Editorial: Park closures a sign of state's failed leadership

OUR STATE'S budget crisis means yet more public services are being reduced. This time, it's our access to our state parks that has been reduced.

[false choice]

Why do you only offer the choice of rasing taxes???

The yearly budget problems are not becuase the state takes in too little revenue, it is that they spend too much.

State worker salaries and more importantly overly generous pensions for retired state workers are the real problem.

I don't want to close state parks but raising taxes is not the right solution.

The failure of leadership is that lawmakers are too afraid to challenge public employee unions. Until this issue is addressed, pensions for public employees will grow each year gobbling up larger and larger percentages of the budget.

Cut pensions and salaries for public employees.

[MSD]

What is happening to states is also indirectly related to the taxing structure in the USA. We have gone from taxing wealth (capital gains) to taxing consumption (user taxes) to support our infrastructure. In this structure, it makes no sense to add an $18 fee to benefit a minority that use parks. The middle class, it appears, will be paying more of their income in user taxes (sales, property, tolls, etc)as a percentage. It is a sad reflection on society, though, that we close parks.

[kitty]

Why should I pay for someonelse to use the parks?
If I use the parks Im willing to and should pay to do so
Stop turning every funding need into a broad tax on non users
This is nothing more than middle class welfare

[Mortified]

What logic... go ahead and try to get LA to pay $2 a day to avert increasing our bridge tolls here.

Bottom line, the users of the bridge fund the bridge... users of the parks should fund the parks.

[Not that Simple]

State Parks belong to all of us, if you choose not to use them that is your choice. However, maybe your children or grandchildren would like the same choice.

So by your logic, if I do not have kids in school then I should not have to pay for schools?

[They Belong to Us]

In order to keep our State Parks open and even more importantly ensure that they are properly maintained this proposal must to be on the ballot and passed in 2010. This is an investment that needs to be made by us for future generations, so that these treasures of California continue to be protected. I own two vehicles, so it would cost me $3.00 per month, which would maybe buy me a gallon of gas or a happy meal…

The lack of a sustainable funding for State Parks has created a list of deferred maintenance projects that far exceeds a Billion dollars and continues to grow. Go see for yourself what lack of maintenance does for a park, visit Angel Island, I guarantee you that a walk around the island will open your eyes. Walk through West Garrison; these buildings were built during the Civil War they are nearing 150 years old. They are significant now, but think how unique they will in another 100 years. As you walk through Fort McDowell notice how even the 100 year old concrete buildings are deteriorating. Stop by to see the recently completed restoration project at the Immigration Station, it is beautiful! While you are there look across at the hospital that is in dire need of repairs, look behind the hospital and you will see a large barracks building that has recently collapsed. Once you make this tour you will see firsthand the ramifications of deferred maintenance.

Your investment of $18.00 per month can help get State Parks back on track, you can make a difference for future generations!

[required]

Schwarzenegger's plan all along was to try and give our natural resources (this time it was our parks) away to private industry, in fact that is the top tier goal of much of today's republican party. They want to abolish government and privatize everything (including drinking water and the air we breath) so that we are ruled by artificial entities (monopolistic multinational corporations) and vote by way of their crazy buy or die manifesto (aristocracy/plutocracy/inequa lity). The only government they want is one that defines marriage, woman's rights, wire taps, weakens the rights of the individual, and things like that. They are self fulfilling bags of excrement.

[required]

Mortified wrote:

...the users of the bridge fund the bridge...

Everyone uses our bridges, just as everyone uses our ports. I'll put it another way that you might better understand:

Without our bridges you would not have access to all the gimcrack and foodstuffs you so admire, nor would you have the ability to sell your wares.

But hell if you still don't think "you" use them, how about we keep our tax dollars?

[fallingdown]

Stop all non-emergency funding for illegal immigrants and the park money problem is solved.

[Tired of paying]

Enough already. I pay a fortune in state and local taxes. For this I expect good roads, public safety, schools and parks.

Instead, you steal my money and use it for idiotic schemes (train to nowhere, alternative electricity), featherbeded public jobs and enforced charity for wastrels. All the while my roads are a disaster, our local schools are a joke and you are closing the parks.

I am happy to pay to use the parks, just don't "divert" the funds to your next charity project.

[Robert]

Take commercial property off the Prop. 13 restrictions, and we'll have money for our parks. It was passed to help older homeowners on fixed incomes who were faced with rising taxes back when home values skyrocketed. But the real promoters were corporations who got a huge tax break, and the rightwind nuts who under the slogan of "no taxes" want to abolish government and civilized life for all but the rich. They want to take us back to the Dark Ages.

[Tony Ng]

State Parks need to come up with more reasons for people to visit, as visitors attract other visitors. All the open space should serve a purpose, so any activity without changing the landscape is a good additional feature to a park. It is all about open space management. That proposed $18 per person tax doesn't really change anything, as it doesn't make everyone want to go to a park more or less than before. It would only continue to feed those who want to keep useful land useless. I would go to a park if there is an Olympic archery range, and I would be happy to pay $5 for parking per day or even a getting myself a monthly pass, but since there isn't a single archery range in the entire Marin County, I have no choice but to go to the Golden Gate Park and pay $5 bridge toll and gas, and let someone else take my money instead. I have already asked the Department of Parks and Open Space again and again, only found my voice falling onto deaf ears.

[I Agree]

The funds generated should go towards park operations, not wages or special interest projects. We should also hold off on acquiring additional State Parks until the current ones are being properly managed.

Due to public safety concerns, an archery range on State Park lands will be a tough sale. However, if you are serious I would recommend that you establish a group and present you proposal to your local State Park manager.

I feel that State Parks would like to see more diversity in the park users and I have found them easy to work with. Set up a meeting and submit a well planned proposal and provide examples of areas where parks and archery ranges coexist, like Golden Gate Park and I believe Discovery Park in Sacramento has a range.

[John]

Bring back Gray Davis. Remember when we voted him out thinking that we could do better with Schwarzenegger? How wrong we were. Know we know but it may be too late for our state.

[ded]

fees for scofflaws are outrageous. How about firing every state worker who shows
a lack of interest in working harder--and start hiring new faces with good attitudes. Union
workers use to have a saying,"once you spoil an apprentice--he's ruined as a worker".

[ded]

Tony Ng wrote:

State Parks need to come up with more reasons for people to visit, as visitors attract other visitors. All the open space should serve a purpose, so any activity without changing the landscape is a good additional feature to a park. It is all about open space management. That proposed $18 per person tax doesn't really change anything, as it doesn't make everyone want to go to a park more or less than before. It would only continue to feed those who want to keep useful land useless. I would go to a park if there is an Olympic archery range, and I would be happy to pay $5 for parking per day or even a getting myself a monthly pass, but since there isn't a single archery range in the entire Marin County, I have no choice but to go to the Golden Gate Park and pay $5 bridge toll and gas, and let someone else take my money instead. I have already asked the Department of Parks and Open Space again and again, only found my voice falling onto deaf ears.

All those loafers at Open Space would be fired if I had my way. I still don't have a clue to what the "rangers" do? How much trash is there?

[ded]

John wrote:

Bring back Gray Davis. Remember when we voted him out thinking that we could do better with Schwarzenegger? How wrong we were. Know we know but it may be too late for our state.

The Terminator tried, but the unions and strong lobbyists were no match for his steroids.
He's made some good decisions, but they do under the radar. He's made small grounds like
telling the Realators Assn. No when they wanted to restrict brokers licenses. It would have made buying a house more expensive in a few years. Sadly, his hands were tied on
so many occasions. Our politicians and bureaucrats are entrenched in Sacramento and will
go to any lengths to keep their cushy jobs. So, blaming the governor is the easy.

[UnHappy in San Rafael]

Close china camp. Then we can ride our bikes and not have to worry about those hiker and horse,s

[Speak the Truth]

ded wrote:

<quoted text>
All those loafers at Open Space would be fired if I had my way. I still don't have a clue to what the "rangers" do? How much trash is there?

This sure sounds like dan or dano again(is this another new alias for an ignorant ranger-hater? Did the big bad ranger give you a ticket once?)
Here's what CA State Park Rangers do:
The State Park Ranger series describes professional positions involved in the law enforcement and visitor services functions of the State park system. Incumbents in this series work primarily in field districts of the State park system including State parks, reserves, historical units, recreational areas, beaches, wayside campgrounds,and underwater parks. Positions are also assigned to Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division Units located throughout the State.
TYPICAL TASKS
Positions in the State Park Ranger series perform professional and technical duties in State park units involving operation, interpretation, resource protection/management, patrol, safety and law enforcement, assist with program management activities, and may supervise and/or serve as a lead to seasonal and lower level permanent staff. Incumbents may also perform staff functions of comparable difficulty and responsibility in an academy training assignment.
Incumbents are trained and designated as sworn State park peace officers whose authority extends statewide (on or off duty). They perform patrol duties primarily by vehicle, boat, and foot patrol; issue citations; write reports; make physical arrests for misdemeanors, felonies, and warrants; conduct criminal and administrative investigations; take command in emergencies; perform search and rescue activities, including detecting and rescuing persons or vessels in distress; assist in wildland and structural fire suppression; provide emergency medical aid; may also perform traffic control and radio dispatching.
Incumbents may perform specialized assignments in cliff rescue; ski patrol; scuba diving; ocean, surf, river, and lake rescue; horse patrol; off-road vehicle and motorcycle patrol; or canine team handler.
Incumbents are required to use protective equipment which includes various types of firearms, batons, chemical agents, and handcuffs,and are regularly trained and tested in physical defensive tactics and firearms use.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The following is part of the minimum qualifications for all classes in the series.
Possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.(Applicants who do not possess this license will be admitted to the examination, but they must secure the license prior to appointment.) and Education: Successful completion of two years (60 semester units) of study from a State accredited college or university including a minimum of 21 semester units satisfying the General Education Curriculum standards as identified for colleges and universities accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Universities. Courses which meet this requirement include: natural/social sciences, language, humanities, and mathematics.(Students in their second year of college may apply, but they must satisfactorily complete their second year of college before they can be appointed.)
Graduation from a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) basic course academy. and Possession of (1) a valid Red Cross Advanced First-Aid Certificate or First Responder Certificate (EMSA approved) and (2) either a valid Red Cross or American Heart Associated Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate.(An approved Department of Health Emergency Medical Technician Certificate may be substituted for both of the required certificates.)
Successful completion (within the last three years) of the Department of Parks and Recreation's basic visitor services, resource management, interpretation, and park operations training program as a State Park Ranger Cadet.

[Buck]

ded wrote:

<quoted text>
All those loafers at Open Space would be fired if I had my way. I still don't have a clue to what the "rangers" do? How much trash is there?

Park ranger is a person in lead of protecting and preserving parklands - national, state or provincial parks. The profession has often been characterized as "protecting the people from the resource, and the resource from the people."[citation needed] The profession includes a number of disciplines and specializations, and park rangers in the United States and elsewhere are often required to be proficient in more than one.
# Law enforcement: Law enforcement rangers have police powers and enforce national laws as well as park regulations. In some developing countries, the park rangers patrolling natural preserves may be heavily armed and function as paramilitary organizations against organized poachers or even guerillas. In many other developing countries however, park rangers have no law enforcement authority, they don't carry firearms as they seek to achieve respect for nature by building good relationships with local communities and the visiting public. In units of the U.S. National Park System, law enforcement Rangers are the primary police agency; their services may be augmented by the US Park Police, particularly in the Washington, DC and San Francisco metropolitan areas. The U.S. National Park Service also have a section of "Special Agents" who conduct more complex criminal investigations. According to Department of Justice Statistics National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers suffer the most number of felonious assaults, and the highest number of homicides of all federal law enforcement officers.[2].
# Interpretation and education: Park Rangers provide a wide range of informational services to visitors. Some Rangers provide practical information—such as driving directions, train timetables, weather forecasts, trip planning resources, and beyond. Rangers may provide interpretive programs to visitors intended to foster stewardship of the resources by the visitor. Interpretation in this sense includes (but is not limited to): guided tours about the park's history, ecology or both; slideshows, talks, demonstrations; informal contacts, and historical re-enactments. Rangers may also engage in leading more formalized curriculum-based educational programs, meant to support and complement instruction received by visiting students in traditional academic settings and often designed to help educators meet specific national and/or local standards of instruction. All uniformed rangers, regardless of their primary duties, are often expected to be experts on the resources in their care, whether they are natural or cultural.
# Emergency response: Rangers are often trained in wilderness first aid and participate in search and rescue to locate lost persons in the wilderness. Many National Parks require law enforcement rangers to maintain certification as Emergency Medical Technicians or Paramedics. Depending on the needs of the park where assigned, rangers may participate in high-angle rescue, swift-water rescue, may be certified scuba divers, and can become specially trained as helicopter pilots or crewmembers.
# Firefighting: Rangers are often the first to spot forest fires and are often trained to engage in wild land firefighting and in some cases structural fire fighting. Rangers also enforce laws and regulations regarding campfires and other fires on park lands. In the face of a fire outside their control, rangers will call for help and evacuate persons from the area pending the arrival of additional firefighters.