The establishment of roadside rests and the construction of a bypass of the state parks on the Redwood Highway are two vital and important projects for California. Bills designed to accomplish these two worthwhile developments were introduced and passed by both houses of the Legislature, but they failed to receive executive approval.

In rejecting the bills, the Governor felt that they represented only a part of an over-all development of a future state parks program. As the head of this greatest of touring and motoring states, he fully recognizes the merit of roadside rests and the Redwood Highway bypass and indicates that they will receive further consideration during the budget session of the Legislature in 1956.

The touring business is a billion dollar industry in California. It has become an integral and even necessary part of our state’s economy. Whatever money is spent to foster and develop our tourist trade is an investment that will inevitably bring rich returns.

If California wishes to maintain its lead in the touring world, roadside rests are a “must.” All but five of the 48 states already have roadside rest programs. These carefully-picked, off-highway spots are places where motorists may make stops in safety. They also encourage motorists to keep highways clean by providing free facilities for eating lunches and disposing of litter.

Building a bypass highway around the redwood groves in Humboldt County is imperative. If a four-lane highway were plowed through them, along the path of the present route, there would be a shameful destruction of these beautiful and awe-inspiring marvels of the botanic kingdom. Some groves would be virtually eliminated. However, a bypass development to preserve these great trees can’t be put off much longer. The present route carries an increasing burden of traffic and the need for an improved highway grows more urgent each day.

Undoubtedly these two important measures will receive favorable action during the Legislature’s budget session next year. In fact, California can’t afford to let them be delayed too long.