GRASS VALLEY-

If it wasn’t for Virginia Brunini, Empire Mine State Historic Park wouldn’t exist.

“I was fortunate enough to be the person who helped get the Empire Mine bought for the state park,” Brunini said.

She found the for sale sign, realized the potential and the significance of the land and went to work.

“I started on this in October of ’72. I think it went into state parks in January of ’75,” Brunini said.

Now, she is once again fighting to make sure the land isn’t sold by the State of California.

“To consider the transfer or sale of the park is just unacceptable to anyone of logic. It’s a wonderful park, Brunini said. “It’s probably our most historic park.”

This issue came up in a senate subcommittee hearing during budget talks about the more than $36 million already spent to clean up the pollutants left behind by the mining company who owned the property before the state.

The issue will once again come up on April 23, and Brunini is hoping a petition campaign will help state leaders see how many people want this park saved.

“I have to have all these petitions into the Greater Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce office no later than noon on the 21st,” she said.

Brunini isn’t the only one praying for signatures. Several at the park Wednesday couldn’t imagine the area with out the historic place.

“I love the Empire Mine because my great grandfather worked here. It’s a huge piece of my family history and it’s so important to the Grass Valley area,” visitor Amy Cima said.

If you would like to help save the mine sign the petition by clicking on this link.