The California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Deputy Director Sedrick Mitchell and the Statewide Outdoor Comprehensive Recreation Plan (SCORP) Team invite you:
Parks and Open Space Advocates Focus Group
The State is looking for feedback from park advocates working in communities around LA County to document community needs. Please come share your thoughts and priorities for parks, open space, and recreation programs, and how these spaces have made an impact on the health and wellness of communities and individuals. Your feedback will help shape and define the direction of parks in California.

The focus group will be held:

Wednesday, April 5, 2017
4:00 – 5:00 PM
Casa Italiana
1039 N. Broadway, LA, CA 90012

Please RSVP by COB on Monday April 3 to edna.robidas@tpl.org

*This meeting will be video-recorded so your opinions can reach a statewide audience, health agencies, the Governor’s Office, and the National Park Service. A video of statewide focus group highlights will be produced and distributed by the SCORP Team by early 2018.

Advocate for parks and open space in Sacramento!

While Measure A passed resoundingly last Fall, the County’s parks needs assessment identified $21 billion in need for new parks, open space, maintenance, and amenities for communities. Measure A alone will not help us close this gap, although it is a strong step in the right direction.

The California Legislature is currently considering two park bond bills, SB5 in the Senate, and AB18 in the Assembly. These two measures are complimentary to one another and would provide $3B of funding for parks, recreation, water infrastructure, and natural/historic resources statewide.

Join us in Sacramento on Wednesday, March 22nd to urge our representatives to prioritize the passage of these bills, and commit to ensuring the funding sources our communities and children need for a healthy future. Talking points, preparation, and meeting coordination will be provided.  Email edna.robidas@tpl.org for more information.

If you are unable to make it to Sacramento in person, use this link to find your state representatives and contact them to urge their support.

Thank you!
The #OurParks Coalition

Still time to sign-on!

#OurParks Support for a California Park Bond (SB5):

• Link to #OurParks Park Bond sign-on letter
• Addressed to California State Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee
• Support for a California State Park Bond to fund parks and open space

Water Resiliency sign on letter:

• Link to Water Resiliency sign-on letter
• Addressed to LA County Board of Supervisors
• Support for adequate and clean water for our region, and urges transparency, stakeholder engagement, and multiple-benefit projects

Upcoming events
Parks Pollution & Obesity Conference – 4/17 – USC
http://ehc.usc.edu/april2017conf

Park Equity Summit – 4/13 – LA Neighborhood Land Trust
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/park-equity-summit-tickets-31465499155

California needs your support!

While Measure A passed resoundingly last Fall, the County’s parks needs assessment identified $21 billion in need for new parks, open space, maintenance, and amenities for communities.  Measure A alone will not help us close this gap, although it is a strong step in the right direction.

There are currently three potential funding sources in the works that will help meet local parks and open space need.  A 2018 California State Park Bond, an urban forestry funding and policy bill, and a water resiliency program and funding mechanism.  There are three associated support letters that can be found at the links below, along with forms if you would like to sign on as a signatory.

#OurParks Support for a California Park Bond (SB5):

• Link to #OurParks Park Bond sign-on letter
• Addressed to California State Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee
• Support for a California State Park Bond to fund parks and open space
• TIME SENSITIVE!  Please sign-on and send in your logos by end of day Friday, March 3, 2017

Urban Forestry Funding sign-on letter:

• Link to Urban Forestry Funding sign-on letter
• Addressed to Assembly Member Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego), who introduced Assembly Bill 1530
• Supports a bill that provides important augmentations and enhancements to the Urban Forestry Act of 1978, including language to better support maintenance of our existing trees as well as more focus on stormwater management, workforce development, and social equity.

Water Resiliency sign on letter:

• Link to Water Resiliency sign-on letter
• Addressed to LA County Board of Supervisors
• Support for adequate and clean water for our region, and urges transparency, stakeholder engagement, and multiple-benefit projects

Thank you!
The #OurParks Coalition

Save the date
We’re currently planning a Sacramento Lobby Day to urge legislators’ support of a 2018 Park Bond. This day will take place on March 22, 2017. If you’re interested in participating, email edna.robidas@tpl.org.  Additional information will be forthcoming.