Friends of Allensworth San Diego Chapter No 12

10th Annual Park Advocacy Day

2012-01-30T18:35:00.000-08:00

Don Hamlin & President Thomas Stratton
Park Advocacy Day 2011

It is important that Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is represented at this year’s Park Advocacy Day. Past budget cuts have already caused the hours and number of days the park is open to be reduced. The list of overdue maintenance and repairs continues to grow. And Governor Brown’s recently released fiscal year 2012-13 budget proposal contains additional cuts for California state parks.

Park Advocacy Day is a chance to visit the state capitol and let the governor and our other policy makers know how vital Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is. This event is free. However, you must register before February 23rd and complete an online training session.

For more information call California State Parks Foundation at (916) 442-2119 or email Linsey@calparks.org. You can also call Friends of Allensworth president Thomas Stratton at (530) 949-2168.

What: 10th Annual Park Advocacy Day

When: Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Time: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

Where: Sacramento, Ca

Stephen Hill, Jr.

Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

2012-01-17T18:48:00.000-08:00

Dr. Dorothy Smith, the 2011 recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human Dignity award and long time member of the Friends of Allensworth, is performing in the Common Ground Theatre masterpiece “A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”

The free performance is 3:00 pm Sunday, January 22, 2012 at Paradise Village, 2700 4th Avenue, National City. For more information call (619) 255-2318 or email cgtheatre@cgt.sdcoxmail.com.

Stephen Hill, Jr.

More Budget Cuts Proposed

2012-01-14T23:42:00.000-08:00

Round two in the fight between California State Parks and Governor Jerry Brown began last week with the release of the governor’s fiscal year 2012-13 budget proposal. The proposal contains another $11 million cut for the Department of Parks and Recreation, the removal of seasonal life guards and the dismissal of 20 percent of the California State Park’s rangers.

Previous budget cuts have already forced Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park to be closed four days a week and on the days that it is open the hours have been shortened. Image the impact that the lost of a park ranger will have on our precious state park.

We cannot afford to sit at ringside, and do nothing, as the governor destroys California’s only state park designed to showcase the contributions of the state’s African American citizens. Now is the time to take action. Now is the time to defend the Allensworth legacy. Now is the time to tell the governor to stop dismantling our state park system.

Take a few minutes right now to go to the California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) online action alert and let the governor know you oppose his budget cuts. Then encourage your family and friends to do the same.

If possible come represent Colonel Allensworth SHP at the CSPF’s Park Advocacy Day on March 20, 2012.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Lantern Light "Ghost Tour"

2012-01-07T19:06:00.000-08:00

The Porterville Ghost Society is looking for a few brave souls to join them for a “Ghost Tour” of Colonel Allensworth State History Park. Come hear about the paranormal phenomena and other metaphysical activities that take place at the park after the sun goes down. Like unexplained footsteps and ringing telephones.

Park personnel will also give a brief history of Chaplain Allensworth, the town and the state park that are named after him.

This event is not recommended for children under 12.

For more information call (661)-849-3433

Date: Saturday, January 14, 2012

Time: 8:30pm

Where: Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
Star Route 1, Box 148
Earlimart, CA 93219

Cost: $10.00 per person

Passing of William “Bill” Smith

2011-12-23T21:37:00.000-08:00

We have recently learned of the passing of one of the founding members of the Friends of Allensworth, William “Bill” Smith of Fremont, California.

When I first visited Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park on a warm September afternoon in 1994, it was Bill Smith who gave me, my wife Sharon, her mother, and our two children a tour of the park. He unlocked the school house, and told us about the “dignity cup” sitting on the student desks. From there we walked down to the Scott and Grosse Drug Store, which also had to be unlocked. Then we walked over to the Colonel’s house, where he told us how the house had been ordered from a catalog and delivered on the train. We ended the tour at the Mary Dickerson Memorial Library. I still have a picture of Bill and our children walking to the library.

When Bill reached the gates of heaven I am confident that the Allensworth greeting committee was standing next to God and the angels; representatives of the Allensworth family, the Singleton family, the Hackett family, the Stockett family, the Towns family, the Payne family, the Overr family, the Hindsman family , the Archer family, the Hall family and the Cowes family. They were there to say thank you. Thank you for telling our story, the story of how we took a small isolated piece of land and turned it into a community, a community where African Americans could pursue the American dream. A place we could call our own. Thank you for over thirty years of service to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, for answering ranger Rod Parsons’ 1979 appeal for people to serve as docents for the newly opened state park. Thank you for being part of that small group of devotees that formed the Friends of Allensworth in 1983. Thank you for organizing fund raisers to purchase furniture for the restored homes, and for organizing park cleanup days. Thank you for everything you have done to make the park what it is today.

In addition to being founding members of the Friends of Allensworth Bill and Susie organized the Fremont Chapter of the Friends of Allensworth. Susie is currently serving as the chapter’s president. She is also the state wide vice-president and membership chair for the Friends of Allensworth.

On behalf of the San Diego Chapter of the Friends of Allensworth, I join the Allensworth greeting committee in saying thank you for everything Bill and Susie have done for Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. Susie please know that you and your family are in our prayers.

Church Services will be held:

Date:    Thursday, December 29, 2011
Time:    11:00 am
Where: Palma Ceia Baptist Church
             28605 Ruus Road
             Hayward, CA
             (510) 786-2866

Burial Services will be held:

Date:     Friday, December 30, 2011
Time:    11:00 am
Where: Sacramento Valley National Cemetery
             5810 Midway Road
             Dixon, CA 95620
             (707) 693-2460

Please send flowers to:

Chapel of Angels funeral home
40842 Fremont Blvd
Fremont, CA 94538
(510) 897-2439

“Mayor” Nettie Morrison Honored

2011-12-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

More than thirty years ago Mrs. Nettie Morrison left the conveniences of Los Angeles, the land of big dreams, and moved to the remote farmlands of Allensworth, an unincorporated township affectionately known as the “town that refused to die.”

On Tuesday, December 6th the Tulare County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation “honoring Nettie Morrison for 30 years of advocacy and dedicated leadership to the community of Allensworth.”

In addition to the achievements mentioned in the proclamation (below) Mrs. Morrison was a member of the Allensworth Study Panel that created the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. She was also the first president of the Friends of Allensworth Cooperating Association. In 2007 when Mrs. Morrison heard about plans to build two mega dairies next to Allensworth she sounded the alarm, calling friends and supporters in Los Angeles, San Diego, Oakland, San Francisco, Bakersfield and other cities. Bus loads of supporters turned out to the Board of Supervisors meeting to voice their concerns about the negative impact that the dairies would have on Allensworth.

Because of health problems last month Mrs. Morrison resigned from the Allensworth Community Council; the council she helped form in 2002.

“Mayor” Nettie Morrison, thank you for refusing to let Allensworth die.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

County of Tulare Board of Supervisors

Proclamation

HONORING NETTIE MORRISON FOR 30 YEARS OF ADVOCACY AND DEDICATED LEADERSHIP TO THE COMMUNITY OF ALLENSWORTH

WHEREAS, Nettie, as a dedicated community leader; became a founding member of the Friends of Allensworth in 1982. This organization has proudly established chapters throughout the state of California; and

WHEREAS, known for her service as the Chairperson of the Allensworth Community Council, Nettie was appointed as the “Mayor” by former Tulare County Supervisor Connie Conway; and

WHEREAS, a founder of the Allensworth Christian Church, Nettie successfully raised funds to relocate the church from the Allensworth State Historic Park to the current township of Allensworth in 2000; and

WHEREAS, Nettie established the Food Commodities Program for Allensworth in 1981 and has continued to ensure that essential commodities are distributed to the community on a monthly basis; and

WHEREAS, Nettie is an environmental steward dedicated to the community’s vision and goals; and

WHEREAS, Nettie served on the Board of the Allensworth Progressive Association (APA), currently a non-profit organization that serves the needs of the community and was the original Town Council established in 1908; and

WHEREAS, Nettie’s legacy of leadership and devotion to her community will be cherished and admired by her two sons, three daughters, two daughters-in-law, three sons-in-law, thirteen grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Tulare County Board of Supervisors does hereby honor Nettie Morrison for her service, advocacy, along with her unending dedication to the community of Allensworth

December 6, 2011

California Forever Documentary

2011-11-21T18:52:00.000-08:00

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is one of the parks in the new documentary “California Forever: The Story of California State Parks.” The Backcountry Pictures INC production will be shown on KQED in 2012.

Forever California will let you experience the beginning of the California State Parks movement; witness the battles and challenges of keeping our state parks open; and celebrate the victories.

Backcountry Pictures has been invited to show California Forever at the SYRCL’s (South Yuba River Citizens League) 10th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival, January 13-15, 2012 in the historic downtown of Nevada City, California.

You can view the California Forever trailer on the Backcountry Pictures website.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Tribute to the Spirit of Allensworth

2011-11-17T20:09:00.000-08:00

Visalia artist Stephen Diamant has made the hour long drive down highway 99 to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park numerous times and has come to feel that the story of Allensworth is so valuable to understanding our history that he built a tribute to the spirit of Allensworth. “Work The Dream” is the latest addition to the permanent collection of The African-American Historical & Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley.

Diamant found the figures on the 4 foot by 4 foot piece in a Visalia antique shop. He said “I found them interesting because they represented ethnic stereotypes which challenged me to find a suitable arena to display them.”

Before finding a permanent home “Work The Dream” was displayed at the International Agri-Center during the 2011 Southern California Edison Black History program and as part of the Arts Visalia gallery’s 2011 kick-off show in February. Diamant believes “Work The Dream” is “an ongoing work because every aspect in the setting represents to me a piece of the life that existed in that historical setting. I even have a small Klan logo placed somewhere in the exhibit.”

The African-American Historical & Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley is located at 1857 Fulton St., Fresno, CA 93721. Museum hours are Thursday and Saturday 1-6pm, Sunday 2-5pm and Monday and Friday by appointment.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

A Little Time to Pray

2011-11-11T15:22:00.000-08:00

A precursor to the full length documentary “A Little Time to Pray”

The African American towns of Mound Bayou, Mississippi; Nicodemus, Kansas; and Allensworth, California are highlighted in the documentary “A Little Time to Pray.” The documentary is being made by Gail Myers the founder and director of Farms to Grow, INC.; an organization that supports small African American farmers nationwide by purchasing farm supplies like seeds, hoop houses and tillers.

Farms to Grow will present the George Washington Carver award to a California farmer for excellence in agriculture on Saturday, November 12th at Preservation Park Niles Hall 668 13th Street, Oakland.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

President Thomas Stratton Delivers Postcards

2011-11-04T18:34:00.000-07:00

Friends of Allensworth State Wide President Thomas Stratton and board member Don Hamlin delivered the oversized postcards that were signed at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, to the Governor’s office. The oversized “Closing Parks is Bad for California” postcards were delivered at the conclusion of the California State Parks Foundation’s Save Our State Parks March & Rally on Tuesday, November 1st.

The State Parks supporters met in front of the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park (one of the state parks on the closure list) and walked approximately ½ mile to the Capitol and held a rally to protest the closure of 70 state parks.

After delivering the postcards, the park supporters packed into the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife and the Assembly Committee for Accountability & Administrative Review’s legislative hearing.

You can endorse the Save Our State Parks campaign by going to the Save Our State Parks web site.

President Stratton and Mr. Hamlin thank you for representing the Friends of Allensworth at the State Capitol.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Civil War Sesquicentennial 2011 - 2015

2011-11-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

President Obama signs a declaration to declare Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia, as a national monument on November 1, 2011.

2011 marks the beginning of the sesquicentennial of the war that pitted brother against brother. Over the next four years in museums and university lecture halls, at conferences, and on battlefields across America the Sesquicentennial of War Between the States will be commemorated.

The role of African Americans in the Civil War is not going unnoticed. The 2011 National Black History Month theme was “African Americans and the Civil War.” This was also the focus of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History’s (ASALH) 85th Annual Black History Luncheon. (The ASALH was started by Carter G. Woodson, the Father of Black History.) In July the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum held its Grand Opening and is hosting a curator lecture series throughout the year. The U. S. National Library of Medicine put together a six-banner traveling exhibition titled “Binding Wounds, Pushing Boundaries: African Americans in Civil War Medicine” that explores the African American men and women who served as surgeons and nurses during the American Civil War. The Contraband Historical Society called their two day sesquicentennial celebration “Escape for Freedom: From Slave to Contraband.” The two day event at Fort Monroe, where Union Major General Benjamin Butler decided that escaped slaves were “contraband of war”, featured a conference, parade, and re-enactors.

It was in October of 1862 that a young enslaved Allen Allensworth threw on an old tattered Union Army jacket, put a small campfire pot on his head, covered his face in mud then marched down Main Street with the soldiers of the Forty-fourth Illinois; thus becoming “contraband of war.” Allensworth would spend his first days of freedom as a nurse with the Forty-fourth Illinois.

On April 3, 1863 Allensworth enlisted in the Navy, becoming one of over 20,000 African Americans who served in the Union Navy. Unlike the African Americans that served in special units in the Union Army, these brave men serviced side by side on the same vessels as white sailors.

On November 4, 1864 Allensworth was serving as the captain’s steward on the gunboat Tawah as it patrolled up and down the Tennessee River protecting the Union Army supply depot at Johnsonville, Tennessee when Confederate Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest’s artillery forces opened fire. After several hours of fighting the Tawah, Key West and Elfin gunboats were all badly damaged. Rather than letting the gunboats fall into Confederate hands the crews set the gunboats on fire.

Severe winds caused the fire to jump to supplies stored on the riverbank then to a supply depot warehouse. Confederate artillery forces began firing on the supply depot, causing the Union soldiers to take cover rather than fight the fires.

After two years of service Allensworth was honorably discharged from the Navy as a Petty Officer First Class.

On December 30, 1904 President Theodore Roosevelt commissioned Allensworth as a Major; one of the first two Army chaplains to be promoted to the rank of Major. In 1882 Congress passed a law that permitted veterans of the Civil War to be promoted one rank on retirement from the Army. As a result Chaplain Allensworth was placed on the retired list of the Army with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, at the time the highest rank obtained by an African American.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

PG and E Helps Allensworth Lower Energy Cost

2011-10-27T22:12:00.000-07:00

Working through its local government partnership program and a charitable grant PG and E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company) launched an energy-efficiency project in the communities of Allensworth and Alpaugh. PG and E contracted Staples and Associates to convert the T12 fluorescent light fixtures to more efficient T8 fixtures in the Allensworth Community Center, the Allensworth Christian Church, and the Allensworth Elementary School. The T12 ballast and bulbs inside of each fixture were replaced with more efficient T8 electromagnetic ballasts and energy-saving fluorescent light bulbs.

Robert Cardenas, superintendent of the Allensworth Elementary School District, told Tracy Correa, Writer for the PG and E "Currents" web site, that “he hopes to save up to 20 percent on utility costs, which would mean the school could save more than $5,000 a year.” PG and E is upgrading the light fixtures and making other energy saving improvement at no cost to the Allensworth residents.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

CSPF Comments on High-Speed Rail Route

2011-10-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

Traci Verardo-Torres, vice-president of Government Affairs for the California State Parks Foundation (CSPF), has generously given us permission to publish these excerpts from the CSPF’s comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Statement (DEIR) for the Fresno-to-Bakersfield section of the California High-Speed Rail.

In her October 11, 2011 letter to Tom Umberg, chair of the California High-Speed Rail Authority board of directors, Verarado-Torres addressed the impact that the High-Speed Rail will have on Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority has announced that it will not release a Final Environment Impact Report for the Fresno-to-Bakersfield section of the High-Speed Rail as planned in January but will issue a Revised DEIR in the spring of 2012. There will be another official comment period following the release of the revised DEIR.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Given the cultural and historical importance of Allensworth and the legislative intent to protect the park, CSPF is concerned that the proposed Project will have long lasting, negative impacts to Allensworth. Specifically, the proposed Project will impact the historical character at Allensworth, create barriers to public access and negatively impact the visitors experience at the park. In addition to those concerns, we do not believe the DEIR adequately analyzed all proposed alternatives presented. Our concerns are outlined below.

Degradation of the historical character of Allensworth
Noise

The high speed train operation will result in noise impacts to Allensworth, but the DEIR does not present a clear and comprehensive analysis of the anticipated noise impacts to the park. Of the noise measurement sites, only two were selected just southeast of Allensworth. It is difficult to verify in the DEIR if the locations are sufficient to determine the extent of the noise that will be increased at the park. The noise analysis does not consider the wide use of activities by visitors at the park. Specifically, what impacts will occur to overnight visitors at the campgrounds? Or impacts to day-use visitors that walk through the historical district? What are impacts to the numerous special events that take place throughout the year? These questions are not examined in the DEIR. Further noise analysis and testing is required near visitor utilized areas to understand the impact to Allensworth.

Of the mitigation measures suggested in the DEIR, none sufficiently reduce the impact of noise to Allensworth to less than significant. Installing sound barriers is not proposed at Allensworth, which is inappropriate given the unique park characteristics. If sound barriers were constructed, a new modern feature would be introduced that will lead to degradation of the visual character at Allensworth and are therefore not an applicable mitigation measure.

Visual

Both alternatives studied in the DEIR create significant visual impacts.

The Burlington North Santa Fe Alignment Alternative (“BNSF alternative”) track would be located less than 100 feet from the park, introducing a new contemporary and disruptive feature at Allensworth. This is reinforced by the analysis in the DEIR itself, “24-foot-high OCS system components and wires, right-of-way fencing, and high speed rail trains would introduce distinctly modern industrial elements into the visual foreground that would alter the character of the site and lower visual quality” (DEIR, p. 3.16.61).

The Allensworth bypass alignment would position the park between two rail lines and DEIR concludes would be visible at the park. Unfortunately, the DEIR presents only one visual simulation from Allensworth. Additional simulations at other locations at the park, such as the campground or other historical structures, are required to fully analyze the visual impacts to the park.

Public Access
Park entrance

It is unclear whether the BNSF alternative will require the closure and moving of the entrance. The DEIR notes in the Transportation section, “Twenty three of 25 miles of track would be at grade within Tulare County, on the east side of BSNF Railway right-of-way. Elevated segments are at the Tule River and Alpaugh Railroad spur. Local roads would be maintained, avoided, or realigned except for closures of Angola Drive and Palmer Avenue” (DEIR, p. 3.2-50).

Does the closure of Palmer Avenue mean a new park entrance will be created? This is a significant issue that is not sufficient addressed in the DEIR. In the Appendix 2-B railroad crossing, line No 70, Palmer Road is listed as closing. Under line No 71 for Avenue 24, an above road crossing is proposed. This seems to suggest that access to the park will be provided from a southern access entrance. It is unclear why the potential closure of the current public access and creation of a new entrance to the park is only disclosed in a few areas in the DEIR and appears to be hidden. If the primary entrance to the park is moved, numerous questions emerge:

Will the new entrance impose any new visual or noise degradation to the park?
When will the permanent closure occur?
How will the road closure be implemented?

Changes of public access to Allensworth are critical to understand when evaluating the proposed Project. The DEIR is insufficient and unclear on these points.

Construction

Construction of the BNSF alternative will result in public access disturbances and impediments to Allensworth. As noted above, the park entrance is located at Palmer Avenue, which is part of the land that would be acquired as part of the alternative. If the BNSF alternative is selected, it is critical that public access to Allensworth remains accessible. Without the opportunity to review a draft or final plan for construction, CSPF emphasizes that every possible attempt should be made to minimize the overall impact during construction.

Amtrak

The DEIR concludes that when the project comes to fruition, the current Amtrak line that services Allensworth will be adjusted in response to the completion of the proposed Project. It is not clear from the DEIR if the proposed Project will result in the discontinuance of specific rail stops at Allensworth. Transportation planning should seek to maximize, not eliminate public transportation options to outdoor recreation and culturally significant opportunities, and CSPF urges the continuance of park-specific Amtrak service to Allensworth.

DEIR fails to adequately analyze all the proposed alignments

The DEIR presents three alternative alignments in consideration to Allensworth, but only two are analyzed in the environmental review documents. The utilization of the existing corridor with BNSF, and the Allensworth Bypass that would go east of the park are examined as potential alternative alignments of the proposed Project. Another option suggested, but not analyzed, is to relocate the BNSF railway adjacent to the eastern side of the Allensworth Bypass. There is a lack of a full discussion of this alternative. The DEIR reports this alignment has not been discussed with BNSF, but that does not preclude the need to analyze potential impacts from the proposed alternative if mentioned as a possible alternative alignment in the draft document.

Allensworth Hub for Organic Vegetables

2011-10-19T18:26:00.000-07:00

State Park interpreter Steven Ptomey and Allensworth residents

standing in front of the restored living agricultural display.

Depending on the time of year that future visitors come to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park they could see rows of freshly plowed soil, seeding starting to break through the top soil, or red tomatoes, green peppers and other vegetables in the park’s living agricultural display. The display is the result of the California Department of Parks and Recreation entering into a partnership with the residents of Allensworth, The South Central Farmers Coop and the Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment (CRPE). As part of the Department of Parks Volunteer In Parks program Allensworth community residents will plant and maintain a living agricultural display at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.

According to state park interpreter Steven Ptomey the restored display will enable the park staff to show visiting children how early Allensworth residents grew their own food.

In an October 10, 2011 news release Allensworth resident and CRPE advisory board member Denise Kadara said “The community believes that this endeavor complements the economic development effort that has been underway in Allensworth since 2008, and continues our overall quest to make Allensworth the hub for organic vegetables in Tulare County.” In October of 2010 the residents planted an organic community garden at the Allensworth Community Center. Earlier this month the Tulare County Farm Bureau’s education committee awarded the Allensworth Elementary School a $250 renewal grant to help them maintain their garden. In addition to the awarding the renewal grant the Farm Bureau gives the school access to the California Foundation for Ag in the Classroom, advice from Master Gardeners, and the bureau’s Beyond-the-Farm trailer.

With the assistance of the South Central Farmers Coop the Allensworth residents will sell the vegetables from the agricultural display, thereby producing revenue for community improvements.

For more information about the park’s living agricultural display contact Steven Ptomey at (661) 849-3433 or sptomey@parks.ca.gov.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Governor Signs AB 1077

2011-10-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

In 2007, when the public found out that the Tulare County Board of Supervisors was in the process of approving two massive dairies next Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, bus loads of park supporters turned out for the public hearings. Despite the over whelming opposition, the board of supervisors approved the two dairies. Jerry Brown, then California Attorney General, suited Tulare County for not adequately addressing the dairies environmental impacts. At the same time 62nd District Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter introduced a bill to create a 2.5-mile buffer zone around the park. In the end the state paid the farmer $3.5 million not to build the dairies, and Assembly Member Carter withdrew her bill.

Feeling victorious, after having stopped the construction of the two dairies, everyone turned their attention to the 2008 centennial. But, Assembly Member Carter realized that we might not be as fortunate the next time the state park is threaten by incompatible development. So on February 19, 2010, she introduced Assembly Bill 2356, which would have prohibited development that is incompatible with the historical or recreational significance of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. She later withdrew the bill because it could have affected the construction of the California High-Speed Rail.

Not one to easily give up, Assembly Member Carter introduced Assembly Bill 1077 on February 18, 2011. In addition to prohibiting incompatible development within 2.5 miles of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park this new bill requires that a feasibility study be preformed to consider the state park for designation as a National Historic Landmark.

After an hour long debate; where former Tulare County Board of Supervisors member, Connie Conway spoke out again the bill; the bill passed in the assembly 47-25 votes on June 2, 2011. The bill passed the Senate on August 22, 2011, but not before it was amended.

The section “This bill would prohibit a person from developing any of the area within 2 1/2 miles of the boundary of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in Tulare County in a manner that would be incompatible with the historic or recreational significance of the park.” was amended to read “This bill would require the Department of Parks and Recreation to notify the State Park and Recreation Commission of any proposed development that may substantially impact the historical, cultural, or recreational significance of the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, and would require the commission, upon receipt of that notification to hold a duly noticed public hearing to receive public input regarding the potential impacts of the proposed development on the park. The bill would require the commission, following the public hearing, to submit, in writing, to the department a summary of its conclusions on the potential park impacts that may be caused by the proposed development for transmission by the department to the appropriate local government entities.”

Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 1077 on Friday, October 8th.

I commend Assembly Member Carter for introducing AB 1077 and seeing it through the Assembly and Senate. Special thanks go out to Friends of Allensworth Statewide President Thomas Stratton for making sure that the Friends of Allensworth was listed as a resisted supporter of the bill.

Please take a minute to thank Assembly Member Carter for her commitment to protecting Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. You can leave a comment on her website or write her at:

Capitol Office:

State Capitol
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0062
Tel: (916) 319-2062
Fax: (916) 319-2162

District Office:

335 N. Riverside Ave.
Rialto, CA 92376
Tel: (909) 820-5008
Fax: (909) 820-5098

Stephen Hill, Sr.

The Suspense Will be Over Soon

2011-10-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

Assembly Bill 1077 (Carter): State parks: Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is one of the 344 bills waiting for Governor Jerry Brown’s signature. He has until midnight Sunday, October 9th to sign or veto these bills.

On Tuesday, the Governor Brown signed the California State Parks Foundation sponsored Assembly Bill 42 (Huffman) which will allow nonprofit organizations to enter into operating agreements with the Department of Parks and Recreation. Letting nonprofit organizations partner with the Department of Parks and Recreation could enable some of the state parks on the May closure list remain open.

I will post an update on AB 1077 as soon as I hear something, keep your fingers crossed.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

“Allensworth: A Piece of the World” Airs Statewide

2011-10-02T17:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the efforts of Carolyn McIntyre, President of the California Cable & Telecommunication Association, the 48 minute video “Allensworth: A Piece of the World,” will air statewide Monday October 3rd through Monday, November, 7th.

The video is airing on the California Channel, see list below for local channels. The video is also available for viewing in the archives of The California Channel’s web site.

If you have any questions or need additional information contact me at (916) 653-6032 or Benjamin@water.ca.gov.

More good news! The California Cable & Telecommunication Association is also a sponsor of this year’s “Colonel Allensworth 4th Annual 5K Run Walk for Health!” which will be a part of the October 8, 2011, “Annual Rededication” for the town. The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. All of the funds raised will be donated to the park.

Interested participants can register on line at http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1926413 and/or visit www.parks.ca.gov/allensworth to download and complete a registration form and mail it to:

Colonel Allensworth 4th Annual 5K Run Walk For Health
P.O. Box 192046
Sacramento, Ca 95819

Supporters can also participate by being a virtual runner / walker and receive a T-shirt by mail (see registration form).

Dorothy Benjamin

Walking the High-Speed Train Route

2011-09-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

Three exhausted hikers camped out at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park at the ends of day 17 of “We Make the Road by Walking” a 30 day hike along the proposed route of the California High-Speed Train. The three hikers are brothers that came back home after their mother told them the proposed route of the California High-Speed Train runs through the family’s walnut orchard in Hanford; land that has been in their family for over 100 years. Adam and Nate live in Portland, Oregon, and the oldest brother, Travis lives in Glasgow, Scotland.

Travis told reporter Tim Sheehan “[It] is important to understand things at a very local level, at ground level and at walking pace, in a very experiential way.” He went on to said “People are talking about money or air quality and all these important things, but a lot of people’s positions are very much informed by their daily lives and their histories and what they value about their individual places.”

The walk started August 29th at Union Station in Los Angeles and ended today, September 30th at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

“History Alive” Lecture Series

2011-09-27T17:41:00.000-07:00

September 1st was the start of the Lemon Grove Historical Society’s 34th annual “History Alive” lecture Series. The September 1st lecture was Life Behind the Barber’s Chair by William “Bill” Ware of the Tonsorial Parlor and Dr. Willie Morrow creator of the California Curl and owner of the San Diego Monitor.

The October 6th lecture is Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, California’s First Independent African American Community by Stephen Hill president of the San Diego Chapter of the Friends of Allensworth.

The November 3rd lecture is Pat Abbot on Earthquakes by Patrick Leon Abbott Professor Emeritus of Geology at SDSU.

These free lectures start at 7 pm in the H. Lee House Cultural Center, 3205 Olive Street, Lemon Grove, CA 91945. For more information call (619) 460-4353.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

“Gateway to the Pacific” Living History Event

2011-09-26T17:46:00.000-07:00

Front entry to the Camp Reynolds Chapel where Allensworth

was assigned from December 1900 to August 1902.

Angel Island State Park will host “Gateway to the Pacific”, a living history event, on Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 1 6 from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Camp Reynolds. The event highlights Angel Island and its role in the Spanish-American and Philippine-American Wars of 1899-1902. It will feature re-enactors interpreting the lives of soldiers and civilians of the time. Event historians will be on hand to discuss details of the war, exhibit equipment and weapons, and demonstrate original hand-crank sewing machines and other home crafts of the era spotlighting civilian life back at home.

The U.S. Army Post Camp Reynolds, housed troops being deployed to location throughout the Pacific in times of war, including the Philippine Islands, until the military left the Island during the early 1960s.

Chaplain Allen Allensworth and his family were assigned to Camp Reynolds after the chaplain was injured in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War. The 100 seat chapel and 24 seat one-room school where Chaplain Allensworth conducted Sunday service, and held weekly debates among the enlisted men is still there.

For more information about Angel island State Park call (415) 435-2131 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/angelisland. For ferry information from Tiburon, contact Angel Island Ferry Company, (4150 435-2131, http://www.angelislanferry.com/. For ferry information from San Francisco, contact Blue and Gold Fleet, (415) 773-1188, http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/.

Stephen Hill. Sr.

Public Hearing on High-Speed Train Route

2011-09-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

This week the California High-Speed Rail Authority is holding public hearings on the draft Environmental Impact Report/Statement for the Fresno to Bakersfield section of the California High-Speed Train System.

The first hearing took place today in Fresno. The Hanford hearing is Wednesday, September 21, 2011, from 3 to 8pm at the Civic Auditorium, 400 N. Douty Street, Hanford, CA 63230. The Bakersfield hearing is Thursday, September 22, 2011, from 3 to 8pm at the Beale Memorial Library Auditorium, 701 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301.

You can read the summary of the California HST EIR/EIS to see which route alignments will impact Colonel Allensworth SHP.

The California High-speed Rail Authority will be accepting public and agency comments on the draft EIR/EIS until Wednesday, September 28, 2011. Send your written comments to:

California High-speed Rail Authority
Fresno to Bakersfield Draft EIR/EIS Comments
770 L Street, Suite 800
Sacramento, CA 95814

Send email comments to:

Fresno_bakersfield@hsr.ca.gov

With the subject line “Draft EIR/EIS Comment”

Stephen Hill, Sr.

35th Annual Rededication

2011-09-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

Come join the Friends of Allensworth and the California Dept. of Parks & Recreation for the 35th Annual Rededication at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park on Saturday, October 8, 2011.

It is a time for the Friends of Allensworth, park staff, town descendents, and park supports to come together. It is a time to encourage each other to stay the course, to keep Colonel Allensworth’s dream alive. It is a time to pledge our support to protecting the future of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.

Entertainment will include gospel and jazz music, spoken word, square dancers, a praise team, and a puppet show. The guest speaker will be author, lecturer, and Allensworth descendent Rose Calbert-West. And as always there will be arts & crafts and food vendors. Space is still available at the campground.

For more information contact Friends of Allensworth at 530-949-2168.

Where: Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park

When: Saturday, October 8, 2011

Time: 10 am – 4 pm

Cost:

Vehicle Fee: $8

Small Bus (24 or less) $50

Buses (25 0r more) $100

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Rev. Maurice J. Cotton Sr. Honored

2011-09-13T19:35:00.000-07:00

For over 40 years the late Rev. Maurice J. Cotton Sr. faithfully administered to the needs of the Highlight Church of God in Christ congregation and the Lathrop community. Rev Cotton and his congregation have protected battered women and children, helped addicts overcome their addictions, as well as fed, clothed, and housed the homeless. At a ceremony on Saturday, September 3, 2011, the city of Lathrop, California expressed their gratitude for the former Allensworth resident by renaming the street in front of the Highlight Church of God in Christ church after him.

Born in Como, Texas his parents moved to Allensworth while he was serving in World War II. After the war young Maurice Cotton joined his parents in Allensworth where he met his wife Minnie Lee Cotton. In an interview with Record columnist Michael Fitzgerald she recounted how they met, “I met him in the cotton filed, I would have one row [done] and he would have two and double back and be on the third. He was a worker.”

Rev. Cotton was a worker his whole life, he was owner and operator of Cotton Trucking which his children operate today. He also found time to turn a family recipe into a mobile food stand business that traveled to the state and county fairs.

Rev Cotton’s daughter Dorothy Benjamin is the organizer of the Colonel Allensworth Annual 5K Run/Walk for Health, which raises awareness about health issues facing California. All of the proceeds from the 5K run walk benefit Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. Register online at: http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1926413. If you cannot make it to the park, you can still support the park by becoming a virtual runner/walker and receive a T-shirt by mail.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Volunteer Training Course

2011-08-24T19:45:00.000-07:00

We are looking for people with a positive and friendly attitude that are interested becoming volunteers at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. Volunteer opportunities include welcoming park visitors at the visitors’ center, interpreting the historic building, or behind the scenes work such as housekeeping and maintenance. The two day training course is Sept 24 and 25, from 9 am to 4 pm at the Park.

The course includes a general history of the Allensworth colony, interpretive skills and techniques, how to give a tour, correct period attire, and how to engage young visitors.

Lunch will be provided Saturday, but you must bring your own lunch Sunday.

Those interested in attending the two day course should contact Thomas Stratton, Friends of Allensworth Statewide President, at (530) 949-2168 or tomten@pacbell.net

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Fresno to Bakersfield Draft Environmental Impact Report

2011-08-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

The draft Environmental Impact Report/Statement (EIR/EIS) for the Fresno to Bakersfield section of the California High-Speed Train System has been released. The draft evaluates six High-Speed Train (HST) alignments. The BNSF Alternative is a single continuous route from Fresno to Bakersfield. The Allensworth Bypass is one of five bypasses being considered for this section of the HST. The Allensworth Bypass would diverge from the BNSF Alternative at Avenue 84 in Tulare County and swing west of Allensworth State Historic Park, rejoining the BNSF Alternative at Elmo Highway in Kern County.

“The BNSF Alternative would require the acquisition of property from Allensworth State Historic Park and the Allensworth Ecological Reserve. This alternative would also cause visual and noise impact on the park. The Allensworth Bypass Alternative would avoid these impacts and reduce the acreage of jurisdictional waters permanently affected by the project. However, the Allensworth Bypass Alternative would have a greater property tax revenue reduction, cause more agricultural business impacts, convert more acres of farmland to nonagricultural uses, and affect more acres of Williamson Act land than the BNSF Alternative.”

The California High-Speed Rail Authority is accepting public and agency comments on the Draft EIR/EIS until September 28, 2011. After reviewing the public comments the Rail Authority will issue a final project EIR/EIS that includes responses to the submitted comments and the preferred alternative route. According to the Next Steps Schedule (below) operation of the Fresno to Bakersfield section of the High-Speed Rail will begin in 2018.

Next Steps Schedule

The summary and highlights of the California HST EIR/EIS gives more details about which of the twenty-four alternative combinations will have a visual and noise impact, introduce a modern feature that is not consistent with the historic atmosphere or require the acquiescent of property from Allensworth State Historic Park.

Please attend one of the public workshops, public hearings or submit your comments to the California High-Speed Rail Authority; they could help determine how the California HST will affect Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.

Send written comments to:

California High-Speed Rail Authority

Fresno to Bakersfield Draft EIR/EIS Comments

770 L Street, Suite 800

Sacramento, CA 95814

Send email comments to:

Fresno_Bakersfield@hsr.ca.gov

With subject line "Draft EIR/EIS Comment”

California High-Speed Rail Authority Website:

http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/contact.aspx?cat=Fresno_-_Bakersfield

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Senate Takes The Bite Out of AB 1077

2011-07-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

In their July 6, 2011 regular session the California Senate amended Assembly Bill 1077. The amended bill no longer prohibits incompatible development within 2 ½ miles of the boundary of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. The amended bill only requires the Department of Parks and Recreation to notify the State Parks and Recreation Commission about any proposed Development that may impact the park; and for the commission to hold a public hearing. Approval of development projects will still remain with the Tulare County officials.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Midge Williams

2011-07-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

No, that’s not English. It’s Midge Williams, granddaughter of Joshua Singleton owner of the Singletons Grocery Store in Allensworth, singing Lazy Bones in Japanese. She recorded this song while touring China and Japan.

Born in 1915 Virginia “Midge” Louise Williams lived in Allensworth until she moved to Berkeley, California in 1929. She began her career with the Williams Quartette; Midge and her three brothers, John Lewis Jr., Robert, and Charles.

After touring the Far East Williams returned to the United States and performed with jazz greats like Fats Waller, Glen Miller, and Louis Armstrong. Her own band, Midge Williams and her Jazz Jesters, performed at the Apollo Theater and the Savoy Ball Room.

Midge Williams passed away in 1952from tuberculosis.

You can read more about her career on Wikipedia and you can purchase her music on Amazon. You can also hear more samples of her songs on YouTube.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Allensworth Teacher Moves to Ghana

2011-07-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

Thirty-six years after completing a three year post-graduate teaching program with the Peace Corps, former Allensworth teacher, Herman Davis moves back to Ghana. When he came back to the United States he got a job teaching at Allensworth. He told Press Telegram reporter Bob Keisser that he was the “principal, teacher, and bus driver”.

After leaving Allensworth Davis worked at a number of other schools before he landed a job as a math teacher and assistant football coach at his alma mater Long Beach Polytechnic High. Other alumni of Polytechnic High, “home of scholars & champions”, include tennis legend Billie Jean King, baseball hall of famer Tony Gwyn, actress and former model Cameron Diaz, and rapper Snoop Dogg.

Coach Herman Davis is a major character is the 2003 book “One Great Game: Two Teams, Two Dreams, in the First Ever National Championship High School Football Game”, a story about the October 6, 2001 game between two football powerhouses. Ranked by USA Today as the two top high school football teams; De La Salle a predominantly white, all male, catholic high school and Long Beach Ploy a racially diverse inner-city high school; face off in a highly emotional game.

In 2005 Long Beach Poly was number one on the Sports Illustrated list of “The 25 Best High School Athletic Programs”. The Jackrabbits football program has had over 50 players go to the NFL, including; Brandon Whiting-San Francisco 49ers, Omar Stoutmire-New York Giants, Samie Parker-Kansas City Chiefs, Kareem Kelly-Baltimore Ravens and Margues Anderson-Oakland Raiders.

Over his 27 years as assistant coach of the Jackrabbits Davis has become “an institution memory of the football program” and one of the most respected men in Long Beach.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

“Scat To Rap” Music Festival

2011-07-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

After years of being shuffled from foster home to foster home an estimated 5,000 California youth are emancipated or “age out” of the foster care system every year. Within six months of being released from the system 50% of them will be living under highway overpasses, in abandon cars, and in tent cities, not knowing when or where their next meal will come from.

The West East Community Access Network Foundation (WE CAN Foundation) in association with other California community groups are having the Allensworth “Scat To Rap” Family Music Festival to raise funds to assist the emancipated youth of Los Angeles, Tulare, and Kern counties.

Festival entertainment will include Gospel, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Spoken Word, and oral history narratives. The “Allensworth Trading Post” will have food, arts & crafts, vendors, exhibitors, and children’s activities.

The general admission ticket price is $15.00 (provide your own transportation), $30.00 (vanpool), or $45.00 (charter bus). Vanpools and Charter buses in Los Angeles will be leaving the Leimert Park parking lot adjacent to 4329 Degnan promptly at 8:30 AM. For attendees from Northern California, Amtrak has a direct stop at Allensworth. Call the We Can office for further details at (323) 293-9845.

Purchase tickets at:

www.brownpapertickets.com/event/162407
Bless-Ed Love at 1404 W. Vernon Ave., Los Angeles 90062
Ackee Bamboo Jamaican Cuisine, 4305 Degnan Blvd., Los Angeles 90008

For vendor or volunteer information or overnight camping call WE CAN Foundation at (323) 293-9845 or Kimberly and Robert Garcia at (323) 292-5214. http://doo-wop2hiphop.com/

What: Allensworth “Scat To Rap” Music Festival

When: Saturday, September 10, 2011

Time: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm

Where: Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park

Cost: $15.00 general admission
          $30.00 vanpool
          $45.00 charter bus

Evening Under The Shooting Stars

2011-07-07T17:26:00.000-07:00

Come enjoy an evening under the shooting stars of the Delta Aquarids meteor shower with the interpretive staff of Colonel Allensworth State Historic park. The Delta Aquarids meteor shower typically reaches a hourly rate of 10 and occurs each year from July 16 to September 10 in the northern hemisphere.

The program will start at the visitor center parking lot at 9:00 pm with a brief description of constellations and the life cycle of the meteor.

Bring your lounge chairs, binoculars, flashlight, water and refreshments and enjoy an evening under the shooting stars.

When: Friday, July 29th

Where: Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park

Time: 9:00 – 12:00 pm

Cost: $6.00 per car

For more information call (661-849-3433 or (661) 849-3443

Stephen Hill, Sr.

High-Speed Rail Information Meeting

2011-06-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

This week the California High-Speed Rail Authority is hosting three public information meeting about the Fresno-Bakersfield section of the high-speed rail route. This is your chance to learn about how the high-speed rail will impact Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. These are the last public meeting about the Fresno – Bakersfield section of the route scheduled for 2011.

If you live near Allensworth or Bakersfield please make time to attend one of these important meeting. The California High-Speed Rail could have a big impact on Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, this is the time for us to let the Rail Authority know we care about the park.

Tuesday, June 21
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Where: Allensworth Elementary School
            3320 Young Road
            Allensworth, CA 93219

Wednesday, June 22
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Where: Fruitvale Jr. High
            2114 Calloway Drive
            Bakersfield, CA 93308

Thursday, June 23
Time: 5:00 to 7:00 pm

Where: Fresno (TBD)

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Save Our State Parks Rally & Expo

2011-06-10T21:09:00.000-07:00

The Save Our State Parks Rally & Expo will be held on North Steps of the State Capitol.

           8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Expo

          10 a.m.-11 a.m. Press Conference/Rally

          11 a.m.-2 p.m. Expo

We invite you to Join the California State Parks Foundation in Sacramento on June 21 and show your support for California’s 278 state parks! Be part of our Save Our State Parks Campaign rally, where we will urge state policymakers to not make our state parks just a memory and then stop by our Expo to learn more about each of the 70 state parks planned for closure.

At the expo you will be able to speak with representatives from organizations throughout the state that have joined the Save Our State Parks campaign. You will be able to learn more about work being done to stop park closures, increase volunteer efforts and raise awareness, and find out ways in which you can help!

We hope you will join us! For more information, please contact us at advocacy@calparks.org.

Linsey Fredenburg-Humes
Grassroots Manager
California State Parks Foundation
http://www.calparks.org/

AB 1077 Passed in the Assembly

2011-06-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

Conway AB 1077 from CA Assembly GOP on Vimeo.

On Thursday, June 2, 2011, after the third assembly reading, California Assembly Bill 1077 passed in the assembly 47 – 25 votes. During an hour long debate Assembly Minority Leader, former Tulare County Board of Supervisors member, Connie Conway spoke out again the bill stating that it would set a dangerous precedence that takes away local land use authority.

The bill would prohibit development within 2 ½ miles of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in a manner that would be incompatible with the historical cultural, or recreational significance of the park. The bill would also require a feasibility study be preformed to consider the state park for designation as a National Historic Landmark.

The bill was also read for the first time in the Senate on Thursday, June 2, 2011.

Please let the Committee on Appropriations know that you support Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park and AB 1077 by sending your letters of support to:

Honorable Wilmer Amina Carter
Assemblymember, 62nd, District
California State Assembly
State Capitol, Room 2136
Sacramento, CA 95814

Stephen Hill, Sr.

2011 Juneteenth Celebration

2011-06-04T15:38:00.000-07:00

Come travel in time, back to the first decade of the twentieth century to discover what life was like in the all black town of Allensworth, California. Joint the Friends of Allensworth Cooperating Association and the California Department of Parks and Recreation as we celebrate Juneteenth, "… a day on which honor and respect is paid for the sufferings of slavery. It is a day on which we acknowledge the evils of slavery and its aftermath. "

Enjoy speakers, live music and a puppet show featuring Colonel Allensworth. The on stage entertainment is only part of the Allensworth Juneteenth experience. When visiting the restored homes and businesses make sure to stop by the Singleton General Store and Post Office, where Josephine Triplett, Friends of Allensworth docent and descendant of the Hall family, will share the childhood adventures of her mother Gemelia and her aunts Alwortha and Ethel.

What:   Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Where: Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park

When: Saturday June 11, 2011 from 10am to 4pm

Cost:    Passenger vehicles - $8.00

             Bus with up to 24 passengers $50.00

             Bus with 25 or more passengers $100.00

For more information contact Friends of Allensworth President Thomas Stratton at tomten@pacbell.net or 530-949-2168.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

FOA President Elected to Board of CALPA

2011-05-22T17:03:00.000-07:00

Last week Friends of Allensworth Statewide President Thomas Stratton was elected to the board of the California League of Park Associations (CALPA) during the league’s 2011 conference in Mendocino, California.

The League, formed in 1983, is a volunteer group that provides support to Cooperating Associations affiliated with specific parks in the California State Park System. The League is divided into six regions serving the San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara/Monterey, San Francisco Bay, Inland (Sacramento) and Northern (Red Bluff north) areas.

The League provides support to Cooperating Association by:

• Arranging workshops, conferences and providing a free resource library for members

• Being an advocate for California State Parks

• Recognizing excellence within the family of Cooperating Associations

• Transmitting information between California State Parks, Cooperating Associations and other related Park Organizations

• Furthering the common interests of Parks Associations and members

President Stratton congratulations on being elected to the board of the California League of Park Associations.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Lantern Light "Ghost Tour"

2011-05-22T15:45:00.000-07:00

Colonel's Home

On Saturday, June 4th the California State Parks will host the first of three Lantern Light “Ghost Tours” for 2011.

The Ghost Hunters of the Porterville Ghost Society, the first ghost hunting group to be given permission to investigate Allensworth for paranormal activity, will lead visitors on a night time tour of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.

The Ghost Hunters will also share information about their first investigation of Allensworth. Accompanied by a State Park Ranger, a KMPH Channel 26 news crew and the Porterville Recorder, the ghost hunters heard footsteps following them on a gravel roadway. During their first investigation of the park they even managed to record voices, cookware and furniture being moved and the ringing of a 30’s-40’s era phone or alarm clock. Group members also heard the sound of small feet running by the school yard.

The Porterville Ghost Society’s report of the Allensworth Investigation includes EVPS; high-speed version for Electronic Voice Phenomena, recorded in the Smith House and Allensworth Home.

The tours are not recommended for children under 12.

The first tour starts at 8:30 pm with the second tour starting at 10:30pm. The tours cost $10.00 per person.

For more information about the tour or Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park contact Steve Ptomey at 661-849-3433 or email sptomey@parks.ca.gov.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

High-Speed Train Public Meeting

2011-05-18T21:08:00.000-07:00

Fresno to Bakersfield section of the 800-mile California High-Speed Rail

This week the California High-Speed Rail Authority have been hosting public Information meetings to answer questions and get input on the next steps for the Fresno to Bakersfield section of the California High-Speed Train project.

The first segment of the High-Speed Rail will begin near Madera, north Fresno, and end in Shafter, about 1o miles north of Bakersfield. The initial segment will incorporate as many as 120 miles depending on which of the alternative alignments are selected.

• Through Corcoran OR Corcoran Bypass

• West of Allensworth Park OR along BNSF east of Allensworth Park

• Through Wasco & Shafter OR Wasco & Shafter Bypass

The alignment adjacent to the BNSF will impact Allensworth State Historic Park; the alternative west of the BNSF will avoid Allensworth State Historic Park.

For those in the Bakersfield area you can attend the Thursday, May 19, 2011, meeting at the Marriott Hotel, 801 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield. From 5 -7 pm.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Old Time Jubilee

2011-05-16T20:24:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, May 21st the Friends of Allensworth Interpretive Association, in cooperation with the California State Department of Parks and Recreation will host their Old Time Jubilee event at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. Old Time Jubilee commemorates the carnival’s yearly May visit to Allensworth during the community’s heyday.

One of the special children’s activities scheduled for the day is a puppet show featuring “Colonel Allensworth”.

In addition to enjoying the entertainment on the main stage, you can take a self-paced tour of the historic homes and business. When you are at the Colonel’s house be sure to ask the docent to tell you about Mrs. Allensworth and the oil lamp.

For more information about this event or the Friends of Allensworth contact Friends of Allensworth President Thomas Stratton at (530) 949-2168 or tomten@pacbell.net

Campsites are still available for this event.

What: Old Time Jubilee

When: Saturday, May 21, 2011

Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Where: Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park

Stephen Hill, Sr.

State Parks Announces Closures

2011-05-13T22:26:00.000-07:00

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park NOT on list

Today, May 13^,2011, the California Department of Parks and Recreation announced its plan to close 70 parks, beaches, and recreation areas. California State Parks director Ruth Coleman told reporters “We regret closing any park, but with the proposed budget reductions over the next two years, we can no longer afford to operate all parks within the system.”

This summer service cuts will begin with park closures starting as early as September and all 70 parks closing by July 2012.

State Parks had three primary goals for developing the closure methodology:

Protect the most significant natural and cultural resources
Maintain public access and revenue generation to the greatest extent possible
Protect closed parks so that they remain attractive and usable for potential partners.

The closure plan will allow the Department of Parks and Recreation to preserve the majority of the system’s attendance and revenue; attendance will be reduced by 8% and revenues by 6%.

The park system currently has 32 operating agreements with cities, counties and non-profits to operate state parks and they are looking for new partners to operate parks.

Please send a letter to your legislators to let them know you do not support the closure of state parks.

When Governor Brown releases his updated budget proposal on Monday the list of parks may grow.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Allensworth Library part of San Francisco Exhibition

2011-05-06T19:28:00.000-07:00

The Allensworth (Tulare County Free) Library is one of the libraries featured in the Public Library: An American Commons exhibition at the San Francisco Public Library’s Jewett Gallery, April 9 – June 12, 2011. The exhibition is part of photographer- Robert Dawson’s The American Public Library project, a photographic and historical survey of public libraries throughout the United States. Since 1994, he has traveled to sixteen states photographing public libraries and eventually will publish a large-scale. His photographs are in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of American Art, and the Library of Congress.

The array of approximately seventy black and white and color photographs included in the exhibition covers the full spectrum of American libraries. Large metropolis libraries like the Boston, Massachusetts Main Library, the New York City Carnegie Library, and the African American History Museum and Library in Oakland, California. Architectural masterpieces like the Frank Lloyd Wright designed library in San Rafael, California to the Death Valley National Park Library located in a small weathered trailer. And historic libraries like California’s oldest public library in Redlands, California and the Tulare County Free Public Library at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.

The Tulare County Library was established when the Colonel’s wife Mrs. Josephine Allensworth had the old one room school house moved to a town lot that she donated. The library’s official name was the Allensworth branch of the Tulare County Free Library, but to the residents of Allensworth it was known as the Mary Dickerson Memorial Library in honor of Mrs. Allensworth’s mother.

The small humble library, heated by a wood burning stove and lit by oil lamps, had the required table, two chairs and enough shelves to hold 1,000 books. The library’s collection began with donated books from Colonel Allensworth’s and other private collections and rapidity expanded with each allotment of new books shipped from the county.

The Mary Dickerson Memorial Library operated continuously in this building from 1913 until 1943.

Accompanying events include:
May 7, 6 pm
Gallery Walkthrough with Photographer Robert Dawson
Photographer Robert Dawson and photo curator/historian, Ellen Manchester, will lead an informal tour and discussion of Dawson’s photographs in the exhibition.

May 14, 3 pm
From Carnegie to Koolhaas: Robert Dawson’s photographs of Public Libraries: An artist talk with Robert Dawson

May 18, 6 pm
Carnegie to Contemporary: Building San Francisco Public Libraries
Panel discussion of San Francisco architects on the architecture and design of San Francisco branch libraries.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Assembly Bill 1077 passed 9 – 4

2011-04-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

At the California Assembly Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife hearing on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 AB 1077 (Carter) passed 9 – 4, and will be re-referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

The Friends of Allensworth is the only registered supporter for the bill. The registered opposition to the bill is:

     American Council of Engineering Companies of California
     Tulare County Farm Bureau
     Visalia Chamber of Commerce

A special thank you goes out to Friends of Allensworth Statewide President Thomas Stratton for taking time out of his busy schedule to attend the hearing and making sure that the Friends of Allensworth was listed as a registered supporter of the bill.

Please let the Committee on Appropriations know that you support Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park and AB 1077 by sending your letters of support to:

     Honorable Wilmer Amina Carter
     Assemblymember, 62nd, District
     California State Assembly
     State Capitol, Room 2136
   Sacramento, CA 95814

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Assembly Bill No. 1077 Committee Hearing is April 26, 2011

2011-04-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

Assembly Bill No. 1077 first committee hearing is Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at the California State Capitol. The public will have an opportunity to give testimony during committee hearing.

This is your opportunity to go on record as a supporter of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park and AB No. 1077.

Date: Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Time: 9:00 am

Where: State Capitol
Room 437
Sacramento, CA 95814

For more information contact Friends of Allensworth Statewide President Thomas Stratton at (530) 949-2168.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Friends of Allensworth member The First Laid to Rest at Miramar Cemetery

2011-04-16T22:22:00.000-07:00

Friends of Allensworth member, John Smith, became the first person buried in a casket at the new Miramar National Cemetery on Thursday, April 14, 2011. Smith devoted the last ten years of his life to lobbying for the Miramar National Cemetery.

As a veteran of the Vietnam War, John Smith service as a medic with the 1st Air Cavalry. Smith was dictated to helping his fellow veterans in San Diego County.

In 1981 Smith helped organize the Vietnam Veterans of San Diego, which changed its name to Veterans Village of San Diego in 2005. The group runs Veterans Rehabilitation Center that has en employment and training department, medical offices, and 16 three-bedroom, three-bath apartments.

Smith helped organize the nation’s first annual “Stand Down” event in 1988. “Stand Down” is a community program that assists homeless veterans with immediate physical needs such as showers, barbers, medical and dental. Other services provided are employment and job counseling, counseling, and veterans’ benefits.

The above video is the KFMB-TV 8 coverage of the burial service.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Assemblywoman Carter Introduces AB 1077

2011-04-01T23:35:00.000-07:00

Allensworth Hotel

62nd District Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter has introduced Assembly Bill No. 1077. This bill would add section 5006.10 to the Public Resources Code and would read:

(a) A person shall not develop any of the area within two-and-one-half miles of the boundary of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in Tulare County in a manner that would be incompatible with the historic or recreational significance of the park.

(b) This section does not apply to a development in Tulare County that was approved by the county on or before March 1, 2011.

You can read the complete bill on the California Legislature website.

In a March 31, 2011 story in The Press-Enterprise reporter Jim Miller called the bill “far-flung”, he went on to criticize Assemblywoman Carter because the park is more than 200 miles from her district.

This is the third time that Assemblywoman Carter has introduced a bill to prohibit development next to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. She introduced the first bill in 2007 during the battle over the two dairies that were scheduled to be built next to the park. She withdrew the bill after the dairy project was canceled. Last year she introduced Assembly Bill 2356, and then withdrew it because it could have affected the construction the California High Speed Rail.

Assembly Bill No. 1077 first committee hearing is April 26, 2011.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Original Buffalo Soldier Dies

2011-03-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

ALLEN, CHARLES

March 23, 1932 - March 19, 2011

Long time Friends of Allensworth member Charles Allen passed away on March 19, 2011, four days before his 79th birthday.

During the Korean War Charles Allen was assigned to Company ‘B’, of the 24th Infantry Regiment making him one of the last of the original Buffalo Soldiers. (From 1886 to1906 Allen Allensworth was the chaplain of the 24th Infantry Regiment.) While serving as the Command Sniper he was wounded twice for which he was awarded the Purple Heart.

The 24th Infantry Regiment became the last original Buffalo Soldier Regiment when the 2nd Cavalry Division was deactivated in 1944. When President Harry S. Truman integrated the Armed Forces the surviving members of the 24th & 25th Infantry Regiments, and the 9th, 10th, 27th & 28th Cavalry Regiments became the last original Buffalo Soldiers.

In addition to being a member of the Friends of Allensworth and a devoted supporter Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Charles Allen served as the Recording Secretary of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Ninth & Tenth (Horse) Cavalry Association.

Service will be:

Friday, April 1, 2011
12:00 PM
Chapel of Roses
3443 W. Manchester Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA

You can leave a message for the family at the Simpson’s Family Mortuary website.

Stephen Hill, Sr,

Passing of Parnell Lovelace, the founder of the San Diego Chapter of the Friends of Allensworth

2011-02-28T20:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and Supporters;

It is with a heavy heart that I must announce the passing of Parnell M. Lovelace, Sr., the founder and first president of the San Diego Chapter of the Friends of Allensworth. After a long illness he passed away in his home on February 27, 2011.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Parnell’s name to:

Wilma Lovelace
P.O. Box 161211
San Diego, CA 92176

You can leave messages for the family at the Preferred Cremation and Burial website.

Service Information:

Viewing:
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
5:00 - 8:00 pm
Preferred Cremation and Burial, San Diego
6529 University Avenue
San Diego, California 92115

Funeral Service:
Thursday, March 3rd, 2011
11:00am – 1:30pm
31st Street Seventh-day Adventist Church
414 South 31st Street
San Diego, California 92113

We ask that you remember his family in your prayers.

Sincerely,

Stephen Hill, Sr.
Friends of Allensworth
San Diego Chapter No 12

Mary Dickerson Memorial Library

2011-02-27T13:31:00.000-08:00

The Mary Dickerson Memorial Library is the latest video on the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park’s new YouTube Channel. The other videos are The Hackett House, The Drug Store, and Colonel Allensworth visits the Schoolhouse. You can view all of the Allensworth videos on YouTube.

Built in 1913, the Mary Dickerson Memorial Library was the first satellite library in Tulare County. The video shows the inside of the library to include books like Battles and Victories of Allen Allensworth, and a 1908 Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalog.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

15 Not-To-Be-Missed Black History Destinations

2011-02-08T21:31:00.000-08:00

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park has been listed as one of the 15 not-to-be-missed black history destinations by the Grio website. The other 14 places listed were:

African Burial Ground National Monument
Apollo Theater
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
Levi Coffin House
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
National Underground Railroad Museum(The Bierbower House)
Louis Armstrong House and Archives
Old Slave Mart Museum (Charleston, SC)
Museum of Black WWII history
Harlem Heritage Tours and Cultural Center
Robert Russa Moton Museum (Farmville, VA)
Slave Relics Museum (Walterboro, SC)
Five Points, Denver
The Rankin House (Ripley, OH)

According to the Grio website:

TheGrio.com is the first video-centric news community site devoted to providing African Americans with stories and perspectives that appeal to them but are underrepresented in existing national news outlets. TheGrio features aggregated and original video packages, news articles, and blogs on topics from breaking news, politics, health, business, and entertainment, which concern its niche audience.

Visit the Grio website to read about all of the not-to-be-missed black history destinations.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

2011 BET Honors Award

2011-02-05T16:45:00.000-08:00

Lonnie G. Bunch III, on the Red Carpet with Sharon Carpenter

Lonnie G. Bunch III, the founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, will receive the 2011 BET Honors Education Award. BET will air the award show on February 21, 2011.

The other 2011 honorees are:

Entertainment: Jamie Foxx
Musical Arts: Herbie Hancock
Service: Iman
Media: Linda Johnson Rice
Theatrical: Cicely Tyson

Mr. Bunch, a 30-year veteran of the museum field, became a supporter of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park when he was serving as the curator of history for the California African-American Museum in Los Angeles. He traveled from Washington DC back to California to be the keynote speaker for the 2008 Allensworth Centennial Celebration at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.

In the foreword to Mrs. Alice C. Royal’s book Allensworth, The Freedom Colony Mr. Bunch wrote:

“As I listened to friends of the community and former residents speak, I found myself captivated and moved by the passion and the stories shared by Mrs. Alice C. Royal. Soon she was taking me around to meet individuals whose stories helped me to better understand the history and meaning of this community. Mrs. Royal kindly schooled this historian, and by the time I left that fall event, I knew that I would write and later create an exhibition that would make more visible this interesting and illuminating history.”

In this audio clip from wbur.org NPR you can hear Mr. Bunch being interviewed by NPR Editor Sasa Woodruff for her 2008 NPR segment “Celebrating The Allensworth Legacy 100 Years Later.”

Mr. Lonnie G. Bunch III, the Friends of Allensworth congratulate you on receiving the 2011 BET Honors Education Award.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Russ Christoff Visits Allensworth

2011-02-04T20:54:00.000-08:00

The California Department of State Parks has begun to post segments of the Traveling California State Parks Videos to their Youtube channel. In this 4 minute video world camper Russ Christoff visits Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park for the annual Juneteeth celebration. There are shots of some of the Allensworth homes before they were restored and an interview with Friends of Allensworth docent Susie Smith.

Russ Christoff and associates spent three years traveling to over 90 of California’s State Parks. They produced a four hour three-part video series that covers the main three areas of California: Northern, Central, and Southern. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is part of the Central California video.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Black History Month At The Park

2011-01-28T21:17:00.000-08:00

Please join the Friends of Allensworth and the California Department of Parks and Recreation as we celebrate Black History Month at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park on Saturday, February 12, 2011. This is our first major event for 2011, for a list of other events scheduled for this year visit our calendar of events.

The focus of the Black History Month program is to provide activities for school age children that are both entertaining and educational while emphasizing the accomplishments of our African American ancestors. Docents will be on site to give tours of the town’s two room school house, Col Allensworth’s home, the Hindsman General store, the hotel, and the other historic homes and businesses in this self governed all Black town. In addition to the activities and tours, the video “Allensworth: A Piece of the World” will be playing in the visitor center.

Date: Saturday, February 12, 2011

Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sites are still available at the campground, to reserve your campsite go to the Reserve America website or call 1-800-444-7275.

For more information about the Black History Program or the Friends of Allensworth contact Thomas Stratton at tomten@pacbell.net.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Proposed Allensworth Health Clinic

2011-01-25T20:25:00.000-08:00

Dr Mylene Rucker of Visalia is proposing the establishment of a health clinic in or near Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. She has planned a public meeting at her office to solicit feedback and locate potential investors. Dr. Rucker said “there’s a need down there”, “they have to go all the way to Delano”. (11 miles away)

Date: Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Time: 12:30 pm

Place: 2305 Midvalley Ave
Visalia, Ca 93291

Phone: (559) 635-1746

Dr. Rucker plans to finance the health clinic in part through the Federal Rural Health Clinic program, a Health Resources and Services Administration program designed to bring health care to underserved rural areas and Medi-Cal benefits for clinics operating in rural areas.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

9th Annual Park Advocacy Day

2011-01-20T19:25:00.000-08:00

Credit: CSPF 2010

On Tuesday, March 22, 2011 the California State Parks Foundation will host the 9th annual Park Advocacy Day. Park Advocacy Day is an opportunity for state park supporters to meet face to face with California legislators to discuss our state parks and our concerns with the recent park closures, reduced operating hours, deferred maintenance, staff layoffs and budget cuts.

Park Advocacy Day is FREE however you must register online before February 12, 2011. Then Participate in an online/telephone briefing were you will receive the latest information about the state budget and policy issues that will have an effect on the state parks. Last year participants lobbied for Assembly Bill 2356(Carter), this bill would have established a buffer around Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.

Park Advocacy Day is a chance for us to let Governor Brown and the 40 new legislators know how important Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is to the history of African-Americans in California, and a chance to have a positive impact on the future of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.

The day will begin at 8:00 am with packet pickup and team assignments and end with a speaker’s panel from 4:30 – 5:3- pm. This year’s award recipients will be honored at a reception in the Elks Tower ballroom following the speakers’ panel. Go to the California State Parks Foundation website to register and/or view a tentative itinerary.

For more information on Park Advocacy Day, please contact the California State Parks Foundation's Sacramento office at (916) 442-2119 or email Linsey@calparks.org.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

The Legacy Continues

2011-01-11T20:30:00.000-08:00

The Legacy Continues: An Open Dialogue About Today’s Allensworth

A panel of California community members will discuss the importance of the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. The photographers highlighted in the Allensworth: A Place, A People, A Story exhibit will be on hand. For more information call (213) 744-7432

When: Saturday, January 22, 2011

Time: 1:00 pm

Where: California African American Museum

             600 State Drive – Exposition Park

             Los Angeles, CA 90037

Cost: Admission is free.
          However, parking is $8 per vehicle.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

High-Speed Rail Comes to Allensworth

2010-12-21T18:13:00.000-08:00

At their December 20, 2010 board meeting the California High-Speed Rail Authority voted to committee matching state funds to the additional $616 million Federal High-Speed Rail Support funds – which were redistributed after being returned by Wisconsin and Ohio. These additional funds bring the total available for construction of the first segment of the California High-Speed rail to $5.5 billion.

The initial segment will begin in the Central Valley and incorporate as many as 120 miles depending on which of the alternative alignments are selected.

Through Corcoran OR Corcoran Bypass
West of Allensworth Park OR along BNSF east of Allensworth Park
Through Wasco & Shafter OR Wasco & Shafter Bypass

The alignment adjacent to the BNSF will impact Allensworth State Historic Park , the alternative west of the BNSF will avoid Allensworth State Historic Park.

The first segment will begin near Madera, north of Fresno, and end in Shafter, about 10 miles north of Bakersfield. If the more expensive alignments are selected the track will only be about 90 miles and stop at Allensworth. Alignment selection will be made after all environmental studies have been completed.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

California State Parks Foundation Travel Center

2010-12-08T19:38:00.000-08:00

Now you can make your reservations for the Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park campground and help the California State Parks Foundation at the same time. The California State Parks Foundation has partnered with The Active Network, EveryTrail, and Travelcity Partner Network to create the new California State Parks Foundation Travel Center. For each reservation made through the travel center the California State Parks Foundation receives 50 cent. California State Parks Foundation members will also get up to 10 percent off of their camping reservation.

At the California State Parks Foundation travel center you can:

• Download trail guides for different state parks

• Reserve rental cars

• Book flights

• Make hotel reservations

To receive your member discount and for the California State Parks Foundation to earn 50 cent you have to go to http://www.calparks.org/travel/.

Take a few minutes now to bookmark the California State Parks Foundation travel center, even better reserve one of the parks 115 campsites for the Friends of Allensworth Black History Month program in February or Colonel Allen Allensworth’s birthday celebration in April.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Chapter Founder Parnell Lovelace

2010-11-25T17:45:00.000-08:00

Parnell Lovelace, the founder and first president of the San Diego chapter of the Friends of Allensworth had emergency surgery on November 3, 2010. Since the surgery he has been living at the Jacob Health Care Center in San Diego.

His wife Wilma and son Ralph have created a website with a service called Caring Bridge to keep Parnell's family and friends updated on his status and to leave messages for him and his family. You can also view pictures of Parnell with his family and the health care center staff celebrating his 80th birthday. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/parnell

Please take a moment to visit the website and leave a message in the Guestbook.

You can send flowers and cards to:
Jacob Health Care Center
4075 54th Street, Room #207
San Diego, CA 92105

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Ranger Shelton Johnson on the Oprah show.

2010-10-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

During Oprah and Gayle’s Big Yosemite Camping Adventure Ranger Shelton Johnson give them camping tips. Their Yosemite Camping trip airs in two parts; Friday, October 29, 2010 and Wednesday, November 3, 2010. A preview of the Oprah show can be seen on the REI web site.

During the 2008 Allensworth Centennial celebration Ranger Johnson did a Buffalo Soldier Living History Interpretation. Buffalo Soldiers built the first trail to the top of Mt. Whitney as well as the first museum in what would become Yosemite National Park. Ranger Johnson also starred in Ken Burn’s series The National Parks: America’s Best Idea. The clip below is from the Ken Burn’s series.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Allensworth Ghost Tours

2010-10-22T17:10:00.000-07:00

On Friday, October 29th park rangers and members of the Porterville Ghost Society will share stories about their ghostly encounters as they lead visitors on a lantern light tour around Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. The Porterville Ghost Society will also have a display and demonstration of the specialized equipment they use to detect paranormal activity.

The 90 minute walking tour will begin at the visitor center parking lot and end at the historic Allensworth hotel, where Halloween treats will be given out. The first tour starts at 8:30 pm with the second tour starting at 10:30 pm. The tours cost $10.00 per person, children 12 and under are free.

Contact Steve Ptomey or Jerelyn Oliveira at 661-849-3433 for more information. Or email sptomey@parks.ca.gov or joliveir@parks.ca.gov.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Prop. 21 Television Spots

2010-10-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

Below are two television ads for the Yes on 21 campaign that started airing statewide today. “The new ads showcase how budget cuts and underfunding are destroying California’s state parks and beaches and focus on Proposition 21 as the solution to protect parks, wildlife and water.”

Supporters of Prop 21 can also create their own 15 - 30 second campaign videos and post them to the Yes on 21 for state parks web site. The site also list nearly 700 organizations that have endorsed Prop 21.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

2010 Rededication Celebration

2010-09-25T23:27:00.000-07:00

We invite you, your family, and friends to join us as we travel back in time to a period when the Allensworth community was busting with vitality. When the glee club traveled in a Model A Ford to surrounding towns – from Bakersfield to Fresno and back over in the hills to places like Lindsay and Porterville. And the women gathered at each other’s homes to make quilts from the scraps of wore out shirts and dresses.

On Saturday, October 9th Friends of Allensworth members and visitors from all over California will descend on Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park for the 2010 Rededication celebration.

The program will feature live entertainment on the main stage – a puppet show featuring Colonel Allensworth, Spoken Word Artist, Gospel Music, Jazz, Square Dancers, Praise Team, and guest speaker George Palmer. You will be able to purchase food from the vendors or bring your own. Vendors will also be selling art, cards and other African American goods. While touring the historic homes and businesses you will have an opportunity to hear Allensworth decedents share stories that were passed down from their parents and grandparents. Or you can take a ride around the park on one of bikes from the park’s new fleet of rentals bikes.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Frances K. Jackson Businesswoman of the Year

2010-09-23T21:43:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Frances K. Jackson, vice-president of the San Diego Chapter of the Friends of Allensworth, on being selected as the 2010 African American Business Women of Vision’s (AABWV) Businesswoman of the year. Frances will be honored at the AABWV 13th Anniversary Celebration Dinner.

13th Anniversary Celebration

African American Business Women of Vision

Friday, October 15, 2010

Mission Valley Resort, 875 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108

Registration and vendors 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Program and Dinner starts at 7:00 p.m.

To register for the celebration dinner fill out the attached form. Sponsorships and vendor tables are also available. To RSVP or get more information about the celebration contact Dee Sanford at deesanford@cox.net or 619-263-6868.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Addie Singleton Talk

2010-09-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

The Valley of the Flowers United Church of Christ in Lompoc, California will host a talk by Addie Singleton on Sunday, September 19th. Addie Singleton is a descendant of Joshua and Henrietta Singleton owners of the Singleton store in Allensworth, California. The Singleton store was in operation until Mr. Singleton died in 1928. You can read more about the Singleton friend on the Friends of Allensworth website.

Date:
Sunday, September 19, 2010

Time:
11:15 a.m.

Cost:
Admission and refreshments are free.

For more information, visit www.valleyoftheflowersucc.org or call 805-733-3333.

Stephen Hill, SR.

Allensworth: A Place. A People. A Story.

2010-09-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

Stormy Reflection
By David Green

What:

The exhibit Allensworth: a Place. A People. A Story.

A collective photographic study of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park by Photographers Rick Russell, David Paul Green, Karen Carll, Clark Campbell, Jean Carter, Ted Dayton, Christy Stallcup, Robert Mance and April Bielefeldt.

The exhibit includes a video created by Dusty and Barbara Stiles that celebrates the contributions of docents and volunteers at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.

Visit the California African American Museum website to view samples the exhibit photos.

When:

August 26, 2010 – February 27, 2011

Where:

California African American Museum

600 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037

Cost:

Admission to the museum is free however, parking is $8.00

Hours of Operation:

The museum galleries are open Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday 11:00 – 5:00 pm.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Ghost Tours

2010-08-29T17:21:00.000-07:00

Colonel Allen Allensworth's Home

Start off your Labor Day weekend with a Ghost Tour of Colonel Allensworth SHP.

There are two tours scheduled for Saturday, September 4th, 8:30 pm and 10:30 pm.

You can read about Porterville Ghost Society’s Allensworth investigation in the Winter 2010 issue of our newsletter.

There are also two tours scheduled for Friday, October 29th.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Allensworth Interviews: A Video by Dusty Stiles.

2010-08-25T20:45:00.000-07:00

In this 19 minute video Dusty Stiles interviews Allensworth State Historic Park docents ; Emmett Harden, Marianna Reliforte, Hazel Kennedy, Josephine Herring , park interpreter Jerelyn Olivera and photographers Rick Russell and David Green.

This video is part of an upcoming Allensworth exhibition at the California African-American Museum in Exhibition Park, Los Angeles. The exhibition is the result of a photo project conceived by Rick Russell. Russell and nine of his friends spent the day at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park and taking photographers of the park which were put into a book: “Allensworth: A Place. A People. A Story.” The book will be sold at the park with proceeds benefitting the park and Friends of Allensworth.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Colonel Allensworth Third Annual 5K Run Walk For Health

2010-08-22T14:57:00.000-07:00

When: Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 9:00 A.M.

Course: Our certified 5K Run Walk course will begin and end at Colonel Allensworth SHP.

Features: T-shirt, Refreshments, Random Drawing, Timing, aid stations stocked with water, healthy eats and volunteers.

Awards Ceremony: The fastest three male and female finishers for the 5K Run Walk in each age division: 12 under, 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39,40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-over will receive a trophy.

Entry Fee:

Before September 30, 2010: $20 for adults, $15 seniors; $7 for youth 12 years and younger.

After October 7, 2010: $22 for adults, $16 seniors; $8 for youths 12 years and younger.

Virtual Runner /Walker: Donations of $20 or more will receive a T-shirt by mail.

The certifed walk/run course begins and ends at the park in time to allow participants to take part in the annual Rededication Day activities.

Register online at: www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1852264

Or you can down load the entry form and mail it to:
Colonel Allensworth 3rd Annual 5K Run Walk for Health, P.O. Box 192046, Sacramento, CA 95819

For more information, contact Project Coordinator Dorothy Benjamin at (916) 346-4767

Hidden Stories Series Reception

2010-08-12T19:48:00.000-07:00

California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) invites you to an evening reception and history presentation on September 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park . This event will focus on the life and contributions of Allen Light and Richard Freeman, early African-American settlers in Old Town who co-owned the San Diego House, a one-story saloon and provisions store in what become the birthplace of California – San Diego.

The evening will include light hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer at the newly-restored Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town , followed by a presentation by Historian and Senior Park Aide Guire John Cleary. A tour of the San Diego House will be available for interested parties after the presentation.

This reception is part of CSPF’s Hidden Stories Series, a program dedicated to exploring and uncovering the hidden stories of various groups in the foundation of California and the California State Parks . The program debuted in May of 2009 with the inaugural conference 100 Years Since Allensworth: Is California Living up to the Legacy?, which examined the hidden stories of African-Americans from the 1840’s Gold Rush, to the 1950’s segregated beaches of Los Angeles, and to the eventual establishment of San Diego.

For more information and to RSVP online by September 15, please visit www.calparks.org/oldtownrsvp. Space is limited.

Marygrace Lopez
Program Manager
California State Parks Foundation

Colonel Allensworth SHP Now has a Bike Rental Fleet!

2010-07-25T22:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a donation from Walmart you will able to rent a bicycle next time you visit Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. The park now has a fleet of two step thru ladies bikes and three heavy duty Sun Atlas beach cruisers.

Ranger Steven Ptomey said Allensworth is the perfect place to bike.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Passing of Mrs. Josephine Blodgett Smith

2010-07-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Josephine Blodgett Smith

1914 – 2010

We recently learned of the death of Mrs. Josephine Blodgett Smith, the granddaughter of Colonel Allen and Josephine Allensworth. Mrs. Smith was a member of the Advisory Committee that performed the site study that lead to the Department of Parks and Recreation acquiring and developing the historic town site of Allensworth into a California State historic Park.

Mrs. Smith recently celebrated her 96th birthday and was surrounded by family at the time of her passing. The family is preparing a small private service and has requested that no flowers be sent. We ask that you keep the family in your prayers.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Star Gazing Party

2010-07-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

Star Gazing Party

“Star Gazing” party at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park on Friday, July 30th, 9 pm to midnight.

Colonel Allensworth SHP’s location, away from the glow of bright city lights, makes it an ideal place for star gazing.

Come out and see how many constellations you can identify. Maybe you will be lucky enough to witness a shooting star crashing and burning high in Earth’s upper atmosphere. Or maybe you will spot an earth grazer, a long, slow and colorful meteor that skims the Earth’s atmosphere like a stone skipping across the surface of a pond.

Bring a comfortable chair, bug spray, food and drinks, blanket, and a red-filtered flashlight for reading maps and charts without ruining your night vision. Binoculars and telescopes are optional.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

California Major Newsletters Support Prop 21

2010-07-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

The State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 is now Proposition 21.

Major newspapers throughout California have written editorials supporting Proposition 21.

The San Luis Obispo Tribune:

“State parks are far too important to our economy, our health and our quality of life to continually be at the mercy of the ups and downs of the economy or the whims of politicians.”

“Proposition 21 is the most expeditious and practical way to generate the revenue we need to repair our endangered parks, beaches and historic landmarks.”

The Sacramento Bee:

“The parks have more than $100 million worth of maintenance needs each year. But shrinking budgets mean that only a portion of the work gets done. Projects get delayed and accumulate. Today, the state parks system has a maintenance backlog of $1.3 billion.”

KNBC-TV Los Angeles highlighted the poor maintenance conditions in Southern California State Parks in a two-part report.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

• Send out a press release announcing your support for Yes for State Parks

• Become a fan of Yes for State Parks on Facebook and post a link to the Yes for State Parks page on your wall

• Follow Yes4StateParks on twitter

• Include Yes for State Parks in your next e-newsletter

• Post the Yes for State Parks web banner o your homepage, social media profile or blog

• Submit a letter to the editor of your local paper about Yes for State Parks

• Purchase official Yes for State Parks merchandise

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Library of Congress Veterans History Project

2010-06-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

San Diego chapter of the Friends of Allensworth member Ernest H. Collier profiled in the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. The Veterans History Project preserves and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans. The project collects first-hand accounts of U.S. Veterans from the following wars:

• World War I (1914-1920)

• World War II (1939-1946)

• Korean War (s.1950-1955)

• Vietnam War (1961-1975)

• Persian Gulf War (1990-1995)

• Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts (2001-present)

Ernest Collier services with the 9th Cavalry Regiment and the 24th Infantry Regiment, two of the Army’s four Buffalo Soldier regiments. Allen Allensworth was the chaplain of the 24th Infantry Regiment from 1886 to 1906. Many of the first settlers of Allensworth, California were members of the four Buffalo soldier regiments and their families.

This Sunday Ernest Collier will be one of the Grand Marshals for the 2010 Spirit of the Fourth Independence Day Parade in Rancho Bernardo, California. The 2010 Spirit of the Fourth parade is celebrating the theme, “In the Spirit of Service” and is honoring Wounded Warriors. Ernest Collier is a Korean War veteran whose Purple Heart was earned in South Korea in 1951. The battle area was near Pusan, Korea. The actual award was made by General Mark Clark at Letterman Hospital, in San Francisco, CA.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

California’s Heartland DVD

2010-06-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

5min Life Videopdia has just added the below video to their site. The 5 minute video is taken from the KVIE Public Television production African Americans in California’s Heartland. Produced in cooperation with The Sacramento Observer, the DVD explores the history of African Americans in the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada from the Gold Rush through the 1950s.

In addition to Allensworth, the DVD relates the stories of the Gooch/Monroe family, whose descendants owned much of Coloma; the Buffalo Soldiers stationed in Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks; the civil rights case of runaway slave Archy Lee; and the entrepreneurial Dunlap Family, who operated a famous Sacramento restaurant frequented by Senators.

You can purchase the DVD at the KVIE web site. The site also has lesson plans and the DVD transcript.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Learn about Allen Allensworth

Initiative Qualified for November Ballot

2010-06-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

California Secretary of State Debra Bowen has qualified the State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 for the November 2nd state wide ballot. Last year’s budget cuts caused closures or reductions in 150 of the state’s 278 state parks, and caused a backlog of more than $1 billion in needed maintenance and repairs.

The trust fund will generate approximately $500 million annually to be used to restore, maintain and keep state parks like Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park open and accessible to the public. The trust fund will also make the General Fund dollars that would have been used for the state parks to be available for other vital needs such as public health and education.

The Trust Fund Act has the support of conservation organizations, parks organizations, coastal and ocean organizations, business, hospitality and tourism organizations, Latino organizations, public safety organizations and more. To learn more about the initiative and see a full list of supporters go to http://www.yesforstateparks.com/.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Allensworth Heavy Maintenance Facility a No Go

2010-06-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

In our Winter 2010 newsletter we reported that the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) submitted a proposal to the California High Speed Rail Authority to build a heavy maintenance facility in Allensworth for the High Speed Rail System.

In a June 3, 2010 news release the California High-Speed Rail Authority announced that Allensworth was one of four sites that should not be included in further studies for the heavy maintenance facility because of land size, distance from recommended alignments and/or environmental impacts.

The authority recommended four sites for continued study as potential location for the Heavy Maintenance Facility.
     • Fresno Works – Located in Fresno
     • Kings County – Located in Hanford
     • Kern Council of Governments – Located in Wasco
     • Kern Council of Governments – Located in Shafter

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Allensworth High-Speed Rail Bypass

2010-05-31T16:43:00.000-07:00

During the June 3, 2010 California High-Speed Rail Authority monthly meeting the staff will describe the alignment alternatives on the Fresno – Bakersfield section of the high-speed rail route. The monthly meeting will be held in the Sacramento City Council Chambers, 915 I Street, at 9:00 am.

Part of the alignment alternative is the Allensworth bypass. The current route of the High-Speed Rail impacts Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, the Allensworth Ecological Reserve and the Pixley National wildlife Refuge. Most of the Pixley National Wildlife Refuge and Allensworth Ecological Reserve are located east of the current route. A bypass to the west would avoid the State Park, the Ecological Reserve, and the Pixley National wildlife Refuge.

A map the Allensworth bypass can be seen on the California High-Speed Rail Authority website.

The Alternatives Analysis report will be posted by the morning of June 3rd.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Slow Starvation of Our State Parks

2010-05-27T20:14:00.000-07:00

In Governor Arnold Schwarenegger’s January budget proposal funding for California State Parks was removed from the general fund and the state parks were to be funded from proceeds from the Tranquillon ridge off shire oil drilling project. After the Gulf of Mexico oil spill the governor has withdrawn his support for the Tranqillon Ridge project. So where does this leave the California state parks?

Budget cuts have already forced nearly 150 of the state’s 278 state parks to partially close or reduce services. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is closed Monday thru Thursday to all vehicular traffic, and has no restrooms, trash or water service on these days.

The Legislative Analyst Office, an independent analyst that provides recommendations to the legislature, has suggested that state parks funding be cut an additional $22 million; this will cause additional closures and more service reductions.

Last week the National Trust for Historic Preservation said:

“Few states have seen as many cuts to state parks and heritage-related programs as California, one of six states identified by the National Trust as prime examples of the nationwide problem.”

Take Action and contact your legislator right now to support park funding!

Stephen Hill, Sr.

A Place Out Of Time – The Bordentown School

2010-05-18T20:07:00.000-07:00

THE STORY OF A UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION UNFOLDS IN THE NEW DOCUMENTARY

“A Place Out Of Time – The Bordentown School”

Narrated by Ruby Dee, the film airs nationally May 24th at 10 P.M. on PBS

Nicknamed the “Tuskegee of the North,” for 70 years the Bordentown school was an educational utopia, where generations of black children received academic and trade training, and - most importantly - they learned values, discipline, and life skills. After the Brown V. Board of Education Supreme Court decision Bordentown “went from being perceived as an educational utopia to a Jim Crow school,” by the black press and many Black leaders.

Colonel Allensworth and his colleagues tried to build a “Tuskegee of the West” at Allensworth, California. In 1914 there was a bill to establish a state-funded and federally aided land-grant school at Allensworth. However, black leaders in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland were concerned that a voluntary segregated school would be a step backward in California’s battle to integrate the schools and the bill was defeated.

“A Place Out of Time – The Bordentown School” a documentary film narrated by legendary actress Ruby Dee tells the story of this remarkable institution through the life stories and memories of alumni, scholars and historians, and archival footage and photographs.

From 1886 to 1955, the Bordentown School was the only state-run, all-black, co-educational boarding school north of the Mason-Dixon Line. The school attracted visitors such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Paul Robeson, Jesse Owens, Albert Einstein, Mary McCloud Bethune, and Booker T. Washington. S. A. Haley, father of author Alex Haley; William Hastie, the first black U.S. Appeals Court judge; and Lester Granger, former leader of the Urban League were members of the faculty and staff. Notable Bordentown alumni include celebrated jazz organist Rhoda Scott, and George Grant dentist, Harvard professor, and inventor of the golf tee.

You can purchase a DVD of “A Place Out of Time” from the Hudson West Productions website. Hudson West Productions is a not-for-profit, 502(c)3 production company whose documentaries have been seen on television in the UK, Norway, and Australia, and have screened at film festivals in New York, Chicago, Paris, Dublin, Montreal, Amsterdam, St. Petersburg, Sydney, and Upsala.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Old Time Jubilee

2010-05-06T20:21:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 15, 2010 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Join the Friends of Allensworth and the California Department of Parks and Recreation at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park for our annual Old Time Jubilee. Co-authors Joslyn Gaines Vanderpool and Anita Royston will use song, dance, and music to tell stories from their book”Our Black Fathers” Brave, Bold & Beautiful. The stories in “Our Black Fathers” challenge the stereotype that all black men are absent from and unaccountable to the black family unit.

George Palmer will speak about “The Roads of Allensworth” which are named after African Americans such as Charles Young and Paul Laurence Dunbar; the town’s lake was named after Booker T. Washington. Also performing will be gospel soloist Letrice Morning.

In addition to the activities on the stage, the historic building will be open for tours. There will be arts and crafts vendors, food vendors and activities for the children.

Vehicle Entry Fees:

Cars: $6.00

Small Bus: $50.00 (24 passengers or less)

Buses: $100.00 (25 or more passengers)

Camping: $20.00 per night

For information contact:

CASHP (661) 849-4012

Bakersfield (661) 633-1577

Delano (661) 725-8210

Fremont (510) 651-8323

Oakland (510) 569-4618

Sacramento (530) 949-2168

San Diego (619) 263-9101

Vallejo (707) 635-1635

Ghost Tracking

2010-04-30T20:35:00.000-07:00

The Fresno Ghost Tracking Meetup Group will be at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park on Saturday, May 8th for an investigation of the park. The group will meet at the park at 6:00 pm for a tour of the park. After the tour they will break for dinner then return to the park at 10:00 pm to begin the investigation of the park.

The Fresno meetup group is the second ghost tracking group to investigate the park. The first group was the Porterville Ghost Society, on September 12th, 2009. You can read about their investigation in the Winter 2010 issue of the San Diego Chapter of the Friends of Allensworth newsletter.

The cost of the May 12th event is $40.00 per person. To join the Fresno Ghost Tracking Meetup group contact Angie Matthews at the group’s Meetup page.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Thank You e-card

2010-04-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

Recent budget cuts have caused California state park rangers and their staff to work harder than they have ever done in the past. In addition to leading tours of the parks the staff’s daily duties include such things as maintaining trails and access roads, and repairing and cleaning restrooms.

The California State Parks Foundation has created a special “Thank You” e-card that they are asking their supporters to sign and write special messages to park personnel.

If you have ever visited Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park please take a few minutes to send a Thank You e-card to Ranger Steven Ptomey and his staff. Let them know how much you appreciate their hard work and all of the support they have given the Friends of Allensworth during our special events at the park.

In addition to the above duties Ranger Steven Ptomey is an ambassador for Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. He regularly speaks about Allensworth at local schools, colleges, and museums. He has also promoted the park on local television shows. And somehow he finds time to maintain a Facebook page for Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Negro town on American Idol

2010-04-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

On tonight’s American Idol’s Idol Gives Back show Randy and Morgan Freeman visited Mound Bayou, Mississippi, a U. S. Negro town: settled on July 12, 1887 by ex-slaves of Joe Davis, Isaiah T. Montgomery (member of 1890 state convention) and his cousin, Benjamin T. Green.

You can read about the history of Mound Bayou and view historic pictures of the town at the Mound Bayou Movement web site.

The television event Idol Gives Back began in 2007 as a way for those behind American Idol to "give back" and harness American Idol's ability to capture America's hearts and the power of entertainment to benefit some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Historical Ride to Allensworth State Park

2010-04-17T16:27:00.000-07:00

This is a five minute video of a coupe’s Historical Ride to Allensworth State Park on April 10, 2010. They rode their trikes to the park. At the park they flew kites while their friends Steve and Terri walked around the park. One of the park rangers even came over and flew kites with them.

Hope you enjoy this five minute tour of Allensworth State Historic Park.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Old Time Jubilee Train Ride

2010-04-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

The Sacramento chapter of the Friends of Allensworth and CTD Dream Builders are sponsoring a train ride to the May 15th Old Time Jubilee. CTD Dream Builders is a youth outreach program dedicated to helping youth set goals and ensuring they reach those goals.

Families will board the train at the Sacramento Amtrak station and enjoy a free breakfast on the ride to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. The train will make a special stop that lets the families off only feet away from the Hindsman General Store. After enjoying the Old Time Jubilee activities the families will re-board the train for the return trip to Sacramento and a free dinner.

To purchase tickets or receive more information contact Thomas Stratton at 530-949-2168 or CTD Dream Builders at 916-308-3441. In Stockton call Brenda Kemp @ 916-847-3306.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

West Coast Bikers Round-Up

2010-03-19T19:42:00.000-07:00

The West Coast Bikers Round-Up (WCBRU) invites motorcycle clubs, motorcycle enthusiast and their families and friends to come out and enjoy 3 days of camping and events at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. WCBRU will host their 3rd annual round-up at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park June 3 – 5, 2010.

Early Bird Specials must be purchased before April 30, 2010.

For more information call 800-922-0957.

To read about the 2008 round-up and to see pictures from the round-up visit the WCBRU site.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Ms. Alice C. Royal Honored

2010-03-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

In a March 10, 2010 blog post the City Project honored Ms. Alice C. Royal as part of their Celebrate for Women’s History Month. Ms. Royal, the author of the book Allensworth: The Freedom Colony, was born in her grandparents Allensworth home in 1923 and has been committed to the promotion of Allensworth ever since.

Her book is temporarily out of stock however, you can read a small part of the book at Amazon.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

March For California's Future

2010-03-11T19:07:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, March 10, 2010 March For California’s Future marched into Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. The marchers were welcomed to the park by Rev. Eric Lee, the President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Los Angeles, who explained the history of Allensworth. Also on hand was Friends of Allensworth member Josephine Triplett.

The marchers begin marching on March 5, 2010 from Los Angeles and will march 260 miles to the California State Capitol for a rally on April 21, 2010.

Along the way they will:

Register voters
Collect signatures to put the Majority Budget measure on the ballot
Hold teach-ins and town hall meetings
Visit legislators
Hold rallies to enlist your support
Blog, tweet and record the action on the frontlines with live video feeds
March on the state capitol on April 21 to make our voices heard

You can see pictures from their stay at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park on their Facebook page. You can also follow the marchers and learn more about the March For California’s Future at their web site.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Assembly Bill 2356

2010-03-09T21:11:00.000-08:00

On February 19, 2010 Assembly Member Amina Carter introduced Assembly Bill 2356. The bill establishes a 2.5 mile buffer a round Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park that would prohibit development that is incompatible with the historical or recreational significance of the park.

AB 2356 is one of bills that the California State Parks Foundation asked legislators to support during Park Advocacy Day 2010.

You can read the complete bill on the California State Senate site.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Allensworth State Historic Park Black History Month

2010-03-03T22:11:00.000-08:00

YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE.

The sun shined on this event from 10:00 a.m. until late afternoon. The attendance was all cars and trains, on the last weekend of the month. The volunteers and the rangers provided walking tours of the buildings. All who were able to attend had a great time with the personal touch of the various walking tours.

The next event at the park will be the May Old Time Jubilee on May 15, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. Until 4:00 p.m. Remember there are other events at the park, and you can schedule a visit to the park, or a family gathering.

Call 661-849-4012 for more information.

Susie Smith
Docent/Volunteer Coordinator
Fremont Chapter of the Friends of Allensworth

The African American Experience in Tulare County

2010-03-02T19:40:00.000-08:00

Tulare County Museum Hosts Reception to Lunch New Cultural Exhibit:

"The African American Experience in Tulare County"

Tulare County officials will host a reception to celebrate the opening of the exhibition "The African American Experience in Tulare County" from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 13 at the Tulare County Museum of Farm Labor and Agriculture at Mooney Grove Park, located in Visalia.

The Museum is also featuring the exhibition: "Allensworth: 100 years of the California Dream" courtesy of the California African American Museum in Los Angeles. A video presentation on the topic will be shown in the Museum's Learning Center. The reception program will include a gospel choir performance as well as a performance by an African drum soloist. There will also be a reading of African American poetry, and refreshments will be served

Admission to the Museum and Mooney Grove Park will be free during the event. For information call 559-733-6616

Kathy McGowan, Curator
Niel Pilegard, County Parks Director

State Parks Grassroots Champion Award

2010-02-24T18:53:00.000-08:00

The Friends of Allensworth is one of the organizations to receive the California State Parks Foundation’s new award, the State Parks Grassroots Champion Award. The new award honors the organizations, businesses and community groups that have worked to keep California State parks open. In both of the past two years California State parks were scheduled for closure, they were kept open only by the efforts of state park advocates. On Monday, March 8, 2010 the California State Parks Foundation will honor the awardees at their Park Advocacy Day reception in Sacramento.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

8th Annual Park Advocacy Day

2010-02-15T20:10:00.000-08:00

February 19th is the deadline to register for the California State Parks Foundation’s 8th Annual Park Advocacy Day. The 2010 Park Advocacy Day is Monday, March 8th, at the state capitol in Sacramento.

Park Advocacy Day is an opportunity to sit down with our state legislators, their staff and members of the Governor’s administration, and let them know how important Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is to the state of California. To remind them that Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is more than a place of recreation, that it preserves not only an important part of California history, but a vital part of American history. African Americans came to Allensworth from all parts of the United States to pursue the American dream.

The day will begin with registration where you will be assigned to a team of 4-6 people then assemble in the secretary of state’s auditorium for welcome remarks and an overview of the day’s goals. Then participants will participate in après conference at the state capitol. After the press conference the teams will meet with legislators. Teams typically go to 3 – 5 offices during the day, there will also be an afternoon speakers panel followed by a park advocacy day reception.

There is no cost to participate in the park advocacy day, but registration is required.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Ranger Ptomey appears on the Great Day Show

2010-02-12T18:04:00.000-08:00

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Interpreter Steven Ptomey appears on KMPH FOX 26’s the Great Day news and entertainment show with Kopi Sotiropulos and Kim Stephens. This show is part of their 2010 Black History Month series.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Black History Month at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park

2010-02-01T21:37:00.000-08:00

The focus of the Black History Month program is to provide activities for school age children that are both entertaining and educational while emphasizing the accomplishments of our African American ancestors. Docents will be on site to give tours of the town’s two room school house, Col Allensworth’s home, the Hindsman General store, the hotel, and the other historic homes and businesses in this self governed all Black town. In addition to the activities and tours, the video “Allensworth: A Piece of the World” will be playing in the visitor center.

Date: Saturday, February 13 & 27, 2010

Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Cost: Private Vehicles: $6.00

Buses:

10-24 passengers $50.00

25 or more passengers $100.00

For more information about the Black History Program or the Friends of Allensworth contact Thomas Stratton at tomten@pacbell.net.

Directions

Get directions to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. Enter your starting address to get driving directions, estimated driving time, and distance to the state park.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Elimination of State Parks From General Fund

2010-01-12T21:54:00.000-08:00

On January 8th the governor released his proposed FY 2010-11 state budget. Under the governor’s proposal the state parks would no longer be funded by the state general fund but rather from the controversial Tranquillon ridge offshore oil lease. Has the governor forgotten that the drilling proposal was defeated twice in 2009, first by the State lands commission, then in the legislative e budget negotiations in the fall? What is going to happen to the state parks when the drilling proposal is defeated again in 2010?

You can help Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park and the other state parks by:
• Taking a moment to send a message to your legislators urging them to reject the governor’s proposal
• Signing up to gather signatures to put the California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 on the November 2010 ballot
• Submitting an endorsement form for the California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010

Stephen Hill, Sr

Ballot initiative cleared to gather signatures

2010-01-01T18:42:00.000-08:00

On November 4, 2009 we reported on the California State Parks Foundation’s efforts to get the State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010 on the November 2010 ballot. The Fresno Bee reported on December 31, 2009 that the ballot initiative was cleared by Secretary of State Debra Bowen to begin gathering voter signatures.

If the initiative passes it is expected to generate $500 million a year for park funding and maintenance by adding an $18 surcharge to the annual vehicle registration fee, which will give California motorists free admission to state beaches and parks.

If you are willing to commit to helping put the state Park Access Pass on the ballot go to the California State Parks Foundation web site to join the team.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Park Protection Bills Vetoed

2009-12-05T18:40:00.000-08:00

The fall 2009 issue of the Parklands magazine, a publication of the California State Parks Foundation, reported that park protection bills SB 679 and SB 372 have been vetoed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. These bills would have put safeguards in place to protect state parks from inappropriate, non-park use development.

Without concern for the wishes of the citizens of California or the damage it will cause to our state parks Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed Senate Bill 372 (Kehoe) and Senate Bill 679 (Wolk) after both bills passed in the State Senate and Assembly with bipartisan support.

Senate Bill 679 would have required requests to dispose of or change the use of state park land be accompanied by substitute property. Governor Schwarzenegger said “This bill is duplicative of existing statute and significantly reduces the state's ability to effectively manage the State Park system.” He went on to say “In times of fiscal crisis, we must be able to balance the costs and benefits of our park system with the costs and benefits of other important government programs. This proposal would limit our ability to do so.”

Senate Bill 372 would have required legislative approval before major projects can be built in state parks. The bill was designed to mirror the current federal process that requires an act of congress to remove federal park land from the park system. Governor Schwarzenegger said “this proposal is an inappropriate delegation of Executive branch authority over the state park system to the Legislative branch and I cannot support it.”

The California League of Conservation Voters said “the Governor took a big step back from his environmental pledges and turned in the worst performance of his tenure.”

Traci Verardo-Torres, Vice President, Government Affairs for the California State parks Foundation wrote “Given this governor’s actions on state parks, it’s clear that state parks will be on the losing side of his equation.”

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Colonel Allensworth SHP Closed to Vehicular Traffic

2009-11-12T20:50:00.000-08:00

On November 1, 2009 we reported on the service reductions announced by California State Parks. The reductions are part of Governor Schwarzenegger’s plan to keep the state parks open after a $14.2 million budget cut.

Kathy Weatherman, the Tehachapi District Superintendent has announced the specific service reductions for the state parks within the Tehachapi District.

Effective from November 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010 Colonel Allensworth SHP will be closed to all vehicular traffic Monday – Thursday. The park will be open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and for scheduled special events. Park hours will be reduced from 8am to 5pm to 9am to 5pm.

During this period of reduced service we ask for your help in keeping Colonel Allensworth SHP clean. Please take out your trash and keep the restrooms as clean as possible.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

The Allensworth Corporation Rabbit Farm

2009-11-07T20:55:00.000-08:00

The November 5, 2009 issue of the Valley Voice reported that a group called The Allensworth Corporation has started a rabbit farm on 58 acres of land that they purchased in the town of Allensworth. The Tulare County Planning Commission has given approval for the corporation to raise 9,600 rabbits at a time. The farm will employ 20 people. The rabbits will be shipped to Turlock, California for processing then sold as gourmet meat.

The Allensworth Corporation includes family members of Nettie Morrison. Morrison has lived in Allensworth for over 30 years. The land was purchased by her son Dennis Hutson, Pastor of Advent United Methodist Church in Las Vegas, and other family members are moving to Allensworth to oversee the operation of the farm.

Stephen Hill, Sr.