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A Precious Asset: The State Park System
There are 1.6 million acres of beaches, forests and historic sites in California’s State Park system—threatened by years of budget cuts, scandal, and mismanagement. Now a blue-ribbon commission has proposed major change in hope the next generation will use them and pay for them.
By Warren Olney • • 25m ListenThere are 1.6 million acres of beaches, forests and historic sites in California’s State Park system—threatened by years of budget cuts, scandal, and mismanagement. A changing population hasn’t been showing much interest. Now a blue-ribbon commission has proposed major change, with the promise of improved maintenance and increased access in hope the next generation will use them and pay for them.
Also, the video rental store Vidiots is worth saving. That’s according to one of Hollywood’s top producers. We’ll update last week’s report on plans to close Vidiots down.
Banner Image Credit: Eric Chan
In this episode
2 storiesCA Parks Need to Diversify and Upgrade to Survive
Three years ago, California was threatening to close state parks due to a lack of maintenance and declining attendance. At the same time, park officials were found to be stashing away millions of dollars.
Read the story16 minAngel Funders Save Vidiots
Last week, we reported that Vidiots—the 30-year-old video-rental shop in Santa Monica—would be closed down. Film critic Joe Morgenstern said it was like “a death in the family.” Doctor Leonard Lipman, a longtime customer, promised some help—but Megan Ellison brought it home.
Read the story9 min
