In January Governor Schwarzenegger proposed a 10% across-the-board reduction for state agencies and State Parks drew up plans to close 48 parks. We're not in favor of that! Our petition drive against it garnered 17,000 signatures, and when Topanga Sixth Graders delivered petitions in Sacramento, their trip got TV, radio and newspaper coverage. With similar campaigns up and down the state, the Governor changed his mind about cutting State Parks. In a surprising victory for park lovers, there'll be NO PARK CLOSURES.

Thank you for helping make this happen. Is it enough? With the roads, fences, trails and buildings in our parks falling apart, our actions this spring captured the attention of some legislators. John Laird, Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, introduced an excellent proposal for park funding: Californians would pay a $10 surcharge on their annual vehicle registration fee; in return, they would receive a State Parks Access Pass, good for free day-use of State Parks. We like this idea - we need substantial permanent funding to maintain our beautiful wilderness, and unique cultural and historical resources.

Please take a moment to show you support better funding at www.calparks.org. The link sends an email to your legislators and copies to the Assembly Speaker and Senate President. It's important to have substantial permanent funding for this agency that maintains our beautiful wilderness, and unique cultural and historical resources. Maybe if we tell them we want it, our legislature will come through for us.

"This proposal [State Parks Access Pass] is a well-thought-out and long term solution that would provide sustainable funding for our state parks, and real value for every Californian who treasures and wants to protect these precious assets."

- Topanga's Assembly Member Julia Brownley.

info@SaveTopangaStatePark.org