Assemblymember Garcia will discuss how important access to nature is for disadvantaged communities. While programs to transport those who live in disadvantaged areas to nature are important, it’s not enough.  Disadvantaged communities need less blacktop and more trees and nature centers to improve quality of life and educational opportunities- as well as opportunities to increase urban forestry to combat the emissions from the freeways and railyards that also cut through these communities.  By taking advantage of natural resources like the Los Angeles River and its tributaries, with a little intentionality some nature can be brought back to urban areas in a way that grants quality access to everyone, regardless of economic status or race.