On January 10, the Governor released the $141 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2008-09, which begins on July 1, 2008.  Included in the budget is the draconian proposal to shutter 48 state parks and reduce the number of lifeguards on 16 state beaches in Santa Cruz, Orange and San Diego Counties.   See a list of affected parks here. *Note: Your message will automatically be sent to your Assemblymember and Senator based on your address.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to strongly oppose any effort to close California`s state parks. The Governor`s budget proposal to close 48 state parks and take lifeguards off 16 state beaches is devastating to millions of Californians who rely on their state parks and I urge you to oppose these proposals.

Shutting down state parks is out of touch with the priorities of Californians. The 48 parks slated for closure represent some of the most significant cultural, historic, and natural resources in the state. Our state parks represent places of living history. Each year, buses full of schoolchildren visit Sutters Fort, La Purisima Mission, and Will Rogers State Historic Parks as part of their lessons on California history. Millions of Californians rely on Montana de Oro, San Simeon and Tomales Bay State Parks to gain access to California`s world-class coastline.

Suggesting that California`s state beaches can go through the popular summer seasons without adequate lifeguard staffing is a dangerous proposal that threatens the health and safety of Californians. At a time when the public sector is encouraging Californians to become more active and engaged in outdoor pursuits, it is irresponsible to put the state`s beachgoers at risk for doing so.

The Governor`s budget has a very real impact on families, schoolchildren, and park users who have already planned to visit California`s state parks as part of their vacations or educational field trips. Even more so, it breaks a promise to the people of California that these parks are available and accessible to the public. That promise cannot be broken.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
January 13, 2008