Keep our parks open!

Advocates representing 52 of 70 California state parks slated to close by July 2012 due to budget cuts traveled to the State Capitol building in Sacramento recently to show legislators what residents will be without if the parks close, according to a California State Parks Foundation press release.

On June 21, nonprofit leaders and community activists listened to speeches by politicians and the great-great-grandson of John Muir (among others) during a rally and press conference regarding the impact the closures would have on communities and the environment. A tent expo was also held featuring park information and poster-sized photos and replicas of those on the closure list.

A number of volunteers representing Bidwell Mansion (pictured) and the William B. Ide Adobe State Park in Tehama County were present, said Linsey Fredenburg-Humes, grassroots manager for the Parks Foundation.