Assemblymember Portantino Testifies on Behalf of Grant

  Assemblymember Anthony Portantino has helped to negotiate another agreement to preserve and restore trails in the foothills — this time the Flint Canyon Trail in La Cañada Flintridge.  The trail provides an important link for hikers, bikers and equestrians between La Cañada Flintridge and Hahamongna Park in Pasadena.

 Under the proposal Portantino presented Monday night to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, SMMC would grant $50,000 to the city of La Cañada and the city would commit $60,000. Another $40,000 would come from Los Angeles County Measure A funds for a total of $150,000.

Several years ago, Portantino was instrumental in securing the funding to restore the Flint Wash Bridge in Hahamongna Park to begin work on shoring up the Flint Canyon Trail. The new grant coupled with funds from La Cañada and LA County will ensure these trails links are there for future generations to enjoy.

“When I heard that this trail was again facing problems I wanted to make sure the funds were there to fix and maintain it,” said Assemblymember Portantino.  “It’s a trail my daughters Sofia and Bella like to use and it lets our family and other families cross Pasadena and La Canada enjoy hiking in a fun and safe way.  I am very grateful to my friends at the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy for seeing the merits of this project and providing the final funds for preservation.”

Last month, Portantino helped to shepherd a grant proposal through the Conservancy for the preservation of Millard Canyon in Altadena.  He served as Vice Chair of the Conservancy Advisory Committee when he was on the La Cañada Flintridge City Council.  Portantino represented the SMMC in testimony before Congress on the Rim-of-the-Valley Trail Corridor and numerous projects in the 44^th Assembly District have received funds from the Conservancy over the past decade.  In addition, Portantino and SMMC have worked on preserving Annandale Canyon in Pasadena and Millard Canyon in Altadena.

“Anthony Portantino began working with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy over a decade ago to help La Canada Flintridge secure grants for trails in Cherry Canyon and Hall Beckley Canyon. He continues to watch out for our community as his time in office comes to an end through term limits. Last night’s grant by the Conservancy was a direct result of Anthony’s intimate knowledge of our community’s needs and interests and his strong and effective advocacy. As Mayor, I know that our community will miss having him represent us,” stated Steve Del Guercio, Mayor of La Cañada Flintridge.