Proposition 21

In working to create Chino Hills State Park and advocating for other state parks for over three decades, we know that funding has always been an issue. Parks have often been treated by the Legislature and Governor like children in a divorce. Both sides say they love them and yet both sides are willing to hold them hostage to leverage other non-park related issues. The current situation serves none of us well.

Yet most Californians treasure both what our Parks represent (saving slices of our beauty and history for the future) and what opportunities Parks provide for enjoyment now. Most of us believe our parks and beaches protect the best of California.

Yet California State Parks are in peril and face irreparable damage due to budget cuts which are starving state parks. Twice in the last two years state parks were on the brink of being shut down; Chino Hills State Park was closed more than it was open. More cuts are expected. Proposition 21, a statewide ballot measure will create a stable source of funds for state parks. California vehicles will get free day use admission to all state parks in exchange for a new $18 fee.

Californians know the governance of this state is dysfunctional and has been for some time. We can wait for the cure or we can take action and try to make it better. We believe waiting for the perfect (enlightened decision makers) leaves people discouraged, disillusioned and cynical. Perfect becomes the enemy of good. Prop. 21 gives us a chance to make it better. Besides stable funding, the public gets even better access to the park experiences that they need so much.

A long time supporter of Chino Hills State Park, who died early this summer at age 100, was an engineer. To the end, he maintained a broad and wise view of the world. He called engineering designs and political decisions nothing more than a series of iterations. You keep gathering information and use your values, knowledge, and skills in pursuit of making things better.

Prop. 21 is an iteration about a new way to fund and protect our precious heritage and beautiful parklands. We urge a Yes on Prop. 21 for now and for everyone.

For more information visit http://www.yesforstateparks.com