East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice info@eycej.org 323.263.2113

East Yard and UEPI: Our Many Connections by Bob Gottlieb

Research Professor of Urban and Environmental Policy and the Founder and Director of the Urban & Environmental Policy Institute at Occidental College. Bob Gottlieb’s work has inspired and helped develop several groundbreaking programs, research studies and events in the environmental, transportation, ports, and food systems areas. A long time environmental and social justice activist, Bob Gottlieb has been engaged in researching and participating in social movements for more than 50 years.

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“It’s raining today, a nice sound to hear, and a sound that brings a bit of hope. But it’s also a sound that makes us think of the challenges we face in our region and the ways that both East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice and the Urban & Environmental Policy Institute think expansively about agendas for change in our urban – and global – environment. That includes the need for public and community green space and open space like community gardens and pocket parks and public plazas. And it includes the need to reduce the water guzzling private green space like the turf grasses in golf courses and the expansive lawns in large private homes and mansions for the wealthy. It requires us to think of and take action regarding the polluted waters that flow into the storm drains from the streets used by the trucks carrying goods from the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles into the neighborhoods of Commerce or East L.A and other polluted communities in our region. It makes us think of and act around the polluted air so directly linked to those polluted streets and freeways and intermodal rail yards that permeate these neighborhoods. And it makes us think and want to act on the need to see water as life and water as food and to rebuild our neighborhoods where we can also grow our food and create more livable places.

That’s the agenda of both our groups – EYCEJ and UEPI – and it’s in that spirit that I’m so honored to receive recognition at the Celebration for Life event on June 6th at Tamayo Restaurant (along with my good friends and colleagues Andrea Hricko and John Froines). And I remain hopeful, listening to the unexpected rain, that together, with our many allies and friends, we can turn our agendas for action into the changes we need to transform our communities – and our world.”

Join us in celebrating the contributions of Andrea Hricko, John Froines, and Bob Gottlieb as our honoree’s at our 2nd Annual Fighting For Life Celebration Dinner Saturday June 6th 2015 7:00-10:00PM and, in turn, support our programs, projects, and campaigns!
Purchase tickets here: http://eycej.nationbuilder.com/fighting_for_life_2015

2nd Annual Fighting For Life Celebration Dinner! Tamayo Restaurant, Art Gallery & T-Bar * 5300 E. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90022* Board Of Directors Reception: 6:00PM; Event: 7:00PM

Purchase tickets here: http://eycej.nationbuilder.com/fighting_for_life_2015

Final FFL Flyer