Initiative Qualified for November Ballot

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.

Colonel Allensworth SHP Closed to Vehicular Traffic

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.

State Park Service Reductions

On September 25th Governor Schwarzenegger announced that no state parks would be closed. But the $14.2 million budget cut would cause services reductions at many of the 278 parks in California.


Last week California State Parks announced the list of service reductions for 278 parks in California. State Park District Superintendents decided on the specific reductions for each park within their respective district. Some of the most common reductions included:

• Reduced days of operation

• Reduced hours of operation

• Closing of restrooms

• Closing portions of campgrounds

• Closing and consolidating park offices

• Closing visitor centers two or more days per week

The service reductions at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park include reduced days of operation and reduced hours of operation.

Stephen Hill, Sr.