April 27, 2006

Measure B will extend county’s current Park Charter Amendment

Supporters say passage is essential to continue vital
acquisitions and maintenance of the county’s 28 parks

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

On the June 6 ballot, Measure B promises to maintain and acquire new parklands.

A scenic path at Santa Teresa Park is one enjoyed by many in the county. Photo by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

With no opposition and with endorsements from a plethora of the who’s who of Santa Clara County, the measure looks like a shoe in.

“The main thing is to get the word out,” said New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association President Kitty Monahan. “This is not a new tax or an additional tax but just an extension for another 12 years. Since 1972, voters have consistently approved five extensions of the amendment, the last approved by over 80 percent of the voters in 1996.”

On Dec. 6, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors agreed that the Park Charter Amendment should be extended another 12 years to assure an essential and stable funding source for the Santa Clara County park system. The Park Charter fund is necessary to protect watersheds and natural areas of outstanding scenic quality, assure that current and future community needs are met and contribute to the “quality of life” for county residents.

A “yes” vote will continue the process of transferring monies from the county general fund to the county park fund for park purposes for 12 years. The measure does not increase taxes but continues to transfer a tax of $0.01425 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation of all real and personal property with Santa Clara County. The County Charter expires on June 30, 2009; the current measure would extend the transfer provision through June 30, 2021.

Measure B would require the Board of Supervisors to use at least 15 percent of the fund for acquisition of real property and at least 5 percent of the fund for park development and the rest for park operations. The current charter section requires the Board of Supervisors to use at least 20 percent of the funds for acquisition of real property and the remaining funds are appropriated for the development, maintenance and operation of county parks.

The fund provides stable revenue for the county parks system, which includes over 260 miles of trails, 10 reservoirs and almost 45,000 acres in 28 regional parks including Hellyer, Rancho San Antonio, Ed Levin, Los Gatos Creek, Almaden Quicksilver, Santa Teresa, Mt. Madonna, Anderson Reservoir, the newly enlarged Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch and Vasona Lake.

Besides the traditional water and land-based recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, boating, camping and bicycling, county parks offer unique activities such as off-road motorcycling, sport shooting practice, archery, golf, fly casting, hang gliding and bicycle racing.

The Park Charter Fund has provided an active acquisition program with 6,500 acres of new parkland added; a comprehensive natural resource management program, three interpretive centers at Chitactac Heritage County Park, the Mining Museum at Quicksilver Park and the Bernal Ranch at Santa Teresa; a 1,400 member volunteer program; partnerships with community organizations; leadership in planning and building the county’s regional trail network and recreational activities.

But the supervisors' decision is not enough to make it happen. On June 6 a majority approval by voters is the only way to extend the Park Charter Amendment.

Besides the supervisors, the League of Women’s Voters, Mid-peninsula Regional Space District, Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, Audubon Society of Santa Clara Valley and many others are endorsing a yes vote.

Monahan was excited that Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren had recently joined Congressman Mike Honda, Sheriff Laurie Smith, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Chair Jim Beall and the Santa Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce President and Yes on Parks honorary co-chair Pat Dando in endorsing the measure.

“Since 1972, generations of Santa Clara County voters have had the wisdom and foresight to overwhelming vote yes to support county parks,” said Garnetta Annable, a director at Santa Clara County Open Space Authority and past Parks Commissioner. “County parks provides unique and beautiful places for all residents to get away, relax, play and enjoy the outdoors in a safe, healthy environment. Our parks contribute to the quality of life of all residents. I urge a “yes” vote on Measure B in the June primary—vote yes on our parks.”

For more information visit www.yesonparks.com or www.smartvoter.org or www.parkhere.org or call (408) 371-9210.