National Officials Want To Make Sure Californians Can Keep Working On Their Tans.... On The Government Dime

Jillian Bandes | July 02, 2009 1:11 PM

To his credit, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to close 220 state parks to help alleviate California's massive budget deficit. But the feds might not let him. National Park Service officials have threatened to seize some of the the parks from the state of California and take them over if California doesn't keep their doors open, because the parks were on former federal land.

Maybe the Park Service thinks its best if Californians reduce their police forces instead of having to sacrifice leisure time in Point Magu park near Malibu. Or maybe it's better that Schwarzenegger cut fire department staff and resources so that Californians wouldn't have to miss a day of recreation in Angel Island in San Francisco. I think Schwarzenegger should ask Park Service officials which parks they like best, so he can prioritize keeping those open.