Jack London, Sugarloaf plan annual state parks update

When California faced a financial crisis in 2011, the state park system was one of the more high-profile victims: parks were slated for closure, and some did shut down. But several, including Jack London State Historic Park and Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, adopted a nonprofit custodial model, setting up community management of the cash-strapped parks.

Fast forward to Thursday, Dec. 17, when Jack London Park Partners and Team Sugarloaf/Sonoma Ecology Center will celebrate over eight years of successful partnership with California State Parks to support and manage the two Sonoma Valley state parks. The annual joint meeting will be held via Zoom, beginning at 5 p.m.

Both Matt Leffert, executive director of Jack London Park Partners; and Sugarloaf park manager John Roney, of Sonoma Ecology Center and Team Sugarloaf, will present their goals for the coming year, recent accomplishments and highlights of the respective partnerships.

The public is invited to learn more about the goals of these public/nonprofit partnerships and how they can best serve communities and park visitors. Questions, suggestions and comments are encouraged.

Zoom links are available through meeting registration at jacklondonpark.com and sonomaecology.org.