# @princetonspia on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/B-iDkMTBKvr
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/20742489-princetonspia-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/5e5d06a7b7.jpg
- **Posted:** 2020-04-03T20:28:01.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Princeton SPIA (@princetonspia) — https://gondola.cc/princetonspia

## Caption

#WooWho: “I grew up on an apricot orchard in rural #California and had a fun childhood exploring the outdoors. I was pretty young when my parents received a letter from a law firm — informing us our well water was contaminated. They wanted me to read it for them. I didn’t understand what it meant; I just knew it seemed serious. A nearby defense company was dumping toxic chemicals that were seeping into the groundwater. It took almost ten years to settle with the company. My mother developed critical health issues; and I still can’t help but think there’s a link. I’ve come to realize that was the moment I began to understand the importance of #education and public #policy. My parents didn’t know who to reach out to for help or what to do. I just remember thinking, ‘How is this allowed to happen? How are there no repercussions? How are laws made and enforced, and who is supposed to be guarding against this?’ I became interested in political science and the representation of all people, especially those in the margins. Later, as an appointee of California Governor Jerry Brown, I worked on an issue that felt very personal. To comply with a 1980s flammability standard, toxic, flame-retardant chemicals are used in our furniture — chemicals manufactured by several large, powerful, wealthy companies. We discovered these chemicals were making their way into people’s bloodstreams, and especially affecting children’s health. It took a lot of time, hard work, and courage, but we ultimately were able to change the law. … I don’t have a science background, but I enjoy working with scientists. While at the California Natural Resources Agency, I worked to ensure all departments and agencies had access to a centralized repository of the latest #climate data — for example, data on sea level rise engineers could reference while planning for bridges. Eventually, I plan to return to California and work on environmental policy issues at home.” – JR DeLaRosa MPP ’20 (pictured with Twinkie, with whom he recently reunited) *** #WooWho is a Wilson_School Instagram series featuring our community. Want to be featured? Comment/DM us. #Princetagram #DogsOfInstagram

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 86
- **Shares:** 0
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## Tags

policy, princetagram, dogsofinstagram, education, woowho, california, climate

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