By: Ben Adler and Steffi Broski
Updated: 12:45pm Monday
ORIGINAL STORY
Baker says the county is in talks with the non-profit American River National History Association. But either way, they’ll need additional funds to keep their doors open. Baker says they’re hoping for the community to step up and help with volunteering and fundraising efforts.
Updated: 12:45pm Monday
One county department that appears to have mostly dodged this round of budget cuts is Regional Parks.
The county was considering closing the popular Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Carmichael.
But Regional Parks Director Janet Baker says any cuts to that or other parks won’t be considered until next year’s budget, which starts in July.
The county is proposing some fee increases at its parks to help cover expenses.
ORIGINAL STORY
The Effie Yeaw Nature Center has been a hit with school children and other visiting groups for more than three decades. Sacramento County Regional Parks Director Janet Baker says that’s because there’s a lot to see.
Baker: “Birds, and reptiles including hawks, and a great horned owl, a barn owl, a gopher snake, a western pond turtle, a rattlesnake and an opossum.”
Baker says the new round of budget cuts could force Effie Yeaw to close. But she says there’s also another option:
Baker: “Have it run by a non-profit rather than run by the county. And that has very successfully been done by the City of Sacramento with Fairytale Town, and with the Sacramento Zoo and I believe with the Crocker Art Museum back in the ‘90s during similar budget situations.”