California to waive entry fees at more than 200 state parks for M.L.K. Day

California will offer free entry at more than 200 state parks on Monday in honor of Martin Luther King’s Birthday, Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Friday.

Mr. Newsom framed the move as a direct rebuke to President Trump, whose administration last month cut Dr. King’s birthday and Juneteenth from the list of free-entry days at national parks while adding Mr. Trump’s birthday, June 14, which is also Flag Day. “Dr. King’s legacy deserves to be honored, not erased,” Mr. Newsom said in a news release, and he encouraged Californians “to get outside on M.L.K. Day, spend time in nature, reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing civil rights for all.”

The parks offering free entry are spread across 46 counties, from the state’s northern border with Oregon to San Diego, and include beaches, historical monuments and recreation areas. While a handful of California’s state parks are always free, most charge a day-use entrance fee of around $10.

Key Topics

Politics, Gavin Newsom, California State Parks, Mlk Day, Donald Trump, Juneteenth