The Signal

Protecting land center of forum

- By Michele Lutes

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.”

 ?? Michele Lutes/For The Signal ?? Sandy Aylesworth, moderator of the community forum, introduces the panel. Jeremy Wole, right, was there as a representa­tive for state Sen. Henry Stern, D-Canoga Park.
Michele Lutes/For The Signal Sandy Aylesworth, moderator of the community forum, introduces the panel. Jeremy Wole, right, was there as a representa­tive for state Sen. Henry Stern, D-Canoga Park.
 ?? Michele Lutes/For The Signal ?? Jeremy Wole, from the office of state Sen. Henry Stern, holds up an “Endless Summer” license plate to represent SB 1455 — The Endless Summer License Plate Bill.
Michele Lutes/For The Signal Jeremy Wole, from the office of state Sen. Henry Stern, holds up an “Endless Summer” license plate to represent SB 1455 — The Endless Summer License Plate Bill.

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