Sponsored Content from the East Area Progressive Democrats
In September, after an eight-year struggle led by concerned neighbors in Eagle Rock and members of East Area Progressive Democrats (EAPD), the Glendale City Council voted to close the polluting dump at Scholl Canyon that has loomed over the community for 60 years.
What shifted the balance of power to allow shutting this toxic hot spot? In June, Glendale voters elected Elen Asatryan, a progressive small business person and environmental advocate whom EAPD members had voted to endorse. Club members had worked with her on efforts to fight sexual harassment in the Democratic Party and build awareness of the history and contributions of Armenian Americans.
On Sunday, December 4, Asatryan is one of a trio of local leaders who will be honored by the club and its more than 1,000 members for making change through community and public service. This is the 7th annual EAPD Heart & Soul Awards and, after two ceremonies held virtually, marks the return of the event to an in-person gathering.
Opening doors in elected office to well-prepared activists, including women and LGBTQ people, is a driving purpose of EAPD. The 2022 election saw on outpouring of volunteerism by members that culminated in several victories for club-endorsed candidates against much better-funded opponents. These include Chief Robert Luna for Sheriff, Rep. Karen Bass for L.A. Mayor, Lindsey Horvath for Supervisor, and Dr. Rocío Rivas for L.A. School Board. Some of these winners are expected to be on hand for the occasion.
The two additional EAPD honorees, Carlos Montes and Tracy Abbott Cook, have distinguished themselves through years of advocacy to support more resources for public schools and to stop siphoning away funds to charter schools, some of which discriminate against students with special needs. Because of the victory by Dr. Rivas, proponents of stricter accountability for semi-private schools, some of which are co-located on LAUSD campuses, will command a clear majority on the L.A. School Board for the first time in a decade.
To purchase a ticket ($45 each) for the EAPD Heart & Soul Awards, for this Sunday, Dec. 4, from 2 to 4 pm, in Eagle Rock, please make a donation in the appropriate amount at this link: www.EAPD.LA/donate
Looking forward to this on Sunday. Thanks EAPD for honoring these three community leaders.