Areias seeks leave of absence from parks position

Paul Clinton

NEWPORT-MESA -- California State Parks Director Rusty Areias is

negotiating with Gov. Gray Davis to take a leave of absence while he runs

for a state Senate seat.

Areias, an outspoken advocate for the historic cottages in Crystal

Cove State Park, announced his decision to run for the seat in November.

By Dec. 7, the final deadline to submit paperwork to run for state and

federal offices, Areias was a certified candidate. He is seeking the 12th

District seat, which stretches from Merced to Modesto.

State employees are prohibited from running for elected office at the

public’s expense. So to clear the way for a run for the seat, Areias

began talks with Davis, spokesman Roy Stearns said.

“He’s talking with the governor about a leave of absence,” Stearns

said. “He’s in discussions right now.”

A spokesman from Davis’ Los Angeles campaign headquarters did not

return calls for comment.

The move would also clear the way for Areias to return to the post if

he loses in either the March 5 primary or November general elections.

Areias, 52, was appointed to the parks job in 1999, shortly after

Davis was elected to office. He is a former assemblyman.

Areias is the first department head in Davis’ administration to run

for office. The practice is not common.

The race for the Senate seat has cooled off since November, when it

was shaping up to be one of the most closely watched races in the state.

Areias was set to square off against the son of close friend Rep. Gary

Condit (D-Modesto). Chad Condit dropped out of the race last week so he

could help with his father’s campaign.

Three other candidates from the two major parties are ready to run

against Areias.

* Paul Clinton covers the environment and John Wayne Airport. He may

be reached at (949) 764-4330 or by e-mail ato7

paul.clinton@latimes.comf7 .