Why conserving the San Gabriel Mountains is so important to California Latinos

The snow-covered San Gabriel mountain range behind the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles on March 1, 2023. Photo by Ringo Chiu/SOPA Images/Sipa USA via Reuters In summary

As California attempts to conserve 30% of state land and coastal waters by 2030, expansion of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument would be a significant step, especially for Latinos in the L.A. area who lack access to open spaces.

Guest Commentary written by Mike Gomez

Mike Gomez is a pastor at Calvary Chapel Assembly of God in Los Angeles. He is also a member of Por La Creación, a coalition of Latino faith leaders working to protect the nation’s natural resources.

My sister and I grew up in south Los Angeles with our mother, and we moved around the city frequently. I remember looking forward to long weekends and the summer when we’d go camping and hiking – I loved spending time with my mother and sister in nature.

I also looked forward to winters, when we’d head to the San Gabriel Mountains to play in the snow. To this day these mountains provide a place of healing and bring me peace, and I particularly love the region’s beautiful waterfalls.Although California is home to […]

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