Legislation to Name Segment of 134 Freeway After Barack Obama Moves Forward

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LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A resolution to name a segment of the 134 Freeway near Occidental College after Barack Obama has moved another step forward, a state senator said Tuesday.

The Assembly Transportation Committee on Monday voted 11-3 to rename the stretch of the Ventura Freeway between the Glendale (2) and Foothill (210) freeways the President Barack H. Obama Freeway, according to Sen. Anthony J. Portantino, D-La Canada Flintridge.

(credit: CBS)

"I am excited to see my colleagues in the Assembly support this effort to recognize and respect President Obama's leadership, legacy and direct connection to Southern California. His years as a District 25 resident played a major role in determining his successful future," said Portantino, who represented Eagle Rock as an assemblyman.

Obama attended Occidental College from 1979 to 1981. During his sophomore year, he lived in Pasadena.

Rep. Jimmy Gomez was a principal co-author of the resolution. His former Assembly district includes Eagle Rock.

In June, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted to rename a 3 1/2-mile stretch of Rodeo Road as Obama Boulevard in honor of the 44th president.

The legislation has already passed the state Senate and goes before the full Assembly next.