Community-School Parks:
October 2008
De Leon Bill Directs $400 Million Into Parks
On Oct. 2, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB 31 by Assemblyman Kevin de León to channel $400 million of Prop. 84 funds for parks in the neediest communities across California. The signing took place in Taylor Yards, a popular new park carved out of a stretch of San Fernando Road previously dominated by light industry and railroads.
“Parks produce community pride, healthy children and lower crime rates. This bill means children can get off the streets and on a swing,” said De León, who will be honored as Legislator of the Year at the Parks Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
A companion bill by Assemblywoman Anna Caballero rewards local governments that meet affordable-housing goals with $200 million in Prop 1C money for parks and other resources. Caballero said her AB 2494 provides an incentive. “It says, if you do the right thing, resources like parks with be there for you.”
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With a stroke of the governor's pen (top) and two years work by Assemblyman De Leon (middle), $400 million will go to create parks for the neediest Californians. |
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