California Legislative Alert

SB 767 (Glazer) Off-highway vehicular recreation: Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area:  Alameda-Tesla Expansion Area  (As Amended June 27, 2019) 

SB 767 (Glazer) is in the Assembly Appropriations Committee – It will have a final vote in this committee by August 30th 

The Off Road Vehicle Legislative Coalition is comprised of several statewide or regional organizations of OHV enthusiasts.  Our coalition has reviewed SB 767 and strongly opposes this bill that would deny opportunities for local Bay Area residents, including the elderly and disabled and motorized recreation enthusiasts.

• The land in question was purchased using funds from the Off Highway Vehicle Trust Fund, with agreement as to the future purpose of the land signed by adjacent landowners.  Subsequent to the purchase of the land by the Off Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division of State Parks, extensive work was begun to correct 20 years of previous neglect, including disregard of cultural and natural resources, and to bring the property up to the high environmental standards mandated by State Parks.
• California’s environmental justice statute promotes the fair treatment of all people, regardless of economic advantage. State Parks takes adherence to these principles very seriously and therefore has proposed a plan for the Alameda-Tesla Expansion Area that enhances opportunities for all California residents – SB 767 ignores this inclusiveness.
• SB 767 proposes the Alameda-Tesla Expansion Area should be under the control of the privileged instead of the proven stewardship of State Parks which would also serve to eliminate the security of state law insuring inclusiveness and access for all Californians.
• Two years ago, the legislature widely supported and passed SB 249 (Allen, Chapter 459, Statutes of 2017), which created a series of environmental responsibilities including monitoring and review for all land overseen by State Parks and managed by the Off Highway Motorized Recreation Division. The environmental responsibilities in SB 249 go far beyond what any local county, city or non-profit is mandated to do or can afford to provide.  Thus, this Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area should be left in the control of State Parks and thereby benefit from its expertise.
• SB 767 would set a dangerous precedent by encouraging local landowners who object to the location of any state park, preserve or beach to push legislation to privatize that specific location.
• This action would support privatization of public land and hurt many Californians looking forward to enjoying experiences the Alameda-Tesla Expansion Area will have to offer upon completion.
• State parks should remain for the benefit of all Californians, not just a select few.

Please CONTACT YOUR ASSEMBLYMEMBER NOW!

Your action in opposing SB 767 is CRITICAL AND  THE TIME IS NOW.