American River Parkway Update

Parkway Supporters,

Thank you to all of you who made it down to the Board of Supervisors (BOS) Chambers to show your support for the Parkway yesterday. There were literally hundreds who showed up, many of whom were able to stay long enough to present their views to the BOS. There were so many who wished to speak in support of the Parkway, the BOS had to reduce the normal 3-minute time allowance for each speaker to just 1 minute. Others had to return to work but Muriel Johnson, the BOS Chair, assured the audience all of the comments on the speaker slips submitted would be read by all of the supervisors.

There was some eloquent testimony heard. Jane Hagedorn, a long-time Parkway support leader, specifically asked the BOS to find the means to fund the Parkway for another 18 months to allow a coalition of Parkway protector organizations (including SARA) to finalize plans to establish a separate and permanent Parkway funding source. Other speakers pointed out the obvious value of the Parkway -- both as a recreational resource and financial asset. There were even a few really courageous people, like Ted Robinson of the Parks Commission, who scolded the BOS for thinking about raises for county administrators and knuckling under to the sheriff's deputies on their pensions.

The speaker's comments covered the whole spectrum of why we love the Parkway and why it needs to continue to be funded. If you were unable to attend, be assured those who did most likely voiced your views. It is unclear exactly when the BOS will make a final decision as to the funding level for the Parkway. This is only the beginning of a long process. Will keep you posted as it develops. Thank you for your support.

Warren Truitt
wvt [at] infomania.com