NEW ACCESS TO UPPER LAS VIRGENES CANYON OPEN SPACE PRESERVE

WEST HILLS, Calif." Congressman Brad Sherman, who was at the forefront of a battle against private development of the Ahmanson Ranch, today helped dedicate a new entrance to the property that is now a major wildlife refuge.

He joined officials of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy in dedicating the Victory Boulevard entrance to the Upper Las Virgens Canyon Open Space Preserve.

The new entrance provides easy access with parking for San Fernando Valley residents. Hikers will be able to access trails throughout the 2,900-acre property.

Earlier today, the congressman took part in opening a new shuttle bus service for hikers, bicyclists, beach goers and sight seers in the Santa Monica Mountains. The shuttle bus route also includes stops along the Pacific coast.

œThe park shuttle service will allow thousands of people a convenient way to visit the mountains and beaches, the congressman added.

Congressman Sherman secured $110,000 in federal funds for the shuttle.

The shuttle route straddles two counties. The nine stops include Malibu Creek State Park, Tapia Park, Malibu Lagoon State Beach, Solstice Canyon, Zuma Beach, Peter Strauss Ranch, Paramount Ranch and trailheads along Malibu Canyon Road and Kanan Road.

Sherman joined federal and start park officials at a dedication ceremony at Malibu Creek State Park.