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by: Elizabeth Sedway, TahoeKidsGuide.com

Between 4:35p, and 7:30p today the Budget Conference Committee continued its public hearings regarding Governor Schwarzenegger's May revision proposals  specifically concerning California State parks and resources.  Assembly Chair, Noreen Evans, estimated there were some 100 citizens present to speak.  The citizens testifying spoke with compelling evidence and passion, with the hope of urging the California legislature to find a way to keep parks and other resources available.

Many of those testifying, pointed out that the state can close the gates and lock the bathrooms at California State Parks, but this will do nothing more than open the door to significant and costly risks. 

With no rangers at state parks, there will be no one to protect the historic and natural resources located within the 220 state parks slated for closure.  And perhaps most significantly, no one to oversee the fire risk to state parks, and surrounding communities.  While 70 million dollars is projected to be saved by the Govenor's proposed budget cuts, the cost of another rampant wildfire season would greatly exceed this amount.

With  no lifeguards at state park beaches, there will be no one to protect citizens at state beaches.  One citizen testified today that drowning is the number one cause of death at California State Parks; these drownings occur at beaches without lifeguards.  Last year, this individual added, there were no drownings at beaches with lifeguards. While 70 million dollars is projected to be saved by the Govenor's proposed budget cuts, the loss of lives at unguarded beaches, and the attendant litigation, some proferred, would exceed this amount.

The Governor's proposal also suggests eliminating the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, the organization charged wtih keeping toxins out of air, water, soil, food encountered by Californians. Numerous scientists and doctors testified in opposition to eliminating the OEHHA.

Many of those testifying today made reference to the loss in tourism dollars that would result from the Governor's proposed budget cuts. One citizen testifying pointed out that the Governor's proposal to cut $70 million by closing California State Parks, would cost the California economy $46 billion in tourism dollars. Funds generated by the filming of movies and television in California State Parks would also be lost if the parks are closed. 

A citizen testifying on behalf of the Town of Truckee testified that closure of California State Parks in that area would cost the local ecomony $2.3 million.

Another giving testimony today pointed out that the Federal Parks announced today that they will waive entry fees, acknowledging that national parks are 'economic engines' for the American economy.  The citizen testifying asked if the same couldn't be said of California State Parks.

Many citizens testified today that California State Parks are classrooms, work out facilities, mental health respites and low cost vacation alternatives.

The following California State Parks between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe will close if the budget cut is implement as proposed by the governor:  California State Capitol Museum, Governor's Mansion State Historic Park, Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park, State Indian Museum State Historic Park, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, D. L. Bliss State Park, Donner Memorial State Park, Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, Emerald Bay State Park, Empire Mine State Historic Park and Kings Beach State Recreation Area. 

To submit written testimony to the Budget Conference Committee, fax your Comment Card to:  916-319-2199.