Save the California Conservation Corps

Background
We, the undersigned, are in support of the California Conservation Corps (CCC) for the express purpose of keeping this state agency in operation for future generations of young adults. The CCC develops solid job skills in its corpsmembers and also strives to instill the work ethic of punctuality, teamwork and self-discipline. We feel that this state agency puts two of California's most important resources together, its youth and the environment. In addition to serving their state, the CCC also encourages service to local communities, and each corpsmember volunteers at least 48 hours of community involvement during their year.

The CCC hires young men and women between the ages of 18 and 25 for a year of natural resource work. The Corps work for state, local and federal agencies on projects that provide a public benefit, whether in urban, suburban or rural areas. While providing service to California, the young adults are exposed to future career possibilities as well as a greater understanding of the state's natural resources.

The CCC is also known for its emergency response work. When natural disasters occur such as floods, fires and earthquakes, the CCC is quick to respond, dispatching corpsmembers within hours. The CCC has been called out on nearly every major emergency during the last 30 years, including the Loma Prieta and Northridge earthquakes and the devastating wildfires of 2008.

Since the California Conservation Corps was created in 1976, corpsmembers have provided more than 60 million hours of service to California. More than 100,000 young people have been a part of the CCC, including some of the sons and daughters of the first corpsmembers.

Knowing what the CCC has done for young adults and our communities we believe and insist that it must remain a vibrant part our California heritage.

Petition
We, the undersigned, oppose the elimination of the California Conservation Corps (CCC) which will drastically and negatively impact opportunities for our underserved young adults 18-25 to serve and protect our California natural resources, our California emergency response, and our service and volunteerism to local communities.

We as concerned citizens propose that the State of California halt this proposed plan and institute a revised budget for 2009-2010 that funds the basic program needs of the CCC for ongoing operations as a commitment to young adults and our states resource management.