FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2018
CONTACT:
Kay Cuajunco, 619-889-7865
Los Angeles, CA — This election year, communities of color overburdened by economic inequality and health disparities have the power to elect progressive leaders who will courageously defend communities from corporate polluters and pass bold and visionary policies. As the climate crisis worsens and existing environmental health and justice issues persist, working families and people of color have the opportunity to pass ballot measures with critical solutions to our environmental and climate change crises. CEJA Action mobilizes people of color to vote for progressive leaders and advance critical environmental health and justice policies in California.
On November 6th, communities of color have an opportunity to lead California in electing progressive candidates with proven leadership on environmental and social justice issues and rise to the challenge to defend all Californians who make up our vibrant and resilient communities. This year, there are a number of ballot measures of critical importance to communities on the frontlines of pollution. CEJA Action urges voters to help secure access to clean drinking water; accessible and affordable housing that sustains the long-term health and livelihoods of our communities; resources that directly improve our schools; good local jobs with strong workplace protections; and high quality health care for all.
See CEJA Action’s 2018 Environmental Justice Voter Guide at ceja-action.org/voterguide2018
“CEJA Action proudly endorses candidates who have committed to uplift the needs of our state’s environmental justice communities, immigrants, and working families. Our slate of endorsements includes candidates with a track record of advocating for critical policies and programs for these communities, from ensuring California equitably transitions to 100% clean energy, to protecting the health of communities at the frontlines of polluting sources, to increased access to affordable transportation and clean drinking water. Communities of color are a powerful force in shaping the outcomes of our elections and demand that elected leaders proactively represent their rights to a healthy environment, homes for all, and safe, good jobs with worker protections.”
– Gladys Limón, Executive Director, California Environmental Justice Alliance (CEJA) Action
“Last month, we marched with thousands on the streets of San Francisco to demand real climate leadership. Now, we have an opportunity to continue to lift up our demands at the ballot box. We need affordable housing now for families, seniors and veterans. Together we can break the cycle of homelessness and restore the right of local communities to protect all families at risk from displacement. Providing and protecting affordable housing for the most vulnerable is a climate resiliency strategy. On November 6th, vote “yes” on Propositions 1, 2 and 10, that will address the affordable housing challenges facing California and help tackle the climate and displacement crises for our communities.”
– Antonio Diaz, Organizational Director, PODER
“While many local leaders compromise community health by catering to industry, Senator Connie Leyva and Assemblymember Eloise Gomez-Reyes work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for Inland Empire families. They’ve both championed legislation that advocates for smarter land use and community development plans to help protect environmental justice communities like Bloomington and San Bernardino. Let’s re-elect Senator Leyva and Assembly Member Gomez-Reyes to ensure California continues to lead without leaving any communities behind.”
– Allen Hernandez, Executive Director, Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ) Action
“Jovanka Beckles has been a tireless advocate for communities in Richmond whose residents experience the brunt of pollution everyday from the four oil refineries within a ring of 20 miles. In addition to the only candidate in the race to have held office serving constituents of Assembly District 15, Beckles is the only Richmond resident in the race with experience in passing and enacting community-led solutions. She has been the only candidate to advocate alongside our members in the Capitol to protect the health of all Richmond residents. Jovanka Beckles is the only candidate with proven leadership that we can depend on to defend our future.”
– Darryl Molina Sarmiento, Executive Director, CBE Action
Full slate of 2018 candidates endorsed by California Environmental Justice Alliance Action:
Jovanka Beckles – Assembly District 15
Ash Kalra – Assembly District 27
Monique Limón – Assembly District 37
Eloise Gómez Reyes – Assembly District 47
Sydney Kamlager – Assembly District 54
Al Muratsuchi – Assembly District 66
Todd Gloria – Assembly District 78
Shirley Weber – Assembly District 79
Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher – Assembly District 80
Connie Leyva – Senate District 20
Mike Eng – Senate District 22
Maria Elena Durazo – Senate District 24
Xavier Becerra – Attorney General
Ricardo Lara – Insurance Commissioner
Tony Thurmond – Superintendent of Public Education
Kevin de León – United States Senate
For CEJA Action’s full 2018 Environmental Justice Voter Guide and Candidate Endorsements: ceja-action.org/voterguide2018
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California Environmental Justice Alliance Action (CEJA Action) builds the political power of communities of color to advance environmentally and socially just policies in California. We accomplish this by engaging voters in communities of color, organizing and training grassroots leaders to engage in civic and electoral politics, and advocacy to advance critical policies that will improve the health and quality of life in communities of color. We believe California’s communities of color are a powerful force for equitable environmental policies and a more participatory, inclusive democracy. www.ceja-action.org