ADVISORY/Nichols, Polanco, Molina and Hernandez at Grand Opening of New Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Community Attraction.

News & Lifestyle Editors/Environment Writers

ADVISORY...for Saturday (March 4)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

Centerpiece of Los Angeles River Center and Gardens Features

32-Foot Scale Representation and History of the Los Angeles River

WHAT:     Grand opening of Los Angeles River Center and Gardens. The
          "river" is the centerpiece of an important new community and
          tourist attraction that tells visitors the story of the Los
          Angeles River and its integral role in the history of Los
          Angeles and about current restoration efforts.

VISUALS:  Starting from "headwaters," the 32-foot "river" meanders in
          some places and rushes downhill in others, with indigenous
          plant and animal life inhabiting its banks. "Wildlife"
          specimens from area museums and nature centers include the
          great blue heron, red-tail hawk, egret and mallard, and
          native amphibians such as salamanders, tree frogs and
          alligator lizards. Living and artificial plant life includes
          alder and sycamore trees, cattails, reeds and a variety of
          grasses.

WHO:      Secretary of Resources Mary Nichols, State Sen. Richard
          Polanco, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina and Los
          Angeles City Councilman Mike Hernandez will join Junior
          Rangers and hundreds of local residents for festivities that
          will include a dedication, dance performances, music, nature
          games and activities for children. Also on hand will be
          staff from Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the
          exhibit firm that collaborated on building the project.

WHEN:     Saturday, March 4
          11 a.m. -- dedication ceremony

WHERE:    Los Angeles River Center and Gardens
          570 W. Ave. 26
          Los Angeles
          (site of what was formerly the Lawry's California Center, in
          Cypress Park)

BACKGROUND:

The SMMC, which operates the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens, anticipates that the new facility will attract more than 10,000 local residents and tourists annually. The Southern California operation of Exhibit Works, one of the nation's largest exhibit firms, is the project's designer/builder.