Observatory Set to Reopen after Four Year $93 Million Expansion and Renovation
Washington D.C. – Today, Representative Adam Schiff joined Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge, Majority Leader of the California State Assembly Dario Frommer, Executive Director of the Griffith Observatory Doctor Ed Krupp, and others at a ribbon cutting celebration for the reopening of the Griffith Observatory. Since his election to Congress, Rep. Schiff has worked to provide federal funding for Griffith Park Observatory's planetarium and education programming as a way to encourage young people to pursue careers in science.
“The reopening of the Griffith Observatory is a significant milestone for the people of Los Angeles,” Schiff said. “The Observatory is one of the most famous landmarks in Los Angeles and the country. After an exhaustive and comprehensive expansion and renovation, it once again stands ready to thrill residents and tourist alike. The Observatory’s renovations provide more exciting exhibits that are sure to enhance the universe of astronomy and science education.”
Congressman Schiff has long fought to advance science education. Each year, he hosts a Congressional Science Scholar lecture series, in conjunction with Caltech, to give high school students the chance to be inspired by some of our nation's best and brightest minds. He also works closely with NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, bringing astronauts to visit the elementary and middle schools in his district. In April 2004, Schiff introduced legislation to create a National Science Competition to inspire and encourage high school students to pursue a career in the sciences.
Congressman Schiff is the co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security and a member of both the House Judiciary and International Relations committees. He is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.
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