The communities of Bridgeport, Mammoth Lakes, and Lee Vining are located in the most northern region of the 25th district in Mono County. This county provides the eastern gateway to Yosemite National Park and is bounded on the west by the Sierra Nevada Crest.

Trappers, explorers and emigrants discovered the Bridgeport Valley around 1827, when Jedediah Strong Smith led a group across the Sierra and found gold in the foothills around Mono Lake. Several years later in the mid-1850's, farmers and cattlemen, including George "by" Day and Napoleon Bonaparte Hunewill, settled in the city of Bridgeport, formerly known as Big Meadows. In 1859, just seven miles south of Bridgeport, the first placer gold mining settlement in the Eastern Sierra was formed at Dogtown. During this period of time, rich gold and silver deposits were discovered in the nearby towns of Bodie, Masonic and Aurora. Modern-day gold prospectors continue to search for their treasure on Dunderberg Peak-a 12,374 foot-high slope, which is considered to be the source of the Dogtown placer gold.

Lee Vining is just minutes away from the Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park, Mono Lake, Bodie (the official state ghost town) and Mammoth Lakes. This city is considered the eastern gateway to Yosemite National Park. Upon entering this way to Yosemite National Park, only twelve miles in on Highway 120, the Tioga Pass winds through meadows, forests and past lakes. A perfect way to enjoy the sun, have a picnic, or catch “the big one” at one of the trout-filled lakes or streams in the area.

The Mammoth Lakes area could possibly be the most well known area of this county. Incorporated in 1984, Mammoth Lakes is a relatively young town, with a tourism-based economy. The town is surrounded by acres of forest and is bordered by the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Areas, as well as the home of Mammoth Mountain and Mammoth Lakes Basin. Within this city lies a bustling ski and mountain resort town that has all the amenities. Mammoth Lakes is a great area for mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing, hiking and camping, not to mention the chance to fish, hunt, ride horses and experience the western history and legends of this town.

Even though parts of the 25th district are considered the fastest-growing cities in California, people in my district cherish the small-town values of family-oriented communities, while enjoying all of the conveniences provided by a rapidly expanding commercial sector. In addition, they offer affordable housing, excellent schools, clean air and blue skies.

Helpful Resources:
Mono County: http://www.monocounty.ca.gov/
Bridgeport- http://www.bridgeportcalifornia.com/
Mammoth Lakes- http://www.ci.mammoth-lakes.ca.us/
Lee Vining- http://www.leevining.com/