Bernard Parks - CD8

Councilmembers Bernard C. Parks & Jan Perry, Dr. William Burke Welcome Over 3000 Seniors to LA Convention Center for Clean Air Fair and Luncheon

Los Angeles—Councilwoman Jan Perry, Councilmember Bernard C. Parks, and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Board President, Dr. William Burke hosted over 3, 000 Los Angeles seniors at the 11th Annual Seniors Celebrating Life Luncheon and Clean Air Fair at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The annual event offered Los Angeles seniors an opportunity to access important resources and information designed to support healthy living and features exciting special guests, live entertainment, and information booths.

“It is important to recognize our mothers and fathers; grandmothers and grandfathers, and community activists and volunteers. Our seniors take on multiple roles in life and it is only fitting that we celebrate them for all that they do to improve their communities,” said Councilwoman Perry. “I am also excited that the South Coast Air Quality Management District will be offering seniors an opportunity to support our effort to clean our region’s air.”

"I am thrilled to join my colleague, Councilwoman Jan Perry, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District in hosting this year's Clean Air Fair. As a senior myself, I know firsthand how important it is to stay informed and educated about environmental factors that can affect our health and quality of life,” said Councilmember Parks.

This year, the luncheon is sponsored by the SCAQMD and attracted thousands of seniors from throughout the Los Angeles region. The event highlighted ways in which seniors can be active participants in developing and promoting clean air policy. Informational booths were set-up throughout the room to support educational outreach and highlight everything from clean air vehicles to health resources for seniors to emerging clean air technologies.

“We believe seniors have great potential to influence healthy lifestyle changes for themselves as well as their families,” said Dr. William Burke, Ed.D., chairman of the South Coast Air Quality Management District. “It’s our hope that the clean air fair will provide seniors with a better understanding of air pollution issues and encourage them to become active in improving air quality.”

The program was jam-packed with exciting presentations. Los Angeles legend, Tommy Lasorda, delivered the keynote address and shared his personal insights on how we can all support clean air efforts and how seniors can continue to remain active members of their community. Additionally, Mary Ann King, former host of the television show “Romper Room” was shared a video that offered seniors ten things they could do to support the region’s clean air efforts. Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., lead singers of the 5th Dimension, were on-hand to greet attendees.

AQMD also presented their signature documentary, The Right To Breathe. The 20-minute film, directed by award-winning documentary filmmaker Alexandre Philippe, captures air quality issues in Southern California from an emotionally powerful and personal perspective.

The luncheon started as a Ninth District tradition and has expanded to include seniors from throughout the region. It is designed to be both an informative and entertaining gathering. Its intention is to celebrate the work of our seniors while seeking to better their lives through education and discussion of health and quality of life issues.

Councilwoman Perry represents the Ninth Council District, which encompasses the most culturally diverse and vibrant communities in Los Angeles, including Bunker Hill, Little Tokyo, and South Los Angeles.

Bernard C. Parks is serving his 3rd term on the Los Angeles City Council, representing the Eighth Council District. The Eighth District includes the communities of Baldwin Hills, Crenshaw, Leimert Park, West Adams, Jefferson Park, Chesterfield Square, Angeles Mesa, and other areas of South Los Angeles.

AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.