This is pretty unbelievable

http://www.ebparks.org/district/GM.htm

If you care about fishing @ Del Valle, you should definitely write in, following instructions here:

http://www.ebparks.org/district/support_ebrpd.htm

Their sample letter goes like this:


SAMPLE LETTER

Dear East Bay Legislator:

I am a resident of ______ and am writing to express my deep concern in the proposed state budget formula, which shifts property taxes from local entities to the state. The formula disproportionately affects multi-county special district agencies, particularly the East Bay Regional Park District. In fact, the amount being asked of the Park District is overwhelming and most certainly unfair.

Under the proposed formula, the Park District stands to lose 20% of its operational budget, or about $17.5 million per year. Only five statewide entities are required to contribute more than the East Bay Regional Park District. While I realize local government will be affected by the state budget, the Park District’s required contribution is dramatically severe and out of balance. From a local perspective, this proposed formula deals a severe blow to the region.

I urge you to support an alternative property tax shift formula that more fairly and equitably apportions the distribution.

Sincerely,

(your name)


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

In the above sample letter, you may wish to insert points that are special to you. Some examples are:

• The Park District Fire Department is one of our main defenses against wildland fires in the East Bay; we need to protect our homes.
• The Park District operates Del Valle State Park at no cost to the State; will they be forced to close Del Valle? The State does not have the capacity to operate Del Valle; please help save Del Valle.
• The Park District operates Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda at no cost to the State; will they be forced to stop maintenance and patrol at Alameda? The State does not have the capacity to operate this important beach; please help save Crown Beach.
• Include your personal reasons for keeping the East Bay Regional Park District protected from severe and unfair budget cuts.
• The Park District is a world-class entity offering 96,000 acres of passive and active recreational opportunities, including 1,100 miles of trails and over 65 parks.
• The Park District is a model environmental steward, protecting and preserving over 96,000 acres of open space, watershed and habitat properties in the heavily urbanized east bay region.
• The Park District maximizes partnership opportunities by working with the state and non-profits such as The Taylor Foundation, an entity that jointly operates Camp Arroyo -- an environmental education center and Northern California’s foremost overnight camping destination for children with life-threatening and terminal illnesses.


The email addresses of relevant legistlators are:

senator.torlakson@sen.ca.gov
senator.figueroa@sen.ca.gov
senator.perata@sen.ca.gov
assemblymember.hancock@assembly.ca.gov
assemblymember.canciamilla@assembly.ca.gov
assemblymember.houston@assembly.ca.gov
assemblymember.chan@assembly.ca.gov
assemblymember.corbett@assembly.ca.gov
assemblymember.dutra@assembly.ca.gov