Spring 2013 - California State Parks Foundation

A publication of the California State Parks Foundation
california

parklands
2013 SPRING
In This
Issue
From the President
Advocates Take Parks
to the Capitol
Volunteer on Earth Day
Upcoming Events
and MORE
2012 Photo of the Year
Emerald Bay State Park © Steve Castro
FOUNDER
William Penn Mott, Jr.
(1909-1992)
OFFICERS
Donald J. Robinson
Chairman
Elizabeth A. Lake
Partner, Holland & Knight LLP
David Mandelkern
Co-Chairman
David Mandelkern
Silicon Valley Entrepreneur
Elizabeth A. Lake
Secretary
Rosalind Nieman
Educator and Child Specialist
John Harrington
Treasurer
Maidie E. Oliveau
Counsel, Arent Fox LLP
Elizabeth Goldstein
President
Larry Palmer, CFP
Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management
Henry F. Trione
Chairman Emeritus
Shirley Bogardus
Trustee Emeritus
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Michael U. Alvarez
President and COO
First Wind Holdings, LLC
Douglas Beebe
Corporate Manager
Administration Services
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc.
Lee Black
Executive Managing Director,
Principal, Cassidy Turley
Michael J. Brill
Partner, retired
McGuireWoods LLP
Kathleen Cochran
General Manager
Bacara Resort & Spa
Donald E. Cooley
Ranch Properties
Carolyn DeVinny
Commuter/Trip Reduction
Consultant, The DeVinny Group
William G. Doolittle
Partner, retired
Doolittle & Ganos
Investment Counsel, LLC
William T. Duff
Toyota Executive, retired
Diana Lu Evans
Senior Quality Analytics Specialist
The Capital Group Companies, Inc.
William H. Fain, Jr., FAII
Partner, Johnson Fain
Barbara J. Parsky
Senior Vice President, retired
Edison International
Robert E. Patterson
Partner, Peninsula Ventures
Patricia Perez
Principal, VPE Public Relations
Michael J. Pinto, Ph.D
Advisory Board Chair, Institute for
Nonprofit Education and Research,
School of Leadership Education and
Science, University of San Diego
Frank J. Quevedo
Principal, The Quevedo Group, LLC
Donald J. Robinson
Senior Vice President, retired
Bank of the West
Roger M. Schrimp
Partner, Damrell Nelson Schrimp
W. James Scilacci
EVP, CFO and Treasurer
Edison International
Mark B. Smith
Business Consultant
Seth Teich, CFA
Financial Analyst, Spring Point Capital
Kurt F. Vote
Partner, Jones Helsley, PC
Peter H. Weiner
Partner
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
ADVISORY TRUSTEES
Catherine M. Fisher
Principal, Fisher Kong LLP
Manuel G. Grace, Esq.
Associate General Counsel
The Walt Disney Company
Jack F. Harper
Personal Management Services of
Santa Rosa
John Harrington
Certified Public Accountant
William Randolph Hearst, III
Partner, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers
Sanford L. Hartman
VP and Managing Director, Law
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Connie Lurie
CBL Foundation
Stephen A. Johnson
Director, Gnarus Advisors LLC
Gail E. Kautz
Former Member, California Park &
Recreation Commission,
Vice President, Ironstone Vineyards
Virginia Chang Kiraly
Commissioner, California Commission
For Economic Development
W
hat will the legacy from 2012 be for California
state parks? Will it be the year of unmitigated
crisis? Will it be the nadir year of a glorious
state parks system? Or will it be the year that was a critical
inflection point for a reinvigorated system? These are
questions we must all take an active interest in answering.
The “fiscal cliff” that state parks partially encountered
in July 2012 has been postponed to July 2014 through a
moratorium that the “found funds” enabled. The twisted
path that led to this postponement of park closures has
been investigated and examined from every angle now. The
recommendations have been issued; the Department of Parks
and Recreation (DPR) has concurred with them and is in the
process of implementing them.
It is truly time to incorporate the lessons and move on.
I have met with the new DPR director, General Anthony
Jackson, on several occasions and I think highly of him. He is
passionate about state parks and articulate about the system’s
strengths and weaknesses. He is a thoughtful man. I am
confident that he will provide the quiet but firm leadership
that is so needed now.
So we must turn to the future. What will it take to
recapture a future for state parks that is not only bright but
sustainable? There are plenty of words being used lately like
“accountability” and “transparency.” What do those words
mean for state parks now?
Michael L. Shannon
Principal, The General Counsel Law Firm
Rhonda Glasscock
Philanthropy Manager, National
Education & Environment Programs
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc
Wendy James
President, The Better World Group
from the president
The California State Parks Foundation gratefully
acknowledges the time and expertise of our
Board of Trustees and Advisory Trustees
Creating a Parks Legacy
Mary D. Nichols
Chair, Air Resources Board
Gary Polakovic
Make Over Earth, Inc.
Alexander M. Power
Principal, Real Estate Development &
Investments
Stuart N. Senator
Partner, Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
Castle Rock State Park © Charles Tu
calparks.org
Any public agency, no matter what its function, has a
duty to use the resources that the public entrusts to it wisely
and well. But in this day and age, agencies must do more.
They must not only describe the way its financial and
personnel resources are used, but also engage the public
in determining how they are used. The new charge for the
California State Parks and Recreation Commission includes
this obligation – to provide a bridge to DPR’s budget for the
public. Understanding must come first through tools that
explain DPR’s complex budget, and second through
engagement.
This is important not only to rebuild the trust that was
frayed last summer, but also to bring deep understanding to
the financial fate of DPR today. There may be a moratorium
on closures until July 2014, but our state parks are hardly
on solid financial footing, and will be even less so as that
date approaches. The public must bring a strong voice to
Sacramento with the unpleasant truth that this state parks
system remains in danger – perhaps even more so than in
recent years.
So how do we achieve that sustainable and bright future
I mentioned earlier? There is not a clear path, but some
key steps are shaping up to move us forward and we must
not let the ever-present crisis prevent us from taking them.
DPR is actively working on recasting its budgeting process
to assist the internal decision-making process, which I hope
will help all of us in the community, as well. The State
Auditor called on DPR to budget at the park level so all
of us can understand the costs and revenues associated
with park units. General Jackson has affirmed that they
are working on that actively.
calparks.org
There are clearly new partnership models developing
across the state. One of the silver lining consequences of
the appropriation of the “found funds” is that DPR can be
a more active partner itself. That can only be a good thing.
All of this is to say that some basic tools are being put
into place to help understand the shortfalls and needs of
the state parks system in a new way. That is critical if we
are going to get to the more high-minded concepts like
vision and excellence. Next, key elements of a new dialogue,
amongst the community, funders, and DPR seem to be
taking shape. We welcome this. We hope you will
participate as this dialogue evolves.
Lastly, CSPF is embarking on a strategic plan itself.
We will need your help. We will be reaching out to you later
this spring, with an online survey seeking your perspective
on all things CSPF, from broad goals to your take on
membership benefits. If we do not have your email address
yet, please share it with us on our website so we can include
you in this survey! We really want your thoughts.
The California state
parks system will be
150 years old next year.
It will be an occasion
for celebration.
In the meantime,
please enjoy your state
parks this spring!
Elizabeth Goldstein
President, CSPF
3
park advocacy
CSPF Holds 11th Annual Park Advocacy Day
O
n March 12, 2013 over 200 park advocates
from throughout California traveled to
Sacramento to participate in CSPF’s 11th
Annual Park Advocacy Day.
The day kicked off with an information session on budget
and policy issues impacting state parks, along with remarks
from two guest speakers: Assemblymember Richard Bloom
(D-Santa Monica) and Senator Jim Beall (D-San Jose).
Following the morning information session, CSPF held
a luncheon to honor our 2013 Grassroots Champion Award
recipient, Heath Hen Films, for their work producing the
documentary The First 70 about closing 70 state parks.
The Grassroots Champion Award recognizes the outstanding
grassroots work by individuals and groups to protect
California’s state parks and keep them open.
In addition to watching filmmakers Jarratt Moody
and Lauren Valentino of Heath Hen Films accept their
award, luncheon attendees were delighted to hear from
CSPF Board Member Wendy James, who presented
a commemorative video of the late Huell Howser.
Park Advocates then spent the entire afternoon walking
the halls of the Capitol meeting with policymakers, helping
to raise awareness about state parks and lobbying in support
of park legislation (see page 6). Working together, advocates
were able to meet with nearly every legislative office at the
Capitol!
While advocates were busy meeting with legislators
inside the Capitol, CSPF staff talked to the public at an
outdoor display on the steps of the Capitol. The display
featured oversized posters with words and pictures from our
Defend What’s Yours challenge. The display strengthened
PAD Speakers L to R: Assemblymember Richard Bloom, Senator Jim Beall, Senator Mark Leno, Senator Fran Pavley, DPR Director Major
General Anthony Jackson
4
calparks.org
The First 70
our park advocates message that 2013 is a new year and
a new opportunity for advocates and policymakers to work
together to defend state parks.
Closing out the day, park advocates gathered for CSPF’s
annual Park Advocacy Day Speakers Series, where Senator
Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) and Senator Fran Pavley
(D-Agoura Hills) spoke with attendees about the importance
of state parks and the need to protect them for future
generations. Finally, DPR Director Major General Jackson
closed the day by speaking with attendees about his plans
and ideas for the future of state parks.
You can read more about Park Advocacy Day 2013
(including the issues they lobbied on) and view additional
pictures online at calparks.org.
Traci Verardo-Torres
Vice President, Government Affairs
In 2012, California announced plans to close
one quarter of its state parks system in order to
save $22 million per year. When Jarratt Moody,
Lauren Valentino, and Cory Brown of Heath Hen
Films learned about this proposal, they took action.
They embarked on a 3,000-mile journey throughout
California to visit the parks slated for closure.
The result of their journey is The First 70, a short
documentary that chronicles not only the beauty
and importance of the state park system, but also
the stories of people and communities who stood
to lose from closing state parks.
To view the film, visit thefirst 70.com and
purchase an HD digital download or DVD.
“My hope is that The First 70 will be
a reminder that doing what’s right is
always more important than doing
what looks good on paper.”
–Jarratt Moody, Director
CSPF President Elizabeth Goldstein with Lauren Valentino and
Jarratt Moody of Heath Hen Films; PAD Participant Joe Moore
calparks.org
Mount Diablo State Park © Susan Taylor
5
Legislative Update
Technical Assistance Center
A
L
large, enthusiastic, and well-versed group of
park advocates walked the hallways of the Capitol
on Park Advocacy Day, spreading their voices on behalf
of state parks. Two pieces of park-related legislation were
strongly supported in discussions with senators and
assemblymembers:
Assembly Bill 150 by Assemblymember Kristin Olsen
(R-Modesto) AB 150 provides active duty military
personnel or veterans who are California citizens a pass for
free use of a state park on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
Assembly Bill 594 by Assemblymember Ben Hueso
(D-Chula Vista) AB 594 gives DPR the authority to
continue to enter into operating agreements with nonprofit
organizations (enacted through AB 42 of 2011) while the
moratorium on state park closures continues through
July 1, 2014 (enacted through AB 1478 in 2012).
Park advocates supported in concept two additional
pieces of legislation, which they brought to the attention
of representatives during their visits. Both bills are in early
stages; CSPF will track their development:
Senate Bill 241 by Senator Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa)
SB 241 creates a dedicated funding source for state parks
through an oil severance fund. A new 9.9 percent tax on
each barrel of oil extracted within the state’s jurisdiction
could create an estimated $2 billion annually. It would
dedicate 7 percent of this fund for maintenance and
improvement of state parks.
aunched in 2012, CSPF’s Technical Assistance
Center (TAC) was created to increase the capacity
and effectiveness of organizations that are partnering with
DPR to keep parks open and accessible to the public.
To date, approximately 44 organizations have entered
into either an operating agreement or a donor agreement
with DPR on behalf of a specific park. These organizations
are blazing new territory in their expanded roles and, as
such, encountering unforeseen challenges. CSPF created the
TAC to help these organizations learn how to better address
those challenges by providing access to:
• Consultants and experts with a range of expertise
to work directly with partner organizations on issues
ranging from fund development to strategic planning
to marketing.
• Webinars and in-person trainings on topics ranging
from fundraising to public relations to program
evaluation and community engagement.
• Online and in-person venues for peer learning
and exchange among and between park partner
organizations.
In the last six months, the TAC has provided park partner
organizations with access to legal assistance, operations
planning, business development, and a budget management
tool. CSPF is doing all it can to foster more partnerships
while supporting those organizations that step forward
and take on this important challenge.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park © Susan Taylor
Senate Bill 783 by Senator Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles)
6
SB 783 is a spot bill that declares legislative intent to enact
a new bond for the 2014 ballot that will include funding
for water, parks and environmental health.
calparks.org
upcoming events
Stardust Soirée – the 2013 Golden Poppy Awards Gala
T
he Golden Poppy Awards Gala will be held on June 8 at Will Rogers State
Historic Park in Pacific Palisades. This elegant evening under the stars will
honor extraordinary environmental leaders whose commitments have helped
ensure that state parks continue to provide adventure, renewal and inspiration to
all Californians. The Gala raises funds to support CSPF’s important policy work,
public education and environmental programming to improve, enhance, and
sustain California’s magnificent state parks system. Please consider purchasing
tickets or sponsoring a table for this important and beneficial event! To purchase
tickets or for more information, please visit our website at calparks.org or contact
Martha Henderson at (415)262-4404 or martha@calparks.org.
Hidden Stories
calparks.org
www.calparks.org
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park © Julianne Bradford
T
he next Hidden Stories conference will be
held on October 2 and 3 at the California
Endowment in downtown Los Angeles. The
title for the conference is “Folding Back the
Layers of California’s Latino/a History: The
Stories Beneath the Stories.” The conference
will explore Latino/a history in the context of
California’s state parks. Many state parks ably
include interpretation of the contributions of
historical Latino/a figures and the historical
context of the time and place. This conference
seeks to go beyond existing interpretation to
look at “the stories beneath the stories” of this
extremely important historical group. Panels
will examine topics such as women in historic
communities and their families; development
and evolution of neighborhoods surrounding
parks and Latino/a historical influence; and
social and class issues among California’s
historic Latino/a population. Park tours will
be offered, along with a dinner at the LA Plaza
de Cultura y Artes, with special guests to be
announced. Attendees will also have ample
opportunity for Q&A, as well as participation
in break-out sessions. Details will be posted
in the near future, including ticket purchases,
at calparks.org/hiddenstories. We hope to see
you there.
7
C
ampfire center improvements,
forest habitat restoration, beach and
river cleanup, bridge building and coastal
landscaping are just a few of the projects
that will be completed by volunteers and
sponsors during Earth Day 2013 Restoration
and Cleanup presented by Pacific Gas and
Electric Company (PG&E). A total of 24
parks statewide will receive some muchneeded enhancements this April.
Thanks to the support of sponsors
including PG&E, Oracle, Edison
International, Chevron, Southern California
Gas Company and Virgin America, CSPF
is providing parks with cash grants and
in-kind donations, allowing for repairs to
be made that have been on maintenance
backlog. California state parks need this
annual event. State parks continue to be
underfunded, with severe budget reductions
over the past several years and $1.4 billion
in deferred maintenance. Volunteers are
sought to actively participate in their
communities to help restore the beauty
of California’s treasured state parks in
honor of Earth Day.
Since its inception in 1998, CSPF’s
Earth Day Restoration and Cleanup program
has recruited 78,620 participants who
contributed 325,206 volunteer hours worth
over $6.2 million in park maintenance and
improvements. Additionally, more than $4.3
million has been raised for the program.
In-kind donations from local businesses and
sponsors including Chipotle Mexican Grill,
Noah’s Bagels, Peet’s Coffee and Tea, KIND
Healthy Snacks, Starbucks Coffee and Fruit
Guys allow funds raised to be focused on
park grants and volunteer outreach.
Volunteers are needed on Saturday,
April 13, 2013 beginning at 9 a.m. Visit our
website for a complete list of volunteer sites
and times. Individuals, groups or businesses
interested in volunteering should register
online at calparks.org/earthday.
Media Sponsors
CSPF would like to thank the following media sponsors
for their valued support:
Bay Area News Group
Capistrano Dispatch
Dana Point Times
El Mensajero
Eureka Times Standard
KAHI-AM 950
KBIG-FM104.3
KEYT-TV 3
KHUM-FM 104.7
KIEM-TV Eureka
KSOF-FM Fresno
KSTT-FM San Luis Obispo
KTVU-TV Channel 2
KICU-TV
LA Daily News
Marin Independent
Journal
Radio Bilingue
San Clemente Times
San Luis Obispo Tribune
Santa Cruz Sentinel
STAR 101.3 San Francisco
The Auburn Journal
World Journal
© NorthEast Trees
upcoming events
8
Earth Day
Improvement Projects Planned Statewide Saturday, April 13 for
16th Annual Earth Day Restoration and Cleanup presented by PG&E
Rio de Los Angeles State Park
calparks.org
P
acific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and
our employees and retirees are once again proud to
partner with CSPF for its annual Earth Day Restoration
and Cleanup on Saturday, April 13.
Celebrating a Longstanding Environmental Partnership
PG&E is committed to environmental leadership and
is continuing the tradition of partnering with CSPF as
the statewide presenting sponsor of the 2013 Earth Day
Restoration and Cleanup. This is the 12th consecutive
year that PG&E has partnered with CSPF. Since our
Earth Day partnership began with CSPF, PG&E has
contributed more than $1.7 million to help fund
important maintenance and improvement projects
at California parks.
This year, PG&E, which is sponsoring 15 projects at
11 sites in Northern and Central California, is providing
a $272,500 grant to CSPF and to participating parks for
the supplies and materials required to complete Earth
Day projects, and to support Park Champions work days
year round. Furthermore, PG&E is providing extra
support for state parks by participating in four cleanup
days for PG&E employees and their families: April 4 at
Candlestick Point State Recreation Area; April 6 at Mt.
Diablo State Park and Angel Island State Park; and April
27 at Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park.
Our Employees Make the Difference
The spirit of service and sense of community are alive
and well at PG&E. For 12 years, PG&E employees,
retirees and their families and friends have made the
annual Earth Day Restoration and Cleanup a signature
event for volunteerism and an investment in our
communities. In that time, our PG&E volunteers
have dedicated more than 25,000 volunteer hours to
the parks on Earth Day.
Last year, PG&E volunteers worked hard throughout
our 70,000 square-mile service area to beautify our state,
accomplishing much in just a few hours. More than 1,100
volunteers contributed more than 4,700 hours. Together
they planted nearly 900 native trees and plants; removed
123 bags of non-native plants in addition to filling 11
dumpsters; removed 280 bags of trash and 38 bags of
recyclables; collected 1,171 pounds of food for local food
banks; and restored eight miles of trails and coastline at
local parks, recreation areas and beaches.
PG&E’s Commitment to the Environment
Our commitment to environmental leadership extends
well beyond Earth Day and covers a broad range of
activities, from protecting sensitive habitats and species
to offering our customers energy efficiency solutions
and the addition of renewable energy sources to our
generation portfolio.
Angel Island State Park © Emily Siegenthaler
earth day partner
Join PG&E for California State Parks Foundation’s
Earth Day 2013 Restoration and Cleanup Saturday, April 13
calparks.org
9
Models of Excellence
O
ur newest program, Models of Excellence, seeks to
establish partnerships with parks and operating
organizations to help raise the bar for all facets of the parks’
operations, including programming, revenue generation,
natural areas and historic preservation management, and
visitor services. In selecting which parks are suitable for
this pilot phase of the program, we look to see whether at
least two of the three following criteria are present: physical
improvements that are needed at the park, either in whole
or in part; mechanisms for public access; and partnership
opportunities.
So far, Models of Excellence has found all criteria to
be met at Pond Farm at Austin Creek State Recreation
Area in a very compelling way. Pond Farm Pottery was an
experimental art colony founded during World War II by
San Francisco couple Gordon and Jane Herr as a
“sustainable sanctuary for artists away from a world run
amuck.” While the art colony was short-lived, Marguerite
Wildenhain, one of the resident artists, stayed on and
founded Pond Farm Pottery, gaining international
recognition as a groundbreaking and influential artist
and educator. In 1981, after nearly four decades of living,
teaching, and making pottery at Pond Farm, Wildenhain
was dubbed by Ceramics Monthly as one of the “world’s
greatest living potters or ceramic artists.” Pond Farm has
three remaining structures: the barn/studio, Ms.
Wildenhain’s residence, and a guest house. CSPF,
partnering with the National Trust for Historic Preservation,
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods and DPR, is actively
working to raise funding and support thoughtful planning
to restore the buildings and landscape, improve public
access, and create appropriate revenue-generating activities
at the site.
CSPF is also exploring the possibility of implementing
Models of Excellence at a state park that has the potential
for ground-breaking wildlife species preservation. We are
working with the National Wildlife Federation as a possible
partner, and investigating several parks to see which is the
best fit. More to come!
Sara Feldman
Vice President, Programs
Park Champions
P
ark Champions continues to grow at an exciting
rate. In the last four months, 584 volunteers have
given a very generous 2,264 hours to help out state parks.
During the same period, Park Champions has held 38
workdays at 17 different parks throughout the state. Projects
have included trail maintenance, habitat restoration, erosion
control and landscaping. A special native plant training is
planned for Southern California in the spring, with another
for Northern California in the near future.
We have added some new sites both north and south –
Jack London State Historic Park is one, and Wildwood
Canyon State Park is another. We are also working
hard to grow our volunteer leadership cadre, conducting
several trainings and tweaking our program to be
even more volunteer-friendly. A huge thank you to our
enthusiastic Park Champion volunteers and committed
state park staff! Anyone interested in participating
can see all of the projects and sites and sign up at
calparks.org/parkchampions.
© Anthony Veerkamp
programs report
10
The winter months have provided a productive
time for planning exciting future projects and
programs here at CSPF. As spring approaches,
we anticipate a slew of new programs and
activities. Here’s a preview of a few of them.
Pond Farm at Austin Creek State Recreation Area
Candlestick Point State Recreation Area
calparks.org
Volunteer Profile:
Suzanne Siegel
Park Artist Becomes
Park Champions Core Leader
calparks.org
Rio de Los Angeles State Park © Marygrace Lopez
Rio de Los Angeles State Park © Victor Leung
© Victor Leung
B
efore Rio de Los Angeles State Park opened
to the public in 2007, Suzanne Siegel was
commissioned by The River Project through a
grant from the Taylor Family Foundation to create
an interpretive art project telling the history of the
park’s site along the Los Angeles River. Suzanne
worked with fourth graders at Aragon Elementary
School and conducted workshops in the community
to create hundreds of tiles for a mosaic bench
near the nature trail. During the process of
working with the public, Suzanne developed many
friendships with park visitors and volunteers.
The new Rio de Los Angeles State Park was
instantly popular with urban Northeast Los
Angeles residents. Many community groups
emerged to socialize, exercise, and take care of
their new park. Suzanne joined the Rio Seniors
group to exercise and plant a native garden
around the bench. Today Las Abuelas (the
Grandmothers) meet twice a month to help
maintain the bench and natural areas of the park.
Suzanne also works with Las Abuelas and Park
Champions to develop more intensive planting and
weeding projects. The Park Champions program
was able to offer her group an approved
framework for working with park staff to plan
larger volunteer workdays, a small budget for
plants and tools, additional help recruiting new
volunteers, and the consulting services of a native
plant specialist.
This past August, Suzanne agreed to become
one of our newest Park Champions Core Leaders
to help us plan and lead future workdays, and also
recruit local volunteers who do not speak English
or use computers. She believes improving the
natural wetlands at Rio is important because
it offers underserved urban residents the rare
opportunity to see native plants and animals. On
her frequent visits, she has seen egrets, herons,
coyotes, and frogs. She has many wonderful ideas
for future Park Champions projects, and we are so
thankful to have her as part of our team. Thanks
Suzanne!
Phoebe Oelheim
Program Coordinator
11
supporting state parks
Salton Sea State Recreation Area © Thomas Haraikawa
12
Parks + People + Partners = Success!
P
artnerships. Collaboration. Teamwork. These words –
and the actions associated with them – are what was
responsible for not only keeping a number of our threatened
state parks open, but putting them on a trajectory of success.
California is fortunate to have a network of more than 80
cooperative associations and community nonprofits that
support state parks in a number of ways, ranging from
making significant financial contributions to providing
docents for educational and interpretive programming
to managing a gift shop. Last year, when 70 parks were
placed on a closure list, several of these “park partner”
organizations stepped up and took action to prevent closures
from happening. Some entered into operating agreements
with DPR to take over the operation of a specific park,
while others entered into donor agreements with DPR,
essentially committing to raising an agreed-upon amount
of funding annually to cover state operational costs for a
park. In an effort to bolster the capacity of these park
partner organizations and enable them to be effective in
their new roles, CSPF awarded grants totaling approximately
$800,000 to 25 of these organizations in the spring and
summer of 2012.
We have since been able to see how this grant funding,
coupled with new ways of doing business, resulted in a
number of impressive, tangible improvements to our parks.
For example, at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, you will
find the old foot bridge safe to cross, the water-powered grist
mill grinding grain, and the opportunity to purchase organic
and stone ground polenta, cornmeal, and whole-wheat flour.
At Palomar Mountain State Park, you now have functional
bathrooms and barbeque grills in the upgraded
campground. At Austin Creek State Recreation Area, you
will find new signage, trails unfettered by brush and downed
trees, assistance when and if needed from patrols on foot
and horseback, and a multitude of campground
improvements such as newly painted food storage lockers,
leveled picnic tables, and a campground host. At Jack
London State Historic Park, you now have the opportunity
to attend special evening events such as Broadway Under
the Stars, a series of concerts featuring professionals from
Broadway and Hollywood performing in the majestic,
open-air ruins of a former winery which now serves as an
amphitheater. And all this is but a small sampling of the
numerous ways our parks have benefitted and improved as
a result of new park partnerships and collaborative models
of management.
None of the accomplishments noted above would have
been possible, had not concerned citizens, businesses,
community groups, elected officials and CSPF joined
together to work toward the common goal of keeping all of
our parks open. If we are serious about enabling our parks
to become the best they can be and sustaining them over the
long term, clearly the way forward is through partnerships.
All of us at CSPF tip our hats to the people and organizations
that have been instrumental in creating and establishing
these unique partnerships – and trust you know how proud
we are to consider ourselves your partner in this important
work. CSPF’s fundraising efforts to create an expanded an
ongoing grants program continues, so that we remain in
a position to help park partner organizations implement
additional park improvements and program offerings in
2013 and beyond.
A complete list of the partner organizations that received
grants from CSPF can be found at calparks.org/grants.
How to Say It
Bequests help ensure a strong future for our parks.
To include CSPF in your will or trust or by beneficiary
designation, please use this language:
California State Parks Foundation
Tax ID 94-1707583
50 Francisco St., Suite 110, San Francisco, CA 94133
For specific examples of how to make a bequest, please
see cspf.us/CSPFBequest.
We recommend you seek the advice of an estate or tax
professional in connection with any planned gift.
calparks.org
fun in the parks
Shop our NEW Online Store!
We invite you to check out our new online store! You will
notice we have updated the look of the store, added more
categories, expanded the color selection and increased the
items to choose from. Whether you need some cozy items to
wear in the outdoors, folding table and chairs for your picnic,
or a beautiful wood carved walking stick for hiking, we will
provide you with unique and quality items.
Some of exciting new products include:
• Columbia fleece jackets
• Lands’ End fleece vests
• Vintage backpacks
• Olive oil pressed in a state park
• Youth sweatshirts and t-shirts
• Trailer hitch covers
• Walking sticks and medallions
All of our store proceeds help support
the work of CSPF and allow us to continue
as Your Voice for Parks. Shop now at
calparks.org/onlinestore.
International Adventure with CSPF
Some of you have been lucky enough to do a bit of
globetrotting recently thanks to CSPF’s new travel
program. Successful to trips to Cuba, Belize & Guatemala,
and Tanzia might be over, but other destinations await you!
Join us on a unique educational, cultural and
historical travel tour that includes access to UNESCO
(United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization) sites worldwide.
Remember to mention CSPF when you book your
trip and we receive a percentage of the proceeds. You’ll
also receive a special CSPF Travel Kit which includes a
fold-out carrying bag and luggage tag.
Visit calparks.org/tours or call an agent at
1-888-484-8785 to find out more.
New Partnership Brewing
A new partnership has been brewing in support of state parks!
Anchor Brewing Company of San Francisco has introduced a
new beer, Anchor California Lager®, and will devote a portion
of sales of the new beer to supporting state parks. Some of the
funds that CSPF receives will directly improve parks through
our discretionary grants program. We say “Cheers!”
calparks.org
Red Rock Canyon State Park © Vincent James
13
stuff you want to know
RECENT PHOTOS OF THE MONTH
CSPF Photo Contest
Our photo contest never ceases to showcase some of the most
beautiful and breathtaking images captured in California
state parks. 2012 was certainly no exception, with amazing
photography submitted from across the state. It was a tough
decision, but we selected Steven Castro’s photo “Sunburst over
Eagle Falls” from Emerald Bay State Park as the 2012 Photo
of the Year (below and cover). Congratulations to Steven!
October
Cardiff State Beach © Julianne Bradford
Thank you to all who submitted photography to the CSPF
photo contest in 2012. Your images constantly reinforce
how important the work we do on behalf of state parks is.
Our 2013 contest is now underway, and you are already
submitting impressive images. Keep them coming!
For those who haven’t joined the photo contest yet,
consider getting involved. It is a free, statewide contest
located on our website. Winners are chosen each month,
and they receive a variety of prizes, including a free CSPF
membership, a Lowepro camera bag, and a gift card to
Chipotle. For information on how to participate, visit our
website: calparks.org/gallery.
Thank you to our contest sponsors Lowepro (lowepro.com)
and Chipotle Mexican Grill (chipotle.com).
November
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park © Mike Ryan
December
Salt Point State Park © Mike Shoys
CalParks App is a Must Have
Downloading and using the CalParks app is easy, fun, and
downright practical. It is an invaluable companion for the
state park explorer in you. Find parks near you and read
about their highlights and history. Easily find the best hikes
in each park and navigate trails using detailed maps and
points of interest. Even track your hikes and share your
experience by taking photos and sharing them.
Go to the iTunes App Store or the Google Play Store to
download the CalParks app today and start exploring.
14
JANUARY
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park © Jeffrey Sipress
calparks.org
Remembering
Huell Howser
China Camp State Park © Vincent James
We at CSPF were saddened to learn
that the one and only Huell Howser
passed away on January 7. He was a
spokesperson for our state, an emissary
for untold stories, and an educator for
us all. In his series “California’s
Golden Parks,” Huell introduced
viewers to dozens of state parks,
infusing his enthusiasm for natural
beauty and unique history into each
visit. He was a part of California’s gold,
and he will be sorely missed.
calparks.org
15
parklands
california
State Park Events
A comprehensive list of
upcoming park events can be
found on DPR’s website. If you
want to know what’s going on in parks across the state,
just go to parks.ca.gov and look for the Upcoming
Events section.
0 Francisco Street, Suite 110
5
San Francisco, CA 94133
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
California State
Parks Foundation
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california
To view this or previous editions
of Parklands online, please visit
calparks.org/Parklands-Online.
A publication of the California State Parks Foundation
Read Parklands Online!
parklands
2012 FALL
Stay Connected to
Your State Parks Online
In This
Issue
From the President
Updates from
Sacramento
Upcoming Events and
Exciting Programs
Holiday Gift Ideas and
Online Specials
and MORE
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park © Cliff LaPlant
Go to our website and sign up for our e-newsletter and
action alerts to stay up-to-date on all state park
issues. Signing up online helps you keep current with
our work on behalf of state parks. You can also “Like”
us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, or
watch our videos on our YouTube channel.
TM
california parklands
Spring 2013, Volume 30, Number 1
(ISSN: 0892-0095) is published by the
California State Parks Foundation,
Copyright © 2013 CSPF. All rights reserved.
(415) 262-4400.
CSPF Website calparks.org
Staff Members  Mike Bankert, Cheryl Brier, Cecille Caterson,
Beverly Clark, Rita Dunn, Elyse Edwards, Jerry Emory, Sara
Feldman, Linsey Fredenburg-Humes, Elizabeth Goldstein, Brian
Gougherty, Forrest Greif, Nicole Gutierrez, Davida Hartman, Travis
Hattori, Martha Henderson, Kate Litzky, Marygrace Lopez, Jennifer
McLin-Ramirez, Erin McNerney, Phoebe Oelheim, Gabrielle
Ohayon, Justin Otero, Susan Parker, Scott Patterson, Luba Podolsky,
Jonah Punzal, Neshama Rakofsky, Eleanor Robertson, Hilda Sako,
Erland Sanborn, Allison See, Nancy Shillis, Emily Siegenthaler,
David Slack, Georgia Smith, Alexis Stoxen, Traci Verardo-Torres,
Leejay Victor, Elizabeth Zehren-Byers and Greg Zelder
EditorS  Jerry Emory and Alexis Stoxen
DesignER  Debra Turner
✁
MOVING?
Please send this form to CSPF in the envelope inside your Parklands.
Please change my address as follows:
Name
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Printed on 30% post-consumer recycled elemental processed
chlorine-free paper using soy ink. By using this recycled paper we are
saving 10.5 tons of pulp (73 trees), 23 million BTU’s of total energy, 6,472 lbs
of CO2 equivalent in greenhouse gasses, 33,469 gallons of wastewater, and
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update
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Eastshore State Park © Sean Peck
Street Address