By MARYAM ZAR | Special to the Palisadian-Post
The CD 11 Candidates Forum—hosted by the Palisades Podcast and sponsored by the Palisadian Post—on Thursday, April 28, was a huge hit with lots of great community feedback. The questions were refreshing and the answers gave yet another glimpse of the candidates and their views.
We asked the candidates to respond to additional questions in writing. Here is the first:
What is your most touted accomplishment when it comes to defending the environment and how would you build on that in this district where our natural environment is so important to preserve and protect?
The candidates’ responses are below.
Traci Park
A: As an attorney, my work has focused on general municipal governance, liability, policy and labor relations. My environmental advocacy has come in a more personal capacity in recent years. For example, after the 2016 election, I created an advocacy group on social media with about 750 members. Our mission was to take daily actions to fight anti-climate policies at the federal level. We raised money for organizations like the Heal the Bay, Surfrider Foundation, Center for Biological Diversity, NRDC, EarthJustice, Ocean Conservancy and many others. We advocated at the local government level for divestment of public funds from banks that support fossil fuel production, promoted AB-1788 (the California Ecosystems Protection Act), and regularly lobbied state and federal officials on environmental policy. I conscientiously aligned with my values on the environment in my personal life: I bought my first EV, began using a bicycle for transportation when feasible, eliminated plastic purchases and began recycling gray water at home. Living in CD 11, we are so blessed with our gorgeous mountains and the ocean—wildfires, raw sewage spilling from Hyperion into the Santa Monica Bay, oil spills and pollution are all threats to these resources, and I will invest in the infrastructure and prevention measures necessary to protect our natural resources.
Allison Holdorff Polhill
A: I began my career as an environmental attorney, where I successfully represented three Native American tribes and prevented dumping of radioactive waste on sacred grounds and into the Colorado River, a major source for water for Southern California. Most recently, as the Chief Advisor to the Vice-President of the LA School Board, I led efforts to tackle the climate crisis at LAUSD, ensuring both the installation of 200 air quality monitoring systems at our schools so that we have real time data throughout the District and a solar pilot project where 30 schools now have solar energy, leading the way meet the District’s goal of 100% clean energy. I am proud to have the endorsement of Dr. Joseph Lyou, President and Founder of the Coalition for Clean Air (in his individual capacity). We must aggressively deploy solar energy projects that deliver clean, renewable electricity and put Angelenos to work in good-paying jobs installing and maintaining solar generation throughout LA. We’ve got to make sure the Santa Monica Bay is clean and protected from urban runoff including trash, and microplastics. As your next City Councilmember, I’ll hold Hyperion Plant accountable to environmental regulations and promptly notify the public when problems are encountered and will be a champion for environmental justice and addressing the impacts of climate change in our city.
Jim Murez
A: Reduced footprint, restored wetlands, empowered community to plant trees … When the LADWP started a solar incentive program, I enrolled in the first certification training class being offered and with my California Contractors License, I started designing and building photovoltaic solar systems. My first system is on the rooftop of my house, produces 17.5 KW through 134 panels and six inverters. The following year I purchased my first all battery-powered car, a Toyota RAV4-EV … In 2013 when I designed and constructed my adjoining living space, I introduced a closed loop hydronic system into all aspects of the building. Using the surface of the rooftop to act solar heat collector, along with eight grids of evacuated solar tubes, I’m able to heat my Olympic lap pool during the day which acts as a battery to store hot water and then at night circulate the heated water back into the floors of the building. I also have a 27-foot-long waterfall above the pool that can circulate the water and acts as a chiller to cool the temperature down if it is too warm for swimming. My home is near net zero energy consumption. In the early 2000s, I was a board member of a small group of people that undertook restoring the Ballona Lagoon. My role included helping to design and install a pedestrian path along the east bank, design and manage contractors to build a lookout deck at the southern end, and oversee the removal of non-native plants and the installation of native plants. This was all hands on work. I also spent many days leading school field trips and nature walks on the weekends.
Greg Good
A: I’m extremely proud to have led an initiative that resulted in the transition of every commercial waste and recycling truck in the city, from diesel-spewing jalopy to clean fuel vehicles, created landfill diversion requirements for the city and established community standards for waste processing facilities all over the region. I intend to address environmental issues in our district in the same way I accomplished that waste and recycling revamp—by seeking and gathering community input, engaging all stakeholders early in the decision-making process, and building broad coalitions that work towards equitable and sustainable solutions.
Mike Newhouse
A: I am a lifelong environmental advocate, who holds degrees in environmental science and natural resource law, and who has worked at the Sierra Club, NRDC, EDF, Wilderness Society and the LA City Department of Environmental Affairs. I have been endorsed by the LA Coastal Protection Coalition and Democrats for the Protection of Animals. I also practice land use and environmental law, at the intersection of CEQA, the Coastal Act, CERCLA and RCRA, and have spent the last five years as President of the City’s Planning Commission for the West Los Angeles Area, dealing with CEQA and the Coastal Act on a regular basis. As such, it is difficult to focus on one accomplishment. Having said that, with respect to this race, I am proud to have led the Planning Commission in denying a local car dealership’s attempt to turn the Tule Wetlands, in Marina Del Rey, off the 90 Freeway, into a parking lot. I am also proud to be the only candidate in this race to have taken a clear position in opposition to the “restoration” of the Ballona Wetlands.
Mat Smith
A: Growing up in CD 11 and spending countless days at the beach, I’ve long understood the damage caused by pollution that ends up in Santa Monica Bay through our storm drains. In 2014, I expanded my business and added a “rain sampling” component. My company specializes in the transportation of high priority items (refrigerated medicine, organs for transplant recipients, etc), so this was a natural fit. The government requires businesses whose property abuts storm drains to submit periodic samples to ensure they are in compliance regarding various pollutants emanating from their facility. I’ve been trained in the procurement, testing, packaging and transportation of these samples and ensure this process is professionally handled to ensure accurate results. Collecting rainwater during a storm as it flows in a storm drain can be difficult and dangerous. I worked to obtain this position due to my desire to make an impact and prevent the pollution that my family and I experience during our visits to local beaches.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
