Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns regarding reports that the federal government is considering transferring a portion of Yosemite National Park to a private developer. I appreciate the opportunity to respond.
As you may know, the National Park Service (NPS) is reportedly considering a potential land exchange involving a small parcel of land within Yosemite and Kingsbarn Realty Capital, a private real estate company that owns an 83-acre property adjacent to the park. Under the proposal, the developer would receive an interest in roughly a quarter-mile portion of Yosemite to facilitate the construction of an access road connecting its property to roads within the park. In exchange, the federal government would receive other property of comparable value. The Department of the Interior has stated that no final decision has been made and that any proposal would be subject to applicable federal laws, environmental review, and public notification requirements.
I understand your concerns regarding these reports. I believe our national parks are a valuable public resource that should be responsibly managed and protected for future generations. At the same time, decisions involving federal lands should consider the needs of surrounding communities, public access, recreation, and appropriate economic activity while maintaining the integrity and purpose of these lands. Rest assured that should the House consider any legislation regarding this matter, I will keep your thoughts in mind.
Once again, thank you for contacting me about this important issue. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any additional questions, comments, or concerns. My door is always open, and I am honored to serve Western New York and the Southern Tier in Washington.
Scott, if this column conveys anything it’s what JFK said. “ One person can make a difference but everyone should try”. Your reports constitute who are the very best among us. Thank you for consistently providing such focused and uplifting information.
A nurse in scrubs sat in federal court while a utility asked a judge to take the story down. The story is still up. That’s the whole model. One person asked for the paperwork.
Patty Hector could have pulled the books and kept the job. She didn’t. Twelve Arkansans were about to hear why. That’s why they paid.
Two people in Kansas gathered 208 signatures and the city sued them for it. A judge just told that city the petition is protected speech. If your town is running the same play, send this to the person circulating the clipboard.
I keep thinking about the Republican Women’s billboard. “Director Hector Must Go.” She went. Then the county wrote a check. Put that on the next billboard.
My electric bill went up very minimally because I chose to switch to clean energy (solar & wind power) instead of the old. Illinois now gives us the option so I took it.
I retired out of the South Orange-Maplewood school district in New Jersey. Do a Google search for South Orange Maplewood School District, AP literature class and book censorship. Your eyes will pop out of your head. It is interesting to note that Maplewood and South Orange are two, pretty liberal communities, so I was rather shocked when I saw that the district was trying to censor a book.They say they weren’t- but it seems strange to me. As a 43 year veteran teacher, I always found that addressing a tough situation presented in literature, regardless of the difficulty, and by teaching the content sensitively, literature, actually allowed students the opportunity to address issues they might be having. More than once, students would have the courage to confide in me, and ask for help. More than once, help and assistance was secured for the student. That was a double win in my book. Children were helped- they learned a lot about themselves- and literature too.
PS The book could be taught so long as parents gave written permission. Not a full win. The poor teacher had her wings clipped, her professionalism questioned, and lots of undo stress, not to mention all the eyes that would be upon her. Nothing like teaching in a fish bowl with sharks. Sheesh.
I'm in NJ too, Suzanne. Didn't know this about SO-Maplewood. I love what you wrote about the power of books. Those students were lucky to have you to confide in.
Great news today! All by regular folks who stood up for what they thought right. I get pretty livid when reading news like the story of Brian Jose Morales Garcia. I'm sure ICE reveled in the hassles they caused Mr. Garcia. This morning, I read an article in AZ Republic about the ICE raids on several Zipps Bar and Grills here in the valley. One kitchen manager is being held in detention for deportation. He gave prosecutors all the info needed that the owners of these bars knew they were illegally hiring workers, but he's the only "higher-up" to face consequences. Where is the justice in that?
rough weekend personally - no sleep for couple of days ... so much for celebrations
Thank you again Scott - great way to start the week on a high note !!
Bless you again Scott Dworkin - these sprinkles of goodness makes it possible to stand stronger - women, individuals with ethics and good will standing strong against monstrous feckless bullies - BRAVO !!
Scott and crew, Thank you, once again! I only wish this could be posted for more people, including Fox viewers to read about what's actually happening in our country. In any case keep doing what you're doing, it's very much appreciated!!
My library and school board in the Salinas, CA, high schools have always fought over books in waves but usually during GOP rule, so to speak, as in the 70’s, 80’s, and so on. (Ditto for the Monterey County, in general.)
My power bill in CA has gone down to almost zero because we have had solar panels for decades. Silly people who think solar doesn’t work when it’s cloudy make me giggle. Do they think the sun “sleeps” when they can’t see it?😝
Wonderful! These "little" voices continue to shout out loudly for The Resistance...good on them all! It's so heartwarming to read about such brave citizens. Thanks, Scott....💙💙💙💙
Once again, it is women leading the charge; extraordinary women.
Once again, it is the cruelty that the orange monster and his goons get off on. Taking an American citizen; born here and deporting him. This may not be politically correct but he does bear part of the blame. He is born here but doesn't speak English!
Here are the two Congressional letter focuses for today! thanks for all you do!
**Yosemite.** A Nevada developer wants a strip of the park for a private road. 1,172 letters in the first three days. https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-congress-stop-trumps-yosemite-giveaway
**Mail voting.** Hearing is Thursday, and ballots are already going out in some states. https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-congress-protect-our-use-of-voting-by-mail-and-voting-machines/
From congresscon Nick Langworthy, NY23:
Dear Ms.
Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns regarding reports that the federal government is considering transferring a portion of Yosemite National Park to a private developer. I appreciate the opportunity to respond.
As you may know, the National Park Service (NPS) is reportedly considering a potential land exchange involving a small parcel of land within Yosemite and Kingsbarn Realty Capital, a private real estate company that owns an 83-acre property adjacent to the park. Under the proposal, the developer would receive an interest in roughly a quarter-mile portion of Yosemite to facilitate the construction of an access road connecting its property to roads within the park. In exchange, the federal government would receive other property of comparable value. The Department of the Interior has stated that no final decision has been made and that any proposal would be subject to applicable federal laws, environmental review, and public notification requirements.
I understand your concerns regarding these reports. I believe our national parks are a valuable public resource that should be responsibly managed and protected for future generations. At the same time, decisions involving federal lands should consider the needs of surrounding communities, public access, recreation, and appropriate economic activity while maintaining the integrity and purpose of these lands. Rest assured that should the House consider any legislation regarding this matter, I will keep your thoughts in mind.
Once again, thank you for contacting me about this important issue. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any additional questions, comments, or concerns. My door is always open, and I am honored to serve Western New York and the Southern Tier in Washington.
Sincerely,
Congresscon Remora
Scott, if this column conveys anything it’s what JFK said. “ One person can make a difference but everyone should try”. Your reports constitute who are the very best among us. Thank you for consistently providing such focused and uplifting information.
A nurse in scrubs sat in federal court while a utility asked a judge to take the story down. The story is still up. That’s the whole model. One person asked for the paperwork.
Patty Hector could have pulled the books and kept the job. She didn’t. Twelve Arkansans were about to hear why. That’s why they paid.
Two people in Kansas gathered 208 signatures and the city sued them for it. A judge just told that city the petition is protected speech. If your town is running the same play, send this to the person circulating the clipboard.
Next step......I have the petition forms!
Great synopsis, Sam!
I keep thinking about the Republican Women’s billboard. “Director Hector Must Go.” She went. Then the county wrote a check. Put that on the next billboard.
My electric bill went up very minimally because I chose to switch to clean energy (solar & wind power) instead of the old. Illinois now gives us the option so I took it.
I retired out of the South Orange-Maplewood school district in New Jersey. Do a Google search for South Orange Maplewood School District, AP literature class and book censorship. Your eyes will pop out of your head. It is interesting to note that Maplewood and South Orange are two, pretty liberal communities, so I was rather shocked when I saw that the district was trying to censor a book.They say they weren’t- but it seems strange to me. As a 43 year veteran teacher, I always found that addressing a tough situation presented in literature, regardless of the difficulty, and by teaching the content sensitively, literature, actually allowed students the opportunity to address issues they might be having. More than once, students would have the courage to confide in me, and ask for help. More than once, help and assistance was secured for the student. That was a double win in my book. Children were helped- they learned a lot about themselves- and literature too.
PS The book could be taught so long as parents gave written permission. Not a full win. The poor teacher had her wings clipped, her professionalism questioned, and lots of undo stress, not to mention all the eyes that would be upon her. Nothing like teaching in a fish bowl with sharks. Sheesh.
Onward.
I'm in NJ too, Suzanne. Didn't know this about SO-Maplewood. I love what you wrote about the power of books. Those students were lucky to have you to confide in.
We are all powerful…we can fight back & make a difference. These people are inspiring,
Love those feisty nurses!
Keep fighting the fascist pigs, America.
As a former librarian, I salute Ms. Hector. As a human being I salute her as well.
Great news today! All by regular folks who stood up for what they thought right. I get pretty livid when reading news like the story of Brian Jose Morales Garcia. I'm sure ICE reveled in the hassles they caused Mr. Garcia. This morning, I read an article in AZ Republic about the ICE raids on several Zipps Bar and Grills here in the valley. One kitchen manager is being held in detention for deportation. He gave prosecutors all the info needed that the owners of these bars knew they were illegally hiring workers, but he's the only "higher-up" to face consequences. Where is the justice in that?
I feel the same way, Susan. It is utterly depraved. It's why we need to keep going to stop it.
Keep enlightening us all to the twists and turns of this disgusting administration.
rough weekend personally - no sleep for couple of days ... so much for celebrations
Thank you again Scott - great way to start the week on a high note !!
Bless you again Scott Dworkin - these sprinkles of goodness makes it possible to stand stronger - women, individuals with ethics and good will standing strong against monstrous feckless bullies - BRAVO !!
Hope your week gets better, MJoT
so kind - thank you
Scott and crew, Thank you, once again! I only wish this could be posted for more people, including Fox viewers to read about what's actually happening in our country. In any case keep doing what you're doing, it's very much appreciated!!
My library and school board in the Salinas, CA, high schools have always fought over books in waves but usually during GOP rule, so to speak, as in the 70’s, 80’s, and so on. (Ditto for the Monterey County, in general.)
My power bill in CA has gone down to almost zero because we have had solar panels for decades. Silly people who think solar doesn’t work when it’s cloudy make me giggle. Do they think the sun “sleeps” when they can’t see it?😝
Wonderful! These "little" voices continue to shout out loudly for The Resistance...good on them all! It's so heartwarming to read about such brave citizens. Thanks, Scott....💙💙💙💙
Once again, it is women leading the charge; extraordinary women.
Once again, it is the cruelty that the orange monster and his goons get off on. Taking an American citizen; born here and deporting him. This may not be politically correct but he does bear part of the blame. He is born here but doesn't speak English!