Fresno, California has a population of 520,000 as of 2016, making it the 5th largest city in California. It is approximately 220 miles northwest of Los Angeles, 170 miles south of the state capitol, Sacramento, and 185 miles south of San Francisco. The name Fresno means "ash tree" in Spanish, and an ash leaf is on the city's flag. It was founded by the Central Pacific Railroad Company in 1872. The city is split into 8 neighborhoods: Downtown, Sunnyside, Tower District, Huntington Boulevard, Van Ness Extension, West Side, Woodward Park, and Sierra Sky Park. Van Ness Extension is considered to be the most prestigious neighborhood in the city, and it has some of Fresno's fanciest homes and richest people, such as doctors, business owners, entrepreneurs, and stock traders.
Climate wise, Fresno is characterized as having a semi-arid climate. December and January are the coldest months, while July is the warmest month. The 2010 United States Census reported that Fresno had a population of 494,665. The racial makeup of Fresno was 49.6% White, 12.6% Asian, 8.3% African American, and 1.7% Native American. Fresno has three airports: Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Fresno Chandler Executive Airport, and Sierra Sky Park Airport. Fresno has three large public parks, two in the city limits and one to the southwest. Woodward Park features the Shinzen Japanese Gardens, numerous picnic areas and several miles of trails, is in North Fresno and is adjacent to the San Joaquin River Parkway.
Despite increasing clean air standards in many parts of the state, the air quality in Fresno is still really bad. This region is surrounded by mountain ranges which collects emissions and traps them in the valley. Fresno air quality is the some of the worst in the entire United States. Fresno County is also known for having the highest rate of childhood asthma in the US. Poor air quality can also trigger seasonal allergies and asthma attacks.
One source of Fresno's pollution comes from ozone, also known as smog. Ozone has led to ailments such as lung irritation. Fine particulate matter such as dust and smoke can easily go in and block the lungs. The ground level ozone is formed when oxides of nitrogen and VOC emissions from vehicles, agricultural operations and industries combine. This reaction is accompanied by heat and sunlight. This makes the valley an ideal region for ozone formation, especially during the summer. Next is carbon pollution from power plants and industries. And lastly is particulate matter such as smoke, soot, dust and other particles also contribute to air pollution.
One source of Fresno's pollution comes from ozone, also known as smog. Ozone has led to ailments such as lung irritation. Fine particulate matter such as dust and smoke can easily go in and block the lungs. The ground level ozone is formed when oxides of nitrogen and VOC emissions from vehicles, agricultural operations and industries combine. This reaction is accompanied by heat and sunlight. This makes the valley an ideal region for ozone formation, especially during the summer. Next is carbon pollution from power plants and industries. And lastly is particulate matter such as smoke, soot, dust and other particles also contribute to air pollution.
One way the city is dealing with pollution is by supporting the Clean Air Act, which requires the EPA and each state to take steps in cleaning up the air and protecting public health by reducing air pollution. Another way is residents can also help in reducing air pollution by stepping up and taking action in their communities for healthier air. They use less electricity by using energy-efficient appliances, drive less, and avoid burning trash or wood.