Policy Forum: All In For Parks | Cal Parks

Thank you to everyone who came together for California State Park Foundation’s 2020 Policy Forum: All in for Parks! We brought together leaders in government, access, and climate change to develop actionable solutions that meet the pressing challenges facing our state parks. This year’s forum built on our first annual event in 2019. Over two days, we had conversations about the future of our state park system, workshopped solutions to ensure all Californians have access to the outdoors and to create a climate resilient California.

Since 2013, California State Parks Foundation has been annually convening its partners to bring like-minded organizations together for a day of learning, networking, and information sharing. Through these events, we create a culture of support, spark relevant discussions about challenges facing state parks, and solutions for the path forward.

If you were unable to join us, you can watch recordings from both days below or click here to read our full recap!

 

Day 1: Thursday, November 12

 

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Day 2: Friday, November 13

 

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Thank you to our major event sponsors: East Bay Regional Parks District, Parks California, and Save the Redwoods League!

 

Agenda

Click here to learn more about our speakers at the 2020 Policy Forum!

 

Thursday, November 12, 10:00am - 11:30am

10:00am – 10:40am      

Welcome Address from Director Armando Quintero

Hear from California State Parks Director Armando Quintero about his vision for the future of state parks. Joining the conversation: 

  • Armando Quintero, Director of California State Parks 
  • Maria Guadalupe Mendez Arroyo, Outdoor Outreach 
  • Darry Sragow, Senior Counsel for Dentons 

10:45am – 11:30am        

Looking Forward: The Future of California’s Parks

In this session, we will step back and look at the road ahead. Together, we will discover and develop solutions to overcome the challenges facing our parks and light the way for a brighter future. Joining the conversation: 

  • Assemblymemeber Ash Kalra 
  • Mayra Alvarez, President of The Children’s Partnership 
  • Doctor Nooshin Razani, Center for Nature and Health at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland 

 

 

Friday, November 13, 10:00am - 12:00pm

10:00am – 10:45am   

Pathways to Parks

This session will showcase successes and explore new policy solutions that can support equal access to parks and the health benefits they provide for California’s youth in the year to come. Joining the conversation: 

  • Emily Young, Executive Director of The Nonprofit Institute in the University of San Diego’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences 
  • Sharon Danks, CEO and Founder of Green Schoolyards America 
  • Bob Doyle is the General Manager of the East Bay Regional Park District 
  • Marnin Robbins, Interpretive Program Manager for the North Coast Redwoods District of California State Parks 

11:00am – 11:45am      

Climate Resilient State Parks

In this session, we will discuss how California’s state parks and public lands can be part of a holistic approach to climate resilience, social equity, economic opportunity, and public health. Joining the conversation: 

  • Senator Mike McGuire 
  • Jay Chamberlin, Chief of State Parks’ Natural Resources Division 
  • Josh Fryday, California’s Chief Service Officer 
  • Vianey Moreno, Lead Naturalist at Community Nature Connection 

11:45am – 12:00pm     

Closing and Next Steps