Influencing Your Government:

Let your representatives in government know where you stand on public lands, trails, parks, and other issues. Your input really can make a difference. Here are a few tips:

Be clear, tactful, businesslike, and to the point in your letters.

Address the recipient appropriately, by name.

Verbal fist-pounding will not help your cause.

Assume they do not know the background of the issue you are addressing. Very briefly summarize the issue for them.

State what you want done as plainly as possible - be specific. If you want a response, request one.

Include your home address and phone number. Many representatives reply only by U.S. Mail - not e-mail.

Some people feel letters, sent by mail, are taken more seriously than e-mail messages. If you do send e-mail, you may wish to back it up with a copy mailed to the recipient.

Government and Public Policy Links:

San Diego County - Board of Supervisors

San Diego County has one of the best, most useful government websites around. One page you might want to visit regularly is the Planning and Land Use Matters page, including topics discussed at Board meetings (e.g. developments, easements, land improvements, etc.), along with supporting documents, and the date & time for the next Board meeting.

The White House

United States Senate

United States House of Representatives

United States Dept. of Agriculture - Forest Service

National Park Service - History & Philosophy

Governor of California - Gray Davis

California State Assembly

California State Senate

Legislative Counsel - California Legislative Information

California Department of Forestry