The construction of a massive warehouse near an elementary school in San Bernardino County has mobilized both activists and parents, who are upset over the potential health risk to their children. They’re concerned that the area around the school will become a trucking corridor, which could bring a lot of potentially harmful diesel emissions.
Activists, parents and area residents presented their case to the local school board Thursday, hoping to convince the board to draft a resolution against the warehouse project.
Take Two host A Martínez checked in with Ericka Flores, who attended the meeting as a community organizer. Flores, who works for the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice, was optimistic.
“We requested a resolution letter to go into a vote during the next Board of Education meeting,” said Flores, “so thankfully that got approved. Not the resolution letter, but for it to go into a vote during the next meeting.”
For Flores, this is only the beginning. She wants to see better zoning in the entirety of Inland Empire to prevent massive warehouses near schools.
"If you're going to rezone, bring us affordable housing. Bring us a grocery store. We want green spaces, we want a community center," Flores said. "We want things that are going to help our community thrive."
To hear the entire interview, click play on the blue media player above.