Assemblyman Leland Yee: AB504: Respect for Parks, Open Spaces

The Richmond District is a fine example of what makes San Francisco one of the most unique cities in this country. The Richmond is sandwiched between lush areas of open space in an otherwise bustling city. With Golden Gate Park to the south and the Presidio to the north, Richmond residents don't have far to go to find a much needed respite in nature.

I recognize the value and importance of green open spaces in San Francisco, as they enhance the quality of life in our community.

In fact, studies have shown that people who participate in even a moderate amount of outdoor recreation (such as walking) experience lower levels of stress, enhanced moods, improved cardiovascular and respiratory health and general improvements in rest and wellness. Every additional mile you walk adds 20 minutes to your life and saves society 34 cents in medical and other costs, and children involved in after-school recreation/academic programs show improvement in their grades.

Finally, the value of a tree is projected to be $275 a year in public cost savings through a reduction in air pollution and soil erosion and in increased energy conservation.

For these reasons, I am looking out for the environmental well-being of our City and state. I introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 504, which would increase the maximum fine for a misdemeanor violation of any ordinance, rule or regulation of a regional park or open space district. AB 504, which was signed by the governor and chaptered into California law in July (Ch. 106, Stats. 2003), re-establishes the deterrent effect of these fines and thereby protects open space lands from damage caused by illegal activities. The increase will go into effect in January 2004.

Unfortunately, it's not uncommon to see large areas of park and open space, including those here in San Francisco, damaged by unattended campfires, illegal off-roading or dumping of garbage, old furniture or toxic materials. Existing fines are $50 per infraction and $500 for misdemeanor violations of open space and regional park codes. However, these fines have not been increased in more than 20 years and therefore do not adequately offset the costs associated with repairing damage caused by illegal activity.

If apprehended, individuals who knowingly and repeatedly violate these park and open space codes often consider the current low fines to be the incidental cost of pursuing their recreational activity and simply do as they wish without fear of the consequences. Certain code violations, however, have the potential to require substantial expenditures to repair environmental damage from illegal activities such as fires, trail destruction, tree cutting, site-dumping, vandalism and vehicle trespass.

These activities damage habitat for native plant and animal species, create hazards for hikers and ruin the scenic value of the land for others. It may take years for damaged areas to recover.

AB 504 gives the boards of park and open space districts the authority to impose stiffer fines to provide more funds to offset the costs of repairing damage to land caused by illegal activities. Increasing the penalties will act as a deterrent and help sustain our parks and open spaces.

AB 504 is a simple law, designed to ensure that Californians continue to enjoy access to clean open spaces, parks and recreational areas for years to come.

Assemblyman Leland Yee is the assistant speaker pro tempore at the California state Assembly.