Celebrating the Legacies of Los Angeles Environmental Heroes: Mark Abramson, Bruce Bell, Cindy Montañez, and Lisa Rapp
December 14, 2023
In the vibrant tapestry of Los Angeles' environmental advocacy, we said goodbye this year to four exceptional individuals whose indomitable spirits shaped the city's landscape for the better.
Mark Abramson, the landscape architect and restoration ecologist; Dr. Bruce Bell, LA Waterkeeper's technical expert; Cindy Montañez, the dedicated CEO of TreePeople; and Lisa Rapp, the former Public Works Director of the City of Lakewood, were not just advocates; they were visionaries, trailblazers, and catalysts for positive change. As we commemorate their incredible contributions, we also commit to carrying forward their legacies, ensuring that the seeds they planted continue to flourish for generations to come.
Mark Abramson: A Larger-than-Life Force for Restoration
Mark's extraordinary legacy in the Santa Monica mountains and along Santa Monica Bay was marked by his leadership in restoring Malibu Lagoon and running the StreamTeam volunteer monitoring and mapping project.
Mark's impact extended beyond restoration efforts; he was a figure with a booming voice, infectious laugh, and tireless dedication to habitat restoration. His legacy includes efforts to remove barriers for steelhead trout migration in the Santa Monica Mountains and the use of nature-based solutions to reduce stormwater pollution. Mark was not just a restoration legacy; he was a doer, leaving the mountains and the bay in much better shape than when he started.
Dr. Bruce Bell: The Unsung Hero of LA's Waterways
LA Waterkeeper bid farewell to a longtime friend and ally with the passing of Dr. Bruce Bell. Dr. Bell played a critical role in the health of LA’s waterways and the success of LA Waterkeeper.
Steve Fleischli, who led Santa Monica Baykeeper (now LA Waterkeeper) during our sewage spill lawsuit, highlighted Dr. Bell's influence, noting, "Working alongside Dr. Bruce Bell was a privilege. His mastery of LA’s wastewater system and unwavering commitment to environmental causes set a standard for all of us."
Dr. Bell's impact extended beyond Los Angeles, influencing successful sewage lawsuits in San Diego and Camp Pendleton. He built an entire firm dedicated to representing nonprofit advocates, mentoring the next generation of engineers for the greater good.
As Terry Tamminen, founding director of Santa Monica Baykeeper, reflected, "As amazing as he was as an expert, he was more amazing as a person—thoughtful, funny, deeply committed to a healthier planet."
Cindy Montañez: A Trailblazer in Politics and Environmental Activism
TreePeople CEO Cindy Montañez's exceptional journey was marked by groundbreaking achievements. From becoming the youngest person ever elected to the San Fernando City Council at the age of 25 to her role as the CEO of TreePeople, Cindy was a true trailblazer.
In 2002, Cindy became the youngest woman ever elected to the state Legislature. Her advocacy extended to environmental justice, and as CEO of TreePeople, she championed conservation in underserved communities. A resolution earlier this year declared January 19 as Cindy Montañez Day, recognizing her exceptional contributions.
As our Executive Director Bruce Reznik shared, "The best way we can honor Cindy’s legacy is to continue her fight. I will be redoubling my efforts to push for greening of schools—a deep passion of hers—until we can ensure that all children throughout LA County can learn and play in a vibrant and healthy environment."
Lisa Rapp: A Pillar of Public Service
Most recently, the environmental community bid farewell to Lisa Rapp, a consummate public servant whose illustrious career spanned 41 years, with 26 spent as Lakewood's dedicated Public Works Director.
An esteemed speaker at our Safe Clean Water Program Research Showcase in July, Lisa's impact reached far beyond city limits, as she chaired prominent committees on both national and state levels, including the National Government Affairs Committee and the California Chapters Advocacy Committee.
All those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with Lisa remember her as an incredible and passionate advocate, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of California public works and infrastructure. With her "all-in" approach and genuine commitment to her community, Lisa’s life reflected a legacy of service that will endure in the hearts of all who knew her.
As we bid farewell to Abramson, Bell, Montañez, and Rapp, let our hearts be filled with celebration. Their legacies endure vibrantly in the ecosystems they nurtured and the countless individuals inspired by their tireless work.
And now the torch passes to us, beckoning us to sustain the fight for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Los Angeles.
As we forge ahead in 2024—advocating for greener schools, revitalizing the LA River, and resolutely championing investments in true climate resilience—let us do so not only as a commitment to our city's future but also as a testament to the enduring memories of these environmental heroes, and the profound impact they had in making it all possible.