Structural Racism and Land Use and Policies in Pomona, CA

The Interstate Highway System had major impacts on the American landscape. Construction cleared large patches of land that demolished buildings and led to the leveling of mountains. The Interstates shaped decisions made by families and business alike. Roads lead to rethinking locations of neighborhood development, industry, and the transportation industry. This lead to urban decline and the growth of suburbia. In California Highways and Public Works magazine, State Assistant Highway Engineer R.C. Myers wrote in 1935 that the new route saved three miles from Pomona to Los Angeles over using Valley Boulevard, the main road at that time. He calculated the new highway, costing $2.12 million, would quickly pay for itself. I-10 was planned as early as 1955 and was one of the original interstate routes. California was quick to adopt the new route when The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 was passed. The interstate runs through cities that include San Bernardino and Ontario before reaching Lost Angeles County, continuing through Pomona, Covina, and El Monte before reaching the East Los Angeles Interchange. Pomona is served by two interstate freeways and three state route freeways.

Racial residential segregation may impact health through poor housing conditions, disparities in educational and employment opportunities, inadequate transportation infrastructure, access to healthcare, and economic instability. Where people live impacts their exposure to health-promoting resources and opportunities (i.e., access to quality food, recreation, healthcare, etc.) as well as exposure to health-damaging threats (i.e., environmental pollutants, poor housing quality, etc.). -  Not Even Past 

There is a higher prevalence of COVID-19 risk factors in historically “redlined” neighborhoods -NCRC

The long lasting consequences of disinvestment in communities can be seen in the built environment in tree cover, freeway location, infrastructure improvements and more. Historically, redlined communities experience increased heat exposure, more impervious surface, fewer trees, and lower air quality. In addition, recent research has shown these historically redlined communities have experienced higher rates of mortality due to COVID-19. 

Examining the neighborhood area descriptions from the redlining HOLC maps we are able to see the stark differences in the natural environment based on where you live.

City surveyors used environmental conditions heavily in their grading forms. In wealthy white neighborhoods graded A & B you see terms like "Wooded" and "Golf Club." In lower graded C and D neighborhoods we see terms like "Paved" and "Treeless." 80 years later we are still seeing these differences, which have led to greater health inequities.

Health equity is the absence of unfair, unavoidable or remediable differences among groups of people defined socially, economically, demographically, or geographically. -The World Health Organization

Health Equity is achieved when all people, regardless of race, sex, socio-economic status, geographic location, or other societal constructs have the same access, opportunity, and resources to achieve their highest health potential.

Health Inequities are reflected in differences in length of life, quality of life; rates of disease, disability, severity of disease, and access to treatment. Social determinates of health, which can influence health equity include: 

What does health equity mean to a Pomona resident?

As part of understanding what health equity means in Pomona, this map showcases some of the responses that residents have had to the following questions about what their neighborhood looks like and what health equity means to them:

1. How long have you lived in Pomona?
2. What does your surrounding neighborhood look like?
3. Do you think your community has sufficient access to opportunities and services to reach their highest health potential? For example, opportunities and services that aid in accessing and attaining quality housing, ideal educational programs, good jobs with benefits, quality health services, etc.
4. What do you feel are some of the largest barriers to health for you, your family, and/or neighborhood?

For more information regarding next steps and looking ahead, contact the City of Pomona Development Services: