I want my children’s Christmas to not only be magical, but also safe from radioactive waste. This time last year my daughter Gracie was recovering from a bone marrow transplant in Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. It was a very difficult time for both of my children. I’m trying so hard to make up for the pain and loneliness they endured last Christmas.

I’m burning the midnight oil and the candle at both ends to make that happens for my kids, because the battle against the Santa Susana Field Lab (SSFL) is still raging on. We’re in a critical season, the time when Newsom appoints his staff and officials. The time when the DTSC may finalize its Environmental Impact Report (EIR), the plans for the cleanup that may leave as much as 90% of the contamination on site permanently.

Though our fight is resting on the edge of a razor, we refuse to be daunted. We have a team of dedicated people taking soil and dust samples to see if the contamination spread from the site when the Woolsey fire burnt across the SSFL. Denise, my partner in the movement, and I have been speaking on the radio, to the news, at meetings…to anyone who will listen. You all helped last week when we flooded Newson’s office with calls expressing disappointment at his appointment of a Boeing lobbyist as his legislative secretary. We’re not giving up!

Together we’re fighting a good fight, giving it our best, and keeping hope that when people come together, we can and will make a change to protect our community and children from the radioactive and chemical contamination from the SSF.

So yes, I’m exhausted. Yes, everything aspect in my life requires 200% of my attention. But my children are smiling again, dazzled by the wonder of Christmas, making my mama heart glow. Though it’s cost us so much to get to this point, I have no regrets.

Your support and generosity has kept our spirits bright and our fight strong. I couldn’t think of a better Christmas gift. So from my family to yours, and in every way to everyone, the happiest of holidays!