12:55 pm PST 2/4/2021
in
Ryan Parker
Erin Guerrero, executive director of the California Parks and Attractions Association, praised the project.
Two lawmakers from the state of California proposed a bill that would allow major theme parks in Southern California to reopen faster than they would under Governor Gavin’s rules Newsom’s Safer Economy Project.
Assembly members Sharon Quirk-Silva, D-Buena Park, and Suzette Valladares, R-Santa Clarita, seek to co-sponsor the AB 420, which would place all major theme parks at COVID level 3 (orange), or moderate, State -19 Industry orientation for amusement and theme parks. Governor Newsom previously placed the main theme parks at level 4 (yellow), or minimum. Theme park officials collectively called this measure “impractical.”
Since last summer, the top theme park owners in Southern California have been fighting a bitter battle with Newsom, as they press to reopen. Disney, which has been the most expressive, has pointed to its Florida operations, which have not been associated with a single case of COVID-19 since its parks reopened in July. “I think we have proved it for everyone – and in this country – we have robust policies that protect employees and guests,” said Ken Potrock, president of Disneyland Resort, last October.
And yet, Newsom didn’t move.
Erin Guerrero, executive director of the California Parks and Attractions Association, praised the proposed legislation. CAPA represents Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego and Legoland California, among others.
“Worldwide, theme parks have proven that they can reopen responsibly, protecting the health of guests and staff,” she said in a statement. “Nearly a year after the parks closed in response to the pandemic, tens of thousands of employees remain unemployed, while local businesses, communities around theme parks and local governments face continuing negative consequences. “
Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood closed last March. During the summer, they reopened their respective shopping districts and open-air restaurants. Still, fans (and park officials) have been clamoring for the attractions to be reactivated.
Guerrero points to the decrease in cases in the state while the distribution of vaccination continues as reasons in favor of placing the parks in a less restrictive range.
“California’s iconic theme parks are important economic drivers for the state and local regions,” she said. “AB 420 is necessary so that theme parks can plan to reopen responsibly and return to contributing to the economic recovery of our state”.
In October, the theme parks came together and launched the idea of a lawsuit to change the layers.