Government Code Section 65302(h)(1), and all other applicable provisions of state law.

Resolution No. PC-2026-11

Fact 1: The Draft Environmental Justice Element constitutes a permissible amendment to The Fullerton Plan pursuant to Government Code Section 65353 and FMC Section 15.72.020.

Fact 2: The Draft Environmental Justice Element addresses the unique or compounded environmental and health risks facing the City’s nine formally designated disadvantaged communities (Census Tracts 001404, 001801, 001802, 011403, 011502, 011601, 011602, 086701, and 086802), identified using CalEPA’s 2022 Disadvantaged Community designation criteria, through eight goals and 47 policies, consistent with the requirements of Government Code Section 65302(h)(1)(A)–(C).

Finding 2: The Draft Environmental Justice Element is internally consistent with all other elements of The Fullerton Plan.

Fact: Staff and the Planning Commission have reviewed the Draft Environmental Justice Element alongside the Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Safety, Noise, and Open Space and Conservation Elements of The Fullerton Plan, including the Open Space and Conservation Element adopted in June 2026. The Draft Element contains no conflicts with existing goals, policies, or implementation measures and has been revised where necessary to ensure internal consistency as required by Government Code Section 65300.5.

Finding 3: The Draft Environmental Justice Element reflects input received through meaningful community and tribal engagement.

Fact: The update process included a public online survey conducted from October 27 to November 30, 2025, which received 642 responses, an in-person outreach event at OktoBOOfest on October 30, 2025, a community meeting and public workshop held at the Fullerton Hunt Branch Library on July 16, 2026, a Planning Commission Study Session held on July 22, 2026, a 30-day public review period held from June 1 to June 30, 2026 during which eight written public comments were received, and a tribal consultation process conducted consistent with Senate Bill 18, including notification delivered on May 7, 2026 to 34 California Native American tribes with historical ties to the lands in and around the City of Fullerton.

Community and tribal input directly informed the eight goal areas and the policies addressing the compounded environmental and health risks facing the City’s disadvantaged communities.

Finding 4: The Draft Environmental Justice Element is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Fact: The Draft Environmental Justice Element is a policy document that does not authorize direct physical changes to the environment and is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the Common Sense Exemption. Future projects implemented under its framework will undergo their Resolution No. PC-2026-11

own project-level CEQA review. A Draft Notice of Exemption (NOE) will be prepared prior to the scheduled City Council public hearing and will be filed with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder upon adoption.

THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FULLERTON HEREBY FINDS AND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

1. The previous recitals are true and correct and are incorporated as if fully set forth herein.

2. The Planning Commission recommends to the City Council that the Fullerton Plan be amended by adopting the Environmental Justice Element as Appendix N (Attachment 1).

3. The Planning Commission recommends that The Fullerton Plan be amended to incorporate the Environmental Justice Element as set forth in the Draft Environmental Justice Element dated August 2026.

4. The Planning Commission directs staff to refine the Draft Environmental Justice Element based on the feedback and direction provided by the Planning Commission during the August 12, 2026 public hearing, without the requirement to return to the Planning Commission for approval of any changes or modifications.

5. The Planning Commission acknowledges completion of the tribal consultation process consistent with Senate Bill 18, including notification delivered on May 7, 2026, to 34 California Native American tribes, and directs staff to submit the Environmental Justice Element to the City Council for adoption and, upon adoption, to the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, tentatively in September 2026.

ADOPTED BY THE FULLERTON PLANNING COMMISSION ON AUGUST 12, 2026. _______________________________
Oscar Valadez, Chairman
Attachments

1. Appendix N: Environmental Justice Element
LRP-2026-0005 – ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT
Attachment No. 2
Appendix N: Draft Environmental Justice Element (August 2026) Planning Commission Draft: August 2026
Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 1

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1.Purpose and Background
In 2016, the State of California passed Senate Bill 1000 (SB 1000), which requires the adoption or review of an Environmental Justice Element (or environmental justice goals, policies, and programs in other elements) in cities and counties that have a disa dvantaged community upon the adoption or revision of two or more General Plan elements. Therefore, the City of Fullerton was tasked with developing its first -ever Environmental Justice Element as part of the City’s General Plan (‘The Fullerton Plan’).

Environmental justice is a principle that seeks to reduce the disproportionate impacts of environmental hazards and pollution on communities, regardless of race, ethnicity, or income level , as evidenced by tools like CalEnviroScreen used later in this Element to identify such burdens in Fullerton , subject to fiscal and legal constraints as required by state law.This Environmental Justice Element o f ‘The Fullerton Plan’ outlines the City’s commitment to ensu ring that all residents have the opportunity to live, work, and thrive in a healthy and safe environment while taking into account economic considerations .

1.1.1. Environmental Justice , Equity, and Disadvantaged Communities (DACs) Environmental justice, equity, and disadvantaged communities are key concepts to ensure the benefits of environmental protection, inclusive planning , and to ensure the burdens of pollution and environmental risk do not disproportionately impact particular groups. These key concepts are d efined below.

Environmental Justice
California Government Code Section 65040.12 defines environmental justice as:
“The fair treatment and meaningful participation of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and national origins, with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies .”
In Fullerton's contex t, this definition supports the integration of environmental justice policies into ‘The Fullerton Plan’ as detailed in subsequent sta tutory sections. This statute also designates the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR), now known as the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) as the lead agency for coordinating environmental justice efforts across the state.

Equity
The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) defines Equity as:

Achieving fairness and balance in access to environmental resour ces (e.g., green space, safe neighborhoods, healthy homes, healthy fisheries), in bearing environmental burdens (e.g., pollution in air, water and on land), and in participating in environmental decision -making.” This definition is consistent with state statutory definitions that emphasize fair treatment without mandating resource redistribution . Moreover, the EDF establishes that some populations, including ethnic minority communities, indigenous persons, people of color, and low -income communities, experi ence limited access to resources and experience disproportionate burden in various categories. Equitable policies aim to address the imbalance groups experience through cost -effective measures that respect local economic realities .

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Disadvantaged Communities
California Government Code Section 65302(h) defines disadvantaged communities as:
“An area identified by the California Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or an area that is a low -income area that is disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation.”
Senate Bill 535 (SB 535) established minimum funding requirements for these communities and tasked the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) with identifying them based on geographic, socioeconomic, public health, and environmental hazard criteria.

As of May 2022, CalEPA’s final designation of disadvantaged communitie s includes four categories:

1. Census tracts ranked in the top 25 percent of overall scores in CalEnviroScreen 4.0.

2. Census tracts without overall scores due to data limitations but ranked in the top five percent for cumulative pollution burden.

3. Census tracts previously designated as disadvantaged in the 2017 CalEPA designation, regardless of their current CalEnviroScreen 4.0 scores.

4. Lands under the jurisdiction of federally recognized Tribes. Tribes may request recognitio n of specific areas under their control as disadvantaged communities through consultation with CalEPA’s Deputy Secretary for Environmental Justice.

1.1.2. Historical Background of Fullerton
Native American Tribes
Human habitation in the area now known as Fullerton dates back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence indicating settlement as early as 5,000 BCE. Early inhabitants lived nomadically, relying on local natural resources for hunting, fishing, and g athering. Over time, more complex Indigenous cultu res emerged, notably the Tongva (Gabrielino) and Acjachemen (Juaneño), who established permanent villages across what is now northern Orange County and Greater Los Angeles. These communities developed sophisticated social, spiritual, and trade systems and practiced long -standing stewardship of the land prior to European contact.

European exploration reached the region in 1769, followed by the establishment of Mission San Juan Capistrano in 1776. The mission era significantly altered Indigenous lifeways thro ugh displacement, labor demands, and cultural disruption. After Mexico’s independence in 1821, mission lands were secularized and redistributed as ranchos. In 1837, the Fullerton area became part of Rancho San Juan Cajón de Santa Ana, marking a period dominated by cattle ranching and agricultural use.

Following California’s transfer to the United States in 1848 and statehood in 1850, the arrival of the railroad spurred growth and development. Fullerton was founded in 1887 by George and Edward Amerige and qu ickly became an agricultural center, particularly for citrus, later supplemented by oil production. By the mid -20th century, industrial development expanded along the railroad corridor, shaping land use patterns that persist today. Fullerton’s layered history, from Indigenous land management to agriculture and industry , continues to inform its cultural identity and economic vitality.

Industrial Siting, Highway Construction, and Legacy Land Uses As Southern California urbanized in the 20th century, decisions about industrial siting and transportation infrastructure often disproportionately affected low -income and minority communities. Across the region, freeways were routed through established neighborhoods, displacing residents and creating long -term exposure Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 3
to air pollution and noise. In Fullerton, the designation of the southern corridor along the railroad for industrial activity concentrated manufacturing and warehousing uses in proximity to working -class neighborhoods. These land use patterns contributed to localized environmental burdens, including emissions from factories, rail operations, and later, freeway traffic.

Agriculture also left a lasting imprint on Fullerton’s landscape. Citrus cultivation dominated the economy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, relying heavily on immigrant labor and shaping land ownership patterns. Oil extraction and industrial expa nsion followed, embedding legacy pollutants in soils and groundwater. Together, these agricultural and industrial activities created envir onmental conditions , such as air quality challenges, soil contamination, and uneven access to green space , which continue to influence environmental justice indicators today.

Redlining and Fair Housing
In the 1930s, the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) began producing “Residential Security” maps that graded neighborhoods by perceived mortgage risk, a practice that came to be known as “redlining”. Communities with higher concentrations of immigrants, people of color, and low -income households were of ten denied access to loans and investment. Although Fullerton was not directly mapped by HOLC, similar discriminatory practices , such as restrictive covenants and exclusionary zoning , were applied in Orange County, limiting housing opportunities for non ‑white residents.

The long -term impacts of these historical redlining efforts, manifested as lending and zoning practices have influenced Fullerton's urban growth, with certain neighborhoods attracting more public and private investment in infrastructure, while others experienced slower development, environmental challenges, and constrained credit options. These patterns contributed to variations in wealth building and homeownership across generations, as mortgage access differed based on economic and communit y factors, affecting families' ability to accumulate and transfer equity.

In 1968, the Fair Housing Act prohibited discrimination in housing , marking a turning point in federal policy .While the effects of past practices remain visible in housing patterns and property values, t oday, Fullerton works to overcome these historical patterns by supporting housing development, community stability, and inclusive planning. Understanding the city’s background supports efforts to create balanced, opportunity -rich neighborhoods for residents across all de mographics and income levels.

1.1.3. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) is a legal mandate and planning framework that requires public agencies to proactively promo te inclusive communities and equal access to housing. This obligation was established under Assembly Bill 686 (AB 686), enacted in 2018, which requires California jurisdictions to implement actions aimed at reducing residential segregation, easing barriers to housing, and supporting neighborhoods that offer economic and social opportunities and mobility for all residents.

In alignment with AB 686, the City of Fullerton incorporated AFFH principles into its 2021 –2029 Housing Element, certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. The plan includes analysis of residential segregation, concentrated areas of poverty and affluence, disparities in access to opportunity, and disproportionate housing needs. To address these issue s, Fullerton has adopted programs to expand housing choice, increase affordable housing supply, and strengthen outreach to underserved populations. The City also partners with the Fair Housing Council of Orange County to provide fair housing services and s upport regional coordination .

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The Housing Element stresses the value of sustained resident input, evidence -based strategies, and partnerships across agencies to fulfill AFFH objectives. This measured approach aligns with Fullerton’s emphasis on prudent urban planning and community -focused development, understanding that stable, market -responsive housing plays a key role in supporting personal health, educational attainment, and economic independence.

1.2.Statutory Requirements
Environmental justice in Californi a planning law is rooted in a series of legislative actions that have evolved over time to ensure equitable treatment and meaningful participation of all communities, particularly those historically burdened by environmental hazards. The following statutes form the legal foundation for integrating environmental justice into ‘The Fullerton Plan’ .

The principles of environmental justice are rooted in the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution.

The Fourteenth Amendment affirms that no state shall “deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws,” establishing a legal foundation for fairness and equity in public policy.

In 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that communities of color and low -income populations are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards such as air pollution and toxic waste. In response to these disparities, President Bill Clinton issued Executive Order 12898 in 1994, titled “Federal Actions to Address Environmen tal Justice in Minority Populations and Low -Income Populations.” This directive requires federal agencies to:
• Identify and mitigate disproportionately high and adverse health or environmental impacts of their programs and activities on minority and low -income communities, to the extent allowed by law and practicable;
• Develop and implement strategies to advance environmental justice; • Ensure nondiscrimination in federal programs that affect human health and the environment and enhance access to information an d opportunities for public participation for affected communities.

Assembly Bill 1553 (AB 1553): AB 1553 (Chapter 762, Statutes of 2001) directed the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research to develop guidance for incorporating environmental justice into General Plans. While AB 1553 did not mandate Environmental Justice Elements, it emphasized the importance of addressing disproportionate environmental burdens and promoting equitable access to public services and amenities. The 2003 Gen eral Plan Guidelines, developed in response to AB 1553, included a dedicated section on environmental justice, laying the groundwork for future mandates like SB 1000.

Senate Bill 1000 : SB 1000 of 2016 made environmental justice a mandatory consideration in local planning. It requires cities and counties with disadvantaged communities to include an Environmental Justice Element or integrate environmental justice policies into other General Plan elements when updating two or more elements concurrently. SB 1000 ensures that local governments proactively address environmental health disparities, promote inclusive public engagement, and prioritize investments in historically underserved neighborhoods.

Senate Bill 1425 (SB 1425 ): SB 1425, signed into law in September 2022, amended California Government Code Section 65560 –65564. This bill requires every California city and county to update its General Plan’s Open Space Element by January 1, 2026. SB 1425 elevates open space planning to a statewi de priority by ensuring conservation, equity, and climate adaptation are core components of local policy. The update must include an action program that addresses three key areas:
• Equitable Access: Ensure all residents have access to open space, considering social, economic, and racial equity, aligned with the Environmental Justice Element.

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• Climate Resilience and Co -benefit: Integrate strategies that improve open space’s resilience to climate impacts, such as wildfire, flooding, and urban heat, coordinated with the Safety Element. • Rewilding Opportunities: Identify potential areas for ecological restoration and habitat expansion, aligned with the Land Use Element.

Government Code Section s 65040.12 and 65302(h) : At the State level, California Senate Bill 115, approved in 1999, added Section 65040.12 to the Government Code. This bill defined environmental justice at the state level and made the CalEPA responsible for state environmental justice program. The bill also re quired LCI, to consult with state and federal agencies to coordinate environmental justice efforts. SB 1000 later amended the Government Code with Section 65302(h) to require cities and counties with disadvantaged communities to include an Environmental Justice Element (or integrate environmental justice policies into other elements) when updating two or more General Plan elements concurrently. The overarching Government Codes related to General Plan Environmental Justice Elements are Government Code Sections 65040.12 and 65302(h).

Government Code Section 65040.12(d) states:

The guidelines developed by the [Office of Planning and Research] pursuant to subdivision (c) shall recommend provisions for general plans to do all of the following:
(1) Propose methods for planning for the equitable distribution of new public facilities and services that increase and enhance community quality of life throughout the community, given the fiscal and legal constraints that restrict the siting of these facilities. (2) Propose methods for providing for the location, if any, of industrial facilities and uses that, even with the best available technology, will contain or produce material that, because of its quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical characteristics,poses a significant hazard to human health and safety, in a manner that seeks to avoid over-concentrating these uses in proximity to schools or residential dwellings. (3) Propose methods for providing for the l ocation of new schools and residential dwellings in a manner that seeks to avoid locating these uses in proximity to industrial facilities and uses that will contain or produce material that because of its quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical c haracteristics, poses a significant hazard to human health and safety.
(4) Propose methods for promoting more livable communities by expanding opportunities for transit -oriented development so that residents minimize traffic and pollution impacts from travelin g for purposes of work, shopping, schools, and recreation.

Government Code Section 65302(h) states:
(1) An environmental justice element, or related goals, policies, and objectives integrated in other elements, that identifies disadvantaged communities within the area covered by the general plan of the city, county, or city and county, if the city, county, or city and county has a disadvantaged community. The environmental justice element, or related environmental justice goals, policies, and objectives integrated in other elements, shall do all of the following:
a) Identify objectives and policies to reduce the unique or compounded health risks in disadvantaged communities by means that include, but are not limited to, the reduction of pollution exposure, including the improvement of air quality, and the promotion of public facilities, food access, safe and sanitary homes, and physical activity.
b) Identify objectives and policies to promote civic engagement in the public decision -making process. c) Identify objectives a nd policies that prioritize improvements and programs that address the needs of disadvantaged communities.

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(2) A city, county, or city and county subject to this subdivision shall adopt or review the environmental justice element, or the environmental justice goals, policies, and objectives in other elements, upon the adoption or next revision of two or more elemen ts concurrently on or after January 1, 2018. (3) By adding this subdivision, the Legislature does not intend to require a city, county, or city and count y to take any action prohibited by the United States Constitution or the California Constitution. (4) For purposes of this subdivision, the following terms shall apply:
a) “Disadvantaged communities” means an area identified by the California Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or an area that is a low -income area that is disproportionately affected by environmental polluti on and other hazards that can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation. b) “Public facilities” includes public improvements, public services, and community amenities, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 66000.
c) “Low-income area” means an area with household incomes at or below 80 percent of the statewide median income or with household incomes at or below the threshold designated as low income by the Department of Housing and Community Development’s list of state income limits adopted pursuant to Section 50093 of the Health and Safety Code.

1.3.Planning Process

1.3.1. Coordi nated Planning Process
The City of Fullerton's creation of a new Environmental Justice Element , and the simultaneous update of the Open Space & Conservation Element , reflects a coordinated approach under ‘The Fullerton Plan.’ This effort was led by the Community & Economic Development Department, which orchestrated a multi -element process integrating open space, parks and recreation, conservation, and environmental justice issues. Together, these steps created a framework that aligns local priorities with state mandates and best practices, resulting in a cohesive approach to open space, conservation, and environmental justice within ‘The Fullerton Plan ’.

This coordinated approach fulfills state requirements under Senate Bill 1425 and SB 1000, which guide updates to open space and environmental justice planning. By advancing both the Open Space and Conservation Element update and the new Environmental Justice Element together, the City ensures compliance with these mandates while promoting bes t practices in comprehensive planning.

The two Elements were designed to complement one another: open space strategies focus on park access, conservation corridors, and multi -functional green spaces, while environmental justice priorities address cumulative environmental burdens and health risk s in disadvantaged communities. Both Elements relied on shared technical analyses, including demographic mapping, equity indicators, open space inventories, conservation priorities, and community health data, providin g a consistent foundation for policy development and interdepartmental coordination.

Although structured as separate components of ‘The Fullerton Plan,’ the Open Space and Conservation and Environmental Justice Elements were developed in tandem, with public outreach materials and engagement activities emphasizing their connection. This approach helped residents understand the shared objectives and strengthened confidence in the City’s commitment to equity and sustainability.

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1.3.2. Community Engagement
Community engagement was a vital component of the planning process for updating the Environmental Justice Element. Recognizing that both the Open Space and Conservation Element and Environmental Justice Element shape how residents experience parks, open space, and environmental health, the City implemented a comprehensive outreach strategy to ensure broad participation . The primary engagement activities included a public online survey and an in -person outreach pop -up event. To build awareness of these opportunities, the City launched a dedicated project webpage featuring summaries of engagement activities, major milestones and deliverables, and status updates on both Elements. In addition, the City utilized multiple media channels, including a website banner, an email e -blast to residents, Instagram posts, and digital display boards at the transit center.

During the public review period for the Environmental Justice Element, the City hosted an additional in -person workshop to review the Draft Plan.

Public Online Survey Overview
A citywide survey was available from October 27, 2025 to November 30, 2025, gathering input on topics such as environmental justice, open space and conservation, equitable access, rewilding, and climate resilience. The survey received 642 responses, demons trating strong community interest. To maximize participation, the City promoted the survey through multiple channels .

In-Person Outreach Event Overview
To complement online engagement, the City hosted a pop -up booth during OktoBOOfest on October 30, 2025, at The Downtown Fullerton Plaza. The four -hour event provided a direct opportunity for residents to learn about the planning process, ask questions, and share ideas. Activities included two interactive boards and two educational boards. Over 85 responses wer e collected through two interactive activity boards and over 100 flyers were distributed to promote awareness of the planning process and online survey.

In-Person Workshop Overview
An in-person workshop was held at the Hunt Branch Library on July 16, 2026 to review the draft plan, including its goals and policies. Activities included interactive boards highlighting existing conditions in disadvantaged communities and opportunities for participants to provide feedback on the draft goals and policies. More than 10 comments were received through the interactive boards.

Community Engagement Overview Summary
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1.3.3. Summary of Community Input
Feedback was collected from the Public Online Survey , In-Person Pop-up Outreach Event, and In-Person Workshop providing both quantitative data and qualitative insights. By combining digital tools with in -person engagement, the City successfully reached a broad audience and kept the community informed as planning progressed. The key themes and observations from these engagement activities are highlighted below in more detail.

Online Community Survey
The survey collected demographic information such as zip code, age, and race/ethnicity, and explored residents’ experiences with open spaces, barriers to access, and ideas for making parks more welcoming and inclusive. It also addressed conservation topics like wildlife habitats, climate adaptation strategies, and areas for preservation or enhancement. Additionally, the survey introduced the concept of environmental justice, asking about awareness, health and environmental concerns, and resources nee ded to protect vulnerable groups. Participants were also invited to share preferences for future engagement and provide general feedback on the Open Space and Conservation and Environmental Justice Elements. The following summaries are focused on the Environmental Justice Element. The responses to the individual questions are summarized in ‘Appendix N Supplement: Online Public Survey Responses.’
Online Survey Responses
• Environmental Justice Awareness
The survey responses highlighted an awareness gap: only about 45% of respondents had heard of the term, and many were only somewhat familiar.
• Environmental Justice Concerns
Top concerns included air and water pollution, noise, land use compatibility, health risks from climate conditions such as extreme heat and flooding, and lack of civic engagement. Respondents identified age, poverty status, and disability as key factors co ntributing to vulnerability. • Environmental Justice Solutions
Community priorities emphasized affordable housing, safer and cleaner public spaces, more green areas and trees, improved sidew alks and transportation, and programs to support vulnerable groups. • Engagement Responses
Respondents expressed preferences for future outreach, favoring partnerships with local nonprofits and schools, community workshops, online surveys, and programs for youth and seniors. About 58% provided an email address to stay informed about long -range p lanning updates, indicating a strong interest in continued engagement.

In-Person Pop-up Outreach Event
• Activity Board 1: Open Space Mapping
Participants were asked to identify parks they visit most often and those where they experience access challenges by placing colored dots on a city map. The responses showed that Rolling Hills School Park, Fullerton Sports Complex, Fullerton Arboretum, Hillcrest Park, and Acacia Pa rk were among the most frequently visited parks, followed by Adlena Park, Hiltscher Park, Lions Field, and Orangethorpe Park.

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• Activity Board 2: Open -Ended Feedback
Participants provided input on open spaces and environmental justice . For making open spac es more welcoming and inclusive, suggestions included increasing patrols and park rangers, improving security, adding bathrooms, maintaining public access at school parks, addressing homelessness, installing ‘giving boxes’ and free libraries, and improving mulch management. To protect vulnerable groups from environmental risks, participants recommended planting more trees, adding water stations, creating community garden pop -ups in disadvantaged neighborhoods, and addressin g concerns near railways and industrial corridors
In-Person Workshop Event
At the July 16, 2026, Hunt Library public workshop, participants reviewed the draft Environmental Justice Element, including its goals and policies. Community members expressed overall support for the draft and its proposed policies. Feedback highlighted t he importance of improving access to open space through opportunities such as the Bastanchury Greenbelt, expanding access to healthy food options, increasing shade in public spaces, and providing secure bicycle parking at transportation centers.

Attendees also encouraged stronger partnerships with environmental organizations, greater community access to school facilities, and the identification and pursuit of funding opportunities to support implementation of the Element.
• Amenities and Programming
o Prioritize equitable access to parks and open space through the creation of community gardens, pocket parks, and small neighborhood gathering spaces within walking distance of residents.

Provide a menities for kids, flexible spaces for recreation such, live music events, and more markets.
• Environmental Equity
o Provide shade and water upgrades at high -use parks and trailheads to counter heat and address homelessness and infrastructure issues . Expand and enhance the urban tree canopy to improve shade, reduce heat‑island effects, and support environmental health. • Access and Trails Improvements
o Maintain and improve existing trails and neighborhood walking paths and explore stronger connections between park and trail systems. Provide clearer rules and signage for bic ycles and motorized vehicles to better protect pedestrians and hikers. • Safety and Enforcement
o Continue providing coordinated resources to address issues related to unhoused individuals, substance use, off‑leash dogs, and aggressive biking in open spaces. Consider enhanced lighting, visible patrols, and consistent rule enforcement to improve safety and the overall park experience.
• Community Pride and Stewardship
o Build on positive feedback regarding park staff and appreciation for existing amenities by expanding opportunities for environmental justice education and stewardship.

Community Input Key Themes- Environmental Justice
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Top: In-Person OktoBOOfest Pop -
up Outreach Event in October
2025, Bottom: Flyer for In-Person
Workshop at the Hunt Branch
Library in July 202 6
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1.4.Relationship to Other Documents

1.4.1. The Fullerton Plan
The Environmental Justice Element is a complementary and integrative component of ‘The Fullerton Plan’ , the City of Fullerton’s General Plan adopted in 2012. ‘The Fullerton Plan’ serves as the city’s long -range policy framework for land use, infrastructure, housing, mobility, and community development. It is organized around a community -informed vision that emphasizes sustainability, livability, and equity /opportunity , principles that are inherently aligned with the goals of environmental justice .

While ‘The Fullerton Plan’ predates the enactment of SB 1000, which mandates the inclusion of environmental justice policies in General Plans for jurisdictions with disadvantaged communities, many of its foundational goals already align with practical environmental aims through efficient, community -focused approaches. These encompass enco uraging vibrant neighborhoods, improving access to essential services, advancing sustainable mobility options, and promoting broad civic participation. The Environmental Justice Element enhances these established priorities by clearly designating disadvant aged communities in Fullerton and developing focused, cost-effective goals, policies, and actions to tackle their specific environmental and health issues while minimizing regulatory burdens on these populations .

The Environmental Justice Element is design ed to complement and reinforce the goals outlined in Part II of ‘The Fullerton Plan’ . It integrates with multiple Elements across the Plan’s four them e areas: Built Environment, Economy, Community, and Natural Environment . This ensures that equity, health, and environmental protection are central to Fullerton’s long-term development strategy.

The Fullerton Built Environment
• Community Development and Design: The Environmental Justice Element supports inclusive and equitable land use patterns by discouragin g the concentration of hazardous land uses near sensitive receptors such as schools, homes, and parks, and by promoting mixed -use, walkable neighborhoods that enhance quality of life for all residents.
• Housing: The Environmental Justice Element advances access to safe, sanitary, and affordable housing in communities disproportionately impacted by environmental burdens, aligning with housing goals that promote stability, health, and opportunity.
• Mobility and Bicycle: The E nvironmental Justice Element promote s transit-oriented development and active transportation options , including walking and biking , to reduce pollution exposure, improve physical activity, and connect disadvantaged communities to jobs, schools, and services. • Growth Management and Noise: The Environmental Justice Element encourages growth policies that minimize environmental health risks and supports noise mitigation strategies in vulnerable neighborhoods.

The Fullerton Economy
• Economic Development and Revitalization: The E nvironmental Justice Element prioritizes investments in underserved areas and supports equitable economic development that creates opportunities without displacing existing residents. It aligns with revitalization efforts that improve infrastructure, attract businesses, and e nhance community resilience.

The Fullerton Community
• Public Health and Public Safety: The E nvironmental Justice Element directly contributes to public health by reducing pollution exposure and promoting access to healthy food, clean water, and safe housing . It Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 12
also supports public safety by addressing environmental hazards and improving emergency preparedness in disadvantaged communities.
• Parks and Recreation, Arts and Culture, Education: The Environmental Justice Element promotes equitable access to recreational spaces, cultural amenities, and educational resources, recognizing their role in fostering community well -being and resilience.
• Community Involvement: The Environmental Justice Element strengthens civic engagement by ensuring that residents of disad vantaged communities have meaningful opportunities to participate in public decision -making processes that affect their environment and health.

The Fullerton Natural Environment
• Air Quality and Climate Change: The Environmental Justice Element advances policies that improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in areas with elevated pollution levels. • Water and Integrated Waste Management: The Environmental Justice Element supports equitable access to clean water and effective waste management services, reducing exposure to environmental hazards. • Open Space and Natural Resources: The Environmental Justice Element promotes the preservation and enhancement of open spaces in underserved neighborhoods, contributing to environmental health and recreational access.
• Natural Hazards: The Environmental Justice Element addresses the disproportionate vulnerability of disadvantaged communities to natural hazards such as flooding, extreme heat, and seismic risks, and promotes adaptive strategies to build resilience.

The Fullerton Community enjoying access to inclusive open spa ce Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 13

2. EXISTING CONDITIONS
Understanding existing conditions is the foundation for advancing environmental justice in Fullerton. This assessment brings together multiple data sources and community indicators to identify potential environmental burdens, social vulnerabilities, and barriers to opportunity. By examining measures of pollution exposure, demographic characteristics, economic conditions, and access to essential resources, the City can better understand which neighborhood s are most impacted and why.

The analysis integrates state and federal tools such as CalEnviroScreen, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) , and the Senate Bill 535 Disadvantaged Communities designation, alongside local measures of income, housing quality, and civic participation. Together, these indicators provide a comprehensive picture of how environmental and social stressors intersect ac ross Fullerton’s neighborhoods.

This assessment not only highlights communities that face the greatest challenges, but also reveals opportunities to strengthen resilience, improve equity, and expand access to healthy environments. The findings presented here directly inform the goals and policies of the Environmental Justice Element, ensuring that strategies are responsive to the lived realities of Fullerton residents and prioritize investments where they are needed most.

2.1.Identifying Impacted Communities
The first step in assessing environmental justice conditions in Fullerton is to id entify which neighborhoods are considered impacted communities. These are areas where residents may experience disproportionate environmental burdens, socioeconomic challenges, or historic al inequities that limit access to opportunity.

Identifying impacted communities at the census tract level establishes the baseline. Once these tracts are recognized, additional assessments , including measures of social vulnerability, demographic composition, income, housing conditions, access to healthy food and public fa cilities, and civic engagement , are applied to build a more comprehensive understanding of environmental justice in the city.

Data used to identify impacted communities rely on data reported at the census tract level. The City of Fullerton includes a total of 37 census tracts; however, 15 of these tracts extend beyond city boundaries into neighboring jurisdictions such as La Habra, Brea, Placentia, Anaheim, and Buena Park. Because these tracts encompass areas outside Fullerton’s jurisdiction, some demographic data may be skewed or distorted, reflecting characteristics of adjacent communities as well as those within Fullerton. This is particularly relevant when analyzing populations with Access and Functional Needs (AFNs), which are identified u sing U.S. Census and American Community Survey data.

Datasets assessed at the census tract level primarily include CalEnviroScreen, the CDC SVI, and the United States Census Bureau. There are slight differences in census tract naming conventions between da tasets used to identify impacted communities. In the central northern portion of the City, the United States Census Bureau and the CDC identifies two separate tracts , 001603 and 001604 , while CalEnviroScreen combines this area into a single tract, 001601. Similarly, the northwesternmost tract is labeled 001710 by the United States Census Bureau and the CDC and 001707 by CalEnviroScreen. All other census tracts within Fullerton are consistently aligned across both datasets.

2.1.1. California Environmen tal Protection Agency Disadvantaged Community Designation Criteria
In May 2022, CalEPA updated its formal designation of DACs to guide equitable investment and policy development under SB 535 . This designation is critical to advancing environmental justice across California, Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 14
ensuring that communities disproportionately burdened by pollution and socioeconomic stressors receive targeted support through programs such as California Climate Investments.

CalEPA’s DAC designation relies on data from CalEnviroScreen 4.0, a statewide screening tool developed by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). CalEnviroScreen evaluates census tracts based on environmental exposures (e.g., air and water pollution), public health indicators (e.g., asthma rates), and socioeconomic factors (e.g., poverty, education levels). The May 2022 update reaffirmed four specific criteria for identifying DACs, drawing from CalEnviroScreen 4.0, the SB 535 2017 DAC designation, and federally recognized Tribes. The applicability of these designation criteria to the City of Fullerton are reported below:

Table 2-1: CalEPA Disadvantaged Community Designation Criteria Applicability to Fullerton DAC Designation Criteria Applicability to Fullerton

1. Census tracts receiving the highest 25
percent of overall scores in CalEnviroScreen

4.0. Applicable. Census tracts 001404, 001801,
001802, 011403, 011601, 011602, 086701, and
086802 are within the highest 25 percent of
overall scores in CalEnviroScreen 4.0.

2. Census tracts lacking overall scores in
CalEnviroScreen 4.0 due to data gaps but
receiving the highest 5 percent of
CalEnviroScreen 4.0 cumulative pollution
burden scores.

Not Applicable. Census tracts in Fullerton are
not reported by CalEnviroScreen with data
gaps.

3. Census tracts identified in the SB 535 2017
DAC designation as disadvantaged, regardless
of their scores in CalEnviroScreen 4.0.

Applicable. Census tracts 001404, 001801,
001802, 011403, 011502, 011601, 011602,
086701, and 086802 are identified in the SB
535 2017 DAC designation as disadvantaged.

4. Lands under the control of federally
recognized Tribes.

Not Applicable. No federally recognized Tribes
control land within the City of Fullerton.

Based on CalEPA’s designation criteria, nine census tracts within the City of Ful lerton are formally recognized as impacted communities. The impacted census tracts in Fullerton include: 001404, 001801, 001802, 011403, 011502, 011601, 011602, 086701, and 086802 .Together, they represent neighborhoods where residents face the greatest cumulative burdens from pollution, socioeconomic stressors, and public health risks. Some of these census tracts extend beyond city boundaries into neighboring jurisdictions and thus reflect characteristics of adjacent communities a s well as those within Fullerton . For the analysis moving forward within this Element, these nine census tracts will be consistently highlighted at the bottom of the analysis tables as the “Impacted Communities.” However, in some instances, other census tracts may have a higher percentile in a particular category.

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2.1.2. Methodology for Fullerton’s Impacted Communities Identifying these census tracts as impacted
communities establishes the foundation for the
environmental justice analysis. The CalEPA/SB 535
designation provides a consistent, criteria ‑based
baseline that identifies where pollution burdens and
socioeconomic stressors are most concentrated in
Fullerton and serves as the required basis for the
Environmental Justice Element. This designation
remains fixed throughout the Environmental Justi ce
Element and serves as the starting point for further
analysis.

To better understand conditions within these
communities, the Environmental Justice Element
includes additional assessments such as social
vulnerability, demographics, income, housing,
access to public facilities, transit, and healthy food.

These indicators do not change which tracts are
designated as impacted communities; instead, they
help desc ribe the lived conditions of residents and
assess whether environmental, social, or
infrastructure burdens disproportionately affect
these areas.

Together, this two ‑step approach creates a clear
analytical structure:

1. Designation: Identify impacted communities exclusively through CalEPA’s 2022 DAC criteria, which rely on Ca lEnviroScreen 4.0, historic al 2017 SB 535 DAC designations, and tribal land considerations. This is the primary data referenced in the Environmental Justice Element.

2. Assessment: Apply additional Environmental Justice indicators to understand environmental burdens, social vulnerability, and access to opportunity within those impacted communities .

Figure 2 -1: Impacted Communities Overview identifies the nine impacted census tracts in Fullerton . The simplified workflow above demonstrates the sequence of analyses: beginning with CalEPA’s DAC designation, followed by review of CalEnviroScreen indicators, and concluding with supplemental environmental justice analyses. This visualization clarifies how each dataset is used within the Environmental Jus tice Element and helps distinguish between datasets that determine impacted community status and those that inform policy development.

This integrated methodology ensures that goals and policies developed in the Environmental Justice Element are both data ‑driven and directly responsive to the needs of residents most affected by environmental and socioeconomic inequities.

Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 16
FIGURE 2 -1: IMPACTED COMMUNITIES
Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 17

2.2.CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Environmental Justice Index
CalEnviroScreen 4.0 is a geospatial screening tool developed by the OEHHA that integrates socioeconomic, environmental, and health data. It provides statewide percentile scores to compare communities that are disproportionately burdened by, or vulnerable to, environmental pollution and associated health risks. As the most current version available at the time of this writing, CalEnviroScreen 4.0 uses 21 indicators to assess pollution sources and vulnerability factors at the census tract level, offering a measure of cumulative environmental burdens across California. It incorporates pollution burden and population characteristic indicators, which are further subcategorized into exposures, environmental effects, sensitive populations, and socioeconomic factors , as detailed in Table 2-2: CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Indicators .

TABLE 2-2: CALENVIROSCREEN 4.0 INDICATORS
Category Subcategory Indicator
Pollution Burden
Exposures
Ozone
PM2.5
Diesel Particulate Matter
Drinking Water Contaminants
Children’s Lead Risk from Housing
Pesticide Use
Toxic Releases from Facilities
Traffic Impacts
Environmental
Effects
Cleanup Sites
Groundwater Threats
Hazardous Waste
Impaired Waters
Solid Waste Sites
Population Characteristics
Sensitive
Populations
Asthma
Cardiovascular Disease
Low Birth Weight
Socioeconomic
Factors
Education
Housing Burden
Linguistic Isolation
Poverty
Unemployment
Source: State of California OEHHA, CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Excel and Data Dictionary, https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/mapsdata, accessed November 3, 2025.

CalEnviroScreen data is presented for each census tract. Each indicator is represented as a percentile score as compared to the rest of the state in order to make useful comparisons between individual census tracts and the rest of California. Pollution burden scores are a weighted average of exposures and environmental effects; population characteristics scores are an average of sensitive populations and socioeconomic factors. Pollution burden scores and population characteristics scores are then scaled by the statewide maximums for each and multiplied to produce an overall CalEnviroScreen score or composite score. Pollution burden, population characteristics, and composite scores are al so represented as percentile scores. For the purposes of the environmental justice analysis, data is presented as percentile scores to make meaningful comparisons. High percentile scores from CalEnviroScreen 4.0 indicates that a community experiences a hig her burden and greater vulnerability to indicators. Low percentile scores indicate that a community is less vulnerable to CalEnviroScreen

4.0 indicators and experiences less environmental justice burdens, indicating the City experiences positive socioecono mic outcomes.

Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 18
Because this analysis is conducted at the census tract scale, it is important to note minor differences in tract numbering between CalEnviroScreen and other data sources. For example, the United States Census Bureau and the CDC divides the ce ntral northern area of Fullerton into Tracts 001603 and 001604, while CalEnviroScreen designates the same area as Tract 001601. Similarly, the northwesternmost tract is labeled 001710 by the United States Census Bureau and the CDC , whereas it is labeled 001707 by CalEnviroScreen. All other tracts within Fullerton are consistently aligned across both datasets.

2.2.1. CalEnviroScreen Pollution Indicators
Pollution is a key metric that CalEnviroScreen relies on to determine the environmental burden communities face.

Communities disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards can experience negative health effects, exposure or environmental degradation and present a primary concern regarding environmental justice and health. As seen in Table 2-2 above, CalEnviroScreen 4.0 uses 13 pollution indicators and generates an overall pollution burden percentile based on exposures and environmental effects. Higher percentile scores for each of these indicators represent higher pollution impacts.

Exposure s
CalEnviroScreen 4.0 evaluates potential human exposure to environmental pollutants through a set of indicators that reflect the presence and movement of harmful substances in the environment. While direct statewide data on individual exposures is not available, CalEnviroScreen uses proxy data related to pollution sources, chemical releases, and environmental concentrations to estimate exposure risk. These indicators represent pathways through which pollutants may reach individuals. Eight exposure indicato rs are included: ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in air, diesel particulate matter, use of pesticides, toxic releases from facilities, traffic impacts, drinking water contaminants, and children’s lead risk from housing. Table 2 -3: Exposure Indicator Percentiles shows the exposures percentiles for each indicator by census tract. Indicator scores that are within the highest 25 percent are shown in bold to indicate significant levels of exposures.

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TABLE 2-3: EXPOSURE INDI CATOR PERCENTILES
Census
Tract
Ozone PM

2.5 Diesel
PM
Pesticides Toxic
Release
Traffic Drinking Water
Contaminants
Lead In
Housing
001503* 57 83 72 0 99 70 94 64
001505* 55 79 30 0 89 81 94 25
001601 54 78 62 0 88 63 87 50
001602 54 80 15 0 87 43 76 17
001704 54 78 18 0 86 38 76 23
001705* 57 79 68 0 87 77 95 51
001706 54 77 20 0 86 36 76 38
001707* 54 74 40 0 86 62 94 11
001708* 57 71 43 0 86 56 95 14
001901 51 79 47 0 86 32 76 96
001902 51 82 67 0 86 39 76 64
001903 51 81 89 0 87 99 93 94
011000 51 84 60 0 86 48 76 75
011101 51 82 77 0 87 96 76 92
011102 52 82 69 0 89 96 76 81
011200 52 83 65 0 87 30 76 78
011300 52 86 58 0 88 38 76 74
011401 54 86 15 0 87 36 76 64
011402 54 86 15 0 87 8 76 61
011503 55 87 46 0 89 56 76 54
011504 55 86 65 0 89 95 75 24
011707* 55 84 45 0 88 88 87 19
011708* 55 86 55 0 88 90 74 28
011711* 55 86 79 0 91 40 73 61
011712* 55 87 59 0 93 40 69 56
086801* 47 77 89 25 87 97 64 92
110605 54 76 25 0 86 36 75 14
Impacted Communities
001404* 58 85 58 0 88 67 95 84
001801* 51 80 84 0 86 83 74 78
001802 51 79 74 0 86 87 76 84
011403 54 88 73 0 89 24 76 90
011502 54 88 85 0 92 79 75 85
011601 52 82 79 0 90 93 76 81
011602* 54 88 84 0 95 94 96 85
086701* 51 80 96 0 89 100 72 86
086802* 47 78 80 8 88 96 57 66
*Note: Census tracts include portions of land in adjacent jurisdictions.

Source: State of California OEHHA, CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Maps & Data, https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/maps-data, accessed August 27, 2025.

The exposure indicat or results presented above highlight several important patterns across census tracts in the City of Fullerton. All census tracts are within the highest 25 percent for one of multiple exposure indicators as shown in Table 2 -3. Some exposures, such as PM2.5, toxic release, and drinking water contaminants, are consistently elevated across nearly all tracts, reflecting regional conditions that affect the entire community. Other Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 20
indicators, such as diesel particulate matter, traffic impacts, and lead in housing, vary widely between census tracts depending on local conditions. Still others, such as pesticide use and ozone, are not significant issues for any census tracts within the City, reflecting Fullerton’s urbanized land use and limited agricultural activity today.

It is important to emphasize that these exposure indicators are only one part of the broader CalEnviroScreen analysis. While certain census tracts may show hig h percentile scores for one or more exposures, the most meaningful findings emerge when these data points are combined with other pollution and socioeconomic indicators. This combined analysis identifies impacted communities as areas where residents face t he highest overall burdens. For this reason, the discussion that follows focuses on impacted communities rather than every census tract with elevated scores for individual indicators.

The elevated scores for some indicators should also be understood in his torical context. Fullerton has a long history of agriculture, oil extraction, and industrial activity dating back to the early 20th century. These land uses left environmental legacies that continue to influence CalEnviroScreen results today. In many cases , the tool is capturing the residual effects of past industry rather than current conditions. While these historical factors help explain why certain indicators are consistently high across the City, they do not necessarily reflect ongoing risks at the same magnitude.

Exposure indicators that rank the highest for most or all census tracts within Fullerton include PM2.5, toxic releases from industrial facilities, and drinking water contaminants. • PM2.5 refers to particles that have a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, which can have adverse effects on the heart and lungs, including lung irritation, exacerbation of existing respiratory disease, and cardiovascular effects. In Fullerton, census tract scores for PM2.5 range from 71 to 88, with an average of approximately 81. These consistently high values across all tracts indicate that elevated exposure is not confined to one neighborhood but is a citywide condition affecting nearly all residents. The uniformity of these scores reflects regional air quality challenges in Sout hern California rather than localized sources alone. Fullerton sits within the South Coast Air Basin, one of the most polluted air basins in the nation, where geography, climate, and dense urban developm ent combine to trap smog and fine particulates. In addition, the city’s location along major freeways and rail corridors contributes to steady emissions from traffic.
• Industrial facilities contribute to toxic releases that can affect air, water, and soil quality. The U.S. EPA’s Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) provides data on these emissions, which are modeled in CalEnviroScreen to estimate potential exposures. In Fullert on, census tract scores for toxic releases range from 86 to 99, with an average of appro ximately 89. This narrow range of high percentile scores demonstrates that toxic release exposure is a widespread concern across the city, not limited to specific neighborhoods. The consistency of these scores reflects Fullerton’s long history of industrial activity. Beginning in the early 20th century, the city hosted oil drilling, manufacturing, and chemical -related industries that left environmental legacies across multiple tr acts. While many of these facilities have since closed or transitioned to light er industrial uses, CalEnviroScreen captures the cumulative impacts of past emissions and land uses. By recognizing these legacies, the analysis can focus on impacted communities where toxic releases overlap with other exposures and socioeconomic condition s. • CalEnviroScreen drinking water contaminant index accounts for the presence and concentration of multiple contaminants across public water systems. In Fullerton, census tract scores range from 57 to 96, with an average of approximately 78. It is important to clarify how this indicator should be interpreted. As noted in CalEnviroScreen guidance, the drinking water contaminant index is not a measure of compliance with federal or California state standards. Instead, it combines data on multiple contaminants to highlight where concentrations are relatively higher and where several contaminants may be present at once. The indicator does not determine whether water is safe to drink. Local water systems continue to comply with all applicable health and safety st andards, and the scores should be understood as a screening tool that Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 21
reflects cumulative conditions rather than violations. The elevated scores in Fullerton reflect both regional water quality challenges and the city’s long history of industrial and agricultural land uses. Past activities such as oil extraction, manufacturi ng, and citrus farming contributed to legacy contaminants that remain detectable in groundwater and water supply systems. CalEnviroScreen captures these historical influences, which help s explain why scores are consistently high across the city.

Some exposures are not prevalent in census tracts throughout the city such as pesticide use and ozone pollution. • Pesticides and associated volatile compounds can drift or volatilize into the air, contributing to pollution and posing health risks for nearby communities. Exposure risks are often highest in areas adjacent to agricultural fields, where farmworker communi ties and residents may encounter cumulative impacts from pesticide us e. In Fullerton, however, pesticide use is not a significant environmental justice concern.

All census tracts in the city have very low percentile scores for pesticide use. This reflects Fullerton’s transition from its historical citrus and agricultural base to a fully urbanized land use pattern, meaning residents are not disproportionately burdened by pesticide exposure compared to other parts of California.
• Ground‑level ozone is a common air pollutant formed when emissions from vehicles, industry, and other sources react in sunlight. Exposure to ozone can cause respiratory irritation, worsen asthma, and exacerbate other lung diseases. Because of these health impact s, ozone is one of the six criteria air pollutants regulated under federal and state health ‑based standards, and it is considered , along with particulate matter , to pose the most widespread threats to public health in California. In Fullerton, however, ozone exposure is not a significant environmental justice concern. Percentile scores for ozone across all census tracts in the city range from 47 to 58, with an average score of approximately 53. These relatively low values indicate that while ozone is present as part of regional air quality challenges, Fullerton residents are not disproportionately burdened compared to ot her communities in California.

In addition to indicators that impact census tracts in Fullerton to a relatively eq ual extent, certain indicators have a wide range of percentile scores across census tracts. These indicators include diesel particulate matter, traffic impacts and children’s lead risk from housing. Unlike regional pollutants, these exposures are more localized, with some tracts experiencing relatively low impacts and others registering among the highest percentiles statewide.

Diesel particulate matter (diesel PM) and traffic impacts are closely linked sources of air pollution in urban environments. Diesel PM originates from trucks, buses, cars, ships, and locomotives, and is often concentrated near freeways, rail yards, and ports. Traffic impacts contribute to urban air pollution, releasing nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, benzene, and other t oxic compounds, and also play a role in smog formation. Analysis of percentile scores across Fullerton’s census tracts shows a wide range of exposure levels for both diesel PM and traffic impacts.

Diesel PM scores range from 15 to 96, with sev eral tracts falling within the highest 25 percent statewide. Traffic scores range from 8 to 100, again reflecting variation across the city, with some tracts registering among the most impacted statewide.

Children’s lead risk from housing is another indicator that varies widely across Fullerton. Lead exposure most often occurs through deteriorating lead -based paint in older housing stock, though it can also result from old plumbing, contaminated soil, or ot her legacy sources. While lead levels in the United States have declined significantly over the past five decades due to regulation, older buildings remain a potential source of exposure. CalEnviroScreen uses housing age and socioeconomic factors to estimate risk, rather than direct measurements of blood l ead levels, meaning this indicator reflects potential exposure rather than confirmed cases. In Fullerton, census tract scores for lead risk in housing range from 11 to 96. Several tracts score relatively low, but others with older housing stock fall within the highest percentiles statewide.

Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 22
Together, diesel PM, traffic impacts, and lead in housing exposures can vary across Fullerton. While some neighborhoods experience relatively low impacts, others face cumulative pollution burdens from transportation emissions and legacy housing conditions. These exposures are more prevalent in impacted communities, where they overlap with other pollution indicators and socioeconomic stressors.

Impacted Communities
Impacted communities include Census tracts 001404, 001801, 001802, 011403, 011502, 011601, 011602, 086701, and 086802. As shown in Table 2-3, these tracts rank among the top 25 percent statewide for multiple pollution exposure indicators. The indicators most prevalent in these communities include PM2.5, diesel particulate matter, toxic releases from facilities, traffic impacts, drinking water contaminants, and children’s lead risk from housing.

Together, these exposures reflect the intersection of historical land uses, current transportation infrastructure, and legacy industrial activity.
• Northern Industrial Corridor (Census tract 001404) : Located at the northernmost point of the city, census tract 001404 is characterized by industrial and commercial land uses. Its boundaries extend into neighboring jurisdictions, including portions of La Habra and Brea, which also contain industrial facilities.

The elevated scores for toxic releases and drinkin g water contaminants in this tract likely reflect the cumulative influence of the se industrial operations, both within Fullerton and adjacent cities. PM2.5 and traffic impacts are also present, consistent with the area’s proximity to major roadways and industrial activity.
• Southwest Communities ( Census tracts 001801, 001802, 086701, and 086802): The southwest portion of Fullerton contains a mix of residential, commercial, industrial, and government land uses. Census tract 001801 is notable for the presence of the Fullerton Municipal Airport, multiple rail lines (Metrolink, Amtrak, BNSF, Union Pacific), and industrial land uses extending into Buena Park. These features contribute to high scores for diesel PM and traffic impacts, as emissions from aircraft, trains, and trucks converge in this area. Census tracts 086701 and 086802, which are largely within Anaheim, include the intersection of Interstate 5 and State Route 91. The concentration of freeway traffic and associated on‑ramps explains the very high percentile scores for traffic impacts, PM2.5, and diesel PM. Lead in housing is also elevated in these tracts, reflecting older residential neighborhoods interspersed with transportation and industrial corridors.
• Southeastern Communities ( Census tracts 011403, 011502, 011601, and 011602): The southeastern portion of Fullerton includes a diverse mix of residential densities alongside industrial and commercial land uses. The Fullerton Transportation Center, with its multiple rail lines, is located here and contributes to elevated diesel PM and traffic scores. Additionally, these areas are bounded by State Route 91 and State Route 57 which contribute to elevated pollution exposures related to highway traffic. Census tract 011602, in particular, is heavily industrial and commercial, with land extending into Anaheim. This tract shows high scores for toxic releases, drinking water contaminants, and lead in housing, reflecting both legacy industrial activity and older hous ing stock. The overlap of transportation infrastructure and industrial land uses in these tracts explains the consistently high percentile scores across multiple indicators.

Across these impacted communities, the elevated exposure scores are closely tied to land use patterns. Industrial facilities contribute to toxic releases and water quality concerns, while major freeways, railroads, and the municipal airport drive high dies el PM and traffic impacts. Older housing stock in several tracts adds lead risk to the cumulative burden. These overlapping exposures highlight why CalEnviroScreen designates these census tracts as impacted communities ; residents here face multiple environmental stressors linked to both historical development and current infrastructure. By focusing on these areas, the analysis ensures that resources and attention are directed where cumulative pollution burdens are greates t.

Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 23
Environmental Effects
Environmental effects indicators reflect adverse environmental conditions caused by pollutants. These indicators capture ecological degradation, threats to natural resources, and broader impacts on community well -being.

Pollution can harm ecosystems and communities directly or indirectly, with effects that may be immediate or delayed. CalEnviroScreen uses statewide data to assess five key environmental effect indicators: toxic cleanup sites, groundwater threats from leaking underground storage tanks and cleanups, hazardous waste facilities and generators, impaired water bodies, and sol id waste sites and facilities. Table 2-4: Environmental Effects Indicator Percentiles shows the percentiles for environmental effects indicators by census tract. Indicator scores that are within the highest 25 percent are shown in bold to indicate significant levels of environmental effects.

TABLE 2-4: ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS INDICATOR PERCENTILES
Census Tract Cleanups Groundwater T hreats Hazardous Waste Impaired Water Solid Waste 001503* 73 2 92 0 88
001505* 38 0 31 0 70
001601 82 51 86 59 10
001602 26 0 36 0 0
001704 73 87 45 0 0
001705* 60 43 77 59 0
001706 6 22 45 0 0
001707* 86 65 75 59 59
001708* 58 0 60 59 27
001901 23 32 55 0 0
001902 0 0 46 0 0
001903 0 27 42 0 0
011000 77 88 75 0 0
011101 0 17 36 0 0
011102 4 39 42 0 0
011200 20 52 27 0 0
011300 84 75 65 0 70
011401 26 33 24 0 26
011402 23 32 64 0 26
011503 12 7 32 0 0
011504 10 23 57 0 0
011707* 38 48 59 0 0
011708* 26 14 44 0 0
011711* 0 14 72 0 0
011712* 50 0 59 0 15
086801* 90 73 50 0 36
110605 80 87 41 59 3
Impacted Communities
001404* 62 80 87 59 3
001801* 64 79 62 0 22
001802 52 73 54 0 0
011403 98 91 97 0 70
011502 87 88 92 0 0
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Census Tract Cleanups Groundwater T hreats Hazardous Waste Impaired Water Solid Waste 011601 83 64 98 0 53
011602* 100 98 100 0 95
086701* 61 81 84 0 10
086802* 81 74 89 0 53
*Note: Census tracts include portions of land in adjacent jurisdictions.

Source: State of California OEHHA, CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Maps & Data, https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/maps-data, accessed November 3, 2025.

The environmental effects indicators in CalEnviroScreen include to xic cleanup sites, groundwater threats from leaking underground storage tanks and cleanups, hazardous waste facilities and generators, impaired water bodies, and solid waste sites and facilities. These indicators capture the presence of environmental conditions that may contribute to cumulative pollution burdens in communities.

In Fullerton, the results vary significantly between census tracts, reflecting differences in land use, infrastructure, and historical development patterns.
• Scores for impaired water bodies are generally low across the city. Most census tracts have a percentile score of zero, and the few tracts that do register have a score of 59 percentile. CalEnviroScreen describes this indicator as contamination of streams, rivers, lakes, or coastal waters that compromises beneficial uses such as drinking, s wimming, fishing, or aquatic life protection. The prevalence of zero scores in Fullerton likely reflects the absence of major water bodies within most census tracts , meaning this particular environmental effect is not a significant concern locally.

Other environmental effects indicators —such as toxic cleanup sites, groundwater threats, hazardous waste facilities, and solid waste sites —show much greater variation throughout the city. Some census tracts register relatively low values, while others fall among the highest percentiles statewide. • Solid waste sites and facilities show significant variation across Fullerton’s census tracts , even among those formally designated as impacted communities. Only two census tracts in Fullerton register within the highest 25 percent statewide. CalEnviroScreen notes that while newer landfills are designed to prevent contamination of air, water, and soil, older or non -compliant sites may degrade environmental conditions and expose nea rby residents. Other types of facilities, such as composting, recycling, or treatment operations, can also raise concerns related to odors, vermin, and increa sed truck traffic. • Cleanup sites represent areas where hazardous substances have impacted environmental conditions and where remediation is underway or required. The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) maintains the EnviroStor database, which tracks a wide range of cleanup sites including Federal Superfund, State Response, Corrective Action, School Cleanup, and Voluntary Cleanup projects. High percentile scores for cleanup sites in Fullerton are most prominent in impacted communities, reflecting the city’s long history of industrial and commercial activity. The presence of these sites underscores the legacy of past land uses, where manufacturing, oil extraction, and other industrial operations contributed to contamination that now requires remediat ion.
• Groundwater threats include the storage and disposal of hazardous materials at commercial, industrial, and military sites. Of particular concern are leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTs), which have released petroleum and other hazardous substance s into soil and groundwater across California. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) maintains the GeoTracker database, which tracks cleanup sites that may impact groundwater. These include leaking tanks, land disposal sites, produced water ponds from oil and gas development, airports, dry cleaners, dairies, and sewage treatment plants. The database provides information on contamination sources, monitoring wells, and cleanup status. In Fullerton, percentile scores for groundwater threats vary wide ly across census tracts , but they are Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 25
consistently high in impacted communities. Scores in these tracts range from 64 to 98, with several registering among the highest percentiles statewide. Elevated scores in impacted communities reflect the city’s long history of industrial and commercial la nd uses, including manufacturing, oil extraction, and transportation infrastructure. These activities often relied on underground storage tanks and other facilities that can degrade groundwater quality.
• Hazardous waste generators and facilities represent another environmental effects indicator where scores vary across Fullerton but are consistently high in impacted communities. Hazardous waste must be transported to permitted recycling, treatment, storage, or disposal facilities, and while newer facilities are designed to prevent contamination, concerns remain about potential impacts on air, water, soil, and community well ‑being. Data maintained by the Department of Toxic Substances Control through the EnviroStor system tracks both permitted facilities and generators. In Fullerton’s impacted communities, percentile scores for this indicator range from 54 to 100, with several tracts among the highest statewide.

These elevated values reflect the concentration o f industrial and commercial land uses in these areas, where hazardous waste generation and management activities are more prevalent.

Higher scores tend to cluster in the census tracts designated as impacted communities. In these impacted commu nities, environmental effects overlap with pollution exposures and socioeconomic conditions to create cumulative burdens in specific areas of the city. Rather than focusing on every tract with a single elevated score, the analysis that follows highlights t he impacted communities where multiple environmental effects indicators converge.

Impacted Communities
Impacted communities include census tracts 001404, 001801, 001802, 011403, 011502, 011601, 011602, 086701, and 086802. As shown in Table 2‑4, several of these tracts rank among the top 25 percent statewide for multiple environmental effects indicators. The indicators most prevalent in these communities include toxic cleanup sites, groundwater threats from leaking underground storage tanks an d cleanups, hazardous waste facilities and generators, and solid waste sites and facilities. Together, these environmental effects reflect the intersection of historical industrial activity, legacy contamination, and current land use patterns . • Northern Ind ustrial Corridor (Census tract 001404) : Located at the northernmost point of the city, census tract 001404 is characterized by industrial and commercial land uses. Its boundaries extend into neighboring jurisdictions, including portions of La Habra and Brea, which also contain industrial facilities.

The highest ranked environmental effects here are groundwater threats and hazardous waste generators and facilities. These scores reflect the concentration of industrial operations and commercial activity in the area, where underground storage tanks, hazardous materials handling, and waste generation have historically contributed to contamination concerns.
• Southwest Communities ( Census tracts 001801, 001802, 086701, and 086802) :The southwest portion of Fullerton contains a mix of residential, commercial, industrial, and government land uses. Census tract 001801 is notable for the presence of the Fullerton Municipal Airport, multiple rail lines (Metrolink, Amtrak, BNSF, Union Pacific), and industrial land uses extending into Buena Park. In this group, the highest environmental effects are groundwater threats, hazardous waste generators and facilities, and cleanup sites. Census tract 001802, which is the only tract in this group fully within Fullerton, does not have any indicators in the top 25 percent, highlighting variation even among impacted communities. Census tracts 086701 and 086802, which are largely within Anaheim, include the intersection of Interstate 5 and State Route 91. Within Fullerton’s boundaries, these tracts effectively consist of freeway infrastructure. • Southeastern Communities ( Census tracts 011403, 011502, 011601, and 011602): The southeastern portion of Fullerton includes a diverse mix of residential densities alongside industrial and commercial land uses. These tracts contain the highest environmental effect scores anywhere in the city, particularly for cleanup sites, groundwater threats, and hazardous waste facilities. Census tract 011602, which extends Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 26
into Anaheim, is heavily industrial and commercial and registers some of the highest scores statewide for cleanups, groundwater threats, hazardous waste, and solid waste facilities. The elevated scores here reflect the legacy of historical industrial uses, including manufacturing and warehousing, which have left behind contamination requiring remediation. It is also notable that this tract contains little residential land use, underscoring its role as a hub of industrial and commercial activity rather t han a mixed ‑use neighborhood.

Across these impacted communities, elevated environmental effect scores are closely tied to land use patterns.

Industrial and commercial areas contribute to hazardous waste generation, groundwater threats, and cleanup sites, while freeway and rail infrastructure adds to cumulative burdens. The overlap of these environmental effects with pollution exposures highlights why CalEnviroScreen designates these census tracts as impacted communities: residents in and around these areas face multiple stressors linked to both historical development and ongoing industrial activity.

Figure 2 -2: CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Pollution Burden by Census Tract illustrates the cumulative pollution burden by census tract in the City of Fullerton. Pollution burden is assessed by combining both pollution exposure and environmental effects indicators, providing a more complete picture of environmental conditions . The map reveals varying levels of pollution burden across census tracts, with vulnerability ranging from low (green) to high (red) based on specific indicators.

Tree canopies in the Fullerton Community improving the pollution burden Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 27
Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 28
Census tracts most impacted by pollution burden include 001404, 001601, 001503, 011403, 011502, 011601, 011602, 001801, 0868 01, 086802, and 086701. The census tracts with the highest overall pollution burdens correspond closely to the impacted communities. These tracts are concentrated in the southeast, southwest, and northernmost portions of the city, areas characterized by industrial and commercial land uses, and ma jor transportation corridors. The spatial overlap of these land uses with elevated scores across multiple indicators demonstrates how exposures and environmental effects combine to create cumulative bur dens. These are the areas where residents face the greatest environmental challenges, and where the analysis must focus as we consider the additional role of socioeconomic vulnerability in shaping overall environmental justice concerns.

2.2.2. CalEnviroScreen Population Characteristics
CalEnviroScreen 4.0 evaluates Population Characteristics to identify communities that may be more vulnerable to environmental stressors due to underlying health conditions or socioeconomic challenges. These characteristics are grouped into two categories, Sensitive Populations and Socioeconomic Factors.

Together, these eight indicators form the Population Characteristics component of CalEnviroScreen 4.0, offering a comprehensive view of community vulnerability. In Fullerton, these scores vary by census tract and are used to help identify areas where resid ents may face compounded risks due to both environmental exposures and social determinants of health.

Sensitive Populations
Sensitive populations are groups that may experience more s evere health impacts when exposed to environmental pollutants. These populations are characterized by underlying health conditions or life stages that increase vulnerability to pollution. Specifically, CalEnviroScreen uses three indicators to assess sensit ivity: asthma prevalence, rates of low birth weight, and cardiovascular disease. These indicators reflect both chronic and acute health risks that can be exacerbated by environmental exposures.

In Fullerton, sensitive population scores vary by census tract , providing a localized view of health vulnerability across the city. Table 2 -5: Sensitive Population Indicator Percentiles , presents these scores for each indicator, allowing for targeted analysis of where health burdens may be most concentrated. Indicator scores that are within the highest 25 percent are shown in bold to indicate significant levels of sensitive populations. This data is especially important when considered alongside pollution burden indicators, as it helps identify communities facing comp ounded environmental and health stressors.

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TABLE 2-5: SENSITIVE POPULATION INDICATOR PERCENTILES
Census Tract Asthma Low Birth Weight Cardiovascular
Disease
001503* 21 29 25
001505* 31 9 31
001601 25 69 20
001602 30 8 18
001704 40 20 28
001705* 30 13 31
001706 32 36 26
001707* 27 37 22
001708* 32 44 31
001901 43 78 32
001902 43 5 32
001903 40 62 29
011000 35 51 19
011101 27 51 9
011102 50 59 17
011200 62 30 29
011300 55 4 23
011401 43 88 25
011402 51 34 46
011503 51 22 46
011504 46 73 41
011707* 28 49 23
011708* 23 19 14
011711* 25 72 18
011712* 36 37 52
086801* 35 7 41
110605 36 16 23
Impacted Communities
001404* 41 90 53
001801* 24 91 9
001802 43 37 32
011403 47 40 39
011502 48 24 43
011601 65 64 32
011602* 49 31 28
086701* 56 40 62
086802* 66 53 74
*Note: Census tracts include portions of land in adjacent jurisdictions.

Source: State of California OEHHA, CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Maps & Data, https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/maps-data, accessed November 3, 2025.

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Overall, sensitive population scores in Fullerton do not fall within the highest 25 percent statewide for most indicators. Only four census tracts register in the top 25 percent for low birth weight, while asthma and cardiovascular disease scores remain below that threshold. This suggests that, on their own, sensitive population indicators do not identify widespread environmental justice concerns ac ross the city. However, it is important to emphasize that high scores for sens itive populations are not by themselves determinative. When combined with socioeconomic vulnerability and elevated pollution burden indicators, they contribute to the designation of impacted communities where residents face compounded risks. • Asthma scores in Fullerton range from 21 to 66, with none of the tracts falling within the highest 25 percent statewide. Scores are relatively uniform across the city, though slightly higher values appear in impacted communities, with several tracts regist ering in the 5 0s and 60s. This pattern aligns with CalEnviroScreen’s context that traffic emissions, diesel exhaust, and particulate matter can trigger asthma attacks. The presence of higher scores in impacted communities may reflect the overlap of sensitive populations with transportation corridors and industrial land uses, even if the scores are not among the highest statewide.
• Scores for low birth weight in Fullerton range from 4 to 91, showing much wider variation than asthma.

Four census tracts register within the highest 25 percent statewide, indicating localized areas of concern.

CalEnviroScreen notes that low birth weight is associated with increased risk of infant mortality and long ‑term health problems, with risk factors including maternal health, p renatal care, stress, smoking, and environmental exposures such as lead, air pollution, and traffic emissions. In Fullerton, the variation suggests that while most tracts do not face elevated risk, certain neighborhoods may experience disproportionate chal lenges. These localized high scores become more significant when considered alongside pollution burden indicators, as they highlight communities where environmental exposures and health vulnerabilities overlap.
• Cardiovascular disease scores in Fullerton range from 9 to 74, with several tracts registering moderate to high values. Some of the higher scores appear in impacted communities, underscoring the potential link between chronic health risks and environmental exposures. CalEnviroScreen emphasizes that a ir pollution, particularly particulate matter, is strongly associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and that both short ‑term and long ‑term exposures can worsen outcomes for individuals with preexisting conditions. In Fullerton, while scores are not among the very highest statewide, their presence in impacted communities reinforces the importance of considering cumulative b urdens. Residents in these areas may face overlapping risks from pollution exposures, socioeconomic stressors, and underlying health conditions, which together contribute to heightened vulnerability.

Impacted Communities
Impacted communities include census tracts 001404, 001801, 001802, 011403, 011502, 011601, 011602, 086701, and 086802. As shown in Table 2 ‑5, generally these tracts do not rank among the top 25 percent statewide sensitive population indicators. However, among impacted communities, some of these indicators rank higher than other areas within the city.
• Northern Industrial Corridor (Census tract 001404) : Located at the northernmost point of the city, Census tract 001404 is characterized by industrial and commercial land uses. Asthma and cardiovascular disease scores are generally consistent with the scores throughout the city. This indicates that there is not a concentration of these sensitive populations within this area. However, low birth weight is at the 90 th percentile for this census tract. There are many risk factors for low birth weight that may be related to lifestyle as opposed to environmental conditions; air pollution may be a contributing factor. This census tract was highly ranked for certain pollution exposure indicators such as fine particulate matter which may contribute to low birth weight . However, it remains unclear whether the elevated low birth weight Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 31
rates in this tract are primarily attributable to the surrounding industrial and commercial land uses, or whether they reflect a combination of environmental exposures and lifestyle -related risk factors. • Southwest Communities ( Census tracts 001801, 001802, 086701, and 086802) :The southwest portion of Fullerton contains a mix of residential, commercial, industrial, and government land uses. Sensitive population indicators show mixed results in this area. Census tract 001801 ranks in the 91st percentile statewide for low birth weight, highlighting a localized concern for maternal and infant health outcomes.

However, asthma and cardiovascular disease scores across these tracts generally align with citywide averages a nd do not fall within the top 25 percent statewide. Notably, cardiovascular disease scores in census tracts 086701 and 086802 are higher than the citywide average, suggesting potential links between chronic health risks and the heavy transport ation and industrial activity in adjacent jurisdictions.

These elevated health indicators may reflect a combination of environmental exposures and lifestyle factors.
• Southeastern Communities ( Census tracts 011403, 011502, 011601, and 011602): The southeastern portion of Fullerton includes a diverse mix of residential densities alongside industrial and commercial land uses. Sensitive population scores in the southeastern communities do not show concentrations within the highest statewide percen tiles. Asthma, cardiovascular disease, and low birth weight scores are generally consistent with citywide averages, indicating that sensitive populations are not disproportionately clustered in this area.

Socioeconomic Characteristics
Socioeconomic characteristics are critical in understanding how structural inequities contribute to environmental vulnerability. CalEnviroScreen 4.0 uses five indicators to assess socioeconomic factors: educational attainment, housing burden, linguistic is olation, poverty, and unemployment. These indicators capture barriers to access, mobility, and resilience that can amplify the impacts of pollution and other environmental stressors.

In Fullerton, socioeconomic scores vary by census tract, offering a detailed view of where residents may face heightened challenges due to economic and social conditions. Table 2 -6: Socioeconomic Factor Percentiles presents these scores for each indicator, enabling targeted analysis of communities with limited resources or systemic disadvantages. Indicator scores that are within the highest 25 percent are shown in bold to indicate significant levels of socioeconomic characteristics. When considered alongside pollution burden and sensitive population data, these indicators help identify areas of compounded vulnerability and inform equitable policy responses.

TABLE 2-6: SOCIOECONOMIC FACTOR PERCENTILES
Census Tract Education Linguistic
Isolation
Poverty Unemployment Housing Burden
001503* 47 38 26 24 31
001505* 32 36 11 34 32
001601 31 47 32 35 17
001602 15 43 16 32 30
001704 16 78 16 85 41
001705* 44 65 42 14 48
001706 12 22 22 41 37
001707* 11 83 11 N/A 46
001708* 36 71 27 65 50
001901 48 51 40 N/A 28
001902 61 72 53 23 16
001903 75 53 62 69 85
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Census Tract Education Linguistic
Isolation
Poverty Unemployment Housing Burden
011000 31 27 42 73 83
011101 60 74 50 17 70
011102 52 51 59 50 44
011200 45 63 58 47 25
011300 15 7 44 61 49
011401 35 35 56 75 25
011402 22 16 30 32 29
011503 22 N/A 30 73 29
011504 33 59 88 79 93
011707* 17 43 22 31 59
011708* 23 35 62 46 85
011711* 68 47 55 55 76
011712* 53 39 49 82 57
086801* 64 N/A 54 12 64
110605 15 84 6 51 55
Impacted Communities
001404* 77 59 89 91 51
001801* 69 77 72 66 94
001802 76 81 69 69 75
011403 66 33 69 70 55
011502 45 33 59 83 38
011601 87 92 88 93 67
011602* 90 67 81 53 52
086701* 72 70 47 36 54
086802* 70 76 59 58 91
*Note: Census tracts include portions of land in adjacent jurisdictions.

Source: State of California OEHHA, CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Maps & Data, https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/maps-data, accessed November 3, 2025.

The socioeconomic indicator results presented above highlight important variations across census tracts in the City of Fullerton. While some tracts show relatively moderate scores, others rank within the highest 25 percent for one or more socioeconomic factors, underscoring differences in access to resources and resilience.

It is important to emphasize that these socioeconomic indicators are most meaningful when considered in relation to impacted communities. Designated impacted communities in Fullerton consistently show elevated scores for multiple socioeconomic factors, signaling compounded barriers to opportunity and resilience. For this reason, the most meaningful insights emerge not from examining each indicator in isolation, but from iden tifying where multiple socioeconomic disadvantages converge within impacted communities.

Impacted Communities
Impacted communities include census tracts 001404, 001801, 001802, 011403, 011502, 011601, 011602, 086701, and 086802. As shown in Table 2 ‑6, several of these tracts rank among the top 25 percent statewide for multiple socioeconomic indicators. The indicators most prevalent in these communities include educational attainment, poverty, unemployment, housing burden, and linguistic isolation. T ogether, these socioeconomic characteristics reflect the intersection of local housing patterns, employment opportunities, and community composition with the city’s broader land use context.

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• Northern Industrial Corridor (Census tract 001404) : Located at the northernmost point of the city, census tract 001404 is characterized by industrial and commercial land uses, with boundaries extending into La Habra and Brea. Elevated scores for education, poverty, and unemployment suggest that residents here experie nce lower levels of educational attainment alongside higher rates of poverty and unemployment. The land uses of this census tract within the City of Fullerton are industrial and commercial; residential land uses in the census tract are representative of th e neighboring cities of La Habra and Brea. This indicates that the socioeconomic factors of this census tract are actually representative of those neighboring jurisdictions and not indicative of land uses within Fullerton. • Southwest Communities ( Census tracts 001801, 001802, 086701, and 086802) :The southwest portion of Fullerton contains a mix of residential, commercial, industrial, and government land uses. Census tract 001801, notable for low - and medium -density residential land uses and industrial land uses extending into Buena Park, shows elevated scores for linguistic isolation, housing burden, and education. Census tract 001802, the only tract in this group fully within Fullerton, also shows elevated scores for these indicators; this census tract is also characterized by various land uses including low - and medium -density residential and commercial uses. By contrast, census tract 086701 does not have any socioeconomic indicators within the highest 25 percent. The mix of low ‑ and medium ‑density residential areas alongside industrial and transportation infrastructure contributes to the diversity of socioeconomic conditions observed here.
• Southeastern Communities ( Census tracts 011403, 011502, 011601, and 011602): The southeas tern portion of Fullerton includes a diverse mix of residential densities alongside industrial and commercial land uses. These tracts show elevated scores for education, linguistic isolation, poverty, and unemployment, though not for housing burden. Census tract 011601 stands out with high scores across all of these indicators, reflecting a concentration of socioeconomic challenges within a tract that also contains low‑, medium‑, and high‑density residential areas as well as commercial uses. Other tracts in this group vary: census tract 011502 is elevated only for unemployment, while census tract 011402 does not rank within the top 25 percent for any socioeconomic f actor. Census tract 011602, which extends into Anaheim, is heavily industrial and commercial, and while it shows elevated socioeconomic scores, its land use context is distinct from the more residential tracts nearby.

Across these impacted communities, el evated socioeconomic scores are closely tied to land use patterns.

Industrial and commercial areas often correspond with higher unemployment and lower educational attainment, while residential areas with diverse housing densities show variation in housing burden, poverty, and linguistic isolation. The overlap of these socioeconomic factors with pollution exposures highlights why CalEnviroScreen designates these census tracts as impacted communities: residents in and around these areas experienc e multiple conditions linked to both historical development and current land use patterns.

Figure 2 ‑3: CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Population Characteristics by Census Trac t illustrates the distribution of population characteristics across the City of Fullerton. Population characteristics are assessed by combining both sensitive population indicators (such as a sthma, cardiovascular disease, and low birth weight) and socioeconomic factors (including educational attainment, housing burden, linguistic isolation, poverty, and unemployment).

Together, these indicators provide a more complete picture of community cond itions that influence vulnerability to environmental stressors. The map reveals varying levels of population characteristics across census tracts, with vulnerability ranging from low (green) to high (red) based on the cumulative scores.

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Figure 2 ‑3 helps identify impacted communities where residents may face compounded challenges due to both health and socioeconomic conditions. Areas with higher rankings reflect communities where health sensitivities and socioe conomic challenges overlap, indicating reduced resilience to pollution burdens and environmental effects.

Census tracts with the highest population characteristic scores include 001404, 011601, 001801, and 011504.

These tracts show elevated le vels of sensitive population indicators and socioeconomic factors, reflecting areas where residents may experience greater challenges related to health conditions, economic barriers, or social isolation. Generally, higher population characteristic scores c orrespond closely to the impacted communities identified in Fullerton, reinforcing the overlap between environmental burdens and socioeconomic vulnerability.

The tracts with the highest overall scores —001404 in the northern industrial corridor and 011601 i n the southeastern portion of the city —align with areas characterized by industrial and commercial land uses, as well as diverse residential densities. These land use contexts contribute to cumulative conditions where elevated socioeconomic factors coincid e with sensitive population indicators. Census tract 001801 in the southwest also ranks highly, consistent with its mix of residential, industrial, and transportation infrastructure.

Overall, the spatial distribution of population characteristics demonstr ates that communities with higher scores are concentrated in the northern, southwestern, and southeastern portions of Fullerton. These areas correspond to the same regions where pollution burdens are elevated, underscoring the importance of analyzing both sets of indicators together. By combining population characteristics with pollution burden data, the analysis identifies impacted communities where residents face the greatest cumulative challenges and where environmental justice concerns are most pronounc ed.

2.2.3. Overall CalEnviroScreen Percentiles
To assess cumulative environmental and health burdens across Fullerton, CalEnviroScreen 4.0 provides percentile scores for each census tract based on three key components: Pollution Burden, Population Characteristics, and the Composite Score.

Pollution burden percentile reflects the relative level of environmental pollution and degradation in a community.

Population characteristics percentile captures the vulnerability of residents based on health and socioeconomic factors.

The composite percentile is the overall CalEnviroScreen score, calculated by combining the pollution burden and population characteristics scores. It represents the cumulative impact of environmental hazards and population vulnerability, with higher percen tiles indicating communities facing the most significant environmental justice concerns.

In Fullerton, these scores vary by census tract and provide a detailed picture of where environmental and health burdens are most concentrated. Figure 2 -4: CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Composite Scores by Census Tract and Table 2-7: Overall CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Percentiles show the composite percentiles for each census tract in Fullerton.

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TABLE 2-7: OVERALL CALENVIROSCREEN 4.0 PERCENTILES
Census Tract Composite
Percentile
Pollution Burden
Percentile
Population
Characteristics
Percentile
001503* 44 93 19
001505* 27 63 15
001601 50 90 26
001602 13 29 11
001704 41 56 33
001705* 49 89 25
001706 22 35 18
001707* 47 88 24
001708* 52 67 39
001901 53 60 45
001902 35 48 29
001903 73 80 60
011000 60 84 40
011101 52 71 38
011102 59 73 45
011200 50 59 41
011300 45 89 22
011401 51 49 48
011402 34 48 27
011503 40 48 34
011504 70 62 69
011707* 39 67 25
011708* 37 58 27
011711* 57 60 49
011712* 57 61 48
086801* 61 96 32
110605 39 66 25
Impacted Communities
001404* 92 95 77
001801* 81 90 63
001802 75 86 59
011403 77 96 51
011502 70 95 43
011601 95 97 80
011602* 88 100 54
086701* 81 95 57
086802* 92 94 76
*Note: Census tracts include por tions of land in adjacent jurisdictions.

Source: State of California OEHHA, CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Maps & Data, https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/maps-data, accessed November 3, 2025.

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The cumulative CalEnviroScreen scores presented in Table 2‑7 and Figure 2 ‑4 highlight important patterns across Fullerton’s census tracts. Overall pollution burden percentiles are generally elevated throughout the city, but they are consistently highest in designated impacted comm unities. Population characteristics, by contrast, vary more widely across tracts, yet they also tend to be highest in impacted communities. When combined, these two components produce composite scores that reveal where environmental and health burdens are most concentrated.

Most census tracts in Fullerton fall within moderate ranges for composite scores. However, nearly all census tracts identified as impacted communities rank within the highest 25 percent statewide. The composite scores for these tracts range from 70 to 95, with an average of approximately 84. This concentration of high scores underscores the cumulative nature of environmental justice concerns in Fullerton: communities with elevated pollution burdens also tend to h ave heightened population vulnerabilities, resulting in compounded impacts.

The map reinforces these findings by showing the highest composite scores in census tracts 001404, 011601, 001801, 086701, and 011602. These tracts correspond to the n orthern industrial corridor, the southwestern portion of the city, and the southeastern area along major transportation and industrial corridors. The spatial overlap of elevated pollution burdens with sensitive population and socioeconomic factors demonstr ates how cumulative conditions emerge in specific parts of the city.

Taken together, the table and map illustrate that while environmental and health burdens are present across Fullerton, they are most concentrated in impacted communities. These findings e mphasize the importance of focusing environmental justice strategies on areas where pollution exposures, environmental effects, and population vulnerabilities converge, creating the highest overall CalEnviroScreen scores.

2.3.Senate Bill 535 Disadvantaged Communities Index
In 2017, CalEPA designated DACs pursuant to SB 535. Using CalEnviroScreen 3.0, CalEPA identified the top 25 percent of census tracts statewide as disadvantaged, ensuring that California Climate Investments would pr ioritize communities most burdened by pollution and socioeconomic stressors.

Under CalEPA DAC designation criteria, census tracts identified in the 2017 SB 535 designation continue to be recognized as disadvantaged or impacted communities, regardless of their current scores in CalEnviroScreen 4.0.

This criterion ensures continuity in environmental justice planning and acknowledges c ommunities historically identified as disproportionately impacted.

Figure 2 -5: SB 535 Disadvantaged Communities , identifies the location of these census tracts within Fullerton.

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For the City of Fullerton, nine census tracts are designated as disadvantaged communities under SB 535: 001404, 001801, 001802, 011403, 011502, 011601, 011602, 086701, and 086802. These tracts largely overlap with the communities identified through CalEnviroScreen 4.0, with one distinction —census tract 011502 was designated as disadvantaged under CalEnviroScreen 3.0 but now ranks just below the top 25 percent s tatewide in the 4.0 composite score. Despite this shift, the tract continues to be recognized as disadvantaged under SB 535, ensuring continuity in environmental justice planning.

Taken together, the SB 535 designation and CalEnviroScreen 4.0 results identify a consistent set of impacted communities in Fullerton. These tracts are concentrated in the northern, southwestern, and southeastern portions of the city, areas characterized by industrial and commercial land uses, major transportation corridors, and d iverse residential densities.
• Northern Industrial Corridor (Census tract 001404): Defined by industrial and commercial activity extending into La Habra and Brea.
• Southwest Communities ( Census tracts 001801, 001802, 086701, and 086802): A mix of residential neighborhoods, airport and rail infrastructure, and industrial uses along the Buena Park and Anaheim borders.
• Southeastern Communities ( Census tracts 011403, 011502, 011601, and 011602): Areas with diverse housing densities al ongside significant industrial and commercial land uses, including some of the highest composite scores in the city.

The spatial concentration of these tracts underscores how land use patterns and historical development shape cumulative burdens. Industrial corridors, transportation infrastructure, and mixed residential areas overlap with elevated pollution burdens and so cioeconomic vulnerabilities, reinforcing their designation as impacted communities. This alignment between SB 535 and CalEnviroScreen 4.0 p rovides a clear and consistent framework for identifying priority areas in Fullerton’s environmental justice planning.

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2.4.Supporting Environmental Justice Analysis
Supporting Environmental Justice Data provides the foundation for identifying and addressing the unique or compounded health risks faced by impacted communities in Fullerton. Guided by Government Code Section 65302(h) and LCI, this section highlights key areas where data and analysis inform objectives and policies to promote equity, resilience, and community well ‑being.

Environmental justice planning requires more than identifying pollution burdens; it must also consider the social, economic, and physical conditions that shape how residents experience their neighborhoods. By exami ning climate resilience, access to public facilities, opportunities for physical activity, food security, housing quality, and civic engagement, the City can better understand the cumulative factors that influence health and quality of life.

These data poi nts provide a baseline for evaluating conditions in disadvantaged communities and identifying where targeted policies and investments are most needed.

This analysis provides a comprehensive picture of the conditions that intersect with pollution burden and population vulnerability. They support the development of objectives and policies that advance environmental justice, promote health equity, and ensur e that all Fullerton residents benefit from safe, resilient, and thriving communities.

2.4.1. The Centers for Di sease Control and Prevention - Social Vulnerability Index The CDC SVI is also incorporated into this assessment to identify additional focus areas. Social vulnerability describes the demographic and socioeconomic conditions , such as poverty, limited transportation options, and overcrowded housing , which can heighten the impacts of hazards and community -level stressors on certain populations. These stressors may include natu ral disasters, human-caused incidents, or public health emergencies.

The CDC SVI evaluates census tracts based on 16 factors. These factors include socioeconomic status, household characteristics, racial and ethnic minority status, and housing type and transportation. The indicators measured by the CDC SVI are included in Figure 2 -6: Vulnerability Index Themes below.

By assessing the SVI data, the City is able to capture a more nuanced picture of vulnerability , especially in areas that may not meet CalEPA’s formal DAC thresholds but still face significant social and structural challenges. This integrated approach ensures that environmental justice strategies are inclusive, data -driven, and responsive to the lived realities of Fullerton’s most at-risk populations.

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FIGURE 2 -6: VULNERABILITY INDEX THEMES
Source: Center of Disease Control/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/place-health/ph p/svi/index.html, accessed November 3, 2025.

Table 2 -8: Fullerton Overall Vulnerability Index Scores presents the overall vulnerability scores and corresponding classifications for Fullerton’s census tracts. These scores are derived from a nationwide comparison, enabling the City to understand how its communities rank in terms of social vulnerability relative to others across the United States. Scores range from 0 (indicating the lowest vulnerability) to 1 ( indicating the highest vulnerability), and are grouped into four categories:
• Low vulnerability: 0.00 – 0.25
• Low to medium vulnerability: 0.25 – 0.50
• Medium to high vulnerability: 0.50 – 0.75
• High vulnerability: 0.75 – 1.00
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TABLE 2-8: FULLERTON OVERALL VULNERABILITY INDEX SCORES Census Tract CDC Vulnerability Index Scores
2022 Overall Score Level of Vulnerability
001503* 0.6623 Medium-High
001505* 0.3804 Low-Medium
001602 0.1921 Low
001603 0.5064 Medium-High
001604 0.568 Medium-High
001704 0.4093 Low-Medium
001705* 0.7224 Medium-High
001706 0.3803 Low-Medium
001708* 0.5098 Medium-High
001710* 0.1902 Low
001901 0.5769 Medium-High
001902 0.802 High
001903 0.6974 Medium-High
011000 0.8007 High
011101 0.5214 Medium-High
011102 0.6877 Medium-High
011200 0.6437 Medium-High
011300 0.7457 Medium-High
011401 0.3424 Low-Medium
011402 0.2074 Low
011503 0.3776 Low-Medium
011504 0.8396 High
011707* 0.6316 Medium-High
011708* 0.7293 Medium-High
011711 * 0.9332 High
011712* 0.641 Medium-High
086801* 0.505 Medium-High
110605 0.577 Medium-High
Impacted Communities
001404 * 0.8206 High
001801* 0.8757 High
001802 0.9225 High
011403 0.7764 High
011502 0.8039 High
011601 0.9532 High
011602 * 0.8815 High
086701 * 0.8407 High
086802 * 0.8351 High
*Note: Census tracts include portions of land in adjacent jurisdictions.

Source: Center of Disease Control/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/place-health/php/svi/svi-interactive-map.html, accessed November 3, 2025.

Figure 2 -7: CDC Vulnerability Index by Census Tract illustrates the CDC’s level of vulnerability for each census tract within the City of Fullerton.

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Social vulnerability scores are based on 16 indicators from the CDC index. Higher indicator scores indicate higher levels of vulnerability. Census tracts ranking in the top 10 percent nationally (i.e., the 90th percentile) for each of these indicators are flagged for that indicator. Some census tracts within Fullerton are not flagged as being in the top 10 percent for any indicators; these correlate with lower levels of vulnerability. Other census tracts are flagged as being in the top 10 percent for multiple indicators; these correlate with higher levels of vulnerability.

The CDC Social Vulnerability Index identifies 13 census tracts in Fullerton as having high levels of social vulnerability. All census tracts formally identified as impacted communities are among these 13 census tracts.

These tracts are primarily concentrated in the southeast, southwest, and northernmost areas of the city. Land uses within these areas include industrial zones, often buffered by commercial and residential development of varying densities. Notably, census tracts in the southeast and sout hwest are located adjacent to major transportation corridors, including Interstate 5, and State Routes 57 and 91, which contribute to increased exposure to various sources of pollution.

Indicators with the highest percentile scores for the most census tracts in the city include crowded households, limited English proficiency, persons living in group quarters, multi -unit housing, and persons aged 65 and older.

Key characteristics of these indicators contributing to high vulnerability in Fullerto n include:
• Crowded households: Present in all high -vulnerability tracts, crowded housing —defined as more occupants than rooms —can intensify exposure to indoor pollutants, limit access to private space, and reduce resilience to environmental stressors. Crowding often correlates with economic hardship, which can restrict access to healthcare, transportation, and environmental remediation programs. • Linguistic isolation and limited English proficiency: Census tracts 001404, 001801, 001802, 011601, 011602, 086701, and 086802 include households where English is spoken “less than well.” Linguistic isolation can impede access to environmental information, public notices, and community engagement opportunities. Language barriers may prevent residents fr om voicing concerns about pollution, land use, or infrastructure decisions that affect their neighborhoods. • Group quarters: Census tracts 001902 and 011504 contain significant populations living in group quarters, such as dormitories, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. These residents often depend on institutional staff for mobility, communication, and access to services. In the context of environmental justice, group quarters populations may be disproportionately affected by facili ty-level decisions, such as waste management, air quality controls, or emergency preparedness, without having direct input or representation.
• Multi-unit housing: Residential buildings with 10 or more units, common in Fullerton’s vulnerable tracts, pose uni que environmental justice challenges. Shared infrastructure such as ventilation systems can increase exposure to indoor air pollutants, while limited green space and constrained access to individualized services reduce opportunities for healthy living. Res idents—particularly renters and students living near CSU Fullerton and Fullerton College —may encounter compounded burdens related to pollution, housing quality, and access to public facilities. • Older adults aged 65 and older: Older residents often experien ce unique challenges that intersect with environmental justice concerns. Limited mobility, health vulnerabilities, and housing needs can heighten their exposure to pollution and other environmental risks. These populations may also face barriers to accessing public facilities, healthy food options, and safe, sanitary housing. In addition, older adults are sometimes underrepresented in civic engagement processes, which can limit their ability to influence decisions that affect their neighborhoods.

These char acteristics highlight populations with increased needs for accessible, inclusive, and equitable environmental planning. Recognizing these patterns allows Fullerton to prioritize outreach, investment, and Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 46
policy interventions that address the root causes of environmental injustice and promote healthier, more resilient communities across the city.

2.4.2. Vulnerable Age Demographics
Understanding the age demographics of Fullerton’s population is essential to advancing environmental justice.

These demographic factors help identify communities that may face disproportionate environmental burdens due to historical inequities, systemic barriers, or increased vulnerability to pollution. Children and/or older adults may experience heightened health risks and reduced access to environmental benefits.

While CalEnviroScreen 4.0 does not include age as a formal indicator in its cumulative impact scoring, it does provide supplemental age profile data by census tract. Understanding the age distribution of populations in relation to environmental burdens is critical to advancing environmental justice, as both children and older adults are more physiologically vulnerable to pollution and environmental stressors. Age demographics also inform the design of responsive policies and servi ces, such as healthcare access, school siting, and climate resilience planning.

CalEnviroScreen categorizes age data into three groups: children (age 10 or younger), age between 10 -64, and elderly residents (age 65 or older). Table 2-9: Age Demographics by Census Tract presents the percentage of each age group by census tract in the City of Fullerton, offering insight into where age -related vulnerabilities may intersect with environmental and socioeconomic burdens.

TABLE 2-9: AGE DEMOGRAPHICS BY CENSUS TRACT
Census Tract Children (Age 10 or
Less)
Elderly (Age 65 or
Greater)
Age Between 10 -64
001503* 11.82% 12.60% 75.58%
001505* 9.67% 12.58% 77.75%
001601 11.36% 21.55% 67.09%
001602 9.63% 19.13% 71.24%
001704 13.53% 13.80% 72.67%
001705* 16.09% 15.99% 67.92%
001706 2.14% 32.51% 65.35%
001707* 5.99% 16.31% 77.70%
001708* 6.13% 23.82% 70.05%
001901 11.68% 12.34% 75.98%
001902 12.08% 10.68% 77.25%
001903 19.39% 8.16% 72.45%
011000 8.90% 19.94% 71.15%
011101 16.63% 10.47% 72.89%
011102 8.51% 11.61% 79.87%
011200 10.49% 16.87% 72.63%
011300 13.20% 12.28% 74.52%
011401 12.12% 14.78% 73.10%
011402 9.66% 15.34% 75.00%
011503 5.49% 20.83% 73.68%
011504 5.92% 3.80% 90.28%
011707* 8.44% 15.26% 76.30%
011708* 9.96% 6.40% 83.64%
011711* 13.82% 8.24% 77.94%
011712* 7.08% 11.41% 81.52%
086801* 15.16% 14.83% 70.01%
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Census Tract Children (Age 10 or
Less)
Elderly (Age 65 or
Greater)
Age Between 10 -64
110605 14.07% 15.04% 70.89%
Impacted Communities
001404* 13.78% 5.21% 81.01%
001801* 12.61% 7.68% 79.71%
001802 19.54% 7.49% 72.96%
011403 17.63% 9.96% 72.41%
011502 14.20% 9.63% 76.16%
011601 17.31% 8.21% 74.48%
011602* 12.01% 13.98% 74.01%
086701* 11.77% 15.11% 73.12%
086802* 12.96% 12.02% 75.03%
*Note: Census tracts include portions of land in adjacent jurisdictions.

Source: State of California OEHHA, CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Maps & Data, https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/maps-data, accessed November, 2025.

The age profile data presented in Table 2‑9 show that Fullerton ’s census tracts contain a diverse mix of children, working -age adults, and elderly residents. While the majority of residents across all tracts fall within the 10 –64 age group, the proportions of children and elderly var y considerably, offering insight into where age -related vulnerabilities may be more pronounced.

Several tracts stand out for their relatively high percentages of children. For example, Census tracts 001903, 001802, 011403, and 011601 all report child populations above 17 percent, indicating neighborhoods where younger residents may be more vulnerable to environmental stressors. By contrast, tracts such as 001706 and 001708 show elevated elderly popul ations, with more than 20 percent of resident s age 65 or older. These areas may face distinct challenges related to healthcare access, mobility, and resilience.

Impacted communities reflect similar patterns. Census tracts 001802, 011403, and 011601 have some of the highest child populations in the city. Other impacted communities, including 001404 and 001801, have relatively lower populations of elderly adults. These differences highlight how age demographics intersect wit h environmental and socioeconomic burdens, shaping the types of vul nerabilities present in each community.

Overall, the data demonstrate that while working -age adults make up the majority of Fullerton’s population, both children and elderly residents are present in significant numbers across many census tracts. Because these groups are more physiologically sensitive to pollution and environmental stressors, their distribution provides important context for understanding cumulative impacts.

2.4.3. Racial/Ethnic Demographics
Understanding the racial/ethnic composition of Fullerton’s population is essential to advancing environmental justice. These demographic factors help identify communities that may face disproportionate environmental burdens due to historical inequities, systemic barriers, or increased vulnerability to pollution. Racial/ethnic groups may experience heightened risks and reduced access to environmental benefits.

While CalEnviroScreen 4.0 does not include race or ethnicity as formal indicators in its cumulative impact scoring, it does provide supplementa l demographic profiles to support equity -focused analysis. Understanding the racial and ethnic composition of communities is critical to identifying patterns of disproportionate environmental burden and advancing environmental justice. Historically, commun ities of color have faced higher exposure to pollution, limited access to environmental benefits, and systemic barriers to health and opportunity.

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Table 2 -10: Racial/Ethnic Demographics by Census Tract presents the racial and ethnic distribution by census tract in the City of Fullerton, as compiled by CalEnviroScreen 4.0. When considered alongside pollution burden and population vulnerability scores, these demographics help illuminate the intersection of race, place, and environmental risk , supporting more equitable planning and policy decisions.

TABLE 2-10: RACIAL/ETHNIC DEMOGRAPHICS BY CENSUS TRACT
Census Tract Hispanic White Asian
American
African
American
Native
American
Other
001503* 34.64% 47.24% 13.33% 1.41% 0.97% 2.42%
001505* 24.66% 48.68% 18.48% 2.45% N/A 5.73%
001601 28.75% 46.11% 21.76% 1.52% N/A 1.87%
001602 13.81% 50.43% 32.11% N/A N/A 3.01%
001704 8.52% 17.05% 68.96% 2.31% N/A 2.85%
001705* 40.33% 35.28% 19.64% 1.10% 0.90% 2.75%
001706 9.02% 54.06% 32.35% N/A N/A 4.44%
001707* 15.43% 13.70% 67.11% 1.00% N/A 2.50%
001708* 21.39% 38.88% 39.51% N/A 0.22% N/A
001901 51.21% 27.28% 17.40% 2.00% N/A 1.41%
001902 51.26% 25.74% 16.99% 4.42% N/A 1.59%
001903 64.02% 17.21% 16.70% 1.24% N/A 0.83%
011000 35.07% 41.81% 17.67% 2.21% N/A 3.24%
011101 56.55% 28.42% 10.81% 1.26% 1.53% 1.43%
011102 42.16% 34.08% 15.43% 4.11% 0.53% 3.68%
011200 35.12% 44.38% 13.28% 1.85% N/A 5.37%
011300 19.50% 53.70% 10.81% 5.82% 1.46% 8.71%
011401 27.49% 58.04% 7.89% 3.06% N/A 3.52%
011402 22.62% 58.82% 13.15% 2.45% N/A 2.95%
011503 17.78% 54.49% 23.76% 0.54% N/A 3.43%
011504 35.60% 35.40% 21.26% 4.23% N/A 3.19%
011707* 14.97% 55.05% 23.04% 1.22% N/A 5.72%
011708* 28.36% 47.94% 18.18% 2.61% N/A 2.91%
011711* 58.38% 24.31% 10.15% 3.11% N/A 3.81%
011712* 53.72% 24.65% 16.33% N/A N/A 4.94%
086801* 42.11% 26.74% 24.65% 3.51% N/A 2.99%
110605 9.45% 18.87% 68.98% N/A N/A 2.70%
Impacted Communities
001404* 81.06% 14.54% 3.25% N/A N/A 0.76%
001801* 68.48% 17.48% 9.33% 2.47% 0.56% 1.69%
001802 71.81% 14.41% 10.64% 1.46% N/A 1.69%
011403 56.21% 28.73% 8.37% 1.79% N/A 4.64%
011502 46.22% 31.24% 16.57% 3.10% N/A 2.88%
011601 75.72% 11.70% 6.17% 5.33% N/A 0.77%
011602* 79.79% 12.78% 4.65% 1.77% N/A 1.02%
086701* 52.31% 17.96% 28.22% 0.61% N/A 0.91%
086802* 57.59% 17.89% 20.68% 2.93% N/A 0.90%
*Note: Census tracts include portions of land in adjacent jurisdictions.

Source: State of California OEHHA, CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Maps & Data, https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/maps-data, accessed November 3, 2025.

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The racial and ethnic demographic data presented in Table 2‑10 illustrate the diversity of Fullerton ’s population across census tracts . While CalEnviroScreen does not include race or ethnicity in its cumulative scoring, these profiles provide important context for understanding how community compositi on intersects with environmental and socioeconomic conditions.

Across the city, Hispanic residents make up a significant share of the population in many tracts, with percentages ranging from below 10 percent in some areas to more than 80 percent in others. White and Asian American populations also vary widely, with certain tracts showing majority representation of one group while others reflect more balanced distributions. African American and Native American populations are smaller in percentage terms but are present across multiple tracts, contributing to the city’s overall diversity.

Impacted communities show particularly high concentrations of Hispanic residents. Census tracts 001404, 001801, 001802, 011601, and 011602 all report Hispanic populations above 70 percent, with 001404 and 011602 exceeding 79 percent. Other impacted tracts, such as 086701 and 086802, show more mixed compositions, with substantial Hispanic, White, and Asian American populations. These differences highlight the varie d demographic contexts within impacted communities, where environmental and socioeconomic burdens overlap with diverse racial and ethnic profiles.

Overall, the data demonstrate that Fullerton’s impacted communities are home to large proportions of Hispanic residents alongside smaller but notable shares of other racial and ethnic groups. When considered alongside pollution burden and population vulnerability scores, these demographic patterns provide additional insight into the intersection of race, place, a nd environmental risk. This information supports equity -focused planning by ensuring that strategies to address environmental justice concerns are responsive to the specific demographic contexts of each community.

2.4.4. Median Household Income by Census Tract
In addition to the CalEnviroScreen 4.0 analysis, LCI also recommends evaluating US census tract data to identify communities at or below the statewide median income ($118,100) as established by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), effective April 1, 2025. Income is a defining metric for assessing environmental justice, impacted communities and identifying areas that may experience environmental justice issues related to income. The American Community Survey, a demograp hics survey program conducted by the United States Census Bureau, compiles information including income data on a yearly basis. Table 2-11: Median Household Income by Census Tract uses this data to identify communities with below average median incomes within the city.

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TABLE 2-11: MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME BY CENSUS TRACT
Census Tract Median Income
001503* $97,748
001505* $131,382
001602 $142,381
001603 $119,932
001604 $176,136
001704 $154,426
001705* $121,304
001706 $202,313
001708* $134,185
001710* $136,328
001901 $113,281
001902 $112,098
001903 $112,059
011000 $125,224
011101 $97,041
011102 $121,250
011200 $106,677
011300 $93,404
011401 $148,333
011402 $141,902
011503 $133,661
011504 $72,135
011707* $91,429
011708* $86,836
011711* $58,539
011712* $89,020
086801* $118,025
110605 $110,438
Impacted Communities
001404* $89,757
001801* $79,115
001802 $69,093
011403 $81,861
011502 $91,786
011601 $81,648
011602* $70,387
086701* $101,875
086802* $113,083
*Note: Census tracts include portions of land in adjacent jurisdictions.

Source: United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2023 5-year estimates, DP03 Selected Economic Characteristics.

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The median household income data presented in Table 2 ‑11 provide additional context for understanding socioeconomic conditions across Fullerton. Using the statewide median income threshold of $118,100 established by HCD, the table highlights which census tracts fall below this benchmark and may therefore experience greater economic challenges.

Across the city, incomes vary widely, ranging from over $200,000 to less than $60,000. Many tracts fall moderately below the statewide median, while others exceed it by a substantial margin. This variation reflects the diversity of housing, employment oppo rtunities, and land use patterns across Fullerton.

Impacted communities generally report median household incomes below the statewide threshold. Census tracts 001802 and 011602 show some of th e lowest incomes in the city, at $69,093 and $70,387 respectively. Other impacted tracts, such as 001801, 011403, and 011601, also fall well below the statewide median, with incomes ranging between $79,000 and $82,000. A few impacted tracts, including 0868 02 and 086701, report incomes closer to the statewide median income, highlighting variation even within impacted communities.

It is important to note, however, that the statewide median income is a relatively high benchmark, reflecting California’s overall wealth and cost of living. Falling below this threshold does not necessarily indicate economic distress at the local level, but rather highlights differences in housing density, employment mix, and historical development patterns across neighborhoods. In Fullerton, areas with older housing stock or higher concentrations of multifamily units often report lower median incomes, while tracts with newer or lower ‑density housing tend to report higher incomes.

Overall, the data demonstrate that most impacted communities in Fullerton are characterized by below ‑average household incomes relative to the statewide median. When considered alongside pollution burden and population characteristics, these income levels provide a clearer picture of where residents may face compounded challenges. The overlap of lower household incomes with elevated environmental and health burdens underscores the importance of directing envir onmental justice strategies toward these communities, while recognizing that these conditions reflect broader statewide economic dynamics.

2.4.5. Access to Public Facilities
Promoting equitable access to public facilities is a core requirement of the Environmental Justice Element under Government Code Section 65302(h). Public facilities include public improvements, public services, and community amenities. These encompass a wi de range of resources such as community centers, libraries, schools, parks and recreation facilities, public transit, safe drinking water and wastewater systems, and other infrastructure that supports livable neighborhoods.

Ensuring that communities have equitable access to these facilities is critical to reducing unique or compounded health risks. Public facilities not only provide essential services but also strengthen community resilience, improve quality of life, and supp ort meaningful involvement in civic and cultural life. Additional facilities such as active transportation infrastructure , flood control, healthcare services, and disaster preparedness programs further contribute to community well ‑being and resilience.

The analysis of access to public facilities in Fullerton considers both the location and distribution of amenities across census tracts, as well as the quality and usability of those facilities. This approach highlights where resources are concentrated, where gaps exist, and how these patterns intersect with impacted communities. By evaluating the distribution of public facilities across Fullerton, this analysis identifies where disadvantaged communities may have fewer amenities or limited connectivity to essential services. These findings will inform objectives and policies to promote equitable access, reduce health risks, and strengthen resilience across all neighborhoods.

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Community Centers and Libraries
Fullerton is s erved by a network of community centers, libraries, and supportive facilities that provide residents with access to recreation, social services, and educational resources. These facilities are centrally located within the city and play a critical role in strengthening neighborhood cohesion, supporting vulnerable populations, and providing safe spaces for civic and cultural engagement.

Fullerton Community Center (340 W Commonwealth Ave, Downtown) – A modern, centrally located facility offering a wide range o f amenities including a swimming pool, basketball courts, fitness gym, classrooms, and multipurpose event spaces. It hosts recreation classes, senior programs, cultural activities, and serves as a hub for citywide events. Its downtown location provides bro ad access, though residents in northern and southeastern tracts may face longer travel distances.

Gilbert Community Center (2120 W Orangethorpe Ave, Southwest Fullerton) – Located at Gilbert Park, this center is operated in partnership with OC United and p rovides services such as a food pantry, trauma ‑informed trainings, parenting resources, teen mentorship, and community events. Its location near impacted tracts in southwest Fullerton makes it a vital resource for families and youth, particularly those fac ing socioeconomic challenges.

Garnet Community Center (3012 Garnet Ln, East Fullerton) – Situated near CSU Fullerton and surrounded by medium‑density residential and commercial uses, Garnet offers youth programming, homework help, and family support servic es. Operated in partnership with Solidarity NPO, it hosts initiatives such as Mam ás de Garnet, which provides cooking classes, Bible studies, and community activities for local families. Its location helps serve eastern neighborhoods but may be less accessible to residents in the far north and southeast.

Maple Neighborhood YMCA (701 S Lemon St, South/Southeast Fullerton) – Located within Lemon Park, this facility offers fitness programs, youth development activities, after ‑school programs, and community rentals. The YMCA partnership ensures ongoing programming and maintenance, making it a key resource for families in south Fullerton. Its location among residential and commercial areas provides convenient access for nearby i mpacted communities.

Richman Community Center (320 W Elm Ave, South of Downtown) – Located in Richman Park, this center partners with CSU Fullerton’s Center for Healthy Neighborhoods and other organizations to provide health services, youth programming, an d family support. It also hosts YMCA childcare programs and after ‑school activitie s. Richman serves a diverse neighborhood and is a critical hub for impacted communities in south Fullerton.

Fullerton Main Library (353 W Commonwealth Ave, Downtown) – The city’s central library provides educational resources, technology a ccess, and programming for all ages. While centrally located, residents in northern and southeastern tracts may have less convenient access, highlighting the importance of outreach services such as mobile libraries or satellite branches.

Community centers and libraries in Fullerton provide essential services that reduce health risks, strengthen resilience, and support civic engagement. Their distribution ensures that many impacted communities have nearby access, but targeted investments in underserved north ern and southeastern areas could further promote equity. Expanding programming, improving transit connectivity, and exploring mobile or satellite services would help ensure that all residents benefit from these critical public facilities.

Public Facilities are mapped alongside parks and open spaces in Figure 2 -8: Public Facilities and Parks .Generally, community centers and libraries are centrally located near Downtown Fullerton. While this provides convenient access from many parts of the city, it also means that some neighborhoods are located farther from these facilities.

Even so, the central placement of these amenities helps ensure that all census tracts have access to community ‑serving resources within a reasonable distance, even if not every tract contains a facility within its Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 53
boundaries. Impacted communities not containing community centers or located furthest away from centrally located public facilities include census tracts 001404, 001801, 011403, 011502, 086701, and 086802.

Healthcare Facilities
Fullerton is well served by a diverse network of healthcare facilities, including a major hospital, numerous clinics, and multiple urgent care centers. These facilities are distributed across the city, ensuring that residents have access to medical care in both emergency and non -emergency situations.

The cornerstone of Fullerton’s healthcare system is Providence St. Jude Medical Center at 101 E Valencia Mesa Drive, a nationally recognized hospital offering comprehensive services such as emergency care, cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women’s health. Located centrally, it serves as the primary inpatient and acute care provider for the community. Its presence ensures that residents have access to advanced medical treatment without needing to travel outside the city.

Complementing the hospital are numerous clinics and medical group practices spread throughout Fullerton. The St. Jude Heritage Medical Group operates several clinics that provide primary care, pediatrics, and specialty services. In addition, independent community -based clinics offer family medicine and preventive care, making routine healthcare accessible to residents in different neighborhoods. These facilities are strategically located, reinforcing the city’s commitment to equitable access to healthcare.

Fullerton also hosts a network of urgent care centers, which provide walk -in services for non -life-threatening conditions. Notable facilities include:
• St. Jude Heritage Fullerton Urgent Care: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering onsite X -rays and lab services.
• Sunny Hills Urgent Care: Located in downtown Fullerton, open seven days a week for minor illnesses and injuries.
• Pacific Urgent Care Center and Urgent Care Pros – Fullerton: Additional options that expand coverage across the city.

These centers ensure that residents can access timely care without relying solely on hospital emergency rooms, reducing strain on critical services.

The distribution of hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers across Fullerton high lights the city’s commitment to equitable healthcare access. Medical care is available throughout the community, ensuring that residents from diverse neighborhoods can reach facilities conveniently. This network of healthcare providers strengthens communit y resilience, supports public health, and aligns with broader goals of environmental justice by reducing disparities in access to essential services.

Infrastructure and Utilities
Fullerton maintains a comprehensive network of infrastructure systems that pr ovide safe drinking water, wastewater management, flood control, drainage, solid waste, electricity, and natural gas services. These systems are operated by the City’s Public Works Department and regional utility providers, ensuring reliable service across all neighborhoods. Water is delivered through a citywide distribution system, while wastewater and drainage facilities are actively maintained to protect public health and manage stormwater. Solid waste collection is provided through a citywide franchise agreement, and electricity and natural gas are supplied by Southern California Edison and the Southern California Gas Company respectively.

These infrastructure systems are not limited to certain areas but serve the entire city equitably. Residents in all neighborhoods benefit from consistent access to safe water, sanitation, energy, and waste services. While some Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 54
components of the system are aging, ongoing maintenance and planning ensure that service reliability is preserved. This citywide coverage reflect s Fullerton’s commitment to reducing disparities and supporting community resilience by guaranteeing that essential utilities reach every household and business.

Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Facilities
Fullerton’s approach to disaster preparedness is guided by the various planning mechanisms such as the Natural Hazards and Safety Elements of ‘The Fullerton Plan’ and the Fullerton LHMP, which serve as the blueprint for reducing risks and strengthening community resilience. The LHMP recognizes that disasters do not affect all residents equally, and it places special emphasis on populations with limited adaptive capacity, individuals with access and functional needs (AFN), and socially vulnerable communities. By identifying these groups, the plan ensures that mitigation strategies are not only technically sound but also socially equitable.

The LHMP incorporates these considerations directly into its list of mitigation actions, ensuring that emergency planning, infrastructure improv ements, and community outreach efforts are designed to serve all residents across Fullerton. This includes prioritizing communication strategies that reach diverse populations, enhancing shelter and evacuation resources for those with mobility or medical c hallenges, and strengthening partnerships with local organizations that support vulnerable groups.

Fullerton’s disaster preparedness framework demonstrates a commitment to fairness and inclusivity. By embedding equity into hazard mitigation planning, the C ity ensures that resilience is not concentrated in certain neighborhoods but is distributed citywide. This proactive approach reduces disparities in disaster response and recovery and reinforces the principle that every resident deserves protection and sup port in times of crisis.

2.4.6. Parks and Open Space
The City of Fullerton contains a diverse system of parks and open spaces that contribute to environmental quality, public health, and community well -being. This system includes public parks, joint‑use school p arks, natural open spaces, and other open spaces , such as golf courses and arboretums. Collectively, these spaces provide recreational, ecological, and social benefits across the city.

Public parks in Fullerton offer a range of amenities that support both active and passive recreation, including playgrounds, sports courts and fields, picnic areas, walking paths, and informal open space. These parks function as neighborhood gathering plac es and support physical activity across age groups. In addition to City ‑managed parks, regional facilities maintained by Orange County , such as Craig Regional Park , serve Fullerton residents and expand access to larger -scale recreational resources.

Joint‑use school parks are developed in partnership with local school distri cts and allow shared access to athletic fields and play areas during non ‑school hours. These facilities help maximize limited land resources in developed neighborhoods and play an important role in recreational access, particularly in areas with fewer stan dalone public parks.

Fullerton’s open space network also includes habitat conservation areas such as the Robert E. Ward Nature Preserve, which protect native plant communities and wildlife habitats. These areas are primarily intended for conservation and passive recreation, su ch as hiking and nature observation, and contribute to biodiversity, climate resilience, and environmental education opportunities. Other open space resources, including specialized landscaped areas, further strengthe n the city’s green infrastructure and contribute to urban cooling, stormwater management, and visual quality.

Equitable access to parks and open space is a key environmental justice consideration because of the strong connection between proximity to parks, physical activity, mental health, and overall quality of life. One common way to evaluate access is by measur ing how close residents live to a park or open space.

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According to the California Healthy Places Index (HPI) Park Access Indicator, park access is measured by the percentage of residents living within one ‑half mile of a park, beach, or open space larger than one acre , approximately a 10 ‑minute walk for most people. Citywide, Fullerton ranks healthier than approximately 82 percent of California citi es and towns in terms of park access, indicating generally favorable conditions when compared statewide.

However, access to parks and open space is not evenly distributed across the city. Several census tracts show lower park access. These inc lude census tracts 001404, 001801, 011504, and 011711. These areas tend to include higher concentrations of industrial land uses or large institutional campuses, such as the California State University, Fullerton, where open spaces are not counted as publicly accessible parkland in statewide metrics. As a resu lt, residents in these neighborhoods may face greater barriers to nearby recreational opportunities despite the city ’s overall strong performance.

Conversely, census tracts with established trail networks and greenbelts show higher park access scores, highlighting the importance of connectivity in expanding effective access beyond the presence of individual parks.

Fullerton’s recreational trail system is an integral component o f its parks and open space network and plays an important role in promoting physical activity and active transportation. Multi ‑use trails such as the Juanita Cooke Greenbelt and East Coyote Hills Trail connect neighborhoods with local and regional parks, i ncluding Laguna Lake and Craig Regional Park. These trails function as green corridors that support walking, bicycling, and other forms of non‑motorized travel.

By linking residential areas to parks, schools, and open spaces, recreational trails improve ac cess for residents who may not have access to a vehicle and reduce reliance on automobiles for short trips. Trails also support environmental justice goals by improving mobility, reducing air pollution exposure, and providing low ‑cost opportunities for rec reation and exercise in park ‑poor areas. In addition to recreational benefits, connected trail networks contribute to climate resilience by supporting urban cooling, enhancing stormwater infiltration, and providing habitat linkages for wildlife.

Parks, open spaces, and trail networks are essential infrastructure for public health and environmental justice.

Communities with limited park access often experience higher rates of chronic disease, reduced opportunities for physical activity, and fewer spaces for social connection and stress relief. While Fullerton benefits from a robust park and open space system overall, disparities in park access remain across different neighborhoods. Addressing these disparities through improved connectivity, trail expansion, joint‑use opportunities, and targeted park investments can help ensure that all residents —particularly those in environmentally burdened or historically underserved areas —have equitable access to safe, high ‑quality spaces for recreation, active transporta tion, and environmental benefits.

Promoting physical activity through parks, recreation facilities, and active transportation networks supports improved health outcomes, reduces exposure to pollution, strengthens social cohesion, and advances the City’s environmental justice and climate re silience goals. Parks and open spaces are mapped alongside public facilities in Figure 2 -8: Public Facilities and Parks .

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2.4.7. Public Transportation
Fullerton is served by a multimodal transit system centered at the Fullerton Transportation Center (120 E Santa Fe Ave), located in the heart of downtown. This hub provides access to both bus and rail services:
• Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) bus lines connect Fullerton to destinations across Orange and Los Angeles Counties. Local fixed routes, rapid routes, and community shuttles provide daily service, linking neighborhoods to employment centers, s chools, and shopping areas. • Metrolink commuter rail operates from Fullerton Station, ser ving the Orange County Line and 91/Perris Valley Line. These routes connect Fullerton to Los Angeles, Riverside, and other parts of Southern California.
• Amtrak services include the Pacific Surfliner, which runs along the coast between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, and the long ‑distance Southwest Chief, which connects Los Angeles to Chicago.

The Transportation Center also provides amenities such as bicycle racks, lockers, parking structures, and pedestrian connections, supporting multimodal travel.

HPI, developed by the Public Health Alliance of Southern California, is a peer ‑reviewed data platform that maps neighborhood ‑level social conditions associated with health outcomes. One key measure is the Transit Access indicator, which evaluates the percent age of residents living within a half ‑mile (or ten ‑minute walk) of frequent transit service (every 15 minutes or less during peak commute times). Higher percentile scores represent stronger access to convenient transit options, while lower scores indicate limited connectivity and fewer opportunities to reach jobs, schools, healthcare, and other essential services. Figure 2 -9: Transit Access shows the California Health Places Index percentile rankings for census tracts throughout Fullerton.

FIGURE 2-9: TRANSIT ACCESS
Source: Public Health Alliance of Southern California, California Healthy Places Index, https://www.healthyplacesindex.org/, accessed November 20, 2025.

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Across Fullerton, transit access varies by neighborhood, reflecting differences in proximity to bus routes and rail service. From an environmental justice perspective, it is important to focus on impacted communities where multiple burdens overlap. Reliabl e transit in these areas can reduce transportation costs, expand access to opportunity, and mitigate health risks associated with isolation or limited mobility.

Relatively strong transit access is observed in census tracts 001404, 011403, 011601, 011602, 086701, and 086802, with percentile scores ranging from 50 to 87. These scores suggest that most residents in these tracts live near frequent transit service. Lower transit access is found in census tracts 001801, 001802, and 011502, which have percentile scores of 23. These neighborhoods face greater bar riers to reliable transit, compounding other environmental justice challenges.

2.4.8. Access to Healthy Foods
Promoting equitable access to healthy foods is a required component of the Environmental Justice Element under Government Code Section 65302(h). Access to nutritious, affordable food is essential to reducing unique or compounded health risks in impacted co mmunities. Research shows that limited access to healthy food options is linked to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other c hronic health conditions, particularly in low ‑income neighborhoods and minority communities.

Food insecurity refers to situations where individuals or households struggle to afford sufficient food or must trade off other essential expenses to buy it, presenting an ongoing challenge in California an d elsewhere. It is influenced by factors such as supply, accessibility, and practical use. While people exercise personal choices in their diets, these decisions are often shaped by what is readily available, economically viable, and aligned with cultural preferences. In areas with limited options for full -service grocery stores, farmers markets, or cost-effective fresh produce —often due to market dynamics or zoning constraints —residents may turn to convenience stores or quick-service restaurants, which ca n contribute to health concerns over time.

Planning policies can play a critical role in improving food access. Strategies include supporting grocery store development in underserved areas, expanding farmers markets, promoting community gardens and urban agriculture, working with local retailers to increase fresh produce offerings, and establishing food procurement policies. Regional approaches can also strengthen food systems by improving farm ‑to‑market connections, transportation networks, and distribution systems that reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainability.

This section evaluates baseline conditions for food access in Fullerton, with a focus on impacted communities. The analysis considers the location and distribution of food retail and farmers markets . Together, these data points provide insight into where food insecurity may overlap with environmental and socioeconomic burdens, informing policies that promote healthier, more res ilient communities.

Food Retail, Grocery Stores, and Farmers Markets
Fullerton has a diverse mix of grocery stores and farmers markets that provide residents with access to fresh and healthy food options. These facilities are distributed across the city, helping to reduce food insecurity and support equitable access. Fullerton hosts a variety of large and mid -sized grocery retailers throughout the city, including:

Ralphs, Albertsons, Grocery Outlet, Smart and Final, Stater Bros. Markets, Food 4 Less, Walma rt Supercenter, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Amazon Fresh. There are many other smaller or local markets located throughout the city as well.

Residents also benefit from seasonal and weekly farmers markets, which expand access to locally grown produce and community -based food systems including the Downtown Fullerton Farmers Market – held Thursdays from April through September, featuring fresh pr oduce, local vendors, and community events.

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The California HPI includes a Supermarket Access indicator, which meas ures the percentage of people in urban areas who live within a half mile of a supermarket or large grocery store. Higher percentile scores represent stronger access to supermarkets and large grocery stores, while lower scores indicate limited proximity and fewer opportunities to obtain affordable, nutritious food and essential household goods. Figure 2 -10: Supermarket Access shows the HPI percentile rankings for census tracts throughout Fullerton.

FIGURE 2 -10: SUPERMARKET ACCESS
Source: Public Health Alliance of Southern California, California Healthy Places Index, https://www.healthyplacesindex.org/, accessed November 20, 2025.

Figure 2 -10 illustrates that most census tracts in Fullerton score relatively high on the for supermarket access, reflecting strong proximity to grocery stores and large food retailers. Only four census tracts fall below the 25th percentile, suggesting that the majority of residents have convenient access to supermarkets.

However, it is important to focus on those tracts with lower scores, as limited supermarket access can compound existing vulnerabilities in impacted communities. Among Fullerton impacted communities, scores generally range from about 55 to 78, indicating moderate to strong ac cess. Yet four impacted census tracts —001801, 001802, 086701, and 086802 —score below 50. These tracts are concentrated in the southwestern portion of the city, an area where overlapping socioeconomic and environmental burdens may heighten the consequences of reduced food access. It is also worth noting that census tracts 001801, 086701, and 086802 extend beyond Fullerton’s boundaries into neighboring jurisdictions. As a result, the data for these tracts reflect conditions not only within Fullerton but also in adjacent communities.

By examining the distribution of food retail, grocery stores, and farmers markets, this analysis identifies where residents may face barriers to accessing healthy, affordable food. These findings will info rm objectives and policies to promote food equity, reduce health risks, and strengthen community resilience across Fullerton.

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2.5.Citywide Environmental Justice Considerations
While the Supplemental Environmental Justice Analysis focuses on census ‑tract–level disparities —such as socioeconomic vulnerability, access to parks, transit, and other environmental determinants —the Environmental Justice Element must also address broader issues that affect the entire city. Certain topics required by Governme nt Code Section65302(h), including climate adaptation and resilience, safe and sanitary homes, and civic engagement opportunities, are not effectively evaluated at the census ‑tract scale alone. Instead, they reflect citywide systems, policies, and conditi ons that influence the health and well ‑being of all Fullerton residents, including those living in Impacted Communities.

This section summarizes these citywide topics. Unlike the tract ‑based analysis, which identifies spatial patterns of inequity, these is sues relate to how citywide plans, regulations, and service systems operate and how these broader systems can either increase or reduce disproportionate burdens on historically disadvantaged communities. Each subsection draws from existing City plans to illustrate how citywide policies currently address these topics and where environmental justice principles can strengthen future actions.

Together, these citywide considerations complement the tract ‑level analysis by highlighting structural factors that influence equitable outcomes across Fullerton.

2.5.1. Climate Adaptation and Resilience
Climate‑related hazards affect the entire city, but the ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from these hazards is shaped by citywide plans, systems, and policies . Climate change is expected to intensify existing hazards in Fullerton, including extreme heat, flooding, drought, wildfire , and other related hazards. These impacts pose significant risks to public health and safety but may not be experienced equally across the city. Impacted communities may be particularly vulnerable to climate ‑related hazards. For example, neighborhoods with fewer parks and tree canopy face greater exposure to extreme heat, while areas with aging infrastructure or limited flood protection are more susceptible to climate ‑exacerbated flooding. Recognizing these i nequities is central to environmental justice: climate change may compound existing burdens if adaptation strategies are not designed with the whole community in mind.

The City of Fullerton has taken important steps to address climate hazards through existing planning mechanisms, which provide the technical foundation for climate adaptation, including greenhouse gas reduction strategies, hazard vulnerability assessments, and mitigation actions.

The Fullerton Natural Environment element of ‘The Fullerton Pla n’ includes Chapter 17: Air Quality and Climate Change. The purpose of the Air Quality and Climate Change Chapter is to protect the health and welfare of the community through policies aimed at improving air quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and working toward reducing the potential adverse effects of climate change. Climate change adaptation was also address ed through the implementation of the Climate Action Plan (CAP). The CAP was adopted in conjunction with ‘The Fullerton Plan ’.

Additionally, Appendix I of ‘The Fullerton Plan’ provided a supplemental analysis to support the City’s ongoing compliance with California Government Code Section 65302(g) requirements related to the General Plan Safety Element. As part of this supplemental document, the City prepared a Climate Adaptatio n Vulnerability Assessment and a series of updated Goals, Policies, and Actions that have been incorporated into ‘The Fullerton Plan’ . The Climate Adaptation Vulnerability Assessment acknowledged that climate change disproportionately affects those with existing disadvantages and incorporated considerations for socially vulnerable populations in the implementation of climate adaptation actions.

Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 61
The Fullerton Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) also addresses climate change and considers populations that may be particularly vulnerable to hazards exacerbated by climate change. The LHMP identifies vulnerabilities to various natural and human -caused hazards. For each hazard, the potential impacts of climate change are considered. It is understood that various hazards including extreme heat, drought, wildfire, flooding, and additional hazards such as landslide or land subsidence may be exacerbated by climate c hange. The LHMP also assessed the impacts that these hazards may have on socially vulnerable populations or populations with limited adaptive capacity. The mitigation actions developed in the LHMP incorporated considerations for these vulnerable population s to mitigate the impacts of the hazards that may be exacerbated by climate change.

Collectively, these planning tools form a robust, evidence -based structure for handling climate hazards in Fullerton. This document builds on these initiatives by aligning goals and policies for climate adaptation and resilience with the needs of affected communities, drawing from the vulnerability assessments and mitigation strategies to guide environmental justice objectives. This approach underscores the City's focus on protecting public health, managing potential burdens efficiently, and enhancing resilience for all residents while prioritizing responsibility.

2.5.2. Safe and Sanitary Homes
Promoting safe and sanitary homes is a required component of the Environmental Justice Element under Government Code Section 65302(h). Housing location, quality, affordability, and stability all have direct implications for health outcomes. Individuals wh o experience unique or compounding health risks often face multiple, interrelated barriers to accessing safe, stable, and affordable housing.

Housing location influences access to transit, schools, employment, parks, and grocery stores, while also shaping exposure to environmental pollutants. Housing quality affects health through risks such as mold, pests, water intrusion, poor insulation, and exposure to toxins like lead. Affordability determines whether households can meet basic needs without undue financial stress, while instability and displacement can disrupt social networks and increase vulnerability. Together, these factors underscore the importance of planning for housing that is safe, sanitary, and accessible to all residents.

The Housing Element of ‘The Fullerton Plan’ assesses housing conditions, cost burden, housing quality, affordability, homelessness and other environmental justice concerns related to housing. The Housing Element identifies existing and future housing needs, particularly for lower ‑income and special ‑needs households, and policies that promote safe and sanitary homes . State housing law, including the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) process, requires local governments to plan for increasing, improving, and preserving housing supply equitably. The Housing Element implements specific goals, policies and actions to address access to housing including safe and sanitary homes for all residents. Integrating these requirements into ‘The Fullerton Plan’ ensures that impacted communit ies benefit from safe, sanitary, and affordable housing options.

2.5.3. Civic Engagement Opportunities
Promoting civic engagement is a required component of the Environmental Justice Element under Government Code Section 65302(h). Civic engagement ensures that residents , particularly those in impacted communities , are meaningfully involved in decisions that affect their health, housing, transportation, and overall quality of life.

Community engagement is fundamental to shaping the vision for Fullerton. Engagemen t must also account for diversity in race, ethnicity, language, age, ability, and socioeconomic status, while addressing barriers that may limit participation. Fullerton actively conducts public outreach and seeks community participation in major planning efforts. Engagement strategies include public workshops, multilingual outreach, online surveys, neighborhood meetings, partnerships with nonprofits, and public City Council meetings. These practices reflect Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 62
the City’s commitment to ensuring that residents from diverse backgrounds are meaningfully involved in shaping policies that affect their neighborhoods.

The California HPI provides further insight into civic engagement through its voting indicator measuring the percent of registered voters who participated in the 2016 general election. In Fullerton, all census tracts scored above the 25th percentile, with the lowest tract at the 27th percentile and most tracts above the 50th percentile.

These results demonstrate that voter participation i s relatively strong across the city, reinforcing the presence of civic engagement opportunities in every community.

Taken together, Fullerton’s outreach practices and the HPI data point to a City where civic engagement is both encouraged and accessible. This means that impacted communities are not excluded from decision -making processes but are instead provided with mul tiple avenues to participate, build trust, and influence the policies that shape their health, housing, transportation, and overall quality of life.

2.6.Summary of Impacted Communities
Impacted Communities in Fullerton
Based on CalEPA designation criteria and the SB 535 disadvantaged communities framework, nine census tracts in Fullerton are formally recognized as impacted communities: 001404, 001801, 001802, 011403, 011502, 011601, 011602, 086701, and 086802. These tracts fall within the highest 25 percent of overall scores in CalEnviroScreen

4.0 or are designated as disadva ntaged under SB 535 regardless of score. Collectively, they r epresent areas where environmental burdens and socioeconomic vulnerabilities overlap most significantly.

Table 2-12: Impacted Communities Summary identifies which environmental justice concerns are present within each of the census tracts formally identified as impacted communities.

TABLE 2-12: IMPACTED COMMUNITIES SUMMARY

IMPACTED COMMUNITY CENSUS TRACT
Environmental Justice Indicator
001404*001801*001802011403011502011601011602*086701*086802* CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Top 25% X X X X X X X X
SB 535 2017 DACs X X X X X X X X X
Top 5% Pollution Burden (Not Applicable)
Tribal Lands (Not Applicable)
High Social Vulnerability (CDC) X X X X X X X X X
Vulnerable Age Demographi cs X X X
Majority Racial/Ethnic Minority Population X X X X X X X X Median Income Below Statewide Average X X X X X X X X X Limited Public Facility Access X X X X X X
Limited Park Access X X
Limited Transit Access X X X
Limited Supermarket Access X X X X
*Note: Census tracts include portions of land in adjacent jurisdictions.

Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 63
Geographic Groupings
The census tracts identified as impacted communities in Fullerton can be broadly summarized into three geographic groupings, each characterized by distinct land use patterns, infrastructure conditions, and environmental contexts:
• Northern Industrial Corridor (Tract 001404): Characterized by industrial and commercial land uses, extending into La Habra and Brea.
• Southwest Communities (Tracts 001801 , 001802, 086701, and 086802): A mix of residential, commercial, industrial, and government uses, including the Fullerton Municipal Airport, multiple rail lines, major regional highways, and industrial facilities extending into Buena Park. • Southeastern Com munities (Tracts 011403, 011502, 011601, and 011602): Diverse residential densities alongside industrial and commercial uses, including the Fullerton Transportation Center, and bounded by SR‑91 and SR‑57.

Social Vulnerability
The CDC Social Vulnerability I ndex identifies 13 tracts in Fullerton as highly vulnerable, all of which overlap with the nine impacted communities. Key indicators include crowded households, limited English proficiency, group quarters, multi‑unit housing, and older populations. Demogra phically, impacted communities tend to have higher Hispanic populations and lower White populations, reflecting concentrations of racial/ethnic minority residents.

Income levels are below the statewide median threshold of $118,100, though this benchmark re flects California’s high cost of living and does not necessarily indicate local economic distress.

Environmental Burdens
Impacted communities consistently rank among the top 25 percent statewide for pollution exposure indicators, including PM2.5, diesel particulate matter, toxic releases, traffic impacts, drinking water contaminants, and lead risk from housing. Environmental effects indicators are also elevated, with toxic cleanup sites, groundwater threats, hazardous waste facilities, and solid waste sites prevalent in most tracts. While sensitive population indicators are not uniformly high, some impacted tracts show elevated vulnerability compared to other areas of the city.

Socioeconomic Stressors
Several impacted tracts rank among the top 25 percent statewide for educational attainment, poverty, unemployment, housing burden, and linguistic isolation. These socioeconomic factors compound environmental burdens, creating layered challenges for residen ts.

CalEnviroScreen scores and p ollution burden are consistently highest in impacted communities, while population characteristics vary but often align with elevated vulnerability.

High social vulnerability, lower -income households, and racial/ethnic minorities are consistently present in impacted communities as well as various census tracts throughout the city.

Age demographics are similar to the city overall, with residents aged 10 –64 comprising over 70 percent of the population. Certain census tracts have higher populations of vul nerable age groups than the rest of the city.

Access to public facilities, parks, transportation, and healthy foods vary depending on different variables. Each of these indicators may impact different census tracts but do not affect each impacted community.

Overall Findings
Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 64
Climate adaptation, safe housing, and civic engagement opportunities do not show disproportionate gaps for impacted communities, suggesting equitable distribution of these resources citywide.

Impacted communities in Fullerton are characterized by intersecting environmental pressures and socioeconomic factors, primarily located in the northern industrial corridor, southwestern areas, and southeastern districts.

Although the City maintains reasonable access to services like food, housing, and c ivic participation, these communities encounter elevated pollution levels, influences from industrial land uses, and economic hurdles.

Tackling these challenges through targeted, fiscally prudent measures is key to supporting environmental goals and commun ity resilience throughout Fullerton, while encouraging market -driven progress that results in real change.

3. GOALS AND POLICIES
The following pages present the goals and policies that guide the Environmental Justice Element. These goals and policies were d eveloped based on a comprehensive review of existing conditions, including environmental, health, and infrastructure factors affecting impacted communities, as well as extensive community engagement conducted through surveys, in ‑person outreach, and stakeh older input. Goals and policies also reflect coordination across City departments, alignment with applicable state requirements including SB 1000 , and consideration of best practices in environmental justice and equitable planning to ensure responsive and actionable guidance.

Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 65
GOAL 1:

Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision -making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.

P1.1 Land Use Compatibility
Promote land use compatibility by minimizing
conflicts between sensitive receptors (such as
homes, schools, and childcare facilities) and
pollution -generating uses through zoning,
development standards, and buffering where
feasible.

P1.2 Promote Pollution Mitigation
Educate property owners on pollution mitigation
measures such as retrofitting homes with air filters,
ventilation systems, and landscaping.

P1.3 Preserve and Enhance Natural
Buffers
Support the expansion and maintenance of urban
tree canopy, landscaping, and green infrastructure
in areas with elevated pollution exposure.

P1.4 Monitor Air Quality
Coordinate with regional, state, and federal
agencies —including the South Coast Air Quality
Management District (SCAQMD) —to monitor and
reduce air quality impacts affecting disadvantaged
communities.

P1.5 Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled
Encourage transportation strategies that reduce
vehicle miles traveled and emissions, including
transit-oriented development, active transportation
improvements, and s upport for zero -emission
vehicles.

P1.6 Enforce Truck and Bus Route
Regulations
Enforce designated truck and bus routes to reduce
air quality, noise, and safety impacts on residential
neighborhoods and other sensitive receptors and
periodically evaluate and update route
designations to ensure they continue to minimize
community impacts and reflect current land use
and transportation conditions.

P1.7 Cleaner Municipal Fleet and Fueling
Infrastructure
Continue to reduce air pollutant emissions from
municipa l operations by maintaining and
expanding the City’s clean vehicle programs,
including alternative ‑fuel and zero‑emission fleet
vehicles, publicly accessible clean fueling and
electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and
environmentally responsible vehicl e maintenance
practices.

Protect residents, especially those in disadvantaged
communities, from disproportionate exposure to air, noise, and odor pollution by promoting cleaner land use
patterns, reducing vehicle emissions, and enhancing
natural buffers.

Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 66
GOAL 2:

Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision -making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.

P2.1 Compliance with Water Quality
Regulations
Ensure compl iance with state and federal water
quality regulations through continued
implementation of stormwater management
programs and water quality monitoring.

P2.2 Maintenance and Monitoring
Continue regular maintenance and monitoring of
stormwater collection and treatment facilities to
ensure effective operation. Regularly inspect
commercial, industrial, and public facilities to
ensure proper connections to the sanitary system
and avoid illic it discharge.

P2.3 Low Impact Development
Encourage low impact develop ment (LID) practices
in new development and redevelopment to reduce
runoff and improve stormwater infiltration.

P2.4 Collaborate with Neighboring
Jurisdictions
Coordinate with Orange County, regional water
agencies, and regulatory agencies to address water
quality issues that may disproportionately affect
impacted communities.

P2.5 Support Water Quality Remediation
Support identification, monitoring, and
remediation of known contamination sites,
prioritizing efforts by the California State Water
Resources Control Board and Regional Water
Quality Control Boards on Leaking Underground
Storage Tank cases, prioritizing sites affecting
impacted communities where feasible.

Minimize water quality pollution, including compliance
with state and federal water quality standards,
reducing runoff and surface pollutants off -site, and
reducing pollutant loading in the water system .

Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 67
GOAL 3:

Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision -making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.

P3.1 Climate ‑Responsive Planning
Incorporate climate change mitigation, greenhouse
gas reduction, and environmental justice
considerations into City planning , construction, and
capital improvement projects through
implementation of adopted plans, sustainable
construction practices, and materials reuse and
recycling .

P3.2 Sustainable and Energy ‑Efficient
Development
Support energy ‑efficient, low‑emission build ings
and infrastructure by promoting green building
practices, energy conservation, and the use of
sustainable design standards in public facilities and
development projects ; encourage the coordination
and expansion of solar energy and energy storage
oppo rtunities for housing properties located within
Fullerton's disadvantaged communities.

P3.3 Hazard Mitigation and Climate
Resilience
Incorporate and advance the mitigation actions
identified in the City of Fullerton Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan into land use, infrastructure, and
climate resilience planning, with particular
consideration for sensitive populations and
populations with limited adaptive capacity,
including communities disproportionately
impacted by environmental and climate ‑related
hazards.

P3.4 Assessment of Cumulative Pollution
Burdens
Consider cumulative pollution burdens and
environmental health indicators in planning and
decision ‑making processes by utilizing available
data sources, such as CalEnviroScreen and regional
studies, to identify communities that experience
overlapping exposure to pollution and adverse
health outcomes.

P3.5 Avoid Disproportionate Impacts
Ensure that future development, infrastructure, and
land use decisions do not exacerbate cumulative
pollution exposures or hea lth risks in communities
already experiencing environmental and public
health disparities.

Reduce vulnerability to climate change, cumulative
pollution burdens, and overlapping health risks by
implementing resilience strategies and prioritizing
interventions in communities facing multiple hazards .

Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 68
GOAL 4:

Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision -making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.

P4.1 Transit-Oriented Development
Encourage compact, transit ‑oriented development
near transit stops and corridors that support
walkability, biking and transit use in both new and
established neighborhoods .

P4.2 Collaborate with Transporta tion
Providers
Collaborate with transit agencies to improve service
and equitable access; continue partnerships with
regional transit agencies to expand service and
increase ridership.

P4.3 Equitable and Multimodal
Transportation
Support equitable access to public facilities,
employment centers, services, and community
destinations by continuing to provide and
coordinate multimodal transportation options,
including senior and specialized transportation
services, active transportati on programs, public
transit, and regional rail connections, while
planning for future improvements that enhance
accessibility, sustainability, and community
connectivity .

P4.4 Equitable Di stribution of Public
Facilities
Promote the equitable distribution of public
improvements and amenities across all
neighborhoods by prioritizing capital investment
and infrastructure upgrades in impacted
communities and planning for future public facility
needs.

P4.5 Equitable Access to Educational,
Cultural, and Civic Facilities
Coordinate with school districts, public agencies,
and service providers to improve access to
educational, cultural, and civic facilities in impacted communities.

P4.6 Maintenance and Quality of Public
Facilities
Maintain and enhance public facilities and
infrastructure through ongoing investment,
responsible maintenance practices, and design
standards that ensure facilities are safe, accessible,
energy‑efficient, and compatible with surrounding
land uses.

P4.7 Fair‑Share Contributions for Public
Infrastructure
Ensure that new development contributes its fair
share toward the provision, maintenance, and
improvement of public facilities and infrastructur e
needed to serve projected growth in a manner
consistent with City development fees.

Ensure equitable access to high -quality public
facilities and infrastructure that support community
well-being and opportunity .

Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 69
GOAL 5:

Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision -making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.

P5.1 Equitable Recreational
Programming
Continue to provide low ‑cost and free recreational
programs, classes, and community events that
promote physical activity and social connection,
with particular attention to older adults, youth, and
other socially vulnerable populations .

P5.2 Joint Use of Recreational Facilitie s
Collaborate with school districts, educational
institutions, and other public or private partners to
expand shared use of recreational facilities, such as
fields, pools, and courts, to increase community
access to opportunities for physical activity .

P5.3 Recreation ‑Supportive Facility
Siting
Encourage the siting of educational and
community facilities in locations that support
walking, bicycling, and access to parks, trails, and
transit, to promote daily physical activity and active
lifestyles.

P5.4 Universal Acces s to Parks and Open
Space
Ensure that parks, trails, and recreational facilities
are designed and maintained using universal
design principles so they are accessible, safe, and
welcoming to people of all ages and abilities .

P5.5 Urban Greening and Active
Environments
Expand green infrastructure and urban forestry in
parks, public spaces, and public rights ‑of‑way to
improve environmental quality, provide shade, and
create more comfortable and appealing
environments for walking, bicycling, and outdoor
recreation.

P5.6 Prioritizing Park Access in
Underserved Areas
Prioritize planning, investment, and partner ships
that expand access to parks, trails, and recreational
opportunities in neighborhoods with limited access
to park and open space resources, particularly in
impacted communities.

P5.7 Expanding Park Opportunities
through Creative Solutions
Encourage a range of strategies to increase park
and open space access in park ‑poor areas, including
new parks where feasible, expansion or
improvement of existing facilities, joint ‑use
agreements, enhanced pedestrian and bicycle
access, and partnerships with schools or other
public and private entities .

Expand and improve access to parks, recreation facilities, and active transportation infrastructure to promote health, physical activity, and environmental benefits in impacted communities.

Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 70
GOAL 6:

Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision -making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.

P6.1 Promote Farmer s Markets and
Community Gardens
Encourage and promote farmer s markets,
community gardens , and mobile food providers
that increase access to fresh and affordable food in
underserved neighborhoods.

P6.2 Promote Healthy Food Decisions
Promote educational opportunities and programs
that provide residents with the knowledge, skills,
and resources, to make healthy food decisions.

P6.3 Promote Healthy Food through
Land Use
Evaluate healthy eating equity as part of the land
use decision -making process to avoid
concentrating fast -food establishments and
convenience stores in ways that contribute to f ood
deserts for impacted communities and the city as a
whole.

P6.4 Community Partnerships to Addre ss
Food Insecurity
Support and strengthen partnerships with
community ‑based organizations, faith ‑based
groups, service providers, and regional food
assistance programs to improve access to nutritious
and affordable food for residents experiencing food
insecurity, including seniors, low ‑income
households, and other vulnerable populations.

Ensure residents have access to affordable, nutritious
food by supporting local food systems, incentivizing
healthy food retail, and addressing food deserts .

Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 71
GOAL 7:

Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision -making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goa l.

P7.1 Implement Housing Element
Policies
Coordinate implementation of housing policies
with the Housing Element to support fair housing,
affordability, and housing quality for all residents .

P7.2 Diverse Housing Opportunities
Support a diverse range of housing types, tenures,
and affordability levels to meet the needs of
residents at different life stages, income levels, and
household sizes in coordination with the Housing
Element.

P7.3 Encourage Housing Maintenance
Encourage the maintenance, weatherization, and
rehabilitation of existing owner -occupied and
rental housing especially in impacted communities.

Include helpful code enforcement information or
available funding resources where appropriate.

P7.4 Promote Housing Rehabilitation
and Maintenan ce Funding
Utilize and promote federal, state, local, and private
funding programs offering low -interest loans or
grants for housing rehabilitation and maintenance.

Promote rehabilitation assistance opportunities for
impacted communities .

P7.5 Homeownersh ip Support Programs
Promote participation in existing county, state, and
federally sponsored first‑time homebuyer
assistance programs to expand access to
homeownership opportunities in coordination with
the Housing Element .

P7.6 Environmental Health Aware ness
Support education and outreach efforts that
increase awareness of housing ‑related
environmental health risks, including lead ‑based
paint and mold, and inform residents of available
remediation resources.

Provide residents with access to safe, affordable, and
healthy housing by enforcing habitability standards,
remediating environmental hazards, and supporting
programs that improve housing quality in impacted
communities.

Chapter N: Environmental Justice Page 72
GOAL 8:

Policies
Specific statemen ts that provide a directive or framework for City decision -making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.

P8.1 Meaningful Participation in
Planning and Environmental Decisions
Provide opportunities for meaningful public
participation in planning, land use, and
environmental decision ‑making processes by
continuing the City ’s use of public workshops,
hearings, advisory bodies, and other engagement
efforts that invite early and ongoing community
input.

P8.2 Inclusive and Multilingual
Communication
Utilize multiple communication methods and
languages, as appropriate, to share information
about City initiatives and participation
opportunities, including printed materials, online
platforms, multilingual outreach, and partnerships
with trusted community organizations .

P8.3 Accessible Meeting Locations,
Times, and Formats
Schedule public meetings, workshops, and
outreach activities at accessible locations and
varied times to improve participation by residents
with differing schedules, mobility needs, and
transportation access.

P8.4 Coord inated and Efficient Outreach
Coordinate outreach and engagement efforts
across City departments and, where appropriate,
with community ‑based organizations to improve
communication, reduce redundant or repetitive
outreach efforts to avoid engagement fatigu e or
confusion , and reduce barriers to participation ,
particularly for impacted communities .

P8.5 Addressing the Digital Divide
Consider the digital divide when designing civic
engagement strategies by supplementing online
outreach with in ‑person engageme nt, printed
materials, and other non ‑digital communication
methods.

P8.6 Community Representation and
Advisory Participation
Support inclusive and transparent decision ‑making
by encouraging participation on City commissions,
boards, and advisory committee s that reflect the
diversity of Fullerton ’s communities.

Strengthen community voice s in environmental and
land use decisions by ensuring meaningful
participation, accessible information, and equitable
representation of impacted communities in public
processes.

LRP-2026-0005 – ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT
Attachment No. 3
Appendix N Supplement: Online Public Survey Responses Summary

City of Fullerton Open Space Element
Appendix N Supplement
Online Public Survey Responses
Appendix N Supplement: Online Public Survey Responses Page 1

INTRODUCTION
Purpose and Background
The City of Fullerton is committed to promoting fairness, inclusion, and meaningful access to resources for all residents. Environmental justice recognizes that certain communities may face a disproportionate share of environmental burdens while having less access to environmental benefits. Addressing these inequities is essential to ensuring a healthy, resilient, and inclusive community.

The Environmental Justice Element establishes a framework for identifying and addressing disparities in environmental conditions, access to services, and public health outcomes across the city. It focuses on improving access to resources and facilities, reducing exposure to environmental hazards, enhancing mobility and transportation options, supporting safe and healthy housing, and increasing opportunities for community engagement in decision -making.

By integrating environmental justice principles into city planning and policy, Fullerton aims to prioritize the needs of disadvantaged communities and ensure that all residents can benefit from a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment. This approach ad vances equity while strengthening the overall well -being and resilience of the community, both now and into the future .

Survey Overview
Purpose
The City of Fullerton conducted a community survey to inform updates to its Open Space Element and to develop its first ever Environmental Justice Element within the General Plan. These updates are required under Senate Bill 1000 (environmental justice) an d Senate Bill 1425 (open space), ensuring that future planning reflects community priorities around less polluted environments, safer parks, healthier neighborhoods, and equitable access to vibrant spaces .

Appendix N Supplement: Online Public Survey Responses Page 2 Image Top: Snapshot of the public online survey, Image Bottom:

Survey flier used to promote public engagement and feedback Image Top: Snapshot of the public online survey, Image Bottom: Survey flier used to promote public engagement and feedback
Appendix N Supplement: Online Public Survey Responses Page 3 Topics Covered
The survey asked residents and stakeholders to share input across several key areas:
• Demographics & residency: Zip code, age, race/ethnicity, and connection to Fullerton. • Open space use & barriers: Which parks and green spaces are visited, obstacles to access, and ideas for improvements.
• Wildlife & climate resilience: Awareness of local wildlife, actions to support adaptation to climate change, and areas to preserve or enhance.
• Environmental justice awareness: Familiarity with the term, concerns about environmental and health issues, and vulnerabilities within the community.
• Community needs & resources: Suggestions for protecting vulnerable groups, preferred methods of City engagement, and additional feedback.
• Future communication: Option to provide email addresses to stay informed about long -range planning updates.

Summary
The survey showed strong engagement with Fullerton’s open spaces, with over 85% of respondents regularly visiting parks and trails such as Hillcrest Park, Laguna Lake, the Fullerton Loop, Craig Regional Park, and Coyote Hills. Barriers to access included t ime constraints, limited amenities (restrooms, shade, seating), and safety concerns, while cost and transportation were rarely issues. Desired improvements focused on cleaner restrooms, shaded seating, better parking, maintenance, e -bike restrictions, and safety enhancements.

Conservation priorities were clear: 78% were aware of wildlife areas and supported strategies like planting native trees, expanding canopy, and restoring habitats. Preservation was a strong theme, with 77% identifying areas to protect—Coyote Hills most oft en mentioned.

On environmental justice, only 45% were familiar with the term. Key concerns included air and water pollution, noise, climate-related health risks, and access to safe housing and public facilities. Priorities emphasized affordable housing, cleaner and safe r spaces, more green areas, improved sidewalks, and programs for vulnerable populations .

Participation
• Total responses: 642
• Survey period: October 27, 2025 – November 30 , 2025
Note: At the time of the survey, questions addressed both the Open Space and Conservation Element and the Environmental Justice Element. The survey results presented in this Appendix Supplement include only those questions related to environmental justice. As a result, some questions are not included due to the removal of open space and conservation –related questions from this summary. Responses related to the Open Space and Conservation Element are provided separately in the Open Space and Conservation Element Appendix Supplement .

Appendix N Supplement: Online Public Survey Responses Page 4 Question 1: What zip code do you reside in?
The majority of participants reside in Fullerton and nearby areas, with the most common zip codes being:
• 92833 – 189 responses
• 92835 – 156 responses
• 92831 – 140 responses
• 92832 – 108 responses
These four zip codes alone account for approximately 93% of all responses, indicating strong local engagement from Fullerton residents.

Other zip codes with smaller representation include neighboring communities such as 92821, 92823, 90631, and a variety of outlying areas across Southern California and beyond, each contributing between 1 –3 responses.

Question 2: What is your age?
Age Distribution:
• Under 18: >1% (2 responses)
• 18–24: >1% (4 responses)
• 25–34: 7% (45 responses)
• 35–44: 16% (99 responses)
• 45–54: 18% (110 responses)
• 55–64: 23% (145 responses)
• 65+: 34% (213 responses)
The majority of respondents are 65+ (34%), followed by 55 –64 (23%). However, a variety of age groups are represented.
7%
16% 18%
23%
34%
Under 18 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
>1%
>1%
Appendix N Supplement: Online Public Survey Responses Page 5 Question 3: What best describes you? (check all that apply) Distribution:
• I live in Fullerton: 92% (578 responses)
• I work in Fullerton: 24% (152 responses)
• I visit Fullerton, but live and work elsewhere: 2% (11 responses) • I am a student in Fullerton: 3% (16 responses)
• Other (please specify): 4% (27 responses)
The majority of respondents live in Fullerton (92%), while about one -quarter work in Fullerton. Very few respondents are visitors ( 2%) or students (3%). The “Other” responses mainly indicate people who own property or rental units in Fullerton, are retired or part-time residents, and those engaged in community activities or volunteering. A few mentioned frequent visits, ties to California State University, Fullerton, or unique situations like disability or seasonal residency.
92%
24%
2% 3% 4%
I live in Fullerton I work in Fullerton I visit Fullerton, but live and work
elsewhere
I am a student in
Fullerton
Other (please
specify)
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Appendix N Supplement: Online Public Survey Responses Page 6 Question 4: What is your race/ethnicity?
Distribution:
• White (Non-Hispanic): 62% (383 responses)
• Hispanic/Latino: 14% (84 responses)
• Asian: 11% (68 responses)
• Multiracial: 7% (43 responses)
• Other: 5% (34 responses)
• Black/African American: >1% (3 responses)
• Native American/Alaska Native: >1% (3 responses)
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: >1% (2 responses)
The population responses were just half over White (62%), with notable representation from Hispanic/Latino (14%) and Asian (11%) groups. Multiracial and “Other” combined account for about 12%, while all other categories are under 1%.
62%
14% 11%
7% 5%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
>1% >1% >1%
Appendix N Supplement: Online Public Survey Responses Page 7 Question 11: Have you heard of this term, environmental justice, before? Awareness of the term environmental justice among respondents was mixed. While nearly 45% indicated they were familiar with the term, about 37% had never heard of it, and 18% were only somewhat familiar. This suggests a significant knowledge gap within the community, highlighting the need for education and outreach to build understanding of environmental justice concepts and their relevance to local planning efforts. 37%
45%
18%
No Yes Somewhat
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
Appendix N Supplement: Online Public Survey Responses Page 8 Question 12: Which of the following environmental or health issues are you most concerned about in your neighborhood? (Select all that apply)
Distribution:
• Pollution exposure (air and water quality): 56% (346 responses) • Noise pollution: 46% (284 responses)
• Lack of civic or community engagement: 37% (231 responses) • Pollution exposure (land use compatibility): 36% (222 responses) • Access to physical activity or recreation: 34% (212 responses) • Health risks from climate conditions (extreme heat, flooding, wildfires): 33% (208 responses) • Safe and sanitary housing: 27% (170 responses)
• Access to public facilities: 25% (153 responses)
• Food access: 17% (106 responses)
• Other: 23% (144 responses)
The top environmental and health concerns among respondents were pollution exposure, particularly air and water quality (56%), and noise pollution (46%). Other significant concerns included lack of civic engagement (37%), land use compatibility issues (36% ), and limited access to recreation (34%). Climate -related health risks such as extreme heat and flooding were noted by one -third of respondents, while safe housing and access to public facilities were moderate priorities. Food access ranked lowest at 17%. Open-ended responses highlighted additional issues such as poor road conditions, homelessness, pedestrian safety, overdevelopment, light pollution, and inequitable resource distribution, especially in South Fullerton. 56%
36%
25%
17%
27%
46%
34% 33%
37%
23%
Pollution
exposure
including air
quality and
water quality
Pollution
exposure
including land
use
compatibility
Access to
public
facilities
Food access Safe and
sanitary
housing
Noise
pollution
Access to
physical
activity or
recreation
Health risks
associated
with climate
conditions
(e.g., extreme
heat, flooding,
wildfires)
Lack of civic
or community
engagement
Other (please
specify)
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Appendix N Supplement: Online Public Survey Responses Page 9 Question 13. What characteristics make members of your community more vulnerable to environmental or health issues? Choose all that apply.

Distribution:
• Age (children under 18 or seniors over 65): 62% (369 responses) • Poverty Status: 46% (272 responses)
• Disability Status: 39% (234 responses)
• Lack of Vehicle or Reliable Transportation: 30% (180 responses) • Linguistic Isolation (language other than English spoken at home): 25% (148 responses) • Other: 22% (131 responses)
Respondents identified age as the most significant vulnerability factor, with nearly 62% noting that children and seniors are more susceptible to environmental and health risks. Poverty status (46%) and disability status (39%) were also major concerns, fol lowed by lack of reliable transportation (30%) and linguistic isolation (25%). Open - ended responses highlighted additional factors such as homelessness, lack of education, inadequate infrastructure for walking and biking, food insecurity, and limited acces s to healthcare. Several comments also pointed to systemic issues like overdevelopment, traffic congestion, and inequitable resource distribution, particularly in South Fullerton.
62%
39%
30%
25%
46%
22%
Age (children
under the age of
18 or seniors
over the age of
65)
Disability Status Lack of Vehicle
or Reliable
Transportation
Linguistic
Isolation
(language other
than English
spoken at
home)
Poverty Status Other (please
specify)
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Appendix N Supplement: Online Public Survey Responses Page 10 Question 14: What resources or improvements would help protect vulnerable groups from environmental risks in your neighborhood?
Responses to this open -ended question revealed several recurring themes. Many participants emphasized the need for affordable housing, better public transportation, and safe, accessible infrastructure such as improved sidewalks, ADA -compliant crossings, an d bike lanes. Tree canopy expansion, green spaces, and cleaner parks were frequently mentioned to reduce heat exposure and improve air quality. Respondents also called for community resources like educational programs, health expos, after -school activities , and outreach to connect residents with available assistance. Addressing homelessness through shelters, housing, and supportive services was a major priority, along with enforcement of environmental regulations and noise reduction measures. Other suggesti ons included road repairs, crime prevention, and equitable investment in lower -income neighborhoods to ensure they receive the same level of upkeep and amenities as more affluent areas. Overall, the feedback reflects a strong desire for safer, greener, and more inclusive neighborhoods supported by housing, transportation, and community programs.

Appendix N Supplement: Online Public Survey Responses Page 11 Question 15: Share your preference for how the City engages residents with environmental justice concerns and changes in the future? (Select all that apply)
Distribution:
• Partnerships with local nonprofits and schools: 52% (319 responses) • Community workshops and forums: 50% (305 responses)
• Online surveys: 46% (282 responses)
• Youth and senior engagement programs: 45% (276 responses) • Public reporting on environmental health data: 43% (265 responses) • Community -led environmental monitoring: 36% (220 responses) • Multilingual outreach and education programs: 36% (220 responses) • Tribal support and engagement: 1 5% (89 responses)
• Other: 18% (108 responses)
Respondents expressed strong interest in collaborative and accessible engagement strategies. The most preferred methods were partnerships with local nonprofits and schools (52%), community workshops and forums (50%), and online surveys (46%). Youth and sen ior engagement programs were also highly valued (45%), along with transparent public reporting on environmental health data (43%). About one -third of respondents supported multilingual outreach and community -led environmental monitoring, while tribal engag ement was less frequently selected (15%). Open -ended responses emphasized the importance of clear communication, education, and inclusive outreach, with suggestions for newsletters, school -based programs, community classes, and leveraging digital platforms like webinars and social media. Several comments stressed the need for visible results from engagement efforts, equitable outreach to underserved neighborhoods, and practical actions rather than symbolic programs.
50%
46%
52%
45%
36%
43%
15%
36%
18%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Appendix N Supplement: Online Public Survey Responses Page 12 Question 16: Do you have any other feedback or comments for the Open Space Element or Environmental Justice Element?
Responses to this open -ended question reflected a mix of priorities, concerns, and opinions. Many participants emphasized basic infrastructure needs, such as repairing roads, sidewalks, and improving parking, before investing in new initiatives. A signific ant number of comments focused on preserving open spaces, maintaining parks and trails, and preventing overdevelopment —particularly high -rise housing projects —citing concerns about congestion, noise, and loss of community character.

Other recurring themes included addressing homelessness, improving safety and enforcement in parks and neighborhoods, and enhancing trail connectivity across the city. Respondents also called for equitable investment in all neighborhoods, better maintenanc e of existing facilities, and creative ideas like community events, art programs, and revitalizing downtown Fullerton. A few comments highlighted environmental priorities such as tree planting, water quality improvements, and wildfire prevention. Overall, feedback underscores a desire for balanced planning that prioritizes infrastructure, safety, and preservation of open space while ensuring responsible spending and genuine community engagement.

Question 17 : If you would like to stay informed about long range planning updates, please provide your email address:

Approximately 58% of survey participants provided an email address to be informed of long range planning updates.

Appendix N Supplement: Online Public Survey Responses Page 13 LRP-2026-0005 – ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT
Attachment No. 4
Draft Action Plan by Michael Baker International
Implementation Policy Implementation Action Responsible Department(s) Supporting Agency(s) Timeframe* Funding Source Action 1.1.a Continue to update zoning and development standards to incorporate setbacks, buffers, and separation requirements between sensitive receptors and high-impact uses.

Community Development South Coast Air Quality
Management District (SCAQMD),
as needed
Short-term Staff time
Action 1.1.b Use CEQA review to ensure appropriate site-design and pollution-mitigation measures for proposed projects near sensitive receptors.

Community Development
-
Ongoing Staff time; applicant
fees
Action 1.2.a Prepare and publish a “Healthy Homes Mitigation Guide” with recommended filters, ventilation improvements, and landscaping strategies.

Community Development; City
Manager’s Office (Public
Information)
Orange County Health Care
Agency
Short-term Staff time;
health-related grants
Action 1.2.b Distribute mitigation materials through community centers, libraries, and neighborhood associations.

City Manager’s Office (Public
Information); Parks & Recreation -
Ongoing Staff time
Action 1.3.a Prioritize street tree planting and maintenance in disadvantaged communities as part of the City’s ongoing urban forestry efforts, consistent with the Community Forest Management Plan and Tree City USA commitments described in the Open Space and Conservation Element.

Public Works (Urban Forestry) CalFire; OC Parks (as needed) Short-term; Ongoing
Urban forestry grants;
tree-planting funds
Action 1.3.b Incorporate vegetative buffers—trees, shrubs, bioswales—into roadway and capital improvement projects.

Public Works
-
Mid-term Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) funds;
stormwater/green
infrastructure grants
Action 1.4.a Coordinate with SCAQMD to obtain updated community-level air quality monitoring data and identify pollution hot spots.

Community Development SCAQMD Short-term Staff time
Action 1.4.b Publish air quality data and related health information on the City website and through community outreach channels.

City Manager’s Office (Public
Information) -
Ongoing Staff time
Action 1.5.a Prioritize pedestrian, bicycle, and transit-supportive improvements serving disadvantaged communities in transportation planning and the CIP, coordinating with the VMT reduction strategies identified in the Open Space Element Action Plan (Policy P6.11).

Public Works; Community
Development
Orange County Transportation
Authority (OCTA)
Mid-term Active Transportation
Program; SB1 funds
Action 1.5.b Expand EV charging stations at public parking locations to support zero-emission vehicle adoption.

Public Works; Community
Development -
Short-term
Action 1.6.a Update and publicize truck and bus route maps and improve corridor signage to reduce impacts on residential areas.

Public Works; Police Department
-
Short-term CIP funds; Staff time
Action 1.6.b Periodically review truck and bus routes to ensure they minimize community impacts and reflect land use changes.

Public Works
-
Long-term Staff time
Action 1.7.a Replace municipal fleet vehicles at end-of-life with low-emission or zero-emission models.

Public Works (Fleet Services) California Air Resources Board (HVIP)
Ongoing Fleet replacement
funds; clean fleet
grants
* Timeframe: Short-term (0–2 years), mid-term (2–4 years), long-term (4–7 years)P1.5 Reduce Vehicle Miles TraveledEncourage transportation strategies that reduce vehicle miles traveled and emissions, including transit-oriented development, active transportation improvements, and support for zero-emission vehicles.P1.6 Enforce Truck and Bus Route RegulationsEnforce designated truck and bus routes to reduce air quality, noise, and safety impacts on residential neighborhoods and other sensitive receptors and periodically evaluate and update route designations to ensure they continue to minimize community impacts and reflect current land use and transportation conditions.P1.7 Cleaner Municipal Fleet and Fueling Infrastructure Continue to reduce air pollutant emissions fromP1.1 Land Use CompatibilityPromote land use compatibility by minimizing conflicts between sensitive receptors (such as homes, schools, and childcare facilities) and pollution-generating uses through zoning, development standards, and buffering where feasible.

GOAL 1: Protect residents, especially those in disadvantaged communities, from disproportionate exposure to air, noise, and odor pollution by promoting cleaner land use patterns, reducing vehicle P1.2 Promote Pollution MitigationEducate property owners on pollution mitigation measures such as retrofitting homes with air filters, ventilation systems, and landscaping.P1.3 Preserve and Enhance Natural BuffersSupport the expansion and maintenance of urban tree canopy, landscaping, and green infrastructure in areas with elevated pollution exposure.P1.4 Monitor Air QualityCoordinate with regional, state, and federal agencies—including the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)—to monitor and reduce air quality impacts affecting disadvantaged communities.

Action 1.7.b Expand EV charging infrastructure at key municipal facilities to support fleet and public charging needs.

Public Works; Information
Technology (as needed)
-
Mid-term CIP funds
Continue to reduce air pollutant emissions from
municipal operations by maintaining and expanding the City’s clean vehicle programs, including alternative-fuel and zero-emission fleet vehicles, publicly accessible clean fueling and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and environmentally responsible vehicle maintenance practices.

Action 2.1.a   Update and maintain the City’s stormwater management procedures to align with evolving State and Federal requirements.

Public Works State Water Resources Control
Board (SWRCB)
Short-term Staff time
Action 2.1.b   Continue citywide water quality monitoring and reporting as required under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and MS4 permits.

Public Works SWRCB Ongoing Staff time
Action 2.2.a   Perform routine cleaning, inspection, and maintenance of storm drains, catch basins, and treatment devices.

Public Works
-
Ongoing City General Fund;
stormwater program
funds
Action 2.2.b   Conduct regular inspections of commercial, industrial, and public facilities for proper wastewater connections and compliance with discharge requirements.

Public Works
-
Ongoing Staff time
Action 2.2.c   Maintain a streamlined public reporting tool for residents to report possible illicit discharge or spills.

Public Works; City Manager’s
Office (Public Information) -
Ongoing Staff time
Action 2.3.a   Integrate LID requirements into development review by updating guidelines and ensuring consistency with statewide LID standards, and coordinate with the City’s green street and natural water management policies in the Open Space and Conservation Element (Policies P6.3 and P6.6).

Community Development; Public
Works -
Short-term Staff time;
Stormwater/water
conservation grants
Action 2.3.b   Offer simple applicant-facing LID guidance (e.g., a one-page handout or webpage) illustrating best practices such as permeable paving, swales, and rain gardens.

Community Development
-
Mid-term Staff time
Action 2.4.a   Participate in countywide and regional watershed coordination meetings and share monitoring data where applicable.

Public Works Orange County Public Works;
regional water agencies
Ongoing Staff time
Action 2.4.b   Identify multi-jurisdictional opportunities for green infrastructure or pollutant reduction projects in impacted neighborhoods.

Public Works Orange County Public Works;
Santa Ana Watershed Project
Authority (as applicable)
Mid-term Regional grants;
watershed program
funds
Action 2.5.a Maintain communication with the State Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Board to track progress on LUST cleanup sites and share community impact information to help prioritize sites in disadvantaged areas.

Public Works SWRCB Short-term;
Ongoing
Staff time
Action 2.5.b Compile and share relevant city-held information such as historical land use, permit records with State agencies to support identification and monitoring of contamination sites.

Community Development; Public
Works
-
Short-term Staff time
GOAL 2: Minimize water quality pollution, including compliance with state and federal water quality standards, reducing runoff and surface pollutants off-site, and reducing pollutant loading in the water P2.4 Collaborate with Neighboring JurisdictionsCoordinate with Orange County, regional water agencies, and regulatory agencies to address water quality issues that may disproportionately affect impacted communities.P2.1 Compliance with Water Quality RegulationsEnsure compliance with state and federal water quality regulations through continued implementation of stormwater management programs and water quality monitoring.P2.2 Maintenance and MonitoringContinue regular maintenance and monitoring of stormwater collection and treatment facilities to ensure effective operation. Regularly inspect commercial, industrial, and public facilities to ensure proper connections to the sanitary system and avoid illicit discharge.P2.3 Low Impact DevelopmentEncourage low impact development (LID) practices in new development and redevelopment to reduce runoff and improve stormwater infiltration.P2.5 Support Water Quality RemediationSupport identification, monitoring, and remediation of known contamination sites, prioritizing efforts by the California State Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards on Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) cases, prioritizing sites affecting impacted communities where feasible.

Action 3.1.a Integrate climate and environmental justice considerations into City planning documents and capital improvement project scoping by referencing adopted plans (e.g., Climate Action Plan, LHMP) during project development and review.

Community Development; Public
Works -
Short-term Staff time
Action 3.1.b Encourage reuse, recycling, and sustainable construction practices in Cityled projects by incorporating environmental guidelines into standard project specifications.

Public Works
-
Mid-term CIP funds; staff time
Action 3.2.a Provide applicants with simple guidance materials summarizing green building practices, energy-efficient design options, and available incentive programs.

Community Development Southern California Edison (as
needed)
Short-term Staff time
Action 3.2.b Incorporate energy-efficient and sustainable design features into City facility upgrades and new municipal construction where feasible.

Public Works
-
Mid-term;
Ongoing
CIP funds; energyefficiency grants
Action 3.3.a Review and reference the LHMP during development review and municipal project planning to ensure consistency with adopted mitigation actions and identified hazards.

Community Development; Fire
Department (Emergency
Management)
-
Short-term;
Ongoing
Staff time
Action 3.3.b Prioritize implementation of LHMP actions benefiting neighborhoods with high vulnerability or limited adaptive capacity.

Fire Department (Emergency
Management); Public Works -
Mid-term Hazard mitigation
grants; staff time
Action 3.4.a Reference CalEnviroScreen and other available environmental health data during planning studies, zoning updates, and major project evaluations to identify impacted communities.

Community Development
-
Short-term;
Ongoing
Staff time
Action 3.4.b Publish or link to key cumulative-impact data sources on the City website to support public understanding of overlapping environmental burdens.

City Manager’s Office (Public
Information)
-
Short-term Staff time
Action 3.5.a Use existing environmental data tools and CEQA review to identify potential disproportionate impacts and incorporate appropriate mitigation measures into project conditions.

Community Development
-
Ongoing Staff time; applicant
fees
Action 3.5.b Prioritize public infrastructure improvements, such as street repairs, lighting, drainage, and tree planting, in communities experiencing higher cumulative pollution burdens.

Public Works
-
Mid-term;
Ongoing
CIP funds; green
infrastructure grants
GOAL 3: Reduce vulnerability to climate change, cumulative pollution burdens, and overlapping health risks by implementing resilience strategies and prioritizing interventions in communities facing multiple hazards.

P3.1 Climate -Responsive PlanningIncorporate climate change mitigation, greenhouse gas reduction, and environmental justice considerations into City planning, construction, and capital improvement projects through implementation of adopted plans, sustainable construction practices, and materials reuse and recycling.P3.2 Sustainable and Energy -Efficient DevelopmentSupport energy-efficient, low-emission buildings and infrastructure by promoting green building practices, energy conservation, and the use of sustainable design standards in public facilities and development projects.P3.4 Assessment of Cumulative Pollution BurdensConsider cumulative pollution burdens and environmental health indicators in planning and decision-making processes by utilizing available data sources, such as CalEnviroScreen and regional studies, to identify communities that experience overlapping exposure to pollution and adverse health outcomes.P3.3 Hazard Mitigation and Climate ResilienceIncorporate and advance the mitigation actions identified in the City of Fullerton Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) into land use, infrastructure, and climate resilience planning, with particular consideration for sensitive populations and populations with limited adaptive capacity, including communities disproportionately impacted by environmental and climate-related hazards.

P3.5 Avoid Disproportionate ImpactsEnsure that future development, infrastructure, and land use decisions do not exacerbate cumulative pollution exposures or health risks in communities already experiencing environmental and public health disparities.

Action 4.1.a Incorporate transit-supportive land use and design concepts, such as increased density, reduced parking, and walkability enhancements, into zoning and development standards around key transit corridors.

Community Development Orange County Transportation
Authority (OCTA) as needed
Mid-term Staff time
Action 4.1.b Prioritize public realm improvements (sidewalks, lighting, bike facilities) serving transit stops in disadvantaged communities through the CIP.

Public Works
-
Mid-term CIP funds; active
transportation grants
P4.2 Collaborate with Transportation ProvidersCollaborate with transit agencies to improve service and equitable access; continue partnerships with regional transit agencies to expand service and increase ridership.

Action 4.2.a Participate in ongoing coordination meetings with OCTA and regional transit providers to communicate mobility needs in impacted communities and explore opportunities for expanded routes or frequency.

Public Works OCTA Ongoing Staff time
Action 4.3.a Coordinate with OCTA and specialized transportation providers to maintain and improve senior and paratransit services in neighborhoods with limited mobility access.

Public Works OCTA Ongoing Staff time
Action 4.3.b Identify and prioritize multimodal connections such as sidewalk gaps, bike lanes, safer crossings to improve access to major community destinations in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Public Works
-
Mid-term CIP funds; Active
Transportation
Program
Action 4.3.c Promote awareness of available transportation options through coordinated outreach at community centers, libraries, and online platforms.

City Manager’s Office (Public
Information)
-
Short-term Staff time
Action 4.4.a Use capital improvement planning to prioritize facility upgrades, park improvements, and infrastructure investments in neighborhoods with unmet public facility needs.

Public Works; Parks & Recreation
-
Ongoing CIP funds
Action 4.4.b Track and evaluate geographic distribution of public improvements to ensure equitable allocation of resources.

Public Works
-
Mid-term Staff time
P4.5 Equitable Access to Educational, Cultural, and Civic FacilitiesCoordinate with school districts, public agencies, and service providers to improve access to educational, cultural, and civic facilities in impacted communities.

Action 4.5.a Collaborate with local school districts, libraries, and cultural organizations to identify opportunities for shared-use programs or joint facility enhancements serving impacted communities.

Community Development Local school districts; Orange
County Public Libraries
Mid-term Staff time
Action 4.6.a Implement routine inspection and maintenance schedules for parks, community centers, and public buildings to ensure safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency.

Public Works; Parks & Recreation
-
Ongoing City General Fund;
staff time
Action 4.6.b Integrate energy-efficient lighting, water conservation features, and sustainability upgrades into facility renovation projects where feasible.

Public Works
-
Mid-term CIP funds;
energy-efficiency
grants
P4.7 Fair -Share Contributions for Public InfrastructureEnsure that new development contributes its fair share toward the provision, maintenance, and improvement of public facilities and infrastructure needed to serve projected growth in a manner consistent with City development fees.

Action 4.7.a Periodically review development impact fees and update them as needed to ensure they reflect infrastructure demands and support equitable funding for public facilities.

Community Development;
Finance
-
Ongoing Staff time
P4.1 Transit-Oriented DevelopmentEncourage compact, transit-oriented development near transit stops and corridors that support walkability, biking, and transit use in both new and established neighborhoods.P4.4 Equitable Distribution of Public FacilitiesPromote the equitable distribution of public improvements and amenities across all neighborhoods by prioritizing capital investment and infrastructure upgrades in impacted communities and planning for future public facility needs.

GOAL 4: Ensure equitable access to high-quality public facilities and infrastructure that support community well-being and opportunity.

P4.6 Maintenance and Quality of Public FacilitiesMaintain and enhance public facilities and infrastructure through ongoing investment, responsible maintenance practices, and design standards that ensure facilities are safe, accessible, energy-efficient, and compatible with surrounding land uses.P4.3 Equitable and Multimodal TransportationSupport equitable access to public facilities, employment centers, services, and community destinations by continuing to provide and coordinate multimodal transportation options, including senior and specialized transportation services, active transportation programs, public transit, and regional rail connections, while planning for future improvements that enhance accessibility, sustainability, and community connectivity.

Action 5.1.a Expand outreach to promote free and low-cost recreational programs in impacted communities through community centers, schools, and public information channels.

Parks & Recreation; City Manager’s
Office (Public Information) -
Short-term Staff time
Action 5.1.b Regularly evaluate recreational programming to identify gaps in services for youth, older adults, and vulnerable populations and adjust offerings accordingly.

Parks & Recreation
-
Ongoing City General Fund;
staff time
P5.2 Joint Use of Recreational FacilitiesCollaborate with school districts, educational institutions, and other public or private partners to expand shared use of recreational facilities, such as fields, pools, and courts, to increase community access to opportunities for physical activity.

Action 5.2.a Coordinate with local school districts to explore new or expanded joint-use agreements that increase community access to sports fields, courts, playgrounds, and indoor facilities.

Parks & Recreation Local school districts Mid-term Staff time P5.3 Recreation -Supportive Facility SitingEncourage the siting of educational and community facilities in locations that support walking, bicycling, and access to parks, trails, and transit, to promote daily physical activity and active lifestyles.

Action 5.3.a Incorporate access to parks, trails, transit, and active transportation networks into land use and development review criteria for new community-serving facilities.

Community Development; Public
Works
-
Short-term Staff time
P5.4 Universal Access to Parks and Open SpaceEnsure that parks, trails, and recreational facilities are designed and maintained using universal design principles so they are accessible, safe, and welcoming to people of all ages and abilities.

Action 5.4.a Integrate ADA compliance and universal design features into park renovation and capital projects, including accessible paths, seating, and play features.

Parks & Recreation; Public Works
-
Ongoing CIP funds; accessibility
grants
Action 5.5.a Prioritize tree planting and shade improvements along pedestrian routes, parks, and public spaces in heat-vulnerable and impacted neighborhoods.

Public Works (Urban Forestry)
-
Short-term;
Ongoing
Urban & Community
Forestry grants; CNRA
Urban Greening; CIP
funds
Action 5.5.b Incorporate green infrastructure elements, such as bioswales, shade trees, and native landscaping, into park improvements and streetscape projects.

Public Works; Parks & Recreation
-
Mid-term Green infrastructure
grants; CIP funds
Action 5.6.a Use park access and demographic data to identify underserved neighborhoods, including areas such as Districts 4 and 5 identified in the Open Space and Conservation Element, and prioritize them for park improvements, trail enhancements, or new recreational investments.

Parks & Recreation; Community
Development
-
Short-term Staff time
Action 5.6.b Pursue grant funding and partnerships to implement park and recreational improvements in these underserved areas.

Parks & Recreation
-
Mid-term Park development
grants
Action 5.7.a Identify opportunities for pocket parks, small open spaces, or community gathering areas in park-poor neighborhoods through redevelopment or reuse of underutilized parcels.

Community Development; Parks &
Recreation -
Mid-term Park development
fees; grants
Action 5.7.b Explore partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, and private property owners to expand community access to open space and recreation areas.

Parks & Recreation
-
Mid-term Staff time
P5.5 Urban Greening and Active EnvironmentsExpand green infrastructure and urban forestry in parks, public spaces, and public rights-of-way to improve environmental quality, provide shade, and create more comfortable and appealing environments for walking, bicycling, and outdoor recreation.P5.6 Prioritizing Park Access in Underserved AreasPrioritize planning, investment, and partnerships that expand access to parks, trails, and recreational opportunities in neighborhoods with limited access to park and open space resources, particularly in impacted communities.

GOAL 5: Expand and improve access to parks, recreation facilities, and active transportation infrastructure to promote health, physical activity, and environmental benefits in impacted communities.

P5.1 Equitable Recreational ProgrammingContinue to provide low-cost and free recreational programs, classes, and community events that promote physical activity and social connection, with particular attention to older adults, youth, and other socially vulnerable populations.P5.7 Expanding Park Opportunities through Creative SolutionsEncourage a range of strategies to increase park and open space access in park-poor areas, including new parks where feasible, expansion or improvement of existing facilities joint use agreements enhanced
Action 5.7.c Improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to existing parks and trails, especially in neighborhoods lacking direct access.

Public Works
-
Long-term Active transportation
grants; CIP funds
existing facilities, joint-use agreements, enhanced
pedestrian and bicycle access, and partnerships with schools or other public and private entities.

Action 6.1.a Promote farmer’s markets and mobile fresh-food vendors in underserved neighborhoods by providing outreach support and information on required permits and locations.

Community Development; Parks &
Recreation -
Short-term Staff time
Action 6.1.b Identify potential sites for community gardens on City-owned or partner-owned properties and support community groups interested in developing and maintaining them.

Parks & Recreation Community organizations; school
districts (as needed)
Mid-term Staff time; grants
P6.2 Promote Healthy Food DecisionsPromote educational opportunities and programs that provide residents with the knowledge, skills, and resources, to make healthy food decisions.

Action 6.2.a Partner with local nonprofits and community centers to promote nutrition education workshops, healthy cooking classes, and informational materials in impacted communities.

Parks & Recreation Local nonprofits; health agencies Short-term; Ongoing
Staff time; health
program grants
Action 6.3.a Incorporate healthy food access considerations into zoning and development review processes by evaluating concentrations of fast-food or limited-service food retailers in impacted neighborhoods.

Community Development
-
Short-term Staff time
Action 6.3.b Explore incentives or streamlined permitting for grocery stores, fresh-food retailers, or small markets locating in underserved areas.

Community Development
-
Mid-term Staff time
Action 6.4.a Coordinate with regional food assistance organizations, faith-based groups, and community partners to expand access to food distribution events, particularly in high-need neighborhoods.

Parks & Recreation Local nonprofits; food banks Short-term; Ongoing
Staff time
Action 6.4.b Promote available food assistance programs through City outreach channels, including community centers, libraries, and digital platforms.

City Manager’s Office (Public
Information)
Community centers and local
libraries
Short-term Staff time
P6.3 Promote Healthy Food through Land UseEvaluate healthy eating equity as part of the land use decision-making process to avoid concentrations of fastfood establishments/ convenience stores, creating healthy food deserts for both impacted communities and the city as a whole.P6.4 Community Partnerships to Address Food InsecuritySupport and strengthen partnerships with community-based organizations, faith-based groups, service providers, and regional food assistance programs to improve access to nutritious and affordable food for residents experiencing food insecurity, including seniors, low-income households, and other vulnerable populations.

GOAL 6: Ensure residents have access to affordable, nutritious food by supporting local food systems, incentivizing healthy food retail, and addressing food deserts.

P6.1 Promote Farmer’s Markets and Community GardensEncourage and promote farmer’s markets, community gardens, and mobile food providers that increase access to fresh and affordable food in underserved neighborhoods.

P7.1 Implement Housing Element Policies
Coordinate implementation of housing policies with the City's Housing Element to support fair housing, affordability, and housing quality for all residents.

Action 7.1.a Reference and coordinate Housing Element programs during development review, capital planning, and policy updates to ensure consistency with adopted housing goals.

Community Development
-
Ongoing Staff time
P7.2 Diverse Housing OpportunitiesSupport a diverse range of housing types, tenures, and affordability levels to meet the needs of residents at different life stages, income levels, and household sizes in coordination with the Housing Element.

Action 7.2.a Support implementation of Housing Element strategies that encourage varied housing types including ADUs, mixed-use housing, and affordable units through zoning updates and development review.

Community Development
-
Mid-term Staff time
Action 7.3.a Provide residents and property owners with information on code enforcement requirements, property maintenance standards, and available rehabilitation resources through City outreach channels.

Community Development (Code
Enforcement); City Manager’s
Office (Public Information)
-
Short-term Staff time
Action 7.3.b Prioritize code enforcement activities in neighborhoods with elevated housing maintenance concerns to address habitability and safety issues.

Community Development (Code
Enforcement) -
Ongoing City General Fund;
staff time
Action 7.4.a Promote federal, state, and local home repair and rehabilitation programs through the City’s website, community centers, and direct outreach.

Community Development
-
Short-term;
Ongoing
Staff time
Action 7.4.b Assist eligible residents in understanding available rehabilitation financing options by providing basic program information and referral contacts.

Community Development
-
Short-term Staff time
P7.5 Homeownership Support ProgramsPromote participation in existing county, state, and federally sponsored first-time homebuyer assistance programs to expand access to homeownership opportunities in coordination with the Housing Element.

Action 7.5.a Share information about first-time homebuyer assistance programs through outreach materials, public workshops, and online resources.

Community Development County and state housing
agencies (as applicable)
Short-term Staff time
P7.6 Environmental Health AwarenessSupport education and outreach efforts that increase awareness of housing-related environmental health risks, including lead-based paint and mold, and inform residents of available remediation resources.

Action 7.6.a Distribute information on common housing-related environmental health risks and available remediation assistance through community centers, the City website, and public workshops.

Community Development Orange County Health Care
Agency
Short-term Staff time; healthrelated grants
P8.1 Meaningful Participation in Planning and Environmental DecisionsProvide opportunities for meaningful public participation in planning, land use, and environmental decision-making processes by continuing the City’s use of public workshops, hearings, advisory bodies, and other engagement efforts that invite early and ongoing community input.

Action 8.1.a Continue to offer public workshops, hearings, and early-input opportunities during planning and environmental review processes, including outreach to impacted neighborhoods, and coordinate with open space and conservation engagement processes established in the Open Space and Conservation Element (Goal 7) to avoid duplication and outreach fatigue.

Community Development
-
Ongoing Staff time
GOAL 8: Strengthen community voices in environmental and land use decisions by ensuring meaningful participation, accessible information, and equitable representation of impacted communities in public processes.

P7.3 Encourage Housing MaintenanceEncourage the maintenance, weatherization, and rehabilitation of existing owner-occupied and rental housing especially in impacted communities. Include helpful code enforcement information or available funding resources where appropriate.P7.4 Promote Housing Rehabilitation and Maintenance FundingUtilize and promote federal, state, local, and private funding programs offering low-interest loans or grants for housing rehabilitation and maintenance. Promote rehabilitation assistance opportunities for impacted communities.

GOAL 7: Provide residents with access to safe, affordable, and healthy housing by enforcing habitability standards, remediating environmental hazards, and supporting programs that improve housing quality in impacted communities.

P8.2 Inclusive and Multilingual Communication
Utilize multiple communication methods and languages, as appropriate, to share information about City initiatives and participation opportunities, including printed materials, online platforms, multilingual outreach, and partnerships with trusted community organizations.

Action 8.2.a Provide multilingual outreach materials and use digital, print, and community-based communication channels to share information about public meetings and planning initiatives.

City Manager’s Office (Public
Information)
Community partners (as needed) Short-term;
Ongoing
Staff time
P8.3 Accessible Meeting Locations, Times, and FormatsSchedule public meetings, workshops, and outreach activities at accessible locations and varied times to improve participation by residents with differing schedules, mobility needs, and transportation access.

Action 8.3.a Hold public meetings and workshops at accessible facilities, varied times, and in virtual formats when appropriate to reduce barriers to participation.

Community Development; City
Manager’s Office
-
Ongoing Staff time
P8.4 Coordinated and Efficient OutreachCoordinate outreach and engagement efforts across City departments and, where appropriate, with community-based organizations to improve communication, reduce redundant or repetitive outreach efforts to avoid engagement fatigue or confusion, and reduce barriers to participation, particularly for impacted communities.

Action 8.4.a Coordinate outreach among City departments to align messaging, reduce duplication, and ensure consistent engagement across projects affecting the same neighborhoods.

City Manager’s Office (Public
Information)
-
Short-term;
Ongoing
Staff time
P8.5 Addressing the Digital DivideConsider the digital divide when designing civic engagement strategies by supplementing online outreach with in-person engagement, printed materials, and other non-digital communication
methods.

Action 8.5.a Provide printed outreach materials, physical postings, and in-person engagement options to supplement online content for residents without reliable digital access.

City Manager’s Office (Public
Information)
-
Short-term;
Ongoing
Staff time
P8.6 Community Representation and Advisory ParticipationSupport inclusive and transparent decision-making by encouraging participation on City commissions, boards, and advisory committees that reflect the diversity of Fullerton’s communities.

Action 8.6.a Promote opportunities to serve on City commissions, boards, and advisory committees through targeted outreach to impacted communities.

City Clerk’s Office; City Manager’s
Office
-
Short-term;
Ongoing
Staff time
LRP-2026-0005 – ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT
Attachment No. 5
Public Comments and Responses

To the City of Fullerton,
On behalf of OC Goes Solar, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing equitable, affordable, and accessible clean energy solutions throughout Orange County, we are pleased to express our strong support for the City of Fullerton's draft Environmental Justice Element.

As a regional outreach and education partner for the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) Program, OC Goes Solar works directly with affordable housing providers, community-based organizations, and residents to increase awareness of and access to clean energy resources for underserved communities. The SOMAH Program is a statewide initiative overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission that provides financial incentives for installing solar energy systems on deed-restricted multifamily affordable housing properties, ensuring that the benefits of clean energy reach low-income households.

To help achieve the goals outlined in Section 1: Reducing Pollution Exposure and Section 7:

Safe and Sanitary Homes, we respectfully encourage the City to explicitly recognize and support the SOMAH Program within the Environmental Justice Element.

Including SOMAH would advance the City's environmental justice goals in several important ways:
● Expands equitable access to clean energy. SOMAH is specifically designed to bring the benefits of renewable energy to residents of affordable multifamily housing, many of whom have historically faced barriers to accessing clean energy technologies. ● Reduces energy costs for low-income households. The program provides financial incentives that enable affordable housing properties to install solar systems while ensuring that a meaningful portion of the energy savings is passed directly to tenants through reduced electricity bills. These long-term savings help improve housing affordability and reduce energy burden for families that need it most. ● Improves environmental and public health. By increasing the use of renewable energy, SOMAH helps reduce reliance on fossil fuel-generated electricity, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution that disproportionately impact disadvantaged communities.
● Advances California's environmental justice and climate goals. The Environmental Justice Element seeks to ensure that the benefits of environmental investments are distributed equitably across all communities. SOMAH is an established, state-supported program specifically created to achieve this objective by bringing clean energy investment to affordable housing communities.

At OC Goes Solar, we have seen firsthand how programs like SOMAH can improve quality of life by lowering utility costs, increasing access to clean energy, and building healthier, more resilient communities. Incorporating SOMAH into the City's Environmental Justice Element would strengthen Fullerton's commitment to environmental equity while connecting affordable housing providers with an existing statewide resource that is already delivering measurable benefits.

We respectfully request that the City of Fullerton include a policy or implementation action encouraging collaboration with and promotion of the SOMAH Program to expand access to solar energy for affordable housing residents throughout the city.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to advancing environmental justice and creating a healthier, more equitable future for all Fullerton residents.

Sincerely,
Alexis Anaya
For OC Goes Solar
Response to Public Comment #1
Hello Alexis.

Noted -received. The City will include this comment as part of the review of the Environmental Justice Element (EJE).

The City would like to add a policy or action item that encourages the coordination and expansion of solar energy and energy storage opportunities for aƯordable housing properties located within Fullerton's disadvantaged communities seems appropriate. The State of California also has mandatory requirements regarding solar PV systems for new construction projects, which supports this direction.

Yan Gao, AICP
Senior Planner
Community & Economic Development
City of Fullerton

p: 714-738-6854
e: yan.gao@cityoƯullerton.com

303 W. Commonwealth Ave.

Fullerton, CA 92832
www.cityoƯullerton.com

Response to Public Comment #2,
Hello Iqbal,
Noted- received. The City will include this comment as part of the review of the Environmental Justice Element (EJE).

The City and Consultant team will take it into consideration for the upcoming public workshop.

Response to Public Comment #3,
Hello Miriam,
Noted- received. The City will include this comment as part of the review of the Environmental Justice Element (EJE).

Response to Public Comment #4

Hello Steven,
Thank you for your comments regarding the Public Review Draft Environmental Justice Element. The City appreciates your participation in the planning process and your concerns regarding noise impacts associated with activities at the Coyote Hills Golf Course and the potential eƯects on nearby residents and sensitive habitat areas.

The Environmental Justice Element is intended to establish citywide goals, policies, and implementation actions to reduce environmental burdens and improve health outcomes for disadvantaged communities, consistent with Senate Bill 1000. The Draft Element includes goals and policies related to reducing exposure to noise pollution, promoting compatible land uses, improving environmental health in disadvantaged communities, and supporting equitable access to healthy living environments. These policies apply broadly throughout the city and are intended to help guide future planning, policy, and decisionmaking eƯorts.

The City acknowledges the concern that existing sources of noise may aƯect nearby residential neighborhoods and sensitive habitat areas. While the Environmental Justice Element provides overarching policy direction, they are not intended to serve as projectspecific enforcement or nuisance-abatement documents. Concerns regarding compliance with existing permits, operational conditions, municipal regulations, or nuisance provisions are addressed through separate regulatory and administrative processes. The City will include this correspondence in the administrative record and consider these comments as part of the review of the Environmental Justice Element. The comment will also be evaluated in connection with the Elements' existing policies related to noise, environmental health, land use compatibility, disadvantaged communities, and habitat conservation.

Thank you again for your participation and interest in the City's planning eƯorts.

Yan Gao, AICP
Senior Planner
Community & Economic Development
City of Fullerton

p: 714-738-6854
e: yan.gao@cityoƯullerton.com

303 W. Commonwealth Ave.

Fullerton, CA 92832
www.cityoƯullerton.com

June 23, 2026
To: City of Fullerton
RE: Environmental Justice Element to General Plan
Comments:

Let’s stop this Environmental Justice Element now before it destroys local businesses with new regulations, fees and bureaucracy causing businesses to leave along with the employment they create and taxes they pay.

We taxpayers can barely afford gas for our cars or the maintenance it takes to keep them running so we can get to our jobs. The real Environmental In-Justice are the roads we have to drive on in our city.

Let’s stick with what our government should be doing – maintaining our roads, underground water and sewer lines, police and fire protection. The basics are enough and we are not doing that. Let’s not keep piling on things we can’t afford. Just the name “Environmental Justice” is enough to offend. We all know it means nothing more than government getting bigger and costlier to the taxpayers. Stop it now.

We are already millions in debt.

Sincerely,
Concerned Fullerton Taxpaying Citizens
Scott and Tina Foley

Response to Public Comment #5,
Hello Scott,
Thank you for sharing your perspective. We understand and appreciate the concerns about cost of living, infrastructure needs, and supporting local businesses, these are critical priorities for every community. It is important to clarify, however, that incorporating Environmental Justice into the General Plan is not optional. The State of California requires it under Senate Bill 1000 which has been in eƯect since January 1, 2018. This law mandates that cities and counties identify disadvantaged communities and address environmental justice through either a standalone Environmental Justice Element or integrated policies within the General Plan.

It is also important to note that an Environmental Justice Element does not automatically create new taxes, fees, or regulations on its own. Instead, it establishes policies and priorities that guide future decisions and help the City compete for state and federal funding. Many state funding programs now require Environmental Justice considerations as part of eligibility. Aligning with state requirements may help bring additional resources to the City.

Thank you,

Response to Public Comment #6,
Hello Naida,
Noted- received. The City will include this comment as part of the review of the Environmental Justice Element (EJE).

Canopy coverage is addressed in both the Open Space and Conservation Element and the Environmental Justice Element. Based on the Percent Urban Canopy Cover data in the Open Space and Conservation Element, the Chapman Avenue and State College Boulevard area falls within a census tract with just below average urban canopy coverage at the statewide level. The document includes policies focused on increasing canopy coverage in these areas.

Policy P5.10 – Urban Canopy: Enhance canopy and shade tree coverage along walking routes, school frontages, bus stops, and park perimeters to reduce heat exposure and strengthen wildlife connectivity. Prioritize planting in areas with low canopy coverage, particularly in Districts 4 and 5, to provide co-benefits for both the community and local wildlife. Additional urban heat island mitigation strategies include green roofs, light-colored building and pavement materials, and permeable pavement.

Similarly, the Environmental Justice Element includes policies focused on expanding canopy and green infrastructure, especially in pollution burdened areas. The Chapman Avenue and State College Boulevard area falls within a census tract categorized as an Impacted Community.

Policy P1.3 – Preserve and Enhance Natural BuƯers: Support the expansion and maintenance of urban tree canopy, landscaping, and green infrastructure in areas with elevated pollution exposure.

Response to Public Comment #7,
Hello Frank,
Noted- received. The City will include this comment as part of the review of the Environmental Justice Element (EJE).

Regarding the fourth paragraph:

EƯorts are ongoing to secure and conserve the remaining western portion (approximately 292 acres). In March 2024, collaborative grant funding from state and federal agencies— including the Coastal Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Board, San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service— supported Phase II acquisitions to expand preserved habitat, with goals related to climate resilience, flood protection, and wildfire buƯering. Pending future federal funding, development on the remaining land may still occur. Please visit the City’s website for updates on West Coyote Hills
(https://www.cityoƯullerton.com/government/departments/community-and-economicdevelopment/west-coyote-hills).

Goal #2 of the Open Space Element—“Provide comprehensive and forward-thinking planning to guide the development, preservation, and stewardship of future open spaces”—includes policies that support projects, programs, and regulations to create open space as funding and opportunities become available.

Goal #4—“Increase accessibility and inclusivity of open space resources and enhance a connected trail system that links the community to these open spaces”—includes several policies related to trail connectivity and safety.

Response to Public Comment #8
Hello Paul,
Noted- received. The City will include this comment as part of the review of the Environmental Justice Element (EJE).

LRP-2026-0005 – ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT
Attachment No. 6
Senate Bill 18 Notification Letter and Responses Received CITY OF FULLERTON _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Community and Economic Development Department
MAY 5
TH, 2026
Juaneno Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation – Belardes Joyce Perry, Cultural Resource Director
Irvine, CA, 92603

Subject: Formal Notification for the City of Fullerton’s Environmental Justice Element, Pursuant to Senate Bill 18

Dear Cultural Resource Director Perry,
Pursuant to California Senate Bill (SB) 18, the City of Fullerton (the City) is providing you with formal notification of the General Plan’s Environmental Justice Element (Project), located in Fullerton, California. The proposed Project requires a General Plan amendment and is therefore subject to SB 18 (Government Code Section 65352.3). This letter serves as formal notification and an invitation to consult with the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the proposed Project.

Project Location: City of Fullerton (see attached Project Location Map).

Project Description: This project involves the preparation of the City of Fullerton’s first Environmental Justice (EJ) Element in compliance with Senate Bill 1000, integrating equity, public health, and environmental protection into the City’s General Plan. The work includes a comprehensive analysis of existing conditions using CalEnviroScreen 4.0, SB 535 disadvantaged community designations, CDC Social Vulnerability Index data, and local indicators to identify impacted communities. Extensive community engagement—through a citywide survey and in‑person pop‑up outreach—shaped priorities related to air and water quality, climate resilience, access to parks, transit, healthy food, safe housing, and civic participation. The EJ Element establishes data‑driven goals and policies that prioritize reducing environmental health disparities, improving access to public facilities and green infrastructure, strengthening climate resilience, and ensuring meaningful citizens participation by residents, while aligning with other elements of the City’s General Plan. The draft Plan is anticipated to be made public later this year.

Proposed Project Disturbances: Specific projects requiring ground disturbance are not anticipated at this time. All future discretionary projects that may be proposed under the Project would be subject to CEQA and project-level environmental reviews, as applicable.

Project Location Map: City of Fullerton, CA

LRP-2026-0005 – ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT
Attachment No. 7
City’s Webpage Dedicated to the
Open Space and Environmental Justice Elements