Our mission is to create a more sustainable, equitable, and livable San Gabriel Valley. We focus on community engagement, direct services, advocacy, and project development to advance public health and environmental justice.
Our service area is the San Gabriel Valley, specifically focusing on the most impacted communities.
The SGV is an inland region bisected by several of the busiest highways in the United States, including the 10, 60, 605 and 210 freeways, which carry substantial traffic from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Exposed to heavy truck traffic and hemmed in by the San Gabriel Mountains, residents have long suffered from some of the worst air quality and hottest weather in Los Angeles County After decades of steady improvements, air quality in the SGV has declined over the past ten years, with climate change further exacerbating existing air pollution.
The impacts of climate change are also now being felt through extreme heat. Currently, the San Gabriel Valley averages 32 days per year where daytime temperatures exceed 95°F. According to UCLA researchers, this number is expected to skyrocket to an average of 74 days per year by 2050, and an average of 117 days annually by 2100. A hotter future with less rain will make cleaning our air even more difficult; while many who live here are already among the most vulnerable to climate impacts.
The City of South El Monte, along with the Council for Watershed Health, Active San Gabriel Valley, Climate Resolve, Tetra Tech, and Alta Planning, have collaborated on the Merced Avenue Greenway Project. This initiative is designed to enhance public health and beautify the neighborhood through a multiple-benefit approach. The project demonstrates how street design can help combat rising temperatures, increase safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, and improve local water quality. It serves as a neighborhood-scale model showcasing watershed-based design that integrates efforts across the region to manage floods, enhance water quality, and restore habitats.
We’ve completed construction on the South End and have completed 100% design on the North end of the project. Unfortunately the Trump Administration terminated our Community Change Grant Award ($20.5m) that included $3 million towards completion of the north end. We’re currently pursuing Prop 4 funding and other funding sources to bridge the funding gap.
Enhanced Habitat and Green Spaces
Over 30,000 square feet of impermeable asphalt have been removed and replaced with native plants, trees, and pollinator-friendly gardens, creating valuable habitat and green spaces for wildlife and enhancing the overall biodiversity
Improved Flood Protection
Strategically placed planters with a capacity to hold up to 650,000 gallons of stormwater, combined with 10,000 square feet of new porous pavement capable of absorbing an additional 108,000 gallons, to improve flood protection and mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall
Reduced Heat Island Effects
A diverse array of plants and trees will provide natural shade and evapotranspiration, creating a cooling effect and reducing the urban heat island effect, leading to a more comfortable and energy-efficient environment.
Protected Pedestrian Walkways and Cyclist Paths
Dedicated and protected pedestrian walkways and cyclist paths, separated from vehicular traffic, for comfort and safety of pedestrians and cyclists, promoting active transportation and a healthier community.
Increased Water Quality & Supply
The greenway acts as a natural biofiltration system, capturing and cleansing over 3.3 million gallons of stormwater runoff during an average rain season, while also contributing to the replenishment of groundwater supplies.
“For me, this project isn’t just a development — it’s a dream come true. It’s about building a better quality of life for all of us.” – Juan Nuñez, Merced Avenue resident
We’re currently seeking to bridge a $3m project funding loss for the completion of the Merced Ave Greenway Project due to the current administration’s attack on environmental justice initiatives. Donations to ActiveSGV support our development work, which includes identifying funding opportunities, developing and submitting proposals.