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 A Word From Our President
March for some is associated with the Ides. Some think of March, and think of St. Patrick's Day, or the first day of spring. For those of here at CSPF, March is Park Advocacy Day (PAD) month! Our colleagues in Sacramento have been doing PAD briefings all over the state for more than a month. They are working long into the night to make sure that our advocates get access to all 120 Legislators and many other key policy makers. So March is green alright. But for us the green of parks is foremost in our minds.
And this year, at the top of our policy agenda is the long-term permanent protection of state parks.
After the extraordinary victories of December 18th; Commerce's decision to uphold the California Coastal Commission's rejection of the toll road; and the California Public Utilities Commission's decision to avoid Anza-Borrego; the time has come for California to have the critical laws it needs to protect these special places. The amount of money, and time, on our part and on the part of all of the coalition members that fought those projects, should not have been necessary. We live in a state that has made breakthroughs in air and water protection and conservation that are copied around the country. Yet we do not have laws to protect parks that were passed in other states decades, and decades ago.
In the north redwoods and in the Inland Empire fights to protect parks are going on, as we speak. Environmental documents are being promulgated and the battle lines are being drawn. Despite our wins, the sword of highways and utility corridors is still raised against our state parks. This is unacceptable.
As I drove down Highway 101 in Sonoma County the other day from a meeting with some of our friends at State Parks, looking at the soft hills of San Francisco's north bay, I was itching to hike across the green slopes. The light was stunning, streaking around clouds between storms. We are graced with some of the most glorious places on earth. They deserve to be protected. No one should have to say again, "but I thought it was a state park."
With your persuasion, I am sure that the Legislature and Governor will make this issue one of our past, and not our future. Let's hope they hear our cry.
 The Celebration Continues!
The party continues as we take a glance back at our history, but concentrate on the future and the next 40 years! If you haven't done so yet, visit our Anniversary page. We just added a video. Also, don't forget to share a hike story from your favorite state park. The CSPF Podcast Series continues with an historical retrospective, and Rock and Roll Legend Sammy Hagar recalls some amazing times in Mount Tamalpais State Park. And, don't forget to visit our Facebook page and join as a Fan of CSPF—the community is growing! Be part of it, and spread the word.
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| © Mark Moore |
Ways You Can Gift To CSPF
Donate your home—and keep it too. Your residence goes to CSPF when you die, but you retain the right to live there for life. You get a tax deduction and still enjoy the use of your home. Make a bequest—for a specific amount, a specific property or a percentage of your estate. This way you can continue to support California's state parks for the future. Contribute your interest in oil and gas partnerships. For more information contact Lee Scott Theisen, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Development at 415-262-4400. And, always consult your financial advisor.
We Have A Winner!
After a tough judging process (there were so many great images!), CSPF's 2008 Photo Contest winner has been chosen. Please visit our website to see the winning image by Stephen Woodward and all the amazing finalists. Our 2009 contest will be announced soon. Make sure to participate!
History Returns to Mount Tamalpais State Park
This past February a piece of history returned to what is today Mount Tamalpais State Park. A "gravity car" that carried passengers down the mountain from the top to Mill Valley in the heyday of the Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods Railway was installed inside a brand new gravity car barn located where the original crooked railroad had its terminal. CSPF contributed funds to this interesting and fun project. The gravity car exhibit will open to the public at a big celebration May 3, near the visitor center at the summit of Mount Tamalpais. For more information visit the Mt. Tamalpais Interpretive Association's website.
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