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 A Word From Our President
April was an exciting month at CSPF. Park Advocacy Day was a huge success drawing 240 people to the halls of the State Capitol to express their views on the threat of 48 park closures and 50 percent reductions of lifeguard coverage at 16 beaches. Earth Day was a great success as well, with 24 state parks packed with volunteers! Both of these events are covered in greater detail later in this newsletter.
As I write this letter the budget news is getting worse…unfortunately it is not clear how much worse. But the best intelligence we have is that the gap the Governor and the Legislature will be trying to close is approximately $10 billion dollars for fiscal year '08-'09. That number seems to keep growing, as the Governor has been quoted just this week saying the deficit may go as high as $20 billion. Whether this is a case of putting out a number to get the Legislature's attention (we all remember the "rattling the cages" comment!) it's clear that the budget challenge remains high.
What does all this mean for State Parks? Clearly the threat is real! In addition there will be a high level of uncertainty about when a budget compromise will be reached. This makes the situation worse financially too. CSPF has been working flat out with partners and supporters all over the state to raise awareness about the cuts and encourage people to raise their voices to insure that these park closures are averted.
YOUR voices are being heard, so please help us keep up the drum beat. State Parks matter to the citizens of California. The only way our policy makers know, is if we tell them. Thanks for all your help!
 Park Advocacy Day A Huge Success!
This year's Park Advocacy Day (PAD) hosted the largest, most active turnout of park advocates in the event's six year history! On April 7, more than 240 advocates took to the halls of the state Capitol to lobby the Legislature. Over 50 teams of PAD attendees spent the day meeting with legislators and legislative staff, particularly to lobby against the proposal to close 48 state parks and reduce lifeguard staffing on 16 state beaches. A noontime Save Our State Parks rally on the Capitol steps drew another 100 supporters for a lively demonstration of the public's support for keeping our state parks open. Supporters were joined by a diverse cast of speakers, including park advocate and author Amy Racina, representatives of the California State Park Rangers Association and California League of Park Associations, representatives of internationally-known bike manufacturer Specialized Bicycle, and more. A number of elected officials also joined the rally, including Senator Christine Kehoe, Senator Abel Maldonado, Senator Patricia Wiggins, Assemblymember John Laird, Assemblymember Ira Ruskin and Mayor Elizabeth Patterson from the City of Benicia.
This year's PAD also featured a special addition for participants—a late afternoon speaker's series included remarks from Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, Treasurer Bill Lockyer, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell. Hearing from the state's top constitutional officers and their views and insights on park protection and park funding issues was a highlight for many of the participants. Of course, after a long day of work, the annual Legacy Awards reception was a welcome respite! During the reception, CSPF President Elizabeth Goldstein, CSPF Board Member Wendy James and Friends of Allensworth President Victor Carter helped present the annual Legacy Awards to the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and Senator Christine. Senator Mark-Ridley Thomas, Chair of the CLBC accepted the award on behalf of the Caucus, presented for their work in protecting Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. Senator Kehoe's ongoing efforts to help protect state parks were recognized by her Legacy Award, particularly her work on behalf of San Onofre State Beach and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
THANK YOU to the hundreds of park advocates that participated in PAD and the day's activities! Each year, this is an important opportunity for those who care about our state parks to make their voices heard with state officials. Especially with the park closures and lifeguard staffing reductions facing the state park system, this year's strong turnout helps legislators see and hear how budget and policy decisions in Sacramento affect their constituents. Planning for next year's Park Advocacy Day will be starting soon—we'll keep you posted about PAD 2009 and hope to see you there! To see more photographs from the event please visit our PAD page.
 Earth Day Events Attract Thousands Of Volunteers
CSPF's Earth Day 2008 Restoration and Cleanup was a huge success! Thousands of volunteers in 24 state and local parks planted trees, removed non-native plants, restored trails and wildlife habitats, mended fences, and cleaned up beaches and other parklands. Many thanks to those who helped coordinate this effort, to the volunteers for their dedication and energy, and to our generous sponsors. For more images from the events, please visit our Earth Day page.
Gifts of Securities to CSPF
Gifts of stocks, bonds and other securities are welcomed at CSPF, and there are many tax benefits for you. You can transfer directly into our broker's accounts, but please notify us if such a transaction is made. Otherwise, funds may be held in escrow until you are properly identified. Our web site lists our brokers and their DTC number. There are also samples of stock transfer letters. For further information contact Lee Theisen at 415-258-9975 or visit our donations page.
 Southern California Edison boosts CSPF's Family and Youth Programs
When many Southern California Edison (SCE) customers signed up to save on their electricity bill last summer, they made it possible for SCE to donate a generous $87,640 to fund CSPF's FamCamp® and Outdoor Youth Connection (OYC) programs in Southern California. Participating customers allowed SCE to shut off their air conditioners during summer power emergencies last year while also receiving a credit on their bill for their commitment–up to $200.
The funds will help buy a new FamCamp® trailer fully stocked with camping equipment, new camping gear in the other 14 existing trailers, a training session to recruit and train new FamCamp® organizations, and an OYC pilot program. FamCamp® was launched in 1994 with the Department of Parks and Recreation to provide low-income families with greater access to California's state parks. FamCamp® provides guided weekend group camping trips including all necessary camping equipment, group activities, and outdoor leadership and skills training. Approximately 1,600 children and families participate in FamCamp® each year.
OYC is a collaborative effort of CSPF, California State Parks, and Pacific Leadership Institute, a San Francisco State University non-profit organization. Currently, the program is only available in Northern California. Funds from SCE will produce an OYC pilot program in Southern California. OYC provides teenagers ages 14 through 17, who are already involved in community-based organizations, experience in outdoor activities, team-building, and camping. With their new skills, the participants will organize and lead their own outdoor trips and projects for their peers and community.
Anza-Borrego—It's Heating Up In The Desert
Things are heating up in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park—in more ways than one! Please join us in protesting SDG&E's proposed Powerlink route through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. If you would like to find out more about how to support the fight please visit our Action Center. We also just posted a the latest episode in our CSPF Podcast Series on Anza-Borrego. Listen in, and spread the word! | 
