Over 100 years ago, on a windswept stretch of land 30 miles north of Bakersfield, Colonel Allensworth, an African-American soldier, along with four other settlers, established the town of Allensworth. The goal? To help other African-Americans pursue the "American Dream" and live a life free of brutal discrimination.
Next month CSPF partnering with the University of Southern California Libraries, will examine California's African-American heritage and their contribution to state parks. Scheduled for May 4 at USC, 100 Years Since Allensworth: Is California Living up to the Legacy? is the inaugural conference in CSPF's Hidden Stories Series. The series' goal is to unearth lesser-known, but significant histories and stories from all people that have impacted the shaping of California, and to enhance presentations of their heritage at state parks to educate future generations. For more information about how to attend please visit our website or contact Marygrace Lopez by email.
Advocates Storm State Capitol for Park Advocacy
The halls of the state Capitol were filled with state park advocates on Monday, March 23, for the Seventh Annual Park Advocacy Day! Hailing from all corners of the state, and representing hundreds of the state's cherished parks, 145 advocates met directly with 118 legislators' offices to lobby for support for state parks protection and funding.
After a busy but productive day CSPF capped off the day with the annual Legacy Award Reception. CSPF honored State Treasurer Bill Lockyer and Senator Lois Wolk (D-Linden) as 2009 Legacy Award recipients.
Treasurer Lockyer was honored for his dedication in defending San Onofre State Beach from the proposed Foothill-South toll road. In his role as former Attorney General (2000-2006) and his current role as State Treasurer, his efforts were important factors in protecting San Onofre State Beach and achieving the victories before the California Coastal Commission and U.S. Department of Commerce. Senator Wolk was honored for her leadership in advocating for funding, policy protection and preservation of California's state parks. In her former role as chair of the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee, Senator Wolk advocated for increased availability of state parks, including authoring legislation to increase state park access in the Central Valley.
The success of Park Advocacy Day is also due to the generous support of this year's sponsors. Thank you to everyone who participated and devoted their day to helping protect our state parks, and we'll see you next year! To see images from the day, a list of our great sponsors, and to get more information about pending legislation, visit our website.
CSPF Podcast Series Helps Celebrate 40th Anniversary
The CSPF Podcast Series continues to post exciting and diverse episodes on our website. To help celebrate our 40th Anniversary, each week we are posting short podcast episodes—40 episodes total—that highlight people's favorite hike (or other activity) in their favorite park. Both members and the general public have been submitting stories on our website for consideration—they are all great!. We also produced some Star Power with stories by Rocker Sammy Hagar and the one and only Robert Redford (to be posted soon), to name just a few. Submit a story, or simply tune in online.
CSPF's free statewide photo contest continues in 2009! Last year we attracted an impressive number of participants and even more amazing images! Monthly winners will receive a variety of prizes, including items from our sponsors Lowepro and Adolph Gasser Photography. The grand prize winner will be announced in January, 2010. For more information about how to participate—and to view the 2008 winners—visit the gallery on our website.
