Because we are contractually obligated to share every instance of copper wire theft in the greater Bay Area, we bring you the latest report from Benicia where KTVU has discovered evidence that the reprehensible practice of poaching wiring has hit a new defenseless target: California's already underfunded state parks. While the stolen copper wire at Benicia State Recreation Area maybe not be as impressive as stealing an historic church bell or a large pelican statue, thieves in the area have already caused an estimated $30,000 in damage in the past year. more ›

When the state park officials announced budget cuts would shut down 70 state parks, including nearby Tomales Bay, they mentioned trying to keep some of them open through partnerships with local governments and non-profits. Now at least one private business in West Marin wants to pitch in to help keep part of the Tomales Bay State Park open to the public. more ›

California park officials today announced the closure of 70 parks, including Tomales Bay, due to the state's harrowing budget deficit. Sacramento Bee reports: "Gov. Jerry Brown's January budget plan proposed reducing the state parks budget by $22 million. The Legislature in March approved $11 million in cuts to state parks and $10 million in cuts to off highway vehicle parks in the next fiscal year, with $22 million in cuts to state parks in future years." The closures are expected to happen in September. Also added to the list? The governor's mansion. more ›

California State Parks director Ruth Coleman said that the agency faces a total of about $39 million in cuts after the new budget, which directly states a $14.2 million cut, was signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today. Additionally, $2.4 million was siphoned from a cigarette tax fund because less people are smoking. Furloughs and salary cuts round out the large number (Note: a full budget fact sheet is embedded below). more ›

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger finally signed California's budget today, making additional cuts to fill a $1.1 billion gap left by legislators in their approved package. An additional $6.2 million was cut from state parks after an $8 million cut was proposed last week. That makes a total of $14.2 million, a number the Schwarzenegger's office predicts "will result in the closure of probably more than 100 parks." more ›

It seems the National Park Service doesn't want to take control of state parks, but will take six of them, including the nearby Angel Island, if Gov. Schwarzenegger's proposal to close 80%, or 220, of them goes through under a Federal land transfer agreement. If the parks do close, they will stay open through at least labor day. "It's important to note that nobody is proposing to close these parks permanently. This is a temporary suspension until budget times are better," a State Parks spokesman told the . "We have no intention of giving them away or selling them. There's an interest in finding a way to preserve and protect them. It could be temporary federal control. We would hope they can come back to state parks." A proposal to pay for state parks via an annual $15 fee on vehicle registrations will be vetoed by Schwarzenegger if it hits his desk. Last month, LAist exposed a letter--currently making the media rounds--from the National Park Service to the Governor alerting him to the legal consequences. more ›

As SFist reported back in January, a proposal to prune the California park system's $150 million general fund budget, money that goes to staff salaries and maintenance, might result in the closure of 25 Bay Area state parks. And said cuts could come as soon as July 1. A few parks of note in danger of closing? Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, which is known for "some of the best winter bird-watching on the bay," (our fingers are crossed for you, Walter Kitundu), Mount Tamalpais, Angel Island (!?), Jack London Park, Sonoma Coast, and many more. The governor's possible park pruning would also affect 279 parks throughout California. more ›