Governor Signs Bill That Stops California State Parks Closures

On Wednesday, September 26, Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 1478,  a budget trailer bill on state park operations that directs funding to parks previously slated for closure, provides a moratorium on park closures and strengthens oversight of the Department of Parks and Recreation by the Parks and Recreation Commission.  The bill goes into effect immediately because it is a budget trailer and ensures the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park and State Recreation Area remain open for at least two more years.

“The Governor understands how much the public cherishes our state parks and wants a funding commitment and management structure that keeps them open,” said State Senator Noreen Evans whose district included 20 parks that were slated for closure.  “This bill amounts to a renewed social contract with the people of California and the parks we are obligated and impassioned to protect.”

The bill is co-authored by Senators Evans, Leno, Pavley and Simitian and Assemblymembers Blumenfield, Gordon and Huffman.  Evans represents Benicia in the California State Senate.

AB 1478 assures that money intended for parks goes to keep parks open, that parks will not face closures for at least two years and that the citizen-led Parks and Recreation Commission will be empowered to provide needed oversight to guide parks decisions and regain public trust

With the signing of this bill, the Parks and Recreation Commission, through provisions sponsored by Evans, is provided broad authority to review all issues relating to parks, with specific authority to review the department’s budget and infrastructure projects.

 “If we are to regain the public’s trust, then the public needs a voice," said Evans. “The commission will provide that opportunity through regular public hearings on vital park issues.”

The bill provides $30 million to keep all parks open and operating.  $20 million of that amount comes from the “found” money in the Parks and Recreation Fund which will allocate $10 million to keeping parks open and $10 million to match private and nonprofit donations.  Another $10 million will come from the Proposition 84 fund to be allocated towards the $1.2 billion in differed maintenance projects that have stymied the operations of parks throughout the state for decades.

“This is a plan to right a wrong,” said Evans.  “The issues that have surrounded parks for the last few months have hurt a lot of people and broken a lot of promises.  This bill rectifies a bad situation and takes steps needed to prevent reoccurrences. This bill gives us the breathing room to come up with long term solutions to keeping our parks open, accessible and protected.” 

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If there’s something in this article you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, call editor JB Davis at 707-628-0051 or email him at benicia@patch.com.