Standing Up for the San Joaquin River

Standing Up for the San Joaquin River: Fresno BHC Youth Lead the Fight Against the CEMEX Quarry Expansion

This fall, Fresno Building Healthy Communities (Fresno BHC) and our Youth Internship Program are taking a firm stand against the proposed CEMEX Rockfield Quarry Expansion, a plan that would allow blast mining just steps away from the San Joaquin River. The project was proposed by CEMEX, a multinational cement manufacturer based in Mexico, and calls for a 600-foot-deep pit to be blasted into the river bottom using dynamite.

The environmental consequences could be devastating, not only for the river ecosystem but also for the surrounding communities that depend on clean water, air, and open space.

A Century of Destruction

For decades, Fresno residents (particularly South Fresno residents) have borne the brunt of industrial expansion, air pollution, and inequitable development. Many families live near warehouses, factories, or freeways, areas often referred to as “sacrifice zones” because the health and safety of the residents are treated as expendable in the drive for economic growth.

Now, this proposed blast site threatens to make things much, much worse. The San Joaquin River is a living ecosystem, a cultural landmark, and a vital resource for our region. Blasting into it risks harming groundwater, disturbing wildlife habitats, and threatens homes and infrastructure in nearby neighborhoods.

If approved, the proposed blasting site will operate, non-stop, for the next 100 years.

Everything is connected. The river, the air, the land, and the people. You can’t destroy one and expect the others to stay healthy.

Fresno BHC youth leader guiding community members along the San Joaquin River to oppose the CEMEX Quarry Expansion
Fresno BHC youth leader guiding community members along the San Joaquin River to oppose the CEMEX Quarry Expansion
Fresno family taking a selfie by the San Joaquin River during Fresno BHC’s #River4All environmental education event
Fresno family taking a selfie by the San Joaquin River during Fresno BHC’s #River4All environmental education event
Fresno BHC staff and volunteers in #River4All shirts supporting environmental education along the San Joaquin River
Fresno BHC staff and volunteers in #River4All shirts supporting environmental education along the San Joaquin River
Fresno BHC youth walking a river trail during an environmental education event near the San Joaquin River
Fresno BHC youth walking a river trail during an environmental education event near the San Joaquin River
Youth interns from Fresno Building Healthy Communities discussing environmental justice and the CEMEX Quarry project
Youth interns from Fresno Building Healthy Communities discussing environmental justice and the CEMEX Quarry project
Fresno BHC youth and community members observing the San Joaquin River landscape during the CEMEX Quarry Expansion awareness walk
Fresno BHC youth and community members observing the San Joaquin River landscape during the CEMEX Quarry Expansion awareness walk
Fresno BHC student participant drawing posters for the campaign against the CEMEX Quarry Expansion in Fresno
Fresno BHC student participant drawing posters for the campaign against the CEMEX Quarry Expansion in Fresno
Fresno BHC youth giving an interview by the San Joaquin River wearing a #River4All shirt during the CEMEX Quarry advocacy effort
Fresno BHC youth giving an interview by the San Joaquin River wearing a #River4All shirt during the CEMEX Quarry advocacy effort
Fresno BHC youth advocate being filmed during an interview at the San Joaquin River for the CEMEX Quarry Expansion awareness campaign
Fresno BHC youth advocate being filmed during an interview at the San Joaquin River for the CEMEX Quarry Expansion awareness campaign
Fresno BHC youth volunteer working with a cameraman to prepare recording equipment for a River4All interview about the CEMEX Quarry project
Fresno BHC youth volunteer working with a cameraman to prepare recording equipment for a River4All interview about the CEMEX Quarry project
Fresno community members and youth gathering near the San Joaquin River for a Fresno BHC environmental justice event
Fresno community members and youth gathering near the San Joaquin River for a Fresno BHC environmental justice event
Fresno BHC youth and mentors walking together along the San Joaquin River trail during an environmental justice field activity
Fresno BHC youth and mentors walking together along the San Joaquin River trail during an environmental justice field activity
Fresno BHC youth and residents walking together along the San Joaquin River trail to promote environmental justice and oppose the CEMEX Quarry Expansion
Fresno BHC youth and residents walking together along the San Joaquin River trail to promote environmental justice and oppose the CEMEX Quarry Expansion

Youth in Action

Our youth interns have been researching the issue, analyzing environmental data, and learning about CEQA – the California Environmental Quality Act, which requires environmental review for projects like the Quarry Expansion.

They’re also preparing to lead community outreach across Fresno, in partnership with EnviroVoters and other advocacy groups. Together, they will host small town halls and listening sessions so residents can understand what’s at stake and how they can make their voices heard.

This kind of hands-on activism is exactly what Fresno BHC was created for. Building powerful, informed community leadership that can influence decisions at the city, county, and state level.

When young people get involved, they change the energy of the conversation. They ask questions adults might forget to ask. The questions about who benefits, who gets left behind, and what kind of future we’re really building. When it comes to the future of the San Joaquin River, we need their help if we’re truly going to have a #River4All.

The Legislative Fight

Earlier this year, Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula introduced a bill designed to stop CEMEX from blasting the river bottom. Although the bill did not advance out of the committee, it succeeded in drawing public attention to the issue. Thanks to his leadership, and the tireless work of community advocates, the project is now coming under scrutiny.

The Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which is still being finalized, will determine whether CEMEX’s proposal meets California’s environmental standards. Once it has been released, we will help residents understand what’s in it and how to respond effectively.

Transparency is key. We believe every resident deserves to know how projects like this affect their health, their neighborhoods, and their future.

Building Environmental Justice Through Education

The fight against the CEMEX expansion is not simply about stopping a harmful project. It’s also about building long-term environmental stewardship and civic power in Fresno.

Our interns are learning how policy, advocacy, and community organizing intersect. They’re discovering how laws like CEQA work, how to interpret environmental data, and how to speak confidently in public forums. In doing so, they’re preparing to become the next generation of leaders who will protect our land, air, and water.

This is environmental justice in action.

As we await the finalized EIR, we are joining with our community partners to mobilize residents, keeping them informed and active in this fight. In the coming months, we will host a series of community education sessions to break down the report and identify opportunities for public comment.

We’ll also continue to highlight youth voices and stories, showcasing their passion for environmental protection and their vision for a healthier Fresno.

CEMEX may have deep pockets and powerful interests on its side, but our community has the purpose and unity to make a difference, now and for the next generation.

How You Can Help

If you care about the future of Fresno County and the health of our San Joaquin River, join us.

  • Stay informed – follow Fresno BHC on social media for news and updates.
  • Show up – attend a town hall or public meeting when the EIR is released.
  • Speak out – write to local leaders and demand full accountability and transparency with this project.
  • Support youth leadership – donate to Fresno BHC’s youth programs at fresnobhc.org/donate

Together, we can make sure the San Joaquin River, and every community it touches, remains a vital source of life and recreation for years to come.

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