Though it may not always feel like it, the San Gabriel Valley has friends in high places.
   &lt;p&gt;Representing it on Capitol Hill, the Valley boasts a senior Republican leader, the top Democrat overseeing western water issues, a member of the money-controlling Appropriations Committee and two members on the powerful Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. 
 
   &lt;p&gt;Collectively, they have 77 years of experience in Congress. 