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 May 6, 2022
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 Columbia State Historic Park
The irises outside vacation rental Cottage C are blooming so beautifully at the moment. Visit parks.ca.gov/Columbia for information on how to stay in this historic cottage.
Photo from Julie Walters, Central Valley District
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State Parks and Allied Agencies Participate in 'Wildfire Preparedness Week'
Story and photos from: Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division
 Top left (left to right): Assistant Chief Golden Gate Division Steve Ramos, California Highway Patrol; Fire and Aviation Management Officer Jaime Gamboa, U.S. Forest Service; Major General Davis S. Baldwin, National Guard; California State Parks Director Armando Quintero; California Office of Emergency Services Director Mark Ghilarducci; Unit Chief Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit for CAL FIRE Mike Marcucci; and CAL FIRE Director Joe Tyler. Top right (left to right): Lisa Lien-Mager, Natural Resources Agency; Director Quintero; Senior Environmental Scientist Cyndy Shafer; Terri Gaines, Natural Resources Division; Bay Area Deputy District Superintendent Matthew Allen; and Bay Area District Superintendent Maria Mowrey. Bottom left: New burn boss machine to safely reduce fuels in the park. Bottom middle: Director Quintero speaking at the event. Bottom right: Entrance sign at Trione-Annadel State Park.
Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation on Monday, May 2, declaring May 1-7, 2022, as “Wildfire Preparedness Week” in the State of California.
In support of this important week, CAL FIRE carried out a number of events to stress the importance of fuel reduction and preparing homeowners for the 2022 wildfire season. On Thursday, May 5, California State Parks Director Armando Quintero, Cal OES, California Highway Patrol, National Guard and Assemblymember Marc Levine (D -10th District) spoke at an event held at Trione-Annadel State Park (SP), which has been impacted by multiple devastating wildfires in recent years, including the 2020 Glass Fire, the 2020 Walbridge Fire, the 2019 Kincade Fire, the 2017 Tubbs Fire and the 2017 Nuns Fire.
More than $450,000 of Forest and Wildfire Resilience funding for fuel reduction and forest health work has been allocated by State Parks for Trione-Annadel SP over the next five years. This funding combined with an additional $205,000 in awarded CAL FIRE grants funds for vegetation work in in Trione-Annadel SP, will result in a substantial investment in making the park more wildfire resilient over the coming years.
Statewide, State Parks is working to increase the pace and scale of its forest and wildland management. Treatments such as ecological thinning, forest restoration and prescribed burning are being planned and implemented in more than 100 state park units over the next five years. The goal is to treat as many as 25,000 acres annually while continuing to improvement alignment with state and regional partners.
Thanks to State Parks' Bay Area District and Natural Resources Division for hosting and supporting the CAL FIRE event. To view Thursday's event along with the others from Wildfire Preparedness Week, visit this CAL FIRE link. To learn how to harden your home's defensible spaces, visit ReadyForWildfire.org.
Design Firm Selected for California Indian Heritage Center
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
 Part of future site of California Indian Heritage Center. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
California State Parks and the California Indian Heritage Center Task Force announced on Tuesday, May 3, that Fentress Architects has been chosen as the firm to design the long-desired build-out of the California Indian Heritage Center (CIHC). Once complete, visitors from across California, the nation and the world will be drawn to this center of statewide significance for cultural preservation, learning and exchange, land stewardship based on Native American values and a place to engage all visitors celebrating the living cultures of California tribal communities.
The 51-acre CIHC site is located at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers in West Sacramento. The project constitutes a decades-long collaboration and demonstrates the state’s commitment to and responsibility for partnering with California Native American tribal governments and communities along with allied individuals and institutions to develop the site.
In the next few months, the CIHC Task Force, California State Parks and Fentress Architects will kick off a public engagement process, including extensive tribal outreach. Members of the public and tribal communities who would like to be notified of upcoming events and/or receive information on how they can get involved with the project are invited to contact State Parks via email at CaliforniaIndian.HeritageCenter@parks.ca.gov or by visiting the project website at parks.ca.gov/CIHC. The project is anticipated to open to the public in 2028.
To learn more, read our press release.
Congratulations to Basic Visitor Services Training 47, State Parks' Newest Peace Officers
Story from: Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division
State Parks' newest class of State Park Peace Officers, Basic Visitor Services Training (BVST) 47, on April 29 in Paradise, California. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
California State Parks graduated 35 cadets to “Live the Parks Life” as State Park Peace Officers (Rangers and Lifeguards) on Friday, April 29 in Paradise, California. Friends, family and fellow State Parks staff were able to celebrate in-person and via livestream the graduation of Basic Visitor Services Training (BVST) 47. Their class motto is “Calm in the storm. Together we stand.”
Cadets Christopher Gobell and Colin Simon beautifully sang the national anthem before Academy Director Jason Smith opened up the ceremony. Butte College Director Don Beasley was happy to welcome everyone back to Paradise after losing his own home in the devastating 2018 Camp Fire.
California State Parks Director Armando Quintero, who spent some time—in the classroom and on a paintball battlefield—with the cadets during their seven-monthlong course, was the keynote speaker. In addition to emphasizing the need to adapt to our challenging times (drought, fires, pandemic), Director Quintero told the graduating class, “I have had the pleasure of getting to know a few of you personally, and I know that there are already heroes in your midst. Your careers will challenge you beyond your imagination; the opportunities and experiences will include incredible moments that you will never forget. The bonds with colleagues will, I am sure, form lifelong friendships.”
Salutatorian Colin Simon thanked members of his fellow cadets for their friendship and unique qualities, rousing a number of laughs. He told them, “accept yourself, your best, your worst, your average and walk confidently into this next stage and say, 'yes, I will be a part of this world.'”
A video created by cadets Andrew Fewsmith and Jaycee Hollins was shown, documenting BVST 47’s arduous and funny moments since they began their academy back in October 2021.
Class Valedictorian Justin Quiggle emphasized three things in his speech—gratitude, failure and work-life presence—noting that life won’t always be balanced but instead, stressed the importance of quality time with friends and family. He said, “I believe that if you live a lifetime of gratitude, learn from your failures and are present, you will make a positive difference in your community.”
Special awards were also handed out in the various categories:
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Firearms – Justin Quiggle
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Defensive Tactics – Colin Simon
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Physical Training – Christopher Gobell
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Academics – Cameron Dice
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Emergency Vehicle Operations – Derek Poirier
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Park Operations – Dylan Aragon
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James Whitehead Award – Andrew Fewsmith
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Salutatorian – Colin Simon
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Valedictorian – Justin Quiggle
Chief Law Enforcement Officer and Coastal Division Chief Brian Ketterer told the class, “be triumphant for the path you have chosen, the extraordinary work that you will carry out and the unmatched service and sacrifices that will mark your years of service to the State of California and our undying mission. BVST 47, remain both the lightning and the calm of the storm as we stand together. Thank you and welcome.”
After the cadets were officially badged as Peace Officers and sworn in, Director Smith closed the ceremony, telling the class, “even when you fail, you fail forward and you sleep well at night. Live your principles, be deliberate and focus and put your plan into action. Good luck and be safe.”
After this, BVST 47 will undergo 13 more weeks of field training. Congratulations, BVST 47!
Want to "Live the Parks Life"?
The deadline to apply for the next academy is May 13, 2022, and this year, State Parks is pleased to announce lateral transfers will be accepted. To learn more, read our press release.
For information on other careers available within State Parks, such as jobs in cultural and natural resources, facilities management, administration and many others, please visit www.LiveTheParksLife.com and contact the Workforce Planning and Recruitment Office at recruiting@parks.ca.gov.
View highlights of the cadet graduation in the video link above! Video from Jerry Macias, Communications and Marketing Division.
 Images from BVST 47 graduation. Top right: Director Armando Quintero gives keynote address. Bottom right: Chief Law Enforcement Officer Brian Ketterer swears in the cadets as State Park Peace Officers. Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
49ers Team Up With Natural Resources Agency to Launch Team-Branded California License Plates to Support State Parks
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
 The San Francisco 49ers and the 49ers Foundation this week announced the creation of specialty 49ers-branded California license plates in partnership with the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA). Proceeds from the plates will benefit the CNRA and their efforts to steward California's natural resources and expand access to outdoor recreational spaces for all Californians.
Official San Francisco 49ers California license plates feature the historic SF oval and a red, gold and white trim reminiscent of the pant stripes on 49ers standard home and away uniforms. Amongst these design elements representing the oldest professional sports team in California, the license plate reads "Faithful to State Parks" in support of California's 279 treasured state parks.
"Helping more Californians get outdoors and into our parks is a key goal of our Outdoors for All initiative," said California Secretary of Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot. "I'm so excited that the 49ers Foundation is now offering specialty license plates so 49ers fans can show their team pride and support our open spaces for all to enjoy."
In addition to funding targeted investments in state natural, historical and cultural resources, a portion of funds collected will also support the 49ers Foundation's mission of harnessing the game of football to educate and empower Bay Area youth through direct programs 49ers EDU and 49ers PREP, and beneficiaries throughout the region.
"Although the 49ers Foundation operates out of Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, our goal is to benefit youth far beyond just the Bay Area," said 49ers Foundation Executive Director Justin Prettyman. "Part of that goal is ensuring that youth lead healthy lifestyles and have access to California's world-renowned outdoor spaces for generations to come. We are thrilled to partner with the California Natural Resources Agency and can't wait to see how far the Faithful travels with their 49ers license plates."
Fans can show how they are Faithful to The Bay by choosing a sequential or personalized license plate for their car, truck, trailer or motorcycle. All plates must be for a California registered vehicle.
The team said preorders are now being accepted for the plates. At least 7,500 orders must be received in the next 12 months for the plates to be given to motorists. But already on the first day, more than 300 plates have been reserved.
For more information on how to reserve and obtain a 49ers California license plate, please visit 49ersplates.com.
 Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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Condors Fly Over Northern California's Iconic Redwoods for First Time in More Than a Century
Story and photo from: Yurok Tribe and Redwood National and State Parks
 The Yurok Tribe and Redwood National and State Parks facilitated the release of the first two California condors on Tuesday, May 3, to take flight in the center of the bird’s former range since 1892. The carefully designed release procedure is one component of a comprehensive management plan for the reintroduction.
Comprised of biologists and technicians from the Yurok Tribe and Redwood National Park, the Northern California Condor Restoration Program (NCCRP) will collaboratively manage the flock from a newly constructed condor release and management facility in Northern California, near the Klamath River. The NCCRP team will work with the other condor field teams as part of the larger California Condor Recovery Program guided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The release was livestreamed on the Yurok Tribe’s Facebook Page and can also be viewed here.
To learn more about the plight of the condo and California’s Condo Recovery Program, view the press release.
Land Acknowledgement Signs Installed Throughout Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Story and photos from: Erin Gates, North Coast Redwoods District
 Land acknowledgement signs placed throughout Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Top right (left to right): Acting Deputy Superintendent Erin Gates, Worker II Albert Hawken and State Park Peace Officer (Ranger) Simone DuRand.
North Coast Redwoods District (NCRD) continues to install land acknowledgement signs throughout Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, part of Redwood National and State Parks.
These installations are part of a greater project across the district to install land acknowledgment signs at all 22 parks within NCRD. The signs, which are within Tolowa ancestral territory, now showcase the Tolowa-identified place names for these areas in the Tolowa language.
The signs were installed at premier trailheads and visitor-gathering places like Boy Scout Tree trailhead, Grove of Titans trailhead, Jedediah Smith Campground Entrance Station and Hiouchi Visitor Center.
Visitor Appreciation Day at Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
Story and photos from: Fiona Catalano, Diablo Range District
 Prairie City and Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Areas’ booths. Photo from Fiona Catalano, Diablo Range District.
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area’s 10th Visitor Appreciation Day was held on Sunday, April 24. Many clubs, organizations and businesses came out to connect with visitors.
The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division of California State Parks hosted the Tread Lightly! booth, which shared information with visitors about responsible riding. Visitors enjoyed making Carnegie bricks, competing in an off-highway relay race, viewing a winching demonstration and receiving free gift bags.
A local off-highway vehicle dealer showed a line of recreational off-highway vehicles demonstrating the latest innovations. Several off-highway clubs and organizations had booths displaying activities and information on how to get involved.
Visitor Appreciation Day was a fun way for Carnegie to share the success of recent projects with visitors and say thank you for everyone’s support. Over 150 visitors attended the event, some visiting Carnegie for the first time. Thank you to Carnegie’s visitors, local dealers and vendors, staff and everyone who came together to make this event a success.
 Left: View of booths for Visitor Appreciation Day. Top right: California Off-Road Vehicle Association booth. Bottom right: A young visitor making a mini-Carnegie brick.
Diablo Range District All-Hands Meeting is Back
Story from: Joe Starr, Diablo Range District
 Diablo Range District staff. Photo from Cameron Morrison, Diablo Range District.
After a two-year hiatus, the Diablo Range District Office hosted its Spring 2022 All-Hands Meeting on Wednesday, May 4, at the District Office in Livermore, California.
After an ice-breaking session led by District Superintendent Eddie Guaracha, the group attended an equally entertaining and educational presentation on six frog species found in different parks throughout the district. Then, an informative session on Savings Plus was followed by a potluck luncheon—slow-cooked barbecue ribs, famous homemade potato salad and shrimp ceviche were just a few of the highlights!
The afternoon concluded with remote-control car racing, a drone flying demonstration and a group photo.
Thanks to everyone for their participation and dedication to making the Diablo Range District a great place to work!
 Top: Staff learn about frogs found in our district. Photo from Joe Starr and Cameron Morrison, Diablo Range District. Bottom right: District Superintendent Eddie Guaracha conducts an icebreaker where staff introduce themselves. Photo from Joe Starr and Cameron Morrison, Diablo Range District. Bottom left: Staff try out Carnegie’s remote control cars on a small obstacle course. Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area staff (left to right): Senior Maintenance Aide Jesse Marshall, Forestry Aide Erika Edwards, Interpreter I Fiona Catalano, Forestry Aide Timothy Hart, Park Maintenance Supervisor Keith Griggs and Forestry Aide James Lupas. Photo from Joe Starr and Cameron Morrison, Diablo Range District.
State Parks Training Section and Division of Boating and Waterways Setting Sail to Success With Inland Boat Operator Course
Story from: Training Section and Division of Boating and Waterways
 The students are performing pre-trip inspections on the State Parks law enforcement vessel at Brown’s Ravine at Folsom Lake prior to going underway. Photo from Division of Boating and Waterways.
State Parks’ Training Section in conjunction with the Division of Boating and Waterways successfully delivered the five-day, 40-hour Peace Officers Standards and Training Inland Boat Operator course, hosted at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. The course is designed to provide vessel operators with the skills necessary to safely operate a public safety vessel on inland rivers and lakes.
The cadre consisted of management, supervisory and field-level state park peace officers (SPPOs): Joshua Neff, Mark Hofer, Tom Pagan, Andrew Ahlberg, Steve Barber, Todd Friedman, Addison Fisher and Dennis Burden. For this class to be successful, State Parks staff organized logistics, student materials, practical equipment and five enforcement vessels.
From basics concepts like nomenclature and boat anatomy, to legal authority, navigation and patrol techniques, students went directly from the classroom into application just steps away from the classroom. While on the water (“underway”) officers worked in crews of three, rotating among the variety of vessels they may encounter in their career.
Working together and taking turns as captain, lookout or deckhand, they each demonstrated proficiency in tight and technical slow-speed drills and onto high-speed turns, eventually incorporating rescue procedures. By day four, the crews put it all together, and with no room for error, they effectively learned how to conduct vessel enforcement stops.
Preparing SPPOs for vessel response and patrol increases our emergency response capabilities, law enforcement, education and, most importantly, public safety and providing opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. State Parks successfully trained nine officers from three different reservoirs, and they are now fully equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to effectively conduct patrol within the State Parks state recreation areas.
State Parks’ Training Section and the Division of Boating and Waterways worked closely together to uphold the commitment of excellence through training and will continue to collaborate on future needs.
California Boating and Waterways Commission Holds In-Person Meeting in Ventura
Story and photo from: Megan Russell, Division of Boating and Waterways
 Left to right: State Parks Legal Counsel Kathryn Tobias, Division of Boating and Waterways Acting Deputy Director Ramona Fernandez, Channel Coast District Superintendent Greg Martin, California Boating and Waterways Commission Chair Kenneth Ehrman, Commission Vice Chair Kathryn Hawkins and Commissioner Tom Pier. Not pictured: Commissioner Rudy Murillo.
The California Boating and Waterways Commission held their first in-person commission meeting since the pandemic on Thursday, May 5, in Ventura, California. This was the first in-person commission meeting for three out of the four commissioners, so Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) staff used this as an opportunity to show the Commission projects and programs along the Channel Coast funded by the division and California State Parks.
The Commission and DBW staff conducted a field tour of Channel Coast on Wednesday, May 4, where they visited the Santa Barbara Harbor, Channel Islands Harbor, Channel Islands Boating Center and a current grant applicant, the Ventura Harbor Boat Launching Facility, which the Commission voted to approve funding for at the commission meeting the next day.
The tour also included a stop at a state park, San Buenaventura State Beach, where tour attendees met with the Channel Coast District Superintendent Greg Martin. The tour was an eventful one as attendees got to see sea lions tanning on a harbor dock and a panga boat seized by Ventura County earlier that morning.
The commission meeting was held the next day in-person and via video conferencing to allow for remote participation from the public and a few staff members who presented virtually.
Along with a presentation on the Ventura Harbor Boat Launching Facility, division and State Parks staff provided updates on the following programs: Oceanography, Marine Law Enforcement Training, For Hire Operators Vessel Licensing, For Hire Carrier Insurance, Yacht and Ship Licensing and Enforcement, Recreational Boating Accident Reporting, and Law Enforcement Financial Aid.
The Commission and staff look forward to the next hybrid in-person and virtual meeting scheduled for August 11, 2022. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/Commission.
Secretary Haaland Announces $61 Million to Increase Outdoor Spaces in Urban Spaces
Story from: National Park Service
The National Park Service today announced $61.1 million in grant funding is available to communities in 26 cities across the United States to create new parks and trails, or substantial renovations to existing parks, through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program.
The ORLP program, established in 2014, enables urban communities to create new outdoor recreation spaces, reinvigorate existing parks and form connections between people and the outdoors in economically underserved communities. Secretary Deb Haaland announced the list of selected cities invited to submit final applications for their proposals.
“Access to the outdoors is essential to the health, well-being and prosperity of every family and every community in America but not everyone has the same equitable opportunities to enjoy green spaces,” said Secretary Haaland. “Funding from the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership will continue to expand our communities’ connections to urban green spaces, where children can play, families can connect and love and appreciation for the outdoors can be nurtured.
Below are the four projects that were selected in the state of California:
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Beyer Park Development Project (San Diego): $5 million
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Bowtie Park Development Project – Rio de Los Angeles State Park (Los Angeles): $5 million
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Buchanan Street Mall – Phase III (San Francisco): $3.9 million
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Sweetwater Park Development (Port of San Diego): $5 million
Click here to read the full press release.
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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
Communications Operator – Two positions available: Communications Operators are a vital link in the fast-paced communications network, providing direction to the public and law enforcement officers in an emergency. Click here for more information.
Dispatcher Clerk – Apply by May 9, 2022: Coordinate radio and telephone communications, process reports and monitor security and fire alarm systems for San Luis Obispo Coast District, including Hearst Castle. Click here for more information.
Groundskeeper – Apply by May 13, 2022: Maintain irrigation systems, set irrigation timers, maintain lawn equipment, weed eat, mow, fertilize and prune. The incumbent will be responsible for all grounds throughout Capital District. Current employees may request to Post and Bid. Click here for more information.
Park Interpretive Specialist – Multiple positions available: Apply to assist with planning, coordinating, implementing and delivering interpretive and educational programming in our state parks. This part-time job is a fantastic way to gain experience needed for the career of your dreams. Click here for more information.
Associate Governmental Program Analyst – Apply by May 9, 2022: Work in the Law Enforcement of Emergency Services Division/Telecommunications Unit to provide inventory analysis and work with vendors to help purchase equipment and supplies. Click here for more information.
State Park Peace Officer – Lifeguards and Rangers (Laterals) – Apply by May 10, 2022: California State Parks now accepts lateral and transfer peace officer applicants! If you meet the minimum qualifications and are ready to Live the Parks Life, we encourage you to come join our Parks Family today. You can read more about the lateral process here. Take the assessment today. We have opportunities statewide. Click here for more information.
Seasonal Aides – Now hiring: Don’t delay! 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
State Historian III – Apply to take the assessment by May 12, 2022: 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. Click here for more information.
State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Cadet (Ranger and Lifeguard) – Apply to take the assessment by May 13, 2022: No previous experience required! With a unique combination of law enforcement, natural and cultural resource protection, and interpretation, State Park Peace Officer Rangers and Lifeguards protect California State Parks and educate park visitors. Apply to join the 2023 SPPO Cadet Academy. Explore the cadet selection process to learn what to expect during the 15-month timeline. Click here for more information.
State Park Interpreter I and II: The State Park Interpreter I and II assessments are now available online. Our Interpreters develop interactive educational programs and teach the rich histories of California. Click here for more information
State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Ranger – Lateral/Transfer: You can now lateral or transfer into an exciting career as a 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. Click here for more information.
State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Lifeguard (Lateral/Transfer): Take the assessment and you can lateral or transfer into a career performing public safety in California’s beautiful state recreation areas and beaches. The assessment is available online, anytime. We have positions throughout the state. Eligibility is good for 18 months. Click here for more information.
Park and Recreation Specialist Exam Series: The Park and Recreation Specialist exam series is now online and continuous. Take the assessment (entry level to supervisory) anytime. From grant administration to outdoor education, the right exam is available to match your education and experience level. Click here for more information.
If you have any questions regarding these opportunities, connect with us at Recruiting@parks.ca.gov. We’re happy to help!
Interested in more jobs and exams like this? Explore www.LiveTheParksLife.com to discover the possibilities.
Join the Parks Jobs mailing list here. We can send you updates on jobs and exams that interest you!
Last Chance to Apply for 2022 State Park Peace Officer Cadet Academy
Story from: Carly Whitney, Workforce Planning and Recruitment Office
 State Park Peace Officers (Rangers/Lifeguards) who graduated Friday, April 29, from the Basic Visitor Services Training (BVST) 47 cadet academy. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
California State Parks is still accepting applications for the 2023 State Park Peace Officer Cadet Academy. But don’t delay—the application period closes next week. All applications must be postmarked by Friday, May 13, 2022.
With a unique combination of law enforcement, natural and cultural resource protection, and interpretation, the duties of State Park Peace Officer Rangers and Lifeguards protect California’s state parks and educate park visitors. Don’t miss your chance to "Live the Parks Life" as a State Park Peace Officer Ranger or Lifeguard, who work in jurisdictions from the Oregon coast to the Mexican border.
Successful applicants will be invited to attend the Peace Officer Standards and Training-certified law enforcement academy specific to California State Parks. Cadets will learn how to assist visitors, run interpretive programs and actively protect park resources. Training includes how to conduct investigations, make physical arrests, use firearm and perform emergency responses. The academy instruction prepares cadets physically, mentally and emotionally to enter the workforce as a ranger or lifeguard.
For more information on this exciting opportunity, please visit www.LiveTheParksLife.com. Send questions regarding employment at California State Parks to the Workforce Planning and Recruitment Office at recruiting@parks.ca.gov.
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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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angler: A person who fishes with hook and line. Avoid “fisherman.”
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phone numbers with area code: Always put the area code in parentheses. Example: (916) 653-8855.
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field trip: 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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Department of Water Resources Awards $22 Million to Address Drought Impacts and Support Small Communities Statewide
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
 Map of grant funding recipient locations. Photo from Department of Water Resources.
Following the driest three-month stretch in the state’s recorded history and with warmer months ahead, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced its seventh round of grant awards for local assistance through the Small Community Drought Relief program. In coordination with the State Water Resources Control Board, DWR has selected 17 projects located in Plumas, Napa, Butte, Glenn, Tulare, Humboldt, Fresno, Kern, Marin, Mendocino and Yolo Counties to receive funding for projects that will help strengthen drought resiliency.
Of the 17 projects, 14 will directly support disadvantaged communities, including three Tribes, and will replace aging infrastructure, increase water storage and improve drinking water quality and supply.
DWR, in coordination with the State Water Resources Control Board, determined these funding commitments, which complement the State Water Board’s historical and ongoing financial assistance to small, economically disadvantaged communities for their water infrastructure needs.
For more information, click here.
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 Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
A large coast live oak tree fell on Harmony Gate Road at the park. The tree was cut and removed by rangers, maintenance and visitor services park aides, and the trail was reopened.
Photos from Robert Bessa, Diablo Range District
 Topanga State Park
State Park Peace Officer John Conroy could not resist the call of the sticky monkey flower (Mimulus aurantiacus).
Photo from Danny Duarte, Angeles District
 Coarsegold, California
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Interpreter Eduardo Gonzalez shows off animal pelts at Heritage Days, a school field trip event, during the Coarsegold Rodeo.
Photo from Kent Gresham, Central Valley District
 Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
Although their pastel coloration of yellow and pink and their small size (they max out around 6 inches long) might appear too delicate for the Mojave, the desert banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus variegatus) is a ruthless nocturnal hunter of arthropods and insects. This one was stalking the park road in the wee hours of the morning. We'll continue to see them until they hibernate for the winter.
Photo from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
The white-breasted nuthatch rests on a tree branch at the park. Known as the “upside down” bird, it’s often observed creeping headfirst down tree trunks while searching cracks and crevices for insects.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Two acorn woodpeckers drill holes on the same branch. These birds drill small holes in tree trunks and utility poles in human habitats. They harvest acorns and store them to be eaten during winter, and this stock of acorns creates a "granary tree" from which generations of woodpeckers can find nutrition.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
A say's phoebe chick resting in its nest. This soft-voiced flycatcher of the west is like the other two phoebes in its tail-wagging habit; but unlike them, it often lives in very dry country, far from water.
Photo from Holly Turner, Inland Empire District
 Crystal Cove State Park
Four baby birds nesting in the rack of a lifeguard Kubota vehicle. The Kubota has been decommissioned until the nest clears. This is an amazing location for a nest—a very busy part of the Crystal Cove parking lot and right across from the visitor center.
Photo from Marty Kansriddle, Orange Coast District
 Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
A large male elk lay down in front of the parked van on Tuesday, May 3.
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Columbia State Historic Park
Scrub jay at the park.
Photo from Caleb Masquelier, Central Valley District
 Shasta State Historic Park
A rainbow forms after a storm clears on Monday, May 2.
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Trinidad State Beach
At sunset after a day of on-and-off rain on Monday, May 2.
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Sunset from the new Gam Saan Trail. The trail's name means "Gold Mountain" in Cantonese, which was the historical name given to the gold fields of California by Chinese forty-niners and miners.
Photos from Devin Swartwood, Gold Fields District
 Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
The historic Olive Orchard.
Photo from Devin Swartwood, Gold Fields District
 Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
The rising sun cutting through the morning fog in the Mill Creek acquisition.
Photo from Ian Jones, North Coast Redwoods District
 Columbia State Historic Park
With the wonderful weather, the flowers in Fallon House Garden are in full bloom.
Photos from Caleb Masquelier, Central Valley District
 Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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State Park Peace Officer Dustin E. LeBrun Receives Kudos for His Dedication and Park Pride
On April 29, 2022, my son and I had the pleasure of meeting, Dustin E. LeBrun, your State Park Peace Officer in the ghost town of Bodie, CA.
As we parked, paid our admission, Officer LeBrun approached us, to determine if there were any needs, and or question about the town. Of course, we had many. Being that I was experiencing altitude sickness, I was just unable to hike the town as planned. At almost 80 years young, I generally have no problems, in relationship to this type of outing.
Office LeBrun, suggest I travel with him, during his normal patrol that afternoon, to provide me with a first had look at the dwellings. As it turned out to be an outstanding history lesson.
Officer LeBrun, not only was kind, but I learn that, this town is ‘his’, so to speak. He was unbelievably knowledgeable, but also caring. He talked to, or said hello to every individual touring the town. He displayed an incredible amount of pride in his job.
Without any doubt, people who have come to know Officer LeBrun, must know how much pride he takes in his duties.
Respectfully,
Bob Dollahite
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May 3, 2022
May 4, 2022
May 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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