Wither and die the California dream?
Our golden state now ranks 50th in the nation in per pupil public education spending, while our state's prison industrial complex is bursting at the seams with non-violent marijuana smokers and poor teens who, my goodness!, are interested in the birds and the bees. Social services were cut absolutely drastically in this fiscal year's REGRESSIVE budget.
In the end, our Governator cut by $14.2 million, California State Parks. An estimated 100 State Parks will have to close their doors, in spite of the fact that, collectively, they generate over twice as much economically as they cost the taxpayers. Don't you just love public policy?
See below for the latest news from the California State Parks Foundation. Stay tuned to natureinthecity.org for any updates or any news on a closure list.
Candlestick Point State Park Boundary
Senate Bill 792 (Leno)
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Chris Hardy, San Francisco Chronicle |
District 10 Supervisor Sophie Maxwell et al wrote an Open Forum piece in the Chronicle this morning regarding State Senator Mark Leno's legislation to trim Candlestick Point State Recreation Area as part of the redevelopment of Bayview-Hunter's Point. Socially and ecologically sustainable redevelopment of coastal Bayview-Hunter's Point is a tremendous opportunity for southeast San Francisco to have its own Crissy Field.
The article made an error by saying that "a small but vocal band opposes the bill." In fact, our understanding from speaking today with other local environmentalists is that negotiations are literally ongoing among representatives of the environmental community, the City and Mark Leno. We hope the final incarnation of SB 792 thoroughly addresses "the well-being of residents, habitat and wildlife" toward "a sustainable, environmentally friendly recreational resource for the neighborhood and the entire San Francisco Bay Area."
Updates from the California State Parks Foundation
Verbatim from the California Parklands E-newsletter, August 6
A Word From Our President
Brother, Can you Spare $14.2 Million? After two months of intense lobbying by state park advocates and park supporters across the state, the verdict for state parks finally came down in late July: the Legislature passed a revised state budget that contained an $8 million cut to the state parks system. Days later, the Governor signed the budget but extracted an additional $6.2 million. Granted, this is better than the original proposal from late May to take $70 million from the state park system, but it will still have dramatic and severe consequences. As a result of this budget cut - plus the continuing state furloughs and other park-related budget reductions - 100 state parks are estimated to close. Like many parts of this year's budget saga, however, this story may not yet be over.
Read More Here... Take Action Here...
State Park Closures on the Horizon, But Where and How?
We have received many questions about which state parks will be closed, and when. At this time there is not a list of parks slated for closure. State officials have indicated closures are unlikely to happen until after Labor Day, with a list of the parks targeted for closure released sometime around that date. As soon as a public list is available, CSPF will send it to our members and activists. In the meantime, there are many things park supporters can do to help as we continue the fight.
Here are the top 5 things you can do to help today.
Coordinating the Cavalry
CSPF is not sitting around waiting for the shoe (or 100-park list) to drop. Without a list, it's fair to assume that all state parks need our creative thinking and support for ways to ensure their continued availability to the public. While officials at the Department of Parks and Recreation are currently amassing detailed information about the "gaps" in services that will be left when parks close, CSPF is helping coordinate offers from entities willing to lend short-term help to our state park system. CSPF is in contact with many non-profit organizations, community groups, businesses, local governments, and potential donors about what they can do to help keep parks open in their communities.