Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
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.
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."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
