In 2009, in the wake of the financial recession sweeping the US and California, the CCC made the decision to close several centers and satellites.  Los Padres was one of the Centers. When I received thwe call about the closing from the Deputy Director, it was one of the saddest days of my Career.

There are many wonderful stories to tell about the community's, both in and out of the CCC, efforts to keep the CCC's presence on the Central Coast. There are so many heroes in this story; politicians, storytellers from the Tribune, leaders from local environmental groups, corpsmembers and staff.

In the end, the Los Padres Center was spared from closing. Below is a letter of thanks to Central Coast community published in the Tribune on Sunday March 22, 2009.

My desire and hope, like all former staff and corpsmembers, is that current staff and corpsmembers learn about their history- the history of the CCC and the history of the center or satellite they are assigned.

Many came before you - they lift you up upon their shoulders - like you they bore the hard work and blisters of the CCC - some are gone - some are retired - some are the thousands honored Alumni of the CCC.

Honor them with your very best effort and work of the CCC.