Nearby Mecca, California, exists the Desert View Power (DVP) plant on the lands of the Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians. DVP emitted toxic pollutants like mercury and nitrogen oxide (to name a few) for over 20 years causing massive air pollution in the eastern Coachella Valley. Listen to Leticia Castellano’s testimony as a resident from Mecca and member of CV United for a Better Environment.
CV United advocated and successfully pushed to shut down DVP. However the fight continues, advocates are demanding for the plant to be cleaned up and accountability for the health damage caused to nearby residents. To stay connected and support their efforts go to https://leadershipcounsel.org
This interview and story was created by youth journalists Ashley Vega and Danna Garcia from Coachella Unincorporated (CU). To learn more about air pollution in the eastern Coachella Valley read CU’s newly published zine Take a Breath for the Future. Share, comment, and like this story!