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Leadership Academy
Winter 2015 – Summer 2015
1
On October 10th, 2014, President Barack Obama declared a San Gabriel Mountains
National Monument. As the president made his case for the permanent protection of our
public land, he stated: “for a lot of urban families this is their only big, outdoor space.
And too many children in L.A. County, especially children of color, don’t have access to
parks where they can run free and breather fresh air, experience nature and learn about
their own environment. And that was Brenda Kyle’s experience.”
A mother, daughter, sister, lifelong resident of the San Gabriel Valley and Eaton Canyon
Nature Center Docent, Kyle listened to the president share her story as tears streamed
down her face. In addition to the President’s San Gabriel Mountains muse, Kyle is a
graduate of the San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy.
The San Gabriel Mountains Forever leadership academy is a six-month commitment. We
meet every two weeks for three-hour class sessions. Each meeting consists of discussion
as well as a workshop where we practice the skills discussed, or learned, in the first
portion of the evening. You will also propose and organize a project that is meaningful to
San Gabriel Mountains Forever and your communities.
There are high expectations of the academy. You will be fed at each meeting. You will be
reimbursed for travel and childcare. You are a student, but you will also lead discussion,
like a teacher. You will learn about organizing and then you will become an organizer.
You are member of your community, but you are also a leader in that community. Just as
there are expectations of the students, there are clear expectations of the academy, the
coordinator and the organizations that make up San Gabriel Mountains Forever. You can
expect us to support you. This means we will be checking-in with you as class and your
project progress. I will make time to meet with you individually as requested, and
certainly as needed, as you make progress on your project. We will help you prepare your
project, present your project to the group and assess your project in its final phases. Don’t
be afraid to ask for help from myself, the academy coordinator, coalition partners or a
classmate. To graduate together in six months, we have to support one another.
This reader is meant to assist you as a member of the academy and San Gabriel
Mountains Forever. Within these pages you will find a written explanation of our
educational approach, class curriculum, handouts to assist with various lessons, outlines
for your project presentation, proposal and project reporting. More importantly, there are
many people, including Brenda, to help you succeed as a member of the Leadership
Academy. We are here for you, just as you are here for the community and the land.
Saludos,
George B. Sánchez-Tello
San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy Coordinator
714 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 614, Los Angeles, CA 90063
(213) 379-0564
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Acknowledgements
Sections of this reader are compiled from handouts, presentations and notes from
previous cohorts of the San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy.
The instructors whose work this reader is based on include: Omar Gomez, Hyepin Im,
Annette Kondo, Margarita Ramirez, Daniel Rossman, Juana Torres and Jasmin Vargas.
Nicole Layman provided valuable editorial suggestions.
Hayley Gilbert, graduate of the fifth cohort of the San Gabriel Mountains Forever
Leadership Academy, contributed the example project power point slides.
3
San Gabriel Mountains Forever
Leadership Academy
Table of contents Schedule 4 - 8
San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy 9
Goals 10
Pedagogy 10
Curriculum 11
Projects 12
Project Requirements 12
San Gabriel Mountains Forever 13
Proposed San Gabriel National Recreation Area Map 14
National Park Service Study 15 - 16
National Park Service Study Area 17
National Recreation Area 18
National Park Service Selected National Recreation Area Boundaries 19
San Gabriel Mountains’ Visitors 20
San Gabriel Watershed 21
A Brief History of the San Gabriel Valley 22 - 23
Important Terms 24
Strategic Planning 25 - 27
Community Organizing 28
Training for a Community Event 29
Community Event Checklist 30
Elevator Pitch 31
SGMF Talking Points (Great Outdoors America Week 2014) 32
Working with Media 33
Organizational Development 34-36
Writing Funding Proposals 37
Appendices
Student Project Proposal Power Point Presentation 38 - 44
Project Report 45 - 49
Summary of San Gabriel National Recreation Area 50-53
San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy Seventh Cohort Bios 54-56
President Barack Obama’s Remarks
at the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument Designation 57-58
San Gabriel Mountains National Monument Description (U.S.F.S.) 59-61
San Gabriel Mountains National Monument FAQs 62-64
San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership 65
San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy Support & project examples 66
San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy Winter 2015 – Summer 2015
Curriculum
The Leadership Academy typically meets on Tuesday evening, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m..
Exceptions include orientation and nature walk.
Each academy session should include time for workshops to discuss and practice the
date’s lesson. Instructors and lectures should include time to offer participants
constructive criticism and feedback on the lessons and skills practiced in the workshop.
The schedule is subject to change.
All changes will be announced ahead of time.
1st class: Introduction + Orientation Saturday, January 17, 2015
Location: Rio Vista Park (4275 Ranger Ave., El Monte, CA 91732); Hilda Solis River
Lookout (100 Old San Gabriel Canyon Rd., Azusa, CA 91702).
Parking: Street Parking.
Speaker: George B. Sánchez-Tello, The Wilderness Society; SGMF Leadership Academy
graduates & Mentors.
Theme: Introduction to academy and coalition; primer on the campaign; discuss
curriculum; introduce question-based/dialogical class model.
2
nd Class: SGMF Campaign Tuesday, Jan. 20
th
Location: The City Project, 1055 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1660, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Parking: Street parking; paid lots.
Public Transportation: West of Seventh Street Metro Station. Line 487
Speaker: George Sánchez-Tello, The Wilderness Society; Robert García, The City
Project, Dayana Molina, The City Project.
Theme: The SGMF campaign and Environmental Justice.
Workshop 1: In small groups, discuss how to articulate the campaign, NRA, NPS and
legislative process.
Workshop 2: Mock meeting between legislative aids (Sánchez-Tello) and advocates
(participants).
5
3: Strategic Planning Tuesday, February 3rd
Location: The California Endowment, 1000 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Suite B, Second Floor. (Climate Resolve, which is housed in the California Endowment,
is hosting tonight’s class.)
Parking: The California Endowment. FREE.
Public Transportation: Union Station Metro Station; Lines 81, 83, 76, 70, 71 & 76.
Speaker: Jonathan Parfrey, Climate Resolve.
Theme: Strategic planning to protect the San Gabriel Mountains and create a regional
National Recreation Area (goals, assessment, strategy, communication and timeline).
Workshop: First discussion/brainstorming of proposed event/project. Participants should
consider: individual strengths and community network; type of event or action;
connection to SGMF campaign.
4th
class: Community Organizing Tuesday, Feb. 17th
Location: Asian Pacific Policy & Planning Council, 905 E. 8th
St., L.A., CA 90021.
Parking: Onsite and Street parking. FREE.
Public Transportation: Metro 60, 66.
Speaker: Mark Masaoka, Asian Pacific Policy & Planning Council
Theme: Community organizing; philosophy of community organizing, examples and
approaches; organizing a community event; preparation, planning, and follow-up.
Workshop: What does community organizing look like for you/your community? What
sort of event could you organize that best fits your community and the campaign?
Activity: Recruiting participants – in small groups list strategies you would use to get 50
people to an event in four weeks. Keep in mind the rule of halves.
5th
class: Power Mapping Tuesday, March 3
Location: The Wilderness Society, 714 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 614, L.A., CA 90015
Parking: Lot beneath the Petroleum Building, off Flower Street. FREE.
Public Transportation: South of Seventh Street Metro Station; Lines 70, 71, 76, 81 & 83.
6
Speaker: Daniel Rossman, The Wilderness Society.
Theme: Identify power structure in a region and community – power mapping – and
enlisting support of elected officials, influential organizations, and advocates.
Workshop: Power map your community. Identify elected officials, organizations and
other community groups in your area for an appeal on behalf the SGMF Campaign.
Activity: Plan a meeting with your city mayor. Divide into cities, plan to meet with the
local elected officials and partner with SGMF individual assigned to that city and its
elected officials. What would you say? What is the ask? What is important?
6th
class: Public Speaking and
Networking
Tuesday, March 17th
Location: BIKE SGV, 10900 Mulhall St., Room 10, El Monte, CA 91731
Parking: BIKE SGV Parking Lot. FREE.
Public Transportation: Foothill Transit 492, Metro Express Line 487, Metro Local 268,
El Monte Red (Exit Santa Anita Ave. and Mulhall St.)
Theme: Public speaking, persuasive speaking and networking.
Speaker: TBD.
Workshop: 1) What is your story? Why are you here and why does this campaign matter
to you? 2) What is your project?
7th
class: Project Proposal Tuesday, March 31st
Participants present their proposed project to the class and community members present.
Participants, graduates and guests provide feedback and constructive criticism.
Location: BIKE SGV, 10900 Mulhall Street, Room 10, El Monte, CA 91731
Parking: BIKE SGV Parking Lot. FREE.
Public Transportation: Foothill Transit 492, Metro Express Line 487, Metro Local 268,
El Monte Red (Exit Santa Anita Ave. and Mulhall St.)
8th
class: Fundraising Tuesday, April 14th
Location: Trust for Public Land @ the Los Angeles River Center, 570 W. Ave. 26, Suite
300. Los Angeles, CA 90065.
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Parking: L.A. River Center Parking Lot. FREE.
Public Transportation: Metro Local 68, 80, 81, 84, 90, 91, 254, Cypress Park Gold Line.
Speaker: TBD.
Theme: Foundations, funders, material support and grants.
Workshop: Guests and participants will discuss and identify support – financial and
material – support Academy projects.
9th
class: Art(s) + Advocacy Tuesday, April 28th
Location: Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF), 634 S.
Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90014.
Parking: Street Parking.
Public Transportation: Pershing Square Metro Station. Dash D; 733, 745, 728.
Speaker(s): Omar Ramírez, MALDEF Youth Leadership Institute Coordinator.
Theme: Using art and creativity as a tool for advocacy.
10th
Class: SGM Plants and Wildlife Saturday, May 16th
Location: Eaton Canyon Nature Center, 1750 N. Altadena Dr., Pasadena, CA 91107
Parking: Nature Center Parking Lot.
Public Transportation:
Speaker: Brenda Kyle & Bluebird Taylor, Eaton Canyon Nature Center Docents and
SGMF Leadership Academy Graduates.
Theme: Learn to identify native plants and wildlife in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Workshop: Walking tour of Eaton Canyon Nature Center garden and Eaton Canyon.
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th Class: Strategic Media Tuesday, May 19
th
Where: Sierra Club, 714 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 1000, Los Angeles, CA 90015 (The
Petroleum Building at the intersection of Flower and Olympic, east of L.A. Live).
Parking: Basement of the Petroleum Building. FREE.
8
Public Transportation: 7th Street Metro Station; Lines 81, 83, 76, 70, 71, 770.
Speakers: TBD.
Theme: Attracting media, working with media and using social media.
Workshop: Letter to the Editor (LTE), Blog and Video Blog. Three stations: 1) Write and
submit a short LTE related to the campaign. 2) Write a short blog for SGMF or other site.
3) Record a short video blog.
12th
class: Project Reporting Tuesday, June 2nd
Location: TBD
Parking:
Public Transportation:
Speaker: George B. Sánchez-Tello, The Wilderness Society.
Theme: Evaluating and reporting on your project.
Workshop: Using SGMF Leadership Academy Project Reports, begin to evaluate, and
assess your project and prepare project reports.
Multi-media: PowerPoint Presentation
Handouts: SGMF Leadership Academy Project Report Documents: 1. Initial Summary.
2. Contact 3. Initial Budget.
Graduation Tuesday, June 16th
.
Location: TBD
Parking:
Public Transportation:
Speakers: Invited Guest speaker and Representatives from Sponsor Organizations.
Culmination Ceremony: presentation of certificates of completion; debrief and discussion
of the academy; presentation of stipend.
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San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy
San Gabriel Mountains Forever is a diverse coalition of over 150 individuals, businesses,
non-profit organizations, faith-based groups, civic leaders and elected officials working
for the protection and enhancement of our mountains, rivers and parks with access for all.
Our vision will be accomplished by: 1) preserving, improving and adding public lands,
parks and recreation facilities 2) improving equitable access through transit-to-trails
services and the development of culturally and linguistically appropriate programs and
signs 3) promoting healthy outdoor recreation 4) empowering every community – diverse
by color, socioeconomic level and interest – to care for the San Gabriel Mountains and
River.
For the San Gabriel Mountains Forever (SGMF) coalition to achieve these goals, it must
continually engage the communities that make up the San Gabriel Valley and the greater
Los Angeles-region. We must build support among elected officials, community leaders,
and civic organizations as well as activists and individuals willing to work for this vision
of the San Gabriel Mountains and River.
To engage various constituencies and communities, San Gabriel Mountains Forever is
involved in multiple, simultaneous campaigns. One method of engagement is the San
Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy.
The San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy is a six-month training
program with an emphasis on civic engagement, community advocacy and project
management. Participants will develop new skills and strengthen their ability as
community organizers through bi-monthly, three-hour “class” sessions. Specifically, the
participants will discuss and receive instruction on the San Gabriel Mountains Forever
campaign and an understanding of the process that includes, but not limited to, creating a
national recreation area, establishing a national monument, the National Park Service
study of the San Gabriel Mountains and River and the political process of the
aforementioned topics. Participants will also meet with experts from SGMF, who will
lead discussion on various facets of organizing, including: strategic planning, community
organizing, tactics of organizing, media strategies and public speaking.
Participants are expected to attend at least 80%, or 9, of the 12 scheduled class meetings.
Class sessions should be structured to ultimately help participants formulate, propose and
organize a project in their own community that coincides with the goals of the San
Gabriel Mountains Forever campaign.
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Long-Term Goals
1) Achieve Wilderness and Wild and Scenic River designations for the San Gabriel
Mountains and River.
2) Achieve the creation of a National Recreation Area.
3) Create and support a sustainable and diverse environmental movement in the
greater Los Angeles-area.
4) Engage and empower youth and under-represented communities of color in the
environmental and environmental justice movements.
5) Improve park and wilderness access for park poor communities in the San Gabriel
Valley and the greater Los Angeles-region.
Short-Term goals
1) Address the needs of participants and partners working in their communities and
on behalf on the San Gabriel Mountains Forever campaign.
2) Offer meaningful instruction and discussion on basic tenets of organizing,
including strategic planning and community organizing, and instruction on the
local, state and national legislative processes.
3) Offer financial support for participants to attend Leadership Academy meetings
and organize a project related to the San Gabriel Mountains Forever campaign.
4) Emphasize a question-led model of education that decentralizes the role of the
instructor and engages participants and guest speakers as equals.
Philosophy of the San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy
The pedagogy of the San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy is grounded in
a social justice approach to critical education that is participant-driven through question-
led discussion. Guest speakers should facilitate structured discussion by posing guiding
questions that help participants arrive, through their own knowledge and experience, at an
answer and understanding of the lesson. For some subjects, this may not be possible, but
this philosophy and educational approach should guide instructors and facilitators.
This pedagogical approach builds on a vision of social justice that decentralizes the
traditional role of the teacher and emphasizes peer-to-peer interaction and instruction.
This approach grants participants a greater stake in their own education, thus resulting in
increased engagement, greater satisfaction and improved educational success.
Workshops and applied skills are crucial to this approach to critical education. Therefore,
guest lecturers and facilitators will be asked to include workshops for practicing the class
lessons. During these workshops, facilitators should offer participants constructive
criticism and feedback for improvement. Each lesson and workshop should be crafted to
relate to the goals of the San Gabriel Mountains Forever campaign, as well as the project
each student will be required to complete as part of the academy.
11
Curriculum
Phase One: Introduction Class 1 to 4 (Jan. 17 – Feb. 17, 2015)
During the first phase, participants will get to know one another and learn about San
Gabriel Mountains Forever. This includes a tour of the San Gabriel Mountains, which
should help participants connect the health of urban communities along the San Gabriel
River and foothill communities with the protection and well-being of the San Gabriel
Mountains. The first two class sessions will address the campaign, its organization, the
campaign goals as well as understanding the process to achieve Wilderness, Wild and
Scenic designations and a National Recreation Area. These classes will provide an
overview of campaign and organizational strategic planning, as well as basic principles of
organizing. By the end of class 4, students should have an outline of their project.
Phase Two: Project Planning Class 5 to 8 (March 3 – April 14th, 2015)
Following discussion of the campaign, strategic planning and community organizing,
students will undergo a series of workshops to help them prepare for their project. These
include public speaking, power mapping, and fundraising. Participants will propose a
project and request up to $1,000 to fund their project, or their portion of a project.
In Class 7, participants will present their proposed project to their peers. Each project
presentation should last between five to six minutes. Participants should plan on an
additional two to three minutes for questions following their presentation. The
presentation should also include an introduction and summary conclusion. Participant
presentations should follow the public speaking method discussed in class: the persuasive
speech, which states a problem, solution and call to action. At the time of the
presentation, participants must submit a written report of their project and any necessary
handouts, including project budgets and budget summaries. Each project will be
considered for funding by the San Gabriel Mountains Forever Fund at Liberty Hill
committee, who will recommend funding the project or ask for more information before
recommending the project for funding.
Phase Three: Project Execution Class 9 to 12 (April 28 – June 2, 2015)
By phase three, participants should begin to guide Academy discussions. Following the
presentations of the participant’s proposed project or event, the Academy will discuss and
identify specific skills and/or trainings necessary for each participant to successfully
implement her or his proposal. Those skills or discussions will be incorporated into the
remaining sessions. Class 10 will take the academy to Eaton Canyon for a presentation
and hike to learn to identify local plant life and wildlife. Class 11 will be a workshop on
project reporting: learning to report a project’s progress and success to funders. At this
point, Academy projects should be finalized following any requests or changes from the
San Gabriel Mountains Forever Fund at Liberty Hill committee.
Project planning should have begun and possibly projects completed.
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Project
Each participant, upon acceptance to the San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership
Academy, is expected to organize a project that will uniquely serve their community and
coincide with the goals and aims of the San Gabriel Mountains Forever campaign. Each
participant will be eligible for a grant worth $1,000 to organize their project. Approved
projects must meet the following requirements:
Project Requirements
1. Project must benefit the participant’s community.
Participant must identify and define her or his community and/or the community
served by this project. Community definition should include geography as well as
U.S. census information and demographics (ages, gender, ethnicity, income, etc.)
when possible. Participant must also demonstrate the proposed need in the
community.
2. Project must benefit San Gabriel Mountains Forever.
Participant must clearly connect her or his work and the project to the larger
campaign.
(For example, one goal of SGMF is to create a legacy of stewardship for the
mountains. Participants might organize an event to attract San Gabriel Valley
residents. At the event, participants could get attendees to sign-up to volunteer to
assist with trail and forest maintenance and clean-up.)
3. Each project or event must include at least one quantifiable measure of success.
Participant must clearly explain what will make this project successful – what
does success look like and how is success measured.
(For example, if an event is organized to gain new grassroots supporters, a
measure of success would be a goal of a specific number of new signatures,
contact information or new volunteer commitments.)
4. Each project must include an organizing plan, which includes project
preparation, an outline or checklist of responsibilities, assessment and follow-up
activities. (See event checklist for organizing a community event.)
Participants will receive support for their project from their peers as well as facilitators
and guest lecturers. There should be time in each class session to help identify how the
day’s lesson applies to the proposed event or project. Working closely with the academy
coordinator, each participant will also get support from the participant’s sponsor
organization to ensure a successful project or event.
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San Gabriel Mountains Forever
Stretching from Santa Clarita to San Bernardino, the San Gabriel Mountains are the
recreational "backyard" for more than 17 million Southern Californians. This majestic
mountain range is the landmark feature of the Angeles National Forest.
The Angeles National Forest is an irreplaceable natural resource that gives Los Angeles
County 70% of its open space, provides 35% of the region’s drinking water and
contributes clean air to a polluted region. The forest is a critical habitat for many
endangered and sensitive plant and animal species including the Nelson’s Bighorn Sheep,
California Condor, Mountain Lion, Spotted Owl and the Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog.
It also defends against climate change, retaining carbon gases within its forests, instead of
emitting them into the atmosphere.
San Gabriel Mountains Forever envisions a region of permanently protected public lands that
preserves and enhances the quality of the water we drink, the air we breathe and the recreation we
enjoy. SGMF is supported by a diverse partnership of residents, cities, local business owners,
faith and community leaders, recreation groups, health and social service organizations and
conservation groups.
The goal of San Gabriel Mountains Forever (SGMF) is to: preserve public wild lands and open
space; enhance and create a spectrum of recreational opportunities, and; develop collaborative
partnerships that creatively leverage existing and additional resources.
SGMF is working on implementation of this vision by: building support for a National
Recreation Area to improve outdated visitor services and address inadequate staffing with
safer access to river areas, more trail signs including multilingual signage, additional
rangers and education/cultural programs for a new generation of forest visitors from park-
poor Los Angeles County and; add approximately 121,134 acres of Wilderness acreage
to three existing Wilderness areas – Sheep Mountain Wilderness, Cucamonga Wilderness
and San Gabriel Wilderness – as well as Condor Peak and Castaic and; preserve 52.3
miles of the clear and free-flowing rivers and creeks as Wild and Scenic Rivers for three
rivers and creeks: San Gabriel River – east, west and north forks – San Antonio Creek
and Middle Fork Lytle Creek. Wilderness and Wild and Scenic River designations are the
two strongest forms of federal protection for public lands.
With wilderness protection, roadless wild lands are preserved in their unspoiled state for
hiking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and many other activities. To accomplish these
two goals requires Congressional legislation. SGMF needs your help to build
Congressional support. We need advocates at local, state and federal levels.
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15
National Park Service Study of
the San Gabriel Mountains and River
In July 2003, the United States Congress ordered the National Park Service (NPS) to
study the San Gabriel River Watershed and Mountains and consider their addition to the
national park system. The NPS study looks at natural resources managed by various
government and private entities and considers the area’s proximity to dense, urban
communities. In Spring 2013, the NPS released their study, which recommends
establishing a National Recreation Area along the San Gabriel River.
The NPS recommends designation if officials believe the San Gabriel Mountains and
River: 1) possess nationally significant natural or cultural resources; 2) are a suitable
addition to the system; 3) are a feasible addition; and 4) require NPS management.
National Significance
NPS professionals, in consultation with experts, scholars and scientists, determine
whether a resource is nationally significant. An area will be considered nationally
significant if it meets all of the following criteria:
1) It is an outstanding example of a particular type of resource.
2) It possesses exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the natural
or cultural themes of our nation’s heritage.
3) It offers superlative opportunities for public enjoyment or for scientific study.
4) It retains a high degree of integrity as a true, accurate, and relatively unspoiled
example of a resource.
Suitability
An area is considered suitable for addition to the national park system if it represents a
natural or cultural resource type that is not already adequately represented in the national
park system, or is not comparably represented and protected for public enjoyment by
other federal agencies; tribal, state, or local governments; or the private sector.
Adequacy of representation is determined on a case-by-case basis by comparing the
potential addition to other comparably managed areas representing the same resource
type, while considering differences, or similarities, in the character, quality, quantity or
combination of resource values. The comparative analysis also addresses rarity of the
resources, interpretive and educational potential and similar resources already protected
in the national park system or in other public or private ownership. The comparison
results in a determination of whether the proposed new area would expand, enhance, or
duplicate resource protection or visitor use opportunities found in other comparably
managed areas.
16
Feasibility
To be feasible as a new unit of the national park system, an area must be (1) of sufficient
size and appropriate configuration to ensure sustainable resource protection and visitor
enjoyment (taking into account current and potential impacts from sources beyond
proposed park boundaries), and (2) capable of efficient administration by NPS at a
reasonable cost.
In evaluating feasibility, NPS considers a variety of factors for a study area, such as the
following:
1) size
2) boundary configurations
3) current and potential uses of the
study area and surrounding lands
4) landownership patterns
5) public enjoyment potential
6) costs associated with acquisition,
development, restoration, and
operation access
7) current and potential threats to
the resources
8) existing degradation of resources
9) staffing requirements
10) local planning and zoning
11) the level of local and general
public support (including
landowners)
12) the economic/socioeconomic
impacts of designation as a unit
of the national park system.
Management
The feasibility evaluation also considers the ability of NPS to undertake new
management responsibilities in light of current and projected availability of funding and
personnel.
Public Input on the NPS Study
The study includes public input and opinion. There have been, and continue to be,
opportunities for the public to comment on the process and provide additional
information. The NPS will consider public input with its study and its criteria-based
recommendation process.
Urban Parks
The term national park brings to mind places like Yosemite and Yellowstone National
Parks. However, the national park system includes national historic sites, national
monuments, national preserves, as well as wild and scenic rivers. It also includes urban
parks, such as San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, the Santa Monica Mountains, Gateway
National Recreation Area in New York and New Jersey and the Mississippi River
National Recreation Area in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
17
18
National Recreation Area
National recreation areas are federally recognized and protected areas in places that lack
private and public outdoor recreation activities. Various federal agencies oversee the
maintenance and management of national recreation areas.
A national recreation area designation would increase healthy recreational opportunities
for the more than three million annual visitors to the San Gabriel Mountains. It would
also help improve a chronic lack of visitor services and facilities along the San Gabriel
River, heavily used by residents of the San Gabriel Valley and urban Los Angeles.
Currently, there is a dearth of basic support for restrooms, trash removal, stewardship
education programs, rangers and bilingual staff, graffiti removal and safe river access.
In April 2013, the National Park Service (NPS) released their final draft of the San
Gabriel Valley Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study. NPS staff found the
San Gabriel Mountains and Watershed possess national significant natural and cultural
resources; would be a suitable addition to the national park system; are a feasible addition
to the national park system and that there is a need for direct NPS management.
However, the NPS proposal did not include the national forests in the San Gabriel
Mountains - just the urban foothills, urban San Gabriel and Rio Hondo river corridors and
the Puente Hills. The NPS proposal also suggested the creation of a San Gabriel
Mountains Unit of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
More than one year later, on June 12, 2014, Congress Member Judy Chu, D-27,
introduced H.R. 4858, the San Gabriel National Recreation Act. The proposed National
Recreation Area would include the national forest land between the Antelope Freeway 14
to the west and Interstate 15 to the east. It would also include the San Bernardino
National Forest areas of Ice House Canyon, the Cucamonga Wilderness and Lytle Creek.
More than 95 percent of the 12,000 community comments submitted to the National Park
Service during its study share this vision. Co-sponsors included Representatives:
Cárdenas, D-29, Schiff, D-28, Hold, NJD-12, Sánchez, D-38, Waxmen, D-33, Grijalva,
AZD-3, Honda, D-17, Lee, D-13 and Lowenthal, D-47.
The proposed National Recreation Area includes the San Gabriel Valley communities
south of the Angeles National Forest such as Azusa, El Monte, Pico Rivera and other
cities. This would improve planning for and funding of innovative programs to connect
park-poor communities with the recreational resources of the San Gabriel Mountains. A
key goal of the National Recreation Area is to boost participation of kids in outdoor
recreation. This would also help address the region’s growing obesity and diabetes crisis.
Six days after the bill’s introduction, H.R. 4858 was sent to the subcommittee on Public
Lands and Environmental Regulation. The bill did not advance.
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Visitors of the San Gabriel Mountains
In the shadow of the picturesque San Gabriel Mountains live 17 million Southern
California residents. The San Gabriel Mountains make up 70 percent of Los Angeles’
open space. From backyards and front porches, sidewalks and bus seats, the view of the
mountains are daily invitations to a wilderness that famed conservationist John Muir once
called “pure and untamable as the sea.” An hour drive or less for most Southern
California residents, the mountains experience over 3.5 million visitors a year. Our
reasons for visiting are as varied as our backgrounds. Yet each visit, regardless of
purpose, contributes to the local economy. Annually, locals and visitors spend nearly $66
million in the local economy to experience the natural gifts of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Between the front door and the trailhead, money is spent on local lodging, restaurants,
groceries, gas and oil, activities, admission fees and souvenirs. The local visitor whom
does not spend the night camping in San Gabriel Mountains spends $34, on average, per
visit. Locals who spend the night spend an average of $163 per trip. Over 75% of visitors
live within 50 miles of the San Gabriel Mountains. Visitors who have travelled more than
50 miles to experience the San Gabriel Mountains spend an average of $58 for the visit,
$167 if she or he is camping in the mountains and $308 if she or he is staying in a local
hotel. Visitors passing through, whose destination is not the San Gabriel Mountains,
spend an average of $219 for the experience.
The overwhelming majority – 57% – of visits are for hiking and walking. The top ten
activities in the San Gabriel Mountains, following hiking and walking, include: looking
at natural landscapes, looking at wildlife, relaxing, skiing, picnicking, visiting historic
sites, nature study, and driving. Other activities include bicycling, fishing, camping,
backpacking, hunting and horseback riding.
There is no single majority of visitors of a single age-group. However, 40-49 year-olds
make up 21.2% of visitors to the San Gabriel Mountains. Teenagers and children account
for nearly 25% of all visitors and 30-somethings account for 18.1% of all visitors.
Whites account for the majority – 83.1% – of visits, according to the Forest Service.
Asians account for 10.3% of visitors to the San Gabriel Mountains. However, Latinos are
not considered a racial group, but an ethnic group. With ethnicity taken into
consideration, Latinos account for 20.5% of visitors.
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The San Gabriel Watershed
San Gabriel Watershed, which encompasses over 689 square miles, contains over 1,236
miles of streams that traverse a magnitude of environments on their journey from the San
Gabriel Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The San Gabriel River Watershed supports a
population of more than 2.3 million people. The watershed includes 48 cities and three
counties. Precipitation throughout the watershed is variable from 27 inches in the
mountainous areas to 12 inches observed in the coastal areas in an average year.
The territory includes the following cities: Alhambra, Anaheim, Arcadia, Artesia,
Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Bradbury, Brea, Buena Park,
Cerritos, Claremont, Commerce, Compton, Covina, Cudahy, Cypress, Diamond Bar,
Downey, Duarte, El Monte, Fullerton, Glendora, Hawaiian Gardens, Huntington Park,
Industry, Irwindale, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Mirada, La Palma, La Puente, La
Verne, Lakewood, Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Lynwood, Maywood, Monrovia,
Montebello, Monterey Park, Norwalk, Paramount, Pico Rivera, Placentia, Pomona,
Rosemead, San Dimas, San Gabriel, Santa Fe Springs, Seal Beach, Signal Hill, South El
Monte, South Gate, Temple City, Vernon, Walnut, West Covina and Whittier.
A bike trail follows the San Gabriel River for approximately 37 miles from Azusa to the
Pacific Ocean in Long Beach. There are 15 parks directly accessible from the San Gabriel
River Trail, including the Santa Fe Dam, Wilderness Park and the Whittier Narrows
Recreation Area. The majority of the trail was built in the 1970s.
In 1983, the San Gabriel Valley Aquifer was discovered to be polluted and contaminated
from decades of chemical spills, improper handling and disposing of toxic waste.
Industrial chemicals used for degreasing, cleaning and rocket fuel were discovered in the
groundwater. The Environmental Protection Agency designated the aquifer as four
superfund sites.
Superfund site is a government term for contaminated lands or hazardous waste sites in
need of federal intervention and funding to clean up the region. The San Gabriel Valley
Aquifer contamination affects cities, including Baldwin Park, Alhambra, Rosemead, San
Marino, South Pasadena, Temple City and parts of unincorporated Los Angeles.
In 2002, eight companies – Aerojet General Corporation, Azusa Land Reclamation Co.
Inc., Fairchild Holding Corp., Hartwell Corp., Huffy Corporation, Oil & Solvent Process
Co., Reichold, Inc. and Wynn Oil Co. – agreed to pay $200 million to assist the cleanup.
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A Brief History of the San Gabriel Valley
The San Gabriel Valley today is comprised of nearly 2 million people over 400 square
miles. The region spans La Cañada-Flintridge, Pasadena, and Altadena to the Northwest;
Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Duarte, Azusa and Glendora along the North; La
Verne to the Northeast; Claremont and Pomona to the East; Diamond Bar to the
Southeast; the city of Industry, La Puente and South El Monte to the South; Montebello
and Monterey Park to the Southwest; and Alhambra and South Pasadena to the West. The
San Gabriel Valley also includes Bradbury, Rowland Heights, Hacienda Heights, San
Marino, San Gabriel, Rosemead, Arcadia, Temple City, El Monte, Irwindale, Baldwin
Park, Covina, West Covina, Walnut, and San Dimas. Altogether, the San Gabriel Valley
spans 31 cities, five unincorporated areas, and accounts for about one-fifth of Los
Angeles County’s population.
The region spans eight congressional districts: Chu, D-27, Schiff, D-28, Napolitano, D-
32, Becerra, D-34, Negrete-McLeod, D-35, Sánchez, D-38, Royce, D-39 and Roybal-
Allard, D-40. The San Gabriel Mountains Forever vision for a National Recreation Area
impacts additional congressional districts, including: Cook, D-8, McKeon, D-25 and
Cardenas, D-29.
The San Gabriel Valley grew by half a percent, or 8,252 people, between 2000 and 2010,
according to the 2010 United States Census. The largest cities in the valley are: Pomona,
(149,058); Pasadena (137,122), and El Monte (113,475).
A complex and diverse federation of communities, the San Gabriel Valley is home to
large populations of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, Filipino, Mexican, Central
American, Armenian immigrants and their culturally American peers as well as African
Americans, Caucasians and other groups. The languages of the San Gabriel Valley are a
polyglot of English and all the aforementioned groups.
The largest ethnic group in the San Gabriel Valley, according to the 2010 United States
Census, is Latino or Hispanic people – constituting 45.2 percent of the valley or over
775,000 people. The Latino population grew by 5.8% since the 2000 census. Asians
make up the second largest group in the valley – 27.5% of the population – but
experienced the largest population increase – 21% – since the 2000 census. Though
whites are the third largest ethnic group in the valley, their population has declined by
19.5% since 2000. African-Americans, which represent 3.6% of the valley, experienced a
greater population decrease – down 22.9% since 2000. The Census uses the term “other”
to categorize Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and Indigenous peoples, constituting 2.1% of
the valley. The roots of the San Gabriel Valley lay in this group of people.
Before the arrival of Spanish Missionaries to the Los Angeles basin in the late 18th
century, the area was inhabited by indigenous peoples now called Kizh or Gabrieleño.
The name Gabrieleños comes from their proximity and association with the Mission San
Gabriel. There were at least 50 indigenous villages through Los Angeles County,
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numbering over 5,000 people. The Gabrieleño Band of Mission Indians are recognized by
the state of California, though they do not have federal recognition.
The San Gabriel Mission, the fourth of California’s expanse of 21 missions, was
established by Spanish Missionaries along the El Camino Real, the trading route which
connected Alta California with the rest of Spanish colonial Mexico. Just nine miles east
of what would become downtown Los Angeles, the original mission was built in 1771
along the San Gabriel River. Heralding events that would shape contemporary Los
Angeles, a flood along the river destroyed the first mission, prompting relocation and
rebuilding just five years later to its current address in the city of San Gabriel.
The first wave of colonization under Spanish Missionaries was followed by the Spanish,
and later Mexican, land grant system, in which once communal, indigenous lands were
granted to individuals and families. For example, in 1841 Andres Duarte, a former officer
within the Mexican military, petitioned for land near the San Gabriel Mission. He was
granted 6,595 acres under his name. His rancho, today, spans parts of present day Duarte,
Monrovia, Azusa, Irwindale, Baldwin Park, Arcadia and Bradury.
Forced, indigenous labor transformed the region into an agricultural network of orchards
and vineyards. By the time the region became part of the United States of America,
following the 1846 invasion of Mexico, the San Gabriel Valley had a thriving economy.
Less than twenty years after California became part of the United States of America,
Chinese immigrants were recruited to the United States to build the nation’s burgeoning
railroad system. However, there was an Asian presence in the San Gabriel Valley before
the arrival of train tracks. Filipino and Japanese men had arrived as sailors to the
Americas since at least the late 18th
century.
The valley’s agricultural emphasis continued into the 20th
century. Indigenous laborers
were largely, though not completely, replaced by Mexican and Asian workers. The
agricultural bounty continued until the discovery of oil in Montebello and Santa Fe
Springs. By 1920, oil from Montebello amounted for one-eighth of California’s crude oil.
The valley’s natural resources were crucial to the region’s growth and stability under
multiple forms of government. Though the focus has shifted away from agriculture, San
Gabriel Valley’s economic vitality continues. Wholesale trade in the San Gabriel Valley
today accounts for 24% of wholesale trade in Los Angeles County. The San Gabriel
Valley’s construction industry amounts to 19% of construction industry for the county.
The valley’s agricultural history continues to impact today’s residents: many homes
throughout the San Gabriel Valley are zoned for farming and livestock.
The valley’s people continue to make social history with lasting international
implications. By the late 1970s, the San Gabriel Valley, and in particular Monterey Park,
became the first Asian suburb in the country. Unlike historic Chinatowns throughout
North America, the San Gabriel Valley is home to the first non-urban Asian enclaves. As
such, the valley has a role in international trade.
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Important terms
Park-Poor: Park-poor communities are geographic areas with less than three acres of
green space per 1,000 residents. Park-poor communities in Southern California are
disproportionately low-income, communities of color. Children in park-poor
communities suffer elevated rates of obesity and related health risks.
Environmental Justice: Environmental justice is defined by the state of California as
the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes with respect to the
development, adoption, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws and
policies. Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, born and raised in the San Gabriel
Valley, introduced the concept to the California state legislature as a state senator.
Open Space: Open space could be any land that is not developed for urban use. This may
include natural areas set aside to protect plants or wildlife; land used for agriculture,
resource extraction, recreational areas or areas unsuitable for development either due to a
potential hazard (such as slide areas or floodplains) or due to other conservation
purposes. In regards to the National Park Service’s study of the San Gabriel Mountains
and Watershed, “open space” implies areas that are in a reasonably natural state and that
can serve as wildlife habitat in addition to public access for passive forms of recreation.
Recreation: Recreational use may be designated active, passive or both. Passive use
refers to activities that are generally low impact such as hiking, fishing, picnicking, bird
watching, or non-motorized boating. Areas for active recreational use may include
facilities designed for sports such as soccer or baseball, lakes for motorboats and jet skis,
bicycle trails or equestrian trails.
Tributary: A body of water flowing into a larger body of water is a tributary. For
example, San Jose Creek is a tributary of the San Gabriel River.
Watershed: A watershed is the area of land that catches rain and snow which drains or
seeps into a given marsh, stream, river, lake, or groundwater basin. We all live in a
watershed and our individual actions can directly affect it. Homes, farms, ranches,
forests, small towns, big cities and more can make up watersheds. Some cross county,
state, and even international borders. Watersheds come in all shapes and sizes. Some are
millions of square miles; others are just a few acres. Just as creeks drain into rivers,
watersheds are nearly always part of a larger watershed.
National Monument: A National Monument is a permanent public land designation that
can either be established by Congress through legislation or by the President through use
of the Antiquities Act. Roughly a third of National Monuments have been created by
Congress with the remainder being established by 16 of the last 19 Presidents (8
Republicans and 8 Democrats) via the Antiquities Act. For more information, see
National Monuments and the Antiquities Act authored by the Congressional Research
Service available online at http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R41330.pdf.
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Strategic Planning to Protect the San Gabriel Mountains
1. Issue Focus What is the main issue focus of your campaign? What environmental problem are you seeking to address? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ 2. Goals Long term (3 yr +): What do we want to see accomplished, what is the big picture?
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
Intermediate (2-3 yrs): Steps to achieve your long-term goal _____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
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Short-term (1 year): Steps to achieve intermediate goals. Think: Small victories ______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________
3. Lay of the Land A) Lay out the strengths and weakness of your campaign ______________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ B) List out your Allies and Opponents
______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
4. Strategy * The method by which you will accomplish your goals. How you will build the power to get what you want? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ A) Define Targets Primary Targets: The decision maker/s who can give you what you want. ______________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________ Secondary Targets: Persons who can influence or put pressure on your primary target.
_____________________________________________________________
5. Communication
Message/slogan ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Story ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Media ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
6. Tactics and Timeline: Tactics are the steps that will help you carry out your overall plan. They are specific things that you will do to put pressure on your primary target to win the goal. A timeline with specific dates by which tactics will be completed is also very important. 1
1 Worksheet prepared by Juana Torres for Strategic Planning workshop.
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Community Organizing
If you could change one thing in your community, what would it be?
The methods to improve issues affecting the community include direct services,
advocacy and mobilization.
What is Community Organizing?
Community organizing starts with
o Building relationships
o Sharing our stories
o Identifying leaders
Historical effective organizing movements
o Civil rights movement
o UFW
o AB 540
o Mothers of East Los
Angeles
o Dreamers
What you need to organize the community
o Leadership
o Power
o Building relationships /
Recruitment
o Allies
o Mobilization
o Members
o Rules
o Roles
o Resources
o Plan
o Message
One person can make a difference!2
2 Outline from Community Organizing presentation by Omar Gomez.
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Community Event Training Outline
3
SET SMART GOALS: 10 min
What are SMART Goals?
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time-bound
What are some smart Goals for: Our 2nd
campaign goal - Propose federal NRA
designation?
Steps to Planning and Facilitating a Community Event/Meeting: 15 min
1) Preparation
2) Roles
3) Facilitate Event/Meeting
3) Follow-Up
Event Meeting Checklist Hand-Out: 10 min
Go through the Hand Out with the participants and answer questions.
Within Large Group Work Shop using Hand-Out: 30 min
Practice Scenario: We have received dates for the National Park Service Study…
The NPS team will set up a panel to answer questions and a presentation explaining the
finding of the San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource Study. Our
Group is working to on getting 100 people to the meeting.
The group is tasked to go through the checklist and select roles for organizers and
volunteers, set SMART Goals for the event and come up with a follow up plan for after
the event.
All group participants can use the following parameters to organize:
Transportation to and from event available
Interpretation and translated materials available
There will be a total of 4 organizers and 25 volunteers at event
Hand-outs available (but you decide what they should say)
Signs and banners, buttons and T-Shirts available
Debrief of Event (Plus and Delta): 15 min
3 Worksheet prepared by Jasmin Vargas for workshop on organizing a community event.
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Event Checklist/Lista de Verificación4
________ Have you set SMART Goals? ¿Se han establecido los objetivos SMART?
________ Is the site familiar, accessible, adequate? ¿Es el sitio familiar, accesible,
adecuado?
________ Are the date and time good for those you want to attend? ¿Ha escogido una
buena fecha y hora para aquellos que quieres que asistan?
________ Do you have a chair person/lead organizer for the meeting that was fully
briefed and prepared? ¿Tienes un organizador principal para la reunión que ha sido
completamente preparado?
________ Do you have an interpreter? ¿Tiene un interprete?
Does the event have an agenda? ¿Hay una agenda para el evento?
________ Accomplishes the goals? ¿logra las metas?
________ Encourages commitment and involvement? ¿Fomenta el compromiso y la
participación?
________ Lets people have fun? ¿Permite que la gente se divierta?
Do you have materials? / ¿Tienes materiales?
________ Printed agendas? ¿Copias de la agenda?
________ Background materials? ¿Materiales de apoyó para la causa?
________ Handouts to take action? ¿Materiales para distribuir para tomar acción?
Have you asked people to serve as the…/ ¿Ha pedido gente sirva como…
(ROLES/Responsabilidades)
____ Lead Organizer/Facilitator? ¿Organizador principal?_________________________
____Note Taker? ¿Tomador de notas?_________________________________________
____ Timekeeper? ¿Tomador de tiempo?_______________________________________
____ Presenters? ¿Presentador(es)?___________________________________________
____ Tone Setters? ¿Persona que establezca el tono?_____________________________
____ Greeter(s)? ¿Persona(s) que de la bienvenida a gente?________________________
____ Refreshment Servers? ¿Servidores de refrescos?____________________________
____ Tabling/Information givers? ¿Presentadores para repartir información?__________
Have you considered the logistical matters? / ¿Ha considerado las cuestiones de
logística?
______Chair Arrangement?¿ Arreglo de sillas?
______ Sign in sheet and tables? ¿Hoja de atendencia y mesas?
______ Interpreter logistics? ¿Detalles logístico para intérprete?
______Child care? ¿Cuidado de niños?
______Transportation? ¿Transportación?
______ Turn out Plan? ¿Plan para invitar a la gente?
4 Prepared for SGMF Leadership Academy by Jasmin Vargas.
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The Elevator Pitch5
I. Who are you: Introduce yourself by name and title
II. Organization Mission: Introduce your organization and its mission.
III. Track Record of Success/Service: Detail our successes so far
IV. Partners/Affiliations: Reveal who we work with and our support.
V. Inspirational Testimony: Give the work personal meaning.
VI. Current Projects planned: Reveal what we are doing next.
VII. Work Accomplished to date:
VIII. Will you partner with us: Ask her or him to consider partnering…
5 From Hyepin Im, president and CEO of Korean Churches for Development.
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GO Week 2014 Talking Points The vision of San Gabriel Mountains Forever is: Protection and enhancement
of our mountains, rivers and parks with access for all Talking points about the Congresswoman's leadership:
The community is grateful to Congresswoman Chu for listening to their concerns about the need to protect the San Gabriel Mountains and San Gabriel and Rio Hondo rivers for our families, and future generations, to access and enjoy.
The Congresswoman's leadership is essential to ensure that Washington acts to protect our Great Outdoors and ensure all Americans can benefit from clean water and close-to-home recreation.
This bill to create a National Recreation Area would permanently protect our Great Outdoors.
The San Gabriel Mountains and rivers are an irreplaceable natural and community resource.
- The Angeles National Forest provides Los Angeles County with 70% of its open space, one-third of its drinking water, and more than $60 million yearly for the local economy. - The dramatic mountains, beautiful forests, and clear rivers of the San Gabriel Mountains are the region’s most accessible and popular “backyard,” providing opportunities for more than 17 million people in Southern California to enjoy the outdoors. - Every year millions of people visit this amazing place to picnic, hike, bike, fish or just spend quality time with family. - All Americans deserve an opportunity to enjoy close-to-home recreation with family, for its health and quality of life benefits.
As one of the busiest outdoor destinations in the country, the San Gabriel Mountains and rivers need to be permanently protected
- Currently the area is woefully understaffed and underserviced, in many places lacking adequate trail signs, restrooms and trash facilities. - Permanent protection will improve safety and user experiences for current visitors, and ensure that future generations can enjoy the area as well.
Protecting the San Gabriel Mountains and rivers is good for our health, our quality of life, and our economy.
- Securing permanent protections for the area will provide much needed opportunities for youth to get outdoors, a key part of fighting the growing obesity and diabetes crises in park poor Southern California. - Permanent protection will bring increased tourism spending, job creation, and improved property values for adjacent communities. - It will increase services and staffing--opening the way for multi-lingual rangers, access trails, and interpretive signs, while also preserving current uses and the natural, historic and scenic resources of the area.
The community effort to protect the San Gabriels was first championed in 2003 by then-Congresswoman Hilda Solis. She resigned from Congress to serve as President Obama's Labor Secretary. In the June 3 2014 election, Solis became supervisor-elect, winning a seat on the LA County Board of Supervisors.
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Working with News Media6
Non-profit goal – To promote a campaign
News organization goal – To deliver news
Sometimes non-profit goal does not equal the news organization goal
Solution: Increase ‘news value’ of your campaigns to get in the news
Make news (new report, new decision, new event)
Make it important (family health, better communities)
Great spokespeople (you!)
A good spokesperson…
Know your campaign;
Study talking points;
Tell your story like you are talking to your neighbor. Make it personal.
Tips for working with media
If you don’t know answer – that’s ok!
- Say “I don’t know the answer to that”
- Say “I will try to find someone who has answer”
- Or say “I will check and get answer to you before your deadline”
Do not make up answers!
6 Outline prepared by Annette Kondo for workshop on working with media.
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Key Ingredients for Successful Organizational Development By Margarita Ramirez, Deputy Director of Development
I’ve often been asked at our training workshops about what I think are characteristics of a
successful organization in the context of social change work. While organizations grow
at different rates and numerous conditions determine their effectiveness, in my
experience I have pretty much narrowed the list to six elements of successful
development. I believe the impact of our funding can be fairly measured if groups are
developing in the following areas:
Vision and Mission
A broad, long-range vision that includes a clear analysis of social, political, and
economic conditions that give rise to the challenges the group confronts, and a strong
sense of what’s required to address them.
Visionary thinking goes beyond looking for immediate results; it seeks lasting
changes in society (such as in policy and civic life) for the long haul.
Groups that have a strong mission – one that is clearly defined, but open to change –
act with strong deliberation and purpose.
Leadership
Strong, mature and experienced political leadership provides a strong foundation
It’s important to recognize that there are many kinds of leadership capabilities that are
developed among groups. Good organizers, for example, are not always your best
administrators.
Leadership should be able to replicate itself (i.e., the ability to train new leadership),
and build on the strengths and weaknesses of its membership.
Leadership development should be thoughtful and relevant – it necessitates a plan that
progresses over time.
Leadership is not always an elevation – it is a responsibility.
Planning and Evaluation
It is said, “Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail.”
Good planning should encompass all facets of organizational development
Goals and objectives need to be established
Strategic planning; program development; outreach plans are at the core
Timelines and work plans are important for gauging the work over a period of time
and they must be realistic.
Assessment and analysis is critical
Evaluation of what works and what doesn’t…and knowing why…is very important.
Evaluation should be a constant within the organization, integrated at all levels, and
not just an annual exercise.
Evaluation and planning should be part of a holistic process for strategic thinking.
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Community Empowerment and Impact
The organization must have the community’s respect, support and active
participation. The community, in turn, must feel ownership and be empowered in the
work that they engage in.
Organizations that are inclusive have the strongest presence in the community.
The organization should be clearly making a strong impact at a local or regional level.
Financial Stability
Clearly this is where Liberty Hill Foundation can have the greatest impact, but most
successful organizations have a solid, diverse pool of funding sources.
When we review an operating budget – as complicated as they can be – it’s important
to assume a bias toward underestimating expenses and overestimating income, but
there are areas to key in on:
Do salaries appear reasonable and appropriate to the size of the organization?
It’s important to look at functional expenses to see how staffing plays out in
program areas (in technical assistance; education; training, etc.).
Weigh the percentage of government grants, private funding, earned income
from fundraisers or product sales, membership dues and public support.
Organization learns how to use its financial resources: staffing when it’s ready;
outreach efforts, programming, training materials, strategic planning and retreats, etc.
Upstart organizations are usually not savvy about fundraising. It takes training and
skills development, but organizations with a healthy budget need someone on staff or
on board who can focus on this area alone.
Organizational Capacity
Strong organizations build an infrastructure that is appropriate for its defined work.
There is no template that serves all – there is no “standard way” to do organizing or
run an organization.
Various organizing methods can be utilized to accomplish goals: base-building,
leadership development, research, media and public relations, cultural work, etc.
Systems and networks are in place both internally and externally (administration and
management, education and communication, alliances and networking, etc.)
Communications and media capacities are also given more attention.
IN SUMMARY: Most successful organizations have mastered all of the above in varying
degrees. When they have, we say they’ve developed organizational capacity to fulfill
their vision and their mission.
Top Tips for Writing Successful Proposals
1. Do your homework – research funding criteria for each foundation approached.
2. Follow Directions – foundations have different means of communication.
3. Be concise – more is not always better.
4. Clarity counts – avoid high-brow language and concepts
5. Communicate program goals, a strategy for implementation and benchmarks for
success
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6. show potential for future sustainability – funding diversity is key
7. Pass it through an editor, a proofreader, objective pair of eyes
8. Demonstrate collaborative efforts and how your work complements that of others
9. Practice “Truth in Asking” – don’t inflate figures; ask for what you need
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PROPOSAL WRITING TIPS
1. Identify steps to building a relationship with a funder a. Research the funding interest of a foundation before applying b. Familiarize yourself with funder's application process c. Note deadlines and timetable d. Understand the preferred method of initial contact
--phone call? --letter of inquiry? --pre-application form?
e. Ask to speak with the appropriate staff person (the executive isn’t always the person you want to speak to)
f. Cover letters are encouraged (brief, one paragraph that links you with funder)
g. Follow specific instructions given
2. Dos and Don'ts of a fundraising proposal a. Do follow funding guidelines and give the funder what they ask for.
--board rosters, references, budget, etc. --typewritten in a legible font size -- appearance is important
b. Do make sure mission statement, goals and objectives are clear & concise.
c. Answer all questions d. Don't fluff your work plan, but do give concrete, specific details that
include a timeline and expected results. e. Do submit your proposal on time and in the form required. Don't
spend money on certified mail, special delivery, federal express, etc.
3. Appropriate next steps a. Do follow-up with a phone call if you haven't heard from the funder. b. Arrange for a meeting, if funder is willing, after proposal has been
submitted if this is appropriate. c. If interview is set up, make sure all present are familiar with project
and can answer questions. d. Ask for expected date of decision e. If turned down, understand the reasons (you should be given one)
4. Cultivating Relationships with Funder
a. Partnering on community activities? Forums? Conferences? b. Put your group on their mailing list (newsletters are the best). c. Send intermittent updates, pertinent to the grant. d. Invite them to your events. e. Photos are great!
5. Don't be overbearing -- there is such a thing as overkill
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San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy
Summer 2014 – Winter 2014
Project Contact Information
Individual Contact Information
Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
E-mail Address:
Sponsoring Organization Contact Information
Organization Name:
Address:
Website:
Organization Contact:
Organization Contact Title:
Organization Contact Phone Number:
Project Information
Project Title:
Project Description:
Project Timeline
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San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy
Summer 2014 – Winter 2014
Project Budget Report
Initial Budget: Please break down project costs into one of the four follow categories:
Preparation
Item Cost Quantity Total
Promotion
Item Cost Quantity Total
Project
Item Cost Quantity Total
Follow-up
Item Cost Quantity Total
Initial Project Total:
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San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy
Summer 2014 – Winter 2014
Final Budget: Please break down project costs into one of the four follow categories:
Preparation
Item Cost Quantity Total
Promotion
Item Cost Quantity Total
Project
Item Cost Quantity Total
Follow-up
Item Cost Quantity Total
Actual Project Total:
On a separate sheet of paper, using no more than one paragraph, please explain
difference between initial project budget and actual project budget.
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San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy
Project Report
This project report allows leadership academy students to assess the effectiveness of their
project. Please provide no more than one paragraph for each question.
Name:
1. Describe your project. Define the community your project serves.
2. How does your project relate to and engage your community?
3. How does your project support the goals of San Gabriel Mountains Forever?
Expand wilderness and wild and scenic river designations in the San
Gabriel Mountains.
Establish a new San Gabriel Mountains National Recreation Area
(SGMNRA).
Build a legacy of local stewards for the San Gabriel Mountains and
River.
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4. Project Metrics
A. Outreach and Support
Please list the target goal of volunteers and elected officials you sought
support from and the actual number of committed support.
Goal Actual
Volunteers
Elected officials
Please list names of targeted and committed elected officials:
B. Media
Please list number of media approached, if applicable, for your project. Note
the number of media outlets identified, the number of requests made and the
actual coverage.
Goal Actual
Identified
Contacted
Coverage
On a separate sheet of paper, please attach any articles and/or links to any other
form of media coverage. Also, please attach any photos7 and/or links to other self-
generated media of your project.
5. If you were to do this project again, what changes would you make for
improvement?
6. How will this project progress after you graduate from the leadership academy?
How will you stay involved with San Gabriel Mountains Forever?
7 Photos may also be uploaded to San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy
Facebook page.
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Summary of San Gabriel National Recreation Area
(Complete text available at: http://chu.house.gov/press-release/rep-chu-introduces-bill-
create-san-gabriel-national-recreation-area)
History and Process
The San Gabriel Mountains provide over 70% of L.A. County’s open space and host over
3 million visitors a year. That’s almost as many visitors as major national parks like
Yellowstone. But for over a decade community leaders, environmental advocates, and
legislators have been concerned that this volume of people is more than the Forest
Service can handle in terms of maintenance and visitor services. As a result the
mountains are in desperate need of clean up, signage, guardrails, park benches, picnic
areas, trash bins, restrooms, parking, and more.
In order to remedy this problem, then-Congresswoman Hilda Solis introduced a bill in
January 2003 requiring the National Park Service (NPS) to conduct a study that would
determine whether or not a National Recreation Area (NRA) would be possible for the
region. After years of research and two extensive public comment periods, the National
Park Service released its “San Gabriel Watershed and Mountains Special Resource
Study” which provided its final recommendations in April 2013 – nine long years after
the process officially began.2 The study declared that the San Gabriel Mountains and
Watershed have diverse characteristics and unique ecosystems that do not exist anywhere
else in the United States. As a result, they deserve more resources and better protection.
Once the study was completed, Congresswoman Judy Chu undertook an extensive public
outreach process to determine what various stakeholders wanted to see in a San Gabriel
NRA. Our office engaged in this process before drafting legislation. She hosted 4
stakeholder roundtables with Elected Officials, Water and Public Works Agencies,
Business entities, and Environmental groups. She held a large public town hall meeting
for constituents from all over the San Gabriel Valley to voice their opinions and
concerns. She had extensive conversations with the San Gabriel Valley Council of
Governments, as well as regular discussions with water agencies, non-profit groups, city
councils and elected official, chambers of commerce and business representatives,
utilities and sanitation, county officials from Los Angeles and San Bernardino,
homeowners, and recreational groups.
As a direct result of the feedback she received from her public outreach, Rep. Chu drafted
legislation for the NRA that ensures a continuation of property rights, local land control,
water rights, fire management and several other priorities.
Why do we need an NRA to protect this area?
San Gabriel Mountains – The San Gabriel Mountains are visited by over 3 million people
each year. Persistent trash, graffiti, and safety issues increase fire dangers, decrease water
quality, and threaten the ecology and unique habitats of the mountains. More resources
are needed to better maintain this open space while ensuring that the public can enjoy it.
River Corridors and Puente Hills – The river corridors and Puente Hills provide
important ecological connections to the mountains. But parks in these urban areas are few
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and far between, and lack the resources to adequately provide opportunities for residents
and to walk, jog, bike, picnic, or enjoy other outdoor recreational activities.
Economic Value and Resources – Studies show that national parks and recreation areas
increase revenues for local economies. In fact, in 2012 national parks across the country
generated $26.75 billion in economic activity and supported 243,000 jobs. From that
amount, NPS visitors spent $14.7 billion in communities within 60 miles of a park or
recreation area. An NRA designation could bring the kind of resources and recognition
that places like Santa Monica and the West Side already enjoy.
Public Health and Environmental Justice – Los Angeles is one of the more park-poor
region in the United States. Lack of recreational opportunities – large or small – has
severe impacts on urban populations struggling with obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and
chronic illness. Opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities are vital for public health and
the well being of people of all ages and walks of life.
What are the benefits of the NRA?
The NRA will allow the National Park Service to contribute to community-based,
community-driven projects. It can help cities create more pocket parks and walking paths
among their communities, as well as access points to existing trails and bike paths. It can
help improve signage, and increase education about the environment, fire safety, the
special history of the region, and more. In the mountains, where there are too few
resources to handle the current volume of visitation, NPS could build bathroom facilities,
picnic areas, and better parking grounds. Rangers could make sure trash does not end up
in the rivers that supply our drinking water. Additionally, the NRA would empower
communities across the area to work on projects and opportunities in a more cohesive and
coordinated manner. At the moment there is no clear way to work together to develop
recreational plans and projects. The NRA will create a direct path for the residents,
County, Cities, US Forest Service, National Park Service and other entities to address
needs, challenges, and opportunities. There exist several possibilities for local
governments and other stakeholders to create community driven projects.
What does this bill actually do?
The bill establishes the National Recreation Area as a space in which the National Park
Service can apply resources and work with partners at the State, county, and local level to
pursue projects the focus on sustainable recreation, education, and telling the story of the
area. It creates the space and sets the parameters for different stakeholders to work
together that could not otherwise easily cross jurisdictions to work together.
What does this bill NOT do?
It does NOT override existing laws, rules, ordinances, plans, or regulations. It does NOT
prohibit particular forms of recreation such as Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) use in
existing areas. It does NOT transfer private lands to any Federal entity. It does NOT have
adverse impacts on water supply or management, sanitation, utilities or fire management.
It does NOT establish specific projects or programs (that will be determined later by the
Partnership). It does NOT force any city to participate in any project or program. It does
NOT create fees.
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Included Recommendations from Community
1. Water Rights – After working closely with water stakeholders and attorneys to
negotiate appropriate water language that fully satisfies their concerns, Rep. Chu
incorporated several additional pages of text to Section 6 of the bill, which is
devoted to water provisions. She also incorporated substantial water related
terminology as requested by water entities, the San Gabriel Valley Council of
Governments (COG), individual cities. Water is fully protected so that companies
and agencies can continue to deliver, without any hindrance, clean and reliable
water to residents of the San Gabriel Valley.
2. Local Control and Property Rights – Sections 5 and 9 of the legislation
explicitly ensure that NO eminent domain will be used to acquire lands. It also
ensures that property rights and land use are not affected by retaining existing
rights, jurisdictions, and authorities. It does not transfer any lands to the National
Park Service except small parcels currently owned by the Bureau of Land
Management. Rep. Chu also went further, incorporating recommended language
from cities like Monrovia to specify that local plans, in addition to local laws and
ordinances, must be respected. Another key addition proposed by the COG, was
language specifying that nothing in the bill requires any city to participate in any
program administered by NPS or Forest Service. Rep. Chu strengthened language
in Section 4 and Section 8, at the request of the COG and the San Gabriel Valley
Economic Partnership, regarding the NRA Partnership’s role in helping to craft
the management plan. Rep. Chu added to the Partnership two designees from the
San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) and an additional water
designee from Six Basins Watermaster. And she added language empowering the
Partnership to establish a Water Technical Advisory Committee and a Public
Safety Advisory Committee.
3. Fire Management – Nothing in the legislation adversely affects fire
management and fire operations. Nonetheless, Rep. Chu adopted language from
the COG in Section 4 that explicitly states this and strengthens the role of
firefighting agencies.
4. NRA Management Partnership – The composition is reflective of the
community and made up of a majority elected officials.
5. Utilities and Sanitation – Rep. Chu included language recommended by
SoCal Edison and L.A. County Sanitation Districts to ensure that neither is
negatively impacted.
6. Roads and Transit – Rep. Chu incorporated language suggested by SANBAG
regarding roads and public transit to ensure there is no adverse effect on either of
these.
7. The San Gabriel NRA is separate from the Santa Monica NRA.
8. The NRA is separate from the Wilderness and Wild & Scenic River
designations
9. Map of the boundaries – The total acreage of the National Rec Area will be
615,245. Of that, 2,987 acres of land currently owned by the Bureau of Land
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Management adjacent to the Angeles National Forest lands will be transferred to
the National Park Service. These lands would serve as places where the Park
Service could set up offices. Rep. Chu has worked with
an independent Global Imaging Services GIS mapmaker, using the GIS files
provided by the National Park Service, to create a map that reflects the NRA
boundaries at a very detailed level. This is not an official map from NPS.
http://bit.ly/1tOWXH3
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The Seventh Cohort of the San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy
Brenda Aguilar, 16, lives in El Monte. A junior at South El Monte
High, Aguilar writes about her community for KCET’s Youth Voices.
Aguilar is also enrolled in Upward Bound at Harvey Mudd College in
Claremont.
Vanessa Cazares, 26, lives in Hacienda Heights. Cazares participated in
the rally outside Bonelli park to support President Barack Obama’s San
Gabriel Mountains National Monument Designation. A student at Azusa
Pacific University, Cazares was recruited by graduates of the Leadership
Academy.
Crystal Delgado, 17, lives in El Sereno. A student at Semillas del
Pueblo, Delgado participates in folklorico and Son Jarocho workshops
at the Eastside Café. She considers both activities important hobbies that
advocate for communal coexistence.
Jocelyne Flores, 18, lives in Commerce. A student at East Los Angeles
College, Flores considers one of her more important achievements the
creation of a summer school program for children in her neighborhood.
She enjoys helping other youth. “I didn’t have that help,” she explains.
“If I would have had that, I would have been much better off. Not
everyone has an older brother or sister to help.”
Reannon Fontan, 19, lives in Highland Park. A graduate of Franklin
High, Fontan worked with the United States Forest Service Generation
Green and the Youth Conservation Corps. “I love being outdoors
because it takes me away from the crazy city life and being stressed.”
Kyle Hamada, 21, lives in Torrance. Currently attending California State
University, Long Beach, Hamada learned about the leadership academy
through his professor, Monica Argandoña of the California Wilderness
Coalition. In addition to environmentalism, Hamada is an avid surfer, a
professional photographer and enjoys running.
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Cuauhtemoc Hernandez, 24, lives in Huntington Park. Hernandez
works at Libros Schmibros, where he heard about the Leadership
Academy. Together with friends, Hernandez created a collective, Escuela
de Liberacion Curandera, to learn, discuss and disseminate knowledge
about traditional methods of healing, particularly in marginalized
communities.
Jorge Martinez, 32, lives in Fontana. Originally from Pachuca,
Mexico, Martinez works as a radiation analyst at a water testing
company. A self-described “big time nerd when it comes to superheroes
of DC and Marvel Universe, video games and card games,” Martinez
says nothing makes him happier than sleeping beneath the stars. “I have
plans of being a teacher one day with the hopes of changing the world.”
Phuoc Nguyen, 27, lives in Stanton city. Raised on a farm in his native
Vietnam, Nguyen works at a community garden in Santa Ana. “May all
beings everywhere be happy and free,” Nguyen writes.
Jesse C. Ochoa, 20, lives in South Central Los Angeles. A graduate
of Semillas del Pueblo, where he was a founding member of
Generation Green, Ochoa will attend the University of California,
Riverside this Spring, majoring in Chicano Studies with a minor in
creative writing. “The interest of the outdoors was always in me, but
Generation Green sparked that flame,” Ochoa said. “I didn’t know I
could do more in the outdoors than just visit it. I take it as
responsibility.”
Jaime M. Reyes, 17, lives in Pasadena. A senior at Semillas del
Pueblo, Reyes participated in Generation Green’s Hood to the Woods
bike ride. Following the path of his father and grandfather, Reyes has
received sponsorship offers as a cyclist.
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Gregorio Rodriguez, 30, lives in Lincoln Heights. For a class
assignment, Rodriguez wrote about the San Gabriel Valley’s
Emerald Necklace. The essay was shared with Amigos de Los
Ríos and submitted to local newspapers. Local wilderness, like
the San Gabriel River, Peck Road park and Marrano Beach,
Rodriguez says, create opportunities to connect with his four
children.
Jonathan Rodriguez, 24, lives in Claremont. Affectionately known
as J-Rod around the offices of BIKE SGV and Day-One, Rodriguez
is a graduate student at Claremont Graduate University. For his
capstone project, Rodriguez created a bike infrastructure analysis of
the San Gabriel Valley, which was published as part of the region’s
bicycle master plan.
Ariana Santamaria, 21, lives in Long Beach. Santamaria learned
about the Leadership Academy at California State University, Long
Beach. In September, Santamaria volunteered at Walk for the Wild,
an event organized at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden to
commemorate the 50th
anniversary of the Wilderness Act.
Raphael Serna, 22, lives in Duarte. A pre-med student majoring
in biology at California State University, Northridge, Serna
volunteers every Friday at City of Hope. In January 2014, Serna
travelled to Nicaragua with Global Medical Training and assisted
in community clinics that offered over 600 children, women and
men access to basic medical and dental services.
Nancy Verdin, 24, was born, raised and lives in Pasadena, where
she is a prevention programs coordinator at Day-One. While a
student at University of California, Irvine, Verdin assisted Mendez
High students with their college applications. Verdin returned to
Los Angeles’ Eastside as an Americorps teacher at Stevenson
Middle School. “I grew up here and I’m making a difference here.”
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The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release October 10, 2014
Remarks by the President at Designation of the San Gabriel Mountains as a National Monument
Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park San Dimas, California
1:24 P.M. PDT THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody! Have a seat. Have a seat. Well, thank you, Secretary Vilsack, for that introduction -- more importantly, all the work that you do every single day to make sure that rural America and all our natural resources and conservation strategies are working the way they’re supposed to. I also want to acknowledge San Dimas Mayor Curt Morris. Where’s Curt? There he is right there. Thank you, sir, for your hospitality. (Applause.) Thanks to all the members of Congress who are here, who make such an important contribution to our conservation agenda every single day. And I want to thank all of you who are blessed to live in the shadow of these extraordinary mountains for the work that you are making and have made so that this day could be a reality. And 150 years ago, President Lincoln signed a law that forever changed the way we conserve our natural heritage. It might have seemed like an odd thing to do at the time. Civil war raged between North and South; the fate of our union hung in the balance. Lincoln himself had never even been to California. For a good part of his life, his home state of Illinois was considered the West. But descriptions and drawings, and even some early photographs of the Yosemite Valley, had made their way back East -- the cathedral peaks, the waterfalls, the giant sequoias. So too had stories about encroaching development that threatened the area. So President Lincoln decided to help protect a place he had never visited -- for a nation he might not be able to save and for a future he would never live to see. And that place is at the heart of what now is Yosemite National Park.
So it’s fitting that we meet here in California, because this was the state that inspired Lincoln’s actions, and made possible all that followed, including this moment. Today, I’m using my executive authority to designate the San Gabriel Mountains as a national monument. (Applause.) Now, this could not have happened without the leadership of Representatives Grace Napolitano, whose district we’re in, Judy Chu, Adam Schiff, the local officials and community leaders, the faith leaders, the youth groups, so many others who have driven this effort. I can see why you’ve been so committed to this cause. This incredible 346,000 acres of rugged slopes and remote canyons are home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. The rare Arroyo Chub swims through the cool streams, while the California condor soars above the vistas. You can hike through the chaparral, amid wild lilacs and mountain mahogany. Maybe you can swat away some rare native insects. (Laughter.) But it’s not just the natural beauty of the San Gabriels that makes it invaluable. Within these hills lies millennia of history, including the ancient rock art of Native peoples -– the first Americans. And just as this region teaches us about our past, it has always offered us a window into the future. It was here at the Mount Wilson Observatory that Edwin P. Hubble showed the universe to be ever-expanding, and it’s where astronomers still explore the mysteries of space. I can think of no better way to honor our past and protect our future than by preserving the San Gabriel Mountains. (Applause.) Not only because of its richness of history and culture and science; not only because of its scenic beauty that attracts over 3 million visitors every year -- more than icons like Mount Rushmore and the Grand Tetons; but because the story of the San Gabriel Mountains is, in many ways, the story of America. It’s the story of communities exploring the great west –- of Native Americans and Spanish missionaries, of colonialists and rancheros, of merchants and landowners. It’s the story of prospectors in search of gold; of settlers in search of a new life.
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It’s a story that continues today, with one of our nation’s most vibrant, diverse communities in the backyard of the second-biggest city in the country. Over 15 million people live within 90 minutes of the San Gabriel Mountains. These mountains provide residents with roughly 30 percent of their water and 70 percent of their open space. This whole area is a huge boost to the local economy. As President, I’ve now preserved more than 3 million acres of public lands for future generations. (Applause.) And I’m not finished. (Applause.) As I said in my State of the Union, we are looking at additional opportunities to preserve federal lands and waters, and I’ll continue to do so, especially where communities are speaking up. And that’s what makes this particular designation so important. We heard from the community that for a lot of urban families this is their only big, outdoor space. And too many children in L.A. County, especially children of color, don’t have access to parks where they can run free and breathe fresh air, experience nature, and learn about their own environment.
And that was Brenda Kyle’s experience. Growing up in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, she could see those peaks from her backyard. As an adult, she spotted them from downtown L.A., on TV above the Rose Parade, and from the stands at Dodgers Stadium. Sorry about the playoffs, by the way. (Laughter.)
But when Brenda drove, she’d use these mountains as her North Star -– knowing that if she followed them, they’d take her home. But she never once explored them.
Today, she’s a docent at Eaton Canyon and devotes her time to taking Latino youth to discover the wilderness of the San Gabriels, many for the first time in their lives. She takes her own nephews up there to play in the river and stand in the waterfall, and spot new birds, and learn from the incredible natural classroom that surrounds them. And she hopes that one day they’ll take their own families to the San Gabriel Mountains and say, “We’re thankful our forest is a national monument. We always knew it was awesome.”
And for Brenda, for the entire community, this is an issue of social justice. Because it’s not enough to have this awesome natural wonder within your sight -– you have to be able to access it. Right now, campgrounds are crowded, parking lots are tight, and there haven’t been enough resources to manage and maintain this area the way it deserves. So designating the San Gabriel Mountains as a national monument is just the first step towards a broader effort to change that. It’s going to enable the Forest Service and local communities and leading philanthropists to work together to increase access and outdoor opportunities for all.
And we’ll keep working with you to make sure that everybody in this diverse community –- no matter where they come from or what language they speak -– can enjoy all that this monument has to offer.
The notion of a national monument is interesting because it reminds us that America belongs to all of us -- not just some of us. My commitment to conservation isn’t about locking away our natural treasures; it’s about working with communities to open up our glorious heritage to everybody -- young and old, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American -- to make sure everybody can experience these incredible gifts.
The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument will join a vast landscape of protected national treasures -– a wilderness that the writer Wallace Stegner once called, “a part of the geography of hope.” We are blessed to have the most beautiful landscapes in the world. We have a responsibility to be good stewards of those landscapes for future generations. So let me once again say thank you to all of you who made this happen, and for your continued commitment to preserving our magnificent natural inheritance, and for ensuring that this “geography of hope” remains the birthright of all Americans –- not only for today, but for generations to come. Thank you, everybody. Now I’m going to sign this proclamation. (Applause.)
(The proclamation is signed.)
END 1:35 P.M. PDT
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San Gabriel
Mountains
National
Monument
The West Fork Ranger Station, which
sits behind the Chilao Visitor Center,
was the first federally funded ranger
station built in California in the early
1900s at a cost of $70. Sitting at an
elevation of 5,280 feet, the center is
nestled in a beautiful portion of the
San Gabriel National Monument and admission is free. (U.S. Forest Service)
On Oct. 10, 2014, President Barack Obama designated 346,177 acres of existing federal
lands as the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, the eighth national monument
under Forest Service management.
The nation’s newest monument covers 342,177 acres of the Angeles National Forest and
4,002 acres of neighboring San Bernardino National Forest. The area is within 90
minutes of 15 million people in the Los Angeles Basin.
The designation will help ensure these lands remain a benefit for all Americans through
rock art that provides a glimpse into ancient civilizations, an observatory that brought the
world the cosmos, and thousands of miles of streams, hiking trails and other outdoor
recreation opportunities.
Soaring high above the Los Angeles Basin, the San Gabriel Mountains also are working
lands that provide Angelenos 70 percent of their available open space and 30 percent of
their drinking water. The monument serves as the backyard to the nation’s second-largest
urban center.
Monument highlights include:
Biodiversity The San Gabriel Mountains contains some of the greatest biodiversity in the country,
including four wilderness areas – Magic Mountain, Pleasant View Ridge, San Gabriel,
and Sheep Mountain – and unique geological features such as the San Andreas Fault.
Other highlights are:
The rivers of the San Gabriel Mountains not only provide drinking water but are vital in
the support of native fish, animals and plants and provide critical habitat for threatened or
endangered species such as the California condor, mountain yellow-legged frog, arroyo
chub fish and Nelson’s bighorn sheep.
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The chaparral and oak woodland are just some of the vegetation that represent a portion
of the rare Mediterranean ecosystem found in only 3 percent of the. The area also
provides suitable habitat for 53 Forest Service Sensitive Plants and as many as 300
California-endemic species that only grow in the San Gabriel Range.
Scientific Discovery
The historic Mount Wilson Observatory juts above the trees on the newly named San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.
In 1889, the first telescope made its arduous journey up to the summit of Mt. Wilson. The observatory would later dominate
astronomy worldwide with the works of George Ellery Hale and Edwin Hubble, among others. (Thinkstock)
Science and research have been and continue to be an integral part of the monument area,
most notably the Mount Wilson Observatory and the San Dimas Experimental Forest.
Edwin Powell Hubble, working from the Mount Wilson Observatory, is credited with
making some of the most striking discoveries in modern astronomy, such as concluding
that distant stars were really galaxies. That finding forever changed the way astronomers
looked at the skies.
The San Dimas Experimental Forest, established in 1933, contains some of the earliest
and longest records from continuously monitored, experimental watersheds in the U.S. It
is the only research forest in Southern California, and many of the facilities were
constructed by the depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps and Work Projects
Administration labor programs. In 1976, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization’s Man and the Biosphere Program recognized the San Dimas
Experimental Forest as a “Biosphere Reserve.”
Human dimension The monument holds evidence of more than 8,000 years of human history, including
more than 600 archeological sites, three of which are on the National Register of Historic
Places, as well as ruins of old cabins and the Mount Lowe Railway. Other highlights are:
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The area, which boasts more than 4 million visits, is host to a variety of year-round
recreational activities, including hiking, cross-country skiing, hunting, nature viewing,
picnicking, water activities and horseback riding and camping.
Mount Baldy Center adjacent to the monument helps to educate 8,000 students and
teachers each year in environmental education and includes a 1920s schoolhouse,
reproductions of a gold-mining camp and a Native-American (Tongva-Gabrielino)
village.
Other Forest Service-managed national monuments: Admiralty Island National Monument, Tongass National Forest, Alaska
Misty Fiords National Monument, Tongass National Forest, Alaska
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest,
Washington
Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Deschutes National Forest, Oregon
Giant Sequoia National Monument, Sequoia National Forest, California
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument(link is external), San
Bernardino National Forest, California (co-managed with the Bureau of Land
Management)
Chimney Rock National Monument, San Juan National Forest, Colorado
Sources: U.S. Forest Service; U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Carnegie
Institution for Science
Source: http://www.fs.fed.us/visit/san-gabriel-mountains-national-monument
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What is a national monument and how is it different from a National Recreation
Area (NRA)?
A national monument is very similar to a national recreation area. Under the Antiquities
Act, the President has the authority to designate a national monument to protect objects
that are of historic or scientific significance.
Both designations uphold and protect water rights, property rights, land use rights, etc.
Both enhance conservation and improve management of areas with special ecological,
cultural, historic, and recreational value through more resources, education, and public
engagement. Both allow a wide range of recreational activities.
The primary difference between a national monument and an NRA is that a national
monument only includes federal lands. It would NOT include any state, city, or private
property. In this case, the boundaries are limited to the Angeles and San Bernardino
National Forests.
What does the San Gabriel National Recreation Area Act do and how does it protect
my rights?
The San Gabriel National Recreation Area Act (H.R. 4858) that Rep. Chu introduced in
2014 establishes an NRA as a unit of NPS including the San Gabriel Mountains, Emerald
Necklace river corridor, and Puente Hills. This allows NPS to contribute resources and
bring together partners at the State, county and local level to pursue community-based
projects in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.
NPS would help address trash, graffiti, poor signage, fire safety and water quality by
improving visitor services, staffing, and facilities in the Mountains. It would help cities
create more opportunities for recreation within their neighborhoods, and establish
environmental education programs and volunteer and work programs for minorities,
youth, and veterans.
The legislation was crafted in collaboration with local communities and stakeholders,
including water, utilities, residents, and elected officials. As a direct result of the
feedback she received from her public outreach, Rep. Chu drafted legislation for the
NRA that ensures a continuation of property rights, local land control, water rights, fire
management and several other priorities.
Key features of the legislation include:
Protection of water right, private property, land use, and existing laws,
ordinances, permits, plans, regulations, rights of way, and preservation of all
existing jurisdictions and authorities;
A Public Advisory Council and a Management Partnership comprised of a
majority of local officials;
An opt-out clause for cities.
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Where can I find a copy of the NPS Special Resource Study and a copy of the NRA
legislation?
NPS Study: http://www.nps.gov/pwro/sangabriel/
H.R. 4858: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113hr4858ih/pdf/BILLS-
113hr4858ih.pdf
If Rep. Chu introduced NRA legislation why do we need a monument protect the
mountains?
For over a decade we have been on an unsustainable trajectory. Persistent trash, graffiti,
and safety issues increase fire dangers, decrease water quality, and threaten the ecology
and unique habitats of the mountains. We need increased resources and better
management to make sure people can still enjoy this open space while also maintaining it
better. We also need more community engagement in the urban corridor.
The NRA legislation is a first step in achieving stronger protections and more resources
for the region. However, with a divided Congress and a weak record of passing
conservation bills, it will likely be several years before progress is made on passing this
legislation. A monument can bring about tangible improvements sooner.
What are the benefits of a national monument?
The benefits of a national monument are very similar to the NRA, because the needs of
the region are the same. A San Gabriel Mountains National Monument would help
prioritize the area within the U.S. Forest Service and bring with it the resources needed to
provide our families with sustainable recreation so that people can enjoy the mountains
now and preserve them for generations to come.
A national monument will protect water quality by applying more resources toward
preventing trash and pollution in and along the rivers.
A national monument will also have a positive economic effect. Numerous studies have
shown that recreational spaces increase property value and increase revenues for local
businesses as well as cities.
A national monument can create opportunities for urban families, youth, veterans, and
minorities to enjoy outdoor activity and learn about nature and the history and ecology of
the mountains. They will learn how to preserve and protect the environment, and
participate in empowering work and volunteer opportunities.
Under a monument designation, where will the funding come from for
improvements?
Ultimately, budgets are about priorities and a national monument status would allow the
Forest Service to permanently prioritize our region when allocating resources. The U.S.
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Forest Service has long operated with a tight budget and as a result the agency
continually has to shift resources around to meet all its responsibilities.
If the Angeles and San Bernardino Forests are elevated to the status of a national
monument the U.S. Forest Service would be able to raise funds through private-public
partnerships, apply for grants, and potentially increase support from foundations. Already
there are organizations willing to contribute funds for conservation and recreation but
currently the U.S. Forest Service has no way to prioritize these funds and direct them
specifically to the San Gabriel Mountains. A monument would change this.
How will water and property rights be protected under a national monument?
Monument designations only apply to federal lands, not state, local, or private lands.
They do not affect state, local, or private property in and around the monument
boundaries. The do not create additional land use or regulatory authorities. They do not
create new water rights or alter existing ones. They do not affect existing uses of the area.
Additionally, Rep. Chu has asked the Administration to use the language of the NRA
legislation, crafted with extensive local input, as a foundation for a national monument
proclamation. This would preserve exiting water and property rights. Most recent
monument proclamations have used existing legislation as a starting point, and it is
STANDARD for water and property rights to be explicitly protected in monument
designations. For example, the proclamation for Chimney Rock National Monument
explicitly states that, “Nothing in this proclamation shall be construed to alter the valid
existing water rights of any party, including the United States.”
What will the boundaries of the monument be? Who will manage the area? Will
there be local control?
National monuments can only be declared on existing federal lands. A San Gabriel
Mountains National Monument will be limited to U.S. Forest Service land, following the
forest boundaries. The U.S. Forest Service will manage the monument.
At present, local communities have no direct input in the Management Plan of the Angles
and San Bernardino National Forests. Rep. Chu has asked that the Obama Administration
create a Public Advisory Council, like the one described in her NRA bill, to help manage
the monument and ensure local control. The recently established San Juan National
Monument, in Washington State, created a similar Public Advisory Council at the request
of the states’ congressional representatives.
If I live in the mountains or would like to hike, hunt, fish, cycle, run marathons, ride
off-highway vehicles in the mountains, will I be able to continue to do so?
Yes. These are kinds of activities that a national monument – like an NRA – is designed
to preserve. With increased resources and public education, these activities would even
be enhanced as the mountains are better managed, cleaner, and safer. Monument
designations do not affect existing uses of the area.
Source: prepared by staff of Congress Member Judy Chu, D-27.
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San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership
Amigos de Los Ríos
908 E. Altadena Drive
Altadena, CA 91001
(626) 791-1611
www.amigosdelosrios.org
Asian Pacific Policy & Planning
Council
905 E. 8th
St.,
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 239-0300
www.a3pcon.org
California Wilderness Coalition
PO Box 11094
Oakland, CA 94611
www.calwild.org
The City Project
1055 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1660
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 977-1035
http://www.cityprojectca.org/
Climate Resolve
1000 N. Alameda St.,
Suite 240, L.A., CA 90012
(213) 346-3200, x303
http://climateresolve.org/
Community Hiking Club
http://www.communityhikingclub.org/
Consejo de Federaciones Mexicanas
en Norteamérica 125 Paseo de La Plaza, Suite 101 Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 417-8380
www.cofem.org
National Parks Conservation
Association
1055 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1660
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 482-0642
http://www.npca.org/
The Sierra Club
714 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 1000,
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 387-6528
http://www.sierraclub.org/
The Wilderness Society
714 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 614
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 514-4030
www.wilderness.org
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San Gabriel Mountains Forever Leadership Academy Support
Asian Youth Center
100 Clary Ave.
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 309-0622
http://www.asianyouthcenter.org/
Barrio Action Youth & Family Center
4927 Huntington Dr. North,
Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 221-0779 www.barrioaction.org
California Native Plant Society
San Gabriel Mountains Chapter
Eaton Canyon Nature Center
1750 N. Altadena Dr., Pasadena,
CA 91107
http://www.cnps-sgm.org/
California Wilderness Coalition
310 N. Indian Hill Blvd., #107
Claremont, CA 91711
(951) 205-6004
www.calwild.org
Girl’s Today, Women Tomorrow
1927 East 2nd Street
Boyle Heights,
Los Angeles, CA 90033
(323) 526-3039
http://www.gtwt.org/
Las Fotos Project
1927 East 2nd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90033
http://lasfotosproject.org/
Liberty Hill Foundation
6420 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 556-7200
www.LibertyHill.org
Mexican American Legal Defense and
Education Fund
634 S. Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 629-2512.
www.maldef.org
Mexican Cultural Institute
125 Paseo de La Plaza, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 417-8384
www.mexicanculturalinstitute–la.org
Oldtimers Foundation
3355 E. Gage Ave.
Huntington Park, CA 90255
(323) 582-6090
Project Amiga
2001 Tyler, Suite 203
South El Monte, CA 91733
(626) 401-1395
Online Examples of SGMF Leadership Academy Projects
1. Nature: Double Exposed Volume II – Boyle Heights Meets the San Gabriel Mountains
http://issuu.com/lasfotosproject/docs/naturedoubleexposed2013
2. The Pomona Nature Art Collective
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ1mBWYDc14
3. Convert-a-Can
https://www.flickr.com/photos/124702681@N07/
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“A wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate the
landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are
untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.”
- The Wilderness Act of 1964
