The Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters (LALCV), that supports pro-environmental candidates throughout Los Angeles County, announces its endorsement of three outstanding candidates for Lynwood City Council: Emiliano Arellano, Juan Muñoz-Guevara, and Mishaun Watkins.
“Lynwood needs leaders who focus on improving the health of residents facing the impacts of poor air quality, improving the tree canopy to reduce urban heat and expanding affordable housing options. Emiliano Arellano, Juan Muñoz-Guevara and Mishaun Watkins are these leaders and we are proud to endorse them,” stated Maro Kakoussian, President, LALCV.
Lynwood’s 67,000 residents each live within a mile of either the I-105 freeway running east-west through its center, or the I-710 running along its eastern boundary. Lynwood operates its own water utility that draws on a network of wells. Lynwood City Park will soon be retrofit to capture and infiltrate up to 25 acre-feet of stormwater per year funded by the LA County Safe Clean Water Program (Measure W).
Juan Muñoz-Guevara reflects on his work: “In our first term, Lynwood and I fought hard and won real climate progress. We became the first city in Southeast LA County to join the Clean Power Alliance since it started service, divested the city’s holdings from fossil fuels, brought home nearly $15 million in parks and public investments, and turned a former gas station into a full-service grocery store. In a second term, we’ll keep our water system accountable to Lynwood residents, grow our tree canopy, build climate-resilient projects like our new water reservoir, make fossil fuel divestment permanent by policy, and protect our community from irresponsible developers who would profit at our families’ expense.”
Emiliano Arellano added, “I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters. Growing up in Lynwood near two major freeways, I’ve seen firsthand how environmental issues and pollution affect the health and quality of life of working families. On the City Council, I will work to advance environmental justice, create healthier neighborhoods, and ensure that every part of Lynwood has a voice in decisions that affect our environment and our future. I’m grateful to LALCV for their support and look forward to working together for a healthier and more sustainable Lynwood.”
“I’m honored to receive LALCV’s endorsement. Environmental justice and housing justice are deeply connected. We cannot address one without addressing the other. I’m committed to building a Lynwood where families have access to affordable housing, clean air, healthy neighborhoods, and a sustainable future,” stated Mishaun Watkins.