In 2002, the citizens of California
approved a Resources Bond called “Proposition 40” to acquire, develop, improve,
rehabilitate, interpretive facilities, local park and recreation lands and facilities.
More than a year ago, the Board of Supervisors allocated $240,000 to each district for
expenditure. If that money was not allocated on eligible projects by the end of 2004, it
would default to the Lake Siskiyou project. Sounds easy, but I have learned that anything
that involves Sacramento is not easy.
I am happy to announce that we have been able to expend the full
amount on wonderful projects within the district. Unfortunately, because of certain State
rules, we were unable to get projects funded in Happy Camp or at Pleasure Park as we had
hoped. The State demanded “site control” or ownership of the property by the
County, an incorporated city or a qualified recreational district. The projects that were
finally funded were mostly those where the allotment could be passed through to an
incorporated city.
The projects are as follows:
$30,429 to the City of Fort Jones for new lighting, video and sound
systems for the stage at the City Hall. This will provide another venue for the performing
arts, improved capacity for meeting room presentations and an opportunity for youth
(Junior High) activities and community events.
$2,040 to the Fort Jones Museum for restoring six showcases. This is
a small part of the recent renovation of this facility.
$33,966 to help rehabilitate the Scott Valley community pool and
dressing rooms in Etna. This facility is used by many valley residents in the summer.
$20,000 to help with playground surfacing and equipment for tiny tots
behind the Fort Jones City Hall. This will be a much needed enhancement located close to
the Family Resource Center in Fort Jones where many early childhood groups meet.
$34,000 for paving improvements at the Johnson-Joss city park at
Etna. This upgrade will enhance the facility for use in the annual Bluegrass Festival and
other community events.
$79,565 for development of park facilities on county owned land where
the Fort Jones landmark is currently located on Eastside Road. This project was the
brainchild of the Fort Jones Lions Club. Plans include landscaping, fencing, picnic
tables, a gazebo, parking and bathroom facilities. The Lions Club will agree to maintain
the park for the next ten years. It has been noted that many Fort Jones residents
currently use the cemetery as a park. The new facility will provide an alternative spot
for recreating. The Lions Club has done an enormous amount of work on design and problem
solving to make this project possible. This project will showcase what a service club can
accomplish for its community.
$40,000 to the City of Etna for the construction of a pole frame
batting cage structure. It is hoped that all valley baseball players will be able to
benefit from use of these all-weather facilities.
Years ago, $24,000 had been allocated under a similar bond –
Proposition 12, for the Kay Bryan Park in Hornbrook. This project started out as
development funds for the current properties leased tentatively from the railroad.
Unfortunately, insufficient site control on that property eliminated the original concept.
Several attempts have been made to acquire suitable land for the park at fair market
value. This has been a disappointing process for the volunteers involved. State
requirements do not match rural realities. Hopefully, a new park will be a reality this
year.
I would like to personally thank three County employees who have
contributed an enormous amount of time to
making these projects happen: Amy Detrick from the County Administrators Office; Ann
Cameron (retired) and Monique Singleton from the County Auditor’s office. Thanks to
all the volunteers who have put in countless hours on their projects. I hope that you will
enjoy the new facilities and know that you really do make a difference in your
communities. |
