Portantino Proposes Segment of CA-134 Freeway to be Named After President Obama

Glendale, California – Today Senator Anthony J. Portantino introduced Resolution SCR 8, which will name the segment of the CA-134 freeway between the Glendale CA-2 and the Interstate 210 Freeway the “President Barack H. Obama Freeway”.  President Obama attended Occidental College in Eagle Rock from 1979 to 1981 and lived in Pasadena during his sophomore year. His attendance at Occidental College influenced his political trajectory and led him to become one of our most revered and respected Presidents in American history.  President Obama is leaving office with tremendous approval from across our country.

For his contributions as a community activist, constitutional scholar, United States Senator and President, it is only fitting to honor our 44th President by naming a part of a freeway he most certainly used while living in the area. Over this past weekend, local activists in the 25th Senate District suggested to Sen. Portantino that given the President’s connection to Southern California and Eagle Rock in particular, it would be appropriate to memorialize his time in Southern California with a freeway naming. Sen. Portantino spoke with Asm. Jimmy Gomez who currently represents Eagle Rock and he will be the principal co-author on this resolution.  Portantino represented Eagle Rock while in the Assembly.

 “I am honored to be in a position to bring appropriate respect to President Obama’s leadership, his fond memories of living in the 25th Senate District, his college days in the 51st Assembly District and his tremendous legacy.  California has a long history of designating our freeways as reminders of the accomplishments of important leaders who have shown character, strength, and passion. President Obama is a laudable person to showcase and for Southern Californians to appreciate,” commented Sen. Portantino.

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