Arnold Don't Surf (Apologies to Robert Duvall)

Governator's plan to shut 48 state parks has laid-back Californians up in arms
By Will McCahill,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 11, 2008 2:35 PM CST
Arnold Don't Surf (Apologies to Robert Duvall)
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger discussing the state budget with advisers at his Capitol office in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008. Schwarzenegger has proposed closing 48 state parks to cut spending. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)   (Associated Press)

California's budget mess has Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposing to shutter 48 state parks, the Los Angeles Times reports, to the outrage of devoted citizens. Schwarzenegger's list includes Gold Rush-era Sutter's Fort in Sacramento and San Simeon State Park near Hearst Castle. The Governator's no-new-taxes budget is aimed to close a $14.5-billion shortfall over the next 18 months.

Parks which produce the least revenue, are used the least, and are the easiest to secure made the list. Closing the parks and cutting back on lifeguards would free up $13.3 million and affect nearly 10% of state park users. State legislators say the governor is bluffing in order to get legislators to raise user fees. (More California stories.)

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