HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2008-044 N.C.S. 03/03/2008 Resolution No. 2008-044 N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
SAVE OUR STATE PARKS CAMPAIGN
WHEREAS, the California State Park System is home to 278 state parks, beaches,
historic parks, recreation areas, and other park units; and,
WHEREAS, annually, over 77 million visitors take advantage of the myriad low-cost
opportunities for recreation, education, fitness, and other outdoor pursuits in state parks; and,
WHEREAS, many of the state's most unique natural, cultural, and historic resources and
artifacts are contained within the State Park System; and,
WHEREAS, our community relies on state parks for bringing California's history to life
for schoolchildren, allowing families and friends to enjoy recreation and solace in nature, and
protecting irreplaceable resources for future generations; and,
WHEREAS, state parks are an important economic engine to the local communities in
which they are located and studies have shown that every $1 invested in the State Park System
returns $2.35 to the state's General Fund, largely in the form of economic activity in local
economies; and,
WHEREAS, the Governor's 2008-09 State Budget proposes an unprecedented closing of
48 state parks and drastic lifeguard reductions on 16 popular state beaches; and,
WHEREAS, the 48 state parks slated for closure represent 17% of the entire State Park
System and visitation at the 16 state beaches that will have reduced lifeguard staffing represents
more than 30% of the visitation to state parks; and,
WHEREAS, the closing of Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park will affect over 27,000
visitors, including 4,200 school children annually who visit the park for an historic educational
experience; and,
WHEREAS, the closing of Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve and Austin Creek State
Recreation Area will affect over 1 million visitors, including 5,000 school children who visit
these parks annually for education, recreation, and personal inspiration; and,
WHEREAS, such a proposal creates considerable harm for local governments that rely
on tourism from state parks for their community's livelihood and community identity; and,
WHEREAS, closure of these state parks will jeopardize Californians' access to treasures
that were specifically set aside to be experienced by the public; and,
WHEREAS, lifeguard staffing reductions will endanger public health and safety on
California's state beaches; and,
Resolution No. 2008-044 N.C.S. Page 1
WHEREAS, the funding required to keep state parks open and restore lifeguards on state
beaches represents a mere fraction (0.00006%) of the entire budget proposed by the Governor.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Petaluma City Council hereby
supports the Save Our State Parks Campaign .and urges the Legislature to reject Governor
Schwarzennegger's proposal to close 48 state parks and drastically reduce lifeguard staffing on
16 state beaches, to uphold the public's trust in protecting and preserving public access to the
treasures in the State Park System, and to identify funding to enable all 278 state parks to remain
open for the public's access and enjoyment.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution will be transmitted to the
Save Our State Parks Campaign, the Governor, and the State Legislature.
Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the Appr e to
Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regular meeting on the 3"' day of March, 2008,
by the following vote:
City Attonley
AYES: Barrett, Freitas, Harris, Nau, Vice Mayor Rabbitt, Mayor Torliatt
NOES: Norie
t ;
ASSENT: O'Brien -
ABSTAIN: None
i,
ATTEST: ~ ~ _
Deputy City Clerk ~ M r or
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