June 1, 2006

Times Election 2006

Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation turns 50!

Yes on Parks will continue park system

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department recently commemorated its 50th anniversary with a celebration at Hellyer Park and used to occasion to promote the Park Charter Fund—Measure B—which will be on the June 6 ballot. California State Park Chief Deputy Director Paul Romero, District 1 Supervisor Don Gage and Santa Clara County Parks Director Lisa Killough presented the program along with festivities of mariachi music and Mexican dancers to the public and park personnel.

Kids enjoyed the petting zoo with baby geese, rabbits, goats and ducks. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

“I’m thrilled to be here today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the parks system,” said District 1 Supervisor Gage. “We’ve accomplished a lot over the last five decades. We have 45,000 acres of parks spread over 28 parks. Together they offer over 260 miles of trails, 10 reservoirs and lots of activities—picnicking, motorcycling riding, fishing, camping, golfing, fly-casting, hang gliding and bicycle racing.”

Measure B—Yes on Parks
Gage spoke of the acquirement of new parklands in rural San Martin’s Bear Ranch and the urban Lester property off of Snell that will be developed. Since 1972, the Park Charter Fund has been responsible for Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department’s [SCCPRD] new purchases and maintenance of the properties.

“We have achieved all of this through our Park Charter Fund,” said Gage. “We have passed the Park Charter fund six times. The last time it came up for renewal was in 1996 and it was approved by an overwhelming 80 percent. I think the reason for that is that the Park Charter Fund is NOT a tax. It’s a small percentage that is taken out of the General Fund to support the management and expansion of the county park systems. Our parks are operated and funded because of the Park Charter Fund—Measure B.”

Santa Clara County voters will have the opportunity next Tuesday to decide whether or not to support Measure B a seventh time and continue to fund Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation.

Besides the traditional water and land-based recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, boating, camping, equestrians and bicycling, county parks offer unique activities such as off-road motorcycling, sport shooting practice, archery, golf, fly casting, hang gliding and bicycle racing. This includes the ranger and interpreter staff complementing the park experience by hosting a variety of events: star walks, scenic wildlife hikes, history tours, fishing and boating excursions among others.

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 $100 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.

Supporters of Measure B—Yes on Parks include Congressman Mike Honda, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Chair Jim Beall, San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce President Pat Dando, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Mary Davey, Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Kris Wang among others. The Registrar of Voters lists no argument submitted against Measure B.

“When I came to the county in 1996, the Park Charter was to be renewed and I recognized how important that was because no other county in California had a charter like there is in Santa Clara County,” said California State Park Chief Deputy Director Paul Romero and past SCCPRD director. “My foremost task was to see that it was approved. Without the parks charter you wouldn’t be able to see the great things that you see today. Without Measure B you have no future. There is no county in California that has what you have. The last 50 years have been monumental, but the next 50 years are more important. They will determine if Mt. Hamilton range is preserved and whether you can protect open space area, creeks and streams. Enjoy your day and relish what you
have.”

Party time
Guests enjoyed performances by a mariachi band, Mexican dancers and lunch. Children enjoyed the petting zoo, face painters and balloon makers. There were also booths from the sheriff’s office, the district attorney’s office, San Jose Library’s book mobile, Children’s Health Initiative, First 5, and vector control. A Yes on Parks booth was attended to by Executive Director Garnetta Annable and SCCPRD volunteers.

Mexican dancers provided a colorful performance.

“We’re here to celebrate our 50th anniversary,” said SCCPRD Lisa Killough. “We chose Hellyer Park because it is one of our oldest parks and we wanted to give it recognition. We appreciate your support that we have received over our existence from the public to support the parks system through the renewal of the Park Charter Fund and by being out here and enjoying your park resources. Without you we wouldn’t be here for 50 years.”

After the program, many of the attendees wandered Hellyer Park’s 205 acres. The Coyote Creek, which meanders through the center of the park, is the focus of the park’s natural environment. Thick undergrowth and tall oak, cottonwood and sycamore trees characterize the well-defined creek channel that is home to many different species of wildlife in the urban oasis. Some of the visitors even brought fishing poles to angle at the Cottonwood Lake next to SCCPRD’s 50th anniversary celebration.

For more information, visit www.yesonparks.com or www.smartvoter.org or www.parkhere.org.