Los Angeles, CA - On October 17, 2008 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, California Safe Schools (CSS) http://www.calisafe,org a children’s environmental health organization recognized internationally for their leadership in creating groundbreaking environmental health policies and programs for schools and communities hosted “Your Life is Now”, an environmental health Summit.

The event attracted participants from as far away as Washington DC. Attendees included political and environmental leaders, regulatory agencies, school district administrators, teachers, community members, and more than 300 k-12 public school children.

The program began with a presentation of the Declaration of Independence, courtesy of Norman Lear and the Declare Yourself Foundation. The Declaration of Independence was creatively displayed in a museum style setting . Talented Lighting & Scenic Designer, Brandon Stirling Baker, complimented this historical document by creating an ambiance of reverence with light and color.

2008 California Safe Schools Environmental Awards were presented to Honorable Congresswoman Hilda Solis for Outstanding Leadership & Vision, and Secretary Linda Adams of the California Environmental Protection Agency for her efforts as an Environmental Health Champion.

Congresswoman Solis graciously accepted her award and spoke with passion about her environmental efforts, and encouraged students and audience members to become active participants in their schools and communities.

Graciously accepting the Award for Secretary Linda Adams of CAL EPA, who was out of the country, was Andrea Lewis, the California Environmental Protection Agency’s (Cal/EPA) Assistant Secretary of Education and Quality Programs. Lewis spoke of the progressive efforts of the California Environmental Protection Agency, and environmental curriculum currently being developed for California schools.

The audience listened intently and responded enthusiastically to both charismatic speakers.

Following the award ceremony, a distinguished panel Moderated by the phenomenal Humanitarian, Actor and Author Mike Farrell with : David Nahai President of the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Jane Williams, Executive Director of California Communities Against Toxics, Gale Filter of the California Department of Toxic Substances, Jay Feldman of Beyond Pesticides, and benevolent Gail Zappa, widow of the late Frank Zappa, who spoke about their environmental efforts and answered questions from the audience.

In quiet celebration and reverence for mother earth, Carlos Reynosa, master of flute and song, provided entertainment by performing with his special collection of Native American, handcrafted flutes. He captured the imagination of the children who were mesmerized by his musical offering of peace, hope and healing

The event concluded with a private luncheon surrounded by spectacular fountains, native plants, colorful & imaginative children’s art displays, and energetic discussions of actions that can immediately be taken to improve health and the environment.

“For more than a decade California Safe Schools has led groundbreaking efforts to ensure that school children and the public have a right not to be poisoned, a right to learn, work and live in a healthful environment. Today we discussed not only challenges, but also actions for change. When we work together great things can and do happen”, said Executive Director of CSS, Robina Suwol, who Produced the event and was recently named by UTNE Magazine as one of “ 50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World”.

“Your Life is now” was sponsored by The Gas Company a Sempra utility Company, California Wellness Foundation, Whole Foods, South Coast Air Quality Management District, The Better World Group & Big Bad Tomato Interactive

Dr. Norman Isaacs, Principal of Charter High School of the Arts Multimedia and Performing, one of many schools who attended the event added, “We applaud Robina Suwol, California Safe Schools & their sponsors for creating an event that inspires students to make our world a better place. It was an experience that they will never forget.”


For further information:

California Safe Schools
Box 2756
Toluca Lake, California 91610
818-785-5515
http://www.calisafe.org