California Safe Schools Honors Leaders and Celebrates 20th Anniversary

On December 4th 2018, at the California Endowment, California Safe Schools, the celebrated children’s environmental health & justice coalition founded by Robina Suwol in 1998, honored former L.A. Unified Board Member Julie Korenstein, Angelo Bellomo, Deputy Director of Health Protection, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Mary Cordaro, Environmental Health Consultant,and Mulholland Middle School robotics student Daniella Flores at their “Your Life is Now” annual event.

This Environmental Health and Enforcement Forum celebrates environmental health victories, and honors individuals who strive to make our world a safer place. 300 invited guests included students, teachers, parents, elected officials, representatives from regulatory and enforcement agencies, medical experts, scientists, and environmentalists.

California Safe Schools (CSS) achieved national prominence by spearheading the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy, the most stringent pesticide policy in the nation for K-12 public schools the first to embrace the "Precautionary Principle" and "Right to Know" and then the passage of California's Healthy Schools Act. Round-Up and other highly toxic pesticides have been banned for more than 20 years.Today the LA Unified IPM policy serves as an international model for school districts and communities.


On October 6, 2005 Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 405 (Montanez) sponsored by California Safe Schools. The bill bans experimental pesticides, whose health effects are unknown, from California K-12 public schools.

CSS continues to work closely with diverse communities, parents,school districts and regulatory agencies on toxics issues (air, water, soil)

"Your Life is Now" distinguished speakers included:

Sandra Schubert, Principal/Counsel, Schubert Legal Strategies

Kevin Olp, Manager, Environmental Justice Task Force, California Environmental Protection Agency

Jessica Brown, Los Angeles City Attorney

Steven Leonido John, Region IX United States Environmental Protection Agency

Joe Lyou, President CEO Coalition for Clean Air & and South Coast Air Quality Management District Boardmember

Amy Kyle, former School of Public Health Berkeley Professor and children’s health champion

Cathie Ann Lippman, Physician – Lippman Center for Optimal Health

Jill Getto Lee, RIE Associate

Founder and executive director of California Safe Schools, Robina Suwol in closing added, " When we can all work together great things can and do happen. Please remember that you're never too young, or too old to make a difference!"

The Bakers Jazz Trio comprised of exceptionally gifted musicians Nicholas Baker, Ben Finley and Hank Mehren performed during a beautifully catered luncheon by Patina.

“Your Life is Now” was sponsored by the California Environmental Protection Agency, South Coast Air Quality Management District, Metropolitan Water District, California Endowment, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Galpin Ford, and Udi’s Healthy Foods.