Yes On California Proposition 21

If you drive, get ready to pay up. That's what California Proposition 21 wants to do for all registered vehicle owners. The measure on this November's 2nd ballot is intended to solve a gaping hole in the funding of the State's Parks and Recreation system estimated to be $1 billion.

Californian's are being asked to take on an additional $18 surcharge in vehicle registration fees. Money raised will be placed in the California State Treasury under a Trust Fund. An independent audit will be made annually with the results posted on the State's website.

According to the measure, the funds will be used for the following purposes:

• Operate, maintain, and repair visitor centers, restrooms, campsites and ranger stations
• Protect natural resources and wildlife
• Expand state park facilities
• Protect and restore historical landmarks

Sounds all good doesn't it? Especially if its expected to generate $500 million/year to a crippled and neglected system.

Now before those who oppose the bill go off on me, I want to describe what I've seen of the State's Park and Recreation System. A good example of this is if you simply go visit a local State beach and attempt to use the restroom. I have in the past 3 years of visiting State beaches noticed that some of the restrooms are locked with signs on them saying "closed to due to state budget". If I can't go take a piss, I'm pissed!

Have you taken a walk on any State beach lately? They aren't exactly the most clean and safe beaches in the world. It would be good if those sandy beaches got a good garbage rake every now and then. Glass bottles and someone's balogna sandwich lying the sand being pecked on by seagulls isn't exactly an ideal trip to the beach.

Now why am I for this bill? Because $18 in the grand scheme of things is a drop in the bucket. The State Parks Access Pass is worthy of admission people! This Pass made available to all Californian's allows free vehicle admission and parking. It's like a free trip to Disneyland for those quick day trips and weekend get aways.

Now your case may vary. But mine goes like this:

I go down to my nearby state beach at least four times a year. Every time I go, I reach into my wallet and have to take out $8 just to park. Whenever I go visit 17 mile drive in Carmel, I have to reach into my pocket to pay the $9.50 toll as well. Same goes true when I visit Pismo, Sunset, Manresa, etc.

These fees really add up. Total it all and I spend about $50-$75 on park fees a year. $18 is a bargain.

Do you frequent a California State Beach? If you do, you know what I'm talking about. Check this list of beaches and estimate the number of times you visit each year.

If you are not a beach goer, do you frequent a California State Park? Check this list of California State Parks and again ask yourself, how many times do you go visit a year.

If you aren't going to any of these venues, wow, you need to really get a life instead of bitching about $18.

Look, money has to come from somewhere if we are going to protect our state parks and beaches. This is a public responsibility, not a government responsibility. It would be a total shame to present our fine state in such a poor light for tourists and visitors. They do make up a good part of our state revenues you know.

Say "Yes" to Proposition 21 and go out and enjoy what $18 gets you. Because the reality of it all is that if you are too paranoid about budget misappropriations that are generated by this fund, you are spending way too much time not enjoying the beauty of what our state has to offer.

About Kerry Kobashi

Kerry is the founder of KerryOnWorld. He lives in Silicon Valley and has worked as an engineer and project manager. He owns Kobashi Computing a consulting company.