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DAMON

ABNER GALINO, Fil-Am News Editor
Fil-Am Community
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Climate Emergency Mobilization Office launched
Mayor Eric Garcetti has launched Los Angeles’ fi rst-ever Climate Emergency Mobilization Office (CEMO) — which will be responsible for coordinating the actions of the Mayor’s Offi ce, City Council, and community leaders to meet the commitments of L.A.’s Green New Deal. Marta Segura, a longtime environmental justice advocate and nonprofi t advisor, has been named to lead the division.
“The climate crisis isn’t a distant question, but an everyday reality for families, households, businesses, workers, and frontline communities across Los Angeles — and our Climate Emergency Mobilization Offi ce will be a source of solutions for this generational challenge,” said Mayor Garcetti.
“With a proven leader like Marta taking the reins, our City will stay focused on the core promises of our vision: greater equity, lower emissions, a thriving economy, and a zero-carbon, green-energy future.”
In Los Angeles’ Green New Deal, Mayor Garcetti committed to establishing the CEMO, an offi ce housed in the City’s Board of Public Works. Championed by Councilmember Paul Koretz and the Leap LA coalition, the CEMO will work hand-in-hand with the Climate Emergency Commission, a group being established by the Mayor and City Council consisting of representatives from frontline communities and various climate, labor, and business leaders.
As the CEMO director, Segura will oversee the functions and policy recommendations of the offi ce by liaising between community groups on behalf the Mayor’s Offi ce and City Council; prioritizing environmental justice and input from those most impacted by the climate emergency in policy and program implementation; building community and civic engagement to increase input from disadvantaged neighborhoods; and collaborating with advocates and local leaders on a strategic plan to mobilize city actions on climate and air quality, among other responsibilities as the offi ce continues to expand.
“I am humbled and honored to serve as the City’s fi rst Climate Emergency Mobilization Director. Now is the time to work together, with every community and every neighborhood, so we can plan and create the city we want,” said Segura.
“We will collaborate with policymakers and community leaders to create opportunities for all families and workers to build thriving, healthy communities for all Angelenos while we strive to be a model for other cities. I'm honored and thrilled to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”
Segura has spent decades designing programs and social change campaigns for underserved L.A. communities, with her powerful combination of environmental advocacy and passion for social justice. She founded the organization Segura Strategies 4 Good to focus her work on closing the social and health gaps in Los Angeles. She previously served as a member of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission and as District Director for then-City Council President Eric Garcetti.
Over the course of her career, Marta has served as a program offi cer at the California Endowment and as associate director of Communities for a Better Environment, one of California’s original statewide environmental justice organizations. She also holds a master’s of public health degree from the University of California, Los Angeles.
“We look forward to working with the Climate Emergency Mobilization Director and offi ce to uplift community voices and build long-standing solutions rooted in Just Recovery,” said the Leap LA Coalition, a group comprised of The Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles, Communities for Better Environment, Esperanza Community Housing Corporation, Strategic Concepts in Organizing and Policy Education (SCOPE), and Pacoima Beautiful. "The Climate Emergency Mobilization Offi ce (CEMO) was created to respond to the worldwide climate crisis, and the hope that, in the short time we have to turn this disaster around, we can take dramatic steps and provide leadership not only in our own City, but as an example others can follow beyond our borders,” said CEMO lead author L.A. City Councilmember Paul Koretz.
“The CEMO was formed in a unique partnership with the Leap LA Coalition to address the urgent need to mobilize all sectors of the City with leadership from the most impacted frontline, Indigenous and labor communities to address the imminent threats to human health, safety and the very habitability of our planet. I appreciate the support from my climate-focused colleagues: Council President Nury Martinez, co-author Councilmember Bob Blumenfi eld, Budget Chair Councilmember Paul Krekorian, and Mayor Garcetti.”
DamON... fROm PaGe 1
Resource Deputy. Jones also worked in Personnel Administration as a Background Investigator, Recruiter and Operations Deputy.
He promoted to Sergeant in 2009 and was assigned to Inmate Reception Center and Carson Station. While at Carson Station, he worked as the fi eld sergeant, watch sergeant and as the community relations sergeant. He was later assigned as a Sergeant at Audit and Accountability Bureau and Personnel Administration Recruitment.
Upon his promotion to Lieutenant in March 2015, Captain Jones was assigned to Twin Towers Correctional Facility and Transit Services Bureau where he was a watch commander. During his tenure at Twin Towers, he also worked as the Mental Health Liaison and Access to Care Lieutenant.
As a lieutenant, Captain Jones has worked at the Advocacy Unit and as the Division Aide at Professional Standards Division. Captain Jones has been a member of the Sheriff ’s Response Team since 2007 and the newly comprised Superspreader Task Force. He has led and responded to many of the recent protests and large gatherings to protect life and property, establish safety and control and enforce the public health order.
Serving previously as a deputy and sergeant at the Carson Station, Captain Jones comes to his new position with strong relationships and great knowledge of the community. His involvement throughout his career in community outreach groups, programs and charity events will also enable him to factor similar eff orts in Carson.
“Safety and security are the most important service that government must provide to its residents. I, along with every member of the City Council welcome Captain Damon Jones to spearhead the Carson Sheriff Station and look forward to working with him to keep our community safe,” said Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes.
Captain Jones holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership. Captain Jones is a Department Meritorious Service Award recipient and a Carson Sheriff ’s Station Support Foundation Distinguished Service Award recipient because of his hard work and dedication to the community. Captain Jones is a lifelong resident of Los Angeles County. He and his wife Kenya, have three children, in college and high school. In his spare time, Captain Jones enjoys volunteering, playing basketball, exercising, coaching and spending time with his family and friends.
Carson station oversees the City of Carson and unincorporated areas in Harbor Gateway, Harbor City, and East Rancho Dominguez area.
