The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 11, 2014

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individual to a key Administration post:

  • Andrew Jackson – Assistant Secretary for Management, Department of Education

President Obama also announced his appointment of the following individuals to key Administration posts:

  • Robert J. Glovsky – Member, President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans
  • Deanna M. Mulligan – Member, President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans

President Obama said, “It gives me great confidence that such dedicated and capable individuals have agreed to join this Administration to serve the American people.  I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”

President Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individual to a key Administration post:

Andrew Jackson, Appointee for Assistant Secretary for Management, Department of Education

Andrew Jackson is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Technology, Information, and Business Services at the Department of the Interior, a position he has held since July 2009.  Prior to joining the Administration, Mr. Jackson held multiple positions from 1999 to 2009 at the Hewlett-Packard (HP) Company in Palo Alto, California, most recently serving as Senior Counsel.  Before joining HP, Mr. Jackson was a corporate transactional attorney at Piper Marbury Rudnick & Wolfe LLP (now known as DLA Piper) in Washington, D.C. and Graham & Dunn PC in Seattle, Washington.  Mr. Jackson received a B.A. from the University of Miami, a J.D. from Harvard Law School, and an M.B.A. from the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania.

President Obama announced his appointment of the following individuals to key Administration posts:

Robert J. Glovsky, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans

Robert J. Glovsky is Vice Chair and a Principal of The Colony Group, positions he has held since 2012.  Previously, from 1998 to 2012, he was a founder and President of Mintz Levin Financial Advisors.  Mr. Glovsky is the Director Emeritus of Boston University’s Financial Planning Program.  He serves as a charter member of the Fidelity Institutional Wealth Services Advisor Council and is a former member of the Fidelity Research Institute’s Advisory Council.  He served on the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards where he held the position of Chair of the Board of Examiners and then subsequently Chair of the Board of Directors.  Mr. Glovsky received a B.A. from Dartmouth College and an LL.M and a J.D. from Boston University School of Law.

Deanna M. Mulligan, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans

Deanna M. Mulligan is the President and CEO of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, a position she has held since 2011.  Prior to this position, she held various positions at Guardian Life, including President and Chief Operating Officer from 2010 to 2011 and Executive Vice President from 2008 to 2010.  Previously, she was the Founder and President of DMM Management Solutions, LLC from 2007 to 2008.  Ms. Mulligan was the Senior Vice President of Life & Annuity at New York Life Insurance Company from 2006 to 2007, and the Executive Vice President of Market & Product Development at AXA Equitable from 2001 to 2004.  Ms. Mulligan received a B.A. from the University of Nebraska and an M.B.A. from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 11, 2014

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate

NOMINATION SENT TO THE SENATE:

Leslie Joyce Abrams, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia, vice W. Louis Sands, retiring.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 11, 2014

President Obama Nominates Leslie Joyce Abrams to Serve on the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama nominated Leslie Joyce Abrams to serve on the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia.

“Leslie Joyce Abrams has had a distinguished legal career and I am honored to ask her to continue her public service on the federal bench,” said President Obama.  “She will serve the American people with integrity and an unwavering commitment to justice.”

Leslie Joyce Abrams: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia
Leslie Joyce Abrams has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Georgia since 2010.   Previously, Abrams worked at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, and Flom LLP from 2003 to 2006 and again from 2007 to 2010.  From 2006 to 2007, she worked at Kilpatrick Stockton LLP.  Abrams began her legal career serving as a law clerk for Judge Marvin J. Garbis of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.  She received her J.D. in 2002 from Yale Law School and her B.A. in 1997 from Brown University.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 11, 2014

Statement by Press Secretary Jay Carney on the Third Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake

As we reflect on the third anniversary of the terrible tragedy of the Great East Japan Earthquake, we continue to remember the profound suffering that occurred from this tragic event.  March 11 is a solemn day to remember those who lost their lives, and we again offer a message of consolation to their family and friends, and honor the resilience of the citizens of Japan.  

As we did in the immediate aftermath, the people of the United States stand side-by-side with our Japanese friends as they continue the long task of rebuilding impacted lives and communities.  Our immediate U.S. government assistance of over $100 million, the even larger outpouring of support in the form of private donations from the American people, and the response of over a dozen federal agencies to the tragedy were clear signs of our unwavering and enduring friendship and admiration for the Japanese people.  The U.S.- Japan alliance will continue as the bedrock of peace and security in the Asia-Pacific. 

As Japan continues to chart its sovereign path forward on the cleanup at the Fukushima site and works to determine the future of their energy economy, the United States stands ready to continue to assist our partners in this daunting, yet indispensable task. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan on the third anniversary of this tragedy.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 11, 2014

MEDIA ADVISORY: President Obama to Award Medal of Honor

On March 18th, 2014, President Barack Obama will award 24 Army veterans the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry. These veterans will receive the Medal of Honor in recognition of their valor during major combat operations in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Each of these Soldiers’ bravery was previously recognized by award of the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest military award; that award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor in recognition of their gallantry, intrepidity and heroism above and beyond the call of duty.

In 2002, Congress, through the Defense Authorization Act, called for a review of Jewish American and Hispanic American veteran war records from WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, to ensure those deserving the Medal of Honor were not denied because of prejudice.  During the review, records of several Soldiers of neither Jewish nor Hispanic descent were also found to display criteria worthy of the Medal of Honor.  The 2002 Act was amended to allow these Soldiers to be honored with the upgrade - in addition to the Jewish and Hispanic American Soldiers. 

This event will be open press, but space is extremely limited.  Members of the media who wish to cover the event must send NAME, MEDIA OUTLET, PHONE AND EMAIL for each person planning to cover the event to media_affairs@who.eop.gov by Monday, March 17th at 12PM ET.  Press who do not have a White House hard pass must also send their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, gender, country of citizenship, and city and state of residence by Monday, March 17th at 12PM ET.  If we are able to accommodate your request for credentials, we will send a confirmation with further instructions and logistical details after the RSVP deadline passes.

PLANNING NOTE:  There will not be any media availabilities at the White House on the day of the ceremony.  The U.S. Army will conduct a media day on Monday, March 17th for media who would like to interview the recipients or those representing the posthumous award recipients.  For scheduling requests, please contact Jennifer Donegan at 678-421-6804 or jdonegan@dvidshub.net.

For more information on the recipients, please go to: http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/valor24/

The 24 recipients of the Medal of Honor follow below.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND

The President will award the Medal of Honor to:

Specialist Four Santiago J. Erevia will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions while serving as radio telephone operator in Company C, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) during search and clear mission near Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam.

Staff Sergeant Melvin Morris will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions while serving as Commander of a Strike Force drawn from Company D, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, during combat operations against an armed enemy in the vicinity of Chi Lang, Republic of Vietnam on September 17, 1969. 

Sergeant First Class Jose Rodela will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions while serving as the company commander, Detachment B-36, Company A, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces during combat operations against an armed enemy in Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam on September 1, 1969. 

The President will posthumously award the Medal of Honor to:

The following individuals distinguished themselves by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving during the Vietnam War

Sergeant Candelario Garcia will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions while serving as an acting Team Leader for Company B, 1st Battalion, 2d Infantry, 1st Brigade,1st Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Lai Khe, Republic of Vietnam on December 8, 1968.

Specialist Four Leonard L. Alvarado will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as a Rifleman with Company D, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) during combat operations against an armed enemy in Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam on August 12, 1969.

Staff Sergeant Felix M. Conde-Falcon will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as an acting Platoon Leader in Company D, 1st Battalion, 505th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 82d Airborne Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Ap Tan Hoa, Republic of Vietnam on April 4, 1969. 

Specialist Four Ardie R. Copas will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as a Machinegunner in Company C, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy near Ph Romeas Hek, Cambodia on May 12, 1970.

Specialist Four Jesus S. Duran will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as an acting M-60 machinegunner in Company E, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) during combat operations against an armed enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on April 10, 1969. 

The following individuals distinguished themselves by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving during the Korean War.

Corporal Joe R. Baldonado will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as an acting machine gunner in 3d Squad, 2d Platoon, Company B, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment during combat operations against an armed enemy in Kangdong, Korea on November 25, 1950.

Corporal Victor H. Espinoza will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as an Acting Rifleman in Company A, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Chorwon, Korea on August 1, 1952.

Sergeant Eduardo C. Gomez will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving with Company I, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Tabu-dong, Korea on September 3, 1950.

Private First Class Leonard M. Kravitz will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as an assistant machinegunner with Company M, 5th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Yangpyong, Korea on March 6 and 7, 1951.

Master Sergeant Juan E. Negron will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as a member of Company L, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Kalma-Eri, Korea on April 28, 1951.

Master Sergeant Mike C. Pena will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as a member of Company F, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Waegwan, Korea, on September 4, 1950.

Private Demensio Rivera will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman with 2d Platoon, Company G, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Changyong-ni, Korea on May 23, 1951.

Private Miguel A. Vera will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman with Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division in Chorwon, Korea, on September 21, 1952. 

Sergeant Jack Weinstein will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while leading 1st Platoon, Company G, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division in Kumsong, Korea on October 19, 1951.

The following individuals distinguished themselves by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving during World War II.

Private Pedro Cano will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving with Company C, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Schevenhutte, Germany on December 3, 1944. 

Private Joe Gandara will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving with Company D, 2d Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Amfreville, France on June 9, 1944. 

Private First Class Salvador J. Lara will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as the Squad Leader of a rifle squad with 2d Platoon, Company L, 180th Infantry, 45th Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Aprilia, Italy on May 27 and 28, 1944.

Sergeant William F. Leonard will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as a Squad Leader in Company C, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy near St. Die, France on November 7, 1944.

Staff Sergeant Manuel V. Mendoza will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company B, 350th Infantry, 88th Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy on Mt. Battaglia, Italy on October 4, 1944.

Sergeant Alfred B. Nietzel will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as a section leader for Company H, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Heistern, Germany on November 18, 1944.

First Lieutenant Donald K. Schwab will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courageous actions while serving as the Commander of Company E, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, during combat operations against an armed enemy near Lure, France on September 17, 1944.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

THE MEDAL OF HONOR:

The Medal of Honor is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguishes themselves conspicuously by gallantry above and beyond the call of duty while:

  • engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
  • engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
  • serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 11, 2014

Remarks by the President Designating the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands as a National Monument

Oval Office

10:46 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  As some of you know, in my State of the Union address I talked about taking any actions that I could to ensure that this incredible gift of American lands, the natural bounty that has been passed on to us from previous generations, is preserved for future generations.  And I pledged to act wherever I could to make sure that our children, our grandchildren are going to be able to look upon this land of ours with the same wonder as we have.

Today, I’m taking the important step by designating the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands as a national monument.  I want to thank the lawmakers who supported this proclamation, including Representatives Jared Huffman and Mike Thompson, as well as Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer. 

And I also want to recognize Larry Stornetta, who is here -- there is Larry right here -- whose family helped care for this land and sold part of the ranch so the public could access it. 

We are talking about over 1,600 acres of incredible coastline in California that reflects the incredible diversity of flora and fauna.  It is a place where scientists do research; where people who just want to experience the great outdoors can take advantage of it.  It is a huge economic boost for the region.  California tourism obviously is important, and the California coastline I think is as big of an attraction as there is. 

And so for us to make sure that this is going to be properly preserved, that it is going to be cherished, that the federal protections will be available I think is going to make all the difference. 

And one of the great things about the way we’ve done our national monument designations is that we’ve made sure that all the stakeholders are involved throughout this process.  We’ve talked to local communities.  We’ve talked to local business interests.  We’ve talked to Native American tribes.  We make sure that anybody who may have some impact, their voice is heard.  And, unanimously, in this part of the country people believe that this is the right thing to do, and I certainly do.

So it’s a great pleasure for me to be able to sign this designation.  I want to congratulate all the people behind me who have worked so hard to make this happen.  And I told them that I’m always looking for an excuse to get outside.  (Laughter.)  So I hope I get a chance to roam around this amazing landmark sometime in the future.

And with that, I’m going to sign this proclamation.

(Proclamation is signed.)

There we go.  Congratulations.  (Applause.)

END
10:50 A.M. EDT

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 11, 2014

President Obama Establishes Point Arena-Stornetta Unit of California Coastal National Monument

WASHINGTON, DC — As part of his commitment to make 2014 a year of action using his pen and phone, President Obama today signed a proclamation to establish the first shoreline addition to the California Coastal National Monument. Using his authorities under the Antiquities Act, President Obama designated the Point Arena-Stornetta Unit, protecting approximately 1,665 acres of a significant and spectacular stretch of public lands along the Mendocino coastline in Northern California. 

“In my State of the Union address, I said that I would use my authority to protect more of our pristine federal lands for future generations.” said President Obama. “Our country is blessed with some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. It’s up to us to protect them, so our children’s children can experience them, too,” Obama added. “That’s what today is about. By designating Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands a national monument, we’ll also support the local economy.”

In 2000, President Clinton established the California Coastal National Monument, comprising more than 20,000 rocks, islands, exposed reefs, and pinnacles along the 1,100 miles of California's coast. Today’s action builds upon that vision, protecting the area’s scientifically valuable coastal resources, including coastal bluffs and shelves, tide pools, onshore dunes, coastal prairies, riverbanks, and the mouth and estuary of the Garcia River that provide unique habitat for breeding seabirds, marine mammals, and other native species. 

The Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands are a destination for thousands of visitors every year, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and other outdoor recreation activities, like hiking and fishing.  In California, outdoor recreation on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management contributed nearly $900 million to the economy in 2012. 

“The rugged coastline of Point Arena-Stornetta is simply breathtaking and a deserving addition to the California Coastal National Monument,” said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, who hosted a public meeting in Point Arena in November. “President Obama is supporting the community's vision to conserve this landscape and, in doing so, strengthening the local economy through increased tourism and outdoor recreation.”

The President’s proclamation honors years of work by the local community and businesses seeking increased protection and recognition for the area. Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein and Representatives Jared Huffman and Mike Thompson have championed legislation to include the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands in the California Coastal National Monument.  The monument will continue to be managed by the Bureau of Land Management as part of the system of National Conservation Lands.

The Bureau of Land Management acquired the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands following years of work with private land owners and partners.  The Land and Water Conservation Fund provided funding to support the local effort to make these lands publicly accessible.  In his budget released last week, the President requested that the Congress fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund at $900 million in fiscal year 2015 in order to support additional local conservation priorities across the country.

Today’s action builds on steps the Administration has taken over the past five years as part of the America's Great Outdoors initiative, which fosters a 21st century approach to conservation that responds to the priorities of the American people. When he signed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, President Obama marked the most extensive expansion of land and water conservation in more than a generation, designating more than 2 million acres of federal wilderness, thousands of miles of trails, and protecting more than 1,000 miles of rivers.  The President has also established nine other National Monuments across the country, permanently protecting sites that are significant to our Nation’s rich history and natural heritage. 

First exercised by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 to designate Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming, the authority of the Antiquities Act has been used by 16 presidents since 1906 to protect unique natural and historic features in America, such as the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, and Colorado's Canyons of the Ancients.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 11, 2014

Presidential Proclamation -- Boundary Enlargement of the California Coastal National Monument

BOUNDARY ENLARGEMENT OF THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL NATIONAL MONUMENT

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Through Proclamation 7264 of January 11, 2000, President Clinton established the California Coastal National Monument (monument) to protect the biological treasures situated offshore on thousands of unappropriated or unreserved islands, rocks, exposed reefs, and pinnacles owned or controlled by the Government of the United States within 12 nautical miles of the shoreline of the State of California. These dramatic features contribute to California's awe-inspiring coastal scenery and provide havens for significant populations of seabirds and marine mammals. The monument protects feeding and nesting habitat for an estimated 200,000 breeding seabirds. Development on the mainland has forced seabirds that once fed and nested in the shoreline ecosystem to retreat to these protected areas. The monument also protects forage and breeding habitat for California sea lions, southern sea otters, and northern (Steller) sea lions.

As President Clinton noted in his proclamation, although these offshore habitats may appear distinct from nearby shoreline habitats, they are dependent upon each other, with vital and dynamic exchange of nutrients and organisms being essential to maintaining their healthy ecosystems. The addition of the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands as the first shoreline unit of the monument would expand the monument to include coastal bluffs and shelves, tide pools, onshore dunes, coastal prairies, riverbanks, and the mouth and estuary of the Garcia River. The expanded monument would present exemplary opportunities for geologists, archeologists, historians, and biologists to use the historic and scientific objects in these lands to further illuminate the evolving relationship between California's abundant coastal resources and its human inhabitants.

The Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands, in Mendocino County, California, encompass a wind-swept landscape of dramatic coastal beauty and significant scientific importance. Like the monument's striking offshore rocks and islands, these lands have been shaped by powerful geologic forces. An uplifted coastal terrace that underlies much of the area is part of the Gualala Block, a piece of continental crust that was captured by the San Andreas Fault and is now joined to the Pacific Plate. The striking bluffs that form the outer edge of the terrace are pierced in a few locations by blowholes -- openings near the bluff's edge through which rising tides force gusts of salt-laced air and occasional geysers of ocean water. Near some of the blowholes, a creek flows over the edge of the cliff, sending a delicate sheet of water into the cold waves below.

Some of California's most spectacular wildlife make use of this striking landscape and its diverse vegetation communities. The Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands provide important habitat for harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and an occasional elephant seal, which visitors can catch sight of from the vantage of the terrace's western bluffs. The terrace itself supports thriving native bunchgrass prairie and coastal scrub communities. Generally low-lying vegetation is punctuated by a rare bishop pine forest and the southernmost natural example of a shore pine forest.

The bunchgrass prairie is home to the endemic Behren's silverspot butterfly, which is dependent on the presence of the dog violet. The rare and endemic Point Arena mountain beaver makes use of the diverse habitats in these lands. A wide array of rare bird species also uses the area's interconnected habitats, including the black oystercatcher, the little willow flycatcher, the yellow warbler, and the black-crowned night heron. Squadrons of brown pelicans are a frequent sight, gliding low over the powerful waves, while snowy plovers are sometimes seen foraging along the surf line.

Water plays an essential role in sustaining and connecting plant and animal life in this rugged landscape. At the northern end of these lands, the Garcia River ends its 44-mile journey to the Pacific. The estuary formed by the meeting of these waters provides both a nursery for juvenile fish and a transition zone for a variety of far-roaming salmonids, including central California coast coho salmon, the California coastal Chinook salmon, and northern California steelhead. These anadromous species depend on the Garcia River estuary and its flow through the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands to access their upstream spawning habitat. Across the river, powerful winds sculpt an extensive dune system, its shifting sands pocketed with brackish, semi-permanent ponds. Hathaway Creek, which feeds into the Garcia River, also passes through the public lands and provides important riparian habitat. The area's salt marshes, brackish pools, and freshwater springs and seeps support an array of plant and animal species, including Humboldt Bay owl's clover, as well as the rare California red-legged frog.

For thousands of years, people have been drawn to this area's varied and plentiful natural resources. The human history of the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands, which lie within the ancestral lands of the Central Pomo Indians, is written across the landscape. Numerous cultural and archeological sites, including middens and lithic scatters, as well as a few chert and obsidian tools, have been found on these lands. Sites and artifacts on these lands provide evidence of the many generations of people who gathered the abundant abalone, fish, mussels, tubers, and seeds and yield data about prehistoric lifeways and settlements. Among the oldest artifacts found in the area is obsidian debitage material dated to over 4,000 years ago. Additionally, these lands contain reminders of the 19th century industries that played a formative role in the development of Point Arena and the greater northern California coastal region.

WHEREAS section 2 of the Act of June 8, 1906 (34 Stat. 225, 16 U.S.C. 431) (the "Antiquities Act") authorizes the President, in his discretion, to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated upon the lands owned or controlled by the Government of the United States to be national monuments, and to reserve as a part thereof parcels of land, the limits of which in all cases shall be confined to the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected;

WHEREAS it is in the public interest to preserve the objects of scientific and historic interest on the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by section 2 of the Antiquities Act, hereby proclaim the objects identified above that are situated upon lands and interests in lands owned or controlled by the Government of the United States to be part of the California Coastal National Monument and, for the purpose of protecting those objects, reserve as a part thereof all lands and interests in lands owned or controlled by the Government of the United States within the boundaries described on the accompanying map, which is attached hereto and forms a part of this proclamation. Together, these objects and lands shall be known as the "Point Arena-Stornetta Unit" of the monument (unit). The reserved Federal lands and interests in lands consist of approximately 1,665 acres, which is the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected.

All Federal lands and interests in lands within the boundaries of the unit are hereby appropriated and withdrawn from all forms of entry, location, selection, sale, leasing, or other disposition under the public land laws, including withdrawal from location, entry, and patent under the mining laws, and from disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.

The establishment of the unit is subject to valid existing rights. Lands and interests in lands within the unit boundaries not owned or controlled by the Government of the United States shall be reserved as a part of the unit upon acquisition of ownership or control by the United States.

The Secretary of the Interior shall manage the unit through the Bureau of Land Management as part of the National Landscape Conservation System, pursuant to applicable legal authorities, to protect the objects identified above.

Except for emergency or authorized administrative purposes, motorized vehicle use in the unit shall be permitted only on designated roads, and non-motorized mechanized vehicle use shall be permitted only on roads and trails designated for their use.

Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to enlarge or diminish the rights of any Indian tribe.

Nothing in this proclamation shall enlarge or diminish the jurisdiction or authority of the State of California, including its jurisdiction and authority with respect to fish and wildlife management.

Nothing in this proclamation shall be deemed to revoke any existing withdrawal, reservation, or appropriation; however, the monument shall be the dominant reservation.

Warning is hereby given to all unauthorized persons not to appropriate, injure, destroy, or remove any feature of this monument and not to locate or settle upon any of the lands thereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 10, 2014

Readout of the President’s Call with President Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan

The President spoke today with President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan to discuss Ukraine.  The two leaders affirmed their shared interest in identifying a peaceful resolution to the dispute between Russia and Ukraine.  They agreed on the importance of upholding principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.  The President noted U.S. commitment to the principle that the Ukrainian people be able to decide their future without fear of foreign interference.  The President also encouraged Kazakhstan to play an active role in finding a peaceful outcome for Ukraine.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
March 10, 2014

Readout of the President’s Call with the President of the Government of Spain Mariano Rajoy

The President spoke today with the President of the Government of Spain Mariano Rajoy about Ukraine.  The President welcomed the strong, unified stance of the United States and the European Union regarding Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine, including in the conclusions of the March 6 European Council.  The leaders reiterated their grave concern over Russia’s clear violation of international law and reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

The leaders also welcomed the restraint shown by the Ukrainian government in responding to Russian violations of Ukrainian sovereignty and agreed upon the need for direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia to de-escalate the situation and restore Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  The leaders rejected the proposed referendum in Crimea as a violation of Ukraine’s constitution and underscored that all decisions about the future of Ukraine must include the government in Kyiv.  They agreed to continue close coordination, including through appropriate international organizations.