Lecture to focus on Mr. California

The political life and legacy of the late Frank Lanterman, who served for 28 years in the state Assembly, will be examined on Sunday, Oct. 4, when Anthony Portantino, who also represented this area in the Assembly, delivers a lecture on the subject.

The event will take place at 3 p.m. in the Lanterman House Visitor Center, 4420 Encinas Drive. The lecture will examine the lasting impact of Frank Lanterman’s signature legislation, the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Act, as well as his contributions to California’s current transportation and water supply system, air-quality control standards, the rights of the elderly and mentally ill, and his mentoring of many important state politicians from both parties.

Frank Lanterman, grandson of the founder of La Cañada, served in numerous capacities including as a theater organist, a Republican activist, a real estate developer, a water-company manager and as an active and engaged citizen of La Cañada.

He was elected in 1950 to the California State Assembly and was reelected, serving 14 consecutive terms. His public service inspired such nicknames as “Mr. California,” The Sage of the Assembly,” and the “The Workhorse of Sacramento.”

He sponsored legislation on numerous issues as diverse as water, transportation, fiscal responsibility and the rights of the elderly and mentally ill. He was also the co-author of amendments to the 1911 Municipal Water District Act that made possible the creation of the Foothill Municipal Water District, which serves the communities of La Cañada, La Crescenta and Altadena.

Among his local interests were flood control, zoning, traffic safety and quality schools. He even wrote several songs for La Cañada Junior High when it first opened. He was honored as La Cañada’s Citizen of the Year in 1959. This lecture is free and open to the public and refreshments will be served. To learn more about Lanterman House museum, call (818) 790-1421.