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McOsker Briefs: Food Resources and Rent Increase Program Transparency

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McOsker Briefs: Food Resources and Rent Increase Program Transparency

Food Resources In and Around CD15

Councilman Tim McOsker’s office has compiled a list of local food distribution resources in and around CD15 to help out as the federal shut down continues. The office will update this resource as needed during this challenging time. Also, LA City FamilySource Centers are offering free weekly food distributions for low-income individuals and families at 19 locations citywide. Find one near you at LA4Families.org.

CD 15 Policy Update, Rent Increase Program Transparency

Councilman Tim McOsker Nov. 5 introduced a motion with councilmember Nithya Raman to make the city’s just and reasonable rent increase program more efficient and transparent. The motion directs the LA Housing Department to review how other cities manage similar programs to ensure Los Angeles is adopting best practices that simplify the process for landlords while maintaining strong protections for tenants under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance. The just and reasonable program is intended to help property owners achieve a fair return on their investment without undermining tenant stability, but very few landlords use it because the process has become confusing and burdensome. The motion calls for a report back within 15 days comparing procedures from other cities in California and LA County to help identify models that are less cumbersome and more responsive. It also asks the Housing Department and Rent Adjustment Commission to update program guidelines, improve accessibility, and conduct outreach to inform landlords about how to properly use the program and other cost reimbursement provisions under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance. Through this motion, the city council aims to ensure that the city can maintain a fair, balanced approach that protects tenants and allows property owners a reasonable return on their investments.

 

Public Health Alert: Infant Botulism Outbreak Linked to ByHeart Powdered Infant Formula

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Public Health Alert: Infant Botulism Outbreak Linked to ByHeart Powdered Infant Formula

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is alerting parents and caregivers about an ongoing multistate outbreak of infant botulism linked to ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. Parents and caregivers should stop using ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. Do not use recalled infant formula, which is listed below. Throw it away or return it to where you bought it. If possible, record the lot number.

Seek immediate medical care if an infant shows any of the following symptoms:

  • Constipation
  • Difficulty feeding, sucking, or swallowing
  • Weak cry or diminished facial expression
  • Poor head control
  • Muscle weakness or trouble breathing

Currently, there is one confirmed case in Los Angeles County. The infant was hospitalized but is now recovering.

Nationwide, 13 suspected or confirmed infant botulism cases linked to ByHeart powdered formula have been reported across 10 states since August 2025. All 13 cases (100%) reported feeding ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula. There have been no deaths associated with this outbreak.

The California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, which operates the only source of infant botulism treatment worldwide, identified an increase in cases and first alerted the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to the outbreak. Public Health is coordinating closely with CDPH, CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other state and local health departments to monitor potential cases in Los Angeles County and ensure the availability of treatment. The investigation is ongoing.

About the Infant Formula

On November 8, 2025, ByHeart Inc., voluntarily recalled two lots of Whole Nutrition Infant Formula:

  • Lot 206VABP/251261P2 (Use by 01 Dec 2026)
  • Lot 206VABP/251131P2 (Use by 01 Dec 2026)

The formula was sold through ByHeart.com and major retailers nationwide, including Amazon, Kroger, Walmart, Whole Foods, Target, and Sam’s Club. According to the FDA, ByHeart formula represents less than 1% of all U.S. infant formula sales, and the recall is not expected to create a national shortage.

CDPH tested a can of powdered infant formula consumed by an infant diagnosed with infant botulism, with preliminary results showing bacteria that produce botulinum toxin, consistent with confirmed cases.

Public Health is collaborating with CDPH and federal partners to ensure that any potentially contaminated product is removed from circulation and that infants showing possible symptoms are rapidly identified and treated.

What Parents/Caregivers Should Do

Parents and caregivers should stop using ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. Do not use recalled infant formula. Throw it away or return it to where you bought it. If possible, record the lot number.

Seek immediate medical care if an infant shows any of the following symptoms:

  • Constipation
  • Difficulty feeding, sucking, or swallowing
  • Weak cry or diminished facial expression
  • Poor head control
  • Muscle weakness or trouble breathing

Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled formula using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

About Infant Botulism

Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness that occurs when spores of Clostridium botulinum colonize an infant’s intestines and produce botulinum toxin, leading to progressive muscle weakness and potential respiratory failure if untreated.

Healthcare providers are urged to report suspected cases immediately to their local health department to facilitate testing and access to treatment.

The only FDA-approved treatment for infant botulism, BabyBIG®, is produced by CDPH’s Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, which developed and supplies the treatment globally. BabyBIG® shortens hospital stays and significantly improves recovery for affected infants.

Public Health is ensuring rapid access to BabyBIG® for any potential cases in Los Angeles County. Physicians with suspected cases can contact the CDPH Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program at 510-231-7600 for immediate consultation.

Details: Public Health InfoLine,1-833-540-0473, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

NewFilmmakers Los Angeles’ Student Mentorship Program Offering Upcoming Sessions at NBCUniversal, Approximately 25 spots are available.

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NewFilmmakers Los Angeles’ Student Mentorship Program Offering Upcoming Sessions at NBCUniversal, Approximately 25 spots are available.

 

Below is a general overview of the program:

  • NFMLA’s CineSessions High School Student Mentorship Program invites Los Angeles County High School students to participate in an array of opportunities that are offered on a monthly basis throughout the year. These interactive programs explore various areas of entertainment, including but not limited to production opportunities and general careers in media.
  • CineSession experiences offer a glimpse into many different roles. Some of these opportunities include:
  1. Cinematography (camera operation, shooting techniques, framing shots)
  2. Development Executive (cultivating new talent for episodic series and film)
  3. Directing (set language, scene composition, blocking talent)
  4. Distribution Executive (programming content for streaming, broadcast and cinemas)
  5. Lighting (three-point-lighting, soft vs. hard & natural vs. artificial lighting)
  6. Film Criticism (reviewing of films and TV series)
  7. Sound Recording (sound recording on boom, pistol and lav mics)
  8. Marketing (creating public facing campaigns for episodic and film content)
  9. Production Management (creating call sheets and shooting schedules)
  • The Student Mentorship Program is open to high school students ONLY and they are only allowed to participate once.
  • Location: Universal Studios
  • Snacks and drinks will be provided to the students.
  • An excuse letter can be provided for the student, if needed.
  • Students will also receive a complimentary year-long membership to attend NewFilmmakers Los Angeles’ monthly film festivals and exclusive industry events.
  • Students will also have access to internship and volunteer opportunities with our organization.
  • At the end of the year, there will be a special ceremony to celebrate the students’ accomplishments, where they will be awarded a certificate of recognition from the Office of the Mayor of Los Angeles. This will be held at an iconic studio lot in Hollywood.

Spots will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. A confirmation email will be sent to the student once they have been admitted to the program. Remind them to check their inbox/spam folder regularly.

Time: 2:45 to 5 p.m., Nov. 12 and Dec. 3

Details: Students can send their application via this link.

St. Mary Emphasizes Life-Saving Lung Screenings and Advanced Care in Long Beach

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St. Mary Emphasizes Life-Saving Lung Screenings and Advanced Care in Long Beach

LONG BEACH — As November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Dignity Health – St. Mary Medical Center or SMMC is urging its community to prioritize lung health through proactive steps and early detection. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women. SMMC is empowering its neighbors with vital information and access to advanced, hospital-based care.

Lung cancer accounts for more deaths than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. In California, an estimated 16,000 new cases were diagnosed in 2024 (American Cancer Society – ACS). Often diagnosed at advanced stages, early detection through effective screening is critically important for improving outcomes.

“Lung Cancer Awareness Month is a crucial time to spotlight this devastating disease and emphasize the life-saving power of early detection,” said Dr. Shyam Rao, MD, pulmonologist at SMMC. “While smoking is the primary risk factor, it’s essential to remember that anyone can get lung cancer. We are committed to educating the public about all risks and ensuring our community has access to advanced screening and treatment options.”

SMMC provides personalized lung cancer services in Long Beach, integrating specialty care with a commitment to kindness and clinical excellence, including state-of-the-art low-dose CT (LDCT) scans for eligible high-risk individuals to detect abnormalities early, advanced imaging and biopsy techniques that lead to accurate, timely diagnoses, and multidisciplinary teams with oncologists, pulmonologists, radiologists, and surgeons.

Californians can take proactive steps toward a healthier life, such as understanding your risk by discussing your personal and family history with your primary care physician, considering screening, especially if you meet criteria for high-risk screening, and recognizing symptoms like a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.

“Early detection dramatically improves outcomes for lung cancer patients,” emphasized Dr. Rao. SMMC urges people who are aged 50-80 who have risk factors to be proactive with their lung health, engage in conversations with their doctor, and take advantage of the community education and hospital-based resources SMMC offers.”

Details: Visit dignityhealth.org/socal/cancer to learn more about lung cancer, screening, and treatments.

Thousands of LAUSD Workers Rally for a Fair Contract, Students’ Rights

Mark Friedman
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Thousands of LAUSD Workers Rally for a Fair Contract, Students’ Rights

Mark Friedman, Member International Association of Machinists 1484, RLNews contributor

  • Workers cite LAUSD’s $5.03 billion in reserves, while five union contracts have already expired after eight months of bargaining.
  • Demands include more counselors, smaller class sizes, and fair pay raises, rejecting austerity measures despite large district reserves.

Thousands of educators, principals, food service workers, custodians, teaching assistants, administrators, school safety officers, construction crews, and other education employees from eight unions rallied across five sites citywide with a unified message for LAUSD: stop hoarding funds and invest in schools and the workers who keep them running. More than a thousand people joined the rally and marched outside Wilmington’s Harry Bridges Span School.

“Educators have been at the bargaining table with the district for more than eight months. We are calling for concrete support for immigrant families; more counselors, psychologists, and psychiatric social workers, and other critical support our schools urgently need,” said Esmeralda Gonzalez, LAUSD educator and parent. “For eight months, most of LAUSD’s answers to our solutions are NO! It’s clear they don’t feel the urgency we and our families feel.”

Teamsters Local 572 has been waiting 18 months for a contract. All speakers complained of the extra work load while reducing school services and offering a measly 2% pay raise per year.

Speakers in Wilmington denounced LAUSD’s proposal to pass on future healthcare cost increases to employees — a move workers say amounts to a pay cut and breaks decades of trust. Despite uncertainty about their own healthcare and pay.

LAUSD has proposed freezing its health-care funding contribution at its 2026 level, under a two-year deal ending in 2027.

The freeze would apply even though health-care costs are continuing to rise, which unions say translates into a funding shortfall of about 7% by 2027 and about13% by 2028.

LA Unified’s offer also includes the introduction of a new high-deductible health plan beginning in 2026.

In parallel, the district’s broader economic proposal includes a 2% raise in year one, 2% in year two, and a wage re-opener in year three with no guarantee of increase. The health-care funding freeze means that even the 2% raise could be offset by higher healthcare costs borne by employees.

The president of Associated Administrators of Los Angeles (AALA), Maria Nichols, told demonstrators: We reject a system where a few at the top are making close to and over $300,000 while our schools are underfunded, families are struggling and our communities are under attack.

“Students are living through times of fear and uncertainty. Those who teach and support our students are struggling. More than ever – we need fully funded, fully staffed, schools,” said Max Arias, Executive Director of SEIU Local 99 reported a UTLA press release.

Mariyah Williams spoke for Students Deserve, a youth-led, multi-racial grassroots organization based in LA Unified, a group fighting to rid police from schools, expand student services, prevent ICE from coming onto campus, and expressed strong solidarity with teachers. Teachers and students have rallied to free students detained by ICE.

Mariyah Williams At Wilmington Rally. Photos By MF

“I’m a senior at San Pedro High School and a proud leader in Students Deserve. I’m here today standing with UTLA teachers, SEIU Local 99, and all of our partners across Los Angeles because our fight is one and the same–we’re fighting for dignity, for justice, and for the future of public education.

Right now, public education is under attack by billionaires and politicians who want to privatize our schools and silence our voices. And while they’re doing that, they’re not even prioritizing us! We need to remind ourselves they work for us! Not the other way around.

This fight isn’t only on wages or contracts–it’s about what kind of world we want to build.

A world where teachers are valued, where students are protected, and where education is liberation, not oppression. When Students Deserve fought to remove school police and bring in mental health resources instead–our teachers stood with us.

When we demanded that LAUSD invest in Black students and end racist disciplinary policies–our teachers stood with us.”

With Democracy Under Threat, Culver City Seeks To Strengthen It With A Revival of An Ancient Athenian Practice.

Paul Rosenberg
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With Democracy Under Threat, Culver City Seeks To Strengthen It With A Revival of An Ancient Athenian Practice.

 

As Donald Trump rapidly pushes America toward a Turkish or Hungarian style pseudo-democracy, Culver City just took the first step in the opposite direction. On Oct. 25, its city council approved a plan to give its residents a meaningful role in reshaping the city’s budget process via a randomly-chosen Athenian-style civic assembly.

While the body would only be advisory, there’s good reason to believe its advice will be heeded. There have been almost a thousand such bodies worldwide in the past 20 years, the vast majority of them advisory, and their recommendations have routinely been taken seriously, as explained in a presentation by Michelle Dennis, a retired UCLA public policy lecturer, who also served 20 years as Santa Monica’s director of finance.

Dennis also volunteers with Public Democracy LA, a coalition whose mission is “To catalyze an officially-sponsored civic assembly for Angelenos on a topic of broad public concern by 2026.”

Culver City faces a significant structural deficit over the next three years, and has planned a budget priorities survey along with two question-and-answer budget information sessions, in addition to residents’ regular opportunities to speak one to three minutes at council meetings. “These are top-down opportunities created for the community,” Dennis said. “A civic assembly provides a way for the community to say how they want to participate in the budget process. These can be bottom-up opportunities created by the community.”

Dennis went on to explain the process in detail. At its heart is the selection of a random group of citizens, demographically balanced to reflect the whole population, who are then brought together to be informed by experts on the issue at hand, but who then take the initiative in small group dialogues to come up with their own ideas about what is to be done.

Dennis referred to this as having experts “on tap, not on top.” Similarly, there are facilitators to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to be heard, but not to predetermine the direction discussions take, other than to assist in helping them be productive.

Councilman Bubba Fish brought the proposal to the council following his participation in a mock assembly held in Culver City in June, on the same weekend Trump had national guard troops confronting thousands of demonstrators in downtown LA.

The thoughtful deliberation in that assembly, devoted to responses to the LA wildfires, was a striking contrast to the paramilitary confrontation Trump was simultaneously forcing on the larger community of Los Angeles, a sharp contrast reflected in comments by one community member who spoke strongly in favor of the proposal.

“We’re in a time when our democracy and democracies around the world are being attacked in a horrible manner,” said Disa Lindgren. “We do have massive challenges as a species being able to work with one another. It’s something that’s also been in evidence in our community, this really, really … stark polarization. So I think this is an excellent idea,” she said. “I do think that using the budget as the subject for the civic assembly makes a lot of sense because it’s something that concerns everyone whether they have been civically engaged.”

Although civic assemblies have been widely used around the world the last two decades, they’ve been scarce in America, so only two organizations exist that have experience in facilitating them. That, along with cost and timeline considerations, led Dennis to advise the selection of “Healthy Democracy,” the only American organization that’s facilitated more than one assembly.

The council voted 3-2 to proceed with the civic assembly, with a competitive price quote. Results may be considered as soon as the next city council meeting on Nov. 10.

Climate Progress Far Off Track Ahead of Climate Summit, Report Warns

Paul Rosenberg
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Climate Progress Far Off Track Ahead of Climate Summit, Report Warns

 

Ten years after the Paris Climate Agreement was adopted with the goal of limiting temperature increase to 1.5°C, “progress is alarmingly inadequate, exposing communities, economies and ecosystems to unacceptable risks,” a new report finds. But that’s no reason to abandon the goal: “Achieving these targets is not only still technically feasible but also more important than ever.”

“The State of Climate Action 2025,” is the fifth such report, issued in advance of the next climate summit, COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Nov. 10 to 21. A launch webinar on Oct. 28 featured two primary authors plus a panel of international climate leaders.

“While progress is heading in the right direction for most of the 45 indicators assessed, none are on track to achieve 2030 targets compatible with this temperature goal,” the report states. “The pace of change is promising, albeit still too slow, for 6 indicators and at well below the required speed for another 29.” Five more are heading in the wrong direction entirely, and there’s insufficient data to evaluate another five.

Electric passenger car sales had been on track to meet 2030 goals in last year’s report but sales fell slightly in Europe due to rollbacks of subsidies, and it slowed in America “due to a combination of factors like a relatively slow buildout of public charging infrastructure and limited availability of affordable electric sports utility vehicles, which account for three-quarters of the country’s passenger car sales.”As a result it was downgraded to to the category of “off-track.” Also in that category was private climate finance, but it had been upgraded from “seriously off-track,” increasing from roughly $870 billion in 2022 to $1.3 trillion in 2023.

By far the largest category is “seriously off-track,” meaning they will require “at least a twofold — and for most, more than a fourfold — acceleration” this decade to keep the 1.5°C limit within reach. Examples in need of greatest acceleration include:

  • Phasing out coal needs to be more than 10 times faster.
  • Scaling technological carbon dioxide removal also needs to be more than 10 times faster.
  • Reducing deforestation needs to be nine times faster.
  • Expanding public climate finance needs to be six times faster.
  • Expanding rapid transit networks needs to be five times faster.
  • Lowering consumption of beef, lamb and goat meat in high-consuming regions needs to be five times faster.

Also in this category are solar and wind electricity, even though solar power is the fastest growing source of electricity in history. Together, solar and wind in electricity have grown at an average rate of roughly 13% per year since 2020, but it needs to be 29% per year to meet 2030 goals.

At the same time, relatively new innovations, like green hydrogen, technological carbon dioxide removal and electric trucks saw significant one-year gains. Green hydrogen production more than quadrupled in one year. Commercial electric trucks sales (medium- and heavy-duty) rose by 67% between 2023 and 2024. Direct air capture projects are also taking off, but meeting 2030 goals will require all these new developments to accelerate more than 10 times faster.

While technological challenges are considerable in many categories, changes in finance are simply a matter of political will. While private climate finance has improved significantly, public finance hasn’t, while public financing for fossil fuel is still increasing — one of five indicators headed in the wrong direction. “Public finance continues to play a critical role in propping up fossil fuel industries,” the report notes.

At the same time, “Green industrialization is now what drives many economies,” said Dora Modise, executive director of the presidential climate commission in South Africa. But resources are lacking for many. “For many countries and certainly developing countries like South Africa, we are no longer facing a bottleneck around vision or policy. All of that is in place,” she said “We know what needs to be done. The main impediment is access to affordable and predictable capital that allows us to implement these transition plans.”

The Long Beach Jewish Film Festival Premieres November 12

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The Long Beach Jewish Film Festival Premieres November 12

Free Family Movie November 8

Festival feature covers the gamut of movie genres with comedy, drama, crime, war, and one free family film to precede the red-carpet premiere night on Nov. 12. The curtain opens at the Alpert Jewish Community Center (Alpert JCC) from Nov. 8 through Nov.16.

The free admission family movie is Up, the Disney animated film featuring the voice of Ed Asner as the accidental leader of an adventure like no other beginning with a ride on a house balloon. The show starts at 5:30 p.m., Nov. 8. Arrive early for playtime on the playground, crafts, and pizza for purchase at 4 p.m..

The Premiere Night reception on November 12 includes a walk on the red carpet, a gourmet popcorn bar, live music, drinks, and desserts before the premiere of the 2025 Long Beach Jewish Film Festival, featuring the comedy “Matchmaking 2” (Hebrew/English subtitles).

Two movies round out the festival Nov. 16, Yaniv, followed by the closing reception beginning at 3 p.m. with cocktails and light refreshments, and showcasing the final movie, Home, at 4 p.m.

A Festival Pass is available for $100 ($86 AJCC members) and grants entrance to all six films, priority entrance, and complimentary drinks and refreshments at the film receptions.

Please buy tickets in advance.

OFficial Festival Selection (Descriptions from IMDB):

4 p.m., Nov. 16

UP

(Comedy/Adventure)

78-year-old Carl Fredricksen travels to South America in his house equipped with balloons, inadvertently taking a young stowaway.

Language: English

6 p.m., Nov. 12

Matchmaking 2 (a sequel)

(Comedy)

After breaking box office records with their first film, the characters from Matchmaking return with this endearing romantic comedy set against Ashkenazi and Sepharic cultural tensions.

Language: Hebrew, English Subtitles

Walk the red carpet at 6 pm and enjoy live music and refreshments.

7 p.m.., Nov. 12

The Ring

(Comedy/Drama)

Arnon Noble is a religious man with a strong bond to his mother, a Holocaust survivor. When the mother’s health deteriorates, he travels to her old hometown, Budapest to search for the mythological ring that saved her life in the past.

Language: Hebrew, English Subtitles

6 p.m., Nov. 15

The Stronghold

(Drama/War)

Israeli soldiers trapped in Sinai during 1973 Yom Kippur War face annihilation. Lieutenant and doctor weigh final stand against risky gambit, potentially compromising values. Intense siege drama based on actual events.

Language: Hebrew, English Subtitles

1 p.m., Nov. 16

Yaniv

(Comedy/Drama)

After funding is cut for the school musical, a high school teacher resolves to earn it back by cheating at an underground card game run by the Hasidic Jewish community.

Language: English

3 p.m., Nov. 16

Closing Reception.

Home

(Crime/Drama)

Yair’s modern electronics shop clashes with the Geula Committee in charge of enforcing the neighborhood’s religious character.

Language: Hebrew, English Subtitles

 

Time: Various times, Nov. 8 to Nov. 16

Cost: $14 to $25

Details: www.jewishlongbeach.org/lbjff

Venue: Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Jewish Long Beach Campus, 3801 E. Willow St., Long Beach

Letters to the Editor

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Letters to the Editor

 

On the passing of Jesse Marquez

 

In Deep Appreciation

Paying our respects & prayers for Brother +Jesse+ we will always, always, always remember his Smile, Love for Mother Earth and dedication to his family! Our hearts are heavy, our thoughts/prayers are even heavier…Jesse was and is one-of-a-kind man who gave everything to the World….I send my condolences to Alex & all the Marquez familia & friends that knew Jesse… He’s looking over us now! Let us continue in his footsteps protecting & fighting for EJ/Environmental Justice for our children & grandchildren & families….

Ps. We’ve known +Jesse+ for almost 30 years, we started at St. Philomena Social Justice Committee, then CFASE, he went to POLA/POLB, AQMD,CARB, many Cities Council meetings. All over the South Bay region, MHF/Torrance and Schools/Churches/Parks, LA County Board of Supervisors/ LA City Town Halls/San Diego/San Bernardino/ Sacramento/Washington DC/NASA/Atlanta/ and Jesse went to other countries, Russia/China/Japan/South America & beyond!! Only, Wilmington was his heart & soul of his beautiful life, always advocating for the community, winning lawsuits for the kids, fighting the good fight so all of us could breathe fresh air/live a better life! Jesse Marquez our Founder of CFASE/Aztec warrior winning EJ/SJ/RJ/battles/teacher/archeologist/father grandfather and great grandfather always sharing the WORD! We love you Brother.

Lastly, to all my friends, Social media/newsprint/radio.TV/ publishers’/editors/columnist/remember look up once in a while to the stars/sky/clouds and say Hi…. to a true Humanitarian/giver/shaker/provider of real NEWS for all of us to ponder on “WHAT IF” ….Viva Jesse… Viva Jesus Cristo…Amen+++ ymas…Qvo….rp

Ricardo Pulido

Wilmington

 

Dear Editor

Jesse Marquez was the real thing; a fighter, a man from and for the community. He saw a wrong being done to his neighbors by powerful interests and devoted his life to righting those wrongs..

He fought on behalf of his neighbors in the frontline communities, taking on the Port of LA as well as the refineries, and other polluters. He persisted against great odds, and did it with good humor, generosity and the kind of knowledge that only comes from years of experience.

He told truth to power. In the Port of LA, he fought a public organization that twists the truth and is resistant to community. Regardless, he persisted. He was generous to folks like me who came to the fight later than he did. All he cared about was that you had an interest in righting the wrong and, if you stuck around, he embraced you as a brother.

Jesse made himself an expert, building a community organization that grew as it persisted against injustice.

His analyses of EIRs always impressed me. Jesse found issues, flaws, twisted statistics and needed mitigations in EIRs that others missed. He did that over and over.

I was repeatedly impressed at how he dealt with the Port of LA’s frequent contention that clean, electric tractors were simply not available at scale on the market, and were too expensive. Jesse did what he did best, he went to work. He developed a list of companies that made and sold EV tractors in the US, and he refreshed that list to keep it current. The list made it obvious that with subsidies, the Port could replace diesel tractors with electric tractors.

Jesse was a force. He is missed. May his memory be a blessing. Rest in power.

Peter M. Warren

San Pedro & Peninsula Homeowners Coalition

 

A sad day for the port communities. Jesse was an independent mind, a man of conscience, a giant in his impact–unintimidated by “the powers that be.” His presence will be missed.

Allen Franz, San Pedro

Jesse Marquez, Relentless Environmental Justice Champion

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Jesse Marquez, Relentless Environmental Justice Champion

 

Oct. 22, 1951 – Nov. 3, 2025

Jesse N. Marquez, a lifelong activist who transformed Wilmington from a neglected refinery town into the beating heart of Southern California’s environmental justice movement, died on Nov. 3. He was 74.

Marquez, founder and executive director of the Coalition for a Safe Environment, became one of the nation’s foremost voices against port pollution and industrial expansion after realizing, in 2001, that the Port of Los Angeles planned to double its footprint in his backyard. The discovery galvanized him and 30 of his neighbors to form what would become one of the most influential grassroots environmental justice organizations in the country.

A survivor of the 1969 Fletcher Oil refinery explosion, Marquez had witnessed firsthand how corporate negligence and government indifference endangered working-class communities of color. His lifelong mission —to protect his neighbors from the twin harms of refinery and freight pollution — grew from those flames.

“Hell no. Not over my dead body,” Marquez famously said when the port first unveiled plans for expansion behind an ivy-covered fence meant to muffle truck noise. That stand marked the start of a 25-year campaign that reshaped public policy, rewrote environmental law, and redefined who held power in the South Coast Air Basin.

Through his leadership, the Coalition for a Safe Environment joined forces with scientists, activists and policy experts to create the framework for community-led environmental monitoring and emissions reduction—ideas that would eventually influence California’s AB 32 and AB 617. Marquez took particular pride in helping to author the state’s first at-berth shore power rule, requiring ships to plug into clean electricity instead of burning diesel while docked — a regulation he called his “godfather rule.”

Born and raised in Wilmington, Marquez was already politically active as a teenager in the wake of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. As a participant in UCLA’s High Potential Program in the late 1960s, he studied alongside future leaders of the Brown Berets, MeChA, and the Black Panther Party — an experience that forged his understanding of community power.

Over the decades, Marquez helped build regional and national alliances, including the Moving Forward Network, a coalition of more than 50 organizations from port, rail and freight communities nationwide. His influence stretched from Sacramento to Washington, D.C., and his persistence helped usher in California’s transition to zero-emissions freight transportation by 2035.

On Jan. 13, 2025, between 6 and 7 p.m., Jesse was struck by a car in the crosswalk at the intersection of Wilmington and Lomita Boulevard. He had been in the hospital in a coma ever since until he was released last week to spend his remaining moments with his family and friends.

“Jesse showed us that ordinary people can rewrite the rules when they refuse to be silent,” said a longtime colleague. “He didn’t just fight pollution — he fought the system that made it possible.”

Marquez is survived by his family, his sons and a movement he helped ignite. His legacy endures in every clean-air monitor, every community emissions plan and every child in Wilmington who breathes a little easier because he refused to give up.

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