Officials see Prop. 21 as key to future of California's state parks
An $18 surcharge on motor vehicle registration would raise an estimated $500 million a year and for the first time provide consistent funding for the system. Foes call it a new, regressive tax.Nick Franco squinted across Morro Bay to the potential future of the California state parks system. The district superintendent of this coastal jewel, Franco ticked off money-making possibilities: Install gates and charge to get in the parking lot. Sell off the nearby county-run golf course. In the marina, bring in more concessions. Outsource to allow motorized recreation in the wetlands. And in the wild, undulating spine of sand dunes at Montaña de Oro State Park, he could foresee a string of profitable billboards facing beachgoers on the opposite shore.