Continuing a Legacy of Service to Create a Better World — Episode 131

Los Angeles County is doing some big things and the department of
parks and recreation is continuing to make an impact when it
comes to equity, environmental resilience and the health and
well-being of its community members.


 


I’m thrilled to be joined today by Norma Edith García-Gonzalez,
who has worked for Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation for
more than a decade and was appointed as director of the
department in 2020 — becoming the first woman and first person of
color to lead the department. What’s more, Norma now leads the
same department that made such an impact on her in her youth.


 


Norma has been a true community leader in advancing the
department’s mission, which I’m excited to talk about today.
We’re also going to discuss LA’s 2022 Parks Needs Assessment Plus
(PNA+) Final Report, which was recently adopted as the county’s
30x30 plan — which is the goal of conserving 30 percent of lands
and coastal waters by 2030 to address climate change.


 


Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about Norma
and the good work that’s happening in Los Angeles County. You’ll
also learn:


How Norma’s career in parks and recreation began

The historical barriers when it comes to serving the most
vulnerable populations in Los Angeles County

How Norma and her staff are intentionally centering their
work in equity and anti-racism

How the 2022 PNA+ Final Report was adopted as L.A. County’s
30x30 plan to address climate change

Some of the opportunities and challenges when it comes to
achieving the 30x30 goal of conserving 30% of lands and coastal
waters by 2030

Why this work means so much to Norma, and so much more!



Related Links:


Los Angeles County Parks Needs Assessment Plus (PNA+) Final
Report

Open Space blog post: Conservation Reimagined: Los Angeles
County’s 30x30 Plan

Parks & Recreation magazine: Los Angeles County’s Parks
Needs Assessment Plus