Politics & Government

SDG&E Donates $20K to Keep Palomar Mountain Open

The state park has stayed opened despite budget cuts.

San Diego Gas & Electric has pledged $20,000 to help keep Palomar Mountain State Park open, it was announced Thursday.

The utility responded to a , which is trying to keep the area open following state budget cuts.

State funding was due to expire on July 1.

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A popular outdoors destination for residents of Riverside and San Diego counties, campsites at the 1,862-acre park were closed last October, but thanks to other donations.

Rick Barclay, chairman of the nonprofit, said the SDG&E contribution will allow the group to expand educational programs.

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"The grant will also move us forward by helping underserved children in the community visit the park and learn about nature and stewardship for the environment," Barclay said.

"These are kids who otherwise would probably never experience the natural beauty of a place like Palomar, and that gets back to the original vision of the state park system, to make sure everyone has access to California's natural and cultural wonders, such as Palomar," he said.

The nonprofit is waiting for the state parks director to sign an agreement to defray the costs of keeping Palomar open via charitable donations, Barclay said.

The area offers a trout-filled pond, hiking trails and views of the Pacific Ocean.

-City News Service


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