Save-the-CCC
Save-the-CCC
The Eureka Times-Standard
Editorial - Save the California Conservation Corps
January 17, 2009
In times of economic crises, it's unavoidable that some things are going to get cut. But there
has to be a limit on how far a society is willing to go in its search for a dollar here, and a dollar
there.
We believe Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plan to eviscerate the California Conservation Corps
is going too far.
It's impossible to quantify the amount of good that program has created up and down the state,
both in terms of projects completed and young lives saved through exposure to hard work and
the establishment of a solid work ethic.
The corps is known for its trail building, wildfire suppression support and efforts to rehabilitate
damaged salmon habitat. It's often seen as a key nudge for kids teetering between trouble and
productivity.
While in these times it's understandable that state officials would look at every possible way of
saving money, programs such as the CCC do far more good than their bottom line would
indicate.
As Chris Turner, Redwood Community Action Agency Natural Resources Service project
coordinator, said, such a move would be “disastrous” and “foolish.”
As a society we are defined by the investments we make, especially in the hardest of times.
Maintaining our investment in California's youth, and in its natural beauty, is key to keeping our
dignity intact and our future bright.
Editorial - Save the California Conservation Corps
January 17, 2009
In times of economic crises, it's unavoidable that some things are going to get cut. But there
has to be a limit on how far a society is willing to go in its search for a dollar here, and a dollar
there.
We believe Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plan to eviscerate the California Conservation Corps
is going too far.
It's impossible to quantify the amount of good that program has created up and down the state,
both in terms of projects completed and young lives saved through exposure to hard work and
the establishment of a solid work ethic.
The corps is known for its trail building, wildfire suppression support and efforts to rehabilitate
damaged salmon habitat. It's often seen as a key nudge for kids teetering between trouble and
productivity.
While in these times it's understandable that state officials would look at every possible way of
saving money, programs such as the CCC do far more good than their bottom line would
indicate.
As Chris Turner, Redwood Community Action Agency Natural Resources Service project
coordinator, said, such a move would be “disastrous” and “foolish.”
As a society we are defined by the investments we make, especially in the hardest of times.
Maintaining our investment in California's youth, and in its natural beauty, is key to keeping our
dignity intact and our future bright.
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Friends of the
Save-the-CCC
Campaign
-- Partial List --
Save-the-CCC
Campaign
-- Partial List --
- Paul Carrillo - Chair, Friends of
CCC - John Van de Kamp, Former
Attorney General, State of CA - Herb Perry -Professor Emeritus
Economics,CSUS & member of
Civilian Conservation Corps - Bruce Saito -Executive Director
Los Angeles Conservation Corps
& President o California
Association of Local Corps - Ian Kim, Director Green Collar
Campaign of Ella Baker Center
for Human Rights - Brian Stark - Director, Land
Conservancy of San Luis Obispo - Barbara O'connor, Ph.D., Dir. of
Institute of Study of Politics &
Media, CSUS - Bud Sheble - Former Director of
the California Conservation
Corps Gov. Dukemejian - Tom Mertens, Board of Directors,
League to Save Lake Tahoe - Susie Lange, Deputy
Superintendent Department of
Education - Rick Hawley, Executive Director
– Green Space Cambria Land
Trust - Bill Wilson, Former Chairman of
the Board, Tahoe-Baikal Institute - Robert L. (Griff) Griffiths, Co-
Founder, National Association of
Civilian Conservation Corps
Alumni - Robert Burkhardt - Head of
School, Eagle Rock School &
former Chief Deputy CCC