City of Riverside keeping options open to prevent California Citrus State Historic Park from closing

10:00 PM PST on Friday, February 1, 2008

By DOUG HABERMAN
The Press-Enterprise

RIVERSIDE - City officials have begun talks with the state in hopes of preventing the closure of California Citrus State Historic Park.

Gov. Schwarzenegger proposed closing the 377-acre park on Dufferin Avenue at Van Buren Boulevard as part of efforts to reduce a projected $14.5 billion budget deficit.

The Riverside City Council is set to vote Tuesday on a resolution declaring its support for the state's continued operation of the park.

"All options are on the table," Mayor Ron Loveridge said by phone Friday. "The city cannot allow the citrus park to close."

The city has met with Assembly members and parks officials to resolve the issue, he said.

Between 40,000 and 50,000 people visit the park each year, Loveridge said.

He said the park must stay open because it's the only place in the state where visitors can learn about the history of the Southern California citrus industry, whose rise amounted to a "second Gold Rush."

Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries, R-Lake Elsinore, said he is prepared to introduce a bill that would transfer the park, at no cost, to the city.

But the city, which is facing its own $10 million operating budget shortfall, expressed no interest, he said. The state estimates that it very roughly costs between $500,000 and $750,000 to operate the park each year, Loveridge said.

Jeffries said he might give up on the bill or amend it so Riverside County receives the park instead.

Loveridge said Jeffries should introduce his bill so a transfer is an option in case other solutions don't work out.

County Supervisor Bob Buster, whose district includes the park, said it's premature to talk about transferring the park because the budget deficit is "not a permanent situation for the state of California."

Riverside City Councilman Chris Mac Arthur, whose council ward includes the citrus park, said if it were shut down, it could become a graffiti target and its groves could suffer.

Reach Doug Haberman at 951-368-9644 or dhaberman@PE.com
Source: http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_R_rcitrus02.42456fe.html

When I was in Riverside visiting the UCR Variety Collection and CCPP I also visited the California Citrus State Historic Park. The park charges a small entrance fee, which is sort of paid on the honor system, because there is no one at the entrance. The visitors are supposed to go to the museum and pay there. The museum tells the story of the early days of citrus in California, plus has a very nice book store. I can never pass up an opportunity for a chance to purchase a books or two on citrus. I purchased one on the history of Sunkist. In the afternoon they pick a rather large variety of different citrus cultivars and have a tasting for the public. It would be a shame to see the park closed. We actually found the park by accident, as we drove around the area. To increase tourist visitation, the park needs display advertisement signs around the area, perhaps at the freeway exists to the city. Generally a nice place. - Millet

I was JUST there yesterday after stopping by UCR to pick up some fruit. The park is a great place for small hikes, school trips, weddings, events, etc. It is very, VERY under marketed. The state should use some of their USC/UCLA interns to develop a comprehensive marketing plan for park profitablity and sustainability. I think the real issue will be in consistant execution of the plan by city or state officials...