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Schwarzenegger Won't Pulverize CA State Parks...For The Time Being

September 28, 2009 at 2:53 PM | by | Comments (0)


El Matador State Beach in Malibu, California

Rest easy, Pio Pico State Historic Park, as California's burly Governor Schwarzenegger won't pulverize you (metaphorically speaking) just yet. California's hotly debated budget woes have been well documented in the press, with the closure of several state parks proposed to cut state spending.

Yet in recent weeks, reports The San Jose Mercury News, the Governor has changed course, no doubt due to the "protests, letters from the public, critical newspaper editorials and requests from Republican lawmakers in rural districts that their parks not be closed because of the loss to tourism." Back in May, Schwarzenegger suggested shutting down up to 220 of 279 parks, nearly 80 percent of California's parks.

Tourists and state residents who are fans of Big Basin Redwoods, Fort Ross Historic Park, or California's other green and sunny outdoor sanctuaries can breathe a temporary sigh of relief. Now, it's said that no parks will close this year, and the Governor is now singing a more sympathetic tune. Prior to the recent good news, the Mercury quoted California's head of state as saying:

I never wanted to make cuts with our parks. I actually wanted to pump more money into the parks because people love parks...But you can't go and promise people things you don't have. I don't have more money.

The action-star-turned-politico and staff members have since found new ways to reduce spending and prevent closures. According to the Mercury, some of the suggested savings methods include cutting back on maintenance and reduced hours of public operation.

While this might mean that your favorite biking trail might be spared—at least for the time being—it also might mean less frequent bathroom cleanings. The Governor calls the new savings "fantastic news for all Californians," but the uber hygenic among us still wrinkle our noses in disapproval.

Related Stories
· Schwarzenegger: No state parks to close this year, after all [San Jose Mercury News]
· California, California, There You Go [Jaunted]
· State Parks coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: rpongsaj]

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