Grassroots Activism; Metcalf Site Visit by Assemblyman Kalra

[Butch]

I have arranged for my Assemblymember Ash Kalra to visit Motorcycle County Park (Metcalf) this Sunday, January 14, 10 am. We hope to take him for a hike down the Big Creek trail.

I initially got involved with Kalra’s office in regards to SB 249, legislation initially drafted to end the State Parks OHV program. In light of the the huge amount of misinformation circulating in today’s media, I think there is no substitute to seeing things for yourself and drawing your own conclusions. Metcalf, and most our OHV areas are an oasis of cooperation. Our sport has been painted as blatantly destructive by some (the “Save Tesla Park” folks in particular) and visiting our parks illustrates the mistruths that some perpetuate.

I encourage you all to have relationships with your elected officials, and to help them understand that in this world of diminishing opportunities, OHV parks are a good thing for everyone. This especially includes young people who are the future, and nature that we would all like to see survive and thrive.
I encourage you to join us if you can.

 

[Maddevill]

Awesome job Butch. I always wonder why the Save Tesla people get their jimmies in a bunch over habitat at Carnigie. It's visually better than the tracts where they allow cattle grazing. I see tons of wildlife whenever I'm there. I doubt any of them have ever actually been to Carnigie and looked around.

Maad

 

[Butch]

Folks that oppose OHV seem to be selfish, or greedy, or ignorant or just mean. Celeste Garamendi has 9000 acres next door to Carnegie and could be all these things. She seems to be behind most of this.

Ah, she seems to have deep pockets too, so can create roadblocks for her own gratification regardless of cost. She might not have a real job either, so again, create roadblocks for her own gratification...

 

[Butch]

We did the Metcalf tour a week ago last Sunday, and it was pretty spectacular.

Assemblymember Ash Kalra and his staffer Erika came per my invitation. Kevin Murphy, one of the State Parks OHV Commissioners, also came up from Morgan Hill. As I have been working with Dave Cortese’s office for some time, I informed his office and Vanessa Turner, Policy Aid, came out. Cortese is (last time I checked) president of the Santa Clara Board of Supervisors.

As I drove up Metcalf, I left the fog of the valley into a brilliant sunny day at the summit of the road. It was a specular.
I met Kevin shortly, then our representatives showed up.
We rode in the park trucks to the ATV track, ands stopped to enjoy the view, then drove to the bottom of the “Big Creek” trail. Again, enjoyed the view, discussed the view and saw… ELK!

Then we hiked up the trail, a singletrack at the bottom of the canyon that was closed at the time. We chatted about the issues. Subjects included family recreation and exercise, wildlife corridors, electric vehicles and 408MX.

Kevin was invaluable, sharing his knowledge of the state park system. The exposure to the beauty of the park and families was fantastic, I think…

Ash Kalra is now on the Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee, so it is great that he is our friend. It would be good for our sport, and our future if you guys let him know you appreciate him supporting our parks. https://a27.asmdc.org

Pic by Erika, Kalra staffer,
left to right is me, random kid and dad, John Park Staff, Lane Park Ranger, Kevin OHV Commissioner, Match Park Ranger, Ash Kalra Assemblyman, random kiddo, John Head Ranger, and Vanessa, an aid for Cortese

 

[Eric in Davis]

Nice work Butch!

I'm just seeing this thread today, but I was out there riding at Metcalf the same day you did the visit with Assemblyman Kalra (just didn't realize it)

I'm checking BARF again after being on a 2-wheel hiatus for a while (joined in the way early 00 days), and now have my first dirt bike. Metcalf is perfect for me. I'm a busy dad and basically can only get out for ~ 3-4 hours to go ride occasionally. So having Metcalf 30 minutes away from me means I can ride more consistently.

I'll stay tuned here to see whatever community support efforts I can contribute to for OHV access like Metcalf.

Edit - I'll give his office a call tomorrow and express my thanks for him taking the time to visit Metcalf and how valuable it is for the community. Hoping to be able to take my kids riding there when they're a little older.

 

[PASTAPWR]

I just saw this post and tried to take a moment to thank Mr. Kalra. However, it does not appear possible to contact him, if you do not reside in his district.

 

[Butch]

I just saw this post and tried to take a moment to thank Mr. Kalra. However, it does not appear possible to contact him, if you do not reside in his district.

yup, that is typical of that particular government website system.
Erika Salazar is his "field reoresentative" who put the visit together with me and took the picture.

Erika.Salazar@asm.ca.gov

She has been quite helpful. Along those lines, I have had really positive response from all my representatives offices especially after I get to know the staff a bit. A text, a phone call then a visit and they become pretty interested in what we have to say. I suppose sometimes it is just lip service.

Not in this case though, as Kalra is now on the Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee.