Media Advisory

June 8, 2018

WHAT: According to the San Diego Regional Quality of Life Dashboard, air quality remains a critical challenge throughout the region. The report indicates that from 2016 to 2017, the number of unhealthy air days in San Diego County increased from 42 to 62, directly impacting the estimated 400,000 San Diegans who experience lung diseases, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition, the American Lung Association 2017 State of the Air report gave San Diego County an “F” for ozone pollution and a “D” for short-term levels of particle pollution.

The Malin Burnham Center for Civic Engagement at The San Diego Foundation is hosting Clearing the Air: Addressing the Health Impacts of Air Quality in San Diego, to increase dialogue about the effects of poor air quality on the region’s children, families and local economy. Although progress has been made, the event will address what still needs to be done at the community and policy levels to improve air quality throughout the region.

The event is open to the public, however space is limited. RSVP at SDFoundation.org/AirQuality.

WHO: The event will feature speeches and a panel discussion from local leaders and experts, as well as breakout conversations about what more can be done by San Diego’s public officials and organizations to improve regional air quality.

Speakers will include:

  • Hanna Green, Director of Policy, Center for Sustainable Energy
  • Atul Malhotra, MD, Chief of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, UC San Diego Health
  • Nicola Hedge, Director of Climate & Environment Programs, The San Diego Foundation
WHERE: La Mesa Community Center
4975 Memorial Dr.
La Mesa, CA 91942
WHEN: Friday, June 22 at 11:30am
WHY: The San Diego Foundation Center for Civic Engagement brings community together to learn and discuss social challenges and opportunities by facilitating dialogue and collaborative action to create a vibrant San Diego region. By hosting Clearing the Air and engaging in dialogue on air quality and community health, The Foundation is promoting understanding and championing civic engagement to advance quality of life.

About The San Diego Foundation

The San Diego Foundation maximizes the impact of your charitable giving. We mobilize philanthropic resources to advance quality of life, increase social impact and champion civic engagement. For more than 40 years, The Foundation and our donors have granted more than $1 billion to grow a vibrant San Diego region. Learn more on our website, and consider a donation to the Fund for the Future Endowment which supports San Diego community needs now and forever.

Contacts

Vince Heald, Beck Ellman Heald, 858-453-9600, vheald@behmedia.com
Justin Nunez, The San Diego Foundation, 619-235-2300, justin@sdfoundation.org