August 15, 2010
It's been awhile since I've done an update on the Proposition 21 campaign and we definitely want to keep this issue in the forefront of your minds. It's going to take all of us working hard to pass this vital ballot measure for the survival of our State Parks.
The State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 is a statewide initiative on the November 2, 2010 ballot, that will provide a stable, reliable and adequate source of funding to protect state parks and conserve wildlife. The initiative will give California vehicles free admission to state parks in exchange for a new $18 vehicle license fee, which will be specifically dedicated to state parks and wildlife conservation.
The measure provides for a Citizen's Oversight Committee and an annual audit, both of which will ensure Californians that our $18 fee is used only for state parks, urban river parkways, wildlife, natural lands and ocean conservation programs.
We have all seen how budget cuts have starved state parks, causing them to accumulate a backlog of more than $1 billion in needed maintenance and repairs. Roofs and sewage systems leak, restrooms are not cleaned regularly, bridges have collapsed, trails are washed out, campgrounds and visitor centers are shuttered and buildings and structures throughout the system are badly deteriorated. Thousands of scenic acres are closed to the public because of reductions in park rangers, and crime has more than doubled. Destruction and vandalism of the parks themselves has grown fourfold, and beachgoers are often unprotected because of decreases in lifeguards. If this ballot measure does not pass in November we will see more of these conditions and certainly State Park closures.
This is our chance to SAVE OUR STATE PARKS and we need everyone to help us. In the months ahead, Stewards will again step up and get the word out to VOTE YES ON PROP 21!
Let me know if you can help in the following ways (mluna@mcn.org):
- Provide park visitors with Prop 21 information in local State Parks and encourage them to Vote YES.
- Attend the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors meeting on August 24th to encourage their endorsement. Contact us for the details.
- Endorse the campaign yourself at www.yesforstateparks.com and purchase items at their online store (bumper stickers and yard signs) to publicize the initiative.
- Email your family and friends to encourage their support, join various facebook pages associated with supporting our parks and spreading the word!
Thanks for your continued help and support.
Michele Luna, Executive Director
