Author Archives: California Safe Schools

California Safe Schools Marks 27 Years of Transformative Environmental Advocacy

Championing landmark reforms that have pioneered changes in California's environmental health landscape

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Oct. 16, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Since its founding in 1998, California Safe Schools (CSS) has been at the forefront of protecting children, educators, and communities from toxic exposures. Through tireless advocacy, innovative policies, and community engagement, CSS has led groundbreaking efforts to promote safer school environments, advance environmental justice, and ensure transparency in environmental health. Today, after 27 years of dedicated work, CSS continues to inspire change locally, statewide, and internationally—empowering youth and communities to build a healthier, safer future for all.

Image caption: California Safe Schools.

On October 13, 2025, CSS hosted its 27th Annual “Your Life Is Now” Environmental Forum at The California Endowment in historic downtown Los Angeles.

Leticia Ordaz, Emmy Award-winning news anchor, author, and publisher of Cielito Lindo Books, opened the event by honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day and acknowledging the ancestral lands of the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation. Over 250 attendees — including regulators, educators, students, elected officials, and advocates — gathered to promote a healthier, more just future.

CSS Founder Robina Suwol introduced Keynote Speaker David Loy, Legal Director of the First Amendment Coalition, who delivered a powerful address highlighting the vital roles of civic engagement and environmental transparency. His remarks were followed by a heartfelt awards ceremony honoring outstanding leaders and youth change makers.

“Each year, we are reminded that protecting our children’s health and environment requires courage, compassion, and collaboration. The recipients of the California Safe Schools Awards exemplify these values — through bold leadership, imagination, and long-standing commitment, they turn vision into action and bring transformative change to environmental health and justice. Together, they help ensure a safer, more just world for future generations,” said Robina Suwol, Founder & Executive Director, California Safe Schools.

This year’s distinguished honorees include:

VISIONARY AWARDS

David Loy
Legal Director, First Amendment Coalition
Keynote Speaker & Visionary Honoree
For over 25 years, David Loy has been a tireless defender of free speech, a free press, and the public’s right to know.
Angela Johnson Meszaros
Attorney, Earthjustice
With more than 30 years of legal advocacy, Angela has worked throughout the Los Angeles region to combat the health and environmental harms caused by fossil fuels and hazardous waste.
Mamie Funahashi
CFO & Vice President of Executive Partnerships, Community Initiatives
With 25 years in finance and two decades of nonprofit leadership, Mamie has empowered organizations to grow with integrity and community impact.
Carolyn Fowler
Government Relations Advisor for Sherlett Newbill, Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member, Carolyn is deeply engaged in civic life and local advocacy, providing trusted guidance and a strong voice for her community.
Dan Wright
Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Crimes Division
Dan has demonstrated unwavering dedication to justice and public safety through his work investigating and prosecuting environmental and community crimes.
Maryhelen Torres
Administrator of Operations, Los Angeles Unified School District
With 42 years of service, Maryhelen has devoted her career to improving the lives of students and families across Los Angeles.

IMPACT AWARD

Presented to Enrique Baeza, Chief Investigator, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), in recognition of his 25 years of dedicated service and outstanding leadership in environmental protection and community health.

YOUTH HERO HONOREES

CSS proudly recognized the following exceptional young leaders:

Jacob L. Conner
Junior, Dorsey High School
Jacob aspires to pursue a career in law and is already demonstrating leadership and a strong commitment to justice.
Madison Simmons
10-Year-Old Entrepreneur & Founder, Curating Our Legacy
What began as a school project has evolved into a movement. Madison’s mission is bold yet simple: to help girls embrace their uniqueness and lead with confidence. Through her platform, she’s igniting a “Rarevolution” — empowering girls everywhere to declare: “I’m different. Unique. Me!”
Maxton Baeza
Author of “The Carousel King and the Space Mission”
Maxton promotes literacy in underserved communities by spending his free time reading at events with his family. He was honored with four finalist nominations and one honorable mention at the International Latino Book Awards.
Bronx Baeza
11-Year-Old Author of “Super Peanut: Big Bully”
Bronx’s book, which addresses bullying and self-empowerment, was awarded Best Educational Picture Book of 2024 at the International Latino Book Awards.

ENVIRONMENTAL PANELS

Morning Panel: Environmental Enforcement

Moderated by Jessica Brown, Attorney, Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office – Public Rights Branch

Panelists:

Todd Sax, Senior Enforcement Advisor, CalEPA
Maria Hall, Civil Rights Attorney & Director, LA Incubator Consortium
Jane Williams, Executive Director, California Communities Against Toxics
Dan Wright, Assistant Head Deputy, LA County District Attorney’s Environmental Crimes Division

Afternoon Panel:

Moderated by Sandra Schubert, Executive Director, Tuleyome

Panelists:

Angela Johnson Meszaros, Senior Attorney, Earthjustice – Community Partnerships Program
Cynthia Babich, Founder & Director, Del Amo Action Committee
Martin Schlageter, Special Assistant to the GM, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Enrique Baeza, Chief Investigator, Department of Toxic Substances Control

“Participating in the ‘Your Life Is Now’ event has truly inspired my Leadership and Environmental Science students. They returned more energized and committed than ever to pursuing their college and career pathways rooted in principled community engagement and meaningful action,” said Joseph Ehrlichmann, Teacher, Larchmont Charter School.

“The ‘Your Life Is Now’ Environmental Forum was a day of action, awareness, and empowerment. From exceptional speakers and engaging panels to the outstanding honorees, every moment reflected a deep commitment to protecting our environment and future generations,” added Adrienne Quarry, Forum Attendee.

EVENT SPONSORS

California Safe Schools gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the following sponsors whose partnership made the 27th Annual Your Life Is Now Environmental Forum possible:

California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
California Air Resources Board (CARB)
South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD)
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath
Earthjustice
Galpin Ford
City Councilmember Nithya Raman
Community Initiatives

ABOUT CALIFORNIA SAFE SCHOOLS (CSS)

Founded in 1998, California Safe Schools is a nonprofit organization committed to protecting children’s health and the environment. The organization promotes safer school environments, advances environmental justice, and works to eliminate toxic exposures in schools and communities. CSS’s groundbreaking policies and advocacy efforts have led to both statewide and national reforms, protecting millions.

For more information, visit: http://www.calisafe.org/

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MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Robina Suwol
Founder and Executive Director
California Safe Schools
818.785.5515 office
Email: calisafe @ earthlink.net

NEWS SOURCE: California Safe Schools

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California Parents, Guardians, and Teachers: Opt-In for School Pesticide Notifications

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Aug. 18, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — California Safe Schools, a nonprofit dedicated to children’s environmental health and safety, reminds parents, guardians, teachers and school staff at all California K-12 public schools and child care centers to file the Right to Know Pesticide Use Notification form at the start of the school year. This form is mandated under California legislation, The Healthy Schools Act.

Image caption: California Safe Schools.

Filing this form with your school office ensures you receive advance notification of any pesticide applications in or around the school site. It is a critical safeguard and part of each school’s commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment.

Under The Healthy Schools Act, a “schoolsite” is defined as:

Any facility used for public day care, kindergarten, elementary, or secondary school purposes. The term includes the buildings or structures, playgrounds, athletic fields, school vehicles, or any other area of school property visited or used by pupils. “Schoolsite” does not include postsecondary educational facilities attended by secondary pupils or private day care or school facilities.

The Right to Know Notification requires schools to provide at least 72 hours’ advance notice before any pesticide application on a campus.

Emergency Applications: In rare cases when pesticides must be used immediately to address a health or safety emergency, schools may apply them without the standard 72-hour advance notice. However, The Healthy Schools Act requires that the school district designee make every effort to provide the required notification even under emergency conditions.

Filing the Right to Know Pesticide Use Notification with your school’s Main Office ensures you will receive alerts before applications occur. This allows parents, guardians or teachers to make informed decisions on application days. Importantly, notification can be requested for any reason, not solely for known health concerns.

HISTORY

The Right to Know Pesticide Use Notification program began with the Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) groundbreaking Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy in 1999. This policy embraces the Precautionary Principle – the idea that if an action or policy has a suspected risk of causing harm to the public or environment, precautionary measures should be taken even without conclusive scientific evidence. As part of this approach, LAUSD has not used Roundup for more than 20 years, setting an important precedent in protecting children’s health. The success of the LAUSD IPM policy led directly to the passage of The California Healthy Schools Act of 2000.

The “Right to Know” notifications are a critical tool that ensures parents, guardians, teachers and staff remain informed, connected, and empowered within their school community. For more information about pesticide application policies at your school, visit your school’s website or contact the school or school district directly” said Robina Suwol, founder and executive director of California Safe Schools.

Learn More:

California Healthy Schools Act: Every Child Deserves a Healthy Schoolsite (PDF: https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/hsa_factsheet.pdf

California Healthy Schools Act (full text) (PDF): http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/99-00/bill/asm/ab_2251-2300/ab_2260_bill_20000927_chaptered.pdf

Los Angeles Unified IPM Policy (PDF): https://www.lausd.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=76990&dataid=127605&FileName=IPM_Policy.pdf

California Safe Schools – https://www.calisafe.org/

California Department of Pesticide Regulation – https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/

About California Safe Schools:

California Safe Schools (CSS) is dedicated to protecting the health and safety of students, teachers, and school staff through education, advocacy, and policy initiatives that promote safe learning environments across California. CSS spearheaded the effort to create the Los Angeles Unified School District’s celebrated Integrated Pest Management Policy in 1999 that led to California Legislation: The Healthy Schools Act. https://www.calisafe.org/.

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Robina Suwol
Executive Director, California Safe Schools
Phone: 818-785-5515
Email: calisafe@earthlink.net

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NEWS SOURCE: California Safe Schools

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California Safe Schools – A Global Voice for Environmental Health Honors Youth Heroes

LOS ANGELES, Calif., June 17, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — For more than 27 years, California Safe Schools (CSS) has been a leading advocate for environmental health, dedicated to upholding the highest standards for clean air, water, and soil, and advancing the fundamental right to a safe and healthy environment. Founded by Robina Suwol, a bold and visionary leader in the field, CSS is rooted in the principles of the Precautionary Principle and the public’s Right to Know—ensuring that transparency, accountability, and prevention are central to environmental decision-making. The organization has played a pivotal role in shaping policies that safeguard schoolchildren, educators, families, and communities from toxic exposures.

Image caption: California Safe Schools.

From its roots in Los Angeles to its growing influence, CSS has become a global voice for environmental health—helping to shape policies and inspire environmental movements across the world.

In 1998, CSS led the creation of the most protective school pesticide policy in the nation, in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District—the second-largest school district in the United States. This landmark policy, prioritizing “no harm” long-term pest management, public disclosure, and stakeholder participation, set a successful precedent that has become a national and international model for creating safe learning environments.

“California Safe Schools remains a leader in community-driven environmental reform, advancing science-based policies, accountability, and a strong public voice for a healthier, more just future,” said Rhonda Jessum, Founder and Director of Our Right to Know.

Today, CSS continues to help communities address environmental threats with practical, forward-looking solutions, working alongside long-time community leaders, regulatory and enforcement agencies, policymakers, and a new generation of youth leaders. Its reach now extends far beyond California, inspiring policies and programs throughout the country and worldwide.

“To further demonstrate California Safe Schools’ commitment to children’s health, CSS partnered with the Department of Toxic Substances Control to launch the statewide Toxic Crusaders Program,” said Mui Koltunov, Ph.D., Research Scientist at DTSC and Director of the program. “This initiative educates students about environmental contaminants and empowers them to develop real-world solutions.”

Robina Suwol, Founder and Executive Director of CSS, emphasized the organization’s enduring mission. “Safeguarding the health of students, educators, and communities is not merely an aspiration—it is a moral imperative. At California Safe Schools, we are proud to empower the next generation of leaders—young people who are transforming awareness into action and working to build a safer, healthier world for all, both within our schools and throughout the communities they serve.”

YOUTH HONOREES – 2025 CSS ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HEROES

Cassandra Sam

Cassandra graduated with honors as Salutatorian and served as Associated Student Body Vice President at Bassett High School. Her involvement with the Toxic Crusaders program began in 2018, sparking a strong interest in environmental health. That experience led to an internship with the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and, most recently, a volunteer assistant role with the 2024 Toxic Crusaders program. “These experiences broadened my horizons through diverse environments and opportunities,” she shared. This fall, Cassandra will attend the University of California, Irvine, where she plans to major in Biology. Inspired by her work with Toxic Crusaders, she hopes to pursue a career in the healthcare field.

Alexander Thai

Alexander will begin his senior year at Rosemead High School this fall, bringing with him a deep commitment to public and environmental health. His participation in the Toxic Crusaders Program sparked a strong interest in protecting communities from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals and inspired him to learn more about the intersection of science, health, and environmental justice. Through this experience, Alexander developed a passion for advocacy and a desire to make a lasting difference. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a career in the medical field, where he hopes to combine his scientific interests with his dedication to creating healthier, safer communities for all.

Jean Kim

Jean, a junior at Valencia High School, is a dedicated student enrolled in the school’s prestigious Medical Science Academy, where she explores her passion for health and science. She has actively participated in the Toxic Crusaders Program for four years and recently completed an internship with the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), where she gained valuable insight into environmental health and regulatory work. Motivated by her experiences, she is eager to deepen her understanding of environmental issues and play an active role in advancing meaningful solutions to protect both people and the planet.

Learn more online at: https://www.calisafe.org/.

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California Safe Schools Honors 2025 Earth Day Heroes and Celebrates its 27th Anniversary

Since its founding, CSS has remained steadfast in its mission to safeguard students, teachers, staff, and surrounding neighborhoods from exposure to toxic chemicals and environmental harm

LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 21, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In celebration of Earth Day 2025, California Safe Schools (CSS) is proud to recognize eight remarkable individuals whose unwavering dedication to protecting human health, inspiring youth leadership, and safeguarding the environment exemplifies the true spirit of environmental stewardship.

Image caption: California Safe Schools (CSS).

“This year’s honorees embody the power of commitment, compassion, and community action,” said Robina Suwol, Founder and Executive Director of California Safe Schools. “Their leadership and tireless work are shaping a healthier future for all of us — and we’re honored to celebrate their achievements.”

This Spring also marks the 27th anniversary of California Safe Schools (CSS), a pioneering force in children’s environmental health. Since its founding, CSS has remained steadfast in its mission to safeguard students, teachers, staff, and surrounding neighborhoods from exposure to toxic chemicals and environmental harm. CSS continues to work closely with frontline communities and regulatory agencies to address critical threats to clean air, safe water, and healthy soil.

“On this Earth Day and 27th anniversary of the California Safe Schools, I applaud the organization for their continued commitment to empowering our youth and communities. Their dedication continues to play a vital role in ensuring we all uplift environmental justice,” said Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and Supervisor to the First District, Hilda L. Solis.

CSS first earned national recognition for leading the development and adoption of the Los Angeles Unified School District’s groundbreaking Integrated Pest Management Policy — the most stringent pesticide safety policy for K-12 schools in the United States. The Integrated Pest Management Policy was the first to formally adopt both the “Precautionary Principle” and “Right to Know,” setting a gold standard for transparency and public health protections. This landmark achievement not only influenced California’s Healthy Schools Act but also helped guide school districts nationwide to develop their own Integrated Pest Management policies. Today, Los Angeles Unified School District’s policy remains a model for communities worldwide striving to protect children and vulnerable populations from harmful chemical exposure.

CALIFORNIA SAFE SCHOOLS PROUDLY HONORS THE FOLLOWING 2025 EARTH DAY HEROES:

LESLIE MENJIVAR, President, Los Angeles Tenth District Parent Teacher Student Association

Honored for empowering students and families through education and advocacy, including championing student leadership within the Parent Teacher Student Association and strengthening community ties through initiatives like the White Middle School garden and service with the Salvation Army. Her theme, Inspire to Make a Difference, reflects her deep commitment to creating opportunities for young people to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

MARTIN SCHLAGETER, Special Assistant to the General Manager, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Celebrated for more than 35 years of leadership in public service, nonprofit advocacy, and environmental policy — including the development of Metropolitan Water District’s new climate adaptation strategy to safeguard water supplies for millions of Southern Californians. His past roles include key positions at StreetsLA, the Los Angeles City Council District 14, and environmental groups like the Coalition for Clean Air, Sierra Club, and Friends of the Los Angeles River.

MICHAEL HENRY HAYDEN, Co-Founder and President, Lincoln Heights Community Coalition

Recognized for his grassroots environmental advocacy in Lincoln Heights, where his research helped uncover a hidden toxic dumping site and sparked an ongoing cleanup to protect residents. His work also helped block a diesel-heavy warehouse project near homes and Hillside Elementary, preventing added pollution in one of Los Angeles’ most impacted neighborhoods.

RYAN PARENT, Attorney and Member, Los Angeles Unified School District Integrated Pest Management Committee

Recognized for his commitment as both a father of three Los Angeles Unified School District students and a dedicated volunteer with his local Parent Teacher Association and the Integrated Pest Management Committee where he helps ensure that the district’s pest management practices comply with federal and state regulations, thereby reducing risks to students, staff, and the environment.

SUSIE DE SANTIAGO, President, Cudahy Youth Foundation and Founding Member, Cudahy Alliance for Justice

Commended for her tireless advocacy on behalf of youth and families in the City of Cudahy. From helping stop the construction of a school on a contaminated site to supporting local schools in creating green spaces, she continues to be an inspiration to others to take action for healthier communities.

WILLIAM ROSS, Health Advocate, California State Parent Teacher Association

Applauded for over a decade of advocacy for children through the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Parent Teacher Association, Bond Oversight Committee, and as a longtime supporter of the Integrated Pest Management Committee. As a Health Advocate for the California State Parent Teacher Association, Bill continues to champion the implementation of health laws and practices that protect students and school communities across the state.

PERLA ELBAZ, Youth Leadership Initiative for Greener Communities

Highlighted for her role in forming the Youth Leadership Initiative for Greener Communities, a student-led effort dedicated to bringing the beauty and benefits of wild spaces into areas of the city where they are lacking. The group’s ambitious goal is to plant 1,000 new trees to combat pollution and promote community well-being. Now a sophomore at Louisville High School, Perla hopes to pursue a future in international peace and conflict resolution, with a focus on the environmental roots of global challenges.

MARTINO JESUS TORRES, Gardener and Animal Lover

A fourth grader at Raymond Case Elementary in Sacramento, Martino is already an avid gardener and animal lover. He helps tend the family garden, harvests crops like corn, chili, and tomatoes, and cares for his pets, including collecting eggs from hens, feeding rabbits, and grooming his three dogs. His love for nature and animals celebrates the essence of Earth Day — inspiring others to join in caring for our planet.

“On behalf of Council District 4, we would like to thank California Safe Schools for 27 years of working to promote environmental health and protect children across the state,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman. “By bringing together activists, parents, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies, CSS has been a vital watchdog and advocate, ensuring our children have access to safe and healthy learning environments.”

Each honoree was presented with a specially designed award created by acclaimed artist Michael Bruza and engraved by Anderson Trophy — a lasting symbol of gratitude for their inspiring contributions.

For more information about California Safe Schools and its ongoing work, visit: https://www.calisafe.org/.

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Robina Suwol
Executive Director
California Safe Schools
818.785.5515
calisafe@earthlink.net

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NEWS SOURCE: California Safe Schools

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Trailblazers Honored for Protecting the Environment, Human Rights and Inspiring Youth

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Oct. 28, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — California Safe Schools (CSS) a non-profit organization was born of a near-tragic incident involving a six-year-old student in the Los Angeles Unified School District, who, along with his classmates, was accidentally sprayed with a hazardous pesticide by a school gardener in a hazmat suit, as they arrived at school. When the cloud of chemicals enveloped them, one child had a severe asthma attack and had to be taken for medical treatment by his mother.

Image caption: California Safe Schools (CSS).

Although he recovered, he wanted to be assured that nothing like this would ever happen to him or other children again. His mother’s unwavering commitment to protecting children led to the founding of CSS, which has continued to ensure the safety of hundreds of thousands of children, teachers and staff through a pesticide policy known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Today, 26 years later, CSS has become a celebrated coalition dedicated to children’s environmental health and environmental justice, renowned for spearheading the most protective pesticide policy in the nation for K-12 schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District. The success of the policy led to California legislation, The Healthy Schools Act and AB405 (Montanez) sponsored by California Safe Schools, which prohibits experimental, conditional use, and phased out pesticide products from being used on all California k-12 public school campuses.

On October 9th 2024 CSS hosted its 26th Annual ‘Your Life Is Now’ Forum at the California Endowment in historic downtown Los Angeles. This vibrant gathering of more than 200 guests celebrated the dedication of environmental and community leaders while creating invaluable networking opportunities between regulatory and enforcement agencies, students, teachers, environmentalists, offices of elected officials, and community members.

A standout moment was the presentation of the prestigious “Champion for Change” Award to Ed Begley Jr., honoring his decades-long commitment to environmental sustainability and his role as a pioneering advocate for green living.

The inspirational keynote address was delivered by Jacqueline Hamilton, Senior Advisor to City of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Services.

“The California Safe School’s event empowered our students to believe they have a place at the table with adults to address community environmental issues. The intentional interaction provided an atmosphere where our students were less spectators and more thought partners. Investing in youth this way only grows possibilities for positive change and a better future. This is what exceptional education is all about,” said Brian Boyle, Teacher at the Huntington Park Institute of Applied Medicine.

The Forum also featured “Hero Awards,” recognizing the outstanding contributions of exemplary leaders:

Rachel Greene — Assistant Head Deputy in the Sex Crimes Division of the LA County District Attorney’s Office, for her unwavering commitment to children’s advocacy.
Maria Hall — Civil Rights Attorney and Director of the Los Angeles Incubator Consortium, for her decades of advocacy for unrepresented communities.
Warren Hawkins — Manager of the Community Outreach & Enforcement Section at the California Air Resources Board (CARB), for his steadfast support and leadership.
Leticia Ordaz — Television News Anchor, Publisher, Award Winning -Bilingual children’s book author, for her significant contributions worldwide as a children’s literacy ambassador with Cielito Lindo Books.
Michael Mendez — Regional Water Board Member, UC Irvine Professor and author, for his impactful work in water conservation and education.

In recognition of youth achievements, “Impact Awards” were presented to exceptional students:

Isabel Portillo Abrego, 3rd Grade at 24th Street Elementary School, honored for her contributions to the Garden School Foundation program.
Yuxin Guan, Senior at Abraham Lincoln High School, honored for her advocacy and mentorship of children, and Editor-in-Chief of The Railsplitter, the school newspaper.
Allanah Mouton, Senior at California State University at age 16, honored for her academic excellence and aspirations to use her knowledge to address environmental challenges.

Certificates of achievement were presented by distinguished Los Angeles government officials, including:

Clayton Heard, Senior Field Representative, Office of Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal
Joel Torrez Jr., Environmental Health Deputy for Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn
Ben Feldman, J.D., Transportation & Economic Mobility Deputy, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis
Walker King, Deputy District Director for Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman

“California Safe Schools’ dedication to our students, school staff and wider community is greatly appreciated. Congratulations to all the awardees, and Champion for Change, Ed Begley Jr.,” said Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal.

Panel discussions featured insightful career experiences from speakers including Maria Hall — Attorney and Director of the Los Angeles Incubator Consortium; Warren Hawkins, Manager of the Community Outreach & Enforcement Section at CARB; Leticia Ordaz, News Anchor and celebrated children’s author; Michael Mendez, Regional Water Board Member and UC Irvine Professor; Terrence Mann, Deputy Executive Officer, South Coast AQMD; Ben Harris, Senior Staff Attorney, Los Angeles WaterKeeper; Bruce Jennings, Former Senior Advisor to California Legislature on Environmental Policy; and Jane Williams, Executive Director, California Communities Against Toxics.

Moderators included Katherine Butler, Director of the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), and Jessica Brown, Los Angeles City Attorney.

Additional event highlights included a demonstration of XRF analyzers by Enrique Baeza, Acting Chief Investigator for the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, and his team, who tested attendees’ products for heavy metals.

Honoree Leticia Ordaz, founder of Cielito Lindo Books, led a reading presentation for students, during which in partnership with CSS, 300 books were generously donated.

Robina Suwol, Executive Director of CSS, remarked, “This unique event brought together community members, students, teachers, and regulatory agencies, cultivating valuable networking and collaboration while honoring exceptional leadership within our community.”

The Forum served as a powerful reminder of the collective effort needed to improve communities and empower the next generation of leaders dedicated to environmental advocacy. California Safe Schools remains committed to its mission of protecting vulnerable populations—particularly children—from toxic environmental exposures that pose lifelong health risks.

For additional information please visit https://www.calisafe.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Robina Suwol, Executive Director
California Safe Schools
818.785.5515
calisafe@earthlink.net

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NEWS SOURCE: California Safe Schools

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California Safe Schools Celebrates 26th Anniversary – Honors Environmental Legend Ed Begley Jr. and Heroes of All Ages!

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Oct. 15, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — California Safe Schools (CSS) a coalition dedicated to children’s environmental health and environmental justice, renowned for spearheading the most protective pesticide policy in the nation for K-12 schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District, hosted their 26th Annual ‘Your Life Is Now’ Forum on October 9th at the California Endowment in historic downtown Los Angeles. This vibrant gathering celebrated the dedication of environmental and community leaders while creating invaluable networking opportunities between regulatory and enforcement agencies, students, teachers, environmentalists, offices of elected officials, and community members.

Image caption: California Safe Schools Coalition.

The inspirational keynote address was delivered by Jacqueline Hamilton, Senior Advisor to City of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Services.

The Forum also featured “Hero Awards,” recognizing the outstanding contributions of exemplary leaders:

Rachel Greene — Assistant Head Deputy in the Sex Crimes Division of the LA County District Attorney’s Office, for her unwavering commitment to children’s advocacy.
Maria Hall — Civil Rights Attorney and Director of the Los Angeles Incubator Consortium, for her decades of advocacy for unrepresented communities.
Warren Hawkins — Manager of the Community Outreach & Enforcement Section at the California Air Resources Board (CARB), for his steadfast support and leadership.
Leticia Ordaz — Television News Anchor, Publisher, Award Winning -Bilingual children’s book author, for her significant contributions worldwide as a children’s literacy ambassador.
Michael Mendez — Regional Water Board Member, UC Irvine Professor and author, for his impactful work in water conservation and education.

In recognition of youth achievements, “Impact Awards” were presented to exceptional students:

Isabel Portillo Abrego, 3rd Grade at 24th Street Elementary School, honored for her contributions to the Garden School Foundation program.
Yuxin Guan, Senior at Abraham Lincoln High School, honored for her advocacy and mentorship of children, and Editor-in-Chief of The Railsplitter, the school newspaper.
Allanah Mouton, Senior at California State University at age 16, honored for her academic excellence and aspirations to use her knowledge to address environmental challenges.

Certificates of achievement were presented by distinguished Los Angeles government officials, including:

Clayton Heard, Senior Field Representative, Office of Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal
Joel Torrez Jr., Environmental Health Deputy for Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn
Ben Feldman, J.D., Transportation & Economic Mobility Deputy, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis
Walker King, Deputy District Director for Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman

Moderators included Katherine Butler, Director of the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), and Jessica Brown, Los Angeles City Attorney.

For additional information please visit https://www.calisafe.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Robina Suwol
Executive Director
California Safe Schools
818.785.5515
calisafe@earthlink.net

MULTIMEDIA:

LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/24-0419-s2p-calsafe-300dpi.jpg

NEWS SOURCE: California Safe Schools

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Championing Environmental Change: California Safe Schools Fosters Collaboration and Innovation

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- California Safe Schools (CSS) celebrates their 26th annual pioneering "Your Life Is Now" Forum which brings together students, members of the public, local, state and federal government. "The importance of bringing together community leaders with regulatory and enforcement agencies and government officials has shown over time to have enormous value in solving environmental issues in communities," said Robina Suwol, California Safe Schools Executive Director.

"We are excited about California Safe Schools 26th Anniversary October celebration that continues this networking forum and its mentoring of youth who aspire to become the new generation of leaders."

26 years ago, California Safe Schools (CSS) was founded by Robina Suwol with a mission to protect children on school sites from ever being exposed to pesticides. To ensure this vision, CSS spearheaded the Los Angeles Unified School District Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy, the most stringent pesticide policy in the nation for K-12 public schools and the first to embrace the "Precautionary Principle" and "Right to Know." Today, Los Angeles Unified School District's IPM policy serves as a national and international model for school districts and communities.

The policy's success also led to California's Healthy Schools Act in 2000 and AB 405 (Montanez), sponsored by California Safe Schools. It is a critical bill that bans experimental pesticides, whose health effects are unknown, from California K-12 public schools. As a result, more than 6 million California school children and hundreds of thousands of teachers and school employees are protected from experimental chemicals.

"California Safe Schools is a brave voice fighting for health and safety for our children and against toxic chemicals, harmful pesticides, and polluted air in and around our schools. From the front lines in communities to the halls of Sacramento, Robina is a tireless voice for our children. Congratulations on twenty-six years of leadership in the fight to make the world a better place!" said Angela Johnson Meszaros, Senior Attorney, Community Partnerships Program - Earthjustice.

CSS is committed to its mission of protecting children from toxic environmental exposures because they are the most vulnerable to lifelong health impacts as their bodies and minds are still growing.

CSS continues to be a leader for children's environmental health through numerous projects at both the grassroots and policy level, prioritizing environmental justice areas overburdened by pollutants.

Current CSS programs include creating awareness to reduce and eliminate:diesel idling emissions; lead; household hazardous waste; perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) ubiquitous in food packaging, clothing carpets, cookware and paints; and establish the use of beneficial pests such as ladybugs instead of pesticides in school garden programs.

For additional information or to contribute to CSS, please visit their website at https://calisafe.org/ or click to donate: https://give.communityin.org/cabelowliforniasafeschools?ref=ab_eDKZDe

MEDIA CONTACT:
Robina Suwol
Executive Director
California Safe Schools
818.785.5515
calisafe@earthlink.net

California Safe Schools (CSS) celebrates their 26th annual pioneering "Your Life Is Now" Forum which brings together students, members of the public, local, state and federal government. 26 years ago, California Safe Schools (CSS) was founded by Robina Suwol with a mission to protect children on school sites from ever being exposed to pesticides.

Related link: https://www.calisafe.org/

California Safe Schools Honors Earth Day Champions and Celebrates its 26th Anniversary of Environmental Protection

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- California Safe Schools (CSS) celebrates 7 Earth Day Champions for their extraordinary achievements and mindfulness of future generations. "California Safe Schools proudly honors these individuals whose dedication and resolve make the world a better place and inspire others," affirms Robina Suwol, Executive Director of California Safe Schools.

This Spring also marks the 26th anniversary of CSS spearheading Los Angeles Unified School District's Integrated Pest Management Policy, the first to embrace the "Precautionary Principle" and "Right to Know" that led to California's Healthy Schools Act and AB405 (Montanez).

CSS continues its work with diverse communities and regulatory agencies that are essential to protecting Earth's life-giving air, soils and water.

2024 Earth Day Champions:

:: Derrick J. Alatorre is Deputy Executive Officer in the Office of Legislative, Public Affairs & Media at the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Derrick keeps open lines of communication with the public, elected officials, the business community, and local residents. His department is responsible for legislation, environmental justice, outreach and education, and small business assistance.

Derrick was formerly a public affairs officer for the California Department of Transportation, conducted public and tribal government outreach on environmental cleanup efforts at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, and served as a district field representative to California State Senator Art Torres. Mr. Alatorre is a veteran of the United States Navy.

:: Andrea Enriquez is 17 and a junior at Huntington Park Institute of Applied Medicine, a Los Angeles Unified School District pilot school on the Linda Esperanza Marquez High School campus. Through Chemistry Club, Andrea took part in the exceptional Toxic Crusaders Program developed by Mui Koltunov, Ph.D., Research Scientist Supervisor II, with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. The intensive six-week course inspires her to inform her peers and community about toxins in consumer products and to make safer choices.

Andrea is President of GirlsBuild Huntington Park with projects focusing on Civic Engagement, Health & Wellness and STEM & Digital Skills. Her career goal is to become a Pediatrician.

:: Theodore Higgins is Chief Environmental Compliance Inspector in the Industrial Waste Management Division overseeing an inventory of nearly 10,000 food service establishments. He helped create LA Sanitation's Professional Development and Work Exposure Program, serves as the Chair of the Pretreatment, Pollution Prevention, and Stormwater Committee of the California Water Environment Association (CWEA), is a Sector Champion for the Car Wash Industry to strategize growth and sustainability, and sets goals with the LA Sanitation's Clean Up Green Up Working Group to ensure the health and well-being of disadvantaged communities.

Theodore has been honored with an Employee Excellence Award and twice-honored by the CWEA as an "Emerging Leader" and "Person of the Year".

:: Bruce H. Jennings served for two decades as Senior Advisor to the California Legislature on Environmental Policy, Policy Advisor with the Senate Office of Research and Chief of Staff of the Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials.

His book, "The War on California: Defeating Oil, Oligarchs and the New Tyranny," documents invaluable lessons learned from community and public interest advocates pushing back against poorly regulated pesticides and industrial chemicals in food, water, buildings and landscapes. Bruce is now writing about his experiences in Latin America and agroecology opportunities he sees as an alternative to the failing model of industrial agriculture.

:: Nate Lillge has dedicated his entire life and career to working with children and young adults in various aspects of outdoor education and conservation. Since 2007, he has been the Adventures and Engagement Director for Tuleyome Conservation Organization, leading outings, trails and stewardship programs in the Woodland, California area. Nate also teaches a California Naturalist course for those who want to become more connected to and involved with the natural world.

:: Lisa Tanaka O'Malley has over 30 years of experience in legislative affairs and government and community relations, Lisa is the Assistant Deputy Executive Officer for Legislative, Public Affairs & Media at South Coast Air Quality Management District.

She has spearheaded initiatives such as the "Clean Communities Plan," "Why Healthy Air Quality Matters" high school education program, and the Annual Environmental Justice Conference. Lisa also champions community engagement through the "Working with Communities" volunteer program.

:: Mariano Miguel Torres has been environmentally conscious his entire life. From the age of 7 until today at 17, he has farmed an acre of land, growing organic fruits and vegetables, raising hens for fresh eggs, and donating a bulk of the produce to others in need.

Miguel is a senior and honor student and member of the Medical Careers Pathway Program at Consumnes Oaks High School in the Elk Grove School District in Sacramento. His goal is to become an Otolaryngologist or ENT. Mariano also volunteers at senior living communities and mentors at neighborhood elementary schools.

All the honorees received awards designed by celebrated artist Michael Bruza and commendations from elected officials.

Learn more about California Safe Schools at: http://www.calisafe.org/

California Safe Schools (CSS) celebrates 7 Earth Day Champions for their extraordinary achievements and mindfulness of future generations. "California Safe Schools proudly honors these individuals whose dedication and resolve make the world a better place and inspire others," affirms Robina Suwol, Executive Director of California Safe Schools.

Related link: http://www.calisafe.org/

California Safe Schools Celebrates its 25th Anniversary Honoring Environmental Health Heroes!

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- On Monday, December 4, 2023 at the California Endowment in historic downtown Los Angeles, California Safe Schools, a celebrated children's environmental health and environmental justice non-profit celebrated its 25th Anniversary with an event called "Your Life is Now" honoring seven trailblazing health and safety heroes and organizations.

California Safe School's founder and Executive Director, Robina Suwol, welcomed guests stating, "The solution to the environmental challenges facing us can only be found if we actively engage as a community. We are enormously happy to celebrate such accomplished individuals whose efforts continue to make our world a much better place."

"I could not be prouder to support CA Safe Schools and 'Your Life is Now' as we work for environmental justice for all," said Assembly Member Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles). "We must ensure all communities have clean air and water and work with 'Your Life is Now' to ensure our communities are involved."

"We thank each of these leaders for their passion and commitment to student success and safety. Thank you California Safe Schools, and congratulations on an incredible 25 years of truly impactful work," added Clayton Heard, Senior Field Representative from the Office of Assembly Member Josh Lowenthal.

DISTINGUISHED 2023 HONOREES

Lowell Anger, joined the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office in January 1995 and has been a Head Deputy District Attorney of the Environmental Crimes Division and the Organized Crime and Hate Crimes Division. He received the 2016 Project LEAD Award for the outstanding teacher in the District Attorney's program that works with at-risk fifth graders. Throughout his career, Lowell has been a frequent guest lecturer in schools throughout Los Angeles County.

Enrique Baeza, Branch Chief Peace Officer, California Department of Toxic Substances, Office of Criminal Investigation. Enrique is one of the first in the nation to create an Environmental Justice unit within a Law Enforcement office and has also been recognized for outstanding performance in the investigation and prosecution of a polluter in the highest traditions of the US Department of Justice.

Maria Dolores R. Dalusong has worked for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division for 20 years and is now Chief of the Vectorborne Disease Surveillance Program. She also serves on the Los Angeles Unified Integrated Pest Management Committee to protect children and all school stakeholders from pesticide exposure.

Mui Koltunov, Ph.D., Research Scientist Supervisor II, Branch Chief of the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory in Pasadena for the Department of Toxic Substances Control. Dr. Koltunov and her team established the Toxic Crusaders Program to work specifically with K-12 students and teachers to learn about toxic chemicals in consumer products and the environment.

Pete Treebumrung, Combines analytics and technology into visual map layers that provide a simple but transformative understanding of data to enable clear communication and focus problem-solving. Projects he has completed include, "Asthma Alley, CA", "The Diesel Death Zone of Los Angeles" and "The Poverty-Pollution Loop".

Los Angeles 10th District PTSA Children are the main focus of everything the PTA does with Informed parental involvement in the schools being essential to effective educational programs. Issues on their agenda: gun control, drug abuse, vaping, homelessness, teenage suicide, cultural diversity and belonging and social media impacts.

Los Angeles 31st District PTSA The 31st District PTSA serves 6 councils and over 110 PTA/PTSA units in the San Fernando Valley, Sunland and Tujunga area. Their areas of focus are: student and school success, health and safety, arts and culture, and advocacy.

"Congratulations to all the honorees. Your hard work and dedication to ensuring that children have safe schools free from harmful pesticides is admirable and wholeheartedly appreciated," said Joel Torrez, Jr. Environmental Health Deputy Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn.

Noemi Emeric-Ford, US EPA Region IX Director, Southern California Field Office said, "Protecting children from harm isn't just a responsibility, it's a commitment to shaping a safer future. Honoring those who have been champions to identify and eliminate toxic exposures in schools underscores the California Safe Schools Coalition's dedication to nurturing healthy spaces for our most precious resource - our children."

Each honoree was presented with California Safe Schools engraved Hero Award designed by celebrated artist Michael Bruza. Catering for the event was by Wolfgang Puck.

About California Safe Schools:

Founded by Robina Suwol in 1998, California Safe Schools (CSS) is children's environmental health and environmental justice coalition. CSS achieved national prominence by spearheading the Los Angeles Unified Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy, the most stringent pesticide policy in the nation for K-12 public schools and the first to embrace the "Precautionary Principle" and "Right to Know". The success of the policy led to California's Healthy Schools Act. Today the LA Unified IPM policy serves as an international model for school districts and communities.

On October 6, 2005, Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 405 (Montanez) sponsored by California Safe Schools. The bill bans experimental pesticides, whose health effects are unknown, from California k-12 public schools. As a result, more than 6 million California children and hundreds of thousands of school children are protected from experimental chemicals, whose health effects are unknown.

Learn more: https://www.calisafe.org/

On Monday, December 4, 2023 at the California Endowment in historic downtown Los Angeles, California Safe Schools, a celebrated children's environmental health and environmental justice non-profit celebrated its 25th Anniversary with an event called "Your Life is Now" honoring seven trailblazing health and safety heroes and organizations.

Related link: http://www.calisafe.org/

Children’s Health Champion California Safe Schools Celebrates 25th Anniversary and Honors Earth Day Heroes

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Founded by Robina Suwol in 1998, California Safe Schools (CSS) is a children's environmental health and environmental justice non-profit. CSS achieved national and international prominence by spearheading the Los Angeles Unified School District's (LAUSD) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy, and for the past 25 years been a leader in protecting children's health and the environment.

In honor of Earth Day, California Safe Schools celebrates outstanding heroes who strive daily to protect human health and our environment.

2023 Earth Day Heroes:

Patricia Hill began her career in front of the camera, then broke into production as the first female cameraperson. Her credits are innumerable: Cheers, Frasier, M*A*S*H, The Waltons, Everyone Loves Raymond and many others. Patricia has continually used her skills to help others. She documented an irrigation project by the Gambia River, was the photographer for Ted Danson's American Oceans Campaign later called Oceana, organized a delegation to document human rights violations in Central America and helped lobby in Washington. She also judged animated submissions for the Environmental Media Association.

Qihao Huang is a 12th grade student at Abraham Lincoln High School helping his community as a volunteer with Chinatown Community Equitable Development, Project Angel Food, Teens Leading Change, Chinatown Teen Council, and YUCA. Through his work, he has become aware of the challenges elderly face including language barriers.As a result, he has established his own non-profit to help low-income people as an advocate against gentrification, ensuring access to support and resources. Qihao also participates in community service events such as the Lincoln Park Clean-Up, LA Marathon, and Rose Parade.

Stephanie Lewis is a Senior Environmental Scientist at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). Her main work focuses on working with California Native American Tribes to ensure that they are aware of investigative and remediation projects that are anticipated to take place on their culturally affiliated and sensitive lands. As an advocate for introducing young people to STEM, Stephanie serves on the board of the Hyde Park Organization Partnership for Empowerment, California Science Center Foundation MUSES program, which funds students to attend science classes, and is chair of the Los Angeles Council of Black Professional Engineers scholarship committee.

Adrian Martinez

Based in Los Angeles, Adrian works on clean air, clean energy, and healthy communities issues as a deputy managing attorney for Earthjustice in its "Right to Zero" campaign. He also serves as the Chair of Earthjustice's Transportation Practice Group. Adrian currently serves on San Pedro Bay Ports Sustainable Supply Chain Advisory Committee and the California Public Utilities Commission and California Energy Commission Disadvantaged Communities Advisory Committee. He co-teaches a class on Environmental Justice Law at the University of California Los Angeles. Adrian also volunteers on the board of several nonprofits and serves on the advisory board for the Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at UCLA Law School.

Caroline Martinez

Caroline is a first grader who is no stranger to environmental advocacy. She has attended many hearings with her father, Adrian Martinez of Earth Justice, to advocate for electric buses in Los Angeles. She aspires to be an electric car designer.

Chief Ernie P. Teutimez-Salas, Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians/Kizh Nation

Chief Ernie P. Teutimez -Salas has proven to be the most recognized and most accurately documented, direct lineal-descendant of former native ancestors of Kizh/Gabrieleño Villages or (rancherias), the villages of Sibangna Siba, Tameobit & Atongai / Tamet, from any Gabrieleño Indians in Gabrieleño History. Chief Salas is the grandchild of Nicolas Jose who was a man of great power and had an important part in the rebellion of 1784 at Mission San Gabriel. Chief Salas has taught his Tribe to have self-respect and to keep their culture and way of living alive while being the stewards of the land in its protection and preservation for future generations.

Matthew Teutimez

Matthew Teutimez has been designated by his Tribe to possess and share Kizh-Gabrieleño ecological knowledge and traditional practices taught to him by Chief Ernie P. Teutimez-Salas and Elders of the Kizh-Gabrieleño Tribe. He serves as the Tribal Biologist and Director of Resources, specializing in ethnobotanical and cultural uses of native flora and fauna. Matthew is the founder and executive director he Laboratory for Indigenous Knowledge Systems (LINKS), a non-profit created to integrate and apply indigenous methods and knowledge into environmental stewardship, food, medicine, and land management projects. Matthew is a member of the California Environmental Protection Agency's (CalEPA) Tribal Advisory Committee; CALEPA's Community Science Model Workgroup; the City of Los Angeles' Tree Ambassador Program; and Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment's Biodiversity Workgroup.

Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians/Kizh NationKizh (Kitc, Quiichi)

The People of the Willow and Tule Brush Houses.The Kizh name derives from the dome-style dwellings used for houses. For millennia, the Kizh have created a complex and beautiful culture, which included religion, astronomy, rich and varied cuisine, economy, and complex social structures. The Kizh developed ingenious ways to live sustainably from the gifts of the Creator on the land of the Los Angeles Basin and southern Channel Islands. The Kizh were one of two California tribes who mastered boat-building and developed a maritime culture utilizing the resources of the open ocean and coastal estuaries and bays. The lineage of the original people of the Los Angeles Basin still survives today within the Kizh Nation Tribe and its people continue to protect and preserve their cultural heritage, identity, and ancestral lands.

Robina Suwol, founder and executive director of California Safe Schools added, "In honoring these phenomenal self-less individuals, we are acknowledging their tremendous efforts that have resulted in the protection of not only current generations, but future generations to come."

Learn more: https://www.calisafe.org/

Founded by Robina Suwol in 1998, California Safe Schools (CSS) is a children's environmental health and environmental justice non-profit. CSS achieved national and international prominence by spearheading the Los Angeles Unified School District's (LAUSD) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy, and for the past 25 years been a leader in protecting children's health and the environment.

Related link: http://www.calisafe.org/

LA Unified Appears Poised to Weaken Public Oversight, Again – This Time on a Crucial Public Health Issue

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- On Tuesday, November 15, 2022 a majority of the Los Angeles Unified School Board voted to begin a process some fear would dismantle an oversight Committee that has been in place for decades ensuring the globally celebrated environmental policy was implemented according to the district's policy and California's Healthy Schools Act. In its place the Board is recommending establishing an Ad Hoc Committee, says celebrated children's environmental health non-profit California Safe Schools.

Concerned members of the public that included members of the Oversight Committee who signed up in advance to speak, were repeatedly disconnected, not called upon, or were unable to connect on the district's dedicated phone line.

In spite of the district acknowledging technical problems, they proceeded ahead. As a result a notice of Brown Act Violation was filed, with a request to have the Board add the item to the next Board Meeting to ensure the public had an opportunity to express their deep concerns about the misguided process.

The Los Angeles Unified Integrated Pest Management Policy (IPM) was unanimously adopted by the School Board in March of 1999 following a year-long drafting of a more protective policy. This effort was prompted after elementary school students were sprayed with pesticides by a school gardener in a hazardous materials suit as they walked into their classrooms.

"My six-year-old son had a reaction to the toxic cloud, which resulted in a severe asthma attack. Fortunately, he recovered and the Board immediately authorized district staff, members of the public, parents, medical experts, scientists, United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) and environmentalists to work together to craft a more protective policy. The result was the creation of the most stringent pesticide policy for schools in the nation. It was the first policy to embrace the Precautionary Principle and the Right to Know with regard to the application of pesticides in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)", said Robina Suwol, Executive Director of California Safe Schools.

To ensure implementation, an IPM Oversight Committee was formed comprised of 15 independent members which included the following: one LAUSD non-management representative from Maintenance and Operations, one District representative from the Environmental Health and Safety Branch, one District representative from Food Services, the District IPM Coordinator, one IPM expert, two parents of District-enrolled students, two community members, one public health representative, two environmental representatives, one District teacher, one District principal, and one medical practitioner.

The success of the policy led to California legislation, The Healthy Schools Act, and later AB 405 (Montanez) which prohibits the use of experimental, conditional or phased out pesticides at all California K-12 schools. Today, the policy has become a national and international model for school districts and communities.

But recent actions by the LA Unified Maintenance and Operations Management, coupled with misrepresentation from them to the LA Unified Board, may undermine the ability of the IPM Committee to oversee the IPM Policy. This includes canceling publicly noticed meetings and limiting the independence, diversity and impartiality of the appointed Committee members. We are opposed to these efforts as they weaken the very oversight mechanisms that have enabled the meaningful implementation of the IPM Policy.

The recent audit of the IPM Program, completed June 29, 2022, includes troubling recommendations that would eliminate the ability of the public representatives on the Committee to self-appoint members most representative of their group and replace those members with individuals hand-picked by Maintenance and Operations or others. Such a change is in direct conflict with the IPM Policy.

Additionally, the audit's recommendation of term limits without the ability of public groups to select their representatives would eliminate members with vast experience in upholding the IPM Policy and knowledge of institutional history essential to understanding the successes and challenges of years past.

Further troubling was the abrupt decision to cancel the publicly-noticed meetings beginning July 8, 2022, and "all further meetings until further notice", without sufficient notice or explanation. Meetings for the IPM Committee are required by the IPM Policy to be held monthly. In the past 24 years, only one meeting has been cancelled because of weather conditions. Due to the recent pandemic, the meetings have been held online on the second Friday of each month.

There are other serious issues the IPM Committee is currently addressing, including:

1 - District use of an unauthorized and unapproved agricultural pesticide product on school campuses.

2 - The June audit revealing widespread violation by the District of its own IPM Policy and the Healthy Schools Act.

3 - Increased pest activity due to failure to address issues in a timely fashion.

4 - Reports related to the lack of needed supplies to properly address pest issues.

Executive Director of California Safe Schools Robina Suwol added, "The IPM Committee meetings must continue as publicly noticed in order to properly address the issues and ensure compliance with the IPM Policy, which over the years has set the gold standard in keeping our children, teachers and all school stakeholders safe from pesticide exposure."

Over the years, the LAUSD went from using 160 products to fewer than 25 - many of which have never been used. Additionally, Round Up and any other herbicides have also not been used on any Los Angeles Unified school grounds for more than 20 years. This has resulted in Los Angeles Unified avoiding the lawsuits that other districts experienced and has protected the health and safety of countless students, faculty, staff and parents.

"The IPM Committee must be permitted to continue its work to oversee and implement the IPM Policy without further interference or efforts to weaken the inherent internal mechanisms that protect the independence, diversity and impartiality of the IPM Committee and its important oversight role, said Sandra Schubert, Esq., Advisory Board Member California Safe Schools.

Note: This information was prepared by Robina Suwol, Executive Director California Safe Schools and Sandra Schubert, Esq. Advisory Board Member California Safe Schools. They helped spearhead the drafting of Los Angeles Unified School District's IPM policy and have served as members of the IPM Committee.

About California Safe Schools:

California Safe Schools (CSS) is children's environmental health and environmental justice non-profit committed to ensuring that all students, teachers, staff, and community members who live near school sites are in a safe, toxic-free environment. CSS works closely with diverse communities and regulatory agencies on toxic issues (air, water, soil). CSS achieved national prominence by spearheading the Los Angeles Unified School District's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy, the most stringent pesticide policy in the nation for K-12 public schools. This was the first school district to embrace the "Precautionary Principle" and "Right to Know" in a policy and led to the passage of California's Healthy Schools Act. Today, the LA Unified IPM policy serves as a national and international model for school districts and communities.

Learn more at: http://calisafe.org/

On Tuesday, November 15, 2022 a majority of the Los Angeles Unified School Board voted to begin a process some fear would dismantle an oversight Committee that has been in place for decades ensuring the globally celebrated environmental policy was implemented according to the district's policy and California's Healthy Schools Act. In its place the Board is recommending establishing an Ad Hoc Committee, says celebrated children's environmental health non-profit California Safe Schools.

Related link: http://www.calisafe.org/

California Safe Schools Celebrates 2022 Earth Day Honorees and 24th Anniversary

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- California Safe Schools (CSS) celebrates 7 honorees for their extraordinary achievements empowering youth and protecting the Earth. "CSS wants to honor our phenomenal 2022 Earth Day Champions. We thank each of them for their enormous and selfless contributions. They all make our world a better place," Robina Suwol, California Safe Schools, executive director, said.

This Spring also marks the 24th anniversary of CSS's commitment to ensuring that all students, teachers, staff, and community members who live near school sites are in a safe, toxic-free environment. CSS continues to work closely with diverse communities and regulatory agencies on toxic issues that impact our life-giving air, water and soil.

CSS achieved national prominence by spearheading the Los Angeles Unified School District's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy, the most stringent pesticide policy in the nation for K-12 public schools. This was the first school district to embrace the "Precautionary Principle" and "Right to Know" in a policy and led to the passage of California's Healthy Schools Act. Today, the LA Unified IPM policy serves as an international model for school districts and communities.

HONOREES:

Tam Doduc

As the appointed Civil Engineer Member on the State Water Resources Control Board, Tam participated in processes to allocate and ensure reasonable use of water rights, provide financial support for water infrastructures and groundwater cleanups, and assure communities have access to safe drinking water. Her 16 years on the board were preceded by her work as Deputy Secretary at the California Environmental Protection Agency where she led the environmental justice and scientific peer review efforts and provided oversight of children's environmental health and environmental education programs.

Deborah Bell-Holt

Deborah's "Love and Respect Youth Foundation" reached out to the needs of thousands of inner city youths in 1994. When she realized this was not enough to solve all the needs she saw before her, Deborah expanded her efforts in the world.

She empowers others to get involved and close-down or clean-up sites that are not favorable to a community. Her fight against drill sites has received worldwide recognition, notably in Paris, France and Switzerland.

Alanna Butterworth

Alanna taught elementary school for 30 years in the Sacramento City Unified School District. She was proactive in fully integrating a local community garden into the school curriculum by developing composting practices with cafeteria food, using the resulting nutrient-dense soil to grow vegetables, and harvesting them for classroom cooking projects. The care of the garden and abundance of fruits and vegetables brought deeply meaningful connections to students who experienced the gifts of nature and attained lifelong knowledge of healthy foods.

Marta and Bob Takano

Bob Takano is a highly respected weightlifting coach who was inducted into the USA Weightlifting Hall of Fame in 2007 for his contributions to coaching. He has been the coach of four national champions, two national record holders, and 27 top ten nationally ranked lifters. Bob has been on the coaching staffs of 17 U.S. National teams to international competitions, five of those being World Championships and the Summer Olympics. His lifters have competed in seven Olympic Trials with one, Albert Hood, the third American to snatch double bodyweight, earning a berth on the 1984 team. Bob continues to produce more record-breaking athletes as owner of his own gym, Takano Weightlifting.

While Bob is involved in his work, Marta is doing some heavy weightlifting of her own as a pet therapist and rescuing dogs. As a volunteer at Northridge Hospital and Kaiser Medical Center, Marta discovered how powerful pet therapy was in healing patients and helped train many other handlers. Her love for golden retrievers led her to be part of the Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue that has developed a special program to ensure these traumatized dogs are placed in stable, forever homes. Marta's breadth of experience and compassion are essential in the critical reception of rescue dogs arriving on flights from Korea and Mexico. Both Marta and Bob view this as an opportunity to provide immediate care and solace to an even greater number of dogs in need of rescue. Along with their bountiful garden, they have created a healing environment for the rescue dogs they personally foster until a loving home is found.

Devon Jasiukonis

As president of his middle school in Hollywood, Devon's first project was to initiate a Green Committee. He joins other concerned students and team leaders to facilitate weekly activities to create awareness such as making posters. Topics have included how to reduce, reuse and recycle, earthworm composting, planting milkweed for monarch butterflies, harvesting and storing seeds, and the benefits of farmer's markets for a healthier lifestyle support of local businesses. Devon's newest goal is to reduce single-use water bottles with the installation of filtered drinking water stations at school. This will encourage students and staff to change to reusable bottles that they'll be able to easily refill and it establishes healthy habits while eliminating the impact of plastic.

Martina Rangel-Ortega

Martina has been a force for positive change in her community on issues such as access to healthy food, clean air and water, transportation services and keeping warehouses from being built near residential homes and schools. Martina currently serves as the Secretary for Ontario-Montaclair School District Community Advisory Committee (CAC) whose purpose is to improve and promote communication between schools, parents and public agencies, increase community awareness, and facilitate parent education and support. Martina's passion has been helping special needs children. She has become a trusted advocate between the school district and parents and coordinates many unforgettable activities for families.

All the honorees received awards designed by masterful artist Michael Bruza and engraved by Anderson Trophy.

Learn more about California Safe Schools at: http://www.calisafe.org/

California Safe Schools (CSS) celebrates 7 honorees for their extraordinary achievements empowering youth and protecting the Earth. "CSS wants to honor our phenomenal 2022 Earth Day Champions. We thank each of them for their enormous and selfless contributions. They all make our world a better place," Robina Suwol, California Safe Schools, executive director, said.

Related link: http://www.calisafe.org/

California Safe Schools 2022 Champion for Clean Air

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- California Safe Schools (CSS) today celebrates the implementation of "No Idling" signs near 50 school "hotspot" sites to eliminate diesel exhaust that can have immediate health effects especially for sensitive receptors like school children. Diesel exhaust contains toxic substances such as arsenic, benzene, formaldehyde and nickel that can contribute to mutations in cells that have progressed to cancer.

In fact, the California Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), comprehensive assessment found that "long-term exposure to diesel exhaust particles poses the highest cancer risk of any toxic air contaminant evaluated by OEHHA."

CSS Founder and Executive Director, Robina Suwol, who has guided the project since 2018, recognized everyone's efforts on this critical clean air initiative. "We believe everyone is entitled to clean air and equal protection under the law so we prioritized schools and adjacent communities heavily overburdened by cumulative impacts from multiple environmental sources of pollution. We are grateful for the support from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), students, teachers, parents, residents, community leaders and the Los Angeles Unified School District for their assistance in identifying the sites, and to the LA City Department of Transportation for installing 50 signs."

With asthma being the most common chronic condition among children affecting 6.6 million, recent studies have reinforced the importance of eliminating diesel pollution. An international team determined how ultrafine particles can get deep into lungs, stimulate the nerves and exacerbate respiratory conditions.

Jesse Marquez relates why he joined in the "No Idling" campaign. "As a lifelong resident of Wilmington and Executive Director of Coalition for a Safe Environment, we were pleased to have worked with California Safe Schools to identify streets adjacent to public schools, parks, and residential areas where "No Truck Idling" signs have been installed to reduce public exposure to freight truck exhaust air pollution and noise."

Chief of California Air Resources Board's Enforcement Division, Todd Sax said, "These No Idling signs, championed by groups including California Safe Schools, help reduce the impact of truck traffic in communities. Using a portion of the proceeds from enforcement actions, CARB is funding important, on-the-ground solutions like this one that help clean the air for schoolchildren and improve the quality of life for everyone in these hard-hit communities."

Cynthia Babich of the Del Amo Action Committee observed how the signs will help her community. "No Idling" signs mark the beginning of enforceable actions to improve decades of inappropriate land use planning that has allowed warehouses and trucking facilities onto residential streets in our environmental justice community."

The CSS "No Idling" project was funded through a Supplemental Environmental Project administered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This policy allows community-based projects to be funded from a portion of the penalties received during settlement of enforcement actions. SEPs can improve public health, reduce pollution, increase environmental compliance, and bring public awareness to neighborhoods most burdened by environmental harm. The current policy also includes a public process to solicit potential SEPs from disadvantaged communities.

About California Safe Schools:

California Safe Schools (CSS) is children's environmental health and environmental justice non-profit committed to ensuring that all students, teachers, staff, and community members who live near school sites are in a safe, toxic-free environment. CSS works closely with diverse communities and regulatory agencies on toxic issues (air, water, soil). CSS achieved national prominence by spearheading the Los Angeles Unified School District's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy, the most stringent pesticide policy in the nation for K-12 public schools. This was the first school district to embrace the "Precautionary Principle" and "Right to Know" in a policy and led to the passage of California's Healthy Schools Act. Today, the LA Unified IPM policy serves as a national and international model for school districts and communities.

Learn more at: http://calisafe.org/

CITATIONS:

https://oehha.ca.gov/air/health-effects-diesel-exhaust

https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/learn-about-asthma/asthma-children-facts-sheet

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/05/170522080928.htm

California Safe Schools (CSS) today celebrates the implementation of "No Idling" signs near 50 school "hotspot" sites to eliminate diesel exhaust that can have immediate health effects especially for sensitive receptors like school children. Diesel exhaust contains toxic substances such as arsenic, benzene, formaldehyde and nickel that can contribute to mutations in cells that have progressed to cancer.

Related link: http://www.calisafe.org/

California Safe Schools Honors 2021 Earth Day Champions

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- March 30, 2021 marked the 23rd anniversary of California Safe Schools (CSS), a celebrated children's environmental health and justice coalition, founded by Robina Suwol in 1998 after grade school students, including Robina's two sons, were sprayed with the herbicide Princep, as they headed to class.

A school gardener in a hazardous materials suit, employed by LA Unified School District, unaware students were present, sprayed the herbicide creating a cloud of pesticide mist students were forced to walk through to reach their classrooms. Several parents who had dropped off their children at the school were alarmed to witness this event. Robina's youngest son, Nicholas, whose asthma had been under control, experienced a severe asthma attack after the incident.

Robina and CSS sprang into action, contacting the school district, experts in the area, teachers and other parents - leading the effort to ensure incidents like this would not happen again. And, one year to the date Nicholas became ill, CSS and LAUSD enacted the most stringent pesticide policy in the nation for schools. The policy was the first in the United States to embrace the Precautionary Principle and Parents Right to Know regarding pesticides in schools.

The success of the policy led to California legislation, The Healthy Schools Act 2000, and AB 405 spearheaded by Suwol and CSS, which prevents experimental pesticides whose health effects are unknown from being used in all K-12 California schools. As a result, 6 million students, hundreds of thousands of teachers and school employees are protected.

For 23 years LA Unified has not used Roundup, or any herbicides, on the grounds of any schools in a district spanning 28 cities, 703 square miles and 1000 sites.

"While the pandemic has postponed celebrating in person, honoring our phenomenal 2021 Earth Day Champions cannot be delayed. We thank each of them for their enormous and selfless contributions. They make our world a much safer and better place," said Robina Suwol, California Safe Schools, executive director.

HONOREES

Graham Allen is 13 years old and a 7th grade student at Pacific Beach Middle School in San Diego, CA. He is an avid surfer, pianist, and soccer player, and has a 4.5 GPA. He hopes to inspire others through his passion for surfing and environmental protection. With encouragement and support from his peers, Graham organized four beach cleanups in Pacific Beach, California. He worked with several non-profits in underserved communities to teach children how to surf, including students with special needs, to make the ocean a more comfortable place. Graham hopes that in the future, people will transform their passion into something that benefits others, and will help to create a safe and clean environment. In addition to receiving the 2021 Earth Day Hero Award, Graham served four times as Captain of Junior Lifeguards, received IB awards in Science and Physical Education, and was awarded a college scholarship from the Carson Scholarship Foundation. Graham is the son of Scott and Leah Allen.

Mark Abramowitz is entering his 41st year of air quality work in California. In his early days, Mark was tagged by the L.A. Weekly with the moniker "Mr. Clean Air". Since then, Mark's focus has been on tackling the seemingly insurmountable air quality problems in Los Angeles and globally. Mark has played leadership roles in a number of air quality and environmentally focused organizations. He currently works as a consultant to companies with innovative clean air technologies, and as a leader in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry in California, championing zero emission technologies.

Laurie Guillen is a lifelong resident of Paramount, California, and environmental health advocate for decades. She is a graduate of the Paramount Unified School District, Cerritos College and California State University, Fullerton. She has raised three children in her hometown - a doctor, a lawyer, and a deputy Sheriff. Laurie is the founder of the Paramount Community Coalition Against Toxics, and was elected to the Paramount City Council in 2017. In 1987, Laurie joined the Los Angeles Police Department and worked various assignments within the Department - patrol, narcotics, investigations, and administration. She retired in November of 2017. Laurie volunteers for Veterans Affairs at the VA Long Beach Healthcare System, is a philanthropist for Parkinson's disease, and a team coach for individuals with Parkinson's. She is currently a member of the Paramount Women's Club, and in her spare time enjoys travel, creating art, hiking, and camping.

MiQui Marie Torres is a wife, mother of three, an environmental advocate for children's health and a distinguished educator in Sacramento, California. Bilingual in Spanish and English, she often donates her time to serve as a translator for families in need. All of her family members, husband Mario, daughter Elena and sons Mariano and Martino have continuously served the community during the pandemic by providing others in need, especially senior citizens with produce from their abundant organic garden, and donate toys and clothing to foster children. She also contributes regularly to organizations serving the homeless, and adopts injured animals who would not have survived without her nurturing care.

Mitzi Shpak is a founding member and Executive Director of Action Now, an Environmental Health non-profit located in Southern California. Mitzi has served on the groundbreaking Los Angeles Unified School District Integrated Pest Management Team since 1999, and on the California Department of Pesticide Regulation School IPM Advisory Committee. Mitzi holds a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology, and for twenty years has been a Research Associate II in the laboratory of Edward B. Lewis (1995 Nobel Laureate Medicine & Physiology, at Caltech), and previously worked at the Institute for Genetic Medicine, USC School of Medicine in melanoma research; Beckman Institute, City of Hope in breast cancer research; Human Genome Project at Caltech; and interned at the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Jesse N. Marquez is the founder and executive director of the non-profit community based Environmental Justice Organization the Coalition For A Safe Environment (CFASE). CFASE was established in April 2001 in Wilmington, California to eliminate, reduce and mitigate the negative environmental, public health, public safety and community socio-economic impacts caused by International Trade Marine Ports, Freight Transportation, Petroleum and Energy Industries. Jesse N. Marquez's non-profit organization experience includes: community organizing, family assistance, public education, leadership development, community empowerment, urban planning, community sustainability, emergency preparedness and community economic development

Adrienne Quarry is an international human rights lawyer based in Los Angeles, California. Over the years, she has worked on several cases in an effort to obtain redress and justice for victims of human rights abuses and environmental devastation in Columbia, Ecuador, Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, South Africa and Sudan. Adrienne continues to work closely with several organizations on the local level and continues her dedication to environmental advocacy as a member of the Los Angeles Unified Integrated Pest Management Team, which has embraced the Precautionary Principle and Right to Know to keep children and adults in Los Angeles public schools safe from exposure to toxic chemicals for over two decades. Adrienne holds a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University in Government (International Relations) with a concentration in Justice and Peace Studies. She also holds a law degree from the University of Notre Dame where she served as Articles Editor for the Journal of Law, Ethics and Public Policy.

Learn more about California Safe Schools at: http://www.calisafe.org/

MEDIA CONTACT:

Robina Suwol, Executive Director

California Safe Schools

calisafe@earthlink.net

818-785-5515

March 30, 2021 marked the 23rd anniversary of California Safe Schools (CSS), a celebrated children's environmental health and justice coalition, founded by Robina Suwol in 1998 after grade school students, including Robina's two sons, were sprayed with the herbicide Princep, as they headed to class.

Related link: http://www.calisafe.org/

California Safe Schools Celebrates 22nd Anniversary and Earth Day

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- March 30th, 2020 marked the 22nd anniversary of California Safe Schools (CSS) a celebrated children's environmental health and justice coalition founded by Robina Suwol in 1998 after grade school students, including Robina's two sons, were sprayed with the herbicide Princep, as they headed to class.

A school gardener in a hazardous materials suit, employed by LA Unified School District, unaware students were present, sprayed the herbicide creating a cloud of pesticide mist students were forced to walk through to reach their classrooms. Several parents who had dropped off their children at the school were alarmed to witness this event. Robina's youngest son, Nicholas, whose asthma had been under control, experienced a severe asthma attack after the incident.

Robina and CSS sprung into action, contacting the school district, experts in the area, teachers and other parents - leading the effort to ensure incidents like this would not happen again. And, one year to the date Nicholas became ill, CSS and LAUSD enacted the most stringent pesticide policy in the nation for schools. The policy was the first in the United States to embrace the Precautionary Principle and Parents Right to Know regarding pesticides in schools.

The success of the policy led to California legislation, The Healthy Schools Act 2000, and AB 405 spearheaded by Suwol and CSS, which prevents experimental pesticides whose health effects are unknown from being used in all K-12 California schools. As a result, 6 million students, hundreds of thousands of teachers and school employees are protected. For 22 years LA Unified has not used Roundup, or any herbicides, on the grounds of any schools in a district spanning 28 cities, 703 square miles and 1000 sites.

"While celebrating together has been temporarily postponed, honoring our 2020 heroes cannot be delayed. We thank each of them for their enormous and selfless contributions. They make our world a much safer and better place," said Robina Suwol, California Safe Schools, executive director.

Honorees:

HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Monsignor John Moretta

John Moretta was born in Los Angeles on July 12, 1941. He entered St. John's Seminary, Camarillo, in 1960. After completing Philosophy and Theology studies, he was ordained on April 27, 1968. He has served in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as a parish priest in five parishes. He is at presently the pastor of Resurrection Church in Boyle Heights. This May he will have served there for thirty-five years. Throughout his ministry he has worked with the Latino community and has been on several advisory boards of the Archdiocese. He was invested as a Domestic Prelate to His Holiness with the title of Monsignor on February 2, 1992.

He has been an advocate for the empowerment of people. Whether it is in educating people to speak English, preparing for citizenship, organizing the Mothers of East Los Angeles, establishing a first-time homeowners center, the Boyle Heights Resident Homeowners Association, Neighborhood Watch Groups, sitting on advisory boards of high schools, member of the Guadalupe Procession Committee, Dean of Deanery 9, serves on the Priests Council and Personnel Board for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and also for the Police Department.

Most recently he helped fight the battle to close down Exide Technologies after many years of releasing lead into the environment. Monsignor Moretta has a great love for the people he serves and is always looking for ways to improve the community.

HEALTH HERO

Evelyn Cortez-Davis, P.E., BCEE

Evelyn Cortez-Davis is the Assistant Director of Water Operations t the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the largest municipal utility in the nation. She has over 25 years of engineering experience in water quality, water conservation, pipeline design and construction, environmental compliance, recycled water, water rights, groundwater remediation, and groundwater planning. She currently leads the team that safely treats, stores and conveys water for the 4 million people in the City of Los Angeles.

In previous roles, she oversaw projects to clean up contaminated groundwater throughout the City, to capture more stormwater, increase conservation, and expand the use of recycled water and groundwater. She represented the City of Los Angeles on the Colorado River Board of California and the Board of Directors of the National Water Research Institute.

She is a graduate of UCLA, a registered Civil Engineer in the state of California, and is a Board Certified Environmental Engineer. Ms. Cortez-Davis is also the author of the book December Sky- Beyond My Undocumented Life relating her family's story as first -generation immigrants from El Salvador and their path to U.S. citizenship

LEADERSHIP AWARD

Christian Arana

Christian strongly believes in the promise of America, and that begins first with California's estimated 15 million Latinos. As the Policy Director at Latino Community Foundation, Christian leads the foundation's efforts to advance policy solutions that will improve the lives and political power of California's Latinos.

Christian served as the Senior Governance Specialist at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) in Washington, D.C. During his tenure, he worked with the nation's top political, corporate, and nonprofit leaders to develop the next generation of Latino leaders in policy. He also managed CHCI's transition towards the use of impact metrics and led two successful strategic planning sessions with CHCI's leadership. Prior to CHCI, Christian worked at the Aspen Institute for the College Excellence Program. He helped administer the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence Competition honoring the top performing community colleges in the nation. Dedicated to the advancement of Latino communities, Christian began his career as an AmeriCorps member where he served as a college counselor at Cristo Rey New York High School in East Harlem, New York.

Christian received a Master's Degree in Public Policy from UC Berkeley and holds a Bachelor's Degree from Georgetown University in International Politics. In his free time, Christian enjoys cooking, watching Dodgers baseball, and traveling.

IMPACT AWARD

Stellaluna Lopez-Ramirez is a sophomore at Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez High School in Boyle Heights. She is an honor roll student, a sophomore class representative, and a leader in academic performance. She is also a member of the junior varsity girls basketball team, and led the league with sixteen points per game this season. When not at school, she works with Youth Orchestra Los Angeles playing violin and mentoring elementary and middle school students in music and leadership, or runs free tutoring sessions with her peers. Additionally, through Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, she has performed at major venues such as Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Aspen Music Festival, and the Hollywood Bowl. After high school, she plans to double major in a STEM field and a humanity.

HEALTH & SAFETY CHAMPION AWARD

Los Angeles Unified School District

Honoring the management and staff of the Los Angeles Unified School District for 22 years of embracing the Precautionary Principle and Right to Know while successfully implementing the most stringent pesticide policy in the nation for schools , including their phenomenal efforts to serve more than 10 million meals to students, and quickly employing virtual academic programs during this challenging pandemic.

Learn more about California Safe Schools at: http://www.calisafe.org/

SPONSORS:

Sponsors for the CSS Anniversary: South Coast Air Quality Management District, Metropolitan Water District, California Air Resources Board, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Earthjustice, Republic Services, Natural Resource Defense Counsel, Galpin Ford, & Libertyhill.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Robina Suwol
California Safe Schools
calisafe@earthlink.net
818-785-5515

March 30, 2020 marked the 22nd anniversary of California Safe Schools (CSS) a celebrated children's environmental health and justice coalition founded by Robina Suwol in 1998 after grade school students, including Robina's two sons, were sprayed with the herbicide Princep, as they headed to class.

Related link: http://www.calisafe.org/

Celebrating Los Angeles Unified School Districts Outstanding Plant Managers

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- California Safe Schools celebrated the outstanding efforts of more than 800 Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Plant Managers and their supervisors at four luncheons honoring elementary, middle school, and high school Plant Managers for their exceptional efforts in implementing the most stringent school pesticide policy in the nation for the past 20 years.

The LAUSD Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policy embraces the Precautionary Principle, Right to Know, training and communications, and a 15-member committee oversees implementation. As a result of these efforts, Roundup and other highly toxic pesticides, herbicides, and antimicrobials have not been used at LAUSD campuses for two decades. In place of toxic chemicals the district works to prevent infestations though inspections, exclusion (i.e. door sweeps), eliminating clutter, extensive cleaning, and gardening practices that reduce weeds and pests. In addition heat treatment has been the preferred method for eradicating termites, eliminating potential exposure of other toxic chemicals.

"The Los Angeles Unified School District, second largest school district in the nation, spans 28 cities and 710 square miles, with more than 25,000 buildings covering 80 million square feet," said Robina Suwol, founder and executive director of California Safe Schools. "The success of the policy is a result of extremely well trained and committed management, plant managers, pest, and turf and landscape management experts. celebrating our plant managers for all of their tremendous work was long overdue given their tireless efforts to make our schools safe for all."

The guests enthusiastically received Douglas Anderson, Area Facilities Director and Master of Ceremonies for the event. Between introducing the Los Angeles Unified Maintenance & Operations Management, Chief Facilities Executive Mark Hovatter, Director of Facilities, Roger Finstad, Angelita Khazei, Deputy Director, Adriana Salazar of the Teamsters, and Robina Suwol Executive Director of California Safe Schools, he energized the crowd with trivia questions, and distributed honors and prizes.

While all Plant Managers were praised, LAUSD supervisors selected Plant Managers whom excelled and represented their colleagues to receive awards from California Safe Schools, designed by celebrated artist Michael Bruza, for their 20 years of achievements, and commendations from Mayor Eric Garcetti, Assemblyman Adrin Nazarrian and Senator Robert Hertzberg. In addition to these honorees, each and every Plant Manager received a special commendation.

Additional guest speakers expressing thanks and congratulations include: Brian Gavidia from the Office of Mayor Garcetti; Jacqueline Lawson, Los Angeles City Attorney; Dr. Alfonzo C. Webb, II and Maryhelen Torres of Local District East; and Min Wang of Republic Services. All expressed their desire to make this an annual event.

"For twenty years, LAUSD has implemented one of the most stringent, collaborative and effective school IPM programs in the nation, one that has become a model for the state and the nation. This has only been possible because of the daily efforts and dedication of our Plant Managers. They have ensured the success of this program and we salute their tireless efforts to protect LAUSD students and staff," added Douglas Anderson, Los Angeles Unified Area Facilities Director.

Dr. Cathie Ann Lippman, celebrated physician from the Lippman Center for Optimal Health, joined in the praises. "A clean environment is imperative for good health. Congratulations to all of the exceptional Los Angeles Unified School District Plant Managers and staff for their commitment to groundbreaking environmental policies and protocols that ensure vulnerable students and staff are protected."

"It is important to take the time to honor and give thanks to those who are literally the gate keepers of our schools. Hats off and double high fives to each and every Plant Manager who takes on the often-complicated task of navigating a day in the life of a school. I thank you as a parent, and on behalf of the children who are our future!" underscored Kristina L. Jasiukonis, Los Angeles Unified School District parent.

Sponsors include:
Teamsters, Republic Services, Galpin Motors, South Coast Air Quality Management District, California Endowment, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Global Environmental, Inc., NATEC International, Inc. Anderson Trophy, and Farm Table

About California Safe Schools (CSS):
CSS is a children's environmental health and environmental justice coalition founded in 1998. CSS was formed after its founder's child was accidently sprayed with pesticides on his way into an LAUSD elementary school by a LAUSD gardener on, a pivotal event that catalyzed LAUSD's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy formation. The success of the policy led to the California Healthy Schools Act 2000, and AB405 (Montanez), sponsored by California Safe Schools, which bans the use of experimental, conditional, or phased out products at all California K-12 public schools.

Learn more at: http://www.calisafe.org/

Follow on social at:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/calisafe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calisafe/

California Safe Schools celebrated the outstanding efforts of more than 800 Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Plant Managers and their supervisors at four luncheons honoring elementary, middle school, and high school Plant Managers for their exceptional efforts in implementing the most stringent school pesticide policy in the nation for the past 20 years.

Related link: http://www.calisafe.org/

On California Safe Schools Coalition 19th Anniversary, CSS Recognizes L.A. Unified School District’s Adoption of Groundbreaking Pesticide Policy

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- California Safe Schools Coalition (CSS) commends the pioneering achievement of Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the second largest school district in the nation, spanning 740 square miles, 28 cities and more than 1,000 sites, for early adoption of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy in 1999. CSS was formed in 1998, after its founder's child was accidently sprayed by pesticides by a Los Angeles Unified gardener on his way into an LAUSD elementary school, a pivotal event for LAUSD's IPM Policy formation.

The IPM policy, created with CSS, had one main purpose: to eliminate all highly toxic chemical controls, and to use exclusion and consistent cleaning schedules as the primary pest management tool for all schools. With a deeper understanding based on scientific research, the Precautionary Principle was instituted as the LAUSD's benchmark and long-term objective. This Principle acknowledges that no pesticide product is free from risk and all may be a threat to human health. In the face of such risk, we must protect our children.

"LAUSD requires that only highly trained staff implement this IPM program," said Robina Suwol, Founder and Executive Director, CSS. "And, it's no secret, the program's success and reputation is a result of absolutely phenomenal district management and staff, including exceptional plant managers and pest, turf and landscape management experts.

"The IPM program is so highly regarded that CSS receives calls from parents, school districts and communities throughout the USA and internationally - Australia, Japan and England - asking how they can create similar policies."

The outstanding success of the IPM Policy led to the passage of the California Healthy Schools Act in 2000 and AB 405 (Montanez) in 2005. Together, these laws act to ensure the wellbeing of students, teachers, staff and parents each day by maintaining an environment free from toxic pesticides whose vast and cumulative impact is only beginning to be acknowledged.

"I applaud California Safe Schools and LAUSD on their Anniversary. The adoption of their innovative IPM policy and support of Assembly 405, which bans experimental pesticides on school grounds, has led the state and country in ensuring that our students and teachers' health are protected," said Michael Mendez, Pinchot Faculty Fellow Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

On July 7, 2017, glyphosate, (an ingredient in the ubiquitous weed control product Roundup) was listed under California's Proposition 65 as "known to the State of California to cause cancer." Before LAUSD's IPM Policy went into effect, Roundup was used extensively at LAUSD schools. The LAUSD IPM Policy reigns as one of the most successful efforts of the District to protect the health and safety of students and school personnel.

"This action by the State of California to fairly warn people about the risk of cancer associated with use of glyphosate is a step forward for the right to know and the ability to act. Policies such as those adopted for Los Angeles schools move products with the potential for toxicity out of children's environments and are good for everybody," said Dr. Amy D. Kyle, Research Professor (ret), University of California Berkeley School of Public Health.

For further information:
California Safe Schools
818-785-5515
http://www.calisafe.org/policy.html

California Safe Schools Coalition (CSS) commends the pioneering achievement of Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the second largest school district in the nation, spanning 740 square miles, 28 cities and more than 1,000 sites, for early adoption of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy in 1999. CSS was formed in 1998, after its founder's child was accidentally sprayed by pesticides by a Los Angeles Unified gardener on his way into an LAUSD elementary school, a pivotal event for LAUSD's IPM Policy formation.

Related link: http://www.calisafe.org/

California Safe Schools Honors 2017 Earth Day Heroes

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- In honor of Earth Day 2017, California Safe Schools celebrates all of the heroes who strive every day to protect our environment. This year, CSS is honoring the following 2017 Earth Day Heroes with awards and commendations for their exceptional efforts to protect human health and Mother Earth.

Founded by Robina Suwol in 1998, California Safe Schools (CSS) is a children's environmental health and environmental justice non-profit. CSS achieved national and international prominence by spearheading the Los Angeles Unified School District's (LAUSD) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy, as has since been a leader in protecting children's environmental health.

2017 Earth Day Heroes:

Sandra Schubert, Esq. - Sacramento, California:

CSS celebrates Sandra for more than two decades of public service, beginning with helping to craft the LAUSD IPM Policy, followed by her work as a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer of California, counsel to U.S. Senate Leader Harry Reid from Nevada, her role as the State of California Food & Agriculture Undersecretary, and all of her volunteer efforts working with California's groups which have led to greater protection for children's health and the environment.

Stephanie J. Harker & Cathy Blaivas - West Hollywood, California:

For their passionate community campaigns and tireless efforts to protect historic Plummer Park in West Hollywood, California Safe Schools celebrates Stephanie J. Harker and Cathy Blaivas co-founders of Protect Plummer Park. Their hard work prevented the destruction of 56 heritage trees and the demolition of nationally designated Great Hall/Long Hall, originally constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1937.

Douglas Anderson - Area Facilities Service Director, Los Angeles Unified School District, California:

CSS celebrates Douglas Anderson for his enormous efforts working with LAUSD's exceptional Maintenance & Operations staff, whose meticulous work ensures the successful implementation of LAUSD's groundbreaking IPM Policy in place for almost twenty years. LAUSD's IPM Policy is the most stringent pesticide policy in the nation for K-12 public schools and the first to embrace the "Precautionary Principle" and "Right to Know", and includes a 15-member oversight committee to ensure implementation. The success of the policy in the 2nd largest school district, which spans 740 square miles, 28 cities and more than 1000 sites, led to California's Healthy Schools Act of 2000. Today the LA Unified IPM policy serves as an international model for school districts' and communities' pesticide management programs.

On October 6, 2005, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB 405 (Montanez) sponsored by CSS, which strengthens The Healthy Schools Act. The bill bans experimental pesticides, whose health effects are unknown, from California K-12 public schools. As a result, more than six million California children and hundreds of thousands of school children are protected from experimental chemicals whose health effects are unknown.

"In honoring these outstanding, committed individuals, we are acknowledging the hard work and collaboration that has enabled us to protect not only current generations, but future generations to come," said Robina Suwol, founder and executive director of California Safe Schools.

For additional information:
California Safe Schools
818-785-5515
http://www.calisafe.org/

In honor of Earth Day 2017, California Safe Schools celebrates all of the heroes who strive every day to protect our environment. This year, CSS is honoring the following 2017 Earth Day Heroes with awards and commendations for their exceptional efforts to protect human health and Mother Earth.

California Safe Schools Receives 2014 Neotrope Non-Profit PR Grant

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Nov. 18, 2014 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- California Safe Schools (CSS) is pleased to announce it is one of 10 recipients for 2014 of Neotrope's annual J.L. Simmons Non-Profit PR Grant award. With this commitment, Neotrope(R) will provide public relations (PR) and cause-marketing support to California Safe Schools over the next year to raise awareness around its programs and accomplishments.

California Safe Schools is a nationally - and internationally - celebrated child's environmental health and environmental justice coalition.

"We are grateful to have Neotrope assist us in raising awareness on children's environmental health and environmental justice. Their services will be extremely helpful as we continue to spearhead ground-breaking programs and policies that protect our most vulnerable," says founder and Executive Director of California Safe Schools, Robina Suwol, who was named by UTNE Magazine as one of "50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World."

As part of this in-kind grant program, Neotrope(R) is providing PR solutions, news dissemination (through its Send2Press(R) Newswire service), and social media marketing for California Safe Schools. This cause-related marketing program is intended to help raise awareness of the 501(c)3 non-profit to traditional media, to the public, as well as to potential sponsors and donors, regarding their efforts.

"We're honored to be providing assistance to such a worthy cause as California Safe Schools," said Neotrope CEO, Christopher Laird Simmons; a member of PRSA and ASCAP. "We were impressed by their goals of keeping kids safe through education and policy making efforts."

"For more than sixteen years, California Safe Schools has led groundbreaking efforts to ensure that school children and the public have a right not to be poisoned, a right to learn, work and live in a healthful environment. When we work together great things can and do happen," added Suwol.

About California Safe Schools:

California Safe Schools (CSS) successfully spearheaded the most stringent schools pesticide use policy in the nation, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), at the Los Angeles Unified School District. IPM uses low risk methods to eradicate insects, weeds and other pests, eliminating a major source of indoor and outdoor pollution. It was the first in the United States to embrace the "Precautionary Principle" and "Right to Know" about pesticides used on school campuses. The success of the Los Angeles Unified policy led to California Legislation, Healthy Schools Act 2000.

On October 6, 2005, Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 405 (Montanez) sponsored by California Safe Schools. This important law closes a loophole thus protecting more than 6 million California k-12 public school students, and hundreds of thousands of teachers and school employees from exposure to experimental pesticides whose health effects are unknown.

CSS has worked extensively on local and national School Siting Guidelines and under Robina Suwol's leadership, has facilitated changes at the policy level as well as at the grassroots which creates a lasting institutional protection.

For more information on the California Safe Schools visit their website at http://www.calisafe.org/ .

To follow on Facebook, visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/California-Safe-Schools/160930077251044 .

About Neotrope:

Since 1983 Neotrope(R) has delivered services to raise organization awareness including brand identity, marketing, public relations (PR), and SEO services. Neotrope is also an entertainment publishing company involved in books, music, software, and online magazines. The company pioneered the concept of search optimization of press release content back in 1997 and has been at the forefront of many communication and technology movements for three decades. Neotrope was an Inc. 5000 company in 2009, is a member of GS1, and has an A+ rating with the BBB. More information: http://www.Neotrope.com/ .

About the Non-Profit PR Grants:

The Non-Profit PR Grants(TM) program was originally launched in 2000 to help assist U.S. 501(c)3 worthy causes to raise awareness, attract halo sponsors, and better connect with donors and volunteers.

Starting in 2013, the Grant was named after the company co-founder, the late Dr. J.L. Simmons, PhD, who passed away in 2003. The Neotrope PR Grants are now known as the "J.L. Simmons Non-Profit PR Grant."

With this cause-related marketing grant program, Neotrope has been honored to help many worthy causes in past years, including Camp Blue Skies, Catalysts Powering Educational Performance, Children Awaiting Parents, Food Finders, Inc., Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, Girls Write Now, Move for Hunger, The Native Voices Foundation, The Pacific Pinball Museum, The Bob Moog Foundation, Special Equestrians, Starlight Children's Foundation, The National Inclusion Project, World Savvy and dozens more.

Grant recipients are selected by Neotrope/Send2Press staff based on qualified applications filled out and submitted by U.S. based non-profit orgs. Choices for grant "winners" are both subjective, and based on overall activities and actual need, as well as best fit for support from the marketing team.

Additional information regarding the Neotrope 2013 J.L. Simmons Non-Profit PR Grant program for U.S. charitable non-profits and grant recipients can be found at: https://www.send2press.com/non-profit/ and also http://prgrants.com/ .

About Send2Press:

Send2Press(R) (a service of Neotrope) offers best-in-class affordable Direct-to-Editors(TM) news distribution to working print and broadcast media, and to social media, with high visibility in search engines using proprietary Neotrope ContextEngine(TM) technology. Send2Press is unique because it was the first online newswire service with staff entirely comprised of accredited public relations professionals, published authors, working journalists, and marketing experts. The service was spun-off of Neotrope's traditional PR services in 1997 and became a branded service in 2000. Learn more about Send2Press at https://www.Send2Press.com/about/ .

All trademarks acknowledged. Brand names used for reference only and do not imply an endorsement or other relationship.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/california-safe-schools-receives-2014-neotrope-non-profit-pr-grant-2014-11-1118-001.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE California Safe Schools :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2014 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.