February 11, 2022

Photo of the Week

Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument

Hearst Castle magic ... beauty during a break from a December storm.

Photo from John Singleton, San Luis Obispo Coast District

WHAT'S NEW

State Parks Combines Two Properties and Becomes Ishxenta State Park

Story from: Communications and Marketing Division

California State Parks has a new number of state park units. As of last month, the State Park System new official total is 279 classified units and major unclassified properties.

If you are wondering if the department lost a park unit, the answer is no. Two previous major unclassified properties, Point Lobos Ranch and Hatton Canyon park properties, were joined to become Ishxenta State Park (pronounced "eesh-henta") in Monterey District. This action changed the State Park System size from 280 to 279, the new official number.

Ishxenta is an Indigenous name given to the Point Lobos area by the Rumsen people who have lived in this area for a millennia. The new Ishxenta State Park now consists of 1,459 acres and includes outstanding and diverse scenic, biological and cultural resources, as well as a wide variety of recreational and educational opportunities. Due to these diverse resources, three subunits were also created within the new state park: Tatlum Cultural Preserve, San Jose Creek Natural Preserve and the Pt. Lobos Ridge Natural Preserve.

The identity and basic information about each of the 279 units and properties will be found in the "Planning Milestones for the Park Units and Major Properties Associated With the California State Park System." This publication, and its accompanying map, are prepared by the Strategic Planning and Recreation Services Division and will be available in approximately October 2022.

The new figure of 279 represents 265 classified units and 14 major unclassified properties. The new number will reflect the entire State Park System for the duration of the 2021-22 fiscal year.

California Natural Resources Agency Teams Up With Los Angeles Rams to Expand Access to Outdoors With Specialty License Plate

Story from: Communications and Marketing Division

The California Natural Resources Agency is promoting a new professional sports team-branded specialty license plate that seeks to build equitable access to California’s nature, culture and history. The first license plate in the series, in partnership with the Los Angeles Rams, will enable LA Rams fans to show their team spirit while supporting access to parks and outdoor spaces. Revenue generated by the sports license plates will expand access to parks across the state and improve these parks and open spaces.

You can order your Department of Motor Vehicles-approved license plate online at https://laramsplates.com/.

p.s. Congrats to the LA Rams on their NFC Championship! Super Bowl LVI bound!

FIELD REPORT

California Communities Receive Grants From Office of Historic Preservation

Story from: Office of Historic Preservation

Official seals of the Certified Local Government grant recipients. Image from Office of Historic Preservation. 

The Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) is pleased to announce the awarding of Certified Local Government (CLG) grants to five cities and one county for the 2021-2022 grant cycle.

Each year, a required minimum of 10% of the federal funds the OHP receives through the Historic Preservation Fund is passed along to qualifying California CLG communities in the form of grants to support local preservation programs. Certified Local Governments are communities that have agreed to maintain programs to identify, evaluate and preserve historic resources within their jurisdictions and promote the integration of local preservation concerns and interests into planning and decision-making processes. The CLG program is a partnership among local governments, the OHP and the National Park Service, which is responsible for administering the National Historic Preservation Program.

Congratulations to the recipients of 2021-2022 CLG grants:

• Carmel-by-the-Sea: Update the citywide historic properties context statement.
• Los Angeles (city): Create mobile device access to online HistoricPlacesLA inventory.
• Los Angeles (county): Develop a historic resource survey and historic properties context statement for the Florence-Firestone community.
• Pomona: Develop a first-ever citywide historic properties context statement.
• Richmond: Create a smartphone app and web-based, self-guided tour of the city’s historic resources and neighborhoods.
• Santa Barbara: Develop an African American associated historic properties context statement.

Visit the OHP’s Certified Local Government Program webpage to learn more about the program and these deserving grantees.

Snow Play at Crystal Cove State Park?

Story from: Danielle Snyder, Orange Coast District

Pictures of sno-park signs installed along the Pacific Coast Highway at the Historic District entrance to Crystal Cove State Park, and State Park Peace Officers (Lifeguards) Danielle Snyder and Matt Sage at the Abalone Point overlook at the park.  

Early February is undoubtedly the perfect time for a little snow play, but Crystal Cove State Park (SP) is not your typical destination for this particular winter activity. However, sno-park signs were discovered Wednesday, February 2, along the Pacific Coast Highway at the Historic District entrance to Crystal Cove SP. Questions arose regarding the placement of these signs on Pacific Coast Highway; for instance, is there a beach parking sign somewhere in our local mountains? 

Requests to remove the sno-park signs were not returned and to not confuse the public, State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguards) Matt Sage and Danielle Snyder removed them. They then took a moment to document this head-scratcher situation with a quick photo at the coastal overlook at Abalone Point. No snow play here at Crystal Cove SP, but a lot of opportunities for some high-quality sand play. 

Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.

NOW HIRING

To view current job openings within California State Parks, please visit our jobs webpage at www.LiveTheParksLife.com.

State Parks Job Spotlights and Open Exams

JOB SPOTLIGHTS

Associate Governmental Program Analyst (Recruitment Analyst) – Apply by Feb. 18, 2022: Join an amazing team and travel the state teaching jobseekers about the hiring process and connecting them with rewarding careers at California State Parks. This job is a hybrid of in-person and telework. Take the assessment to ensure you are eligible for hire and apply today! Click here for more information.

Information Technology Manager I – Apply by Feb. 18, 2022: We have an exciting opportunity as an Information Technology Manager I at our headquarters. This position serves as an Information Security Officer within the California Natural Resources Agency’s (CNRA’s) Information Security Office and is a senior member of the CNRA Technology Leadership Team. Take the online assessment and apply today! Click here for more information.

Park Maintenance Worker II – Apply by Feb. 15, 2022: We are now hiring for a Park Maintenance Worker II at California Citrus State Historic Park. This position will work in carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical, masonry and other projects, and may lead seasonal workers. This position may be subject to post and bid. If you're on the eligibility list, apply today! Click here for more information.

State Park Interpreter III – Apply by Feb. 18, 2022: We have a great opportunity as a State Park Interpreter III in the Channel Coast District. This position will manage, create, evaluate and perform interpretive functions and programs for the district. If you're on the eligibility list, apply today! Click here for more information.

Associate Civil Engineer – Apply by March 15, 2022: We have a special opportunity as an Associate Civil Engineer at our Southern Service Center in San Diego. This position will create estimates for roads, parking areas and bridges. If you're on the eligibility list, apply today! Click here for more information.

EXAM SPOTLIGHTS

Park Maintenance Supervisor – Apply by Feb. 14, 2022: As a Park Maintenance Supervisor, you will serve as the first line of maintenance supervision within a park or park district. You will supervise the construction and building repair of electrical systems, plumbing, lighting, water treatment, road maintenance and much more. Apply to take the assessment today! Click here for more information.

State Park Equipment Operator – Apply by March 1, 2022: California State Parks has released the State Park Equipment Operator assessment. From developing new recreation areas to restoring our parks, the responsibilities of our State Park Equipment Operators are essential to keeping visitors safe, preserving our precious resources and ensuring our state parks are operational for all to enjoy year-round. Click here for more information.

Park and Recreation Specialist exam series now available anytime! The Park and Recreation Specialist exam series is now online and continuous. Take the assessment anytime. From grant administration to outdoor education, the right exam is available to match your education and experience level. Click here for more information.

If you have any questions regarding these opportunities, connect with us at recruiting@parks.ca.gov. We’re happy to help!

Interested in more jobs and exams like this? Explore www.LiveTheParksLife.com to discover the possibilities.

Join the Parks Jobs mailing list here. We can send you updates on jobs and exams that interest you!

LIVE THE PARKS LIFE IN STYLE

Style time! Here are this week's tips to help spread the word about our departmentwide style guidelines:

• Valentine's Day: Valentine's Day is on February 14 every year. Don't forget the apostrophe. 
• more than/over: Both terms "more than" and "over" are acceptable for numerical values. (This was an Associated Press style change made in 2014.) Examples: The bag of apples costs over $10. The bag of apples costs more than $10. 
• Job titles: Uppercase formal titles when used immediately before a name; e.g., Director Armando Quintero attended the event. Lowercase formal titles when used after a name or alone; e.g., The director attended the event. Armando Quintero, who is the director of State Parks, attended the event. 

Keeping a consistent writing style ensures the Weekly Digest looks and sounds its best. Each week, the Communications and Marketing Division reviews submitted articles for proper grammar and punctuation and style consistency––from capitalization and hyphenation to proper acronyms and active/passive voice­­ usage. In general, we follow the Associated Press style and Merriam-Webster, but at times we use our own department-specific style.

We always welcome your feedback on how to “Live the Parks Life” in (writing) style. Connect with us via email at weeklydigest@parks.ca.gov. 

POSTCARDS

Pismo State Beach

Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) joined California State Parks and the Xerces Society last weekend on a visit to the Monarch Butterfly Grove. Out of hundreds of western monarch groves, this unassuming stand of trees regularly hosts over 10% of the entire western monarch population each winter. Since 2017, California State Parks has partnered with the Xerces Society and other monarch experts to restore, enhance and monitor this important site, which has become recognized as a model of proactive restoration at monarch overwintering sites.

Left to right: Environmental Scientist (ES) Ryan Slack, Senior ES Ronnie Glick, Xerces Society Director of Endangered Species Program Sarina Jepsen, State Park Interpreter III Danielle Bronson and Oregon State Senator Jeff Merkley.

Photo from Danielle Bronson, Oceano Dunes District

Año Nuevo State Park

Staff celebrate after a successful Seal Adventure program last weekend, February 5 and 6. It had been two years since we put on this big event that supports our cooperating association, Coastside State Parks Association. Visitors, staff, volunteers and the seals all had a fantastic day!

Left to right: Senior Park Aide Arianna Coward, Interpreter David Coleman, Interpreter Susan Blake, Visitor Service Aide Chris Tomkins and Interpreter Emma Levy. Not pictured: Senior Park Aide Owen Forest.

Photo from Susan Blake, Santa Cruz District

Empire Mine State Historic Park

Left: Volunteers Mick and Lee Janeway (in yellow vests) with Megan Russell (left) and Debby Drew-Krajewski with her dog, Miss Hazel. Right: Entrance to one of the original mine shafts.

Photos from Debby Drew-Krajewski, Director's Office 

Sonoma State Historic Park

During the month of December, Sonoma State Historic Park collected food items donated last month to the local nonprofit organization Sonoma Overnight Support and Sonoma Valley Community Hall.    

Pictured are Dan Kahn (right) of the Sonoma Valley Community Hall with Dave Duplantier happily accepting food donations to their kitchen and dining facility. Dan offered many thanks to those who donated food items on behalf of the California State Parks team in Sonoma.

Photo from Dave Duplantier, Bay Area District

Donner Memorial State Park

Sierra District Forester II Rich Adams stands with trees he has marked for removal due to the bark beetle. Rich has noticed an increase in the number trees impacted by the bark beetle in this area, in part, due to drought.

Photo from Sarinah Simons, Sierra District

Near Millerton Lake State Recreation Area

A pair of bald eagles sit in a tree near the park. The pair are permanent residents of the area and have a nest nearby. They share the shores of the lake with other eagles, including golden eagles. The park is host to both migratory and resident bald eagles. Some are known to migrate from North-Central Canada each winter and spend the season fishing before returning home. 

There are annual tours of the bald eagles offered at the park. Registration starts November 1, and tours begin the first weekend of January and run through the middle of March. The three-hour tours allow visitors to explore the lake while searching for the majestic bald eagle. For more information, click here.

Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division

Millerton Lake State Recreation Area

The historic Fresno County courthouse, Millerton Courthouse, is on the south shore of Millerton Lake State Recreation Area. The courthouse was first constructed in 1867 during the Mariposa Wars on the south bank of the San Joaquin River. The city of Millerton was the county's first seat until 1874, and the location was selected by the Board of Supervisors because the river brought trade, goods and income to Fresno County, primarily by barge and paddle wheelers. 

Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division

San Elijo State Beach

Just another morning ...

Photo from Nicholle Jigarjian, San Diego Coast District

Carlsbad State Beach

Capturing that moment just after sunset.

Photo from April Nurse, San Diego Coast District

Trinidad State Beach

A beautiful January day seen from Trinidad Head.

Photo from Jim Baird, retired annuitant

Millerton Lake State Recreation Area

Friant Dam is on the San Joaquin River and was built in 1944 to form Millerton Lake, which has a 4,900-acre water surface when the lake is full.

Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division

Mendocino Headlands State Park

Someone tell this bunny it's not Easter yet! Actually, this bunny was recently discovered at the north end of the park with a 4-foot long rebar in it. Amelia Schall was working with Natural Resources volunteers, Headlands Eradication and Restoration Team, to pull ice plants, when they stumbled upon this rabbit. The volunteers used a wheelbarrow to safely relocate it to another home.

Photo from Amelia School, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District 

Pismo State Beach

This photo was taken on Wednesday, February 9, from the Pismo Preserve. You can see Pismo State Beach, Pismo Pier, Oceano Dunes and Guadalupe Dunes. Beautiful day—85 degrees.

Photo from Bob Pavlik, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division

Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.

NEWS CLIPS

The Weekly Digest includes a collection of news articles related to the
California Department of Parks and Recreation. The views expressed and opinions do not always reflect that of the department.

To view this week's News Clips, please click here.

Weekly Digest Article and Photo Submissions

If you have an article or photo you would like to submit for the Weekly Digest, please send your entries via email to WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.

For an article submission, please include:

• Author’s name and division/district.
• All relevant information (e.g., headline, park name, dates, name of event, individuals’ full names and titles, etc.).

Articles should be no longer than 300 words. 

For photos, please include:

• Photo credit info and captions.
• Photo release forms should be kept on file for non-employees or volunteers.

Unless otherwise noted, all photos included in the Weekly Digest are courtesy of the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

The deadline for Weekly Digest submissions is close of business Thursday. For more information, email WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.