We’ve heard some say that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s plan to close almost all of California’s state parks and beaches is just a negotiating ploy in the eternal budget battle. That had better be the case, because there are more than a few reasons why it could never work.
Obviously, the state would save some money in the short term by laying off all park staffers and beach lifeguards. But also, the state would lose revenue now generated by park admissions and food and merchandise sales, not to mention the loss to citizens of healthy, affordable recreation and educational opportunities.
Additionally, since the properties aren’t fully fenced, it doesn’t take much imagination to envision this scenario:
- Some families still would go for hikes and camping trips, and swimmers would flock to the beaches. Without supervision, the risk of wildland fires would become enormous.
- Without ranger assistance, people would get lost more often, taxing local law enforcement agencies and volunteer search organizations.
- There would be no control on careless driving, drinking and drug use by those entering illegally.
- The homeless would stream to shuttered buildings and vacated areas, creating vandalism and likely fire damage.
- Rest rooms would be broken into and quickly become useless.
- Hikers who injure themselves would have to wait longer for rescue and medical assistance.
- Without lifeguards, local fire protection agencies would have to perform many more ocean rescues.
- Eventually, trails would become overgrown, creating hazards for hikers and an enormous reclamation job if and when the parks reopen. Likewise, the self-contained utility systems at some parks would deteriorate, possibly to the point of no return.
- Tourism would plummet as law-abiding visitors stay away, creating even more havoc with the Santa Cruz County economy (and economies elsewhere).
In short, it would be an unmitigated disaster.
The governor’s latest revised budget proposal, including the park and beach closures, has been sent to the Legislature, where we have high hopes that cooler heads will prevail.
