Save our state parks
Along with a host of other draconian budget cuts that would hit particularly hard at local communities, children, the elderly, the disabled, and other vulnerable groups, Governor Schwarzenegger is proposing to close 48 of California”s state parks and beaches, including both Clear Lake State Park and Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, with catastrophic effects on Lake County. Both parks protect precious lakeshore habitat; both contain significant cultural resources; both shelter many species of wildlife; both provide important recreational opportunities to county residents and visitors alike.
Each park hosts a vibrant outdoor festival and welcomes school groups for special functions throughout the year, and ? to add an extra touch of irony ? volunteer interpretative associations in each park are currently engaged in massive facilities expansion projects that will greatly augment the parks” value to the community.
The meager projected savings from closing these parks wouldn”t even result in a net gain to the state budget after deducting direct losses from diminished TOT and sales tax revenues generated by park visitors. Potential costs to the people of California from deterioration of public property, increased legal liabilities and diminished prosperity are incalculable.
Both Assemblymember Patty Berg and State Senator Patricia Wiggins have promised to work hard to keep CLSP and AMSHP open ? but they need our help. Please send a message to the Governor (Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, State Capitol Building; Sacramento, CA 95814): keep Lake County parks open! Delivery by fax is particularly effective: (916) 558-3160; if you”d rather make a phone call, the number is (916) 445-2841.
As always, your own words will convey the strongest message, but there”s a great deal of power in sheer numbers too, so don”t hesitate to send a form letter if you don”t have time to compose your own. A letter can be downloaded from the Sierra Club Lake Group Web site (www.redwood.sierraclub.org/lake/) in both pdf and editable Word format. Please act today to save our irreplaceable community treasures.
Victoria Brandon, chair
Sierra Club Lake Group
Hawk grant could help build a local skate park
I am wondering if anyone has thought about applying for the Tony Hawk Foundation grant that helps to build skate parks in low income areas for at-risk children? It”s a wonderful grant ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Skaters must be included in the design. I”m sure our community not only qualifies, but with the right writer, can get it.
Shelley Davis
Clearlake
Community supports Konocti educators
Teachers thank parents and community members for their support. The signs in your businesses, cars and houses, combined with your self-generated petition and your attendance at the school board meeting have not gone unnoticed. The teachers of the Konocti Unified School District noticed and appreciate the efforts you have so passionately put into motion. You are in fact a powerful group of people and the teachers are proud to be united with you!
In just a matter of days Parent Teacher Student Organizations, local businesses, parents and community members rallied together to show their support for teachers and their effort to obtain a district-funded raise after seven years of waiting. In less than a week this awesome group obtained several hundred signatures, posted signs throughout the community and attended a school board meeting in mass. At the school board meeting they demonstrated that while teacher salaries and benefits are not a priority to the district, teachers are in fact a priority to the community.
Teachers around the district want to thank all of the involved parties and their efforts to help us. We truly appreciate you! We hope that we can continue to support each other as this is just the beginning.
Jennifer Bertram
Second-grade teacher
LL Elementary School
Don”t forget to write!
The Clear Lake Observer*American welcomes letters responding to articles and opinions that have appeared in this newspaper, as well as on topics of general interest. Letters can be sent to letters@clearlakeobserver.com or mailed to PO Box 6200, Clearlake, CA 95422. Pleases include complete name, address and telephone number.
