President Obama Signs National Monument Declaration

President Obama signed a declaration in to law marking most of the lovely San Gabriel Mountains as a National Monument.
More people visit the San Gabriel Mountain Range than Mt. Rushmore.
The San Gabriel range is about 360,000 acres large and will be our nation's 110th National Monument.

Photos by Ted Soqui © 2014

President Obama speaks about the San Gabriel Range.

Secret Service detail.

Police snipers.

The running man.

Presidential power of the pen.

President Obama to Declare San Gabriels National Monument

President Obama will dedicate the San Gabriel Mountains a National Monument in a ceremony at the park this Friday. The 360,000 acre mountain area will be our nation's 110th National Monument, which are smaller than National Parks.
This will be one of the most beautiful and striking National Monuments.

Photo by Ted Soqui © 2013

Mt. Baldy getting some r-e-s-p-e-c-t. (click image to see larger)

Santa Ana Wind Damage (Updated)

Santa Ana winds gusting up to 100 mph wreck havoc at the San Gabriel Mission.
Statues of Jesus, Mary, and John the Apostle were damaged when a giant eucalyptus tree fell up on them, turning the Jesus statue upside down and hanging by it's feet.
The statues are about 70 years old and are located in the mission's cemetery. The mission has already received promises of repair from an art director in Hollywood.

The Highland Park area got hit hard with the Santa Ana's too. On Ave 57, several large ficus trees fell and crushed a couple of vehicles. Crews were on hand clearing the downed trees and wires. Most of the area is without power, cable, or land phone service. The Stoplights on Figueroa were also without power.

Not 3 wheel motion.

A large ficus tree on top of a Ford van.

Red car and toppled tree on Ave 57.

Jesus and Mary.

Jesus statue.

The right arm of Jesus broken off.

The wind cries Mary.

Photos by Ted Soqui © 2011