FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Strela Cervas, 213-284-4923
California Environmental Justice Alliance Action Releases First Ever People of Color Led Endorsements for CA State Candidates
CEJA Action Endorsements Shows Environmental Justice is a Growing Force in California Politics
Los Angeles, CA I September 7, 2016 — Today the first ever people of color led slate of endorsements for state candidates was announced by California Environmental Justice Alliance Action (CEJA Action). People of color are California’s majority, and represent a critical, growing voting block in California, particularly on environmental issues. As the climate crisis deepens and already existing environmental health and justice issues persist, people of color have emerged as strong supporters of aggressive environmental and climate change policies. CEJA Action mobilizes the untapped voter base among people of color and builds political support for elected officials that will advance policies that address the critical environmental health and justice issues in California. View the full slate of endorsements here.
“California Environmental Justice Alliance Action (CEJA Action) represents a powerful force as the only statewide coalition with deep bases in environmental justice communities that mobilizes voters of color on state candidate races. We are extremely excited to be on the cutting edge in the release of the first people of color led slate of state candidate endorsements. We have unique opportunities to engage working class communities of color and our elected officials in new and bigger ways to win climate, environmental and social justice policies.” – Strela Cervas, CEJA Action
“I am excited to have earned the support of CEJA Action. Environmental justice is a huge issue in my district and in all of California. I was glad to co-author SB32, which will help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions to record lows by 2030. For me, it all comes down to this shocking statistic: A child born in the poorest neighborhoods of the East Bay can expect to die almost 15 years earlier than a child born in its wealthiest neighborhoods. If being a progressive means anything, it means fighting with everything we have to end this injustice.” – Assemblymember Tony Thurmond (Candidate for AD 15, Richmond)
“I am honored to have the support of the California Environmental Justice Alliance Action (CEJA Action). California is a leader in the fight against climate change, but we have much more work to do. We must ensure all of California’s communities are safe from hazardous industrial waste and that sustainable, green innovations are accessible to all Californians. With CEJA Action’s support, I know I have a committed partner in this fight.” – Todd Gloria (Candidate for AD 78, San Diego)
“From tackling climate change to combatting California’s drought, curbing pollution and improving local air quality, protecting our environment is a major priority of mine. That’s why having this endorsement from the California Environmental Justice Alliance Action means a great deal to me. I’m thrilled to partner with them on my campaign and beyond.” – Abigail Medina (Candidate for AD 40, Rancho Cucamonga)
Full slate of candidates endorsed by California Environmental Justice Alliance Action
Assembly District 15 Tony Thurmond
Assembly District 24 Vicki Veenker
Assembly District 27 Ash Kalra
Assembly District 30 Anna Caballero
Assembly District 37 Monique Limon
Assembly District 40 Abigail Medina
Assembly District 47 Eloise Gomez Reyes
Assembly District 78 Todd Gloria
State Senate District 11 Jane Kim
State Senate District 27 Henry Stern
Congressional District 21 Emilio Huerta
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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