The highly coveted endorsement of the Sierra Club, with thousands of members in the 11th district, is a key measure of a candidate¹s dedication to protecting the environment.

"At a time when rampant development in the 11th District threatens to overwhelm open space and clog our streets and freeways, the Sierra Club is proud to back a candidate who opposes expansion of Los Angeles International Airport and Phase Two of Playa Vista, supports light rail, and will continue to fight for the protection of the Ballona Wetlands, the Santa Monica Mountains, clean air and the coastline," said Susana Reyes, political chairperson of the Club¹s Angeles Chapter.

The 11th District is a sprawling coastal area that runs from >> Mulholland Drive to the border of El Segundo. It includes the Santa Monica Mountains, the Ballona Wetlands, and the Santa Monica Bay. It is the only Council district that does not have an incumbent running for re-election, making it the most highly contested council seat in the March 8 election.

Rosendahl¹s environmental platform includes:

• The creation of new park spaces and recreational opportunities for children and youth.
• The revitalization and proper maintenance of existing parks.
• Implementation of city policies that foster use of alternative fuels and alternative modes of transportation.
• Support for efforts to improve air quality and eliminate pollution in Santa Monica Bay.
• Preservation of wetlands, mountains, ocean, and open space.

Rosendahl was endorsed in December by the League of Conservation Voters, the only other environmental organization that formally endorses political candidates for Los Angeles area elections.

"I am truly honored by this endorsement," Rosendahl said. "We all share a passion for the environment and a determination to make environmental issues a priority. This is the environmental district and our next councilperson must be the environmental conscience of the City Council."

Sierra Club representatives interviewed the three candidates vying for the 11th District seat to determine their positions on environmental issues and gauge their commitment to the environment. Rosendahl emerged as the leader, offering realistic ideas and a clear vision of how to protect the district¹s environmental beauty and resources.

Rosendahl has won support from a broad spectrum of environmentalists and others. They include Mark Gold of Heal the Bay; Tracy Egoscue of Santa Monica Baykeeper; Fran Diamond of the Water Resources Board; Gail Feuer of the Natural Resources Defense Council; Lee Wallach of the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life of Southern California; and activist Ed Begley, Jr. Political backers include Assemblymembers Fran Pavley and Mike Gordon; State Senators Sheila Kuehl and Debra Bowen; Congresswomen Jane Harman and Maxine Waters; and former Los Angeles Councilmember Marvin Braude.

More information on Rosendahl and his campaign can be found at his website: www.billrosendahl.com. Additional information about the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club is at www.angeles.sierraclub.org. Go to www.lalcv.org for more about the League of Conservation Voters.

Sierra Club board member and wetlands activist Marcia Hanscom (far left), actor and conservationist Ed Begley, Jr. (left), and Angeles Chapter political chairperson Susan Reyes (right) celebrate the Club’s endorsement with candidate Bill Rosendahl. The group met in Los Liones canyon, a Santa Monica recreation area in the district Rosendahl seeks to represent. Photo: Jack Prichett hi res photo

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