In the News

Mercury News editorial: Simitian-Evans plan to keep state parks open deserves support

Monday, May 14, 2012

When then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger first proposed shutting dozens of state parks to help close the deficit in 2008, it was a terrible idea, and he eventually dropped it. State parks are a remarkable legacy for California's children. Tens of millions of people visit them every year, and all 278 have value.

In fact, the savings in Schwarzenegger's plan were a sham: The costs of closed parks -- lost tourism, vandalism, fires -- would have outweighed the tiny amount of projected savings.

Related Links: 
Mercury News editorial: Simitian-Evans plan to keep state parks open deserves support

FRESNO BEE EDITORIAL: State must find ways to keep parks open to public

Friday, May 11, 2012

California is preparing to close as many as 70 state parks this summer to help solve the state budget mess. It's a bad idea, especially in this economy. Parks belong to the people -- they should be places where families can find inexpensive recreation.


Gov. Jerry Brown should be looking for ways to keep the parks open, and state lawmakers need to help him. They need to make wise budget decisions as they bring expenditures in line with revenues. Parks have value well beyond their annual operating costs.

California senators announce plan for keeping state parks open

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Published in The Sacramento Bee

Democratic state Sens. Joe Simitian and Noreen Evans today rolled out a proposal aimed at keeping the gates open at more than 50 California state parks set to close this summer.

Related Links: 
California senators announce plan for keeping state parks open

Senators Evans and Simitian introduce bill to fund state parks.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

By Derek Moore

THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
 

Two state senators unveiled a plan Tuesday to spare 50 state parks from closure this summer, in part by tapping into state accounts that fund road maintenance, septic system repairs and off-highway vehicle activities.

Related Links: 
Senators Evans and Simitian introduce bill to fund state parks.

CA Commission on Status of Women out of money

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

By Nannette Miranda

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KGO) -- The only state agency created to promote the welfare and interests of women is in trouble with only enough money for another week or so of operation.

The California Commission on the Status of Women provides a voice to the state's 19 million women and girls. That is more than half of the state's population. Many feel it is a sad day for California.

Related Links: 
CA Commission on Status of Women out of money

Legislators join fight for Santa Rosa school sidewalk

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Caltrans rejects plan, suggests alternative to fund walkway required to open Roseland school

By Martin Espinoza
Published in THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

State legislators Noreen Evans and Wesley Chesbro have asked state transportation officials to help complete a delayed sidewalk that threatens the opening of the new Roseland Creek Elementary School.

Related Links: 
Legislators join fight for Santa Rosa school sidewalk

State park advocates hit capitol halls

Monday, March 19, 2012

By Alison Hawkes

Published in Bay Nature

California state parks advocates are hitting the halls of the Capitol on Tuesday to remind lawmakers that they won’t go away, even though many parks are closing come July. 

 There is no savior bill for state parks on the horizon, not in a year when tax hikes and state budget deficits are on the table. Still, the conversation about the future of California’s 279 park system must continue, said Jerry Emory, spokesperson for the California State Parks Foundation (CSPF). 

Related Links: 
State park advocates hit capitol halls

California Park Privatization: Report Suggests Operation Of State Parks By Private, For-Profit Firms

Thursday, March 8, 2012

By Aaron Sankin

Published in The Huffington Post

SAN FRANCISCO -- Transferring many of California's state parks to private operation was among a number of suggestions, according to a recent California Legislative Analyst's Office report, that would keep the state's floundering park system afloat.

Related Links: 
California Park Privatization: Report Suggests Operation Of State Parks By Private, For-Profit Firms

School transport funds restored

Monday, February 13, 2012

By Jeremy Walsh -- Staff reporter

Published in the Lake County Record Bee

 

LAKE COUNTY -- State and county officials reacted positively to Gov. Jerry Brown signing a bill into law Friday to restore school transportation funding for the current fiscal year.

"I'm proud of my colleagues in the legislature who -- despite political party -- came together for what is best for our children," State Senator Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) said in a statement.

Related Links: 
School transport funds restored
Syndicate content