Pollution & Solutions Series Oct 23, 2008 Sinful Behavior: Is Pollution the 8th Deadly Sin?

BREATHE LA Pollution & Solutions Salon Series, an engaging discussion of clean air, the environment and healthy living focused on the intersection between the spiritual and the environmental.

The gathering, at the California Endowment Redwood Room, benefited from an expert panel and an array of reponders who brought depth and resonance to the discussion. A diversity of opinion with a shared goal inspired community members, students and other stakeholdersto attend.

Moderator Ray Gonzlazes, a BREATHE LA Board member who was recebtly recognized by the Los Angeles City Council for his long commitment to important issues in the community as host of KTLA Pacesetters, talked of his family's experience with pollution and lung disease. Gonzales introduced Welcome Speaker Senator Gilbert Cedillo, who reminded attendees to support clean air ballot measures despite imperfections, "After all the Uniited States Constitution is not perfect, it is a living document that has been amended, to give women the right to vote, for example." Senator Cedillo also discussed the role workplace and commerce plays in our environment.

Panelists addressed shared concerns about environmental issues as they relate to spirituality and community. Revered Peter H. Rood, Jr. of the Holy Nativity Episcopal Church discussed community gardening. Sister Marilyn Rudy of Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Earth Harmony spoke of the far reaching environmentalism of today's Catholic church and personal interconnectedness. Christopher Chapple, Navin & Pratima Doshi Professor of Indic & Comparative Thelogy at Loyola Marymount University pointed to the power of legislation to improve air quality and quality of life. Responders included Jane Affonso of the South Coast Interfaith Council, who urged audience members to gently remind the California Endowment to consider using re-usable or re-cycleable cups, Rev. Jim Conn of the United Methodist Church who addressed the personal spiritual commitment to environment and Dr. Shereen Sabet, California State University, Long Beach who spoke on the connection between Muslim and caring for the earth.

Audience members, responders and panelists took part in a show of hands for how many took advantage of the California Endowment close proximity to public transportation, one block from Gold Line Chinatown, two blocks from Union Station. Carpools and Gold Line were the most prevalent mode of transport, drawing applause from the gathering.

The final BREATHE LA Pollution & Solutions Salon will be held on November 20 at Calfiornia State University Northridge ( CSUN)

For more information BREATHE LA Pollution & Solutions series or an audio link to the October 23rd event on USC Annenberg Radio, contact BREATHE LA.

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