A Word From Our President
Since I wrote for this space last, we have all been through a lot of changes. The state of the economy is causing everyone concern, rightfully so. The California powers that be have finally gotten it together to pass a budget. The great news is that no state parks will be closed. We believed that that would be the case, but frankly, it is never over until it is signed. We were concerned that last minute changes in the final fevered moments of budget-making, state parks might have been impacted. They were but luckily there are no park closures in the mix! The budget did give the Department additional "fee authority." I hate that phrase, it always sounds like it is a gift to the Department. In fact, it is imposes the requirement to generate more fee revenue. Obviously, that money can't be spent unless it is raised. With the summer over, and revenues down because of the massive fires this summer, this amounts to a silent cut for the Department. It is however, better than the more dire alternatives from earlier in the budget season!
As we suspected, our collective hard work to put out a real solution to the parks' financial problem—the State Parks Access Pass—did not make it into the budget. We are down, but not out. We certainly got enough support from the public and policy makers to be back next year, to try again.
We can't give up because this year's budget kind of "kicked the can" into next fiscal year, as one of our Board members succinctly put it. We are concerned because it leaves state parks vulnerable in the next budget cycle. We will keep you posted, of course and ask for help to keep the issue high in the minds of those who can solve it.
I have spent many more of my days on the road in the last two weeks than at home. But there has been a lot of essential work to be done. I spent Monday, September 22 with our incredible Save San Onofre Coalition, making sure our opposition to the toll road proposal for that great state park. The day was long, and hot.
We were honored that the lead speaking for our arguments in defense of San Onofre came from Senator Christine Kehoe, Treasurer Bill Lockyer, Santa Monica City Councilor Bobby Shriver (former chair of the California Parks and Recreation Commission), San Diego City Councilor Donna Fry, Solano Beach Mayor David Roberts and Irvine City Councilor Larry Agran (former TCA Board member.) We had a great general showing, more than 2,400 people. We worked hard to make sure that we got all our key points across despite the challenging format of the hearing. In the end 222 people spoke. Now we have to wait for the Bush Administration to make a decision that will set precedent for California State Parks, which every way they eventually rule. (I must confess to not being so good at waiting!)
That week ended on a much better note though, with a very successful Golden Poppy Awards event at Union Station in Los Angeles. The evening was beautiful and the location stunning. We hope that our 300 guests had a great evening, we certainly did! 
2008 Golden Poppy Awards Gala A Huge Success!
Last Friday CSPF paid tribute to leaders who work to protect, enhance and advocate for California's magnificent parks at the historic Union Station in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Dodgers Owner and Chairman Frank McCourt was honored, along with the Advocates for Los Angeles State Historic Park. Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa accepted the award on behalf of the Advocates. Huell Howser, host of California's Gold served as Master of Ceremonies. "The award recipients have demonstrated their commitment to the California state parks system over the years," said Elizabeth Goldstein, CSPF president. "We commend them for being stewards of the parks and recognize them for their long-term support and like-minded priorities." You can view some photographs from the evening here.
Allensworth Centennial Celebration
In this centennial year, join California State Parks for a grand celebration of the town, the people, and the enduring legacy that is Allensworth. On October 11 and 12, 2008, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park will host two days filled with music, food, living history demonstrations, a 5k run/walk, a commemorative bike ride, children's activities, and inspiring words from prominent dignitaries. It will be a celebration worthy of Allensworth festivals of old! To find out more visit State Park's website.
Sacramento Family Wins Toyota Prius
Steve Douglas of Sacramento won a fully-loaded 2009 Toyota Prius at the 2008 Golden Poppy Award gala this past Friday. "I have been trying to purchase a Prius for seven months, so I'm very happy to be a winner in this amazing opportunity drawing," said Douglas. "Not only do I now have a state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly vehicle, but I also contributed to California State Parks Foundation and am helping them further their cause."
"We're thrilled to have Toyota as our partner and a member of our Corporate Chairman's Leadership Circle," said Elizabeth Goldstein, CSPF President. "Their commitment to the goals of CSPF represents Toyota's longstanding dedication to protecting the environment and the company's continued allegiance to preserving and enhancing our state parks. We are happy that one of our supporters was able to benefit from Toyota's generous donation."
