Palomar Mountain News

Subject: Save Our State Parks Campaign Update – November 18

SOS CAMPAIGN UPDATES

DOCUMENTARY ON PARK CLOSURES

In “The First 70” filmmakers visit each of the 70 state parks slated for closure in 120 days. If you attended our June 21st expo and rally at the Capitol- you may have talked with the filmmakers who were on site filming. This documentary has breathtaking footage of parks and great interviews (many with SOS Campaign partners!).

The trailer has been released and can be viewed online at http://vimeo.com/32192929 .  The full film will be screened at the upcoming Wild & Scenic Film Festival in Nevada City on January 13-15.

 BUDGET PROJECTIONS GRIM FOR STATE

Earlier this week the Legislative Analysis Office released its annual fiscal forecast and projected that California faces a $3 billion shortfall through the remainder of the fiscal year. They also forecast a $10 billion shortfall in the fiscal year that will start July 1, resulting in a total $13 billion gap over the next 18 months.

The 2011-12 budget included specific reductions (known as trigger cuts) that would go into effect if revenues fell $1 billion or more short of projections. There are no cuts to state parks included in the mid-year trigger cuts.

Trigger Cuts Include:

• $100 million cuts to both the University of California and the California State University systems
• $100 million cuts to both the Department of Developmental Services and the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) programs
• Community college fee increase of $10 per unit
• Elimination of state grants for local libraries
• The state could cut public school funding by up to $1.4 billion. (This is expected to result in a reduction in up to 7 school days)

 These latest budget numbers confirm what we already expected- the next year of budget negotiations will continue to be difficult as policymakers will need to find a way to close the $13 billion budget gap.  We have no indication that there will be more cuts to state parks, but this makes clear the need to continue our strong advocacy to Save Our State Parks.

You can read the full LAO report at: http://www.lao.ca.gov/reports/2011/bud/fiscal_outlook/fiscal_outlook_2011.aspx

ACTION NEEDED

CLOSING PARKS IS BAD FOR BUSINESS: Over the next few months, we will be featuring stories about the economic impacts of park closures, and we need your help!  Please tell us about the economic impacts of park closures to your community and help us identify business leaders we can interview.  

We also need your help distributing placards to businesses in your community to help raise public awareness about park closures, and the impacts they have on California. Placards can be posted at cash registers, store windows, or any other place where they will be seen by customers.

 CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Help us spread the word about efforts to Save Our State Parks by distributing campaign materials at your upcoming events. Contact Linsey@calparks.org for SOS Info cards, window decals and/or ‘Closing Parks is Bad for Business Placards’.

ENDORSE THE SOS CAMPAIGN:  Endorsers of the Save Our State Parks Campaign support our statewide, grassroots effort to keep California’s magnificent state parks open. If you haven’t submitted your endorsement, you can do so online or by submitting the attached endorsement form. 

Thank you to the following who have recently endorsed the SOS Campaign:

California State Park Rangers Association

City of Chico, Planning Commissioner John Merz

Napa Valley State Parks Association

Redwood Parks Association

Sacramento River Trust

Save McGrath State Beach

South Yuba River Citizens League

 A full list of SOS campaign endorsers can be viewed at: http://www.savestateparks.org/aboutus.html

 RECENT MEDIA CLIPS

 California Budget Shortfall May Trigger Draconian Cuts

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/16/california-budget-shortfall-may-trigger-massive-cuts_n_1098436.html

 Grim California budget forecast means more cuts to schools, social services
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/11/17/4060870/grim-california-budget-forecast.html

Service Reductions Begin at State Parks

http://sananselmofairfax.patch.com/articles/service-reductions-begin-at-state-parks

 Woodson Bridge State Park closes due to budget cuts

http://www.corning-observer.com/news/state-10818-parks-park.html

Benicia State Recreation Area lockout expands

http://www.timesheraldonline.com/news/ci_19287701

 California budget cuts loom as revenue dips, spending soars

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/11/11/4046579/california-budget-cuts-loom-as.html#ixzz1dQ1NfxG7

 Take our state parks off the closure list

http://www.theunion.com/article/20111111/NEWS/111119954/1024

Saving the Petaluma Adobe

http://www.petaluma360.com/article/20111109/COMMUNITY/111109473/1380/COMMUNITY0801?Title=Saving-the-Petaluma-Adobe

 SOS Campaign

The Save Our State Parks (SOS) Campaign is a statewide, grassroots campaign to keep California’s magnificent state parks open. In partnership with organizations, businesses, local governments, and individuals around the state, the California State Parks Foundation is leading SOS Campaign activities and generating awareness and action about state park closures.