Save .Mount Diablo
Protecting the Mountain Since 1971
Spring 2000, No. 2 7
Vote Yes On Prop. 12 March 7th! Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000 In 1999 the Legislature placed Prop. 12 on the March 7, 2000 California ballot, recognizing the tremendous need the state has for parks, open space, and recreation for its growing population and for the protection of wildlife. Proposition 12 would authorize the State to issue $2.1 billion in bonds for park, recreation, and conservation programs. If approved on March 7, Prop. 12 would provide funds to protect land and recreational resources for future generations, and make grants available to local agencies for the same purposes. California is growing by 600,000 residents a year and funding for open space acquisition is important in balancing growth with preservation. There hasn't been an approved Park Bond since 1988's Prop . 70 CalPaw (California Parks and Wildlife) initiative, and funding has been exhausted. Prop. 12 includes more than $500 million for State Parks, including funding specifically designated for additions to Mt. Diablo State Park. It also includes almost $400 million for Local Park and Recreational Facilities and $200 million for Open Space and Recreational Programs. Prop. 12 would provide funding to heavily urbanized areas, including funds for urban conservation corps, recreation for at-risk youth, open space protection in fast growing suburbs, and protection of remaining wildlife areas
in some of our fastest growing counties. Taxes will not be raised by Prop 12 because it requires existing tax revenues to be spent efficiently and effectively. Strict safeguards such as annual audits, public hearings and citizen review will ensure that funds are spent as promised. The California Environmental Dialogue (CED), a coalition of business and environmental groups, has recognized that California's business climate and its environment both benefit from public investment in parks, wildlife areas, the coast, and open space. In a recently issued CED survey, state and local agencies identified a need for $12 billion over the next ten years to protect the best and most threatened open space and agricultural lands in California. This bond act is down payment on that need. 1988's CalPaw bond, Prop. 70, for example, included $4 million for Mt. Diablo and additional funds for local regional parks and every city. Save
Mount Diab/a used Prop. 70 funding for such acquisitions as the 631 acre Morgan Ranch, Three Springs and for Turtle Rock Ranch. Additional funding was utilized at Morgan Territory, Black Diamond Mines, and at Round Valley. Save Mount Diablo urges you to vote YES ON 12 on March 7. Proposition 12 will protect water quality, forests and open space, wildlife co:ridors and provide and improve existing state parks. The Proposition's greatest emphasis is on urban areas, providing special funds to rapidly growing suburbs, which are spreading throughout Contra Costa County. The need for a place for people to recreate, appreciate wildlife, enjoy the outdoors and exercise is becoming more critical as open space gives way to development. Help ensure our common future with clean air, clean wate1~ safe parks, places to recreate and to enjoy the natural wonders that surround us.
Let your friends know about Prop. 12 and remember to vote YES ON 12 on March 7th for yourself and for California. Mt. Diablo will thank you for it.
Ground Squirrel
For more information on the web about Prop.12 check www.safeparks.org
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