2021 Year in Review

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Rep. Barragán (CD-44), EPA Administrator Reagan, CBE Action Executive Director Sarmiento, with community leaders. | Picture from Rep. Barragán, Twitter - Site Visit..

Quarterly co-governance gRound-table kicked-off in April 2021: With frontline leaders impacted by industrial toxins in South East Los Angeles (SELA), CBE Action who helped elect Supervisor Holly Mitchell, other decision-makers, and regulatory agencies, we bring together a grassroots-led roundtable spanning federal, state, and county representatives to build relationships for greater accountability and transparency in government. We lead in this ongoing joint work to address decades of environmental racism and center community members whose health is at risk from industrial pollution.

LA County Supervisors Mitchell (far left), Hahn (left) alongside Wilmington community member, Wendy (center) speaking to reports about neighborhood oil drilling impacts. | Picture from California Environmental Justice Alliance.

Won a historic measure to begin the phase-out of oil drilling in Los Angeles County on September 15, 2021 with the leadership of newly elected Supervisor Holly Mitchell: Alongside a coalition of environmental justice, climate, faith, labor, and public health groups we successfully organized community, voters, and LA County Board of Supervisors to phase-out neighborhood oil drilling and become the first in the nation to ban existing drilling. Read the press release from our allies at Sierra Club, who supported us in this effort.

The gubernatorial recall this past September demonstrated that Californians who fight for an inclusive future together can win. Exit polls tell us that for the over 7.9 million votes cast, Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latino, and people of color voters, overwhelming voted “No” to the recall- 84% of Black votes, 62% of Latinx votes, and 61% of Asian votes- to beat back the Republican attack on democracy.

Here’s what California’s frontline environmental justice communities said yes to in beating back the right-wing recall, and will continue to fight for:

  • Transitioning justly from a dirty fossil fuel economy into a clean regenerative economy

  • Investing in solar and electric infrastructure in their neighborhoods

  • Advancing water conservation and safe clean drinking water

  • Protecting and providing resources for undocumented families and students

  • Addressing the needs of people and families experiencing houselessness

  • Protecting community health and safety from multibillion dollar companies that pollute

  • Securing community resources for schools, libraries, parks, public transit, and housing

Endorsed Janani Ramachandran for Assembly District 18 Special Election- August 31, 2021: Over 76 thousand voters in Alameda, San Leandro and Oakland came out to vote in an odd election year. Although, Janani received 43.12% of votes and not enough to pass the leading candidate, CBE Action members are proud of this grassroots-led candidate for challenging the status quo and fighting for frontline communities. Janani’s campaign elevated the conversation for family-sustaining wages, the importance of addressing systemic root causes of housing inequities, and amplified environmental injustice and the need to take action to protect community health. We look forward to the next election and growing our base of voters.

Supported the 14-member progressive delegate slate, educated voters on the ADEM elections, and encouraged voters to request their ballot for the January 27, 2021 election. We are proud to champion the leadership of our members, Brandon Molina Berrios and Esperanza Romero, including CBE Action Intern, Dinorah Hernandez and CBE Action endorsed candidate for AD64, Fatima Iqbal-Zubair on this powerful slate of community rooted people fighting for justice for frontline communities.

Support electoral and legislative advocacy today!

Contributions to CBE Action, a project of Tides Advocacy, are not tax-deductible.