– Championing landmark reforms that have pioneered changes in California’s environmental health landscape –<\/p>\n
LOS ANGELES, Calif., Oct. 16, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) \u2014 Since its founding in 1998, California Safe Schools (CSS) has been at the forefront of protecting children, educators, and communities from toxic exposures. Through tireless advocacy, innovative policies, and community engagement, CSS has led groundbreaking efforts to promote safer school environments, advance environmental justice, and ensure transparency in environmental health. Today, after 27 years of dedicated work, CSS continues to inspire change locally, statewide, and internationally\u2014empowering youth and communities to build a healthier, safer future for all.<\/p>\n
On October 13, 2025, CSS hosted its 27th Annual \u201cYour Life Is Now\u201d Environmental Forum at The California Endowment in historic downtown Los Angeles.<\/p>\n
Leticia Ordaz, Emmy Award-winning news anchor, author, and publisher of Cielito Lindo Books, opened the event by honoring Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day and acknowledging the ancestral lands of the Gabrielino\/Tongva Nation. Over 250 attendees \u2014 including regulators, educators, students, elected officials, and advocates \u2014 gathered to promote a healthier, more just future.<\/p>\n
CSS Founder Robina Suwol introduced Keynote Speaker David Loy, Legal Director of the First Amendment Coalition, who delivered a powerful address highlighting the vital roles of civic engagement and environmental transparency. His remarks were followed by a heartfelt awards ceremony honoring outstanding leaders and youth change makers.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach year, we are reminded that protecting our children\u2019s health and environment requires courage, compassion, and collaboration. The recipients of the California Safe Schools Awards exemplify these values \u2014 through bold leadership, imagination, and long-standing commitment, they turn vision into action and bring transformative change to environmental health and justice. Together, they help ensure a safer, more just world for future generations,\u201d said Robina Suwol, Founder & Executive Director, California Safe Schools.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s distinguished honorees include:<\/p>\n
VISIONARY AWARDS<\/p>\n
David Loy<\/p>\n
Legal Director, First Amendment Coalition<\/p>\n
Keynote Speaker & Visionary Honoree<\/p>\n
For over 25 years, David Loy has been a tireless defender of free speech, a free press, and the public\u2019s right to know.<\/p>\n
Angela Johnson Meszaros<\/p>\n
Attorney, Earthjustice<\/p>\n
With more than 30 years of legal advocacy, Angela has worked throughout the Los Angeles region to combat the health and environmental harms caused by fossil fuels and hazardous waste.<\/p>\n
Mamie Funahashi<\/p>\n
CFO & Vice President of Executive Partnerships, Community Initiatives<\/p>\n
With 25 years in finance and two decades of nonprofit leadership, Mamie has empowered organizations to grow with integrity and community impact.<\/p>\n
Carolyn Fowler<\/p>\n
Government Relations Advisor for Sherlett Newbill, Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member, Carolyn is deeply engaged in civic life and local advocacy, providing trusted guidance and a strong voice for her community.<\/p>\n
Dan Wright<\/p>\n
Los Angeles County District Attorney\u2019s Office, Crimes Division<\/p>\n
Dan has demonstrated unwavering dedication to justice and public safety through his work investigating and prosecuting environmental and community crimes.<\/p>\n
Maryhelen Torres<\/p>\n
Administrator of Operations, Los Angeles Unified School District<\/p>\n
With 42 years of service, Maryhelen has devoted her career to improving the lives of students and families across Los Angeles.<\/p>\n
IMPACT AWARD<\/p>\n
Presented to Enrique Baeza, Chief Investigator, California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), in recognition of his 25 years of dedicated service and outstanding leadership in environmental protection and community health.<\/p>\n
YOUTH HERO HONOREES<\/p>\n
CSS proudly recognized the following exceptional young leaders:<\/p>\n
Jacob L. Conner<\/p>\n
Junior, Dorsey High School<\/p>\n
Jacob aspires to pursue a career in law and is already demonstrating leadership and a strong commitment to justice.<\/p>\n
Madison Simmons<\/p>\n
10-Year-Old Entrepreneur & Founder, Curating Our Legacy<\/p>\n
What began as a school project has evolved into a movement. Madison\u2019s mission is bold yet simple: to help girls embrace their uniqueness and lead with confidence. Through her platform, she\u2019s igniting a \u201cRarevolution\u201d \u2014 empowering girls everywhere to declare: \u201cI\u2019m different. Unique. Me!\u201d<\/p>\n
Maxton Baeza<\/p>\n
Author of \u201cThe Carousel King and the Space Mission\u201d<\/p>\n
Maxton promotes literacy in underserved communities by spending his free time reading at events with his family. He was honored with four finalist nominations and one honorable mention at the International Latino Book Awards.<\/p>\n
Bronx Baeza<\/p>\n
11-Year-Old Author of \u201cSuper Peanut: Big Bully\u201d<\/p>\n
Bronx\u2019s book, which addresses bullying and self-empowerment, was awarded Best Educational Picture Book of 2024 at the International Latino Book Awards.<\/p>\n
ENVIRONMENTAL PANELS<\/p>\n
Morning Panel: Environmental Enforcement<\/p>\n
Moderated by Jessica Brown, Attorney, Los Angeles City Attorney\u2019s Office \u2013 Public Rights Branch<\/p>\n
Panelists:<\/p>\n
Todd Sax, Senior Enforcement Advisor, CalEPAMaria Hall, Civil Rights Attorney & Director, LA Incubator ConsortiumJane Williams, Executive Director, California Communities Against ToxicsDan Wright, Assistant Head Deputy, LA County District Attorney\u2019s Environmental Crimes Division<\/p>\n
Afternoon Panel:<\/p>\n
Moderated by Sandra Schubert, Executive Director, Tuleyome<\/p>\n
Panelists:<\/p>\n
Angela Johnson Meszaros, Senior Attorney, Earthjustice \u2013 Community Partnerships ProgramCynthia Babich, Founder & Director, Del Amo Action CommitteeMartin Schlageter, Special Assistant to the GM, Metropolitan Water District of Southern CaliforniaEnrique Baeza, Chief Investigator, Department of Toxic Substances Control<\/p>\n
\u201cParticipating in the \u2018Your Life Is Now\u2019 event has truly inspired my Leadership and Environmental Science students. They returned more energized and committed than ever to pursuing their college and career pathways rooted in principled community engagement and meaningful action,\u201d said Joseph Ehrlichmann, Teacher, Larchmont Charter School.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe \u2018Your Life Is Now\u2019 Environmental Forum was a day of action, awareness, and empowerment. From exceptional speakers and engaging panels to the outstanding honorees, every moment reflected a deep commitment to protecting our environment and future generations,\u201d added Adrienne Quarry, Forum Attendee.<\/p>\n
EVENT SPONSORS<\/p>\n
California Safe Schools gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the following sponsors whose partnership made the 27th Annual Your Life Is Now Environmental Forum possible:<\/p>\n
California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)California Air Resources Board (CARB)South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD)Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda SolisLos Angeles County Supervisor Janice HahnLos Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey HorvathEarthjusticeGalpin FordCity Councilmember Nithya RamanCommunity Initiatives<\/p>\n
ABOUT CALIFORNIA SAFE SCHOOLS (CSS)<\/p>\n
Founded in 1998, California Safe Schools is a nonprofit organization committed to protecting children\u2019s health and the environment. The organization promotes safer school environments, advances environmental justice, and works to eliminate toxic exposures in schools and communities. CSS\u2019s groundbreaking policies and advocacy efforts have led to both statewide and national reforms, protecting millions.<\/p>\n
For more information, visit: http:\/\/www.calisafe.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n LOGO link for media: https:\/\/www.Send2Press.com\/300dpi\/24-0419-s2p-calsafe-300dpi.jpg<\/a><\/p>\n MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:<\/p>\n Robina Suwol<\/p>\n Founder and Executive Director<\/p>\n California Safe Schools<\/p>\n 818.785.5515 office<\/p>\n Email: calisafe @ earthlink.net<\/a><\/p>\n NEWS SOURCE: California Safe Schools<\/p>\n Keywords: Education and Schools, California Safe Schools, awards, CHILDREN, HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT, PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE, RIGHT TO KNOW, LOS ANGELES, Calif.<\/p>\n This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (California Safe Schools) who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press\u00ae Newswire<\/a>. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P130233 APDF15TBLLI<\/p>\n