“The true cost of closure would be incalculable, and far outweigh any meager and transitory budgetary savings.”
Time is running out for one of Lake County”s greatest educational and natural resources. Anderson Marsh Park is set to close around Labor Day.
When my children were in elementary school, there were three or four of us parents who volunteered in the classrooms regularly. I remember talking to a mom and dad about bringing in cupcakes for classroom celebration. These particular parents never participated in donating time or items to the classroom. “We let the other parents do that,” the wife said, as she and her husband both laughed. I replied by telling them that in a nutshell, that there are parents who always volunteer, gladly and without need for appreciation. I explained the reason for my own involvement came about because I understood that if I were present, my children would be more confident and successful. It was important to know my children”s friends also. It stood to make them better people and consequently make the town a better place and maybe later the world. I am telling you this story to tell you another.
The parks in Lake County are carefully watched over and nurtured by groups who give unselfishly and constantly, including: Clear Lake State Park Interpretive Association, Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association, Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce, Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, Redbud Audubon Society, Sierra Club Lake County Office of Education and California Museum of Art and Science, to name a few of the organizations.
It”s time for the rest of us, myself included, to contribute the proverbial cupcakes.
Parks are communal areas. During this era of grave financial despair it is imperative to hold fast to locations that promote family activities, learning opportunities and environmental stewardship without financial burden. The cost of the park closure will surely impact everyone in Lake County. We camp, fish, swim and congregate there. It is the only major park in the south county. According to the Mendocino Area Parks Association, state parks are the second-largest educational providers in the state.
Governor Schwarzenegger boasts the beauty and treasures of the state for the purpose of tourism on television commercials. Now he is attempting to close the very facilities people come to California to see and enjoy. If the park is closed, decrease in county revenue is sure to follow. Who will stop at the neighboring businesses and restaurants?
Docents proudly share historical information about Lake County. The Bluegrass Festival takes place there. The park indiscriminately hosts anybody and everybody.
Some folks may argue that we could close the park until the economy wakes from this stagnant slumber. It is an invalid argument though. Once closed there would be an influx of insects, rodents and vandals. The cost to re-open the park would be immense as a result of the deterioration and destruction. Fire hazards would likely increase.
Do not sit idly by while the wonders of the county diminish before your eyes. Call, write, fax, e-mail or better still, all of the above. Business owners should proudly place petitions in the most accessible and noticeable areas for visitors or customers. Go on June 13 to the “Day in Your Park” event from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. where petitions will be available. Anderson Marsh Park is located on Highway 53 between Lower Lake and the City of Clearlake. Come on Lake County residents, bring your cupcakes and hurl them in the direction of the California legislators. Your representatives may be contacted by using the following information:
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger State Capitol Building, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841 Fax: 916-558-3160 E-mail: governor@governor.ca.gov
http://gov.ca.gov/interact
State Senator Patricia Wiggins
1040 Main St. #205, Napa CA 94559
Phone: 224-1990
State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 94248-0001
Phone: 916-651-4002
e-mail: senator.wiggins@sen.ca.gov
Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro
1st Assembly District
Sonoma County District Office
50 “D” Street, Suite 450
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Phone: (707) 576-2526
Fax: (707) 576-2297
http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a01/
You may also go to California State Parks Foundation to send a letter that will automatically go to the Governor and your Representatives. Additionally, to obtain more information call the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association at 995-2658.
“We”ve taken all that we can take ? You”ve broken all you can break.” ? Floater (Time Marches On)
Mandy Feder is the Record-Bee news editor. She can be reached at mandyfeder@yahoo.com or 263-5636 Ext. 32.
