I try to keep my political writing to contributions on the MOMocrats website - but California's budget crisis is hurting everyone in the state, regardless of their political affiliation.
I get plenty of emails from parents who are concerned with state cuts to education, local district budgets slashed, reduction of services for special ed students, etc., etc.
But education is not the only area that is hurting. One of the last remaining jewels in California's crowns is also losing its luster: Our state park system.
I love to travel and write about it quite a bit, although not as much as I did before the recession hit. As I prefer journeys where I get to stay in luxury resorts and big, cosmopolitan cities, I don't write a lot about our park system - but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate it or utilize it.
The truth is, my husband often drags me off to several of our pristine state beaches, and while I protest having to spend time (gasp!) outdoors -- once I'm there, I'm happy. I would hate to see us lose access because there isn't enough funding to maintain them and keep them safe. And that's exactly where we're headed, if we, as citizens, don't do something about it.
Yesterday, I received the following information via email:
Of the state’s 278 state parks, nearly 150 faced closures or deep service reductions last year and more cuts are expected. As a result, state parks are becoming less available. Without stable and adequate funding, the future of our state parks will remain in jeopardy. That is why, this November, voters will be asked to approve the State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010. The measure will provide the entire family free, year-round day-use access to California’s state park and beach system, in exchange for a new $18 vehicle license fee.
With summer vacation around the corner, many of your readers will be taking advantage of the economical vacation opportunities provided by our state parks and beaches. In anticipation of these trips, we wanted to encourage you to write about the problems facing the state park system, and ask you to let readers know about the solution they will be offered this November through the state parks initiative.
Knowing the value of state parks to the family traveler, we have prepared several information sheets that highlight the value of state parks to families, including Best Travel Value and State Beaches fact sheets and a list of state park closures and service reductions. These documents highlight the value of state parks to family travelers and provide details on the benefits that Californians will receive if the initiative is passed. In addition, you can read more about the initiative at www.YesForStateParks.com
The sad truth is that everyone in this state is going to have to share some pain. Maybe quite a lot of pain. I think an $18 fee to use the parks is a small price to ensure that the system is available to all of us.
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