Activists, Lobbyists, Legislators Join Forces To Protect The Planet on Lobby Day

Chair, Angeles Chapter Executive Committee

Among the Angeles Chapter members pictured with State Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata are Sandra Catrell, Issac Jacobson, Jim Stewart, Darrell Clarke and Mike Sappingfield.

On August 11th, the California State Capitol was invaded by a host of Sierra Club Volunteers intent on convincing their local legislators to vote the right way on a number of bills. The Annual Lobby Day is hosted by the Sierra Club California, our advocates in Sacramento. Forty Sierra Club volunteers from throughout the entire state volunteered to take on this rewarding task.

After thorough training sessions on Sunday at the Sierra Club California office conducted by our staff lobbyists, all were eager to begin on Monday morning. The Angeles Chapter was well represented by Darrell Clarke, Bill Vanderberg, Tiffany Saleh, Debbie Edwards, Jim Stewart, Sandra Cattell, Isaac Lieberman, Dale and Marilyn Leuer, and Mike Sappingfield. In addition, eight college students from Los Angeles and Orange County Colleges and Universities participated.

Primary focus of the lobbying efforts were encouraging support for AB 2175, a water conservation bill; AB 2989, a bill to establish the Outdoor Environmental Education and Recreation Program; and SB 1500, a bill to make local governments accountable for approving developments in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

Each of us were divided into teams of two to four volunteers and provided a list of legislators, most of whom represented districts in which we lived, or nearby. For example, as an Orange County resident, I was scheduled to meet with Senators Harman and Ackerman and Assembly members Tran, DeVore, Spitzer, and Duvall. Conversely, Darrel Clarke was scheduled to meet with Senators Kuehl and Oropeza and Assembly members Eng, Feuer, Brownley, Dymally, Lieu, and Mendoza. Similar assignments were given to the other volunteers.

During the Senate's lunch break, we all met Senator Don Perata and presented him with The Byron Sher Award for his continued support of Environmental legislation.

We found that virtually all of the legislators and aides were friendly and receptive, including those who generally do not agree with us. It was a very educational and enjoyable experience and we believe that we made a difference. We invite each of you to volunteer for a similar rewarding experience next year.

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