In a turn of events that surprised even the most optimistic, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has announced that no California State Parks will be closed in 2009. The move effectively ends an unpopular initiative to cut costs as Sacramento politicians grapple with the 800 pound gorilla that is the state budget deficit. Schwarzenegger’s decision has created a wave of relief in San Juan Bautista and the surrounding areas, since most people believed that the area’s state parks, the SJB State Historic Park, Fremont Peak, and Henry Coe State Park, were on the short list to be either partially or completely closed.
“I was definitely surprised [by the decision],” says Gavilan Park Sector Superintendant Eddie Guaracha in an interview for this story. The Gavilan Park Sector manages all of the local parks. “The situation had been so fluid; I was preparing for the worst. My initial reaction was definitely relief.”
Guaracha was informed of the decision by means of a Department of Parks and Recreation email a few days before the Governor announced it to the public. A press release was also circulated announcing the decision. Why the sudden reversal by Sacramento? The in-house department memos didn’t elaborate, but Guaracha has a theory. “I think a decision was made to look at a single year approach versus a multi-year deficit we were faced with. The department was asked to analyze our budget for this year only to keep parks open. Working the Department of Finance, we determined we could keep the parks open with a single fiscal year approach.”
So the parks will stay open. But by no means does that mean the danger of closure has passed. “The decision is to keep the parks open for the 2009/2010 fiscal year, ending June 30, 2010,” says Guaracha. “There is always a possibility as long as California State Parks are dependent on the State’s economy. We’re hopeful that the department will have a better budget in the coming fiscal year, and we’re optimistic.”
To prepare for the contingency that the threat of closure will arise again, the Gavilan Park Sector is continuing with efforts to save money in the short term. “It is a constant priority to be responsible with the public’s money. This year is no different, but we just have to make tougher decisions,” says Guaracha. “We will achieve cost reductions through partnerships with local organizations and other State Park Units. Currently, we are working with Hollister Hills SVRA to offset some park expenditures through job sharing.”
While the threat of closure has gone away for now, the immediate challenges that the Park Sector faces are still present. The state budget remains tight, and the Gavilan Sector’s funds are going to be cut into even more. “We were going to stay open, but information of reduced funding was of great concern,” says Guaracha. “Unfortunately, the public should expect a lowered service in the field. We will not have the staff to perform the daily clean-up and restroom services. Our priorities will lean towards the immediate needs or repairs.”
Guaracha went on to say that his staff has already had to park a maintenance vehicle because it needs repairs that they can’t afford to make. “Unfortunately, a decrease of service is to be expected. We will seek the public’s assistance to maintain our parks and request a little patience in addressing park repairs.” Guaracha doesn’t anticipate having room in his budget for any seasonal staff this fiscal year.
Yes, major challenges still exist. But the major point that can’t be missed here is simple: the parks are still here. And they’re still open, undeniably a major victory. Just six weeks ago, the idea that all three parks would avoid closure was ludicrous, let alone every park in the state. “It will be an extremely tight year, but the parks will remain open,” says Guaracha. “We will do our best with what we are given, but remain optimistic we will be given the tools to perform the necessary tasks to support the core programs of State Parks.”
Zac Johnson - My name is Zac Johnson. I'm a 22 year old senior at Arizona State University in Tempe, majoring in political science. I'll graduate in ...
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