Brown signs bills to keep state parks open

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KABC) -- California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed several bills to keep state parks open and provide better oversight following a scandal in which park officials hid $54 million.

The bills establish a two-year moratorium on closing parks, provide about $30 million in funding and give parks new fundraising keys.

AB1478 by Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield, D-Woodland Hills, splits $30 million to help state parks at risk of closure stay open, complete overdue maintenance, and provide $10 million to match donations from private groups and local governments.

Department of Parks and Recreation Director Ruth Coleman resigned this summer after it was discovered that some employees hid $54 million in special funds while dozens of parks were at risk of closing.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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