In a ceremony on the Encino Little League field last week, a portion of the 101 freeway in the West San Fernando Valley was officially declared the Dr. Sally Ride Memorial Highway.
Dr. Sally Ride grew up in Encino and in 1983 became the first American woman in space before she passed away from cancer in 2012.
Dr. Ride is also the earliest space traveler to be recognized as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
“As the first American woman in space, Dr. Sally Ride made history when she shattered the highest glass ceiling,” said Assemblymember Gabriel. “A proud Valley native, her legacy continues to inspire young people—especially young women and girls—to reach for the stars, and I am immensely proud to help rename a portion of the 101 in Encino in her memory.”
Ride became the first, and youngest, American woman in space as a crew member on Space Shuttle Challenger for STS-7.
After flying two missions on the Challenger, Ride left NASA in 1987, and began to teach, encouraging children, especially young girls, to love science.
