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 April 8, 2022
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 Humboldt Redwoods State Park
A calm and clear afternoon on the Eel River.
Photo from Alyssa Barry, North Coast Redwoods District
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State Parks and California State Library Launch New Pass Program for Californians to Visit Participating State Parks for Free
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
 In case you missed the exciting new announcement earlier this week, State Parks and the California State Library launched the new California State Library Parks Pass that advances safe and equitable outdoor access to all Californians. Launched during National Library Week, the new pass allows free vehicle day-use entry at more than 200 participating state park units.
As part of a three-year pilot program starting in this month, each library location will receive at least three California State Library Parks Pass hangtag passes for checkout by library card holders, including mobile libraries. The passes will enter circulation on a rolling basis throughout April and May for checkout by library patrons. Library card holders can contact their local library for more information on availability. The pass can be checked out for the allotted number of days allowed by the local library, then returned to the library for others to use. The pass is valid at participating state park units for entry of one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or less, or one highway-licensed motorcycle.
“Spending time in nature is crucial to our mental health and well-being,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “We’re lucky to have the largest state park system in the nation, and I am thrilled to partner with California State Parks and the California State Library to help make those spaces more accessible to California families. With the California State Library Parks Pass, anyone with a library card will be able to unlock the benefits and beauty of our majestic state parks.”
The pass is part of the Outdoors for All Initiative championed by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the California governor and the Legislature. A $9.1 million one-time General Fund investment was included in the 2021/22 state budget to launch a state parks pilot to expand parks pass distribution, especially for youth in disadvantaged communities. The pilot includes the California State Park Adventure Pass program that provides free day-use passes for fourth graders and their families, the revamped Golden Bear Pass Program and now the California State Library Parks Pass.
“Parks and libraries have the potential to be powerful symbols and agents for California’s open spaces,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “It is an honor to work side-by-side with the California State Library, Newsom Administration and partners to advance outdoor access to all Californians via public libraries, inspire stewardship for the state park system and build a healthier California.”
To find your local library and nearby participating state parks, Californians can view an interactive map here. Additionally, park partners can also help us spread the word via their social media platforms using our graphics found here.
State Parks along with the California State Library held a livestream event today on Facebook sharing this incredible new opportunity for Californians.
You can read the full press release here. You can also learn more about the pass at www.CheckOutCAStateParks.com.
 Click here or above to watch video of the First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom introducing the California State Library Parks Pass.
 Yurok Tribe, Partners Celebrate Grand Opening of First Tribally Operated Visitor Center Within California State Park System
Story from: Matt Mais, Yurok Tribe
 (L-R) Yurok Chairman Joseph L. James, Dr. Walt Lara, Yurok Tribal Council Member Sherri Provolt cut a ribbon to celebrate the grand opening of the Chah-pekw O’ Ket’-toh “Stone Lagoon” Visitor Center, the first tribally operated visitor center within the California State Park System.
Yesterday, the Yurok Tribe, in partnership with California State Parks, Parks California and Redwood National Park, celebrated the grand opening of the recently renovated and renamed Chah-pekw O’ Ket’-toh “Stone Lagoon” Visitor Center, the first tribally operated visitor center within the State Park system.
More than 150 tribal and state park officials as well as state and federal congress members and agency representatives traveled up to Yurok Country to attend the special celebration. Broadcasted by Parks California, the livestreamed part of the event featured commentary from the Tribe, California State Parks and Redwood National Park as well as Yurok elders who informed viewers about the Tribe’s unique relationship to the coastal lagoon.
“The restoration of our role as the steward of Chah-pekw O’ Ket’-toh represents a significant step toward the healing of our people,” said Joseph L. James, the Chairman of the Yurok Tribe. “We are extremely proud to be the first tribe in California to operate a visitor center within the state park system. It is humbling to know this precedent sets the stage for many other tribes to follow suit. I would like the thank the North Coast Redwoods State Park for taking the time to build a reciprocal relationship with the Tribe and taking action to correct an historic wrong.”
“I hope public land managers from all over California and the entire US use the partnership between the state park and the tribe as a blueprint to build solid working relationships with sovereign tribal nations in their regions,” added California State Parks North Coast Redwoods District Superintendent Victor Bjelajac. “Our partnership on the visitor center, renaming of Sue-meg State Park and condor restoration projects are only the beginning. I know we will embark on many more equally exciting endeavors in the not so distant future.”
Read more and see additional photos from the event at the Yurok Tribe's Facebook post.
Anchor Down With Clean Boating: Join Our Virtual Clean Boating Educational Happy Hour Meetings
Story from: Vivian Matuk, Boating Clean and Green Program Manager
 Tune in virtually for a captivating hour full of clean-boating education, where you'll be sure to learn something new. Engage with experts on quick, easy and impactful pollution-prevention boating tips, and hear about how and why they keep boating fun and our waterways clean. And that's not all, you'll also receive a valuable California Boater Kit!
What are you waiting for? Bring your favorite happy hour snack, and anchor down with us at one of our free virtual meetings:
Southern California boaters, join us on:
Thursday, May 5, at 5:30 p.m. (PDT)
You must register to attend this virtual meeting HERE.
Northern California boaters, join us on:
Wednesday, May 11, at 5:30 p.m. (PDT)
You must register to attend this virtual meeting HERE.
Water Conservation Tip: Grow a California Native Plant Garden
Story from: Save Our Water Program, Department of Water Resources
 California poppy is a suggested drought-tolerant choice for your California native plant garden.
An easy—and colorful—way to conserve water is by gardening with California native plants. With vibrant flowers and a variety of textures, shapes and sizes, adding drought-tolerant California plants to your landscape is simple, makes your landscape beautiful and saves money.
Here are some California native plants to consider for your garden:
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California poppy (Eschscholzia californica): Vibrant orange and easy to grow, California’s state flower is about as drought tolerant as they come. Poppies are easy to maintain. For this plant, it’s more about what you don’t give them than what you do. Less is more when it comes to water, and you’ll have the pleasure of watching them pop up in your garden year after year!
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Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum): Contrary to the name, blue-eyed grass is not actually a grass, but an iris. Blue-eyed grass is virtually maintenance and problem-free—and a popular one to add to your California native garden. In the spring, it blooms cheerfully in the sun or shade and pretty much any soil.
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Hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea): Hummingbird sage is a favorite of hummingbirds. This perennial is native to the foothill regions ranging from Orange County to the Bay Area. It’s also a low-growing, herbaceous ground cover and grows best in sunny to semi-shaded locations and needs low amounts of water.
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Foothill penstemon (Penstemon heterophyllus): Foothill penstemon is a great plant to add to your garden where it can be placed on banks and mixed with a variety of other shrubs and perennials. It grows best in full sun and is one of California’s most water-wise native plants.
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Coral bells (Heuchera): Coral bells are known for their beautiful, robust foliage. The leaves are often heart-shaped or ruffled. Because coral bells are a year-round plant, they’re a great low-maintenance option for your landscape or garden beds.
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Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Known for its low-maintenance and drought-tolerant tendencies, common yarrow can be found alongside roadsides—doubling as a beautiful butterfly plant. Common yarrow boasts a host of desirable qualities, including strong winter hardiness and soil adaptability.
For additional information about California native plants, click here and check out the Save Our Water Program’s resources webpage.
To learn more tips on how to conserve water, visit the saveourwater.com website.
 Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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Honoring State Park Communications Operators During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
Story from: Doug Johnson, Communications and Marketing
Top left: Sign at Northern Communications Center at Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area. Top right: Communications Operator Christina Holley. Bottom left: Communications Operator Deb Little. Bottom right: Communications Operator Ted Field.
This year's National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is next week, April 10-16. During this celebration week, we pay tribute to the important work our State Parks communications operators do. At both the Northern Communications Center (NORCOM) at Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area in Rancho Cordova, California, and the Southern Communications Center (SURCOM) at Lake Perris State Recreation Area in Perris, California, our communications operator teams work tirelessly to provide a vital service for our communities.
Unlike dispatchers at most communication centers, which often only cover a single city or county, NORCOM covers 43 counties in the northern two-thirds of the state and SURCOM covers 15 counties in the southern third. The communications centers, operated by the Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division, have the ability to dispatch for each other to ensure adequate coverage.
Both centers relay urgent emergency information from scores of local fire, emergency medical services (EMS) and law enforcement agencies to rangers and lifeguards across our 279 parks, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Adding to the challenge is dispatching for areas far from Sacramento or Riverside with limited information. To ensure a coordinated public safety response, our communications operators work closely with allied agencies and callers.
“It’s a big difference from a local police department or sheriff where they have their beats … and hotspots they go back there day after day,” said State Parks NORCOM Superintendent II Steven Walloupe. “Our area is so large, it’s so unpredictable, and we don’t know who is showing up. I’ve worked in campgrounds with 175 camp sites, and when you max that out at eight people per campsite, it’s a small city of 1,100 people … and the dispatchers must let us know whom we’re dealing with and what’s going on.”
State Park Peace Officers have statewide jurisdiction and provide law enforcement mutual aid across California as coordinated through the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), with support from communications operators during natural disasters, civil unrest, special events and other critical incidents.
NORCOM and SURCOM also dispatch for California Department of Fish and Wildlife officers (Fish and Game Wardens), who often patrol alone in remote, rugged areas far from state park property or backup. Many of those calls are generated from CalTip, a hotline set up to report poaching or polluting incidents or fish and wildlife violations. In addition to the Department of Fish and Wildlife, State Parks also provides dispatch services under contract to National Park Service rangers in the North Coast Redwoods area, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority rangers in the Santa Monica Mountains, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officers at several national wildlife refuges in the San Diego coast area.
“Between those departments, it tends to keep us pretty busy,” said Walloupe. “And it’s pretty much unpredictable, too; it can go from nothing to real busy in a quick second.”
State Parks Communications Operators also must take a phone call and dispatch units at the same time—a skill not all dispatchers have. The range of the type of calls coming in varies dramatically. On the morning of Friday, April 1, at NORCOM, Communications Operator Christina Holley assisted on a call to provide medical aid at South Yuba River State Park in the Gold Fields District. Just 6 feet away, in another pod, Communications Operator Deb Little assisted a traffic collision call near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. A short time later, a felony warrant arrest from the Capital District came into Communications Operator Jean Kniese’s pod.
“I’m astounded by their abilities sometimes to just take in the information, dealing with what are normally frantic people on the other end of the line and getting the information, finding what they need very quickly and working through multiple different systems … real fast,” Walloupe said of the operators working under him.
As summer approaches, people will be using parks more, which means the dispatch centers will get busier as the weather heats up. “Memorial Day is our big kick-off for the summer, and then it just ramps up from there all the way through Fourth of July and into Labor Day,” said Walloupe.
Operators say what’s most difficult is after working on a call, they often don’t find out the result of those calls by the end of their shifts; meaning sometimes they won’t know if a patient survived or if a suspect was arrested.
“[I’m] amazed at the work that they do and so proud of the staff. Especially with the challenges that we have. They come here day after day and deal with this stuff. And you know it’s not always easy topics that they’re hearing about. It's fatalities, and you kind of see the bad side of society. And they still hold it together and show up here every day,” Walloupe said.
Recently, the State of California formally recognized public safety dispatchers as first responders (Assembly Bill 1945, 2020) in acknowledgement of their critical importance alongside other emergency services providers like peace officers, EMS providers and firefighters.
To learn how you can apply to work at NORCOM or SURCOM click on the following links for open exams for dispatcher clerk, communications operator and communications supervisor.
 Left: Map of where Northern Communications Center (NORCOM) and Southern Communications Center are located. Top right: Communications Operators Christina Holley and Ted Field. Bottom right: Outside of NORCOM at Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area.
State Parks Chief Information Officer Nominated for StateScoop 50 Award
Story from: Doug Johnson, Communications and Marketing Division
 Chief Information Officer Patrick Dennis has been nominated for his work establishing the Statewide Rural Connectivity Contract with the California Department of Technology.
State Parks Chief Information Officer Patrick Dennis has been nominated for a StateScoop 50 Award in the State Leadership category for his work establishing the Statewide Rural Connectivity Contract with the California Department of Technology.
The StateScoop 50 Awards annually honor the best and the brightest who make state government more efficient and effective. These awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of government employees and acknowledge their tireless efforts to make a positive impact in the government IT community and in public service.
Patrick Dennis is fairly new in his role as State Parks' chief information officer; however, he is not new to providing his vision and thoughtful leadership to his industry peers. There are two major challenges for government entities moving forward with technology projects: budgets and contract vehicles. The project that we would like to highlight is the Statewide Rural Connectivity Project, providing rural broadband connectivity to government entities (i.e., state, local and tribal) and underserved communities throughout the state. Patrick and the Statewide Technology Procurement team worked countless hours in a very short amount of time to deliver a statewide master service agreement contract that government stakeholders will benefit from for years to come.
Voting for the StateScoop is now open until Friday, April 15. To learn more, visit the State Leadership section of the StateScoop website -- click here.
First In-Person ‘Introduction to State Parks’ Program in Over Two Years
Story from: Bob Waller, Training Section
 Class photo taken during off-highway vehicle demonstration. Top row (left to right): Lena Judd (Training Section), State Park Peace Officer Supervisor Scott Struckman (Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area [SVRA]), Deputy Director Sarah Miggins (Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division), Randy Ramirez (Santa Cruz District), Rochelle Fraizer (Capital District), Cindy York (Capital District), Megan Stanley (Capital District), Jesse Osorio (Bay Area District), Sean Aten (Monterey District), Katie Oh (Angeles District), Jeff Weber (San Luis Obispo Coast District), Tennessee Mills (Angeles District), Howen Jou (Santa Cruz District), Jessica Dunajski (Diablo Range District), Sam Hamilton (Santa Cruz District), David Dimond (Orange Coast District), Laurel Dunning (San Luis Obispo Coast District), Sonya Sweet (Central Valley District), Bryan Dugan (Santa Cruz District) and State Park Peace Officer Eric Hanson (Hollister Hills SRVA). Bottom row: Isabel Nguyen (Capital District), Bryce Wild (Angeles District), Charli Baker (Bay Area District) and Annie McCausland (Monterey District). Photo from Bob Waller, Training Section.
The Training Section recently delivered its first in-person “Introduction to State Parks” program in over two years. The most recent class (Group 47) convened at Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds from March 22 through March 24.
The “Introduction to State Parks” program is an orientation to the department’s history, mission, challenges and successes, and has been a State Parks tradition for more than 20 years. Its popularity is largely attributable to presentations and demonstrations delivered by subject matter experts from many different divisions, various parks and the Monterey District—where the program takes place.
 Top: Ryan Peterson (Monterey District) leads a lifeguarding demonstration at Asilomar State Beach. Photo from Jessica Dunajski, Diablo Range District. Bottom: Left to right: Katie Oh (Angeles District), Megan Stanley (Capital District), Isabel Nguyen (Capital District) and David Dimond (Orange Coast District) check out a law enforcement off-highway vehicle brought by State Parks Peace Officer Supervisor Scott Struckman (Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area [SVRA]) and State Parks Peace Officer Eric Hanson (Hollister Hills SVRA). Photo from Bryan Dugan, Santa Cruz District.
 Left: During a tour of Asilomar’s architecture, led by Erica Hedlund of Monterey District, students got to see the elaborate rafters and stained-glass windows of Merrill Hall, designed by world-famous architect Julia Morgan. Photo from Laurel Dunning, San Luis Obispo Coast District. Top right: As the sun sets on Asilomar, Stuart Thornton III and Aaron Gilmartin of the Monterey District lead Jesse Osorio (Bay Area District), Isabel Nguyen (Capital District), Tennessee Mills (Angeles District) and Megan Stanley (Capital District) in a campfire program activity. Photo from Laurel Dunning, San Luis Obispo Coast District. Bottom right: Deer cohabitate in atypical proximity to humans at Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds and the surrounding Pacific Grove community. Photo from Cindy York, Capital District.
Cannabis Watershed Protection Program Helps State Parks Clean Up After Cannabis Grows
Story from: Doug Johnson, Communications and Marketing Division
 Top left: Cannabis Watershed Protection Program (CWPP) Associate Safety Engineer Nate Tucker helps clean up a former cannabis grow site within Auburn State Recreation Area (SRA). Top right: CWPP Environmental Scientist Steven Hall removes black irrigation line often found at former grow sites. Bottom left: Approximately 300 pounds of trash were removed from a former Auburn SRA grow site in November 2021. Bottom right: Dozens of propane canisters were removed from the site. Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
The Cannabis Watershed Protection Program (CWPP) was established as an interdisciplinary program within State Parks after the passage of Proposition 64. CWPP crosses virtually all program areas in the department and includes a specialized team of state park peace officers who form the Special Enforcement Team (SET), numerous Natural Resources and Cultural Resources Divisions staff members who lead efforts at remediation and restoration, Facilities and Maintenance Division employees who tackle unique challenges at access and restoration efforts, and many other classifications who work to meet the challenges illegal cannabis cultivation presents for our State Park System.
CWPP has been working hard to restore State Parks lands impacted by recent cannabis cultivation. Once an illegal cannabis grow site is discovered on State Parks property, the SET clears the area of any potential suspects. After the area is secured, remediation—or cleanup—can begin. CWPP and district staff remove any infrastructure, debris, plants and other garbage associated with the grow site. Sites very often have water diversions, dugout springs, trash and hazardous materials, like pesticides, fertilizers and car batteries, as well as thousands of feet of irrigation line. All of it must be safely removed.
Highly toxic chemical pesticides, such as carbofuran, are frequently found around cannabis grow sites. The use of carbofuran is prohibited in the United States due to its toxicity and the threat it poses to people and wildlife. Therefore, prior to cleanups, a site safety officer completes an initial site assessment and hazardous waste inventory to establish where the known and potential chemical and environmental hazards exist. A field safety plan is then established and reviewed with the remediation crews, so they are aware of the recognized hazards and have the appropriate personal protective equipment to reduce their exposure risks. While waste removal is occurring, teams map the site and collect data related to natural and cultural resources that have been impacted.
In November 2021, thanks to funding allocated to State Parks by the passage of Proposition 64, teams were able to remove and dispose of approximately 300 pounds of waste from a historic grow site within Auburn State Recreation Area. Evidence found at this site gave clear indication that the area had been reoccupied by illegal cultivation efforts across multiple growing seasons.
“A lot of materials and supplies around were hauled into these sites as the growers stay here all summer long. The garbage is usually thrown down a hill or in trash pit,” said Environmental Scientist Steven Hall. “It’s a shame that state parks are treated like this—luckily we now have dedicated funding and staff to address the serious environmental impacts from illegal cannabis cultivation.”
Similar remediation projects have happened at former cannabis grow sites at Caswell Memorial, Great Valley Grasslands and Humboldt Redwoods state parks.
When vehicles cannot get through the terrain, sometimes trash and hazardous materials are gathered into “super sacks,” which are large tote bags, and airlifted out via helicopter.
That was the case recently at Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. In March, CWPP’s SET, natural and cultural resource specialists, and district staff made about five trips to two historic grow sites in that park to conduct cleanup operations. The CWPP, assisted by the 129th Rescue Wing of the California Air National Guard, used a HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter to pull 1.69 tons of garbage from the remote area. There was approximately 10,000 feet of polyethylene line, which growers use for irrigation, removed from that site alone.
“Just because these are not active grow sites, it doesn’t mean there’s no work to be done,” said Ranger Alex Tabone, a member of the Southern California SET. Sometimes it takes several iterations to remove toxins, garbage and other legacy waste from these sites, and CWPP, in concert with districts, remain up to the task.
To learn more about the CWPP, click here.
 Cannabis Watershed Protection Program brought in a California Air National Guard HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter into Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area to help remove trash left behind at former cannabis grows. Photos from David West, Angeles District.
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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
Now Recruiting Ranger and Lifeguard Cadets: 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. Apply by Friday, May 13, 2022. Click here for more information.
State Park Peace Officer (Ranger/Lifeguard) Laterals and Transfers: 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. Apply by Wednesday, May 11, 2022. Click here for more information.
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.
Associate Budget Analyst – Now Hiring: We are now hiring an Associate Budget Analyst at our headquarters. This position will assist with the budgetary review and analysis of operations, capital outlay and local assistance budget preparation. Take the online assessment by Monday, April 11, 2022. Click here for more information.
Maintenance Mechanic – Now Hiring: We have an opportunity as a Maintenance Mechanic in the Santa Barbara Sector. The skilled maintenance tasks for this position include preventative maintenance on facilities, facility housekeeping, administrative paperwork, and maintenance on pumps, chemical feed equipment, wells, lift stations and water storage tanks. Take the online assessment and apply by Wednesday, April 13, 2022. Click here for more information.
EXAM SPOTLIGHTS
Museum Technician: The Museum Technician assessment is now available. If you have two years of college coursework in museum studies, history, anthropology, art, archeology or natural science, apply to take the Museum Technician assessment by Thursday, April 21, 2022. Click here for more information.
Lifeguard (Permanent Intermittent): The Lifeguard (Permanent Intermittent) assessment is now available. If you have at least six months of open water lifeguarding experience, apply to take the Lifeguard (Permanent Intermittent) assessment by Sunday, May 1, 2022. Click here for more information.
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, 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!
Now Accepting: Lateral and Transfer Peace Officer Applications
Story from: Carly Whitney, Workforce Planning and Recruitment Office
 California State Parks is excited to announce that lateral and transfer peace office applications are now being accepted. For those interested in continuing their law enforcement career by keeping our state parks safe for all to enjoy, now is a great time to apply.
As the largest state park system in the nation, State Park Peace Officers (SPPO) (Rangers/Lifeguards) play a critical role in resources protection and park and visitor safety, as well as in educating others on the unique history and significance of state parks. This career path offers great benefits, rewarding and challenging work assignments, and plenty of opportunities for career growth.
Ready to make the exciting career move to California State Parks? Here is how to apply:
Step 1: Create a Cal Careers account and begin completing your standard state application form (STD 678).
Step 2: Establish eligibility by taking the Lateral/Transfer State Park Peace Officer (Ranger or Lifeguard) online assessment to be placed on the eligibility list for hire. You can review the exam bulletins to ensure you meet the minimum qualifications here: SPPO Ranger and/or SPPO Lifeguard. (If interested in both ranger and lifeguard opportunities, take both assessments.)
Step 3: Visit www.LiveTheParksLife.com to explore current “State Park Peace Officer” vacancies and use your official state application form (STD 678) to apply for each position that interests you. Be sure to include any necessary documents along with your application if required.
We are so excited for you to begin this exciting new adventure! For questions and more information, please connect with the Parks Recruitment Team at recruiting@parks.ca.gov or visit www.LiveTheParksLife.com. We are happy to assist!
Not Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST)-certified quite yet? No worries—applications for the 2023 State Park Peace Officer (Ranger/Lifeguard) are being accepted until Friday, May 13, 2022.
 Live the Parks Life! Lateral and transfer peace officer applications are now being accepted.
Bay Area District Welcomes Matthew Allen as Deputy District Superintendent I
Story and photo from: Maria Mowrey, Bay Area District
It is with great pleasure to announce that Matthew Allen has accepted the position of district superintendent I at the Bay Area District. His working title is deputy district superintendent, and he will be overseeing all operations in the district while supporting each one of you to meet the mission of California State Parks. I worked with Matthew over the years and know his experience and knowledge will only strengthen our district. Here is a little bit about Matthew that he shared with me:
He started his state career with the Military Department and later transferred to the California Conservation Corps, where he performed budgeting, project management and contracting for numerous resource management projects within the Lake Tahoe Basin. While in that role, he also had the opportunity to work with and develop at-risk youth through education and training. Matthew then came to State Parks in 2009 and has spent the last 13 years in various programs and roles as a trails supervisor, a senior park and recreation specialist, an acting role as a district superintendent managing the former San Andreas District, and his most recent role as the Natural Resources Program manager for the last seven years. He has degrees in environmental management and natural resource management and is a department emergency medical technician/emergency medical services instructor and a highly skilled leader. Matthew has a passion for State Parks and the department’s mission. In his spare time, he enjoys camping/backpacking, fishing and being outdoors with his family.
Please welcome Matthew who started on Friday, April 1. You will have the opportunity to meet him as I take him around the district to show him our parks.
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Division of Boating and Waterways' Corrina Dugger Retires After More Than 32 Years of State Service
Story from: Joanna Andrade and Ramona Fernandez, Division of Boating and Waterways
Effective Thursday, March 31, Corrina Dugger retired after serving the State of California for 32 years.
In the last 24 years, Corrina served in several positions at the former Department of Boating and Waterways and now Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW). She started in 1998 as a staff services analyst and was later hired as an investigator for the Yacht and Ship Broker Licensing Unit. She then promoted to associate governmental program analyst/boating administrator in the Boating Enforcement Unit. Among her duties, she successfully managed an $11.5 million Boating Safety and Enforcement Financial Aid Program (BS&E). The purpose of the BS&E Financial Aid Program is to provide state financial aid to local governmental agencies whose waterways have high usage by boaters and an insufficient tax base to fully support a boating safety and enforcement program. In addition, Corrina was responsible for the Law Enforcement Equipment Grant Program. This program distributed over $1.5 million in grants to local government agencies for law enforcement patrol boats and marine patrol equipment. In addition to these duties, she then took over the Law Enforcement Training Program, where her expertise was instrumental in restructuring this program, which is now a nationally recognized program. In 2015, Corrina received an award for dedication to Boating Safety from the California Boating Safety Officers Association (CBSOA).
In 2016, Corrina promoted to staff services manager I in the Boating Safety and Enforcement Unit, where she managed five programs: Yacht and Ship Licensing, Yacht and Ship Enforcement, Law Enforcement Maritime Training, For-Hire Vessel Insurance Carrier Program and the For Hire Operator Program. In addition, she was the initial manager to implement the new California Boater Card Program, which was not a small task.
We wish Corrina nothing but the best, as she sets sail on her next adventure in life. Congratulations, Corrina Dugger, on your retirement!
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Style time! Here are this week's tips to help spread the word about our departmentwide style guidelines:
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green space: Two words; means community space consisting of land (such as parks) rather than buildings.
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OHV/off-highway vehicle: Spell out the acronym on first reference.
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a.m./p.m.: Leave out the “:00” and do not use “o’clock.” Example: Use 3 p.m. and not 3:00 p.m. or 3 o’clock. Always use periods for “a.m.” and “p.m.” and include a space between the number and “a.m.” or “p.m.” Examples: Use 10 a.m. or 11 p.m. and not 10a.m or 11p.m.
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.
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 Carpinteria State Beach
Park Interpretive Specialist Leanne Roth with local Brownie Troop 55527 working on their "Trail Adventure and Shapes in Nature" badges.
Photo from Rachel Stengel, visitor from Carpinteria, California
 Salt Point State Park
As the Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District, Mendocino Sector, Maintenance Chief I Brian Osborn changes careers after 20 years with the district, North Coast Redwoods District stepped in to lend a hand and give some guidance for the future. District Superintendent Victor Bjelajac and District Maintenance Chief John Miller spent two days touring park units in the Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District, offering their expertise in planning and implementing facilities maintenance projects.
Left to right: District Superintendent II Victor Bjelajac, Park Maintenance Chief I Mike Sherman, State Park Heavy Equipment Operator Bruce Jenkins, Maintenance Chief III John Miller, Park Maintenance Supervisor Jason Eaton, Water and Sewage Plant Supervisor Bob Rice and Park Maintenance Chief III John Miller.
Photo from Bill Maslach, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District
 Southern Communications Center
Newly hired Communications Operators (left to right) Rhonda Clemmer, Taylor Scafani and Luis Bonola eagerly begin their first responder careers at Southern Communications Center (SURCOM). Did you know that SURCOM provides dispatch services for Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority rangers, California Department of Fish and Wildlife officers (game wardens) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officers? Dispatchers undergo a rigorous prehire background process, standardized Peace Officers Standards and Training and field training program similar to our state park peace officers. For more details, see article "State Park Communications Operators Continue Their Amazing Work Ahead of Appreciation Week" in Field Reports above.
Open exams available now for dispatcher clerk, communications operator and communications supervisor.
Photo from Captain W. Jacob Pflepsen III, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division
 Southern Communications Center
Left to right: State Park Superintendent II (Captain) Jake Pflepsen and State Park Superintendent III (Out-of-class, Assistant Chief of Telecommunications) Evan Walter proudly display pink patches worn by lifeguards, rangers and wildlife officers (game wardens) during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Southern Communications Center.
Photo from Captain W. Jacob Pflepsen III, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division
 Asilomar State Beach
State Parks lifeguards perform a mock rescue on March 24.
Photo from Megan Stanley, Capital District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Close-up of a bramble hairstreak butterfly at Harper Creek.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Harbor seals at Point Lobos mark the end of winter and the coming of spring in our reserve. These are one of many events visitors can observe when visiting.
Photo from Jacolyn Harmer, Monterey District docent
 Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Just a couple of dudes (Roosevelt elk) hanging out.
Photo from Simone Durand, North Coast Redwoods District
 Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura).
Photo from Holly E. Turner, Inland Empire District
 Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
State Natural Reserve
Mating Mojave rattlesnakes.
Photo from Matthew Williams, Great Basin District
 William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park
Here are some "Very Hungry Caterpillars," which will become California pipevine swallowtail butterflies soon. For videos and more, check out the park's Instagram page.
Photo from Heather Lee, Northern Buttes District
 California Citrus State Historic Park
The blood orange is a variety of orange with burgundy, almost blood-colored flesh. The red color is the result of antioxidant pigments called anthocyanin, which develops when these citrus fruits ripen during warm days with cooler nights. Sometimes this red coloring or “blush” is seen on the exterior rind, depending on the variety of blood orange.
There are three varieties of blood oranges found most commonly found here at California Citrus State Historic Park: the tarocco (left), the moro (center) and the sanguinelli (right). Of the many varieties that have been crossbred, the tarocco remains the sweetest. The moro blood orange has the deepest color of red of any varieties available. Although the moro may taste the most bitter, it also has notes of raspberry. Depending on the climate the fruit is grown in, the flesh of the sanguinelli can range in color from orange with just a few red spots or streaks to appearing fully burgundy. Sanguinelli blood oranges have an acidic and sweet-tart flavor.
Photo from Samantha Alonso, Inland Empire District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
View of Harper Creek.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Reflective view of Harper Creek.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Mount Tamalpais State Park
A view of San Francisco and southern Marin County from the top of Mount Tamalpais.
Photo from Doug Johnson, Communications and Marketing Division
Pacheco State Park
Wildflowers in bloom! Top: California buttercup, red maids, lady beetle on fiddleneck and crane’s-bill. Bottom: Beetle on checkermallow, California golden violet, California poppy and goldfields.
Photos from Amber Rack, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Calaveras Big Trees State Park
A beautiful spring day with giant sequoias, a bird’s nest and Big Tree Creek.
Photos from Amber Rack, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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April 5, 2022
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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.
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