Assembly Concurrent Resolution
No. 177
CHAPTER 175
Relative to the Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway.
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Filed with
Secretary of State
September 13, 2022.
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LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 177, Bloom.
Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway: removal of designation.
This measure would request that the Department of Transportation remove the “The Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway” designation from the portion of Interstate 10 in the state, as well as any signage and markers memorializing that designation, and advise the Federal Highway Administration of the state’s action.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee:
YES WHEREAS, Interstate 10 in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida is a transcontinental route of almost 3,000 miles, traveled by millions of Americans throughout the year; and
WHEREAS, In 1976, the Legislature designated the portion of Interstate 10 in California as “The Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway” as a way to celebrate him as “a distinguished pioneer, revered by millions for his exploits”; and
WHEREAS, Today, it is widely and accurately accepted that Christopher Columbus did not “discover” America; and
WHEREAS, Christopher Columbus provided the impetus for European colonization of North America; and
WHEREAS, That colonization and conquest led directly to the confiscation of land from indigenous people, displacement, and enslavement; and
WHEREAS, Millions of indigenous people suffered violent death from the conquest, disease, and forced slave labor; and
WHEREAS, Proper and appropriate restitution and contrition have not been memorialized, documented, or enacted; and
WHEREAS, The state has a responsibility to promote and enhance safety for all residents and uplift truth, dignity, and justice for all; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature request the Department of Transportation to remove the “The Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway” designation from the portion of Interstate 10 in California, as well as any signage and markers memorializing that designation, and advise the Federal Highway Administration of the state’s action; and be it further
Resolved, That this effectively overturns and reverses ACR 106 (Resolution Chapter 71 of the Statutes of 1976); and be it further
Resolved, That if there are any efforts to replace the removed signage, these efforts should involve public input and feedback, including input and participation from the City of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the legislatures of the other states that Interstate 10 passes through with a request that they take similar action; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly also transmit copies of this resolution to the Director of Transportation and to the Executive Director of the Federal Highway Administration.