Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - JUNE 30, 2020 With demand for parks at an all-time high, Governor and legislature negotiate a budget with critical funding to sustain state parks and support equitable access for all Californians Sacramento, CA – Today, Governor Newsom signed California’s 2020-2021 state budget maintaining critical funding for California’s state parks. As social distancing drives increased demand for state parks and outdoor recreation, the budget signed by the Governor preserves necessary funding to support state park operations and expand access for communities hit hardest by COVID-19100

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 16, 2020 Sacramento, CA – Yesterday, the legislature voted to approve the 2020-21 state budget making critical funding for California’s state parks. The budget passed by lawmakers adequately sustains state parks through turbulent economic times, while ensuring all Californians can realize the health and wellness benefits of parks at a time when access to the outdoors is needed most. Rachel Norton, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation, offers a statement on the state budget passed by the legislature: “We are grateful to the members of the100

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 4, 2020 Sacramento, CA – In response to the legislative agreement for the 2020-21 state budget released yesterday by the Speaker of the Assembly, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Assembly and Senate Budget Committee Chairs, California State Parks Foundation is pleased to see critical investments to adequately sustain state parks through turbulent economic times, while ensuring all Californians can realize the health and wellness benefits of parks at a time needed most. Rachel Norton, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation, offers a100

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2020 Sacramento, CA – Governor Gavin Newsom today released his revised budget proposal, which is down 22.3% from January and eliminates billions in funding for program expansions and spending increases, unfortunately including significant cuts for California’s state parks. The state parks system is facing a $30 million overall cut as well as the elimination of $20 million in funding for the Outdoor Equity Grants Program established under AB 209, which goes directly towards programs to increase access to the outdoors for many of the same populations100

First-Ever Virtual Park Advocacy Day Brings Together Parks Advocates, Partners and Leaders to Discuss the Challenges and Opportunities Facing State Parks Today FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2020 Sacramento, CA – California State Parks Foundation hosted today its 18th annual Park Advocacy Day to drive awareness and action on issues impacting the California state parks system amid COVID-19. The event has historically brought hundreds of advocates to the halls of the State Capitol, but this year was held virtually, and focused on addressing the unique financial and operational challenges100

California State Parks Foundation Partnered with Sponsors to Redirect $75,000 in Grants to Support Parks as they Navigate COVID-19 Challenges San Francisco, CA – In celebration of Earth Day, California State Parks Foundation teamed up with sponsors to introduce $75,000 in new grant funding for parks in need throughout the state. Earth Day reminds us that our state parks are incredible places where we can find spectacular natural beauty, spaces to learn and innumerable mental and physical health benefits – a reality that Californians sheltering at home are more aware of now more than ever. But100

February 19, 2020 Sacramento, CA – Governor Gavin Newsom today delivered his State of the State address, outlining his vision for a California Dream for every resident. Today’s remarks were dedicated to the state’s most vulnerable populations as the Governor focused on expanding resources to address homelessness, the housing crisis and access to health care, with an emphasis on whole person care – a priority that directly aligns with California State Parks Foundation’s recent initiative, Pathways to Parks. Launched in partnership with the Office of the First Partner, Pathways to Parks is100

Tour was part of the Pathways to Parks Campaign, which aims to raise awareness of State parks as a public health solution and increase access to state parks for California’s underserved youth. February 12, 2020 Los Angeles, CA – On the heels of announcing her new partnership with the Pathways to Parks advocacy initiative, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom met with members of the California State Parks Foundation, the State Parks Department, and stakeholders from the parks, health and youth sectors, to highlight the importance of increasing access to the outdoors as a public health solution100

Sacramento, CA – Governor Gavin Newsom submitted his 2020-21 California state budget proposal to the Legislature today, outlining the fiscal blueprint for the coming year. The proposed budget is demonstrative of Governor Newsom’s clear dedication to California’s youth and health – both core facets of the Foundation’s Pathways to Parks campaign launched late last year in partnership with the Office of the First Partner. The Pathways to Parks initiative is dedicated to increasing access to the health and wellness benefits green spaces provide, especially for underserved youth who need access to100

Pathways to Parks Advocacy Initiative Launched in Partnership with the Office of the First Partner will Work to Increase Access to Green Space for All Californians Sacramento, CA – California State Parks Foundation officially put pen to paper for its Pathways to Parks advocacy initiative today releasing a policy platform designed to guide the campaign and the policies and programs it promotes. The Foundation’s new campaign, Pathways to Parks, launched in partnership with the Office of the First Partner during its inaugural Policy Forum, is dedicated to increasing access to the health and100