Friday, March 18, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Elisa.Rivera@sen.ca.gov (209) 726-5495

***Media Advisory***

Senator Anna M. Caballero to visit Huron for Special Tree-Planting Event

HURON: Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-Merced) will join Mayor Rey Leon of Huron for a special tree-planting event just ahead of Arbor Day.

Disadvantaged and low-income communities and county unincorporated areas have less canopy cover than other communities due to the cost of tree planting and tree care. These communities struggle to fund and maintain urban forest programs, leading to an inequitable distribution of environmental benefits, as they suffer from greater urban heat island effects and worse air pollution. Last year, Senator Caballero proudly authored SB 347, The Neighborhood Tree Fund, which created a voluntary contribution on the state income tax to help provide a consistent source of funding to CalFire’s Urban and Community Forestry program. Her legislation placed a special focus on small, urbanized communities that struggle with the long-term care and maintenance costs of tree planting programs.

Recognizing the immeasurable health benefits, Senator Caballero continues to advocate for trees to be planted in tree-poor communities and is honored to attend Saturday’s event.

“A key characteristic of wealthy neighborhoods, are mature tree canopies that provide shade, reduce heat and improve the physical and mental health of the community. This is in stark contrast to the tree-poor areas that we see in small, urbanized communities that lack the resources for tree planting and care. I am proud of the work that the city of Huron is doing to flip the script, and glad to be able to be a part of beautifying the city, and teaching children the importance of caring for our planet.” – Senator Anna Caballero, Senate District 12

“The nearly 300 trees planted in the Huron area will not only benefits families today, but for generations to come. The trees planted will cool the streets and create walkable neighborhoods. They will sequester carbon, provide oxygen and help to improve our health. Huron is thankful to our Senator for supporting the movement to beautify our city, helping our planet and creating clean air for our children’s lungs.” –Mayor Rey Leon, Huron

EVENT DETAILS:

WHO:

• Senator Anna M. Caballero
• City of Huron Mayor and The LEAP Institute Executive Director, Rey Leon
• *See Attached Flyer for Various Event Sponsors

 WHEN:  Saturday, March 19, 2022

                8:00 AM-12:00 PM

WHERE:

• The LEAP Institute

17010 Apple Ave

Huron, CA 93234

For interviews or additional questions, please contact: Elisa Rivera at (209) 726-5495

Senator Anna M. Caballero represents the 12th Senate District, composed of the Salinas Valley, the Counties of Merced and San Benito and portions of Fresno, Madera and Stanislaus Counties

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