Happenings: CA State Parks has $54 million surplus

In the afternoon of Friday, July 20, the news broke that California State Parks has a surplus of $54 million. This caused a flurry of articles, emails, Facebook posts, and tweets. 

Tune into this discussion on KQED's Forum scheduled for 9am on Monday, July 23. Guests include the  reporter who broke the story, Matt Weiser, and Elizabeth Goldstein (President of the CA State Parks Foundation) and Bob Berman (a member of the Open Space Council's Executive Committee).

Over the weekend there was this report from ABC7:

    

 

And there were these articles:

• The investigation that started it all: Unauthorized vacation buyouts secretly pushed through at state parks department, audit says (Sacramento Bee)
• Ruth Coleman's resignation letter (courtesy of the Sacremaneto Bee)
• Hidden California state parks funds spark outrage (Sacramento Bee)
• Ruth Coleman, California parks director, resigns amid budget irregularities (Mercury News)
• Ruth Coleman, California Department Of Parks And Recreation, Resigns Amid Scandal (Huffington Post)
• State Parks Chief Resigns - Department Found Sitting on $54 Million Surplus (KQED Blog)
• State parks shakeup: Scandal sinks plans for local tax measure (Press Democrat)
• CSPF Statement on News of Funds Hidden by the Department of Parks and Recreation (CA State Parks Foundation)
• State parks scandal may undercut tax pitch (San Francisco Chronicle)
• California parks department finds $54-million surplus (LA Times)
• Jerry Brown appoints interim parks chief in wake of scandal (Sacramento Bee)

 

And these tweets:

Hop over to the Facebook page of California State Parks Foundation for a lively debate about what is known now and what to do next. At "press time," there are 78 comments, 81 likes and 98 shares on CSPF's post about the news. And at "press time," there weren't any posts related to the issue on the California State Parks Facebook page.

Did we miss any links, videos, or other coverage? Share it in the comments below. 

What is your take on all of this? Share in the comments or tweet with @BA_OpenSpace 

Comments

[Cindy Roessler]

Thanks for compiling this. This is such a disappointing event. I am glad you are providing a center for news and opinions. A few other statements:

http://www.stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org/newsletter/2012/nl20120720.htm

http://www.facebook.com/parksalliance

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-China-Camp/371395306219570

and more being posted at the The Park Rangers Association of California FB page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Park-Rangers-Association-of-California/203066926379814

[Annie Burke]

Thanks for sharing, Cindy!