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