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 A Word From The President
The national economy seems to show some small signs of improvement. During Governor Schwarzenegger's State of the State address yesterday, he asserted that California is in recovery as well. I don't know about you, but I haven't seen any sign of it yet. Heaven knows, I would like to believe it.
In about 24 hours, the Governor will release his proposed Fiscal Year 2010-11 State Budget. I don't need to remind you that the budget pronouncements over the last two fiscal years have been grim for state parks and set the stage for the tremendous public outcry on behalf of parks. With that backdrop, I'm not optimistic that there will be good news to report after tomorrow's budget proposal comes out.
But, if I've learned anything from these last two year's budget fights, it's that state park advocates are a force to be reckoned with—and I think the Governor's office has learned that too! Watch for a special message tomorrow with the latest from the budget proposal.
On a much, much better note, Attorney General Brown's title and summary for the California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund is excellent. This is the ballot measure better know to all of you as the State Parks Access Pass. Many of you have signed up to help gather signatures, but we could use even more help to right now. If you haven't done so already, please consider volunteering today. Thank You!
Someone asked me on January 1st if 2010 was going to be slower for CSPF than 2009 was. Yes, I think it will be…but not until mid-November! We are so pleased to be working on something positive though. I am really looking forward to all the hard work. If we end up with a state parks system with a secure financial future, it will be worth it all.
Thank you for all your support. Happy New Decade!
 Initiative Update: Your John Hancock is Needed!
Just before the page turned on the 2009 calendar, we received the Title & Summary from the Attorney General for the State Parks & Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010. This means we can now start hitting the streets to collect signatures to qualify the measure for the ballot. More than 1,100 state park supporters have signed up to help gather signatures, and we're counting on them—and YOU!—to help us get out in front of Californians over the next few months to get their signatures. If you haven't already done so, please sign up today!
Having a massive, statewide volunteer effort is no easy feat, but we know that park supporters are willing to step up and make this happen. If you haven't already signed up to volunteer, please do so today! [link to general volunteer sign-up form] If you've already signed up, please make it to training in your area so that you can receive the details of signature gathering and meet other advocates who will be your "team" in this effort. Our website is being continually updated with new training dates. Once you sign up to volunteer, you'll receive a personal email once training is scheduled in your area. Please join us—we only have until late April to collect signatures, so we need your help today! If you have questions, please contact our Sacramento office at 916-442-2119.
 Register Today For Park Advocacy Day 2010!
On Monday, March 8th in Sacramento, you won't want to miss this unique opportunity to gather with park advocates from throughout the state to lobby lawmakers for the protection and funding of our state parks. During Park Advocacy Day, participants meet with policymakers to stress the importance of keeping state parks open, protected and well-maintained. With the challenges facing state parks this year, your participation will help send a powerful message to policymakers about the value and significance of state parks.
Please visit our website to obtain detailed information about Park Advocacy Day. There is no cost to participate, but registration is required. Online registration for Park Advocacy Day is quick and easy- click here to get started.
 Make A Difference By Making A Gift Today!
Think Bequest and join our William Penn Mott Jr. Legacy Society. By making bequests or other planned gifts you not only help state parks but you also encourage others to do the same. Designate CSPF to receive part or all of your retirement plan. Name the Foundation as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy. Transfer shares of stock into our broker's account. Donate your home and keep it too. And, we always welcome a donation via a check or credit card. There are many other ways to benefit the parks with your donation. For more information email Lee@calparks.org or call 415-262-4403. And visit our Planned Giving website for the latest in tax information and to use a calculator to check the possible tax benefits your gift may create. As always, please check with your financial advisor too. | 
