Little green leaders: Four best friends are helping save the planet
Little green giants SaraJane “SJ” Bacallao, Sofia Pizer, Sofia Prenter and Isabella Bacallao. Photo by
BumpSetSurf.com
They’ve grown up knowing the planet is in peril, but rather than despair, they’ve taken matters into their own hands. They are small in size but big in action.
Isabella and SaraJane Bacallao, Sofia Pizer, and Sofia Prenter know the ropes when it comes to standing up for a greener community.
The close-knit quartet, the oldest only 13, regularly band together and bring environmental issues to the attention of the Hermosa Beach City Council. They might get a little anxious with all eyes on them, but their belief in what is right for the Earth makes them steadfast.
“It’s intimidating to get in front of city council. There are so many people watching, and it’s easy to get nervous,”said Hermosa Beach Councilwoman Stacey Armato. “Those girls are so motivated and are able to deliver emotional speeches about things they believe in.”
All four were members of Keep Hermosa Hermosa, the group that fought against Measure O, which if enacted would have allowed oil drilling in Hermosa Beach. In addition to canvassing, raising money at lemonade stands, and running information booths at events, they inspired other friends and kids to get involved, building support and helping KHH gain ground.
“Through the whole campaign they had their own interest in making sure they had a voice and were determined to protect the environment,” said Armato, who was an activist leader in the anti-drilling campaign prior to her election to council this year.
After Measure O’s defeat, the girls turned their attention to the proposed desalination plant in the South Bay. The Hermosa Beach City Council unanimously voted to oppose the desalination project, which is slated for El Segundo but would impact all of south Santa Monica Bay. The quartet of girls was among of the most passionate speakers asking the council to oppose the project.
“It’s great to hear about things from the kids’ perspective, and they certainly help raise the profile of issues,” said Councilman Justin Massey.
The girls are big supporters of the plastic bag ban enacted this month in Hermosa, and plan on working with Heal the Bay this summer in support of Senate Bill 270, which would require statewide grocers, markets and pharmacies to do away with single use plastic bags.
The Bacallao sisters and both Sofia P’s regularly do art together, write poetry, and are no strangers to volunteer work. Sofia Pizer and Isabella Bacallao, both 13, are working towards a Congressional Award for public service that will be presented by District 33 Congressman Ted Lieu, documenting the environmental work they do through the National Charity League and local non-profit Grades of Green. SaraJane “SJ” Bacallao, 10, and Sofia Prenter, 12, are shooting for an award of their own when they meet age qualifications. All have started the process for a Presidential Award, which requires 100 hours or more of strictly regimented volunteer service in a 12 month period, Isabella having already received the award in 2015 for putting in over 200 hours.
The kids often serve as models for adults, setting conservationist examples in their own homes. SJ unplugs household electronics to conserve energy, and even when it’s cold, Isabella nixes the heaters and grabs blankets and sweatshirts to keep her warm. Pizer never uses the dishwasher, which she says wastes water, and Prenter always makes sure to turn off lights. They all take short showers.
They have ideas for the city, as well.
“We need to replace the more water-intensive aloe vera plants on the Greenbelt with California native plants,” said Isabella.
The girls spoke dreamily of solar panels on city buildings. They would like to see electric police cars, as well as parking enforcement on bikes.
“If everyone tried to walk and bike more, they would burn less fossil fuels and they’d be much happier because they’d be able to be social and active,” said SaraJane.
The green-minded gang — who one day aspire to be artists, designers, and maybe even president — have also been experimenting with their green thumbs.
“We have a box at the community garden and have been planting a lot together,” said Prenter. “The gardens have these tubes where you pour water in and it waters it from the bottom, so it won’t evaporate away and it wastes less.”
Armato said the girls’ voices deserve attention.
“They won’t just be future leaders, they are leaders now,” she said. “Just because they are young doesn’t mean they’re not mighty. Kids and adults alike can take from the example they’re setting.”