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List of Park Closures Won't be Released this Week, Says Schwarzenegger Spokesperson
Leo Carillo State Beach is one of the many threatened state parks | Photo by Zach Behrens/LAist
Leo Carillo State Beach is one of the many threatened state parks | Photo by Zach Behrens/LAist
A spokesman for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said today that the list of parks slated for closure will not be released this week as officials continue to work to save more money, therefore keeping more open, according to John Myers of KQED.
"It is a really terrible situation to be in," Schwarzenegger answering a reporter's question at a renewable energy press conference this afternoon. Facing a $23 billion shortfall in the state's budget, Schwarzenegger proposed closing 80% of state parks, a fraction of savings in the big picture, last Spring. The legislature paired down the cut in their budget proposal, but Schwarzengger used his veto power to increase that cut, equaling about $39 million, translating to the possible closure of around 100 state parks.
"I never wanted to make cuts to the parks... but you can't go promise people money you don't have," Schwarzenegger continued. "Now we have to be creative," he said referencing a plan to crate partnerships to save parks.
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Yesterday, state park officials said the list was likely be released by the end of the week, but today they concur with Schwarzenegger's office. "It's more likely next week," said Sheryl Watson, a public information officer, over the phone. "But again, I have no specific date."
It's even possible the list will be published later than next week, said Roy Stearns, Deputy Director of Communications for state parks in an e-mail. "My expectation of after Labor Day was too optimistic for such a huge task of analyzing 279 parks from Oregon to Mexico," he wrote. "We wish to get it right."
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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