|
 A Word from our President
Well, we have certainly got you talkin'! Thank you for all your correspondence about our San Onofre efforts and our Save Our State Parks (SOS) campaign. We're still reveling in the good news from the San Onofre fight, and are buoyed by that milestone in our work to keep state parks open. On both topics, many of you have contacted us to share your ideas, comments and suggestions as we continue to advance our advocacy efforts. Your thoughts on the proposed park closures in the Governor's proposed budget have been very interesting and many of you have provided your own, creative suggestions for keeping state parks open. It's that kind of creativity and passion that makes us all such good park advocates!
Some members have written to suggest we haven't gone far enough in this debate—suggesting we're being too kind to the Governor—or have expressed concern about how state parks fits into the overall budget debate, given other proposed cuts. And, even when you are critical of our efforts, we couldn't be happier to hear from you! We take what you think seriously and do our best to be responsive in our actions.
Whether you agree with every SOS campaign event or activity, I think you'll agree that taking action to be part of the debate and the democratic process to create a budget that reflects Californians' priorities is an important role for each and every one of us. And since not every CSPF member can attend each budget hearing, directly lobby each legislator, and regularly communicate their views to the media and general public, the SOS campaign makes sure that the voice of hundreds of thousands of park supporters is part of that debate.
Our work on this campaign does not replace the philanthropic work we've historically done, and continue to do, to support the state park system. We continue to support park-specific projects and are serving as one of the best examples that the state has of successful public-private partnerships. Through your support, we're able to work in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation to help enhance visitors' experiences in state parks and fill unmet needs that improve the use of state parks.
As we work on the SOS campaign, we're mindful of the fact that we must encourage the public sector to continue its core commitment to state parks. As volunteers, philanthropists, donors and supporters, we play an important role in providing incentives for that core commitment to be made. Our hours, efforts, and money are great "matching gifts" to the state and reflect our deep dedication to the preservation of a world-class state park system. In lobbying the Legislature and Governor to continue their commitment, we are also making sure that those gifts are respected, appreciated, and reciprocated, in the form of adequate base funding for state parks.
As we continue with this campaign, I hope you will please keep writing to us, even if you don't agree with everything we do! It helps us think it through. The vast majority of your correspondence seems to be supportive of this approach. Your letters to the Governor and Legislature are making a big difference…we hear it every day…so, thank you very much.
 Save Our State Parks Campaign Progress
Since CSPF launched the Save Our State Parks (SOS) Campaign, hundreds of Californians, organizations, and businesses have been mobilizing to stop the closure of 48 state parks and keep lifeguards from being cut on 16 state beaches. In addition to the more than 4,000 letters that have been sent by CSPF members to their local legislators, over 275 individuals have personally endorsed the campaign, along with 50 organizations throughout the state. Five local governments have already stepped up to endorse, including the City of Benicia and City of Sebastopol, both of which have passed resolutions in support of keeping California's state parks open. And the support keeps pouring in! Partners throughout the state are working to gain support from their local governments, elected officials, and community members. In addition to the great work being done to advocate for protecting our parks, Californians are also taking the time to share their stories about why state parks matter to them. You can view some of the stories on our web site. If you haven't taken action with the SOS campaign, please visit us today and find out how you can help Save Our State Parks!
 Park Advocacy Day 2008 Registration Closing Soon
The deadline for registering for Park Advocacy Day is coming up soon! Don't miss your chance to join hundreds of other park advocates in Sacramento on April 7 for Park Advocacy Day 2008. Lend your voice to the efforts to protect our state parks and keep them open. Sign up for PAD on our website by March 21 to join us!
Register to attend Park Advocacy Day here!
 |
|
LA State Historic Park |
First Annual Walk, Ride, and Roll in the Park a Success at Los Angeles State Historic Park
On February 16, over 200 children, teens, and parents turned out for a chance to win a bike and learn bike and traffic safety at the First Annual Walk, Ride, and Roll in the Park, held at Los Angeles State Historic Park, just north of downtown LA.
Presented by State Parks in collaboration with the nonprofit educational group SafeMoves, the event stressed the importance of wearing a helmet when riding a bike and obeying traffic laws. Bicyclists must wear helmets in state parks. The event was organized because many children in the nearby low-income neighborhoods are not allowed in to the park to ride because they don't have helmets.
The highlight of the day was the "SafeMoves City," a miniature interactive course where kids learned about safety by walking and bicycling through the course. It consisted of streets, sidewalks, intersections, crosswalks, traffic signals and signs, as well as railroad tracks complete with a train and a crossing gate. It's designed to simulate diverse L.A. traffic conditions and to encourage problem solving skills. The children were led through the course by Park Rangers, and their participation evaluated and discussed with the parents. A total of 75 helmets were given out to the participating children. The event was sponsored by CSPF, State Parks, the Chinatown Business Improvement District, and Councilman Ed Reyes.
From Flowers to Whales—Check out Spring Events!
Spring is right around the corner and our state parks are overflowing with a diversity of events and features. Wildflowers are already putting on dazzling shows in the desert, and many parks that suffered recent wildfires will soon be carpeted with splashes of color and the verdant budding of rebounding plants. Gray whales will be migrating north off the coast any time now (and visible from many state parks) and festivals and specials events abound across the state. Please visit the events section on our website and plan your outings!
See all of the upcoming events here!
Thanks to support from Earth Day presenting sponsors Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Oracle, Chevron, Supervalu and Edison International, CSPF will fund environmental improvement projects in 22 state and community parks statewide on Saturday, April 19. Volunteers are being sought to help plant native trees and flowers, restore trails and wildlife habitats and clean up beaches and park lands.
Go to our Earth Day page to find out more about Earth Day 2008 and to volunteer!
| 
