|
 February 18, 2022
|
|
 Near Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
State Parks and its partners celebrated on Friday, February 11, the grand opening of the new Gam Saan (Gold Mountain) Trail that connects Hennigsen Lotus Park to Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. The new trail honors the Chinese forty-niners and miners during the Gold Rush era. See story under "Field Reports."
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
|
|
WHAT'S NEW
Award Recipients Announced for 2021 Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards
Story from: Office of Historic Preservation
 Arts District Liberty Station: Adaptively reused buildings at the former Naval Training Center, San Diego, California. Photo from Kevin Walsh Photography.
The Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards. These honorary awards are given annually to recognize the many diverse and exemplary historic preservation efforts undertaken on behalf of California’s heritage.
The 2021 awards include projects that restored and adaptively reused historic buildings, that preserved in book form the story and oral history of a culturally significant site, and that interpreted through video, exhibits and social media the human heritage of an iconic California property.
Awards will be presented by the state historic preservation officer and the director of California State Parks at a ceremony later this year. In the meantime, we invite you to click on the title links below to learn about each of these deserving projects:
Do you know of an individual, group or project whose work exemplifies the best in preserving California’s heritage? The OHP is now accepting nominations for the 2022 Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards. The deadline for nominations is May 6, 2022.
Opening of Gam Saan Trail 金山徑 to Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Story from: Steve Hilton, Gold Fields District
 Top left: State Parks Director Armando Quintero shakes hands with Douglas Hsia with the Locke Foundation moments after the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Top right: Director Quintero with members of the Fo Guang Shan Bodhi Temple with their hands symbolizing a lotus, representing purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. Bottom left: Venerable Ru Hsian blessing the new Gam Saan Trail. Bottom middle: Lion dancers from Eastern Ways Martial Arts. Bottom right: New interpretive signs placed at the beginning of the trail. Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
California State Parks, the Locke Foundation and members of the Chinese American community celebrated the opening of the Gam Saan Trail 金山徑 on Friday, February 11, that connects Henningsen Lotus Park in Lotus, California, with Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Gam Saan, meaning Gold Mountain in Cantonese, was the historical name given to the gold fields of California by Chinese forty-niners and miners.
Historical research revealed that a Chinese miner named Toy Kee purchased a few acres near the project area in 1875 for a $55 gold coin. In 1881, the Lin Hing and Man Lee Companies purchased additional acreage in the area.
The lands purchased by these Chinese individuals served a greater purpose. Combined with the American River’s west-flowing waters and a hillside facing toward the setting sun, the feng shui elements important for directing the spirits of those who have passed was found. Many of the Chinese people in early California feared that when they died, their spirits would not rest until their remains were buried in a proper grave in China. The property historically purchased by Chinese miners served to provide a path for the spirits, while temporarily holding the mortal remains of the deceased until they could be exhumed, packaged and sent home to China. Only once these remains held temporarily in California were sent to a final resting place in China could the graves be properly cared for and maintained by family and friends.
The Locke Foundation and California State Parks in partnerships with the County of El Dorado, the Chinese American Council of Sacramento, the American River Conservancy, the Chinese Benevolent Association of Stockton, the Gold Discovery Parks Association and the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs all came together to honor and celebrate the Gam Saan Trail grand opening. A Buddhist monk from the Fo Guang Shan Bodhi Temple in Sacramento started the ceremony, which included guest speakers from State Parks, including Director Armando Quintero, Gold Fields District Superintendent Barry Smith and myself who served as master of ceremonies, along with Chinese American organizations. The grand opening ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting and lion dancing.
New interpretive signs placed at the beginning of the 2.5-mile trail share this message at Henningsen Lotus Park and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park:
News of the California Gold Discovery started in Coloma and reached as far as China. Tens of thousands of Chinese were inspired to come here to seek their fortune and began calling California Gam Saan, meaning Gold Mountain. Although subjected to severe racism, through their perseverance and ability to adapt to change, Chinese people continue to make contributions to the rich and diverse fabric of America. In honor of those seeking Gold Mountain, this trail segment is named the Gam Saan Trail.
Through perseverance, partnership and a desire to celebrate and honor everyone who contributed to the rich fabric of California’s history, California State Parks’ Gold Fields District, the Locke Foundation and all our partners are pleased to announce the official opening of the Gam Saan Trail 金山徑.
To learn more, please see our press release.
 Top photo: State Parks staff pictured with members of the Eastern Ways Martial Arts at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Left to right: Adeline Yee, Meghan Sullivan, Steve Hilton, Brandy Greene, Barry Smith, Carissa Barnett, Joleen Ossello, Holly Thane, Craig Lorge, Devin Smartwood, Sara Kendall Schwartz, Jerrie Beard, Armando Quintero and Mike Webb. Bottom left: Lion dancers bringing good luck to the new trail. Bottom middle (left to right): Carol Lee with the Locke Foundation, Northern Division Chief Jason De Wall, Barry Smith, Armando Quintero, C.C. Yin with the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs, Bennie Mar with the Chinese Benevolent Association of Stockton, and Steve Hilton. Bottom right: Audience during the grand opening. Photos from Steve Hilton, Gold Fields District, and Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division.
  Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
|
|
|
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
Information Technology Manager I – Last day to apply! We have an exciting opportunity as an Information Technology Manager I at our headquarters. As part of a talented and diverse group of project management professionals, this position is responsible for providing project management services. Take the online assessment and apply today! Click here for more information.
Office Technician – Apply by Feb. 23, 2022: We are now hiring an Office Technician at Humboldt Redwoods State Park. This position will provide administrative support to all programs in the Eel River Sector. Take the online assessment and apply today! Click here for more information.
Park Aide (Seasonal) – Apply by March 2, 2022: We have a great opportunity as a Park Aide (Seasonal) at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. This position is responsible for registering campers, collecting park fees, issuing park passes and providing information to park visitors. No assessment needed. Apply today! Click here for more information.
Associate Civil Engineer – Apply by March 15, 2022: We have a wonderful opportunity as an Associate Civil Engineer at our Southern Service Center in San Diego. This position will prepare technical designs for roads, parking areas, bridges and more. If you're on the eligibility list, apply today! Click here for more information.
EXAM SPOTLIGHTS
Park Maintenance Worker I – Self-schedule begins Feb. 24, 2022: Take a next step toward a meaningful career as a Park Maintenance Worker I. Perform skilled and semiskilled structural and facility maintenance and repair work in a State Parks district. You may also lead and train a crew of maintenance employees. 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, 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.
Introducing New Central Valley District Superintendent, Danielle Gerhart
Story from: Matt Bellah, Central Valley District
 Left: Central Valley District Superintendent Danielle Gerhart with her son Lincoln at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Right: Danielle with her sons, Lincoln and Ryder, ice fishing in Wyoming.
The department is pleased to announce that Danielle Gerhart is the new Central Valley District Superintendent. Danielle has been successfully acting in an out-of-class assignment in that role since December 2020.
Danielle’s 15-plus years of civil service began as a resource park aide at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area while in college, then transferred into personnel and budget work at Caltrans in San Diego, California, where she worked as a staff services analyst.
Danielle graduated from California State University, San Diego, with a degree in recreation administration, and then moved to the Central Valley District, where she started work as a state park interpreter I in Columbia State Historic Park. Danielle managed the volunteer and interpretive programs in the park where she learned valuable public relations skills. She gained contract and concession experience during a stint as the concession specialist, and in 2016 promoted to the new marketing director position at the Central Valley District Office. From 2017-2020, she worked as the senior park and recreation specialist overseeing planning, concessions, lodging, marketing and managing of the Calaveras Sector during Transformation.
Since December 2020, Danielle has been acting as the Central Valley District superintendent. She has experience in budgeting, purchasing, revenue analysis and statistical tracking, as well as working with local partners and cooperating associations. Danielle has been working on the only wind farm lease in State Parks within Pacheco State Park since 2017 and has helped to negotiate mitigation for a large Bureau of Reclamation project at San Luis Reservoir.
Danielle’s favorite part of working for State Parks has been the people and relationships she has built over the last 13 years in the district. (Also, boating on Millerton Lake and hiking in Calaveras Big Trees State Park rank up there pretty high!) In her free time, Danielle loves to spend time at the lake paddling, camping and hanging with her two boys, ages 7 and 10.
Please congratulate Danielle, and thank you to all the Central Valley District staff who have helped make her successful in this position.
Partnerships Division Welcomes New Team Members
Story from: Justine Kardad, Partnerships Division
 Left: Park Impact Partners Program Manager Robyn Krock. Right: Volunteers in Parks and Cooperating Association Program Manager Emily Walsh celebrating reaching the top of Ralston Peak, which is on the southern border of Lake Tahoe's Desolation Wilderness.
The Partnerships Division is excited to welcome its two new members, Robyn Krock and Emily Walsh.
Robyn Krock joined State Parks as its new Park Impact Partners Program (PIPP) Manager, on Nov. 8, 2021. The PIPP Unit is responsible for operating, co-management, Proud Partner, donor, fundraising and other agreements. Robyn came to State Parks from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy, where she managed the Conservancy’s Proposition 68 Program. Prior to state service, Robyn worked in the nonprofit world, managing local and regional projects related to the local food and agricultural system. Robyn has a Master of Arts degree in anthropology and a Master of Science degree in community development. On weekends she can be found hiking, kayaking and playing with her two dogs. In particular, Robyn does a lot of hiking in Auburn State Recreation Area (SRA) and kayaking at Lake Natoma in Folsom Lake SRA, where she likes to go early in the morning and see otters and other wildlife, or for full-moon paddles during the summer.
Emily Walsh joined the Partnerships Division last month, January 16, as the new Volunteers in Parks and Cooperating Association Program Manager, bringing over 10 years of experience in volunteer recruitment, retention and program management. Emily’s favorite state park is found just on the border of Humboldt County—Richardson Grove State Park. Emily has been camping there with her family for over 30 years, never missing a chance to hike among the redwoods. Here’s a fun fact about Emily: She organized a successful Guinness World Record, with the most s’mores made simultaneously. In her free time, she can be found trail running, reading or hiking with her family and 130-pound Anatolian shepherd dog, Hogan. Emily is incredibly excited to be a part of the California State Parks family, to help support inclusive outdoor experiences and education.
Join us in welcoming Robyn and Emily to the Parks Family!
|
|
|
Style time! Here are this week's tips to help spread the word about our departmentwide style guidelines:
-
Presidents Day: No apostrophe. This holiday falls on the third Monday of February each year.
-
that/who: Use "that" when referring to animals, groups and things, and use "who" when referring to people. Examples: She works for the organization that helps support the elderly. She is the one who helps support the elderly.
-
email: No hyphen.
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.
|
|
 Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park
Northern California K-9 teams after a successful day of detection training. Handlers and
K-9s included (clockwise from top of the stairs) Northern Buttes District State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) (Ranger) Trevor Irace and K-9 Blitz, Gold Fields District SPPO (Ranger) Alex Lucero and K-9 Rex, Capital District SPPO (Ranger) Matt Pasquarella and K-9 Hugo, Gold Fields District SPPO (Ranger) Mark James and K-9 Yukon and Sierra District SPPO (Ranger) Martin Gilbertson and K-9 Ivan.
Photo from Alex Lucero, Gold Fields District
 William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park
William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park hosted a family event on Saturday, February 12. Families came out for a StoryWalk and to make old-time valentines, sachets and hard candy treats to share on Valentine's Day. Top left: Volunteers Jacob and Marilyn Lee in pioneer clothing helped host the event.
Photos from Jennifer Pooley, Northern Buttes District
 Auburn State Recreation Area
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation recently completed a maintenance project on the Auburn Shaded Fuel Break with the use of 600 goats at the park. The herd spent the last 30 days along the wildland urban interface adjacent to the city of Auburn, devouring about 90 acres of vegetation. Bottom: State Park Peace Officer (Ranger) Megan Sanchez helped during the process of loading the goats into two trailers.
Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Oceano Dunes District
Oceano Dunes District holds annual fire extinguisher service at the maintenance complex. We had the fire extinguisher vendor host a training for all staff on how to properly use a fire extinguisher and how to put out a fire.
Top: Staff Services Analyst Sonia Rodriguez. Bottom: Admin Chief Courtney Steck going first and showing all how to do it!
Photos from Jeff Findlay, Oceano Dunes District
 Gam Saan Trail to Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
On the morning of the grand opening of the new Gam Saan Trail that connects Hennigsen Lotus Park to Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Director Armando Quintero hiked the 2.5-mile trail to see the beauty firsthand.
Photos from Armando Quintero, State Parks Director
 Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
"You have a collect call from Mitchell Caverns. Do you accept the charges?" Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) ready to take a call.
Photo from Holly Turner, Inland Empire District
 Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
Our local mountain lion (Puma concolor) has returned to the park twice this winter, about two weeks apart, and even provided us with an extreme close-up. Watch the video to see this beautiful cat and a surprise cameo.
Video from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District
 Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Our avian friends enjoy bathing in the historic pool and fountains at Malibu Lagoon State Beach at the Adamson House.
Photos from Ann Hagerman, Angeles District
 San Onofre State Beach
This photo was taken by a trail cam at San Mateo Campground. These are the first trail cams we have put in the park, and we were pleasantly surprised to see some great photos of mule deer within the first week of putting up the cameras.
Photo from Cryssie Moreno, Orange Coast District
 Austin Creek State Recreation Area
Pacific giant salamander with a scorpion lunch. It had just started munching on a scorpion, and you can see one of the pinchers on the right side of its mouth and the stinger sticking out the left. I spotted the salamander at Pond Farm on January 26 during a Stewards Volunteer Trail Crew Day.
Photo from Rich Lawton, retired supervising state park ranger, Santa Rosa, California
 Tolowa Dunes State Park
A young hawk protects its lunch from a hungry ranger.
Photo from Simone DuRand, North Coast Redwoods District
 Montaña De Oro State Park
Quite a few monarch butterflies still having fun.
Photo from Kevin Murphy, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Sonoma Coast State Park
Sunset over the dunes at Salmon Creek.
Photo from Alexander Ramm, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District
Silver Strand State Beach
Sunrise from the beach.
Photo from Anthony Del Bono, Colorado Desert District
 San Elijo State Beach
Moonrise at San Elijo State Beach Campground.
Photo from Nicholle Jigarjian, San Diego Coast District
 Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Society Hole on the Smith River on a lovely, grey afternoon.
Photo from Simone DuRand, North Coast Redwoods District
Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
|
|
|
Feb. 15, 2022
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
