First CA State Entity to Stop Using Words Climate Change/Disadvantaged

On April 17, 2025, at their 9:30 am meeting, the first State of California entity is poised to “obey in advance” directives that The White House has issued under “executive orders” instructing federal authorities to withhold grant funds to entities that include topics that include “climate change” and “diversity, equity, inclusion.” The Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission (SMBRC) Governing Board which was created by legislation authored by former Senator Sheila Kuehl, is a Commission that is administered under the State Water Board. Elected officials on this Governing Board who have a vote include the Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, LA City Councilmember Traci Park, Hermosa Beach Mayor Dean Francois and LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, among others.

Last week a letter signed by 22 groups, including some national heavyweights like Greenpeace, Sierra Club, Food & Water Watch and Indivisible, was delivered to California Governor Gavin Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, as well as two Cabinet Secretaries asking for their intervention – given California policies on climate change and environmental justice are in direct opposition to those being articulated currently by the federal government.

Already submitted to the Governing Board in advance of tomorrow’s hearing is a letter from the Co-Chair and Secretary of Environmental Sciences for the Gabrielino Shoshone Nation of Southern California Tribal Council – Gabrielle Crowe, objecting to the changes being suggested by the SMBRC’s staff and executive committee.

During the meeting where this language was discussed, staff for Councilwoman Park was heard saying, “this is absurd!” There were other objections to being told by the staff from US EPA that they needed to come up with alternative language in order to receive annual grant money.

The 22 groups that signed the letter want the original language to remain; they believe that the SMBRC should not bow down even a little.

“I agree with Traci Park’s staff, Jacob Burman – this IS absurd!” stated Marcia Hanscom, a long-time activist for the Los Angeles coast and signing the letter for Coastal Lands Action Network.

“Changing a word here or there – but knowing that the policies of the State of California, as stated by Governor Newsom, are to do all we can to combat climate change impacts and to also center Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) in our environmental work - is wrong. We are not afraid to use the words; the next thing these bullies will want is to stop all of this work for the Earth, our home planet we rely on. Don’t Cave to Bullies – Be Like Harvard!” she added.