Hello, my name is Galilea, and I attend Rancho Campana High School. I’m here to urge the Camarillo City Council to vote in support of passing this resolution to phase out fossil fuels, defend safety setbacks, hold polluters accountable, and demonstrate the city’s commitment to uplifting youth voices. As young people, we don't just hear about climate change, we live it firsthand. Events like the Mountaineer fire didn't just happen somewhere else. They impacted families here. Some student even lost their homes, missed some days of school, and even had to deal with the psychological toll of stress and fear that comes with these natural disasters.
Even if some people weren't directly affected, we definitely all felt it. I recall the days when the air was smoky, when we couldn't go outside at school, to the point where we had to be evacuated twice from our school. Everything just felt heavy and unsafe. I have asthma, and during those times, it was actually hard for me to breathe. Even just walking to class felt different. It’s scary realizing that something as basic as the air around you can affect your health like that. That’s what makes this personal for me. It’s not just about the future—it’s about right now. This resolution is about protecting our health, our environment, and our future. It’s about making sure we don’t keep repeating the same harm when we already know the consequences.
But it’s also about being heard. For over a year, young people in this community have been speaking up, organizing, and asking for change. Supporting this resolution shows that you are listening to us and that our voices matter. I’m asking you to take this step not just for today, but for the future of the community you serve—including students like me.
I respectfully urge you to vote yes.
Sincerely,
Galilea Aaranda
She/Her
12th grade student
Health Science Academy
Rancho Campana High School
RanchoCampanaHigh.us
4235 Mar Vista Dr, Camarillo, CA 93010