WTF Castle Rock State Park Closing.

camhead wrote: this is a stupid idea. All Americans own national parks.

And this thread has been about State Parks.

wow a political thread, and here I just wanted to go bouldering.

Rick Blair wrote: And this thread has been about State Parks.

Ok, tell me what you think the locals who don't use Castle Rock State Park would do with it. If you said anything but "build houses", then you're an idiot and in fact ignorant of your own surroundings. The whole point of preserves, parks, and recreation areas is to specifically exclude an area from development by stating that the natural beauty is worth more than the economic gain we might derive from the area.

squiddo wrote:wow a political thread, and here I just wanted to go bouldering.

I'm sorry, but your bouldering area can't be patrolled at the moment by an LEO due to budget cuts, so we have conveniently locked all access gates. You might get hurt. It's for your protection.

Brian Scoggins wrote: Ok, tell me what you think the locals who don't use Castle Rock State Park would do with it. If you said anything but "build houses", then you're an idiot and in fact ignorant of your own surroundings. The whole point of preserves, parks, and recreation areas is to specifically exclude an area from development by stating that the natural beauty is worth more than the economic gain we might derive from the area.

+1

...and concise to boot.

CascadeKid wrote: Then you claim everyone expects the government to fix problems.

Never said that.

CascadeKid wrote: TIf you really think that OUR government isn't a big part of the problem, then you have certainly been hiding underneath a rock.

First off, read Rule #1. Second, I never said our government doesn't have many things that need fixing.

CascadeKid wrote: I didn't realize I was such a helpless person that couldn't resolve problems without the government's help. Maybe I'm a dreamer, or maybe our statements are a reflection of what we think of ourselves. In the latter case, I'm sorry for you and the world in which you live.

Again I never stated that people were helpless, unless calling the fire department when your house is burning qualifies you as 'helpless'. When the tornados hit Alabama, are those people helpless because they asked for help? When an earthquake happens and people are buried, are the buried people helpless for asking rescue workers to help them? Is my neighbor's grandmother helpless because she needs help paying for her blood pressure medication? What about the kid down the street that needs extra help at school because he has cerebral palsy? Is that kid helpless?

Don't feel sorry for me Brad, I'm doing just fine. I collect a pay check. I pay my bills. I have a truck to go camping in. Overall, I am pretty fortunate. The government didn't help me achieve those things, but I sure don't go around calling those who are less fortunate than me "helpless". ....and I sure don't mind chipping in a few tax dollars to help those in my community (or your community through federal taxes) that are struggling. Perhaps that is just the type of world I want to live in.

Just FYI. I do think the government has problems and waste that need fixing. I just don't blame it for all of the country's problems.

Have a nice day Brad.

So the government is the only entity capable of managing land for conservation and recreation?

• **

California is willing to borrow millions a day for its welfare payments, but OUR parks face tough times and it's lights out?

"The state is borrowing $40 million a day from the federal government to provide assistance to jobless workers"

articles.latimes.com/2010/n…

THis is just more Political Theater at your expense...

Brian Scoggins wrote: Ok, tell me what you think the locals who don't use Castle Rock State Park would do with it. If you said anything but "build houses", then you're an idiot and in fact ignorant of your own surroundings. The whole point of preserves, parks, and recreation areas is to specifically exclude an area from development by stating that the natural beauty is worth more than the economic gain we might derive from the area.

Real estate listings will always mention if a property is next to parks/open space, it can add a considerable amount of value. There are examples all over the country of non government entities providing parks and opens space.

For this specific argument I think it would be great if California keeps raising taxes ( especially on the rich ), it will probably happen. It will be interesting to see how that works out, after all, I don't live there. As long as the fed doesn't bail them out...

J. Albers wrote: I sure don't mind chipping in a few tax dollars to help those in my community (or your community through federal taxes) that are struggling. Perhaps that is just the type of world I want to live in. Just FYI.

I love the language. If you think taxes are "chipping in", lets do a little experiment. Next year don't "chip in" and see what happens.

Keep voting down taxes and wondering why this country offers you less and less. Personally, I'd rather pay some taxes to programs that might benefit me, rather than grant more tax breaks to profiteers who will ass rape me. The people feeding you drivel about incompetent government and the need for tax breaks could give a crap about the pittance of money the middle class has left. But that doesn't stop the parrots repeating what they heard on Fox News.

That's too bad about Castle Rock though, there aren't that many decent options for the Bay Area.

hey, maybe we can turn the national and state parks over to the chinese to run. that's how we've handled things in the private sector.

want to live in excess but don't want to pay an excessive price? no problem. we'll just make that stuff in china and you won't have to pay so much for quality goods. er, well, you won't have to pay so much for goods anyway.

want beautiful natural parks but don't want to pay taxes? no problem...

wait, you can't even afford the park fee? what, you don't have a job? oh, right, that job is over in china now.

we americans need to grasp one important aspect of reality. there is a price to pay for quality living. you can pay for it at the point of sale. or, you can pay for it later.

California

Park Closures to Meet 2011/12-2012/13 General Fund Reductions

A total of 70 state parks will be closed under a plan released by California State Parks.

Anderson Marsh SHP
Annadel SP
Antelope Valley Indian Museum
Austin Creek SRA
Bale Grist Mill SHP
Benbow Lake SRA
Benicia Capitol SHP
Benicia SRA
Bidwell Mansion SHP
Bothe-Napa Valley SP
Brannan Island SRA
California Mining & Mineral Museum
Candlestick Point SRA
Castle Crags SP
Castle Rock SP
China Camp SP
Colusa-Sacramento River SRA
Del Norte Coast Redwoods SP
Fort Humboldt SHP
Fort Tejon SHP
Garrapata SP
George J. Hatfield SRA
Governor's Mansion SHP
Gray Whale Cove SB
Greenwood SB
Grizzly Creek Redwoods SP
Hendy Woods SP
Henry W. Coe SP
Jack London SHP
Jug Handle SNR
Leland Stanford Mansion SHP
Limekiln SP
Los Encinos SHP
Malakoff Diggins SHP
Manchester SP
McConnell SRA
McGrath SB
Mono Lake Tufa SNR
Morro Strand SB
Moss Landing SB
Olompali SHP
Palomar Mountain SP
Petaluma Adobe SHP
Picacho SRA
Pio Pico SHP
Plumas-Eureka SP
Point Cabrillo Light Station
Portola Redwoods SP
Providence Mountains SRA
Railtown 1897 SHP
Russian Gulch SP
Saddleback Butte SP
Salton Sea SRA
Samuel P. Taylor SP
San Pasqual Battlefield SHP
Santa Cruz Mission SHP
Santa Susana Pass SHP
Shasta SHP
South Yuba River SP
Standish-Hickey SRA
Sugarloaf Ridge SP
Tomales Bay SP
Tule Elk SNR
Turlock Lake SRA
Twin Lakes SB
Weaverville Joss House SHP
Westport-Union Landing SB
William B. Ide Adobe SHP
Woodson Bridge

That really, really sucks.

I lived in the South Bay area for the last two years and one of the biggest complaints I had about living there (besides the cost of housing) was the lack of decent climbing nearby. Castle Rock was the only decent climbing that was relatively close (45 minutes), with other places being 2+ hours away.

Not only did I go to Castle Rock to climb, I went there even just to hike. Same goes for the Portola Redwoods and Henry Coe parks, which have some pretty great hikes and backpacking. Considering how many people move to that specific area just to be close to the outdoors, on top of how much tax people are already paying to live there, it's a pretty sickening situation.

All this to save about $30 million over two years? The state is able to set aside $3.5 billion towards a high-speed train between LA and SF ( cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/), but they can't afford to keep state parks open? Not to mention, state parks in an area where most houses cost $1 million+ and property taxes on those ridiculously expensive homes are among the highest in the nation? I don't get it.

More News

Help The Parks Here

And Here

If anyone finds more news, please feel free to post here. I cant imagine what I would do with out this place. I hope I don't have to drive to Yosemite every weekend.JK:)

J. Albers wrote: "Moreover, everyone complains about government until they need something, and then they are "Where the hell is the government?" News flash: roads, fire departments, parks, levees, aqueducts, etc. all cost TONS of money. If there were private sector company running our park systems, it would be twice as expensive and just as "incompentent". Sh*t, from my experience, the private sector is just as incompetent (probably more) and they charge more because they need to turn a profit. Quit your bitching.

I won't dissect your sentences for everyone, since I know we are all smart enough to see through your words. No, I'll let your words stand for them-self, but I really do find it awfully hysterical as to how defensive you are.

Re: rule #1: Really, grow up and grow a pair. If you think my words are harsh, well, then you certainly do fit into the aforementioned life. And if I need to back up your ignorance with statistics, then I'll kindly let you know your place in this world.

I'll also let you know that I find it hysterical as to how little you contribute to our society. "I collect a pay check. I pay my bills. I have a truck to go camping in" - they are your words, not mine. But it has always been about you, hasn't it? Have a great day, mine shall always be greater than those of your ilk.

J. Albers wrote: Never said that. First off, read Rule #1. Second, I never said our government doesn't have many things that need fixing. Again I never stated that people were helpless, unless calling the fire department when your house is burning qualifies you as 'helpless'. When the tornados hit Alabama, are those people helpless because they asked for help? When an earthquake happens and people are buried, are the buried people helpless for asking rescue workers to help them? Is my neighbor's grandmother helpless because she needs help paying for her blood pressure medication? What about the kid down the street that needs extra help at school because he has cerebral palsy? Is that kid helpless? Don't feel sorry for me Brad, I'm doing just fine. I collect a pay check. I pay my bills. I have a truck to go camping in. Overall, I am pretty fortunate. The government didn't help me achieve those things, but I sure don't go around calling those who are less fortunate than me "helpless". ....and I sure don't mind chipping in a few tax dollars to help those in my community (or your community through federal taxes) that are struggling. Perhaps that is just the type of world I want to live in. Just FYI. I do think the government has problems and waste that need fixing. I just don't blame it for all of the country's problems. Have a nice day Brad.

For future reference.

Ever since toys where taken out of happy meals, its been all down hill. I want a toy with my happy meal damn it!

CascadeKid wrote: I won't dissect your sentences for everyone, since I know we are all smart enough to see through your words. No, I'll let your words stand for them-self, but I really do find it awfully hysterical as to how defensive you are.

Defensive? I'm not really sure how you could equate my aforementioned words with being defensive. Perhaps you should spend a bit more time dissecting my words, because maybe then you could put together a coherent rebuttal.

CascadeKid wrote: Re: rule #1: Really, grow up and grow a pair. If you think my words are harsh, well, then you certainly do fit into the aforementioned life.

Grow a pair? Is that the best you can wing my way? Is that what passes for a zing in your circle? sigh.....

CascadeKid wrote: And if I need to back up your ignorance with statistics, then I'll kindly let you know your place in this world.

My place in the world? What does that even mean? It would help you if you just came out and said what you meant instead of posting vague, meaningless attempts at putting me down.

CascadeKid wrote: I'll also let you know that I find it hysterical as to how little you contribute to our society. "I collect a pay check. I pay my bills. I have a truck to go camping in" - they are your words, not mine. But it has always been about you, hasn't it?

How the hell would you know what I contribute to society? Do you know me? Or is your clever little brain just extrapolating what you think I might be?

Maybe I'm an ice cream man. Does that make me a lesser person in your utopian vision of society? Do I need be curing cancer to pass your test?

CascadeKid wrote: Have a great day, mine shall always be greater than those of your ilk.

Confidence. Lots of confidence. Good for you tiger.

Can anyone answer this? If this is public land how can they keep us from accessing our land? Seems to me that the only thing that is taken away is the management of the land. All over the west there is lots of state and BLM lands that we have access to and most is minimally managed. If a state park is closed can't I just park outside and walk in? Is this trespassing on our public land? Does anyone know if this issue has ever been to court? I mean, has anyone been sucssesful in challenging this? How can they deny access to our land? Closed or not, our taxes still pay for that land and it is still ours to use, with or without management.

I thought you were talking about Castle Rock in Boulder Canyon and I was going to be concerned, but it's California. In a democratic republic everybody gets the government they deserve.