The Cooper-Molera Adobe, a National Trust Historic Site in Monterey, California, is threatened with closure by the budget woes facing the State of California. The deadline to adopt a budget passed yesterday without any resolution so negotiations are fierce and decisions typically fall on party lines (this is typical for the California legislature). Here’s the latest news:
- Most California State Parks will close for two years if the budget proposed by the governor is approved. You can find the entire list at www.calparks.org/takeaction
- The Cooper-Molera Adobe is among the “parks” that would close. Although owned by NTHP, it is operated by California State Parks (most NT Historic Sites are owned by NTHP but operated by other non-profit organizations). NTHP has no staff at that location.
- The legislature has proposed an additional fee on vehicle registrations that would be dedicated to State Parks which has been promoted as a longterm solution, but this effort recently failed. State Parks is among many major programs affected by the budget shortfall, so it is uncertain which will survive the budget negotiations. For the latest, go to www.savestateparks.org.
Max, if the parks close, what will happen to the Parks staff?
The latest news is that the State of California adopted a revised budget that will cut the Parks budget by about 25%. Because this comes after years of budget cuts, it will mean that about 25% of the ca. 300 parks will close (many are already operating with skeleton crews), seasonal staff will be eliminated (that means guides), and such basic tasks as restocking restrooms won’t happen as frequently. The Parks department is actively seeking additional partners and supporters to keep as many parks open as possible, but at the Cooper-Molera Adobe (a National Trust Historic Site in Monterey), the current plan is to provide tours only by appointment (ending regular public tours) starting in September.