California Parklands E-Newsletter October 2009

Friends, see what's new in this issue:
A Word From Our President	\|	Park Protection Bills Awaiting Action by Governor	\|	Our 40th Birthday Bash
	\|	CSPF's State Parks Starring in Hollywood Films Series	\|	What Can a Volunteer Do For State Parks

A Word From Our President

When is a reprieve, not a reprieve? When the Governor releases a statement on a Friday afternoon saying we will not have to close parks. But...wait a minute...they are still taking the same budget cut from California State Parks! Lots of people misunderstood. Even my husband, who knows the state parks situation pretty darn well sent me an email of congratulations last Friday! Read the fine print, I shot back! We haven't won, we are just being talked to death. That sound you hear is the shells being moved around. The Governor just kicked the can down the road and didn't really give parks a reprieve at all.

So here is what really happened...

Park Protection Bills Awaiting Action by Governor

Last month the state Legislature successfully passed two important park protection bills—a major victory for state park advocates! Senate Bill 679 by Senator Lois Wolk (D-Linden) and Senate Bill 372 by Senator Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) are now awaiting action by the Governor. He has until October 11 to sign or veto the bills. Now more than ever, state parks need protection!

Our 40th Birthday Bash

Our Birthday Bash is taking place in the brand new Pavilion by the Bay on San Francisco's Treasure Island this October 25th. Join us from 12:30 to 4 pm for an informal and fun time at a place with a spectacular view San Francisco's waterfront and skyline. The Bash will include live music, children's activities, fortune telling, tarot, face painting, magic, lots of food and good times. Adults can enjoy a libation as well. Join us for a raffle, silent auction and a live auction bid (3pm) on a brand new Subaru Outback! Find out more, and join us!!

CSPF's Film Series

Did you know that Hollywood has been using California's state parks for filming locations since 1910? Beginning with the silent film Ramona starring Mary Pickford, the partnership continues to this day providing both world wide entertainment and great economic benefit to California. As part of CSPF's 40th Anniversary Celebration, we have organized a film series for both Los Angeles (November 7-8) and Sacramento (March 6, 2010).

At both events there will be special screenings for families, evening screenings, original archival prints and programs that will include food, entertainment and Paramount studio tours in Los Angeles. All CSPF members as well as the general public are invited!

What Can a Volunteer do for State Parks?

In recent months there has been a huge upsurge of interest in volunteering in California State Parks, much of it in response to the Governor’s call for cuts and closures. Many Californians have urged their fellow citizens to volunteer and help run parks in order to keep them open and/or functioning. This passion for our parks is just what we would expect from our committed and involved constituency. We want to do everything possible to make sure that volunteers have meaningful and well-planned opportunities to help support California State Parks.