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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Conservation, Hiking - General

Support the PCTA

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

The Pacific Crest Trail Association is the only organization dedicated to preserving the entire Pacific Crest Trail and the experiences it provides so that you and others have a wild place for personal reflection.  Ensure a place for journeys big and small, and help protect and maintain the Pacific Crest Trail by donating to the Pacific Crest Trail Association.

You can donate to the PCTA HERE.

You can find out more about the PCT HERE.

…and go see the movie Wild with Reese Witherspoon; it’s a good flick!

Here’s Cheryl Strayed’s call for support, asking you to help the Pacific Crest Trail:

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General Aviation

Sporty’s unveils Cessna 172LITE project

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

A Stripped-down Skyhawk designed to offer cheaper training

Jill W. Tallman has posted about Sporty’s new 172LITE program over on the AOPA website.  From the article:

A refurbished Cessna 172 that will offer more cost-effective flight training is at the heart of the Cessna 172LITE project, announced Dec. 17 by Sporty’s.

“Sporty’s is acquiring 172s and equipping them with basic flight instruments along with significant interior and exterior enhancements,” according to a press release. The first one is on the line at Sporty’s Flight Academy at Clermont County Airport, Batavia, Ohio. It rents for $99 per hour.

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Questions and Answers, Success Stories

Miscellaneous Questions: How did you become a screenplay writer?

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

I took a single screenwriting class. It was relatively easy – if you watch movies and understand that every story is the Monomyth. It’s all about structure, showing not telling, and fitting your story into 90-120 pages.

Screenwriting was exactly what I expected it would be.

It wasn’t difficult, and – within three months of the class – I was already selling work and ghosting.

The only thing you have to remember is that this is a business; you’re just the writer. Finish your work, get your check, move on to the next project. If you get so attached to the story or the characters that you have to direct or want to act or believe that you’re going to have ANY input on the film at all, you will fail. Period.