State legislators have blocked both of Sen. John Campbell's attempts
to let a nonprofit group run historic cottages at Crystal Cove State
Park, but the fight may not be over.
Campbell tried two bills that would turn the cottage renovations
and operations over to a nonprofit group, but legislators on Thursday
night were to adjourn until January, leaving both bills in limbo.
A nonprofit group still could submit a bid to the state parks
department, which in July began requesting proposals from any
organization -- including for-profit groups -- wanting to run an
operation that will include 13 cottages, a cafe, a snack bar, and
other visitor services.
The difference between Campbell's legislation and the state's
proposal is where the money goes. The state plan only requires 12% of
profits to go to a park-maintenance fund, but Campbell's legislation
funnels all the income back into the park.
State parks officials, meanwhile, extended their bidding deadline
from Sept. 21 to Oct. 12 because of a delay in cottage construction
that's now underway, state parks spokesman Roy Stearns said.
No bids have been received, but it's normal for most to come in on
the last day, he said. Representatives of more than 20 groups came to
two mandatory bid meetings in July, and prospective bidders included
operators of the Shake Shack, the Montage resort in Laguna Beach and
the Crystal Cove Alliance, a nonprofit group that's already raised
thousands of dollars for the park.
Restoration of the cottages is already behind schedule and over
budget, and restrictions in the state's proposal mean it likely won't
be attractive to profit seekers, Campbell said
"They do have to put a significant amount of capital in for
virtually no return," he said.
The Crystal Cove Alliance, at least, will be submitting a bid.
Group founder Laura Davick said she's disappointed that Campbell's
bills were stalled, but the group already planned to bid through the
state parks department.
"We believe that we will be able to far outshine anyone on our
educational and interpretive programs that we're planning, and with
our plan for fundraising for phase two, a for-profit won't be able to
compete with that," Davick said.
The second phase of the project is expected to cost about $15
million and will finish up to 17 of the park's cottages.
Campbell said his bills could be revived when legislators return
in January, but they will likely face continued opposition from the
union that represents state parks employees.
"They said very clearly in committee that they thought that any
nonprofit organization would not necessarily hire their union members
to do the work or to staff the cottages once they're completed,"
Campbell said.
The state plans to find an operator and get some cottages open for
public rental by early 2006, Stearns said.
QUESTION
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* ALICIA ROBINSON covers government and politics. She may be
reached at (714) 966-4626 or by e-mail at
o7alicia.robinson@latimes.comf7.
