Located on unceded Kumeyaay territory, the Portside Community—including Barrio Logan, Logan Heights, Sherman Heights, and West National City—are among the oldest and most culturally rich neighborhoods in San Diego County. These neighborhoods are known for their strong community activism, vibrant traditions, and world-renowned art, including Chicano Park, a National Historic Landmark celebrated for its murals and its powerful message of resilience and cultural pride. West National City, with its deep Latino and Filipino heritage, is home to treasured community spaces such as Paradise Creek Educational Park and Pepper Park along the bay. Together, the Portside neighborhoods reflect generations of families, culture, and community spirit that have shaped the social and cultural heart of San Diego.  

Despite their cultural strength, the Portside Community's neighborhoods have long faced some of the highest levels of air pollution in the region. Surrounded by freeways, rail lines, port operations, industrial facilities, and heavy truck traffic, residents are exposed to multiple pollution sources each day. These conditions are the result of decades of inequitable land-use and transportation policies, which placed major industrial and transportation infrastructure next to homes, schools, and parks. Today, community-led efforts continue to focus on reducing pollution from vehicles, ships, cranes, and other waterfront sources, while protecting public health and ensuring that residents have a voice in decisions that affect their environment.