LAist: What Will State Park Closures Mean To You?

rdm24

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:19:40 -0800

As a side note, it would be a fairly difficult thing for the state to sell designated parks to private interests. So Escalante's fear is unfounded. (Surpluss state lands are another matter though...)

rdm24

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:17:42 -0800

No--The State isn't discussing selling these parks to cities or counties. The State will own them, but keep them closed and off-limits. Except to the people who ignore the rules. As a consequence, the parks facilities will deteriorate, vandalism will increase, and there will be serious repurcussions on public safety as well as environmental and historical preservation. The loss of lifeguards alone will absolutely result in accidental deaths on the beaches. Some parks, like Will Rogers, were deeded to the state on the condition that it be operated as a park. If the state closes it, it may revert back to the Will Rogers estate. What they do with it is up to them, and it could result in the permanent loss of parkland. They could turn it into a dozen walmarts, if they so choose. This is a very big issue indeed.

Sloane Berrent

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 10:47:26 -0800

Well it seems it could be redistributing where the funding comes from - instead of state funding that Arnold has to worry about it comes back to LA county, the city of LA...but then he wipes his hands of the future of the parks and we all know that the state can fund them better than a county or city because of the allocation of funds. It's definitely sneaky. And sad, because he lives up Mandeville Canyon and it's surrounded by state parks. Outdoor, protected space means everything in California and John Muir is rolling over in his grave at the thought that any of it could be turned into real estate investment property.

nicksm

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 10:31:58 -0800

state parks simply turn into county and city parks - don't see the big issue here.