Obama declares part of San Gabriel Mountains a national monument

President Barack Obama announces the designation a portion of the San Gabriel Mountains as a national monument Friday at Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas. The designation of the San Gabriel National Monument is part of Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative and the first step in preserving, resorting and permanently protecting the only large-scale space available for Los Angeles county residents. / photo by Helen Arase

Kristina Bugante
Editor in Chief

President Barack Obama visited Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park on Friday to declare 346,177 acres of the San Gabriel Mountains a national monument — a designation meant to increase access and enhance outdoor opportunities for the area’s residents.

The National Forest Foundation put aside a $3 million fund, and multiple philanthropic organizations have collectively committed $1.3 million to support the designation.

“This is an issue of social justice,” Obama said in his speech. “Because it’s not enough to have this awesome natural wonder within your sight — you have to be able to access it.”

The hazy mountains, which were a barely visible backdrop the day the proclamation was signed, were called “the story of America,” and Obama recognized the years of history behind the mountains as well as their scenic beauty.

“I can think of no better way to honor our past and protect our future than by preserving the San Gabriel Mountains,” Obama said.

Belinda Faustinos, deputy chair of San Gabriel Mountains Forever, said all Los Angeles residents will benefit from the new national monument.

“For Latinos, this is especially significant,” she said. “This new monument will protect our natural public lands that are part of our history and heritage as the Gabrielinos who originally lived in these lands.”

Faustinos said the Latino community suffers from high rates of diabetes and obesity, and the designation will open access to a “healthy and safe outdoors.”

“It’s the first step toward equity and environmental justice,” she said.

However opponents of the national monument are afraid of the restrictions that would take place now that the designation is in effect.

Judy Nelson, mayor of Glendora, was among the dozens of protestors that lined the 57 freeway overpass near the main entrance of Bonelli Park Friday.

“This is a bypass of the democratic process,” said Nelson, who was protesting as a “private citizen, because (Glendora) has not taken a position” on the designation.

Rep. Judy Chu (D–CA 27th District) introduced the San Gabriel National Recreation Area Act in June to designate the area as a national monument. Under the Antiquities Act of 1906, Obama used his presidential power to establish national monuments without Congress’ approval.

“It takes away the voice of the people,” Nelson said. “There has been no public input. The purpose of the Antiquities Act is to protect immediately endangered natural resources. Our mountains have been protected by the U.S. Forest Service for 100 years, there is no immediate danger or emergency that needs to be protected in our mountains.”

Even though Mt. Baldy and Echo Mountain were not included, some residents are still concerned how this designation will affect their homes.

“I don’t know what my rights will be when it becomes a national monument,” said Tracy Sulkin, who lives in Mt. Baldy. “I’m afraid I may lose my home. It’s just ambiguous, the whole thing.”

Obama has preserved more than 3 million acres of public land and has used his power under the Antiquities Act 13 times in his presidency.

“And I’m not finished,” he said.

Mariela Patron contributed to this story.

Kristina Bugante can be reached at kristina.bugante@laverne.edu.