Before the Crematorium burns 3,600 bodies, the community deserves an updated health risk assesment. In selecting the site for the crematorium, there was disregard for the community, one that is comprised of mainly African Americans and Latinos. Find out how to help and join us in solidarity.
Oakland for the Living
In the census tract around the crematorium, we are 47% African American and 49% Latino
Why is it that this census tract falls into high percentiles for:
– asthma? (99th)
– toxic cleanups? (97th)
– and diesel? (92nd)
East Oakland is left in the hands of people who do not understand what our communities need for better living conditions. You are essential to Oakland and its vitality.
Stewart Enterprises who have merged with Service Corporation International (SCI) will introduce the largest crematorium on the West Coast, at 9850 Kitty Lane in Oakland, CA by the airport.
Residents of East Oakland were not included in the decision to bring in this crematorium that plans to burn 3,600 bodies.
The crematorium will be responsible for emitting toxic air pollutants that worsen asthma and are linked to cancer, including mercury, arsenic, and particulate matter. WE must speak for ourselves and demand life in our air!
Now, it is in the hands of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) to ensure that there be the best possible health risk assessment of the crematorium.
We need your help in demanding a health risk assessment with the existing form of air modeling used. Do not dump on low income people of color communities anymore!
We are asking that BAAQMD notifies the community if Stewart seeks a permit to operate, and that BAAQMD staff conducts a new review, not relying on its 2011 work, but instead using the most current, health-protective standards.
Please, send your letter to the local representative on the BAAQMD Board of Directors. We have left space for you to add in your own personal message.
For example, if you live in Alameda County, you can send your letter to one of the following:
Supervisor Nate Miley
Supervisor Scott Haggerty
Council member Rebecca Kaplan
Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter
Full list of BAAQMD Board of Directors can be found here.
For more information or request to present to your local community group, please contact: Ernesto | earevalo@cbecal.org or Esther | esther@cbecal.org
Together we can take down all the ways in which white supremacy affects our communities.