Sonny Bono: “In many ways, California's 44th District represents the Golden State as a whole. Rich in its geographic, environmental…”

“In many ways, California's 44th District represents the Golden State as a whole. Rich in its geographic, environmental and cultural diversity, this area within what is now known as the ``Inland Empire,'' has a vibrant past and promising future. The district contains towering alpine peaks and forests, arid expanses of unforgiving desert, rich agricultural fields--even beaches at the great inland Salton Sea and on the banks of the mighty Colorado River. Today, this region has fulfilled the vision of early settlers and exceeded expectations of even the most optimistic boosters. The 44th District was first home to the southern California's indigenous desert tribal people--the Cahuilla Indians. From the high mountain peaks of Mt. San Jacinto to the depths of the Salton Sink, these tribal bands lived in harmony with a sometimes harsh but amazingly rich environment. The Cahuilla culture is still a respected part of the current desert community, and their magnificent Indian Canyons stand as a testament to their sound stewardship of these native lands.”