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 A Word From The President
Those of us in California are not alone in our state parks woes. States across the nation are facing unprecedented cuts to parks and recreation. Arizona is closing 18 of their 30 state parks by June 30th of this year. The situation in Arizona is a clear indication that our collective efforts to fighting off closures here in California is not just an idle exercise. Closures, and perhaps permanent ones, are a real threat to us.
Idaho's governor recently proposed disbanding the state department of parks and recreation and laying off state parks workers. The states of Louisiana, Iowa, Georgia, New York, and Pennsylvania are considering substantial additional budget cuts to state park systems and contemplating the closure of state parks. City, county, and regional park systems are facing the similar cuts.
That National Recreation and Park Association is hosting a free webinar entitled "Crisis for America's State Parks—What You Can Do to Help" on Wednesday, February 17th at 11:30am (PST). I will be participating in this panel discussion. Click here to sign up (space is limited).
I spent last Saturday afternoon collecting signatures for the State Parks Access Pass. Not only did we collect a lot of signatures—well over 300—but the passion I heard for state parks was very heartening. Young people, old people, folks from all over the world (Lithuania and Italy to name a few) were really concerned about the state of parks.
We also heard from a few folks who are pretty fed up with the initiative process. We convinced one such person, to make an exception because this was an important issue to him. There were people who signed right away because they believed in the cause, others who read the attorney General's title and summary carefully and others who asked smart questions. Many people said, "Is that the Vehicle License thing? I'm for that."
It was fun and energizing to be out talking to people. I shared some local state park hikes with folks and received lots of thanks for our continued engagement in this issue. What was less encouraging was how little people knew about how much state parks are suffering right now. People knew that we had collectively stopped the closures but the details got fuzzy after that. (I mean people aren't sitting around reading about this every minute of their days? I'm shocked, I say shocked! …lol)
We recently had a board meeting at the Baldwin Hills Visitor Center in Culver City. I had been there before but it was only briefly when it was under construction and then again when it was just opened. Wow! Is that a fantastic place! We were there in the middle of all those terrible rain storms in late January. To be up there with a 360 degree view of the Los Angeles basin in those types of weather conditions was a trip. It is a fabulous facility with great interpretation.
We also had a wonderful presentation about Los Angeles Audubon's Greenhouse Internship Program. Audubon is training local young adults to propagate native plants in a greenhouse (funded by CSPF, we are proud to say) that are being planted in areas around the visitor center. It is a great program that is inspiring these young people to think about careers in the sciences. What a delight. It is a little reminder of the things we would all much rather be focused on.
As we settle into all the work ahead of us this year, it is good to remember those young folks whose lives are broadened by contact with the wonders of the natural and cultural world embodied in parks. That will keep us all focused on why we are all working so hard to change this little piece of the world, and perhaps setting an example for other states' advocates who are organizing to fight their own battles.
 Initiative Update: Neither Rain, Nor Snow, Nor Wind, Nor Hail Stops Signature-Gathering!
Thanks to the more than 1,200 CSPF members and supporters that have volunteered to help us gather signatures for the State Parks & Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010. Despite the rain, winds, and in some parts of the state, snow and hail, our volunteers are out in force, convincing voters to help us put the initiative on the November ballot. And we're making great progress—the campaign has already collected more than 210,000 signatures. Now just another 490,000 to collect and we'll meet our goal! We've got about 10 weeks left, so if you haven't already, please sign up today to help! If you have any questions, please contact our Sacramento office at 916-442-2119. The initiative also has a new Facebook page—become a Fan!
 CSPF's 2009 Photo Contest Winners
Congratulations to Jim Duckworth of Redding, California for winning CSPF's Photograph of the Year in our online photo contest! This image of an eagle on a state park sign at Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park in the northern recesses of the state was not only the clear winner, but a very timely and poignant photo as well. To see this image and the other winning photos, visit our photo contest and click on the "View the 2009 Winners!" button. And, if you aren't a participant, consider joining. It is free, fun, and it helps our state parks!
 Park Advocacy Day 2010: Just Around the Corner!
Park Advocacy Day 2010 is just over a month away, have you signed up to attend our Eighth Annual event on March 8 yet? Already 90 state park advocates have marked their calendars to attend the one-day lobby day, which promises to be a packed day of legislative meetings, hearing from key policymakers on speakers panels', participation in a state park advocate rally, and more. With this year's controversial budget proposal to eliminate state park funding and instead fund state parks with proceeds from an uncertain oil drilling proposal, it's critical that we have a strong showing at this year's Park Advocacy Day! Please join your fellow state park advocates and participate in PAD 2010! For more information, please contact our Sacramento office at 916-442-2119.
 CSPF's YouTube Channel
Check out CSPF's latest video by visiting our YouTube Channel. Not only can you watch and learn about our latest work, but our channel also has an archive of interviews and other clips from CSPF and friends relating to state parks.
 CSPF Hosts SoCal Bloggers Reception
It was a dark and stormy night…yet that didn't stop the merriment during CSPF's first-ever Bloggers Reception on January 21 at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City. CSPF introduced itself to various bloggers in the greater Los Angeles area. In spite of the amazing wind, rain, and lighting, environmental, travel, political, cultural, and neighborhood bloggers came out to meet CSPF staff and board members, enjoy some delicious hors d'oeuvres and wine, and watch CSPF's newest video. Know any bloggers out there? Suggest they become a Fan on CSPF's Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and/or contact CSPF to be added to our media list. | 
