Protecting land center of forum
A panel of experts from multiple backgrounds came together Friday for a community forum aimed at protecting public lands.
The 40 or so attendees included representative from the California League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, the Sierra Club, Wilderness Society, Sacred Places Institute, Oceana
and the Natural Resources Defense Council Inc.
The discussion was centered around threats to our public lands and the Trump Administration’s upcoming proposal to potentially expand offshore oil drilling in California.
“There is currently a broad attack by President Trump, and Interior Secretary (Ryan) Zinke on America’s national parks, oceans and national monuments,” said Sandy Aylesworth, moderator of the forum.
The forum began with a prayer and song presented by panel member Jessa Calderon, a Tongva and Chumash activist.
Following the prayer, the members of the panel were introduced and a brief description was given about the purpose of the event.
“We’re here because 69 percent of Californians oppose new drilling,” Aylesworth said. “We are here to make our voices heard and to learn more about these issues.”
Attendees took notes and videos while experts presented their view on the issues.
“This is a very personal issue for the senator and myself,” said Jeremy Wole, who was there as a representative for state Sen. Henry Stern, D-Canoga Park. “We surf together off the Malibu coast almost every weekend, so the last thing we want to see are oil wells.”
Wole spoke on what California is doing to prevent the expansion of oil drilling off its coast and new programs they are organizing.
“This new program would bring inner city kids out to the coast of Malibu to surf,” Wole said. “That’s why the senator is offering SB 1455 — The Endless Summer License Plate Bill.”
Attendees smiled and laughed as Wole held up a California license plate reading “Surfer, The Endless Summer” backed with a california sunset.
Other panel members presented views from business, military, and Native American backgrounds to broaden the discussion on the issues.
“In our beliefs and our stories that have been passed down from generations and generations there is an understanding that we are the people of the land.” said Jessa Calderon, a Tongva and Chumash activist. “It’s our job to protect the land, water and our brothers and sisters.”