
About us
The Climate Corps Initiative (TCCI) is proud to be the first environmental nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the vibrant communities of Sun Valley and broader Los Angeles county disadvantaged communities of color. Our organization was born directly from the heartfelt calls for help by Sun Valley residents, hardworking people who have endured the consequences of decades-long environmental neglect and systemic underinvestment.
As lifelong residents and committed local business owners, our founders have witnessed and personally experienced environmental injustice and the harsh reality of environmental racism that have shaped daily life in Sun Valley and surrounding communities. These lived experiences have provided us with a nuanced and deep understanding of the myriad environmental and health issues facing our community.
Our Programs and Initiatives
At The Climate Corps Initiative (TCCI), our programs are designed to address the unique environmental, health, and social challenges faced by disadvantaged communities of color in Los Angeles county, beginning with Sun Valley. We focus on targeted, transformative action driven by those who live in and deeply understand the neighborhoods we serve.
Focus Areas
- Housing & Homelessness
- Community Engagement & Leadership
- Youth programs
- Environmental Projects
- Education
- Health
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Special Initiatives
- Arts & Culture
- Civic Engagement
- Climate and Community Resilience
Newsroom
Sun Valley Pollution
A pile of crushed concrete, asphalt and other construction materials at an aggregate recycling facility towers over a fence in Sun Valley. The facility is …
Environmental Injustice and Mismanagement of Trust Funds
ENVIRONMENTAL MOTION – This is another article about broken promises. A great man once said “If you want to be a success in the world, …
Sun Valley: A Community Neglected, Promises Broken, and the Elusive Rory Shaw Park Project
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY – Los Angeles has some of the lowest income and highest need areas in the country resulting from years of structural and …
State Sen. Menjivar Introduces Legislation to Hold Aggregate Facilities Accountable
A man passes by AMH Recycling, the largest aggregate recycling center in the San Fernando Valley, Feb. 24. (SFVS/el Sol Photo/Semantha Raquel Norris) For years, …
Zoning Chaos in Sun Valley: Outdated Codes Turn Neighbors into Nuisances
FLAWED ZONING – An outdated and inconsistent zoning code is a fundamental flaw of land use planning in Los Angeles. Some of the city’s Community …
Funding Fiasco: The Elusive Finances Behind Sun Valley’s Rory Shaw Project
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY – Before we delve into complex and somewhat ambiguous muddle of funding of Rory Shaw project, for those of you who don’t …
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At TCCI, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are foundational to our mission and vision. We recognize that environmental challenges disproportionately impact communities of color and low-income neighborhoods like Sun Valley. Therefore, we are committed to centering the voices, experiences, and leadership of those most affected by environmental injustice. We embrace diversity in all its forms: race, ethnicity, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and more, understanding that a variety of perspectives strengthens our work and enriches our community. Equity guides our approach as we actively work to dismantle systemic barriers that have historically marginalized residents and limited access to environmental resources and decision-making power. Inclusion means creating a welcoming, respectful, and accessible environment where all community members feel valued and empowered to participate fully. We strive to ensure that our programs, governance, and partnerships reflect the rich diversity of Sun Valley and promote fairness in opportunities and outcomes. Through ongoing learning and reflection, TCCI commits to fostering a culture of belonging and justice. We believe that only by embracing DEI can we achieve lasting environmental justice and build a healthier, more resilient community for everyone.