As you head to your polling place tomorrow be aware that one particular ballot measure would directly benefit Carlsbadistan residents. Proposition 21 would raise money for California’s state parks and beaches by adding an $18 license registration fee to all vehicles registered in the state of California. In exchange drivers of these vehicles would get free state park day use.
This means that only the tourists would have to pay to park at Tamarack , and residents could go back to their morning surf or beachside stroll without the parking hassle. Hopefully it would also mean cleaner bathrooms, more lifeguards, and better maintained state parks.
Let’s face it, we’re a beach town in a state that relies heavily on tourist revenues to stay fiscally afloat. It is in our best interest to keep our beaches clean, safe, and well maintained. With trying economic times more families are hitting to road to go camping at a state park or spend the day at a local beach. California small businesses that depend on revenue from these visitors would benefit from a more stable funding source for California’s State Parks.
I’m hoping Prop 21 passes, because it’s much easier to schlep three kids, beach chairs, boogie boards, and sand toys from a parking space next to the beach.
Carlsbadistan resident Bridget Smith is the author of The Unauthorized Legoland Guidebook.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Charge every car owner in the state at minimum $18/year, so YOU don’t have to pay to park at Tamarack? Sweet journalism, bro.
Seriously! How many more taxes do we need to pay to drive annually. I am a cbad village resident and I regularly enjoy Tamarack and Cherry St’s beaches without paying for parking. It’s not that difficult. Just walk a bit more. NO MORE GOD-DAMN TAXES!!!!!
Enough is enough. The pay parking sucks, but at least i HAVE A CHOICE in avoiding it.
They state can stop dipping into funds set aside for state parks, and other funds, to waste elsewhere. Also, next time around $18 turns into $36 etc. etc. in extra “fees”?
How about….
Responsible spending to start with, so that more fee’s, taxes, & levy’s don’t have to be introduced in first place. We need business people running this state. Our politician’s act like teenagers who have just received their first credit card. They spend 5-10x the money they actually have budgeted to cover their expenses. Sadly… WE inherit that bill, and not them.
Wouldn’t it be GREAT if politicians became personally responsible for overspending?