BILL ANALYSIS Ó
SCR 101
Page 1
SENATE THIRD READING
SCR 101 (Pavley)
As Amended June 26, 2012
Majority vote
SENATE VOTE : 29-2
WATER, PARKS & WILDLIFE 9-2
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|Ayes:|Hueso, Blumenfield, | | |
| |Campos, Fong, Gatto, | | |
| |Roger Hernández, Huffman, | | |
| |Lara, Yamada | | |
| | | | |
|-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------|
|Nays:|Halderman, Beth Gaines | | |
| | | | |
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SUMMARY : Declares that the Legislature honors the plans and
achievements of many local and civic groups to revitalize and
enhance the Los Angeles River (L.A. River) and its San Fernando
Valley tributaries into a functional, connected ecosystem that not
only provides multiple flood control and water quality benefits but
also improved open spaces, safe public access and artistic,
cultural, educational and environmental opportunities.
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown. This resolution is keyed non-fiscal by the
Legislative Counsel.
COMMENTS : The L.A. River has long been known for the famous scene
in the movie Grease where two hotrods race down its freeway-looking
concrete lined bed and banks. On October 12, 2011, the Senate
Subcommittee on Urban Rivers held a joint hearing with the Assembly
Select Committee on Revitalization of the Los Angeles River and
Pacoima Wash to acknowledge the vision, investment, and achievement
of local, state and federal partners working to change the L.A.
River and their need to continue to coordinate and collaborate in
order to create a sustainable Los Angeles watershed. At the joint
hearing, the United States Environmental Protection Agency stated
that the L.A. River was selected as one of seven pilot projects
nationwide under the Urban Waters Federal Partnership because of its
SCR 101
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potential to connect communities, create broad societal benefits
such as green infrastructure, groundwater replenishment, and
recreation, and generate jobs and other economic opportunities.
The author advises that, to the best of her knowledge, the
California Legislature has not previously commended the significant
efforts undertaken by numerous public and private organizations, and
individuals, to help develop a long-term vision for the L.A. River.
Supporters state that this resolution focuses on both the many
successes thus far in revitalizing the L.A. River, and rivers in the
San Fernando Valley, and on the pressing needs that remain.
Earlier this month, SB 1201 (De León), of the current legislative
session, was enrolled and presented to the Governor and awaits his
action. SB 1201 amends the Los Angeles County Flood Control Act to
provide access to navigable waterways under the Los Angeles County
Flood Control District's control, including the L.A. River, where
such access is suitable for education and recreational purposes and
not inconsistent with flood control and water conservation uses.
This resolution is broader and more general than SB 1201, but also
focuses on L.A. River revitalization.
There is no opposition to this resolution on file.
Analysis Prepared by : Tina Cannon Leahy / W., P. & W. / (916)
319-2096 FN:
0005750