Willow Glen Resident

News

Measure B proponents want to keep county parks beautiful

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.

If approved, the measure would be extended for 12 years starting July 1, 2009.

The park charter uses less than 1 percent of property tax revenue to maintain and expand the county's parks. It has been allocated to parks programs 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 residents. Willow Glen neighborhood leader and former parks commissioner Larry Ames is the group's treasurer.

Park charter funds have helped pay for numerous projects, including portions of the area's Willow Glen Spur Trail and the Los Gatos Creek Trail and County Park. It also supports the 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 trails and boating opportunities.

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.