To the editor: A lot has been stated about John Burton’s fierce loyalty, mentoring and skill to work throughout the aisle — however his very important legacy defending the atmosphere and guaranteeing low-income residents’ entry to parks and pure areas deserves extra recognition (“John Burton, highly effective liberal who formed California politics for many years, dies,” Sept. 7).
I’ve identified Burton since 1978. Whereas his brother fought tirelessly for public entry to parks, John himself took highly effective stands, like his memorable flooring speech in Congress defending inexpensive lodging in Yosemite Valley. He opposed the Yosemite Park and Curry Firm’s plan to switch low-cost tent cabins with upscale lodging, advocating for individuals who couldn’t afford the luxurious choices.
In 2000, our paths crossed once more once I was a key useful resource staffer for then-Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa, who sought out Burton’s assist to ensure essential Senate votes for the primary park bond on the poll in 12 years — Proposition 12, the Protected Neighborhood Parks, Clear Water, Clear Air, and Coastal Safety Act. Burton’s capability to achieve throughout get together traces was evident in his collaboration with Republican Sen. Maurice Johannessen of Shasta County. He secured this Republican help for this historic park bond.
On the time, this was the largest parks bond in state historical past, defending wild and scenic rivers, watersheds, wetlands and parklands throughout California. Burton was a real champion of environmental safety and public entry.
His legacy shouldn’t be solely certainly one of political talent however of deep dedication to preserving wild locations and making them accessible for all Californians, particularly these much less lucky.
Patricia Schifferle, Truckee, Calif.
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To the editor: Because the Financial institution of America govt in command of state laws, I thought-about figuring out “F-Bomb Burton” to be one of many highlights of my work. I first met him as a 21-year-old delegate on the 1972 Democratic conference and was blown away by his embrace and activism.
If Burton believed you cared about individuals and have been real, he immediately preferred you. Then got here these expletive-laden yells on moments of disagreement. With me, he went from F-bombs to hugs.
One night, after I led the killing of laws he authored, Burton yelled for me to “get the f— out of the State Capitol and California.”
He later gave me a “Ralphie!” and a hug in entrance of my son. After autographing a guide on his deceased brother, Phillip, he wrote: “Gimme a hug.” That T-shirt message in Dan Morain’s piece says all of it: “I yell as a result of care.”
Godspeed, expensive John.
Ralph C. Carmona, Portland, Maine
