BILL NUMBER: SCR 9	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY  Senator Kelley

                        JANUARY 21, 1997

   Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 9--Relative to the Avocado
Highway.



	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SCR 9, as introduced, Kelley.  Avocado Highway.
   This measure would designate the section of Interstate Highway
Route 15 between the junction of State Highway Route 78 in the City
of Escondido and the City of Temecula the Avocado Highway.
   The measure would also request the Department of Transportation to
determine the cost of appropriate plaques and markers showing these
designations and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources
covering that cost, to erect appropriate plaques and markers.
   Fiscal committee:  yes.




   WHEREAS, Approximately 90 percent of the avocados consumed in the
United States are grown between the City of San Luis Obispo and the
United States-Mexico border; and nearly 50 percent of the avocados
are grown in San Diego County; and
   WHEREAS, The average annual California avocado crop is
approximately 330 million pounds and is valued at over $230 million
at the farm gate level; and
   WHEREAS, The California avocado industry contributes approximately
$1 billion to the California economy; and
   WHEREAS, The California avocado industry employs 21,000 persons,
including over 6,000 growers; and
   WHEREAS, The section of Interstate Highway Route 15 between the
junction of State Highway Route 78 in the City of Escondido and the
City of Temecula is the most fertile avocado growing area in the
nation; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly
thereof concurring, That the section of highway of Interstate Highway
Route 15 between the junction of State Highway Route 78 in the City
of Escondido and the City of Temecula is hereby officially designated
the Avocado Highway; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Department of Transportation is requested to
determine the cost of appropriate plaques and markers, consistent
with the signing requirements of the state highway system, showing
those special designations and, upon receiving donations from
nonstate sources covering that cost, to erect those plaques and
markers; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit a copy of this
resolution to the Director of Transportation.