Anthony C. Beilenson, a veteran Democratic politician from Southern California who advocated for abortion rights, environmental protection and gun control as a state legislator and 10-term congressman, has died. Beilenson had been recovering from a heart attack last month and died Sunday at his home in Westwood, according to his son, Adam Beilenson. Among his proudest achievements was sponsoring the 1978 legislation that created the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, protecting a wilderness that extends from the Hollywood Hills to Point Mugu. “Moderate, sensible, middle-of-the-road resolutions of issues seem no longer possible.”Morning fog in Chesebro Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which Anthony Beilenson helped protect.. Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times Morning fog in Chesebro Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which Anthony Beilenson helped protect.. Among his top priorities were improving the economy and protecting natural resources, and Beilenson soundly defeated his Republican challenger.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 07, 2017 17:44 UTC