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A monumental step for Mendo Coast

A spectacular two-mile stretch of the Mendocino Coast moved a step closer to becoming a national monument with approval last week by the House of Representatives.

More than 1,200 acres of bluffs and sand dunes, featuring cypress groves and sand dunes, would be added to the California Coastal National Monument. Supporters say the designation will boost tourism in the Point Arena area while providing additional protection for the publicly owned land.

For freshman Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, it's his first piece of legislation to clear the House. The issue goes next to the Senate, where California Democrats Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein introduced companion legislation.