In August of 2010, Patricia Saenz learned about the Environmental Health Coalition (EHC) when her rental house in City Heights tested positive for lead.

    The non-profit organization headquartered inNational Cityhelped her begin the lead abatement through a program funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

    When EHC Lead Specialist Luz Palomino came to Saenz’ house for the initial testing, Saenz said she asked her about the link between lead and autism. Saenz’ daughter, Sofia, was diagnosed with autism from an early age. Her core deficit is speech delay.

    Saenz said that Palomino told her that based on her experience, about 50 percent of the houses that test positive for lead, have a child that presents developmental delays.

    “At that moment I knew I felt the call to do something,” Saenz said. “I needed to get the word out.”

   Sofiaturned 5 years old in October, and is attending mainstream Kindergarten. Although Saenz said she has no idea what caused Sofiato have autism, she knows that environmental factors are some of the triggers mentioned as a cause for the condition.

    “All of the sudden it wasn’t just her helping me fix the problem in my house, it was much more than that. It was the children in community being affected,” Saenz said. “I decided to get involved with EHC because of a dream of wanting a safe and healthy environment for my daughter to grow up in that turned into wanting that same dream for all children inSan Diego.”

    She remained in contact with Palomino, and this year Saenz is one of the recent graduates of SALTA (Salud Ambiental Lideres Tomando Accion), a 9-week course, held on one night of the week for 3 hours. Students comprised different teams from neighborhoods spanning from National City, Sherman Heights, Barrio Logan, Chula Vista, and City Heights.

   SALTAis a leadership empowerment program, according to Saenz.

    “We learned the history of EHC and the meaning of environmental and social justice; the right to live, work, and play, in a clean and safe environment,” she explained.

    “We learned how to organize ourselves as leaders for our communities and how to give public testimony on things we feel are important. We learned that our individual voice is important and even louder as family of like minded leaders.”

    A special graduation ceremony was held at the end of the course in which students celebrated with their families.

    Since her initial contact with EHC, Saenz said that not only her family’s health has improved because the asbestos were removed, but also that she has become a true member of her community.

    “I’ve begun to connect more with my neighbors and organizations in my community ofCityHeights. I’ve made an effort to volunteer and know what’s happening around me on a different level. 

    Saenz said that it was because of everything that she learned during the SALTA program that she decided to run in the elections for the Project Area Committee (PAC) for City Heightsin October. She was voted on to the committee and will begin her two-year term in January.

    Saenz’ leadership story is being used as an example of the positive impact the Environmental Health Coalition has in the community as part of its end-of-year fundraising campaign. The organization depends on donations to develop and maintain programs.

    Now that Saenz’ SALTA class is over, City Heights residents that took the class meet once a month to continue focusing on what they feel they would like to see changed in the neighborhood.

    “We invite anyone who would like to learn more about environmental justice to join us and hear their concerns and dreams for a healthier community,” she said.

    Saenz and her husband grew up in City Heights, going to church there, and attending the local schools. She said that since they are raising their daughter there it only makes sense to get involved and give back for the sake of the kids who live there.

    “It takes dedication and meaningful collaborative effort to create the healthy environment that I envision and EHC has already proven they know how to embrace those who share the vision,” Saenz said. “For over 30 years EHC has changed the lives of many by cleaning up toxic sites and educating the public. Their history holds stories of victory for people in theTijuanaandSan Diegoregion. EHC helps empower people, organize communities and achieve justice.”

    To learn more about the Environmental Health Coalition, or to make a donation, please visit www.environmentalhealth.org.