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 July 8, 2022
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Emerald Bay State Park
I shot this timelapse while the moon was still small enough and low enough on the horizon as not to obstruct the dark, night sky. Astrophotography takes a lot of trial and error, so you might sit out in the cold for hours and not get it quite right. However, on this particular night, conditions were perfect and you could easily see the Milky Way with your naked eye. Just one more reason why I love living in Tahoe!
A timelapse like this involves stringing hundreds of individual photographs together so it creates a seamless sense of movement. But any small change to the camera's position from something like the wind or a careless tap, completely ruins the effect (this is speaking from experience).
Click here or above to watch the video.
Video from Sarinah Simons, Sierra District
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Safety Tips for Recreating in California’s Waterways
Story from: Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division
 Did you know that wearing a life jacket is the number one way to increase your chances of survival during an accident in the water? Photos from California State Parks.
With summer in full swing, many Californians and visitors from around the world are enjoying the benefits of spending time in the outdoors. One of summer’s most popular recreational activities is enjoying time in the water. Whether recreating in a lake, river, waterway or the ocean, it’s important to remember their unique dangers to avoid a tragedy.
Within the California State Park System, there are over 340 miles of coastline and 970 miles of lake and river frontage, and State Parks wants visitors to safely and responsibly enjoy the many activities you can do in the water. One important aspect to know about California rivers and Delta sloughs and waterways is how dangerous and unpredictable they can be. Because of strong tides and currents, it is important to wear a proper personal floatation device such as a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Also, underwater obstacles and uneven depths can be hidden due to the reduced water clarity and visibility in the Delta waterways.
Here are some safety tips for visitors to remember when recreating in waterways:
Wear a life jacket:
- Water-related accidents can happen suddenly and rapidly. Make sure you and your loved ones wear properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Wearing them is the number one way to increase your chances of survival during an accident.
- Don’t have a life jacket? Borrow one! Several public and private entities make life jackets available to the public on a loan basis. View locations.
Protect your loved ones:
- Always supervise children by appointing a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults. Do not assume that someone is watching your children.
- Know your limits. Swimming in a lake, ocean or river is different than swimming in a pool.
- Use the buddy system with swimming.
- Never dive headfirst into the water, as you could hit hidden rocks or the shallow bottom, resulting in serious injury.
- If someone is in distress, seek help from a lifeguard or call 911 if one is not available.
Do not enter the water if it’s too cold:
- Some of California’s rivers run at temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees, which can literally take your breath away.
- Also, jumping into cold water can cause life-threatening effects, including an involuntary gasp for air when you’re under water, cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and vertigo and disorientation when the cold water enters the ear canal.
- Do not panic if you do find yourself in cold water. Used controlled breathing; do not gasp for air.
Avoid alcohol:
- Operating your boat with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more is against the law. Impaired boaters will be stopped and can be arrested even with lower BAC if the conditions are not safe. Your boat can be impounded.
Practice ocean safety:
- If you get caught in a rip current, stay calm and do not fight the current. Swim or float parallel to the shore until you are out of the current and then swim toward the shore.
- Large waves can hit the shore without warning, surging further up the beach than normal waves. The backwash can knock you off your feet and drag both children and adults into deep water. Click herefor more information about ocean safety.
You can find additional safety tips and information on backpacking, biking, camping, horseback trails and laws at www.parks.ca.gov/safetytips.
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State Parks Driver Instructor Update and Workshop in San Diego
Story from: Hannah Rizzo, Capital District
 A variety of State Parks vehicles are used in driving instructor training. Photos from John Anderson, San Diego Coast District.
State Parks driving instructors from across California gathered together for an Instructor Update and Workshop, held June 21 and 22. The 12 driving instructors met in San Diego, California, and spent two days driving different types of vehicles and gathering valuable information to bring back to their respective districts.
At the training course in Otay Mesa, State Parks driving instructors worked with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department to brush up on their driving and teaching skills. During the day of driving, they were introduced to the EasyDrift system for skid control in slow-speed conditions. The instructors were then provided with the opportunity to drive several different types of Police Pursuit-rated vehicles on the slow- and high-speed tracks. The latter half of the day was spent comparing those vehicles with more traditional State Parks vehicles.
On the second day, our fearless instructors locked themselves in a conference room at the San Diego Coast District Office and worked tirelessly to update and create information for the driving program. Among the items discussed were Peace Officer Standards and Training course outlines, instructor resumes and resources for new instructors who are just starting to teach for the department. This information will be reviewed and then posted on the driving Sharepoint site for instructors, so keep an eye out for updates coming soon!
If you are a driving instructor for the department and did not know about this event, please reach out to John Anderson, Peter Brandt or me to get connected in with the driving program.
Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park Hosts Ice Cream Social
Story and photos from: Michael Rosin-Molina, Northern Buttes District
 Docents dressed up in period costume for the ice cream social event at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.
As June drew to a close and the summer heat started in earnest, Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park marked the occasion with an ice cream social. This is the first event at the historic park after more than two years since the COVID-19 shutdown.
Organized by the Bidwell Mansion Association, the event included free ice cream, Victorian games, a concert by the Chico Community Band and appearances by John and Annie Bidwell themselves (performed by local actors Nick Anderson and Christine Buckstead).
The ground floor of the mansion was open for free touring, and the park was happy to welcome about 400 visitors to stroll through the mansion, listen to music and enjoy ice cream over the course of the day.
 Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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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
 FREE WEBINARS
California State Parks: How to Get a State Job: Meet with the Recruitment Team to discover the many rewarding career opportunities waiting just for you at California State Parks. In this webinar, on Wednesday, July 20, from 1:30-2:30 p.m., you'll learn about taking state assessments, how to create your CalCareers account, different career opportunities and more. Click here to register.
California State Parks: State Park Interpreter Series: State Park Interpreters help develop fun, interactive educational programs to help teach about the historical and cultural significance of our parks and educate on how to protect and preserve the environment. This webinar, on Thursday, August 4, from 1-2 p.m., will cover everything from taking the assessment(s) to applying for a job. Click here to register.
JOB SPOTLIGHTS
State Park Interpreter I – Apply by July 13, 2022: California State Parks is hiring a State Park Interpreter I at the La Purísima Mission State Historic Park Visitor Center. This position will manage the park website and social media interpretive program and will coordinate school program schedules and registration for both in-park and virtual programs. Take the online assessment. Click here for more information.
Office Technician – Apply by July 13, 2022: We are now hiring an Office Technician in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. This position will work as the Special Events Coordinator. Duties include working with the Visitor Connections and Special Events team. Other responsibilities include processing permits, reporting collections and collaborating with the district's Graphic Designer in creating designs for social media and marketing efforts. Take the online assessment. Click here for more information.
Associate Park and Recreation Specialist – Apply by July 13, 2022: We are now hiring an Associate Park and Recreation Specialist in Petaluma, California. This position is responsible for the organization, tracking and management of operating agreements, concessions, donor agreements and a variety of leases in the district. Take the online assessment. Click here for more information.
Associate Governmental Program Analyst – Apply by July 15, 2022: California State Parks is hiring a Tribal Affairs Program Analyst. Join the team in this exciting role and serve as the lead for the Tribal Memorandum of Understanding Program. You will be providing analytical and administrative support to the Tribal Affairs and Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act programs, and facilitating tribal consultation efforts throughout the state to strengthen partnerships between California Native American Tribes and California State Parks. Take the online assessment. Click here for more information.
Seasonal/Part-Time – No deadline: With more than 40 openings statewide, now is a great time to get started in a seasonal/part-time job at California State Parks. With no exam needed, apply to our Park Aide, Maintenance Aide, Environmental Services Intern, Park Interpretive Specialist or Forestry Aide openings today. Click here for more information.
EXAM SPOTLIGHTS
State Park Equipment Operator – Apply by Sept. 1, 2022: From developing new recreation areas to restoring our parks, our State Park Equipment Operators are essential to keeping visitors safe, preserving our precious resources and ensuring our state parks are operational for all to enjoy year-round. Click here for more information.
Park and Recreation Specialist Exam Series: 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.
State Park Interpreter I, II and III: The State Park Interpreter I, II and III assessments are now available online. Our Interpreters develop interactive educational programs and teach the rich histories of California. Click here for more information.
Superintendent Exam Series: The California State Parks Superintendent assessments are available online. As a Superintendent, you'll be responsible for the protection and management of natural and cultural resources, public safety and law enforcement functions, visitor services, interpretation programs, real property management, facilities maintenance and administration. Click here for more information.
EMPLOYMENT TIP
Stay Persistent. When applying to take an exam, remember that you have 10 business days to provide any additional information to support your application. Stay persistent and you'll land that dream job.
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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State Park System: Uppercase when referring to the entire park unit inventory of California State Parks.
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single space: Use a single space—not double space—at end of a sentence.
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podcast titles: Use quotation marks, not italics; e.g., Podcasts I listen to are "This American Life" and "Dockside."
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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 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Volunteer Ernie Smith and his horse, Gus, during Horses 101, talking to park visitors about horse safety and trail etiquette.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Seasonal Lifeguard II Jordy Malmberg (in photo on right, and in center in photo on left) during a rescue drill with various public safety agencies at the Garden of Eden swimming hole. Jordy is the first guard in the new Mountains sector program, providing aquatic response to the San Lorenzo River and Santa Cruz beaches. Also pictured is Felton firefighter and off-duty Seasonal Lifeguard II Aiden Malmberg.
Photos from Scott Sipes, Santa Cruz District
 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Santa Cruz District ranger trainees Jackie Jurek and Derek Poirer (center) along with Ranger Josh Stone and Supervising Ranger Scott Sipes (left) taking a photo on the “Big Trees” train following a rescue drill with various public safety agencies. Units used the train to extricate a patient from the Garden of Eden swimming hole.
Photo from Scott Sipes, Santa Cruz District
 Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch
State Vehicular Recreation Area
Officers from the Mojave Sector assist Bureau of Land Management and Kern County Fire Department with the treatment and transport of an injured dirt bike rider. The incident response demonstrates how State Parks works closely and collaboratively with allied agencies.
Photo from Matthew Williams, Great Basin District
 Redwood National and State Parks
Park visitors at Crescent Beach picnic area enjoying the many fireworks shows of Del Norte County. Just a reminder that fireworks are prohibited in state parks. The fireworks in the photo took place outside the park.
Photo from Ian Jones, North Coast Redwoods District
 Redwood National and State Parks
A tall rainbow showed up just before Crescent City’s firework show after an unusually rainy Independence Day.
Photo from Ian Jones, North Coast Redwoods District
 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
This family of bighorn sheep are not required to pay day-use fees!
Photo from Natalie Kazazian, Colorado Desert District
 Morro Strand State Beach
The house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) with its chicks.
Photos from Natalie Kazazian, Colorado Desert District
 Torrey Pines State Beach
An elegant snowy egret takes flight.
Photo from Guy Lawrie, docent at Torrey Pines State Beach
 Fort Tejon State Historic Park
Fort Tejon's milkweed brings all the bugs to the yard. Left: Monarch chrysalis. Top right: Cobalt milkweed beetle. Bottom right: Yellow-faced bumble bee.
Photos from Justin Quesada, Great Basin District
 Tule Elk State Nature Reserve
California is home to almost 100 species of velvet ants. They are called "ants," but are, in fact, wasps. I know what you're thinking, "Great, something else that flies and stings." Fret not, only male velvet ants have wings and only female velvet ants have stings. Top left: Odontophotopsis sp. Top right: Dasymutilla flammifera. Bottom left: Sphaeropthalma unicolor. Bottom right: Dasymutilla sackenii.
Photos from Justin Quesada, Great Basin District
 Portola Redwoods State Park
Top left: Beetle larvae munching on a leaf on the Sequoia Nature Trail. Right: I found these exoskeletons two weeks after seeing beetle larvae in the same location. Bottom left: This adult beetle was near the exoskeletons on the Sequoia Nature Trail.
Photos from Katie Dickey, Santa Cruz District
 Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
A powerfully beautiful relative of the tiger lily roars through second-growth redwoods.
Photo from Simone Durand, North Coast Redwoods District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
A regular foothills penstemon (left) and a white foothills penstemon (right).
Photos from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Redwood National and State Parks
Nickel Creek deposits outflowing waters into the Pacific Ocean at Endert’s Beach.
Photo from Simone Durand, North Coast Redwoods District
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Introducing Weekly Digest's New Health and Wellness Section
Story and photo from: Brooke Haugen, Risk Management Division
Welcome to the Weekly Digest's Health and Wellness section! Each week, I’ll be including tips and information for staying healthy, both physically and mentally.
First off, to introduce myself, I am Brooke Haugen, the employee wellness program coordinator for State Parks. I graduated from California State University (CSU), Fresno, with an undergraduate degree in kinesiology, exercise science, and then continued to complete my Master of Science degree in kinesiology, exercise physiology from CSU Sacramento. I love to hike, trail run, paddleboard, read, travel, explore and recently found a thrill in speedboat drops in the ocean (a shout-out to all our seasonal lifeguard staff!). I have been a fan of parks long before joining the family and have gotten to experience a whole new—and exciting—side of state parks.
To kick off the Health and Wellness section, here are some tips for staying safe as temperatures rise and summer goes into full gear:
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Stay hydrated. With increased temperatures, our bodies release heat in the form of sweat to stay cool. If we aren’t replacing these fluids, serious medical issues may arise.
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Use sunscreen. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of the disease. To protect your skin, use sunscreen that is at least SPF 30; labeled “broad spectrum,” which protects from UVA/UVB rays; water resistant, not just waterproof; and applied at least 15 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours if exposed to water or sweat.
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Know your risk. Are you over the age of 65? Have a chronic condition? Work outdoors? You may be at higher risk for experiencing heat-related illnesses. Other groups include infants and children up to four years old and individuals who are overweight.
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Practice water safety:
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Learn to swim. More children in the U.S. ages one to four years old die from drowning than any other cause of death except birth defects, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Know CPR. Performing CPR can help save a life during a cardiac or breathing emergency.
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Avoid risky behavior. This includes diving or swimming in unfamiliar water and drinking alcohol in and near water.
For more safety tips, visit the State Parks Safety Tips webpage.
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Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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July 6, 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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