Research related to Public Policy, Education or Social Issues
Los Angeles River Master Plan & Green Gentrification
Group Member(s): Laura Doyle
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Christine Jocoy | GEOG 464/564: Urban Geography: Sustainable Cities
The purpose of this project is to address how the Los Angeles River Master Plan addresses sustainability in regard to the potential housing displacement and housing affordability for communities who live along the Los Angeles River would be affected by this development. This is done by findings on “green gentrification”, reviews of the Los Angeles Master Plan’s section on housing affordability, and comparisons of community meetings’ feedback. This project investigates sustainability since the development of the Los Angeles River will directly affect the lower income communities along the river, both long term residents and future residents.
Environmental Racism in US Slaughterhouses
Group Member(s): Chelsea Velez
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Mary Caputi | POSC 401: Women in Political Theory
In my project, I argue that the negative impacts that slaughterhouses have on surrounding communities and on undocumented workers is a form of environmental racism. My project discusses the negative environmental impacts that slaughterhouses have on communities and the worker rights violations that happen in slaughterhouses.
LA River Master Plan-Green Gentrification Analysis
Group Member(s): Sarah De Santiago
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Christine Jocoy | GEOG 464/564: Urban Geography: Sustainable Cities
This is a research-based poster on the LA River master plan. It is investigated using a just sustainability framework outlined by Julian Agyeman. Community residents who live near the river have mixed opinions on how this environmental project will benefit or potentially negatively affect them. Public comments from community meetings were reviewed along with maps and previous research studies detailing the connection between greening projects and gentrification. Green space should be accessible for all people regardless of race, gender, or class, and the LA River master plan is a good case study to see how these measures are carried out.
Influencers of Urban Climate Change Policy: Long Beach
Group Member(s): Dani Zacky
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Christine Jocoy | GEOG 464/564: Urban Geography: Sustainable Cities
My research, “Influencers of Urban Climate Change Policy: Long Beach,” takes a look at sustainability and climate policies at the urban level. The research investigates how organizations, individuals, non-profit groups, and other entities influence how urban climate policies are created. Along with policy creation, the research also takes a look at the motivation by each of the players in their sustainability efforts. My research is being compared to an environmental policy analysis in Los Angeles in 1996, which showed that industry has heavy influence on how climate policies are created and regulated. The results of my findings show that industry and community players alike are striving toward urban sustainability, but their motivations vary.
A Guide to Electric Vehicles
Group Member(s): Andrew Escobar
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Mary Caputi | POSC 401: Women in Political Theory
My project will be an informative look into the history, present, and future of electric cars. I’ll go into the positive effects of getting one and the regulations/ goals state, federal, and foreign governments have discussed.
Policy Analysis of Open Streets Initiatives in Long Beach
Group Member(s): Kathy Azzam, Andrea Dondiego, Omar Escobar & Shelby Miller
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Christine Jocoy | GEOG 464/564: Urban Geography: Sustainable Cities
The Long Beach Open Streets Program provides businesses and restaurants with temporary areas which allow for physical-distancing. This initiative is also geared towards residential neighborhoods and the socio-economic benefits of non-vehicle transportation. This project examines the extent to which the Open Streets program can provide insight on alternative transportation and viable economic strategies for sustainability in Long Beach. The analysis found little support for Open Streets as an initiative to combat Climate Change, however, the program had economic incentives and benefits that would increase the viability of a similar sustainability measure in the future.
Comparative Climate Analysis in Oakland
Group Member(s): Ashley Guerrero, Aria Gittelson & Visal Uy
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Christine Jocoy | GEOG 464/564: Urban Geography: Sustainable Cities
The City of Oakland passed the progressive Oakland 2030 Equitable Climate Action Plan in 2020 by making equity central. Oakland aims to make climate change policies inclusionary. Our goal in this study was to find out who are the key policy influencers in Oakland and what they say about urban climate change. Using a qualitative data approach, we were able to map out the network of influencers who agreed and disagreed with the concepts of discourse. Our results showed that the policy influencers were not only policymakers, but also community leaders and activists. We conclude by making two recommendations to the City of Oakland to enhance their pursuit of just climate change policies.
Go Vegan, Save the Environment
Group Member(s): Madalyn Amato
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Mary Caputi | POSC 401: Women in Political Theory
The vegan diet is one that removes all animal by-products from your diet. It's been cited as healthier for people in the long run, but you know what else it's healthier for? The planet. This project looks at the impacts on water use, gas emissions and land use a vegan diet has on the planet. Whether it's going fully vegan or making small changes to your diet, it's clear that reducing the amount of animal and animal by-products you consume is better for the health of the planet.
Sustainability - A Plastic Ocean
Group Member(s): Iasha Soliman
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Mary Caputi | POSC 401: Women in Political Theory
A digitally created flyer based on the 2016 Netflix documentary "A Plastic Ocean." The flyer explains in detail the negative impact of plastic and why it is important to find alternatives for it. It gives information about how plastic affects the environment and wildlife, specifically marine life and the oceans. In addition to explaining the detrimental impact of plastic, the flyer also gives information on how to reduce plastic usage and change one's actions for the betterment of the planet.
Actor Networks and the Long Beach CAAP: Where Do Concepts Align?
Group Member(s): Cameron Mayer, Robert Evans
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Christine Jocoy | GEOG 464/564: Urban Geography: Sustainable Cities
This project explores climate policy implications and objectives as they relate to public discourse. Newspaper articles were analyzed and statements were coded to connect key concepts and actors based upon agreement or disagreement. The end result is a visualization from which alignment and disconnect between climate policy actors can be ascertained.
Norilsk, Russia: An Environmental Justice Case Study
Group Member(s): Megan Perrault
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Lily House-Peters | GEOG/ESP 450: Environmental Sustainability and Social Justice
In this case study, I explored Norilsk, Russia, one of the world's most polluted and isolated cities. A mining town built by prison slave-labor, Norilsk is situated within the Arctic Circle and is one of the coldest cities on earth. People there are subject to harsh working, environmental, climate, and health conditions leading to shorter lifespans, health problems, and isolation. Nickel and palladium mining are Norilsk's main industries which provide the livelihood for many of the city's inhabitants while also being the cause of their plight.
Making Long Beach a Breathable City
Group Member(s): Dann Angelo Amoyen, Millissa Tran, Cristal Castro, Claudia Itzel, Diego Lerma
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Lily House-Peters | GEOG/ESP 450: Environmental Sustainability and Social Justice
Our poster topic is on land use and urban planning. Specifically, we go into depth about the impacts of air pollution in Long Beach, a city that has one of the worst air pollution in the country. The pollution is the product from the two busiest ports in the country: the Port of LB and LA. Unfortunately, living around these ports and major freeways are low-income and minority communities, making them the most vulnerable to the negative effects of air pollution. We explain some of Long Beach’s urban planning programs and legislation that allow its residents to have cleaner air.
Thrifting
Group Member(s): Sarah Shin
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Mary Caputi | POSC 401: Women in Political Theory
I created a poster that shows the detriment to the environment that the fashion industry contributes and the benefits that thrifting has in an individual's pursuit to try and help the environment.
Seaspiracy (Netflix Documentary): Overhunting Fish
Group Member(s): Luis Nunez
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Mary Caputi | POSC 401: Women in Political Theory
I did a power point presentation that highlights and illustrates the over hunting and killing of sea creatures. In my power point I talked about the mass killing of dolphins and sharks. These mass extermination of sea creatures has put the ocean in great jeopardy and my project highlights that. I pointed out the effects of killing these sea creatures and barbaric they are. I also stated the influence that corporate industries have on fishing and the negative consequences for the demand for sea food.
California Wildfires
Group Member(s): Kathy Chavarria, Seth Hall, Arthella Vallarta, Holly Haile, Kevin West, Riley Symons
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Lily House-Peters | GEOG/ESP 450: Environmental Sustainability and Social Justice
This project highlights the changing views on wildfire management and the need for a California focused fire management reform, that addresses the issue through indigenous tribes, and their cultural practices of controlled burns that allow for healthier forest regrowth and uncontrollable wildfire prevention. This project aims to inform a broader audience of the benefits of prescribed burning and its importance to our cultural and physical landscape.
How is UAIZ Legislation Being Utilized in Long Beach?
Group Member(s): Holly Haile, Sean Simpson
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Christine Jocoy | GEOG 464/564: Urban Geography: Sustainable Cities
For this project we sought to understand the potential societal benefits of urban agriculture and how effective UAIZ (Urban Agricultural Incentive Zone) legislation has been within Long Beach, Ca in regard to realizing these benefits. To evaluate the potential benefits provided by green space we referenced academic research. For determining the program’s success in creating urban garden space we relied upon local news and government resources. Lastly, to assess distribution we cross referenced city maps, garden locations, and census data to make a visual analysis.
Wasted: United States | The Journey to Responsible Waste Management
Group Member(s): Michael Harmon
This sustainability focused research project documents changes to the United States' waste management systems since the first Earth Day in 1970. It includes a graph showing landfill, recycling, and composting rates, and a timeline of important events that have occurred.
Earth Day Lesson Plan: Recycling Our Waste
Group Member(s): Gwen Atizado, Ashley Dizon, Luis Hernandez, Devyn Yuhashi
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Christine Jocoy | GEOG 464/564: Urban Geography: Sustainable Cities
Our Earth Day Lesson Plan focuses on the ideas of sustainability through individual steps of reducing solid waste through recycling and reusing. We get our audience to think about their own personal contribution to the overall waste stream by filling out a table that suggests ways that the audience can reduce or recycle each waste item. We provide this table in hopes that these small suggested steps are feasible for anyone and will reduce their own personal waste while creating a positive consciousness about the items we use and dispose of in our everyday lives.
Earth Day Lesson Plan for Climate Change Adaptation
Group Member(s): Jose Cruz
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Christine Jocoy | GEOG 464/564: Urban Geography: Sustainable Cities
The idea of sustainability in my project relies on using climate change adaptation in the case of California wildfires. Using a hands-on approach in creating a lesson plan, I aim to educate students how to adapt, mitigate, and overcome wildfire season. I also plan to educate the students on climate change and the causes of it, especially within the state. The poster provides examples, exercises, and learning outcomes such as explain why it is important to adapt to fires, care for seedlings to survive, and clear fuel sources from forest floor (s). Overall the lesson plan’s goal is to educate.
Farmer's Market
Group Member(s): Ruby Gi
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Mary Caputi | POSC 401: Women in Political Theory
I did a 2-part series on how Farmer's Markets are sustainable and beneficial to the community. I first did a haul and then a short recipe video on how to use produce from Farmer's Markets to make snacks.
Dog Parks: A Tool for Communities
Group Member(s): Josue Antonio
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Christine Jocoy | GEOG 464/564: Urban Geography: Sustainable Cities
The world is becoming more urbanized, confining humans and their pets, dogs, into increasingly small spaces. Thus, it is important that cities reflect the needs of both. Research show that while dog spaces increase the well-being of humans it also increases the well-being of the dogs. Therefore, Dog Parks can help support Agyeman’s approach to create a more just and sustainable city space. That is, dog parks in Santa Ana, one of Orange County’s most populated cities can grant communities of color with park poor access, high level of poverty and health issues a more just access to dog spaces.
Evaluating Food Recovery Programs in Los Angeles
Group Member(s): Alex Almeida
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Christine Jocoy | GEOG 464/564: Urban Geography: Sustainable Cities
I investigate the current food waste themes in the LA area and evaluate the effectiveness of intervention programs that divert food from landfills. Specifically, I examine how the Los Angeles Food Policy Council's Food Waste's Reduction and Recovery working group applies methods of food recovery that focus in redirecting edible food waste to those in need. I compare this to the principles of just sustainability outlined by Professor Julian Agyeman in his book Introduction to Just Sustainabilities: Policy, Planning and Practice. The efforts are then given feedback that is solutions oriented.
Revitalizing the LA River: For Whom?
Group Member(s): Alan De Los Santos
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Christine Jocoy | GEOG 464/564: Urban Geography: Sustainable Cities
As the topic for major revitalization, the LA River Master Plan of 2020 raises equity concerns in regards to gentrification and displacement for the communities along the 51-mile river. This project attempts to illustrate the concerns expressed by community members by looking closely at their feedback and promotes solutions to create a more equitable creation of the proposed green open spaces.
San Francisco Slow Streets
Group Member(s): Jacob Ingram, Kathy Chavarria, Cheryl Gatch
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Christine Jocoy | GEOG 464/564: Urban Geography: Sustainable Cities
Our project examined San Francisco's implementation of a Slow Streets program as response to the public's need for open, public spaces through the Covid pandemic. Using Discourse Network Analysis to code more than three dozen newspaper articles across the March 2020 to March 2021, we locate the key players, organizations, and concepts at play and generate a network graphic to illustrate the phenomenon. Wide public support across San Francisco indicates a desire to make Slow Streets permanent.
Vegan Mexican Cuisine
Group Member(s): Sasha Flores
Professor Name & Course: Dr. Mary Caputi | POSC 401: Women in Political Theory
Hi! My name is Sasha Flores and I am a student at CSULB who also happens to be a vegan Latina. XI mention my ethnicity because I know how rare it is to find people of color that follow a vegan diet. Unfortunately, this is a product of racist and discriminatory laws and ideologies, hence, the strategically placed liquor stores and fast food restaurants in impoverished areas. Veganism is heavily tied to the Caucasian community because organic, nutrient dense foods are considered a privilege, but it doesn’t have to be this way. To prove that you don’t have to lose the experience of indulging in Mexican cuisine, I have created a series of the recipe videos to help you satisfy your craving for conchas, caldo de vegetal, and ceviche.
