Hilda L. Solis: “I truly think this is a hallmark because it is a bipartisan bill that was working its way through last year, but…”

“I truly think this is a hallmark because it is a bipartisan bill that was working its way through last year, but unfortunately met some barriers on the Senate side. I know this is something that many people in urban areas are looking for as a model. We hear from Members on both sides of the aisle talking about providing open space in urban areas. This will hopefully provide some type of relief for over 2 million people that reside along the San Gabriel River. I grew up there as a child and spent many Saturday afternoons and vacations in this area. Something that we like to talk about is the fact that so many people in that area come from largely low-income, underrepresented areas, and do not have the ability or economic means to go to Sequoia, to go to Yosemite, to even go to the beach. Some people in my district have never had the luxury of going to the beach. Their recreation occurs in their particular geographic area. The San Gabriel Mountains are only 20 minutes away from a lot of the residents that I represent.”