"Los Angeles County is one of the most densely populated and polluted areas in the nation, with Latinos being the largest ethnic group, making up 49 percent of the population. About five million people (half of LA County’s population) live in neighborhoods without any nearby parks. Expanding the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument will help increase equitable access to nature, improve public health, and ensure historically underserved communities can enjoy this beloved region now and for generations to come.”

“Senator Alex Padilla and Representative Judy Chu have led the effort to call on President Biden and join the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and the Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians, and over 27,000 community members that have signed a petition, Los Angeles County and the Cities of Alhambra, Baldwin Park, Monterey Park, Santa Clarita, and South Pasadena, in expressing our support for the expansion of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. Local and regional residents have also shared in public meetings their full support of the initiative.

“The proposed expansion area would also safeguard wildlife corridors and habitats for species such as black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and mule deer; it will help address the climate and biodiversity crises by protecting important habitats, sources of water, and wildlife corridors and contributing to state and federal goals to conserve 30 percent of public lands and waters by 2030.”

The proposed expansion area is considered the “gateway” to the Angeles National Forest and, as a result, is one of the most visited parts of the forest. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the national forest received 4.6 million visitors in 2021—more than the Grand Canyon or Yosemite National Park received in the same year.