Move over, California Valley Quail, there’s a new state symbol coming through — that is, if Richard Bloom’s legislation is voted into law.
Bloom, representing Malibu and other West Side communities like Agoura Hills, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades, has introduced legislation, AB 1540, naming Augustynolophus morrisi California’s state dinosaur. The dino would join the ranks of California’s 33 other state symbols, including the golden poppy — California’s first designated symbol, designated in 1903. The newest addition may a bit more exciting for the fourth graders most often tasked with memorizing state symbols — not only because it’s a dinosaur, but because it lived right here in California.
“Dinosaurs are cool and highlighting a dinosaur that has such a deep connection to our state will stimulate interest in paleontology and science overall, particularly with children,” Bloom said in a statement sent to The Malibu Times. “Having an interest in one branch of science often leads a child to be interested in other areas of science so this bill aligns with the investment we have made in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, also known as S.T.E.M, programs.”
Remains of the dinosaur, a member of a family of Hadrosauridae, or “Duckbill Dinosaurs,” have only been found in California and are believed to be about 66 million years old. The first specimen was found in Fresno County in 1939. School kids may be excited to know the dinosaur roamed the earth at the same time all-star dinos Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops were alive.
Bloom’s legislation, though light-hearted, carries a heavy symbolism about the ongoing importance of science education.
“With science disbelievers occupying key positions in our federal government, it is more important than ever to remind our children of the important role scientific discovery has had on our way of life and encourage them to continue to learn, discover, and innovate,” Bloom said in the statement.
The legislation, sponsored by the Southern California Paleontological Society and supported by the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History, was approved by the State Assembly and awaits approval from the State Senate and Governor Jerry Brown.