Local high school students recognized during Sacramento assembly session
SACRAMENTO— Students from Calexico, Southwest, Central and Holtville high schools made the trip here to be recognized before the entire assembly chamber by Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia, D-Coachella, during Tuesday’s assembly session.
Garcia proudly presented 11 local students in recognition of their participation in the Comité Cívico del Valle’s Youth Environmental Health Internship program.
“They were able to experience the legislative process in action and embark upon a full day of environmental health advocacy and policy discussions,” Garcia said.
Comité Cívico del Valle is a locally based non-profit organization that strives to improve lives in disadvantaged areas through a wide range of approaches, including civic education, outreach, research, citizen science and crowd sourcing.
“The program has helped build up these young leaders and serves as an introduction to environmental justice principles and air pollution monitoring,” the assemblyman stated. “I was very impressed by the passion and professionalism of these youths as they expressed their experience growing up in Imperial County and the unique set of air quality and environmental issues impacting the local region as well as our community’s overall health.”
Recognized were Calexico High juniors Aleyda Arana and Cecilia Arellano, Southwest High sophomores Naomi Hernandez and Alejandra Moreno, and Holtville High seniors Nicole Granados and Sarah Guzman.
Also recognized were Central Union High junior Jose Muñoz, senior Vanessa Fulton, senior Antonio Rubio, senior Elizabeth Perez and senior Leonardo Valdivia.
“I was really excited to be given this opportunity. This experience has encouraged me to come back home to the valley and help my community. We have a voice, we are capable of enacting change if we speak up and take action,” said Arellano, whose participation in this program prompted her to explore future career pathways. “The internship has helped me develop a deeper understanding of local health and environmental issues as well the full scope of careers and jobs to pursue with an environmental major.”
In addition to receiving a shout-out before the entire assembly chamber, the students attended various meetings, including one with Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Lakewood.
Comité Cívico del Valle has previously received statewide acclaim for its innovative, community-led air-monitoring network.
“Legislative advocacy is an integral part of the internship curriculum,” said Luis Olmedo, executive director of Comité Cívico del Valle. “This was the first time most of the students had ever been on an airplane. I am very grateful to Assemblymember Garcia for his constant support, his championship of environmental health policies and his efforts to make this capitol visit a memorable trip for these students.”