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 April 29, 2022
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 Paradise, California
Congratulations to the 35 State Park Peace Officers (Rangers/Lifeguards) who graduated today, April 29, from the Basic Visitor Services Training (BVST) cadet academy! More information coming next week on BVST 47's graduation ceremony. Stay tuned.
Photo from Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division
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Governor Newsom Announces Release of California’s Extreme Heat Action Plan to Protect Communities From Rising Temperatures
Story from: Governor’s Press Office
Amid intensifying climate impacts, Governor Gavin Newsom announced Thursday, April 28, that the state has released an Extreme Heat Action Plan outlining a strategic and comprehensive set of state actions to adapt and strengthen resilience to extreme heat. The announcement comes on the heels of a heat wave earlier this month in Long Beach that reached a high of 101 degrees, nine degrees hotter than the record high in April 2014.
Projections from the state’s best climate science forecast that all of California will be impacted in the years and decades to come by higher average temperatures and more frequent and life-threatening heat waves, impacting public health and safety, economic prosperity and communities and natural systems—with profoundly disproportionate consequences for the most vulnerable Californians. Extreme heat ranks among the deadliest of all climate change hazards, with structural inequities playing a significant role in the capacity of individuals, workers and communities to protect and adapt to its effects.
In partnership with the Legislature, Governor Newsom advanced an $800 million package in last year’s budget to protect California’s communities from heat. The package includes $300 million to support implementation of the Extreme Heat Action Plan and numerous other investments that protect communities, the economy and natural systems from extreme heat. The governor is proposing to allocate this additional funding in the 2022-23 budget to support the implementation of the Extreme Heat Action Plan.
To read the full press release, click here.
Showcase Your Talents: Enter ‘Naturelly’ Funny Photo/Video Contest
Story from: Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division
 "You have a collect call from Mitchell Caverns. Do you accept the charges?" Mule deer ready to take a call at Providence Mountains State Recreation Area, "Home of Mitchell Caverns." Photo from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District.
Spending time in the outdoors can be one of the most relaxing ways to brighten your day and even more when you see wildlife enjoying nature. Our “Naturelly” Funny photo/video contest is currently underway so if you’ve taken a photo or video of wildlife being wild and amusing, make sure to submit them to us by Wednesday, June 8.
In addition to wildlife, the subject can be a unique growing plant, cacti or tree, or even a coworker being “naturelly” funny. Whatever you capture in your photo or video, it should celebrate the natural resources in the department’s 279 state parks and showcase why nature and wildlife are important to protect for future generations.
The spring “Naturelly Funny” contest is once again a great opportunity to share why nature can bring laughter and to demonstrate your artistic talents. If you decide to take photos or videos of people and they are non-State Parks employees or volunteers, remember you must submit a Visual Media Consent form (DPR 993). As a reminder, we do not need signed forms for wildlife. Always take your photos and videos from a safe distance to keep the wildlife wild.
To be eligible to participate, you must be a State Parks employee or park volunteer and submit your photos or videos to the Weekly Digest. Provide a brief caption description and the name of the state park that the “Naturelly Funny” photo or video was taken in. The Communications and Marketing team will announce the top five in late June. The photos and videos will be showcased in the Weekly Digest as well as State Parks’ social media channels with their photo or video credit.
The rules and criteria to submit photos or videos are:
- Send to the Weekly Digest email with the subject line “Naturelly Funny.”
- Must be taken between March 21–June 8, 2022.
- Photos or videos with images of non-park staff or volunteers must include a Visual Media Consent form (DPR 993).
- Photos or videos can be taken at any of California’s 279 state parks.
- Only park employees and volunteers can enter contest.
- Photos and videos will be judged on photo/video quality, uniqueness, moment captured and content.
- The top five photos and videos chosen will be shared on California State Parks’ social media channels and in the Weekly Digest.
- Submissions will be judged by the Communications and Marketing team (who is not eligible to participate in the contest).
- Photo images should be a minimum of 1920×2400 ppi.
If you have any questions on the contest, please send an email to the Weekly Digest.
 Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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Los Angeles State Historic Park and LA Opera Company Recognized as 2021 Recycled Water Customer of the Year
Story from: Stephanie Campbell, Angeles District
 Los Angeles State Historic Park maintenance crew. Center: Planning, Public Affairs and Community Engagement Program Manager for Angeles District Stephanie Campbell and Interim Angeles District Superintendent Angeles Craig Sap.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) awarded on Tuesday, April 26, both Los Angeles State Historic Park and production company The Industry as 2021 Recycled Water Customer of the Year for the opera production “Sweet Land.” Performed at the park from February to March 2020, the show was recognized for its creative, first-of-its-kind use of recycled water and collaboration with regulatory agencies.
The Recycled Water Customer of the Year award is a unique recognition of LADWP commercial customers and their achievements in water conservation and sustainability. The goal of the award is to increase awareness of water recycling best practices and the benefits they can provide to organizational operations, finances and the overall environment we all share.
This is the ninth year LADWP has recognized a recycled water customer for their efforts to increase recycled water use in the City of Los Angeles; however, this is the first time it has recognized a customer for its artistic use of recycled water. The “Sweet Land” production was executed without any potable water, instead using recycled water that offset enough water to serve 372 homes for one year.
Los Angeles State Historic Park has been an LADWP’s recycled water customer since 2017 and regularly regularly hosts concerts, festivals and other art performances. The State Parks maintenance team and The Industry designed an immersive experience by using the park’s recycled water irrigation system to create a water-spray feature that served as a backdrop for the projected images on their outdoor stage.
“The 2021 Recycled Water Customer of the Year recipient took historic measures to only use recycled water at the park production of ‘Sweet Land.’ This new and different way to reuse water is a true testament to our customers’ commitment to water stewardship and environmental conservation,” said Rafael Villegas, LADWP managing water utility engineer.
'Walk for Kids' Event at San Buenaventura State Beach Brings Together Ventura Community
Story from: Colin Rooney, Channel Coast District
 Left to right: Lifeguard I Parker Harris, Channel Coast District Superintendent Greg Martin, Lifeguard II Tyler Larese and Lifeguard I Hunter Bowman. Photo from Dena Bellman, Channel Coast District.
Channel Coast District hosted at San Buenaventura State Beach on Sunday, April 24, the Walk for Kids-Ventura, a fundraiser for the recently opened Ronald McDonald Family Room at the Ventura County Medical Center.
Hundreds from the Ventura community turned out in the morning at the state beach to show their support for the brand-new facility in the hospital's juvenile oncology wing and what it represents for the families who will be receiving comfort and care at this “home away from home.” This Family Room, in particular, is a first for the organization as it is their first Family Room in a public hospital in the nation.
During the event, several speakers shared their inspirational stories of overcoming the odds of unthinkable diagnoses, then walkers made the trek to the Ventura Pier and back in a spirit of hope, enthusiasm, courage and joy.
Among the many participants in this event were several State Parks lifeguards, who were on hand to demonstrate and share their lifesaving skills with the public and showcase the tools of their trade by giving kids a chance to climb aboard a rescue watercraft.
Despite COVID-19 preventing the Walk for Kids event from happening the last couple of years, it's safe to say that this event has not missed a step.
Bureau of Land Management Seeks Input on Proposed Recreation Improvements at Williams Hill Recreation Area
Story from: Bureau of Land Management
 Located in southern Monterey County and standing over 2,700 feet in elevation, Williams Hill offers great views of the surrounding Salinas Valley. Pine trees, chamise, scrub oak and impressive shale formations characterize the hilly terrain. Photo from Bureau of Land Management.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Central Coast Field Office is seeking public input on a draft plan to improve the off-highway vehicle riding experience at the Williams Hill Recreation Area in southern Monterey County.
The BLM has prepared this plan with support from California State Parks’ Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Division, recognizing that nature and recreational opportunities on public land are essential to the health, well-being and prosperity of every family and community in America.
Public comments on the plan are welcomed through Monday, May 23, 2022, and will be used to shape the final plan for the recreation area.
Read the full press release here.
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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
Park Maintenance Assistant - Now hiring: We are now hiring a Park Maintenance Assistant at MacKerricher State Park. This position will perform various groundskeeping and maintenance tasks, and answer routine questions from the public. Apply by May 9, 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 State Parks Family. Apply by May 11, 2022. Click here for more information.
Natural Resources Division - Now hiring: We are now hiring in our Natural Resources Division. We have more than 10 openings statewide—from our Environmental Services Interns to Environmental Scientists, to Senior Environmental Scientists openings. Explore what's new today. Click here for more information.
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. 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.
EXAM SPOTLIGHTS
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 May 1, 2022. Click here for more information.
State Historian III: The State Historian III assessment is now available. If you have equivalent to a bachelor's degree and experience in research, cultural resources management or museum work, then apply to take the State Historian III assessment today. Apply by May 12, 2022. Click here for more information.
State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Ranger/Lifeguard - Lateral Transfer: You can now lateral or transfer into an exciting career as an SPPO Ranger or Lifeguard. The assessments are 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!
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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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LGBT, LGBTQ: Acceptable in all references for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning and/or queer. Use of LGBT or LGBTQ is best as an adjective and an umbrella term, and avoid using to describe individuals; e.g., Jen joined an LGTBQ finance association. Do not use, for instance, when the group you are referring to is limited to bisexuals.
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& versus and: The ampersand (&) should not be used in place of “and,” except when it is part of a company's formal name or composition title (Examples: House & Garden, Johnson & Johnson) or when it is part of an accepted abbreviation (Examples: B&B, R&B).
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camp stove: Two words.
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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California Department of Water Resources Conducts Airborne Electromagnetic Surveys
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
Flyover of a helicopter performing an airborne electromagnetic survey. Photo from California Department of Water Resources.
The Department of Water Resources is conducting airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys in California’s high- and medium-priority groundwater basins, where data collection is feasible, to assist local water managers as they implement the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act to manage groundwater for long-term sustainability.
The AEM project provides state and federal agencies, groundwater sustainability agencies, stakeholders and the public with basin-specific and cross-basin geophysical data, tools and analyses.
During an AEM survey, a helicopter tows electronic equipment that sends signals into the ground, which bounce back. The process has been compared to taking an MRI of the ground’s subsurface. The data collected is used to create continuous images interpreted for underground geology.
The resulting information will provide a standardized, statewide dataset that improves the understanding of aquifer structures. It can also help with the development or refinement of hydrogeologic conceptual models and can help identify areas for recharging groundwater.
The surveys are funded by voter-approved Proposition 68, Senate Bill 5 and from the general fund. More information can be found in the AEM Proposition 68 Fact Sheet.
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 Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
Senior Environmental Scientist Ronnie Glick in his element with Oso Flaco Lake in the distance.
Photo from Bob Pavlik, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division
 Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
We did a deep clean of the first order Fresnel lens on Wednesday, March 30. The three of us worked diligently for five hours to clean each of the more than 1,000 prisms that make up the lens. Top left: Museum Curator I Jenny Daly (in front), Special Projects Coordinator Julie Barrow (back right) and Interpreter I Charles DesBaillets.
Photos from Jenny Daly, Santa Cruz District
 Auburn State Recreation Area
Tricia Hatfield-DeJersey shows how it done, properly riding an e-bike. Thank you to Garett McDermid and Tricia, who both recently participated in a department photo shoot. Both are Folsom Auburn Trail Riders Action Coalition board members and run and coach their not-for-profit youth mountain bike organizations, Freedom Riders Mountain Bike Club and Family Freeride, respectively.
Check out the State Parks' e-bike webpage, where you can find the department's e-bike policy and other e-bike information.
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
State Natural Reserve
A Mojave rattlesnake basks in the sun.
Photo from Matthew Williams, Great Basin District
Año Nuevo State Park
Side-by-side, these photos show a beautiful rainbow that started at Año Nuevo Island, ended at North Point Beach and was enjoyed by our adorable elephant seals.
Photos from Susan Blake, Santa Cruz District
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
The bald eaglets are getting big and are close to fledging. I thought that the one in the left photo was going to take off when I took its picture.
Photos from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
Montaña de Oro State Park
A swallowtail butterfly reaches for some sweet nectar from the flower.
Photo from Kevin Murphy, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area
We are smack in the middle of a booming butterfly season here in Tehama County! This pupa will emerge as a California pipevine swallowtail butterfly. These butterflies are unique to Northern California.
Visit William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park on Saturday, May 14, to celebrate Butterfly Day. You can learn more here: Butterfly Day (Free) | Facebook.
Photo from Robbie Hunzeker, Northern Buttes District
 Trione-Annadel State Park
After finishing a lovely Earth Day hike on Friday, April 22, with fourth graders at the park, we had a visit from a very sparkly and beautiful golden buprestid beetle, AKA a jewel beetle. Perfect reminder that nature is full of jewels.
Photo from Christen Bechert, Bay Area District
 Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area
Some closeup shots of a tarantula hawk (Pompilidae) in a creosote bush (Larrea tridentata).
Photos from Joseph Rivas, Great Basin District
 Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Up close and personal with a local snail.
Photo from Simone S. DuRand, North Coast Redwoods District
 Sonoma State Historic Park
Beautiful wisteria blooms on the Blue Wing Inn adobe, and prickly pear cactus fruit outside the entrance to Mission San Francisco Solano.
Photo from Derek Shelly, Bay Area District
 Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
An overcast sky brings out every shade of green, blue and grey at Crescent Beach Overlook.
Photo from Simone S. DuRand, North Coast Redwoods District
 Tolowa Dunes State Park
Beach grass-covered dunes separate a stormy Pacific Ocean and a calm Lake Tolowa.
Photo from Ian Jones, North Coast Redwoods District
 Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Fern Canyon photographed with 35mm film.
Photo from José Cabello, North Coast Redwoods District
 Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
A lovely spring day at the park.
Photo from Bob Pavlik, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division
 California Citrus State Historic Park
With its ornamental twisted branches, the flying dragon trifoliate is a remarkably unique orange tree here. These corkscrew-like stems are lined by 1-inch-long curved thorns, which are said to resemble a dragon's claws. This tree can be seen covered with white, citrus-scented flowers during the early spring. By late summer, small, green and juicy fruit will ripen on the tree before yellowing in color during the fall. The fruit of the flying dragon is edible, although the fruit is quite sour and contains an abundance of seeds with very little pulp. Because of its pest and disease resistance, outstanding cold-hardiness, as well as its heat and drought tolerance, this citrus is widely used as a rootstock for commercial citrus plantings throughout the U.S.
Photos from Marymar Mendoza, Inland Empire District
 Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District Staff Receive Thank You Letter From Park Visitor
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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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