This month we depart from the usual focus on the Vallejo Heights area and City of Vallejo government to provide information on the California state parks in Solano County that are scheduled for closure on July 1, 2012. While it is claimed that the statewide closures of almost 30 percent of the 279 state parks will save approximately $22 million for the State's General Fund, this will prove to be a false economy.
The 65.5 million visitors to state parks support local businesses by spending an average of $42 daily on goods and services directly related to park visits. This generates $3.2 billion annually and when the purchase of goods and services that support parks and related business is added the figure increases to $6.41 billion. Park closures will severely impact local and rural economies. At the May 26 General Meeting we will show a short (28 minute) film entitled The First Seventy that chronicles the filmmaker's journey through California as they document the closure of 70 state parks. Shalon Cunningham, State Park Ranger will be at the meeting to provide information and answer questions regarding the impact of the proposed closures. Carol Berman, President of the Benicia State Park Association will also be present to provide information on the efforts to keep the Benicia State Parks open. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the May 26 General Meeting.
VHNA Board of Directors
