Aviation justice in Los Angeles

L.A. City Councilman Bill Rosendahl speaks during a protest against Santa Monica Airport. Photo by Kibiwot Limom (via the Santa Monica Daily Times)

The Aviation Justice Express tour hit California, with Los Angeles area residents attended a public event and protest against the Santa Monica Airport, organized by Concerned Residents Against Airport Pollution. Residents are working to address pollution, noise, and safety issues. Writes the Santa Monica Daily Press:

“Residents of three communities reiterated their concerns about Santa Monica Airport Sunday with a midday protest focused on noise, pollution and, above all, safety. Protesters from Santa Monica, West Los Angeles and Venice lined the sidewalks at the intersection of National Boulevard and Bundy Drive, hoisting signs that read ‘Fly Clean or Don’t Fly’ and ‘Santa Monica: No on cigarettes, soft on jet pollution’ as motorists buzzed by, many signaling their support with rhythmic honking. Extra signs lay waiting for willing hands, like one man who set down his groceries and joined the protest. Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl also attended to show his support for closing SMO, which the councilmember has said negatively impacts his constituents without any of the economic gains that Santa Monica enjoys.” (via)

John Stewart and Dan Glass told the story of the Heathrow campaign, and encouraged the group to make their coalition as broad as possible, engage politicians in the cause, back their positions up with hard facts like economic analyses, keep up a constant presence and present a “positive alternative” to the problem.

Read more:

• “Activists protest Santa Monica Airport” (Santa Monica Daily Press)