Blog Archives

AB233 (the property poop bill) is finally inactive

11/23/2023

Action: 2023-09-07 - Ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator Glazer.

This unneeded bill was introduced by CA Asm. Lori Wilson. (Why, Lori?)

Latest Bill Text - it is no longer active
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:SECTION 1. Chapter 6.4 (commencing with Section 51045) is added to Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 5 of the Government Code, to read:

CHAPTER 6.4. Disposal of Animal Excrement
51045.
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, a local agency may adopt an ordinance requiring the owner of, or person otherwise responsible for, an animal to collect and dispose of any animal excrement deposited by that animal on public or private property.

(b) Under the general police powers afforded to local governments under Section 7 of Article XI of the California Constitution, this section is declaratory of existing law.

https://legiscan.com/CA/bill/AB233/2023 Click here to see complete legislation history.

California State Park Adventure Pass Expands to 54 Participating Parks for All California Fourth Graders and Teachers

11/22/2023

Get your pass now and start exploring the outdoors for free!
Just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, California State Parks, in partnership with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the California Natural Resources Agency, is expanding its popular California State Park Adventure Pass from 19 select state parks to 54. The pilot program, currently in its third year, allows California fourth graders and fourth-grade teachers free admission to participating parks until Aug. 31, 2024. The public can find a park near them at parks.ca.gov/AdventurePass.

The Adventure Pass is one part of the First Partner’s California for All Kids initiative, which seeks to put children and families on a path to a healthier future.

“We launched the California State Park Adventure Pass in 2021 to provide fourth graders and their families with more opportunities to reap the mental, physical, and social-emotional health benefits of time spent outdoors,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “Now, we’re expanding the Adventure Pass– nearly tripling the number of gorgeous California State Parks and historic sites fourth graders are able to visit and increasing their access to valuable hands-on, experiential learning opportunities in the process. By growing this program, we’re doubling down on our commitment to ensure California kids have access to the resources they need to get the best start in life.”

The California State Park Adventure Pass program, made possible by Assembly Bill 148, was signed by Governor Newsom in July 2021. The pass is valid for the one-year period during which the child is a fourth grader or fourth grade equivalent, from September 1 to August 31 of that year. Any fourth grader who lives in California is eligible for the California State Park Adventure Pass, no matter how they attend school or how old they are. If they are a fourth grader or fourth-grade equivalent, they qualify. For full terms and conditions, click here. To date, more than 50,000 passes have been provided to families.

“We are thrilled to expand the California State Park Adventure Pass from 19 to 54 participating state parks, including beaches and historic parks,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “The curriculum being taught in fourth grade about history, natural, and social sciences make providing fourth graders with free state park access a great supplement to the lessons being taught to them in school.”

Obtaining a free pass online is simple. Have a parent and/or guardian go to ReserveCalifornia.com or call (800) 444-7275 (Spanish-speaking customer service available). All they have to do is set up a profile by providing their name, address, phone number and email address, and a free pass will be sent to their email right away. Individuals who do not have access to a smartphone, computer or printer, and/or do not have an email address, can still request a pass by visiting a State Parks Pass Sales Office – click here for a list of locations – or by calling (800) 444-7275.

“Expanding this Adventure Pass is great news for families across the state and another way our State Parks are expanding outdoor access,” said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “As the parent of a fourth grader myself, I know how much kids love exploring new places. Now more kids and families will be able to experience a broader range of our natural places across California, helping us achieve the goal of building an Outdoors for All.”

The State of California champions the right of all Californians to have access to recreational opportunities and enjoy the cultural, historic, and natural resources found across the state. Too many Californians cannot access neither public outdoor spaces nor the state’s array of museums, and cultural and historical sites. The state is prioritizing efforts to expand all Californians’ access to parks, open space, nature and cultural amenities. This priority requires focusing funding and programs to expand opportunities to enjoy these places. Doing so advances Governor Gavin Newsom’s strong personal commitment to building a “California for All.”

Outdoors for All Pass Programs
In addition to the California State Park Adventure Pass, all Californians can check out a California State Parks Library Pass by using their library cards to access more than 200 participating state park units. The Library Pass program is also available to tribal libraries throughout the state.
Families receiving California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids (CalWORKs), individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and income-eligible Californians 62 and over can apply for the Golden Bear Pass with their smartphone or other web-based device in just minutes and have access to more than 200 California state park units. The Golden Bear Pass is also available to participants of California’s Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

For more information on all three State Park Pass programs, please visit parks.ca.gov/OutdoorsForAll.
To start exploring 54 state parks for free, visit parks.ca.gov/AdventurePass.
Subscribe to California State Parks News online at parks.ca.gov/newsroom.
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The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.

California Natural Resources Agency utilizing govDelivery. California Natural Resources Agency, 715 P Street, California, CA 95814

3,460 acres acquired by Truckee-Donner Land Trust furthers the Pines to Mines Trail construction

11/9/2023

From the Truckee-Donner Land Trust Newsletter: "The Truckee Donner Land Trust recently announced our role in the Pines to Mines project. This is an exciting opportunity for conservation and recreation in the northern Sierra, and we wanted to share more.

The Truckee Donner Land Trust worked with the US Forest Service, Trust for Public Land, and the Bear Yuba Land Trust to secure federal funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund that will enable the Trust for Public Land to acquire 3,460 acres from Sierra Pacific Industries and convey the lands to the Tahoe National Forest.

The focus of the project is to secure lands needed for the route of its namesake Pines to Mines Trail – a 68-mile-long path that will connect Nevada City to Truckee using both new and existing trails. This will include a stretch of the Donner Lake Rim Trail. The Pines to Mines Trail itself is a partnership between the Tahoe National Forest, Bear Yuba Land Trust, Truckee Trails Foundation, Gold Country Trails Council, and Bicyclists of Nevada County.

Being a partner in protecting these lands meets the Land Trust’s goals of conservation within the Sierra Nevada Checkerboard, in addition to being an incredible recreation opportunity. The broader Pines to Mines acquisition will protect a large swath of open space that includes tributaries to the South Yuba River. And it will support diverse habitat that can now be managed cohesively with surrounding Forest Service Lands for wildlife, forest health, and recreation.

The Pines to Mines project is another example of how your support can help leverage greater partnerships to make significant headway in protecting open space in the Truckee-Donner region. It mirrors similar projects that the Land Trust has undertaken, dating back to the early days of conserving lands around Donner Lake that ultimately tripled the size of Donner Memorial State Park.

Please stay tuned for updates on the successful acquisition of Pines to Mines lands as an important addition to the Tahoe National Forest, and progress on the exciting new trail."

To read original article and see more photos on the Truckee-Donner Land Trust CLICK HERE.

Placer County Supervisors approve cost-saving new alignment for planned Hidden Falls trail connecting to Taylor Ranch

11/3/2023

The Placer County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a new alignment for a planned trail project at Hidden Falls Regional Park in North Auburn, resulting in significant cost savings.

The new alignment will reroute a trail through a previously acquired 140-acre open space parcel located adjacent to Hidden Falls, helping connect the park with the Placer Land Trust’s trail networks at Taylor Ranch and Kotomyan Preserve.

The improved trail realignment will be made possible through the acquisition of 6.8 acres of privately owned land adjacent to the expansion area. The land will be purchased for $100,000 with funding provided by the Sky View Foundation, a nonprofit organization.

“With the generous support of the Sky View Foundation and the actions of our board, the Hidden Falls Expansion Project was handed a big improvement to the quality of trail experience, emergency access, vegetation management opportunity, and preservation of wild stretches of Racoon Creek that will be visible from the new trail,” said Placer County Parks Administrator Andy Fisher. “We're thrilled to bring this dream to life for our residents and visitors."

With the new trail alignment, Placer County is able to forgo a prior $4.5 million plan to build 0.8 miles of trails and two bridges over Raccoon Creek.

“I want to share my deep appreciation for the Sky View Foundation's generosity for this amazing gift and for making this trail realignment possible," Placer County District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson. "This realignment is a huge cost saving, as well as a valuable investment in the local community, providing enhanced recreational opportunities and preserving the natural beauty of North Auburn for current and future generations.”

A comprehensive fuel management plan is being prepared as part of the Hidden Falls Regional Park Trails Expansion Project, approved in March 2021. The plan will be fully implemented before the new trail and park features open.

Access to the expansion area will be facilitated through the existing parking lot located off Mears Drive, as well as a newly constructed Twilight Ride parking area. No additional parking areas are proposed with the new trail alignment approved Tuesday. The Twilight Ride parking area is under construction with opening anticipated for late 2024.

For more information and updates about Hidden Falls Regional Park, visit https://www.placer.ca.gov/hiddenfalls

AB233 (the property poop bill) is finally inactive

California State Park Adventure Pass Expands to 54 Participating Parks for All California Fourth Graders and Teachers

3,460 acres acquired by Truckee-Donner Land Trust furthers the Pines to Mines Trail construction

Placer County Supervisors approve cost-saving new alignment for planned Hidden Falls trail connecting to Taylor Ranch

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