Assemblymember Hart Hosts “Hike with Hart” Event in Solvang

On Saturday, 6th of April, Assemblymember Gregg Hart held his signature Hike with Hart event at the Olive Grove Trail at the Old Santa Inés Mission.

More than 60 community members attended. The event provided an opportunity for constituents to engage with Assemblymember Hart while visiting one of the many remarkable trails located in Santa Barbara County.

The hike was also attended by Mike Imwalle, a member of the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation, who provided enriching details about the Santa Inés Mission Mills and the Olive Grove Trail. California State Parks District Superintendent Dena Bellman also supported the event.

This event was held in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Trails Council, Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation, and California State Parks.

“Connecting with nature is not only essential for our well-being, but also crucial for understanding and preserving our local ecosystems. I appreciated hearing from constituents, experiencing the beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley, and learning more about the history of the Santa Inés Mission Mills,” Assemblymember Gregg Hart said. “As a member of the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee, I am committed to preserving our natural resources and increasing public access to the outdoors.”

“I feel like a time traveler when I walk the Olive Grove Trail,” said Trails Council Executive Director Mark Wilkinson. “It’s a great chance to connect with the land and the people who came before us, all under an open sky.”

The event coincided with Healthy People Healthy Trails Month, a worldwide campaign to encourage personal health while appreciating and taking care of public parks and open space areas.

Gregg Hart represents the California Assembly’s 37th Assembly District, which includes Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Buellton, Solvang, Lompoc, Guadalupe, Santa Maria, Orcutt, and Nipomo. He currently serves as Chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee