April 1, 2022

Photo of the Week

Tolowa Dunes State Park

Evening foot patrol, with the Point St. George repeater looming in the distance.

Photo from Ian Jones, North Coast Redwoods District

WHAT'S NEW

Governor Newsom Proclaims César Chávez Day

Story from: Communications and Marketing Division

Interpretive bilingual panels celebrating the contributions of prominent civil rights, union and farm labor leader César Chávez at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation Wednesday, March 30, declaring March 31, 2022, as César Chávez Day in the State of California. Click here to read the governor’s proclamation.

Last year on César Chávez Day, California State Parks held a Facebook Live event at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (SP) commemorating contributions that prominent civil rights, union and farm labor leader César Chávez made at Borrego Springs (San Diego County) in 1966. In partnership with Borrego Springs High School students, State Parks unveiled four interpretive bilingual panels at Anza-Borrego Desert SP. The panels tell the story of how after César Chávez and union organizers were told they could not camp at Christmas Circle Community Park in the center of Borrego Springs in June 1966, they camped at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground at Anza-Borrego Desert SP. Despite pressure from local businessmen to evict them from the park campground, Wes Cater, then supervisor for Anza-Borrego Desert SP, continued to allow the group to stay at the campground, recognizing that parks are for everyone. Click here to read press release.

Close-ups of some of the interpretive bilingual panels celebrating the contributions of César Chávez.

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area General Plan Update

Story from: Communications and Marketing Division

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division. 

The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division is the lead agency for the preparation of a General Plan Update and associated environmental impact report (EIR) for the original Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). The decision-making body for the General Plan Update and EIR is the OHMVR Commission, a body of appointees that advises the OHMVR Division and has final authority of approval of General Plans and certification of associated EIRs for SVRAs.

The OHMVR Division has prepared a Notice of Preparation (NOP) pursuant to Section 15082 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. This NOP informs agencies and the public that an EIR is being prepared to address potential impacts resulting from approval and implementation of the Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area General Plan Update. Agencies should comment on the elements of potential environmental effects relevant to their statutory responsibilities in connection with the proposed Project.

The OHMVR Division previously prepared a General Plan Revision and associated Program EIR for the original Carnegie SVRA and the adjacent 3,100-acre Alameda and Tesla Expansion Area in 2016. Lawsuits and subsequent legislation required that the Alameda and Tesla Expansion Area not be designated as an SVRA. State Parks elected to prepare a stand-alone General Plan Update for the original 1,575-acre Carnegie SVRA.

Comments on the scope of the General Plan Update and EIR will be accepted until 5 p.m., Saturday, April 30, 2022. Please send comments via email to planning@parks.ca.gov with the subject line “Carnegie SVRA General Plan Update.”

To send comments by mail, please address to California State Parks, OHMVR Division, c/o Katie Metraux, P.O. Box 942896, Sacramento, CA 94296-0001.

A virtual EIR scoping meeting has been scheduled to provide additional information about the General Plan Update and EIR process, and allow interested parties to comment on the scope and potential environmental effects of the Project to be analyzed in the EIR. The scoping meeting will be a virtual meeting using the Zoom platform and will be on Tuesday, April 19, 4:30-6 p.m. The meeting registration link will be posted to the project website. Please contact Katie.Metraux@parks.ca.gov to obtain information for logging into the meeting.

To receive announcements about the Carnegie SVRA General Plan Update, please sign up for the project mailing list.

Christina Jaromay Appointed to California State Park and Recreation Commission by Governor Newsom

Story from: Governor’s Press Office

Governor Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday, March 29, the appointment of Christina Jaromay to the California State Park and Recreation Commission. Jaromay has been director of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department for the City of Lodi since 2021. She was Partnerships Division chief at the California Department of Parks and Recreation from 2016 to 2021 and contract manager there from 2010 to 2016. Jaromay was lead client services liaison at Comtek Computer Systems from 2005 to 2010 and crew leader at MKTG from 2005 to 2009. To read the full press release, click here.

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

FIELD REPORT

Finger Lime Trees From Down Under Blooming at California Citrus State Historic Park

Story and photos from: Enrique Arroyo and Marymar Mendoza, Inland Empire District 

Australian finger limes at California Citrus State Historic Park. 

Our three Australian finger lime trees at California Citrus State Historic Park are nearing full bloom. The Australian finger lime is a species of citrus considered to be native to Australia and can grow to be a small shrub to a large-sized tree up to 7-feet tall.

The main flowering season is from February to April, and blossoms come in a light purple to pink color. The finger limes are about 3-inches long, approximately the size of an average person's index finger, and when fully ripe, are brown to reddish in color with blotches of lighter colors like beige and pink. Once the fruit is cut open, the tiny round juice vesicles will slowly seep out of the fruit and resemble what we like to call "citrus caviar."

The juice is tart, similar to a Mexican lime. It is commonly used in culinary creation for flavor or garnish.  

Guided Nature Walk at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park

Story from: Henry Bornstein, Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association

Blue oaks on the Marsh Trail at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.

The next in the series of monthly Second Saturday Guided Nature Walks at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park will be held on Saturday, April 9.

Each of the Guided Nature Walks is led by a volunteer State Parks docent. The hike will cover parts of the Cache Creek Nature Trail, Marsh Trail and Ridge Trail. The hike is over mostly level terrain, will cover about 3 miles at a leisurely pace and should last between one-and-a-half and two hours.

Participants should meet in the parking lot at 8:15 a.m. for time to experience the early morning wildlife that can be found in the Ranch House and Barn complex yard and are encouraged to bring binoculars. The walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. 

There is no charge for the guided nature walk, and parking is free for those attending.

PARTNER NEWS

Parks California Hosts ParkSpeak: Humboldt Lagoons State Park

Story from: Alfred Torres, Parks California

ParkSpeak presented by Parks California is back! 

Join us Thursday, April 7, from noon to 1 p.m. (PDT), to adventure through Humboldt Lagoons State Park—from home.

During our adventure, you’ll get the chance to:

• Celebrate the public opening of Stone Lagoon Visitor Center and the new official partnership between California State Parks and the Yurok Tribe.
• Learn about the Yurok Tribe’s unique history and culture.
• Listen to a chat with Chairman Joseph L. James of the Yurok Tribe.
• Hear from California State Parks Director Armando Quintero.

Be sure to reserve your virtual seat and to share this event with friends and family, nature lovers and history and culture enthusiasts.

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

Seasonal Aides – Now hiring! We are now hiring part-time/seasonal openings throughout California State Parks. With no assessment needed, apply to our Park Aide, Park Interpretive Specialist, Maintenance Aide, Environmental Services Intern or Forestry Aide openings today! Click here for more information.

Office Technician – Apply by April 1, 2022 (Today is the last day!): We have an opportunity as an Office Technician in the Santa Cruz Mountains Sector Office. This position works as the Sector Office Receptionist, manages the Sector's central files and processes revenues collected from the Special Events Program. Take the online assessment and apply today! Click here for more information.

State Park Peace Officer (Ranger/Lifeguard) Laterals and Transfers – Apply by May 11, 2022: California State Parks now accepts lateral and transfer peace officer applicants, as well as recent academy graduates. If you meet the minimum qualifications and are ready to “Live the Parks Life,” join our Parks family today! Click here for more information.

Now Recruiting Ranger and Lifeguard Cadets – Apply by May 13, 2022: The State Park Peace Officer (Ranger/Lifeguard) Cadet Academy is now accepting applications. In the cadet academy, you’ll learn everything you need to know to become a State Park Peace Officer Ranger or Lifeguard. You’ll learn natural and cultural resource protection, law enforcement and public safety, education, interpretation, program management and much more! Click here for more information.

EXAM SPOTLIGHTS

State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) (Ranger) – Lateral Transfer: You can now lateral or transfer into an exciting career as an SPPO Ranger. The assessment is available online, anytime. We have positions throughout the state. Take the assessment and join us in protecting our precious resources. Eligibility is good for 18 months. Learn more about lateral transfers. Click here for more information.

State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) (Lifeguard) – Lateral Transfer: You can now lateral or transfer into an exciting career as an SPPO Lifeguard. The assessment is available online, anytime. We have positions throughout the state. Take the assessment and join us in protecting our precious resources. Eligibility is good for 18 months. Learn more about lateral transfers. Click here for more information.

Park and Recreation Specialist Series: The Park and Recreation Specialist Series assessments are now available and online. From creating new outdoor parks in California communities to leading outdoor recreation programs, the opportunities are endless. From entry-level to management positions, explore our Park and Recreation Series assessments today! 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!

Ranger Michele Green Hangs Up Stetson After More Than 25 Years With State Parks

Story from: Matt Green, Sierra District (retired) and Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division

Photo 1: State Park Peace Officer (Ranger) Michele Green, center standing in white plaid shirt, retires from State Parks after 27 years. Group photo at Michele's retirement party on Wednesday, March 30, at Empire Mine State Historic Park. Photo 2: Dan Youngren presents Michele with a California State Parks Rangers Association plaque. Photo 3: Daughters Savannah and Sierra spoke about the incredible job Michele did as a mom and peace officer, balancing both roles. Photo 4: Shot of Michele in her ranger uniform in 2019. Photo 5: Mary Moyer presents Michele with a wooden badge with her peace officer number on it. Photo 6: Retirement cake. Photos from Michele Green, Sierra District, and Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division.

If you work or volunteer for California State Parks, you know that we’re all part of the Parks family. But for State Park Peace Officer Michele Green, that term is especially true. Michele and her husband, Matt Green (recently retired), were high school sweethearts in San Diego and started their Parks career as park aides at Palomar Mountain State Park (SP) in 1996. Three years later, they entered the State Parks Peace Officer (Ranger) Academy as part of Basic Visitor Services Training (BVST) 14 together. They were the first married couple to make it through the Academy and stay married.

Over the course of their 27-year career with State Parks, Michele and Matt had a number of amazing adventures. Their first assignments as rangers started in the Inland Empire District: Michele at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area (SRA) and Matt at Lake Perris SRA. When their first daughter, Savannah, arrived, they juggled working opposite graveyard and morning shifts to take care of Savannah. Matt joked at the retirement party that many times, “Savannah took care of him” after his overnight shift.

Next stop was the Colorado Desert District, where Michele worked at Cuyamaca Rancho SP and Matt at Salton Sea SRA and Picacho SRA, more than three hours away. Their lives were further enriched with the birth of their second daughter, Sierra. While living at Cuyamaca Rancho SP, they lived through the devastating Cedar Fire in 2003, with almost every home lost in the area. Somehow, their home was spared, thankfully. Michele then took the lead to rebuild Cuyamaca Rancho SP with a fundraising event for Earth Day, her first special event of many to come.

Their careers would then take them to the Monterey District and eventually to the Sierra District where they settled down. Between working at Grover Hot Springs SP, Bodie State Historic Park (SHP), Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point SP and Empire Mine SHP, they had their share of adventures and stories to tell, including “snowshoeing and skiing, riding snow cats, kids scaring the public while acting like ghosts at Bodie, having no power for a week due to heavy snow at Thanksgiving, living through more wildfires and evacuations" and many more.

Michele’s incredible attention to detail led her to become the special events ranger at Empire Mine SHP. Throughout her career there, she estimates she coordinated more than 650 weddings. With special events on hold during the pandemic, Michele worked at Northern Communications (NORCOM), helping emergency dispatchers.

At Michele’s retirement party on March 30, her Parks family gave her a lovely sendoff at Empire Mine SHP. We heard from Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division Assistant Chief Dan Youngren, Sierra Gold Sector Supervisor Mary Moyer, husband Matt Green (who just retired as chief ranger in November 2021), daughters Savannah and Sierra, Empire Mine Senior Park Aide David Townsend and Michele herself. As tradition requires, her illustrious career was officially signed off with a “1010” on NORCOM’s radio waves, wishing her a happy retirement. Matt gave special thanks to Michele for all her accomplishments as a peace officer, mom, special events ranger and his partner, on a journey they began and ended together, saying, "It has been a great ride."

With both Matt and Michele now officially retired, what will the Greens do? They’ve got some house projects to work on and eventually travel, possibly to Scotland or Portugal. Congratulations, Michele, and thank you from your Parks family for your 27 years of service and dedication!

Photo 1: Michele with one of the volunteers at the Miner's Picnic in 2018. Photo 2: A Stargate wedding theme at Empire Mine SHP in 2015. Left to right: Park Aide Kevin Schmidt, Senior Park Aide David Townsend, Michele and Dan Youngren. Photo 3: Michele with two actors for a film documentary shot in 2018. Photo 4: Michele and Matt Green in 2008. Photo 5: Dan and Michele strike a pose. Photos from Michele Green, Sierra District.

Welcome Aboard, New Division of Boating and Waterways Management Team Members Michael Doan and Tony Delgado

Story from: Edward Hard, Division of Boating and Waterways 

New Aquatic Pest Control Assistant Program Managers for the Aquatic Invasive Plant Control Program Michael Doan (top) and Tony Delgado. Photos from Edward Hard, Division of Boating and Waterways. 

Please join me in welcoming Michael Doan and Tony Delgado to the Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) Management Team. Michael and Tony will serve the new aquatic pest control assistant program managers for the Aquatic Invasive Plant Control Program. They will be located at the DBW offices at the Stockton Sailing Club. Michael and Tony both mentioned how they are excited about their new positions and the opportunities and challenges that await.   

Here are a few words from Michael:

I am very happy to serve nearly 24 years working with the now Division of Boating and Waterways. I started work with DBW in June 1998 as permanent/intermittent technician and became a permanent aquatic pest control technician in June 2000. In 2002, I promoted to aquatic pest control specialist. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, I volunteered to be crew leader for Submersed Aquatic Vegetation Control Program. In 2020, and then 2021 I was selected for an out-of-class for aquatic pest control assistant program manager.

One more surprise for me is officially becoming an aquatic pest control assistant program manager to work together with my peers, this is my dream job. I am looking forward to the work, challenges and finding the way to make our program further succeed. 

Thanks to everyone for supporting and believing in me.

Here are a few words from Tony:

I began working with the then Department of Boating and Waterways in 1994 as a California Conservation Corps member internship; established by DBW and the California Conservation Corps. After working a few months with DBW, my supervisor offered me the opportunity of becoming a temporary technician, which I was happy to accept immediately. Then after that I became a permanent interment, full time technician, specialist and worked an out-of-class assignment as assistant program manager twice.  

Also, somehow along the way I managed to serve our country at the same time. I enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1997. I was deployed to Kuwait/Iraq for 18 months (2004, 2005) served in the combat zone in Operation Iraqi Freedom. My second deployment was in Europe, Operation Atlantic Resolve, was stationed in Poland and patrolled Lithuania, Latvia, and traveled to Germany for small missions. Also, I served here at home for a year during civil unrest and COVID-19 operations. I acquired a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from the University of Phoenix and my last life-changing experience is that I have decided to retire from the military and currently working on this transition. I like working out and staying healthy and spending time with my family.

Congratulations on your new positions, Michael and Tony!

LIVE THE PARKS LIFE IN STYLE

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

• e.g.: Means "for example" and is always followed by a comma. Example: I bought the usual staples at the market; e.g., apples, bread and eggs. 

• midnight/12 a.m. and noon/12 p.m.: For clarity, use “midnight” instead of 12 a.m. Example: The show ends at midnight. Similarly, for clarity, use “noon” instead of 12 p.m. Example: Check-in time is noon. 

• bishop pine: Lowercase. 

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

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

Off the beaten path: State Park Peace Officers Kerrie Launey and Sarah Morgan exploring the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park area.

Photo from Craig Lorge, Gold Fields District

Humboldt Bay, California

North Coast Redwoods District lifeguards participate in submerged vehicle rescue/recovery training led by Humboldt Bay Fire District on Monday, March 21.

Photos from Keven Harder, North Coast Redwoods District

China Camp State Park

Dock of the China Camp shrimp-fishing village on San Pablo Bay.

Photo from Harriot Manley, Bay Area District

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

An adult bald eagles in its nest with one of its eaglets visible.

Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach

A California quail (Callipepla californica) sits high in the coastal scrub on a bluff above the ocean and a mere 50 feet from the busy public parking lot at El Matador Beach. This male declared his territory and/or sought a mate by emitting a shrill barking cry every few seconds.

Photo from Roger Gray, Angeles District

Providence Mountains State Recreation Area

This western boxelder bug (Leptocoris rubrolineatus) took a wrong turn into the gumfoot threads of a black widow (Latrodectus) web.

Photo from Holly E. Turner, Inland Empire District

Empire Mine State Historic Park

Kalea the golden retriever enjoying the fresh air and beautiful lawn in front of Bourn Cottage, the summer residence of William and Agnes Bourn, the owners of Empire Mine from 1877-1929.

Photo from Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division

China Camp State Park

Wildflowers growing next to San Pablo Bay.

Photo from Harriot Manley, Bay Area District

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
State Natural Reserve

Stormy skies above a sea of flowers.

Photo from Sgt. Matthew Williams, Great Basin District

China Camp State Park

A look at China Camp beach from the museum at China Camp Village.

Photo from Harriot Manley, Bay Area District

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

The full moon setting in the clouds.

Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

Sunset State Beach

The sun sets into the Pacific Ocean ending another beautiful day. As seen from the South Campground at Sunset State Beach.

Photo from Doug Johnson, Communications and Marketing Division

China Camp State Park

California poppies growing in Marin County.

Photo from Harriot Manley, Bay Area District

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

NEWS RELEASES

March 25, 2022

• California State Parks to Hold Town Hall Meeting on Calaveras Big Trees State Park’s Forest Management Plan

March 28, 2022

• Prepare for bear activity in aftermath of the Caldor Fire

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 visit www.parks.ca.gov/NewsClips.

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.