Oct. 25, 2002

Congressman Gary Miller on hand along with other Orange County dignitaries at the "Richard Nixon Parkway" Dedication in Yorba Linda, CA, October 25, 2002.	The City of Yorba Linda, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and Caltrans celebrated Yorba Linda, CA - The City of Yorba Linda, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and Caltrans celebrated their commitment to regional mobility and a unique partnership today (Oct. 25, 2002) by dedicating the RICHARD NIXON PARKWAY.

"Old Yeller" above was provided by OCTA to transport members of the official dedication party shortly after a color guard and flag salute.	Cloudy skies did not dampen the spirits as the official color kickoff the celemony with a flag slaute.

Yorba Linda Country Riders presenedt flags of the U.S., the State and City at the event.	The event featured a 180 piece marching band from Esperanza High School.	The event featured a lots of colorful uniforms from Esperanza High School

Esperanza High School Marching Band provided the music.	Cutting the ribbon are dignitaries from the ceremony including Congressman Gary Miller (holding the scissors), Yorba Linda Mayor Allen Castellano, California Assemblywoman Lynn Daucher, and Assemblyman Robert "Bob" Pacheco (60-Dist.).

Old Yeller" shuttleD dignitaries down Gary Miller Way to the newly dedicated "Richard Nixon Parkway.	" City of Yorba Linda Mayo Allen Castellano speaks at event.

Richard Nixon's sister-in-law was on hand for the Rose Garden dedication.	The event featured theYorba Linda Country Riders.

OCTA Chairman and County Supervisor Todd Spitzer said, "As one of the six cities participating in OCTA's Imperial Highway 'Smart Street' project, Yorba Linda has set the bar for others by completing their segment on-time and under budget."

"Old Yeller" was provided by OCTA to transport members of the official dedication party. White Motor Company manufactured the "super bus" in 1925. The vehicle was originally purchased by the Yellowstone Part Transportation Company to use as a tour bus. One of the drivers was a young cowboy from Montana by the name of Gary Cooper. He later went to Hollywood and became one of the biggest box office draws in history. The "super bus" was restored,

Esperanza High School Band at work (above)	Congressman Gary Miller (middle) is all smiles while displaying a roadway and sign in his honor.	On part of their tour Dignitaries joined Director Cindy Quon, District XII, California Dept. of Transportation for a quick pose in front of "Old Yeller", provided by OCTA to transport members of the dedication party.

Friday OCTOBER 25, 2002 10:00 a.m.

ORANGE COUNTY CELEBRATES HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS DEDICATING
"Richard Nixon Parkway"

Yorba Linda, CA

The City of Yorba Linda, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and Caltrans celebrated Yorba Linda, CA - The City of Yorba Linda, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and Caltrans celebrated their commitment to regional mobility and a unique partnership today (Oct. 25, 2002) by dedicating the RICHARD NIXON PARKWAY.

After waiting seven years to open one of the most controversial road projects in Orange County, Congressman Gary Miller (R - 41st Dist.), joined the City in cutting the ribbon opening the Imperial Highway to 50,000 drivers through the heart of the town.

The cloudy skies and chance of rain did not dampen the spirit of the dedication ceremony held in Nixon Park in Yorba Linda. The event was highlighted by a 180 piece marching band from Esperanza High School, and a color guard provided by the Yorba Linda Country Riders, who presented flags of the U.S., the State of California, and the City of Yorba Linda. John Taylor, executive director of the Richard Nixon Library served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.

"We are proud to be the birthplace of an American President," Mayor Allen Castellano of the City of Yorba Linda told a crowd of federal, state, and local dignitaries attending the ribbon cutting ceremony. "The improvement of Imperial Highway into an OCTA 'Smart Street' greatly enhances the flow of traffic. Yorba Linda City officials petitioned California in 2001 to remove the freeway designation and to give the roadway to the City for local control. Now, local officials will maintain the road, in addition to overseeing landscaping, horse crossings and land use decisions."

Mayor Castellano gave recognition to Caltrans, which was the official owner of the highway right-of-way for "their enthusiastic cooperation and assistance." Additionally, the Mayor thanked OCTA for providing the city with $28.7 million in Measure M "Smart Street" funds to pay for the improvements.

The recently improved stretch of Imperial Highway between Orangethorpe Avenue and Yorba Linda Boulevard has been renamed the Richard Nixon Parkway. Congressman Gary Miller is pleased to honor the 37th President by donating two highway signs, not paid for at taxpayer expense, to be placed along the thoroughfare. "I am pleased to honor President Nixon by working with the city of Yorba Linda to rename after him a portion of Imperial Highway that passes near the Richard Nixon Library. This institution, which has come to symbolize his legacy, works to educate the public and, hopefully, inspire a new crop of young people to pursue civil service," said Miller.

Imperial Highway, known as Route 90, is part of the State's highway system and runs from the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles County to just beyond the 91 Freeway in Orange County. "I am pleased to have helped the City of Yorba Linda improve transportation and make Imperial Highway more functional for all commuters," said California Assembly Member Lynn Daucher, (R-72nd Dist.)

The completion of the Imperial Highway provides this one-time agricultural community with a major arterial that will serve the region's modern business centers burgeoning residential communities and emerging tourist destinations. Population growth in north Orange County is projected to continue at a 25-30 percent pace, according to the Southern California Association of Governments.

"This has been a win-win partnership that supports Caltrans commitment to improving mobility across California," said Director Cindy Quon, District XII, California Dept. of Transportation. "Imperial Highway has served the southern California region well as an east/west arterial for commuters, goods movement and local traffic since it was added to the state highway system in 1959."

Quon added that with the passage of Assembly Bill 887, sponsored by Assembly Member Lynn Daucher, the state has taken a giant positive step to partner with the City of Yorba Linda. "The relinquishment enables the local authorities and community leaders to make transportation decisions that best suit their community and business development."

"A positive partnership has been forged between OCTA, Caltrans, the city of Yorba Linda, and the many stakeholders who have contributed to this project," said OCTA Chairman and County Supervisor Todd Spitzer. "As one of six cities participating in OCTA's Imperial Highway 'Smart Street' project, Yorba Linda has set the bar for others by completing their segment on-time and under budget."

The City's completion of Imperial Highway is the first of several segments planned by OCTA involving the cities of Anaheim, Placentia, Brea, Fullerton and La Habra.

About the Car

"Old Yeller" was provided by OCTA to transport members of the official dedication party. White Motor Company manufactured the "super bus" in 1925. The vehicle was originally purchased by the Yellowstone Part Transportation Company to use as a tour bus. One of the drivers was a young cowboy from Montana by the name of Gary Cooper. He later went to Hollywood and became one of the biggest box office draws in history. The "super bus" was restored, nicknamed "Old Yeller" and is now an honorary member of the OCTA's fleet used in parades, fairs, special events throughout the county. Attendees were treated to a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication of a rose garden in former President Nixon's honor.

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