Special to The Enterprise

From San DiegoÕs sandy shores to the towering redwoods in the northernmost portions of the state, CaliforniaÕs 278 state parks represent the rich natural and cultural heritage of our state. With more than 1.5 million acres, and a wide diversity of environments, CaliforniaÕs state parks were once considered the crowning jewel of state parks in America.

Unfortunately, the sparkle that was once associated with CaliforniaÕs state parks has worn off.

If you visit a California state park today, itÕs possible that instead of being greeted by a park ranger, youÕll be greeted with a padlock and a ÒclosedÓ sign.

For decades, CaliforniaÕs state parks have been chronically underfunded. Roofs and sewage systems leak, restrooms are not cleaned regularly, bridges have collapsed, trails are washed out, campgrounds and visitor centers are shuttered, and buildings and other structures throughout the system are badly deteriorated.

Crime in the parks has nearly tripled, and destruction and vandalism of the parks themselves has grown fourfold.

Altogether, state parks have amassed a $1.3 billion backlog in needed maintenance and repairs, turning the nationÕs best state park system into one of the countryÕs most endangered sites, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

As if that werenÕt bad enough, twice in the past two years, a majority of CaliforniaÕs state parks and beaches were on the brink of total closure. Only last-minute budget reprieves Ñ in response to the outcry of thousands of state residents Ñ kept them open.

Nearly 150 state parks were padlocked for the winter or their days and hours of operation reduced because of last yearÕs budget cuts. State park funding in the current budget proposal isnÕt expected to be much better.

Without stable funding, CaliforniaÕs parks will continue to deteriorate.

ThatÕs why our organization, the California State Parks Foundation, has joined the unprecedented coalition of more than 400 organizations from the business, education, labor, environmental, conservation, seniors, public health and safety communities in supporting Proposition 21. Other organizations supporting Prop. 21 include The Nature Conservancy, California Teachers Association, California Travel Industry Association and the California State Lifeguard Association.

Put on the ballot by Californians who are fed up with the games politicians play with our state parks, Prop. 21 will provide state parks with the reliable and adequate funding needed to ensure they remain open and maintained.

Under Prop. 21, California vehicles receive free, year-round day-use admission to CaliforniaÕs state parks and beaches, in exchange for a new $18 annual surcharge on most California vehicles. In comparison, many state parks and beaches charge as much as $15 for a single day-use pass or $125 for an annual pass.

All money from the surcharge will be deposited into a trust fund, where, by law, it can be spent only on state parks and wildlife conservation Ñ politicians canÕt touch it.

The funds will be subject to an annual audit, and review by a citizensÕ oversight committee to ensure funds are invested properly.

From providing the lifeblood for local businesses and economies that they neighbor; to the outdoor classrooms they provide our students; or the rich, affordable opportunities they offer our families to connect, state parks are as much a part of the California identity as sunshine.

CaliforniaÕs state parks are priceless public assets and a legacy for future generations that deserve our support. On Nov. 2, we hope that you will join the millions of Californians who are already supporting Prop. 21. For more information, visit http://www.YesForStateParks.com.

Ñ Elizabeth Goldstein is president of the California State Parks Foundation. With its 115,000 members, the foundation is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting, enhancing and advocating for CaliforniaÕs 278 state parks. For more information, visit http://www.calparks.org

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