One of the most frustrating political canards I continually battle is the myth that a strong environmental policy and robust labor protections and economic interests somehow do not mix.

Fortunately, I am pleased to see that Californians can see through this myth as well. On March 29th, I attended the "Rally for Cleaner Air and Better Jobs" in Wilmington. It was genuinely refreshing to see a diverse mix of labor organizations and environmental groups making common cause for an issue that will increase the quality of life for everyone in the 54th District, especially those who live near or work at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.

Speakers from labor and environmental interests were making a strong case that clean air is critical and that having good jobs and a clean environment are not mutually exclusive options. And it was from the energy of the crowd, it was clear they agreed. This rally was very well attended by people from many different groups: labor unions, environmental organizations, and Democratic Party Clubs. I could sense their resolve. When health care is discussed, air quality, and the rights of workers must be a major part of the dialog.

It is clear to me that if we do not do something significant about the air quality around the ports in a hurry, the people will take action on their own. If remediation is not done immediately, the ports and the government are in jeopardy of massive class action litigation costing millions of dollars, and in the long run end up costing tax payers and port operators more than it would cost to do the right thing, right now.

I do not believe massive corporations should be allowed to export American jobs, import their goods, and leave the environmental cleanup or health challenges to the Southern California taxpayers. I do not believe the government at federal, state, and local levels can continue to collect $28 Billion a year in taxes from the import of these goods, yet neglect their responsibility for the pollution created in the wake of the movement of goods, degrading our health and eroding our quality of life.

It is not good enough to bring the air quality back to the level of the year 2000. We must aim higher. Read up on Senator Lowenthal’s SB 974, a plan to charge a container fee to shippers to help pay for a cleaner port, is a great start. The time has come to demand results.

While I was running last week in a 5k in San Pedro, I was thinking about the power of people in groups to come together to support a cause or an ideal. This came to me given that the race I was running that day was a "Run for Victim's Rights," sponsored by Mayor Villaraigosa's office along with L.A. City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo.

The run was primarily to raise awareness of the crime prevention and reduction efforts and the burden of crime on its victims. It may not have been the biggest race I have ever run, but it was still extraordinary to see 600-some runners along with many others who just showed up to support the runners and show support for the cause.

I kept thinking about the ability of a unified group of people from all walks of life, to send a message, that they care about crime victims and working to improve the quality of their own life at the same time. There were first time runners. Some runners were working to beat their previous best time. There was an 84 year old man who finished with a respectable time. There were groups of people wearing matching running shirts that demonstrated their support for the cause.

Afterwards, the organizers awarded medals for the best finishers in several categories, but the great thing about 5K races is that everyone who finishes is a winner. And when you come out to support your fellow Californians who have been victimized by crime, then you might say anyone who just participates is a winner.

When a sport can have everyone win and support an important cause; it becomes more than a sport. The race becomes a vehicle that brings the best in everyone, and shows us all just what is possible when we get involved.

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet for a couple of hours with two men who have worked to combat gangs in Southern California for more than 25 years. One of them is a detective on a special task force working with several government agencies relating to gang activity and the other is a retired probation officer.

Just like most of you, I have read and heard the standard line about gangs and how to control them. But these law enforcement professionals had a couple eye-openers for me. We talked about gang activities, and how early children are being exposed that life. The fact is that we must reach kids by the third grade or in most cases it is too late to have a major impact. We also had a good discussions about various prevention programs and why they did not work, and how to craft programs that will show real results.

Afterward, it became obvious to me that any program that will have a major positive influence on gang-related crime must have professionals who made a living at working with gangs overseeing the program. To succeed, we need to be confident that the program is corruption free, and the time and resources are directed to the right groups with the right message. I believe strongly that the best resource for overseeing and managing a successful anti-gang strategy is recently retired professionals from law enforcement.

I have had strong reservations about many of our laws such as three strikes, but hearing real examples of the implementation of three strikes and the human results made me feel event stronger. After speaking with these professionals, it is clear that more of the same – incarceration and isolation from society – is not working. I am going to continue meeting with law enforcement professionals so I can learn more about the potential solutions. Public safety is a critical part of improving the quality of our lives; just as important as the environment and healthcare.

I attended “The Los Angeles Association of Health Underwriters” on Wednesday as the guest of Sam Smith, CFP - President-Elect of LAAHU.  It was a fascinating and educational experience.  The roster of presenters was "who's-who" of health care research and policy:  Dr. William Plested, III, President, American Medical Association, Dr. Brian Day, President-Elect, Canadian Medical Association, and Dr. Anmol Mahal, President, California Medical Association.  During the day I had the opportunity to speak with some of the top health care professionals in the country. 

Moving toward a healthier California means a lot more than just delivering health care services.  Fitness, preventative health, mental health, the environment, and behavior choices such as smoking, nutrition, work and sleep habits contribute to the overall situation.  We must create solutions that will address the entire range of influences on public health.

Once again, California has the opportunity to provide the leadership that America will follow.  It is critical that we work smart to craft a health care plan that supports the needs of all Californians, business, and the health care industry.  The future of our quality of life depends on what we do right now.

We need to do more than make health care available to all Californians; we need to improve the system itself.  There is not a quick fix and there will be a cost; but after spending significant time with all economic levels of Californians, business owners, and health care professionals; I am convinced that we will work together to get the results that will support everyone, grow business, and improve the health care industry.