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# Save the parks while we can
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/save-the-parks-while-we-can-editor/
- Published: 2007-11-09T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T03:52:18.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Emerson Arias Santa Monica*

During the next few weeks, Congress has the opportunity to contribute its bare minimum to the health of our environment. With a $2 billion deficit in national park funding, current proposals call for a $200 million increase in 2008.

A shortage of funds translates into more than maintenance problems; it means that local beauties can be invaded and ransacked at will. Just last month, Lassen County officials approved a 4,000-unit development project, which would be the biggest in the Sierra Nevada. More frightening prospects also include the world’s largest landfill for trash to be built right outside of Joshua Tree Park.

The time to act is now. The chance to break a 30-year spell of environmental neglect is in the hands of our officials, and we urge them to take it.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 9, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/110907.pdf?ref=smdp.com)