Bill to Memorialize Saint Francis Dam Disaster
Aerial photo of Saint Frances Dam.
Aerial photo of Saint Frances Dam.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) issued the following statement commending passage in the U.S. House of Representatives of H.R. 2156, legislation she co-sponsored that will establish a memorial for the 1928 Saint Francis Dam disaster:

“The collapse of the Saint Francis Dam was one of the most catastrophic tragedies in our state’s history — second only to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. This major historical event has remained in obscurity for far too long. From the victims who sadly lost their lives to the heroic telephone operators and California Highway Patrol officers who tried to warn residents of the rushing waters, this memorial will commemorate the stories of local residents for many generations to come. I am pleased the House has passed this bipartisan bill to recognize an important part of our history, and I look forward to working with Congressman Knight, as well as Senators Feinstein and Harris to see its passage through the Senate and ultimately ensure that this bill becomes law.”