From: dlee@oahu.cs.ucla.edu (David Lee)
Newsgroups: ca.general,ca.driving,ca.environment
Subject: Update: Four-Color Licence Plates of Yosemite's Tunnel View (long)
Date: 24 Dec 92 00:36:17 GMT
Distribution: ca
Organization: UCLA, Computer Science Department

Since I've gotten quite a few questions about the Yosemite plates posting,
I thought that I would basically answer as many questions as possible (and
basically type in information contained in the application for the plates).
Questions and comments are welcomed.

David

David Lee                              e-mail: dlee@cs.ucla.edu
Graduate Student Researcher                    david@cad.ucla.edu
UCLA Manufacturing Engineering        ATTmail: (310) 206-4803
33-128 Engineering IV                          (310) 825-7821
Los Angeles, CA 90024-1597                     (310) 839-0373


              Summary of information about Yosemite licence plates
              ----------------------------------------------------
  * Yosemite licence plates are full-frame four-color graphic plates of
      Yosemite Valley as seen from Tunnel View.
  * Yosemite plates cost $50 over the usual registration fee to obtain the
      plates and $40 annually to renew.
  * The proceeds generated are divided between The Yosemite Fund and the
      California Environmental Fund.  The Yosemite Fund raises money for
      the preservation and restoration of Yosemite National Park and money
      generated from the plates can only be used for this purpose.
  * The Yosemite Fund must collect the first 5,000 applications before the
      DMV will begin to issue the plates.  Given current applications, the
      plates should be ready by late summer, 1993.
  * Applications are available through The Yosemite Fund at (415) 434-1782 
      or write to:
	The Yosemite Fund
	155 Montgomery Street, Suite 1104
	San Francisco, California 94104
  * If you have more questions, read the information below or contact The
      Yosemite Fund.


                   Information about Yosemite licence plates
                   -----------------------------------------

Contents:
--------
	1. General Information
	2. Description of the Yosemite Licence Plates
	3. Plate Classes and Costs
	4. Other Administrative Questions


                          1. General Information 
		          ----------------------

What is the Yosemite licence plate?
----------------------------------
An official licence plate issued by the DMV for vehicles registered in 
California.  The plate is distinguished by a full-frame four-color graphic
design of Yosemite Valley.  This design appears in place of the plain white
or blue background on regular licence plates.  Sale of the plates will
benefit The Yosemite Fund, a charitable foundation.

What is The Yosemite Fund?
-------------------------
The Yosemite Fund, under agreement with the National Park Service, raises
money for the preservation and restoration of Yosemite National Park.  Since
1986, the Yosemite Fund has provided $2.5 million of financial support and
has completed over 60 projects in the Park.  These projects include the
restoration of the Happy Isles area, the preservation of Stoneman Meadow,
most of the Park's back country trail maintenance and augmentation of its
Peregrine Falcon and Bighorn Sheep populations.

How much does the Yosemite plate cost?
-------------------------------------
	* $50 over the usual registration fee to obtain your plates
	* $40 annually to renew
	* Most of this a charitable donation and tax-deductible

What does Yosemite get?
----------------------
After the DMV deducts its administrative costs, the proceeds will be divided
between The Yosemite Fund and the California Environmental Fund.  It is
estimated that The Yosemite Fund will receive:

	* $13 on each newly issued plate
	* $20 on each renewal

This money can ONLY be used for preservation and restoration in Yosemite
National Park, not for Fund overhead and administrative expenses, not for
park operations.

Can I keep my current licence plate number?
------------------------------------------
If you already have a personalized plate you can convert it to a Yosemite
plate.  If you have a sequential plate, you will exchange it for a new
random sequence on the on the Yosemite plate.  If you particularly want to
keep your random sequence, you can do so by requesting that sequence as a 
personalized plate. (See below for more information about the different
plate types and specific costs.)

When will I receive my Yosemite licence plates?
----------------------------------------------
The Yosemite Fund must collect the first 5,000 applications before passing 
them to the DMV for processing.  The new plates are being designed and
manufactured are expected to be ready by late summer, 1993.

How do I apply?
--------------
Call The Yosemite Fund at (415) 434-1782 or write to:

	The Yosemite Fund
	155 Montgomery Street, Suite 1104
	San Francisco, California 94104

to get an application.


		 2. Description of the Yosemite Licence Plates
                 ---------------------------------------------

The plates will be a full-frame, four-color graphic design of Yosemite Valley
as pictured from Tunnel View.  The mountain faces are white with grey shadows
and the shy is pastel blue.  The foreground is the valley floor in forest
green.  The letters for "CALIFORNIA", which is centered at the top of the
plate, are red.  Also in red are the letters for "YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK" which
are centered at the bottom of the plate.

Pictures of the plate graphics can be found in either the View Section of the
Los Angeles Times on Wednesday, December 16, 1992 or the latest issue of
Motorland (published by the Northern California Automobile Association).


			     3. Plate Types and Costs
                             ------------------------

Sequential Numbered Plates - $50
--------------------------------
You exchange your current plates for Yosemite plates which will have a series
of numbers/letters in a sequence that is unique to the Yosemite plate program.
The annual renewal fee will $40.

Conversion of existing Personalized Plates - $65
------------------------------------------------
If your plate is already personalized (a "vanity" plate), you can have that
combination on a new Yosemite licence plate.  The annual renewal fee will be
$65.

Personalized Yosemite Plates - $90
---------------------------------
This option is not recommended through the Yosemite plate application process
because (a) most common combinations are already in use and unavailable and
(b) there will be a "lag time" during processing.  It is recommended that
you apply for a personalized plate through your local DMV office so that
you can consult books of combinations already in use.  Once you have acquired
the plate, you can then convert it to a Yosemite plate with the application.

Other plate notes:
-----------------
You may use your Yosemite licence plates subject to (a) payment of $40 ($65 
for personalized) for each renewal of registration; (b) payment of an 
additional $15 fee each time the plates are transferred to another vehicle,
regardless of whether they are Personalized or Sequential plates.

If the Personalized Yosemite licence plates are to be used on a leased vehicle,
company vehicle, or are intended as a gift, a Statement of Facts may be 
required at the time the plates are issued.

                          
                        4. Other Administrative Questions
                        ---------------------------------

What happens if I sell my car?
-----------------------------
Send us a copy of your new vehicle registration card when convenient.

What if I move?
--------------
Please send us a change of address card as soon as possible.

What if my vehicle registration comes up for renewal before I get my 
--------------------------------------------------------------------
   Yosemite Plates?
   ---------------
Go ahead and pay your regular fees as required.  The Yosemite plate costs are
over and above your normal registration fees.