CALIFORNIA STATE PARK FOUNDATION (CSPF) has been invaluable in supporting not only our own nonprofit, MENDOCINO AREA PARKS ASSOCIATION (MAPA), but nonprofits and state parks in the entire state of California. CSPF has made possible the carrying out of our mission in our local state parks, which is providing education programs, park improvement projects (that would not happen without nonprofits and CSPF), and even the operation of the previously closed Standish-Hickey State Recreation that is now open for public camping and recreation. CSPF has been crucial for all of this. CSPF has fought for years to keep all of our state parks open, and with amazing success. I can't imagine where our parks and our state would be without their efforts; because all is connected, their influence has reached beyond parks to millions of visitors and thousands of business that are dependent on those park visitors, which then benefits our state and everyone who lives and visits here. Our praise and gratitude can never fully express the true value of their contribution. CSPF is the GREATEST! THANK YOU, CSPF!
Am a fifth generation Californian. While there were not that many state parks when I was growing up, my family frequented them regularly. As an adult I spent many years as a board member on the California State Parks Foundation. Through the Foundation I was able to enjoy even more parks. CSPF opened this outdoor world to many.
As a board member for Placer County Dry Creek Conservancy, we are always seeking out support for preserving both our historical sites and watersheds.
One location that begs to be preserved is the Transcontinental rail tunnels near Donner Pass. We need to remind everyone of the dedication and hard work of our Chinese rail workers.
Hi, I am the current Treasurer of the 501c3 that supports Cuyamaca Rancho SP. I am also a 20 year volunteer for California State Parks, and for other wild lands agencies.
It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with the California State Parks Foundation, and its staff and volunteers. On the organizational side, they have a technical assistance center offering free or low cost training and tools that have helped us develop our board and its professional capabilities.
On the volunteer and operation side, their Parks Champion program has supplied us with eager and capable volunteers who match our dedication to the parks and making them better for the public. With no waste or fuss, they schedule work parties with the kind of participants who help us leverage our resources, and the resources of the Park to get things done quickly!
I wholeheartedly recommend them to any donor, and to anyone looking for a place to volunteer and make a difference., Dave Hernandez, Jamul CA. treasurer@crspia.org
The Park Champions program that is administered through the California State Parks Foundation is one of the most rewarding volunteering experiences I have ever had. Not only does Park Champions allow one to visit and help out at various CA State Parks, but it allows one to meet incredible people. The Core Leaders who coordinate the volunteer work days are dedicated and encouraging through the whole process. In addition, some of the work days offer free camping for volunteers, which makes the experience all the more rewarding.
Park Champions is an awesome organization. We spent a morning clearing non-native plants at Half Moon Bay State Beach. The staff was organized, friendly and gave us great information on what we were doing and why. My son enjoyed the morning so much he asked right away if we could come back and do it again. We saw right away how our time had positive impact on the environment. I highly recommend Park Champions and the wonderful people who put this organization and event together!
Let the homeless camp there and have them clean the parks for the privilege !
Solves two problems. A win win for everyone !
CSPF is an awesome organization. Their help and support to the Friends of China Camp (FOCC), the nonprofit volunteer organization that operates China Camp State Park, has been a key piece to our success. They have and continue to: help us with interactions with state government agencies, provide grant money for park improvements, advertize for and recruit volunteers to help maintain the park, train volunteers to lead workday events at the park, provide business expertise in the form of consultants, tutorial and conferences and connect us to volunteers in other state parks (a vital part of our support system). FOCC owes much of our success to CSPF.
The Salton Sea Discovery Kids Camp where kids learn science in a fun and exciting way, would not be possible without the caring and generosity of the California State Parks Foundation. They have been the life blood not only for the Kids Camp, but for the Kids very own Discovery Kids Group Camp Site as well. The Friends of the Salton Sea State Recreation Area, the non-profit Association for the Salton Sea State Recreation Area, cannot thank the California State Parks Foundation enough!
The California State Parks Foundation has provided invaluable support to the State Park cooperating associations in moving forward to help the parks stay alive and thrive. This support has come in the form of grants as well as technical assistance directly related to our work. It is important to note that CSPF has provided a funding lifeline to those of us who stepped up to operate parks on the closure list two years ago. Underscored by staff members of the highest caliber, the special quality and level of partnership that CSPF brings to the table is outstanding, with tangible evidence of its positive impacts on State Parks manifest throughout the system.
My, where do I begin? When I was growing up, my parents took us kids camping at many of California State Parks. I grew up on Sonoma, CA, and spent many of my childhood hours at the Sonoma Mission, General Vallejo's home and Jack London State Park, fascinated by the history. When I was married, we took our children on trips to many of California State Parks. What would we do without them? They are not only an enjoyable place to spend a vacation, but they are full of valuable resources... educational, historical, geological, social, .. and on and on. I am fortunate to live In Humboldt County for the past 45 years, 44 of those years a half of a mile from Patrick's Point State Park. I've hiked many of the trails at Patrick's Point as well as Prairie Creek State Park, and Jedediah State Park, and I have been a volunteer at Patrick's Point State Park for the past 15 years. They are a treasure and need to be supported and maintained for future generations.
We take every opportunity to visit our California State Parks. We travel a lot in our 1931 Model A Ford and plan our routes to include as many historic and scenic sites as time will allow. We have seen first hand what happens when funding falls short to run and maintain these parks. There are many places that would not be open or in existence, if not for the California State Parks Foundation.
I'm from Germany and the best reason to visit California is: the State Parks!
California State Parks Foundation is indispensable!
As a member, volunteer (only once so far, but plan to do it again - it was fun!) and user of CA's amazing state park system, I can't think of a better way to say thank you than to write a review. This organization makes it possible to keep our stunning park system the largest one in the U.S. They organize all types of volunteer activities not just to make the parks a better and more accessible place, but to give concerned citizens -like you and me- a chance to take part in making the world a better place, one park at a time! CA State parks are truly a treasure, and representative of the many ecosystems found in CA. Visiting all of them is on my bucket list - how 'bout yours?
I have been to many state parks and believe they are a beautiful gift and should be cherished. My boyfriend and I volunteered at MacKerricher State Park and the people helping were very organized and friendly. It was a wonderful experience.
I've been volunteering with CSPF for a couple of years now and the work they do is AMAZING! i love getting out into a number of different parks up in the San Francisco Bay Area and helping out. It's fun!
I enjoy the newsletters I get from CA State Parks Foundation. I'm hoping to join them to volunteer on one of their Park Champion weekends that include free overnight camping. I'm so glad they are working to keep our State Parks open!
CSPF developed the fundraising program to restore the cottage at Jack London Park, an award winning effort that is now the crown jewel in our park. Further, the mentoring and ongoing financial support for programs and projects help make the park a great success. The Foundation was absolutely FUNDAMENTAL to our early success in operating Jack London State Historic Park as a non-profit. We salute the staff and board for their great work during this challenging time!
The California State Parks Foundation has been THE key organization in leading the fight to protect California State Parks. I've worked with them closely in the efforts to keep China Camp State Park open after it was threatened with permanent closure back in 2011. They were instrumental in spreading the word about the closure that affected 70 parks all across the state. They organize an annual Park Advocacy Day in Sacramento, in which park supporters get to play a direct role in our democracy, lobbying legislators on issues related to our state parks. They also have a great volunteer program called Park Champions.
I worked with CSPF for a couple of years, and the people there are passionate about what they do. CSPF is a superhero when it comes to staying on top of our park's needs and doing everything they possibly can to protect them. The organization is also run so fiscally responsibly, we can trust our membership dollars are being used exactly as they should be.
I have worked with the California State Parks Foundation for the past six years and I am constantly impressed by the amount of integrity within this organization. Their tireless commitment to supporting our state parks is evident in the programs they coordinate and participate in. Park Advocacy Day has been instrumental in fostering an ongoing discussion between legislators and their park-supporting constituents. Additionally, CSPF’s involvement in the Packard Summer Enrichment Program has provided hundreds of low-income youth with the educational benefits found within our state parks. This non-profit has heart and is truly great.
We had a great experience by being the Park Champions last weekend. The kids were with us and they had a great educational experience and fun activities!
Thanks a lot for those who organized!!!!!!
As a client and volunteer I have interacted with several members of the California State Parks Foundation over the past six years. My experience with the Foundation has been without exception positive. Foundation employees are talented, dedicated and provide excellent customer service. The California State Parks Foundation maintains an excellent reputation.
The California State Parks Foundation plays a critical and essential role in preserving our 280 state parks, and keeping them open. They have been very creative in forging partnerships with local organizations to make our parks sustainable. Once a park is closed it can be vulnerable to private developers or criminal elements. When I volunteer to visit the Capitol every year on behalf of CSPF, I am always impressed (and relieved) at the reception we get from legislators, due to our mission and the staff of CSPF.....Les Johnson
We are lucky enough to live near some of California's most beautiful state parks. Just yesterday we stopped by Pt Lobos State Reserve to walk the forested trails and watch sea otters tumble in the emerald-colored water at Whaler's cove. Two weeks ago we camped at DL Bliss State Park at Lake Tahoe--an annual family-centered trip. And last month, my daughter and nephew spent a week at the Monterey State Historic Park adobes. While dressed in period costumes, they made tortillas, braided rope, branded leather and learned songs, games and dances from the early California period. These experiences enrich us and provide a much-needed respite from our highly structured, screen-focused lives. Site improvements & restoration, educational programs, and simple access to our state parks would not be possible without the California State Parks Foundation. The work of this nonprofit is more important than ever.
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I've been fortunate to work with several staff members of the California State Parks Foundation. In addition, I frequently visit my local state parks and beaches. Just yesterday, I went hiking with my kids in my favorite local state park--Point Lobos. Gave me a chance once again to appreciate the important work of the dedicated professionals who make up the California State Parks Foundation. We need our state parks more than ever and the California State Parks Foundation plays a vital role in keeping our parks open and accessible. Keep up the great work!
This past weekend my daughter ,age 22, and I participated in the Fort Ross work day. We camped at Salt Point State Park, along with 20 or so other volunteers. Volunteers were all ages and from all parts of Northern CA. It was a wonderful and beautiful experience to work with the people from CA SPF and from Fort Ross. We will do this again.
CSPF is a great non-profit working hard for the citizens of California to keep our parks open. I support them because they fight for a cause I believe in, and they do tremendous work for the community.
CSPF provides such important support for our state parks. They keep a vigilant watch, inspire and enlist volunteers, and advocate for our glistening gem of a park system.
As a fourth generation Californian, I was raised in our State Parks. I feel they are my legacy and am grateful for the work the California State Parks Foundation does to help keep them maintained and open to the public.
Hello,
First off; this is the first time reading online about California State Parks Foundation. I received a donation request via USPS mail. I was extremely interested in making a donation. My husband requested before I send any money, to check and see exactly what percentage is used for the state parks. I found Charity Navigator rating just by luck. Still not sure what percentage my donation is actually used for the parks. My concern was after reading 2011 fiscal report, $10,179,097 was collected from donations. The President Elizabeth Goldstein's compensation/pay was $169,469 for 2011. Call me crazy, WOW I'd like that (NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION) job. I WOULD like someone to explain to me the basics. I realize no one works for free. But seriously.... $170,000 for what. Im not minimizing the job. Im just saying!!! If this non profit organization is really wanting to help California's State Parks, MAYBE admin shouldnt take so much off the top. NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION's mean lots & lots of money for the administrators. What happened to simple; I make donation of $100 and $95 actually goes towards the cause. I think that somehow along the way we have lost the ideal..... non profit organizations were established to help. Somehow the person/persons running the organizations are making more money then the actual cause. How sad...
CalParks 05/20/2013
Hi Chandra, Thank you for your interest in our organization and for taking the time to learn more about our finances. We at CSPF are highly dedicated to our work on behalf of California state parks, and we have a 44-year history of fundraising, advocating for and protecting parks. Of the money we raise, 79% percent goes to our program and member advocacy work – this is all the work we do to support California state parks. 13% of our resources go to fundraising efforts so that we can continue our program work. Only 8% of our resources go to management and general admin expenses – this money allows us to have a staff of 40 exceptional professionals who work hard every day to fulfill our mission. Our hardest worker is certainly our president, Elizabeth Goldstein. She works tirelessly for CSPF, dedicating countless hours to her work. Her salary compensation was carefully determined based on industry analysis, and she makes less than colleagues in comparable positions. So although we are a nonprofit organization, we still need to support our staff as well as ensure we are somewhat competitive in our ability to attract highly-qualified professionals. For third-party validation on our financial position, we have a 4-star Charity Navigator rating because they have reviewed our finances, accountability and transparency and found us to be among the highest standing of nonprofits. We truly strive to dedicate as much of our resources to our program work as possible, and we are above the curve in that regard among nonprofits. I hope you will reconsider us as an organization worth your trust and your donation. If you have further questions, please feel free to reach out to us at members@calparks.org or 415-262-4400. Thank you, California State Parks Foundation
Review from CharityNavigator
California State Parks Foundation is destroying cities throughout California, they are backed by SCE, utilities companies and regulators ... look at what they say below, do not support them! Read all the details here: http://www.calparks.org/programs/policy/chino-hills-trtp-project.html Wayne Mass · Chino Hills, California
Well I thank you for actually responding to us. However to call the easement through Chino Hills VALID route is insulting. No person in their right mind who has seen these dangerous 200ft towers next to homes,parks and schools would ever classify them as such. I would like you to also consider who uses the Chino Hills State Park! Chino Hills residents do and not one person I have ever spoken to sees an issue with replacing existing power lines in an already existing right of way. So that leaves the last issue. Your foundations fear that this will somehow set a presidence to install power lines though State Parks. Frankly I don't buy it. Power lines and towers are already there. Has your organization lobbied in the past to remove those....answer...NO. So again your motivation comes into question. When we see the huge donations to your foundation from SCE it just supports our belief that you have been bought.
Reply · 23 · Unlike · Follow Post · January 26 at 6:06pm
Jan Palmer
Ah, but I disagree with you, CSPF! When people bought their homes along the SCE easement, the poles were about 75' tall and inactive for app. 4 decades and NOBODY IN THEIR RIGHT MIND would ever have thought that giant 200' TRANSMISSION poles would be erected in that narrow 150' easement! Green energy and wind turbines were not even in our lexicon. Your statment leads people to think we were fully informed about what was to come. Some have owned their homes for 30 years. Isn't there already a right-of-way in the park with electric poles? And I doubt the numbers of people that visit CHSP today is the same as before the 3-day a week closure. And visitors to a park are not subjected to the health and danger concerns that residents will be exposed to 24/7/12. You are purposely tweeking and putting out misinformation. Shame on Edison and Shame on CSPF!
Reply · 19 · Like · Follow Post · January 26 at 4:55pm
Debbie Dean
Every time the CSPF makes a statement about the annual number of visitors to the Chino Hills State Park the total increases. This is something we've come to expect from SCE but not you! Not just here in Chino Hills, SCE also has a "valid right of way" in the State Park and it contains SCE transmission towers and lines. I could agree with your concerns about setting a precedent if NO towers existed in Chino Hills State Park. Likewise can you imagine the precedent that would be set if public utility companies were allowed to run 500kv 45 ft from homes anywhere and any time they want, all over the country?
The Charitable Donations you receive from SCE have created a conflict of interest. Facing the possibility of losing that support, should you contradict SCE's favored route, surely influences your opinions.
Reply · 13 · Like · Follow Post · January 26 at 8:39pm
California State Parks Foundation
Alternative 4CM would replace some lines along the existing easements, but it would also create at least two entirely new paths in biologically- and visually-sensitive areas of the park where no easements currently exist.
Reply · Like · January 30 at 4:46pm
Chrisanne Goodwin
Hey what about me? I don't live anywhere NEAR the easement. No one ever informed me I would be looking at this 265ft Lattice Monster out of my kitchen window, bedroom window and backyard and out of my dining room window a 200 ft Monster Power Pole! They are SOOOO HUGE they impact MY quality of life and I live in CARBON CANYON no where NEAR the easement SO PLEASE do NOT use the easement as an arguement! This is a COMMUNITY ISSUE not about the unfortunate people who were LIED to by SCE when they purchased their homes (yes, believe it or not we used to believe and trust the company...now we know better!) who were told when they bought the homes those poles were INACTIVE! By the way, reduce the number of visitors to your park you 99,999 because I WILL not be going any more. Your issue for "parks only" is upsetting to me. If you do not care about the very people who are YOUR biggest supporters of CHINO HILLS State Park then I don't feel welcome.
Reply · 12 · Like · Follow Post · January 27 at 10:08am
Ruth Dickie
CSPF~You should join us instead of fighting us! Why don't you support the idea of burying the lines under the state parks in CA? In Chino Hills State Park the easement is already there---bury the lines--yes, the terrain is hilly but the digging can be level, it seems to me. It could be a win-win situation. With new technology the emf on four-legged creatures is greatly reduced. It doesn't seem to me that you care about that at all~nor do you really care about the people using the park or you wouldn't have let the easement be built there in the first place. All you really care about is the money that it brings into your dept. You and SCE have a lot in common!
Reply · 12 · Like · Follow Post · January 26 at 7:48pm
Gregg Fresonke · Vice President Marketing and Sales at Hollywood Ribbon Industries
WHY IS YOUR N-P AGENCY LOOKING TO HIT TAX PAYERS UP VIA THE CPUC FOR $44,000 TO COVER LAWYER COSTS TO FIGHT THE PEOPLE LIVING IN CHINO HILLS? ARE YOU SUPPORTING SCE BECAUSE THEY GIVE YOU CHARITABLE DONATIONS? WHY SHOULD SOMEONE SITTING IN AN OFFICE IN SAN FRANCISCO HAVE THE POMPOUS ATTITUDE OF DETERMINING WHAT SHOULD BE DONE IN THE PARK WE ARE USING? IF YOU HAD ANY UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROBLEM YOU WOULD UNDERSTAND THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT IS JUST BEING MOVED... THE SAME PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. YOU COME ACROSS AS A BUNCH OF SLEAZE-BALL LAWYERS SQUEEZING MONEY FROM TAX PAYERS TO FUND YOUR IDEALISTIC IDEAS.
Reply · 9 · Like · Follow Post · January 26 at 6:11pm
California State Parks Foundation
Any compensation for legal fees granted to organizations in a proceeding like this is always paid by the applicable utility company in the proceeding. No state and/or taxpayer funding is involved.
Reply · Like · January 30 at 4:48pm
I participated in signature-gathering campaign last year for a ballot for the California State Parks Foundation. I am a donor as well. The importance of this non-profit is extensive. Because of the Foundation many State Parks are still open (even though some have cut back on services), allowing so many individuals and families to enjoy our beautiful and historic parks. With future donations, Cal Parks will be assured to help keep more parks open.
It is a pleasure working with the California State Parks Foundation to create a stronger state parks system. They are tireless in their efforts to keep parks open and accessible for all Californians, and I am happy to play a supporting role in their work. They recently did an amazing job hosting their annual Park Advocacy Day in Sacramento - the event was extremely organized and highly effective in advocating for our parks.
I visit Topanga State park regularly. I was very impressed to learn about CA State Parks Foundation and the important work they do to support our natural beauty found in the parks. This well organized, positive, pro-active group was so good at motivating people to Save the Parks during the last/recent budget crisis. I attended a town meeting they helped organize where local officials, park employees, volunteers, and the public shared information and encouragement. It was very well done!
I am proud to be a part of this organization and its dedicated staff and volunteers, all doing their part to promote and protect our beautiful state park system. In these times of budget cuts it is heartening to see leadership from a nonprofit that supports the hard work of the Department of Parks & Rec. Yay California State Parks Foundation -- you rock!
Your Great Event has produced events for the California State Parks Foundation for the past four years. The team at the Foundation reflects the strong mission of the Foundation of preserving our great parks and we are honored to work hand in hand with their marvelous team in creating their fundraising events. Every member of the organization we have worked with are professional, knowledgeable in their field, goal oriented and just great people.
I have worked with the wonderful people at CSPF on several events. As always, they were extremely responsive, knowledgeable and ready to do whatever it took to get the job done! I will be very happy to work with them in the future.
Any non-profit would benefit by watching and learning from the pros at SCPF!
I've volunteered with the California State Parks Foundation for Earth Day, and attended 3 of their Park Advocacy Days in Sacramento. The Foundation really knows how to get citizens active in and advocating for parks. Every event has been extremely well-organized. I left feeling like I was having a real impact in really important work and learned quite a bit along the way. Not only are these guys efficient and knowledgable, but they are just fantastic people to work along side of. I really believe that it is their work that has kept our parks as great as they are. I look forward to being a part of these activities next year.
I have worked with CSPF for over ten years. The individuals I have had the honor of collaborating with are dedicated and knowledgeable. They go beyond the call of duty again and again. Every one of them is a hero in my book.
I have worked with the fine people of the CSPF on more than one occasion. Each time they were professional, kind,and very helpful. I wish all non-profits were run like this one.
I've worked with California State Parks Foundation for more than three years and am impressed by their sense of mission and the quality of their work. My work with the Foundation consisted of helping to plan and implement their annual film series. The series highlights films that were shot, at least partially, in a California state park. The staff's dedication to highlighting the state parks, informing the public about the wonders that abound in the parks and raising funds to supplement ever decreasing state funds that keep our parks open, was astounding. It is an honor to work with this group on behalf of our state park system.
The California State Parks Foundation is a "class act" non-profit. They fight to save our State Parks and make California a better place for it. Their Staff, Board and Supporters are more than admirable.
I recommend that everyone become a supporter of this wonderful organization.
I have been to many events and also volunteered in park cleanups, functions, etc. The enthusiasm and dedication of the staff in furthering the integrity of the parks is unsurpassed. With funding cutbacks I'm sure the staff and donors alike will rise to the occasion! This is an outstanding organization.
The best ideas come from the California State Parks Foundation. From the Board of Directors though out the staff and volunteers CSPF has been visionary as well as boots-on-the-ground ready to be champions on behalf of our magnificent State Parks.
I've lived in Southern California my whole life and take full advantage of the state parks there including hiking and mountain biking. They have always been well maintained and accessible, because of caring people like the California State Parks Foundation. No one fights for state parks like they do.
I always look forward to their Earth Day events.
I love volunteering with the CSPF - they are the nicest and most appreciative of all the groups I volunteer with. Its always a pleasure to help out in the parks and with so much appreciation, its always a pleasure to return. They are organized, prepared and helpful to anyone who volunteers. They supply appropriate materials and "training" including health and safety cautions as necessary for each task. They organize refreshments and try to make sure everyone has a positive experience. They are top-notch all the way.
I use the state parks several times a week to get out in nature, enjoy the trees, the fresh air, the wildlife, and activities such as hiking and running. They are a critical resource to the health of our people and our planet. We must preserve and maintain our open spaces. At a time when drug dealing and other criminal activity is increasing in our state parks, we cannot afford to be cutting back or closing them! These are the dangers that lead to fires, and worse. The state parks need our support now more than ever. The California State Parks Foundation is doing an excellent job of educating people about the value of our parks system, and helping to fight the cutbacks the system is facing.
The State Parks Foundation is paying attention to the political and budgetary actions that affect the future of the parks. They do a great job of keeping their membership current on this information. They also are doing a great job of educating people about various parks, so that people can feel a sense of ownership and stewardship towards these beautiful areas.
Now that my son is 8yrs old, he is learning to love camping. We look forward to taking him to our California State Parks. We encourage him to help keep them clean. I want this to be a continued tradition and am afraid that we will not be able to do this with all the State Parks closing.
I want my kids and their kids to experience the FUN and education that I have received from the State Parks. This Foundation has helped keep the fact that the State Parks Dept seems to be one of the first hits if there are budget cuts! These are not replaceable resources!! We must be the protectors!!
I enjoy using California State Parks and I am grateful for anyone and everyone who works to allow me to visit the beautiful places in our state; to keep them clean; to keep them safe; but most importantly...to KEEP them!
My first outing when I came to CA 35 years ago was to a state park; I find you can tell a lot about a place by how the parks integrate and support the rest of the community. Now at 60 I loo back having grown my kids camping weekends, hikes, and these include many holidays.. and am so grateful for this resource. I daily visit a locak park to walk and when the world is stressful, find peace and hope in the parks; the staff I have encountered are helpful and informative and inspiring. Is more than places to go, our parks are a place of possibility.. I now find myself reading and taking classes so I can become more knowledgable and a GOAL is to docent when I retire in 2 years.. With the mess this state has gotten into-- the PARKS are something we can TRULY be PROUD of and to which are attracted folks from all over the world! Preserve, Enrich, Cherish, and Support these unique resources.
I have spent countless hours camping, backpacking, hiking and playing in the State Parks. I couldn't even fathom not being able to go out to one of our wonder State Parks to explore the natural beauty, learn a bit about our history and get enjoy some peace and quiet. I know my world would be a lot more unbearable without the State Parks and I'm sure many others agree.
I used to live across the street from San Bruno Mountain. Everyday, I looked forward to hiking the trail around the mountain. This trail consisted of blackberries, views of San Francisco and beautiful fields of grass. What I enjoyed most about this experience was the ability to see the seasons change. Recreation is vital to a person's well-being. We need recreation and parks in our lives as much as we need sleep and food. This type of nourishment allows for mental/ physical well-being and growth. Without our state parks, California would lose its ability to make recreation available to the average person. We need our parks to live!
The Cal State Parks are some of the cleanest and prettiest parks around. We want to keep the parks open FREE for everyone to enjoy.
We use the State Parks of California many times throughout the year, and most recently was 2 days ago at San Onofre State Beach in San Clemente. The staff is always helpful, competent, polite and informed. The parks are always well-maintained and free of trash and troublesome elements. The State Parks serve as an indispensable and invaluable resource for our family when we wish to 'get away from it all.'
I work at a vacation rental company and we have fantastic state parks in our area. Every time someone asks me what to do or where to go on their vacation I direct them to these parks. And every time guests reply that they were so impressed with the parks, their kids saw something new, they experienced nature, hiked, biked, walked and observed in ways that make this a favorite vacation memory! I'm dis-heartened that our closest state parks have reduced access, hours, and so on as a result of budget woes. Some of the most memorable places for guests are now harder to get to or unavailable. I want to show off our state's best spots not have them fall into disrepair... I know the CSPF needs as much support as possible to keep these fantastic place available to locals and tourists a like!
Californians own an amazing and unique State Park system. AND, I think all of California should be grateful to the California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) for their tireless efforts to repair, improve, and SAVE our State Parks. Through their constant communication via traditional and electronic media, CSPF has kept us informed of potential budget threats and the many ways we as individual Californians can volunteer to help keep our Parks healthy. Through Facebook, Twitter, their beautifully produced newsletter
I support CSPF because they are a vital force in keeping our State Parks functioning. In these difficult times it is their continuous efforts in Sacramento and throughout the state that safeguard the incredible state parks system. I am fortunate enough to work on Parklands, the organization's newsletter which showcases the programs, people, and grand beauty that make up one of California's greatest assets. CSPF guards and expands that treasure chest!
I am proud to support the California State Parks Foundation and to call myself a partner in their critical work to keep parks safe and accessible for everyone. As a CSPF Earth Day volunteer and Parks Advocacy Day participant, I have also seen firsthand how the Foundation's programs directly benefit the parks and engage the community. CSPF has demonstrated again and again that they can make real, positive change happen -- for our parks, and the people who enjoy them!
As a member of CSPF, I (selfishly!) trust the Foundation will use the affordable fee of my membership well. I've also worked with CSPF, and found a staff loaded with articulate, informed, and passionate people. The Foundation is constantly churning out creative ways to protect and enhance our state parks. The terrific newsletter I receive keeps me up to date on what's going on, as well as all the podcasts and videos on the site. The organization remains down-to-earth and current at the same time. One thing though - I wish it was more obvious as to where I can sign a petition getting the State Park Access Pass on the November 2010 ballot! As far as I know, CSPF is the only organization in California whose energies are focused solely on our state parks, making it's existence critical. I think it's safe to say that without the Foundation, our stellar parks would be lost to development, and the thousands of people who visit them deeply deprived.
I am so impressed with CSPF's unrelenting positive attitude and commitment to the preservation of "our" California State Parks. They look to the future with faith and optimism, continually seeking innovative ways to protect and fund one of our most precious resources.
The Cal State Parks Foundation is one of the most effective and professional non profits I have seen. The staff is fighting hard to get decent financing for the parks, while at the same time developing programs encouraging Californians of all bacikgrounds to enjoy the marvelous park system.
CSPF has been doing a great job of keeping the State Parks financial problems in the public eye and is leading the way to getting something done.
We have raised a family in CA and the first real environmental education experiences are those taught at the beaches and mountain parks that are CA! Our family not only experienced the beauty and serenity of nature, but with the park system we discovered CA history, a love for the vast diversity of CA and have always had it affordable, well maintained and at our fingertips. We need to keep the State Parks affordable, well maintained and at our fingertips - for all CA and our visitors too. There is no better gift to ourselves and our children than preserving and appreciating our great state. The CA State Parks Foundation makes sure we are always working toward that end.
As I see it: a focused mission with policy guidance on California state parks, made all the more salient today given the dire financial straits the state faces.
Healthy mix of private and public involvement. I can't pretend to know everything about them, but I do consider them to be very clear in their mission statement and forward thinking with their programs.
