Almaden Resident

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Almaden Valley leaders support Measure B to maintain local parks

By Alicia Upano

Park advocates are encouraging Santa Clara County residents to vote in favor of Measure B, the park charter amendment, on June 6.

The park charter uses a portion of property tax revenue to maintain and expand the county's parks. It has been levied since 1972 and was renewed in 1986 with 80 percent voter approval, according to members of the Yes on Parks! committee.

Yes on Parks! is make up of previous Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation commissioners and involved residents. Former parks commissioner Larry Ames is the group's treasurer.

Park charter funds have helped pay for numerous projects. They also support large county parks, including Vasona Lake, Hellyer and Almaden Quicksilver, or as Ames said, "the places you go to on the weekend to get away from everything."

These sites include dog parks, hiking and boating opportunities.

Campbell, San Jose, Saratoga and Los Gatos have formally endorsed the Yes on Parks! effort. Numerous associations have also pledged their support, including the Almaden Valley Community Association and the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association.

The group stresses Measure B is not a new tax.

"It's a great way to continue the tradition of supporting county parks," Ames said. "It's a key part of making this such a great place to live."

For more information, visit www.yesonparks.com.