Category Archives: State Parks

State Parks

El Capitan State Beach Camping Unavailable Effective Today

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

News release from California Department of Parks and Recreation:

Goleta, Calif.—California State Parks is closing camping to El Capitan State Beach effective immediately, due to emergency repairs that need to be conducted to the beach’s well. The camping will remain unavailable until further notice.

A perforated well casing was discovered in the well that supplies water to the state beach. As a result, the El Capitan State Beach campground and showers will be closed until further notice. Day use facilities will be available. Camping at Gaviota State Park will reopen to camping immediately to provide an alternative camping location for visitors. Camping will be available on a first-come, first served basis.

State Parks

California State Parks Foundation Statement Regarding Governor’s Proposed FY 2015-16 State Budget

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

On January 9, 2015 California Governor Jerry Brown released his Proposed Fiscal Year 2015-16 State Budget.  Elizabeth Goldstein, President of the California State Parks Foundation released a statement about how she believes the state parks did:

State parks fared well in this budget proposal and we are pleased to see the era of state park closures seems to be behind us. We read the overall tone of the budget for state parks as one that anticipates state government really focusing on building a better future for our state parks. And we couldn’t agree more that a focus on that future, of truly moving our parks forward, is the collective priority for all of us in the state parks movement. 

CSPF is especially pleased to see the commitment for $20 million in General Fund for deferred maintenance in state parks. While it remains a drop in the bucket toward a backlog estimated at more than $1.3 billion, like a parched California during a statewide drought, we eagerly welcome those essential drops in the bucket. Especially since last year’s proposal for $40 million for deferred maintenance needs was never enacted, this proposed $20 million is critical. 

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California, State Parks

Free Park Entry for Veterans on Veterans Day – November 11th

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

From the California State Parks Foundation:

As we prepare to celebrate Veterans Day, we at CSPF want to thank all those who have served and who are currently serving our country.

We also want to spread the word that for the first time veterans and active duty military personnel are eligible for free day-use access to California’s state parks on Tuesday, November 11 for Veterans Day. Free day-use access will be provided at state parks currently operated by the Department of Parks and Recreation that are accessible with a vehicle day use pass.

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State Parks

“Take a Walk Through Time” at Bidwell Mansion

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

The Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park will be hosting the celebration of John Bidwell’s 195th birthday on Sunday, August 10, which is being sponsored by the Bidwell Mansion Association. The celebration will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Visitors will be taking a “walk through time” and participate in an evening of interactive entertainment. People in period costumes will re-enact daily lives from the Victorian era, and will include past residents of Bidwell Mansion. The celebration will conclude in the Visitor Center with a birthday cupcake for visitors, and the opportunity to enter to win a lovely gift basket in the opportunity drawing.

An original watercolor painting of the Bidwell Mansion by Nell Chapla will be on display in the Visitor Center for a silent auction. Bidding will begin at the time of the event and continue until the BMA Members Holiday Event on Dec. 5.

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State Parks

Nothing says opulence and Hearst Castle quite like a porta potty

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Hearst Castle Visitor Center to Close Public Restrooms in July for Water Conservation

Chemical toilets with hand sanitizer stations will be made available

According to a press release from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, starting on Monday July 7, 2014, the Hearst Castle Visitor Center will begin implementing water conservation measures to reduce water usage and comply with Governor Brown’s Executive Order to redouble drought actions across the State. All day-use restrooms will be closed and chemical toilets (or porta-potties) with exterior hand sanitizer stations will be placed at the Visitor Center. Thirty standard chemical restrooms plus eight Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible chemical restrooms will be available to accommodate all visitors. At least six hand sanitizer stations will also be available.

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