Park Service to Honor Beilenson
Former U.S. Rep. Anthony Beilenson, the man labeled as the father of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, will be honored today when officials dedicate a new visitors’ center in his name.
From 1977 to 1996, Beilenson represented the 24th District, which includes portions of the Conejo Valley. He wrote legislation that allowed for creation of the recreation area in 1978.
Last year Congress directed National Park Service officials to honor the former representative.
More than 200 officials and invited guests are expected to attend a ceremony at 4 p.m. today inside the center at 401 W. Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks, park spokesman Charles Taylor said.
Speeches are scheduled by recreation area Supt. Arthur Eck and Beilenson and presentations of flags from dignitaries. Later, a plaque outside bearing Beilenson’s name will be unveiled.
The center is the city’s former civic arts building that was renovated last year and leased to the park service. Half the building is used for the park service’s headquarters and the other half is the visitors’ center.
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