We’re monitoring air quality in the Carquinez Strait communities (Rodeo, Crockett, & Vallejo) by installing wind sensors and PurpleAir monitors!

Would you be interested in having an air monitor installed on your property? Email us at rodeocitizens@gmail.com.

Sign-up to stay informed on Community Forums starting early 2026! https://forms.gle/ckV3z3q38JoPzzveA

Project Overview

The community wind and air sensor project is building a neighborhood-scale network to track real-time wind patterns and particulate pollution across the Carquinez Strait. Using small, low-cost sensors and a high-elevation Local Radio Wide-Area Network (LoRaWAN) hub, the system creates continuous, high-resolution data that helps residents understand local air quality conditions. Sensors measure wind speed, wind direction, and airborne particles, sending data to a shared internet cloud platform for mapping and analysis. The project is a collaboration between Hyphae Design Lab, Rodeo Citizens Association (RCA), Vallejo Citizens Air Monitoring Network (CAMN), and Contra Costa Resource Conservation District, funded by the California Air Resources Board’s Community Air Grant. By participating, community members directly support transparent, community-driven environmental science.

FAQ

1. Interested in hosting a Community Air Sensor?

A quick checklist to see if your home or property is a good fit

• A spot with good airflow, about 5–7 feet high (fence, pole, railing, shed, etc.)
• Nearby access to an outdoor electrical outlet
• Reliable WiFi within range of the sensor
• Willingness to stay in touch with RCA/CAMN staff and allow occasional site access for calibration or maintenance (usually 1–2 brief visits per year)
• An existing PurpleAir monitor (optional, but a great bonus)

2. Where will the sensors go?

We need to place sensors in specific spots to get the full picture. We’re looking at three main types of locations across Rodeo, Crockett, Vallejo, and Hercules:

• High Points for “Hubs”: We need 1-2 high locations (like hilltops or tall buildings) to act as central receivers for data. Examples: Crockett Hills Regional Park, Suribachi Hill
• Wind Sensor Lines: We’ll create two main “listening lines” of wind and pollution sensors. One line will follow the common wind path from the refinery toward Crockett and Vallejo. Another will cut across neighborhoods. These need clear, unobstructed spots in Rodeo, Crockett, & Vallejo.
• PurpleAir Sensors: We’ll place smaller air quality monitors at key community spots across Rodeo, Crockett & Vallejo—especially places you’ve told us have concerns.

3. What will the sensor look like?

Example of a wind sensor mounted on a street pole

4. What does hosting involve?

• A small, lightweight sensor mounted on your property
• Very low impact: no construction, no permanent changes
• Quick installation by our team
• You help your community understand local air quality and wind patterns

5. If you think you might have a good spot…

Please email rodeocitizens@gmail.com!

6. If hosting doesn’t work for me, how else can I get involved?

Note: Anyone is welcome to join these, whether or not you will have a sensor installed in your property!

• Attend our Community Forums: Gain knowledge on local air quality and stay informed on the health of your community. Community Forums will begin in early 2026, please fill out this form to sign up for reminders: https://forms.gle/mnuZZFRLmyVw6XREA
• Be a Community Scientist: Help choose where to put sensors, join installation workdays, or learn to check the data dashboard. We’ll have fun field trips and workdays!
• Spread the Word: Talk to your neighbors, landlords, or local business owners. Do you know someone with a great rooftop in Rodeo & Crockett or a good pole in Vallejo? Connect us! Email us at rodeocitizens@gmail.com.