Notice of Cancellation
Posted
The public meeting of the San Gabriel River Discovery Center Authority Governing Board scheduled for has been cancelled.
News
Notice of Cancellation
Posted
The public meeting of the San Gabriel River Discovery Center Authority Governing Board scheduled for has been cancelled.
Notice of Cancellation
Posted
The public meeting of the San Gabriel River Discovery Center Authority Governing Board scheduled for has been cancelled.
Notice of Cancellation
Posted
The public meeting of the San Gabriel River Discovery Center Authority Governing Board scheduled for has been cancelled. The next scheduled board meeting will take place on at at the Upper District location.
Judge Validates San Gabriel River Discovery Center EIR
NEXT STEPS: Fundraising and Groundbreaking!
Posted
Norwalk, Calif. – Norwalk Superior Court delivered a resounding validation of the San Gabriel River Discovery Center yesterday, issuing a determination that the project’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has withstood a petition submitted to the Superior Court. This action is a clear victory for local residents and environmentalists who have been working on this regional center for more than a decade.
“This decision really speaks to the inclusive process and technical expertise our environmental team delivered in preparing this EIR,” said Belinda Faustinos, Executive Director of the San Gabriel Discovery Center. “We are ecstatic because this really moves us to the next phases of the process—solidifying our funding and continuing on track to break ground in September of this year.”
The next major milestone for this project will be completion of the construction drawings this summer, setting the stage to begin construction in September, with project completion targeted for 2013.
“Yesterday’s ruling is a true victory for the community members who have worked so hard to ensure families in the San Gabriel Valley have a resource that provides access to nature, while delivering education about watershed issues and environmental stewardship,” said President of the San Gabriel River Discovery Center Authority, Robert Apodaca.
The EIR process, which is required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), calls for the submission of a report to the State detailing environmental and community impacts, as well as an integrated community involvement component, allowing for stakeholder input. The process is one of the most rigorous in the nation. Monday’s ruling demonstrated that the project’s process was transparent and thorough.
Judge Reviews Discovery Center EIR
Posted
Norwalk Superior Court Judge John Torribio heard comments on regarding the San Gabriel River Discovery Center Authority’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Judge Torribio took the matter into submission and is expected to deliver results within the next 90 days.
Notices of Cancellation
Posted
The public meetings of the San Gabriel River Discovery Center Authority Governing Board Scheduled for and HAVE BEEN CANCELLED
The public meetings of the San Gabriel River Discovery Center Authority Governing Board Scheduled for and HAVE BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO CONFLICTS WITH HOLIDAYS. Meetings will be rescheduled.
Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians
Press Conference Response
Statement from Belinda Faustinos,
Interim Executive Director of the San Gabriel River Discovery Center
Posted
“The San Gabriel River Discovery Center Authority has respect for all Native Americans and we are committed to working collaboratively with all tribes who call the San Gabriel Valley home.
“As part of our environmental process, we have worked with the California Native American Heritage Commission in order to perform a Sacred Lands File search to determine whether the Discovery Center property was identified within the existing state inventory of such resources. In fact, Native American Cultural Resources were not identified within one-half mile of the area of potential effect. However, in going beyond that requirement, we notified nine local Native American contacts about the project and one has surfaced with concerns.
“To begin to address these concerns, the Discovery Center staff has met with tribal representatives to listen and promote ongoing collaboration.
“In our efforts to provide opportunities for visitors to gain a better understanding about the region, the Discovery Center will feature informational exhibits that will honor and highlight the influence and contributions of indigenous cultures, paying special attention to the relationship between the tribes and the watershed. The goal is to do so with respect, sensitivity, and using multiple forms of interpretive tools, developed in concert with local tribes.
“During any construction activities the Discovery Center will have an archeological monitor on call. If resources are uncovered during construction activities, all construction would cease until the find is analyzed. The project will comply with CEQA Section 15064.5 and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (36 CFR 800).
“Once built, the Discovery Center will be the only educational center of its kind in the region that will provide information representing the culture and values of the local Native Americans. By educating the community and all visitors in this way, the Discovery Center not only celebrates the history of the region, but also connects our youth to the land in which we live and to the San Gabriel River watershed—a place of many valuable resources worth protecting.”
Belinda Faustinos
Interim Executive Director
San Gabriel River Discovery Center