Neighbors Against Phibro-Tech

Fellow: Jordan Salcido | Category: Case Studies

Jordan Salcido describes themselves as “curious, thoughtful” and someone who enjoys community spaces. The CSS fellowship pushed them “to do things that I haven’t done before.”

Background on the Work

The fellow brought two initiatives: support for the LA County Youth Climate Commission and a campaign with Neighbors Against Phibro-Tech, a decades-long advocacy group addressing pollution from an industrial facility located 540 feet from homes and near schools.

The Phibro-Tech facility operates with minimal community awareness despite its proximity to residential areas. The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) oversees permitting but has “a long history of failing to protect community health.”

Fellowship Project

Using narrative strategy tools, the coalition:

• Built shared narratives around generational resilience
• Documented living experiences near the polluter
• Applied pressure on regulatory agencies
• Envisioned future possibilities

“The tools just really got us excited and engaged…it wasn’t even like we were using a formula or method it was so much more playful and relaxed.”

Campaign Focus

The group is at a critical moment with permit renewal pending. They’re collecting community “love letters” celebrating their neighborhood and organizing events like toxic car washes and comedy nights.

Story-Based Strategy Tools Used

• Cornerstones: Made “the campaign come to life”
• Points of Intervention: Outlined specific actions
• Fairytales: Created shared vision and imagery
• Battle of the Story: Challenged corporate narratives with community voices

Impact & Future Plans

• Youth-led air quality monitoring project
• Community events and online engagement
• Digital documentation and physical zines
• Ongoing coalition building across neighboring communities

Follow the campaign: @NeighborsAgainst and @CleanerGreenerWhittier on Instagram.