Environmental Justice Advisory Board for California’s Coast and Ocean
Through the ongoing partnership between Better World Group and Ocean Protection Council (OPC) to implement the OPC Equity Plan, BWG has established and convened the Environmental Justice Advisory Board (EJ Advisory Board) to support in advising the State in its efforts to better address the ocean and coastal needs of California communities, including California Native American tribes. These efforts align with the priorities of both the OPC Equity Plan and Strategic Plan, advancing equity in ocean and coastal policies.
Membership
In January 2024, Better World Group, in collaboration with OPC, issued a public call for applications to join the EJ Advisory Board, consisting of 7-10 individuals to collaboratively engage and provide valuable equity-focused insights and perspectives to inform priorities that affect California’s coast and ocean statewide. In May 2024, the inaugural EJ Advisory Board was selected and announced, featuring seven (7) community leaders representing California’s diverse regions and communities. The Board members are:
- Frank Buncom IV (he/him) – San Diego
- Patricia J. Flores Yrarrázaval (she/they) – Los Angeles
- Sonya Hammons (she/they) – San Francisco Bay Area
- Hannah Lent (she/her) – Central Coast
- Carlos Moran (he/him/él) – Los Angeles
- Luis Neuner (he/him) – North Coast
- Mario Ordoñez (he/him) – San Diego
To learn more about their areas of expertise and backgrounds, refer to the EJ Advisory Board Member Bios.
Resources:
- EJ Advisory Board Charter (November 2024): The collaboratively developed Charter formally solidifies the standards for the Board’s advisory role and structure as well as ensuring alignment on shared goals and defining shared principles to guide future Board activities.
Staff Contact
Maria Rodriguez
Climate and Environmental Justice
Program Manager
Maria.Rodriguez@resources.ca.gov
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