Garrapata State Park by Bill Bouton

Good news for some of California’s walking dead parks

/ June 28, 2012 / 1 Comment / in the news

Photo credit: Garrapata State Park by Bill Bouton

Earlier this week, I posted a list of 15 “orphan parks” (California state parks that had no rescuers). Today’s latest news about the state parks gives hope for 3 of the walking dead, albeit the ink is not yet dried on those deals. According to a Monterey County Weekly story (below), Moss Landing State Beach and Garrapata State Park deals are in the works, though Zmudowski State Beach remains listed for closure. In addition, Benecia Patch reports that a legislative measure could reopen negotiations for a city takeover of the Benicia State Recreation Area.

Here’s more on those stories and more last-minute efforts to save our state parks.

California State Parks

Latest news on potential July 1 state park closures in California

Storified by Johanna Hoadley · Thu, Jun 28 2012 10:40:43

Earlier this week, we posted a list of 15 “orphan parks” (parks that had no rescuers). Today’s latest news about the state parks gives some of those 15 hope, albeit the ink is not yet dried on those deals. According to the Monterey County Weekly story below, Moss Landing and Garrapata deals are in the works, though Zmudowski State Beach remains listed for closure.  
Parks PardonedDon’t cry for our state parks just yet. Four in Monterey County were slated to close July 1, but three will probably be spared. The ink’s…
And according to this story from Benicia Patch, a legislative proposal could reopen negotiations to save Benicia State Recreation Area.  That puts the number of Walking Dead parks potentially down to 12. 
Proposal to Keep Parks Open Passes Out of LegislatureThe State Legislature passed a proposal to save dozens of state parks slated for closure on July 1, and reduce the closure of still more …
In other news, there’s been confirmation of a few more park deals officially going through, including Twin Lakes State Beach , Bidewell Mansion, the Governor’s Mansion and Joss House State Historic Park. 
State Parks commits to limited Twin Lakes upkeep – San Jose Mercury NewsSANTA CRUZ – Twin Lakes State Beach, a summertime draw that lures thousands of out-of-towners every year, is not going to turn into a pig…
Bidwell Mansion among many state parks that communities have rescued – Chico Enterprise RecordIt’s been a scramble for many communities trying to keep their landmarks, history and camping spots open to the public. After many fundra…
State won’t close Governor’s Mansion after all – The Sacramento BeeSacramento’s lavish Victorian-style Governor’s Mansion will remain open as a state park, thanks to thousands of environmentally minded gr…
Joss House pact signed; park off state closure list"We were very grateful to see there were no changes," said Paula Masterman, president of the Joss House Association. Under the agreement,…
Already confirmed saved, McGrath State Beach is getting ready to reopen this weekend. 
McGrath State Beach to reopen SaturdayMcGrath State Beach in Oxnard – Ventura County’s busiest state park, which was saved from closure through an outpouring of public and fin…
And here’s a quick news story about a possible tribal deal to take over management of Westport Union Landing State Beach. 
Tribe steps up to keep Westport state park openCahto Tribal Chairman Richard "Joe" Smith’s earliest memories are of a summer spent at Westport Union Landing State Beach, picking seawee…