SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS : Cultural Center to Be Dedicated Sunday

Years of planning and fund-raising by area Native Americans and the National Park Service will come to fruition Sunday when a new cultural center is dedicated in the Santa Monica Mountains.

The dedication of the Native American Indian Culture Center at the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa site will begin with a sage blessing at 10 a.m. Kote and A-lul’Koy Lotah will be the guest hosts for the day, telling stories of the land and Native American customs.

The center at Satwiwa has operated for eight years out of a small house, attracting local and international visitors. The new building--with interpretive signs to explain area wildlife and vegetation and Native American history--is the result of the help and cooperation of volunteers through the Friends of Satwiwa, officials said.

“Satwiwa has become a major interpretive center and a destination for park visitors from around the world,” said Scott E. Erickson, deputy superintendent of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. “The program exists today because of the commitment of so many who have given their time and energy so freely.”

Visitors will be invited to tour the new center and stay for a solstice celebration. They are encouraged to plan a hike into nearby Point Mugu State Park for the day.

After the ceremony, National Park Service rangers will lead walks discussing how the Native Americans respected and used nature.

Visitors should take the Ventura Freeway to the Wendy Drive exit in Newbury Park, drive south on Wendy Drive to Potrero Road and head west to the entrance to the park. There is a five-minute walk to the center. For more information, call 818-597-1037.