Park closings counterproductive

It is hard to believe that the governor seriously thinks that closing the majority of state parks will help California's budget woes. Even if the entire $150 million general fund support was eliminated and all 279 California state parks were closed, the savings would be less than 1 percent of the $24 billion deficit.

A 2002 study showed that state park visitors brought the private businesses in our communities more that $6.5 billion in spending. The amount of tax revenue to California from this spending amounts to $2.35 for every dollar of general fund support. So, it will cost the state twice as much in lost revenue as the proposed savings cut.

Closing parks hurts our local businesses, costs the state more than it tries to save, and deprives the use of the lands and resources that belong to us, the citizens of California. We urge all readers to contact their state representatives and demand that state parks remain funded and open for our fiscal health as well as our physical and spiritual health.

– Jeff Lindberg, Sacramento

Teaching moments jeopardized

Re "Those facing cuts ask: Is it a ploy?" (Page A1, May 30): We all know that the state is facing a severe budget crisis, but I feel urgently compelled to respond to this new round of proposed cuts.

As a newly trained unpaid docent at Sutter's Fort, I have seen firsthand the delight and enthusiastic learning experienced by school groups, families and young people in general at state parks. Important and lively lessons in history, American Indian studies, cultural enrichment and the democratic process go on every day.

Now plans are being made to close these incredible resources. Meanwhile, state prisons are being left largely untouched by cuts. And so, a Boy Scout troop, a middle school class, or an American Indian study group will no longer be able to gain the rewards of learning firsthand from state park resources and staff – but prisoners will still have cable TV in their cells, pool tables, gyms and numerous other perks.

I simply can't believe that we are so shortsighted as to penalize all of our law-abiding citizens and students, while still providing comparatively luxurious accommodations to hardened criminals. Please tell me we're smarter than this.

– William de Lay, Carmichael

Full-time Legislature must go

Re "Statehouse the safest place to be" (Page B1, May 31): After reading Marcos Breton's column, I'm more firmly convinced than ever that we have to return to a part-time Legislature. Have these citizen-politicians come to Sacramento for three months every year, do the people's business, and return to their homes and "real" jobs. No further need for huge staffs to create business for them.

Until I see closure of agencies where termed-out politicians are parked in lucrative do-nothing positions, I remain cynical about the cries of Armageddon coming from the Capitol.

What do the citizens of this state have to do to implement the part-time Legislature? Give me a petition.

– Carole Herbert, Fair Oaks

'Shame on you, governor'

Re "Governor seeks deep new cuts" (Page A14, May 30): My son is 43 years old. He was a rubella baby, born deaf, blind, mentally retarded, with cerebral palsy, congenital glaucoma and cataracts. The governor seeks to eliminate the adult day health care program that currently provides my son with activities that encourage him to be the best he can be.

The governor need not worry – he will not hear from my son, as he doesn't have speech. Nor will he receive a letter, as my son can't read or write. Nor even a visit, as my son is confined to a wheelchair. No, there will be no protests from my son, but when his day amounts to sitting in his wheelchair, waiting for someone to take him to the bathroom, he will know something is terribly wrong.

Shame on you, governor. You are a bully taking from those who have the least. How do you sleep at night?

– Laura Stuart, Granite Bay