Senator Portantino Secures $150K to Support Friends of the Los Angeles River
For Immediate Release: September 28, 2022
Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400
Senator Portantino Secures $150K to Support Friends of the Los Angeles River
Sacramento, CA - State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) announced that his budget request of $150,000 for Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR) was approved in the 2022-2023 State Budget. The funds will help with conservation efforts in order to restore the natural and historic heritage of the important Los Angeles River.
“I am excited to have facilitated state support for an important nonprofit in our community – especially one that is dedicated to advancing the cause of conservation,” stated Senator Portantino. “FoLAR has been doing outstanding work to support biodiversity efforts in and around the LA River and I look forward to seeing its mission continue to be successful as it continues to spearhead improvements for this critical ecosystem.”
Friends of the Los Angeles River is a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to build capacity for communities, students, and future leaders to advocate for nature, climate, and equity on the Los Angeles River. FoLAR is a leading force in educating youth, guiding policy, and connecting communities to the River. Their River-focused education programs reach thousands of K-12 students in LA county each year, with over 90% of the students they serve being eligible for free or reduced school lunch - an indicator for students whose families live below the poverty line. The organization envisions an LA River that supports vulnerable communities in climate adaptation and one that will be transformed into a dynamic, functioning ecosystem that reduces flood risk, cleans the air, cools temperatures, and supports the biodiversity essential to our collective wellbeing.
“We are extremely grateful for Senator Portantino and the State of California’s investment in FoLAR and in the Los Angeles River,” stated Candice Dickens-Russell, CEO. “Our organization is committed to the vision of a vibrant, biologically diverse, and equitable LA River. On the heels of California’s historic climate budget, the Senator's support will offer our team more of the tools they need to work toward that vision. Funding toward conservation on the LA River is funding toward climate resilience and community health in Los Angeles.”
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