Governor Signs State Parks Bill Sparked by Yosemite Name Dispute
Sacramento, CA — Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation prohibiting ownership claims over California state park names after a dispute that led to renaming beloved federal sites at Yosemite National Park.
Brown announced Wednesday he’s signed AB2249. One of the co-authors was Mother Lode District Five Assemblyman Frank Bigelow.
The legislation won’t end the controversy at federal parks like Yosemite, but is aimed at preventing similar disputes at state-run parks. The bill would also disqualify future bids by a vendor that attempts a trademark claim on a state park or its historical, cultural or recreational resources.
The U.S. National Park Service renamed several Yosemite sites during a dispute with a former concessionaire. The Ahwahnee Hotel became the Majestic Yosemite Hotel and Curry Village became Half Dome Village, among others.
