9:15am | The local public radio station KPCC held a fascinating discussion on the health issues facing children specifically in Long Beach last week, focusing on the Port of Long Beach and heavy freeway traffic. Radio host Pat Morrison led the discussion, which was held at Cesar Chavez Elementary in downtown Long Beach.

Click here to find the audio recording of the discussion, which features an impressive panel of speakers from the Long Beach Health Department, Port of Long Beach, Natural Resources Defense Council and more.

The topics on health ranged from obesity to pollution. It took a very Long Beach-centric turn with the discussions on air quality and the port. The industry has undoubtedly made impressive efforts to clean its production, but at the same time has experienced a massive trading boom that has increased traffic.

NRDC attorney Adrian Martinez, a participant in the discussion panel, posted an interesting blog after the discussion that outlines his suggestions for the Port of Long Beach to commit to cleaning. In short, “We cannot continue to expand using old technologies that continue to make children sick.”