Article published Mar 11, 2005
By Tobias Young, The Press Democrat
A proposed Tolay Lake county park got a $2 million boost Thursday, double the amount expected from the California Coastal Conservancy. The conservancy board unanimously approved the money for the 1,735-acre park.
The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District has earmarked $9 million, half of what's needed to buy the land southeast of Petaluma .
Supporters hope to restore the lake, preserve the land and provide recreational opportunities in what would be the county's largest regional park.
The conservancy originally considered giving $1 million toward the purchase and its staff recommended $1.5 million at Thursday's meeting in Sacramento . But the board authorized $2 million from state clean-water bonds at the request of park supporters, Sonoma County Supervisor Mike Kerns said.
"They came through for us," Kerns said. "It is critical for us in trying to meet our goal."
The money brings to roughly $6.5 million the amount committed to matching the open space district money for the acquisition. It comes from a combination of government grants and donations from philanthropists and the business community.
The county has until April 20 to exercise its option to buy the land from the Cardoza family, which operates it as a ranch.
In addition to the Coastal Conservancy money, Kerns said the city of Petaluma will pitch in $75,000 that had been sitting since 1971 in a county park fund. Jeannie Schulz, the wife of the late Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, recently promised $50,000, Kerns said. Supporters are seeking additional grants from foundations.
If the match comes up short, Kerns said he'll ask the open space district to make up the difference. Kerns, who represents the south county, said the park has a lot of support and he expects to get the purchase done.
But he said he can't promise that his colleagues will increase the open-space stake. "I don't want people to think that's a done deal because it isn't," Kerns said. "I'm trying to get as close to the goal as possible."
The money from the Coastal Conservancy was essential, Kerns said. "It is really a nice achievement toward the Tolay ranch acquisition," said Grant Davis of the Bay Institute, which is working on the project.
http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050311/NEWS/503110331/1033/NEWS01
© The Press Democrat