January 16, 2025

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Happy New Year! This month, we are reminded that while the future of our world remains uncertain, it is full of endless possibilities. The challenges of the past have shown us the resilience we carry, and I believe that with every step forward, we grow stronger and more unified. This year, we will continue to embrace the unknown with courage and a deep sense of purpose.

While the world around us may feel uneasy, there is one thing I know for sure: the power of community, compassion, and action can guide us through even the darkest times. Our hearts are heavy as we reflect on the devastation caused by the fires in Los Angeles, and our thoughts are with the victims and their families. In times of hardship, we are reminded that even in the face of adversity, hope and resilience have the power to rebuild.

Help us help keep vigilant about threat of our San Onofre nuclear waste. Please share this newsletter with everyone in your network!

Bart Ziegler, PhD

President, Samuel Lawrence Foundation

Film For Good!

In January’s video podcast, we explored the profound impact of film on human emotion and its role in shaping culture, identity, and society. It was an exciting conversation with filmmakers and storytellers who are pushing the boundaries of how we tell stories through motion pictures.

Our expert panelists included:

• Taye Balogun, Founder of the NGO International Film Festival, which highlights films that explore global social issues, fostering dialogue and connection through cinema.
• Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri, an accomplished filmmaker whose work includes collaborations with icons like David Bowie, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga, bringing a unique perspective on how film intersects with culture and emotion.
• Bruno Smadja, Founder of the Mobile Film Festival, which celebrates the power of storytelling through mobile phones and provides a platform for filmmakers to share their perspectives with the world.
• Sona Tatoyan, Actor/Writer/Storyteller and Founder of the non-profit Hakawati, whose multimedia play about her family’s history in Syria and Armenia—produced by actor Bill Pullman—blends film, theater, and storytelling to preserve her heritage and critique societal issues through art.



Miss the live podcast? The episode is now available on YouTube and podcast platforms. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, an arts enthusiast, or simply curious about storytelling’s impact, this webinar was an inspiring look at film’s ability to drive change and artistic expression.

California Lacks An Emergency Plan

Our hearts break for the victims of the catastrophic fires ravaging Los Angeles and California. Thousands of families and entire communities are being torn apart; the devastation is beyond words. We stand in unwavering solidarity with survivors, first responders, volunteers, and organizations risking everything to help. But as we witness this crisis unfold, we must confront the undeniable truth: California is not prepared. Years of neglect, unchecked development, a complete lack of a cohesive emergency response plan, and the absence of evacuation plans have left millions of residents vulnerable. This isn’t just the result of climate change—it’s the outcome of a system that prioritizes profit over people, growth over safety.

The fires have exposed the tragic failure of the state’s emergency management. The lack of effective evacuation routes, delays in fire response, and a general disregard for community safety have cost lives and livelihoods. California has built a future where economic interests trump disaster preparedness, and in doing so, has left its people dangerously exposed. The crisis is further compounded by other looming threats, like the nuclear waste stored at San Onofre, where inadequate planning will make any future disaster far worse than anything we have experienced so far.

The time for complacency is over. California must urgently shift its priorities to protect the people it serves. We need better preparedness, stronger evacuation plans, and a comprehensive strategy for managing escalating disasters. No more excuses, no more delays. It’s time to put human lives above dollars and demand real, systemic change. The people deserve better, and the future of the state depends on it.

New SLF Project: Addressing Health Disparities

In 2024, the Samuel Lawrence Foundation (SLF) partnered with Eat Real Certified to launch the Funders Coalition Ending Food-Related Disease. The project aims to combat the rise in metabolic diseases—such as obesity, diabetes, and mental health disorders—disproportionately affecting marginalized communities due to the spread of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). By working with grassroots organizations, supporting critical research, and advocating for stricter food policies, the coalition seeks to create healthier, more sustainable food environments for vulnerable populations.

The urgency for action is clear: 73% of food sold in U.S. grocery stores is ultra-processed, and by 2050, an estimated 43.1 million children in the U.S. will be overweight or obese. To reverse this trend, the coalition will focus on limiting UPFs in the food supply, advocating for policies that prioritize whole foods, and supporting community-based interventions. With food being one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for health, SLF is committed to advancing systemic change to protect public health, address climate change, and foster global peace. Visit www.EndingFoodDisease.org to learn more about how you can help.

Protecting San O Featured in Local Break Magazine!

We’re excited to share that the Samuel Lawrence Foundation was recently featured in Local Break, a local San Diego magazine! In this article, we shine a spotlight on the pressing issue of radioactive nuclear waste sitting dangerously close to the Pacific Ocean at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. As surfers and ocean advocates, we know firsthand how crucial the health of our seas is to our sport and well-being, and we’re calling on our community to help push for safer, long-term storage solutions for this hazardous material.



We invite you to read the full article to learn more about the risks this radioactive waste poses to both marine life and human health. The article highlights how surfers, ocean lovers, and concerned citizens can make a difference in advocating for change. To read the article, visit the link , and be sure to check out how you can get involved in protecting our waters. Together, we can make sure the waves we love and the ecosystems we cherish remain safe for generations to come.

THANK YOU!

🌟 If you haven't seen our Instagram lately, check it out! We're sharing more content and previews, like the recent UCSD symposium and videos that expose the real dangers of the canisters at San Onofre!

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📣 Your voice matters, and together, we can create change!

Write Your Representative

Click HERE to email your local representatives to express your concerns and advocate for policies that safeguard our communities and environment.

Sign The Petition

Sign the petition linked HERE to support the monitoring and move of the toxic nuclear waste to a safer location.

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Together, let’s create a larger impact and drive meaningful change. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to making a difference!

Like these topics? Check out our "First Fridays" Series on YouTube or Spotify, where we bring together leading experts to discuss climate change, nuclear safety, environmental issues, energy solutions, and public health and wellness.

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