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 July 29, 2022
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 Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument
A beautiful sunrise with Hearst Castle in the clouds on Tuesday, July 26. This is the first time I have seen the castle like that in eight years of working here. Photo was taken from the Hearst Castle reservoir.
Photo from Iain Beveridge, San Luis Obispo Coast District
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Governor Newsom Announces Appointments and Reappointments
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the following appointments and reappointments with the California Department of Parks and Recreation this week:
- Marivel Barajas has been reappointed deputy director of Legislation, where she has served since 2016. Marivel was legislative consultant for Senator Lois Wolk from 2008 to 2016 and a senate fellow for California State Senator Alex Padilla from 2007 to 2008. Barajas earned a master of public policy degree from the University of Southern California.
- Ramona Fernandez has been appointed deputy director of the Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW), where she has been acting deputy director since 2019. Ramona was manager of Boating Operations for DBW from 2013 to 2019, where she was administrative chief of Park Operations from 2006 to 2013. She held multiple positions at the California Department of Water Resources from 1993 to 2006, including chief of Program Administration Support Services, assistant administrative officer, association governmental program analyst, staff services analyst and material and stores specialist. Ramona is a member of the California Boating Safety Officers Association, National Association of State Boating Law Administrator Association, the Western State Boating Administrators Association and the Colorado River Law Enforcement Association.
- Gloria Sandoval has been reappointed deputy director of Public Affairs, where she served in that role since 2015. Gloria was associate director of Communications at the California Natural Resources Agency from 2014 to 2015, information officer with State Parks from 2013 to 2014, and information officer and education analyst at DBW from 2000 to 2013.
- Nicholas Mueller has been appointed to the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission. Nicholas has been director II of the Greater Valley Conservation Corps at the San Joaquin County Office of Education since 2010. He was project leader 1 for YouthBuild San Joaquin at the San Joaquin County Office of Education from 2006 to 2010. He is a member of Leadership Stockton, Women’s Center Youth and Family Services, California Association of Local Conservation Corps, Association of California School Administrators and the Corps Network. He earned a master of education degree in Educational Leadership and School Development from the Teachers College of San Joaquin.
To learn more, click here and here.
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Asilomar State Beach Paw-fect Partners
Story and photos from: Erica Hedlund, Monterey District
 Meet Ziggy one of the paw partners at Asilomar State Beach.
If you’ve worked in a state park unit that allows dogs, you have probably experienced the familiar challenge of encouraging owners to keep their dogs on-leash. Dog off-leash citations are not the highlight of a visitor’s (or a ranger’s) day. For field staff, constantly explaining park rules or asking visitors to keep dogs on-leash can be a challenging effort. So when I learned about the National Park Services' B.A.R.K. Ranger program, I was inspired to find a way to do something similar at Asilomar State Beach. The B.A.R.K. Rangers program is like a Junior Rangers program for pets in which pet owners are educated on park regulations for pets and earn a badge.
Beginning in May of this year, we began the Asilomar Paw Partner program. This gives our state parks peace officers (rangers) an opportunity to have some fun giving out “dog-ON-leash tickets” to guests caught walking their pets on-leash at Asilomar State Beach. Thanks to our Sector Superintendent Eric Abma and Asilomar’s concessionaire Aramark, this dog-on-leash ticket is good for a free cup of coffee, courtesy of Phoebe’s Café at the Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds.
I was a little nervous that the whole endeavor wouldn't work out, but people have been delighted to receive a free cup of coffee and have their paw partner featured on our social media. By featuring some of these adorable dogs as part of our #AsilomarPawPartner program, we are not only able to give a shout-out for a job well done, but also we are able to share with the public the reasons why keeping dogs on-leash is important in these protected and shared spaces. This has led to pet owners following and interacting with us more on social media, as well as our other social media followers showing enthusiasm for the program.
It’s these “dog days of summer” when we all need some fun interactions with our visitors, and a little "paw-sitive" reinforcement for dog owners at Asilomar is helping us do just that.
Check out #AsilomarPawPartner on Instagram or Facebook to see some of the sweet pups that have been featured so far!
To learn which state parks allow your "paw-fect" four-legged friends, visit www.parks.ca.gov/Dogs
Honoring Loyal Companion's Life and Contributions to Safe Boating
Story and photos from: Melissa Miranda, Interpretation and Education Division
 The Division of Boating and Waterways is saddened by the recent loss of one of its most loyal advocates for boating safety. Boating safety dog representative Arden was a lifelong advocate for boating safety and loyally volunteered her time at educational events for the division throughout the last 11 years. Her sweet, calm and gentle demeanor made her the perfect addition to the outreach team. She was trusted to represent life jackets for ALL members of the family. Nothing draws a crowd quite like a furry friend in a life jacket!
Over the years, Arden participated in formal photo and video shoots for the division, helped with multiple television interviews, was featured on the Boat California social media sites, starred in a media day at the California State Capitol and volunteered countless hours at outreach events including the California State Fair and local safety fairs. Her efforts have no doubt helped save lives.
Arden Marie (yes, she was given a middle name) was rescued off the street by me on May 2, 2011, at the former Department of Boating and Waterways’ office off of Arden Way, hence her fitting name. She quickly stepped into the role of boating safety pup and life jacket model. Arden wasn’t just a dog, she was a loving member of our family and especially adored by her human sister and brother. If you know me, you know of Arden. She will be loved and missed forever.
'Mithra' Lands at Los Angeles State Historic Park
Story and photos from: Marissa Llanes, Angeles District
 "Mithra" installation by artist Mark Bradford at Los Angeles State Historic Park.
At Los Angeles State Historic Park (SHP), we recognize that art has the power to inspire dialogue and move audiences to action. Parks can be places where positive changes for healthy and shared ecosystems can be dreamt up and realized. This is precisely why we feature artists whose pieces speak to California State Parks’ mission. Recently, Los Angeles SHP hosted artist Mark Bradford’s installation titled "Mithra."
On first appearance, Mithra is a large ship and little is known about its journey. As you move closer to the installation, you learn more about how and why the piece has landed at the park. Mithra was originally installed at Prospect.1 Biennial in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2008 in the Lower 9th Ward as a response to Hurricane Katrina.
“To me it’s a symbol of a shared responsibility to protect the most vulnerable against threats of climate change. It’s like this hasty, poor construction of a ship built to escape a fast-approaching calamity, like rising sea water. It’s a call to reduce and reverse our impact on the planet by any means necessary and with whatever resources are available,” said Bradford in a LA Times article in June.
After witnessing the installation firsthand and reading the accompanying signage, one is left feeling closer to the impacts of climate change on our collective existence and filled with a sense of urgency to address our largest crisis at hand. The installation was removed on Monday, July 11.
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Free Marine Flare Collection Slated for Dana Point Harbor August 27
Story from: Vivian Matuk, California State Parks and California Coastal Commission
 Attention, boaters! Save the date for a free Marine Flare Collection Event in Dana Point Harbor on Saturday, August 27, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Participants will need to bring expired flares to the event. Upon arrival, staff will retrieve items directly from the trunks of vehicles. Orange County (OC) Waste & Recycling will also welcome walk-up disposal near the restrooms by the marina. OC Health Care Agency will be onsite promoting their Free Bilge Pad Exchange Program. Participants will receive free boater kit and flare discount coupons courtesy of California State Parks and California Coastal Commission.
Where: Dana Point Harbor, 34555 Casitas Place, Dana Point, CA 92629. Cross streets are Dana Point Harbor and Casitas.
What: Bring unwanted or expired marine flares and smoke signals:
Accepted: Handheld flares aerial flares smoke signals.
NOT accepted: Electronic flares, military flares and any other hazardous waste such as paint, oil, e-waste or batteries.
PARTNER NEWS
Marketing Office, Interpretation and Education and Partnerships Divisions Work Together to Launch New Partnership
Story from: Shelley Gesicki, Communications and Marketing Division
 We’re excited to announce that Entertainment Marketing Group is now a Proud Partner of California State Parks. Through a joint collaboration with the Marketing Office, Interpretation and Education and the Partnerships divisions, this partnership allows us to work with DreamWorks on a national state park program for their Netflix series “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” an animated show for kids that recently launched a new season on Monday, July 25. Through this collaboration, we are encouraging kids to enjoy the outdoors and become Junior Rangers so they can learn how to hike trails, discover animal tracks, observe wildlife and find out about geology, ecology, history, safety and plants.
Through Sept. 5, 2022, or while supplies last, kids can pick up a special “Gabby’s Dollhouse” brochure and activity guide at over 70 participating parks for some “cat-tastic” outdoor adventures!
To learn more, visit the Junior Rangers webpage and Dreamworks’ webpage. To watch the new season of “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” visit Netflix.com/GabbysDollhouse.
For more information on this partnership, please contact marketing@parks.ca.gov.
 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: State Park Interpreter Series: State Park Interpreters help develop fun, interactive educational programs to help teach others about the historical and cultural significance of our parks and educate others on how to protect and preserve the environment. This webinar, on Thursday, August 4, 1-2 p.m., will cover everything from taking the assessment(s) to applying for a job. Click here to register today.
JOB SPOTLIGHTS
Staff Park and Recreation Specialist – Apply by Aug. 8, 2022: We are now hiring a Staff Park and Recreation Specialist in San Francisco, California. This position is responsible for coordinating visitor use, activities and events at Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, located in the city and county of San Francisco. Take the online assessment. Click here for more information.
Senior Park Aide – Apply by Aug. 18, 2022: We are now hiring a Senior Park Aide at Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area. The Senior Park Aide works under the supervision of the Prairie City Sector Manager and under the daily direction of the Prairie City State Park Interpreter I. This position assists with delivering interpretive and educational programs. Click here for more information.
Lifeguard I (Seasonal)-Tryouts – No deadline: Join California State Parks Aquatic Safety Division as a Lifeguard I (Seasonal). New dates have been listed for both Lake Lifeguard I (Seasonal) tryouts and Ocean Lifeguard I (Seasonal) tryouts. Complete the interest form below to Live the Parks Life in this exciting outdoor opportunity. 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
CEA – Chief, District Facilities Management Program – Apply by July 29, 2022: Join California State Parks Facilities and Park Maintenance Division in a leadership position. The CEA, Chief of District Facilities and Maintenance, advises State Parks leadership and the Governor's Office on critical park operations policy matters. This position provides expert testimony to the California State Legislature, Boards and Commissions on State Parks operations policy issues. Click here for more information.
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 – No deadline: 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 – No deadline: 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 Series – No deadline: 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
Job search – Graduating soon and looking for a California State Parks career? Start your job search six months before your graduation to begin the application and assessment process. Your degree is required by the time you are hired.
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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stand-alone: Hyphenate.
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versus/vs./v.: Spell it out in ordinary speech and writing. Example: The plan to create a program versus not is encouraged. In short expressions, the abbreviation “vs.” is allowed. Example: The issue of apples vs. oranges has been around for a while. For court cases, use “v.” Example: Brown v. Board of Education.
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temperatures: Use numbers for all temperatures except for zero. Do not use the minus sign—instead use the word “minus"—to indicate temperatures below zero. Examples: Today’s high is expected to be 55 degrees. The temperature today was minus 15. The temperature went up to zero by the afternoon.
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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How to Keep Homes Water-Smart and Fire-Safe
Story from: Save Our Water campaign
 California is entering fire season during a third year of severe drought. Due to extremely dry conditions statewide, all Californians need to think about fire safety. That is why Save Our Water, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Department of Water Resources have teamed up to provide Californians with recommendations on how to be fire-safe while conserving water during this fire season.
One recommendation is to keep your property lean and green to help protect your family and home. Defensible space, coupled with home hardening, is essential to improve your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. Defensible space is the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs or any wildland area that surround it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it helps protect your home from catching fire—either from embers, direct flame contact or radiant heat. Proper defensible space also provides firefighters a safe area to work in to defend your home.
Click here to learn how to protect your home or property by creating a defensible space.
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 Malibu Creek State Park
Park Aide Lena Buelow assisted Ranger Lee Hawkins in catching a red-tailed hawk with a wing injury. The hawk was reported by a hiker, who spotted the raptor sitting on the ground off trail and alerted rangers. Lena is a licensed falconer and was able to catch the hawk and assist in transporting it to the California Wildlife Center.
Photos from Lee Hawkins and Lena Buelow, Angeles District
 Carpinteria State Beach
Ranger Jaret Wrobel (Basic Visitors Services Training 47) just completed his second Campfire Program for his Field Training Program. In attendance was six-year-old Julia and her mom from Chino, California. Julia loved the State Parks shirt, sunglasses and Stetson that Wrobel brought for kids to put on. Future State Parks employee?
Photo from David Elias, Channel Coast District
 Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Staff from the Santa Cruz District pose in front of the drive-through tree inside the recently reopened park for day-use only. Visitors can make a reservation online or by phone (831) 338-8867.
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Top left: Forestry Aide Nicole Welsh and Senior Maintenance Aide Samantha Prieto move a log while working on a section of the trail. Right: The redwood trees are starting to regrow their limbs. Bottom left: Visitors Andre Duurvoort, his wife Raechel Duurvoort and two children, Zachariah and Adrian, explore burned trees inside the park.
Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Castle Crags State Park
Deborah Krajewski (left) during a hike with Hazel (middle) and Megan Russell from the Division of Boating and Waterways.
Photo from Deborah Krajewski, Director's Office
 Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Interpretive Senior Park Aides José Cabello and Sebastian Castillo hosted a hike for Latino Conservation Week (LCW) on Saturday, July 23, helping to provide access to the outdoors for the Latino/a/e community. We invited the local community to hike with us and experience the beauty of Redwood National and State Parks, specifically the James Irvine Trail and Fern Canyon. We hiked down to Fern Canyon then had lunch at Gold Bluffs Beach. Lunch was provided by our parks partner Redwood Parks Conservancy.
Photos from José Cabello, North Coast Redwoods District
 Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
The mighty North Coast Redwoods District (NCRD) Trail Crew take a moment for a photo to acknowledge their “job well done” in installing the seasonal footbridge (in the background) over the Smith River. Left to right: Zeppelin Estrada, Camryn Hall, George Evans, Cole Saxen, Nick Femenella and Tony Ventura (center front).
The NCRD Trail Crew is hiring! Reach out to Dee Dee Cathey (DeeDee.Cathey@parks.ca.gov) to learn how you can call this land of giant redwoods and pristine rivers your “office."
Photo from Erin Gates, North Coast Redwoods District
 Calaveras Big Trees State Park
The California Conservation Corps has been hard at work improving portions of the iconic North Grove Trail. Here a crew member takes tools while walking by the giant sequoias.
Photo from Lillie Oravetz, Central Valley District
 Tolowa Dunes State Park
A herd of Roosevelt elk eyeballs a lone ranger on patrol.
Photo from Simone DuRand, North Coast Redwoods District
 Shasta State Historic Park
Humans aren’t the only ones feeling the heat as temperatures have been over 100 degrees all week at the historic park. These wild turkeys are taking advantage of some early morning watering at the park.
Photo from Jonathan Sutliff, Northern Buttes District
 Richardson Grove State Park
Turkey vultures can soar high in the sky, searching for carrion (dead animals).
They are scavengers and can’t kill their prey. Notice their flat feet like a chicken. They have a keen sense of smell and can vomit for self-defense. Because they have bald heads, bits of carrion can’t adhere to their skin.
Photos from Ann Hagerman, North Coast Redwoods District
 Henry Cowell Redwoods
A doe and her spotted fawn.
Photo from Debbie Liles, Santa Cruz District
 Tule Elk State Nature Reserve
Top left: Burrowing owl staring down a ranger. Top right: Coyote enjoying some shade. Bottom left: A great horned owl taking a lunch break. Bottom right: An endanger Nathan's antelope squirrel runs for cover.
Photos from Justin Quesada, Great Basin District
 Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
The snakes have been active in Mitchell Caverns as the desert outside heats up. A variety of snakes, especially speckled rattlesnakes (Croatlus mitchellii) and gopher snakes (Pituophis cantenifer), use the interior of these caves for thermoregulation and hunt the rodents who live inside.
Photos from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District
 Schooner Gulch State Beach
The "bowling ball rocks" are only exposed at low tide.
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Salt Point State Park
Waves move around the rocks after sunset.
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument
Top: Sunrise over the central coast of California with Hearst Castle in the middle on Tuesday, July 19. Bottom left: Sunset over the castle on Monday, July 18. Right: Hearst Castle in the clouds on Monday, July 25.
Photos from Iain Beveridge, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Tolowa Dunes State Park
A creeping fog builds the mood at Dead Lake day-use area.
Photo from Simone DuRand, North Coast Redwoods District
 Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
The glassy surface of the Smith River, broken only by young fish hunting mosquitos, reflects a beautiful dusk evening.
Photo from Simone DuRand, North Coast Redwoods District
 Sacramento, California
The Mono County exhibit at the California State Fair this week, featuring two state parks: Bodie State Historic Park and Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve.
Photos from Rachel Young, Partnerships Division
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Creative Ways to Get Moving
Story and photo from: Brooke Haugen, Risk Management Division
 Cooling off during a hike at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.
Want to increase your physical activity while taking advantage of the summer season? Here are some simple, family-friendly ways to add physical activity to your routine:
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Try a new hobby: Whether paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, swimming, nature walks, bike riding, salsa dancing, DIY projects or something else, the favorable weather during the summer allows for all kinds of fun activities. Just be mindful of extreme heat, use sunscreen, stay hydrated and check air quality. For more safety tips, click here and to find a park near you, click here.
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Play with your kids: Anyone who has tried to keep up with a child knows what a great workout this can be. Toss around a ball (or kick it), play tag, jump rope, build forts, create obstacle courses—be creative! This not only helps create a bond, but also encourages healthy behaviors. Click here to see what State Parks has to offer for the kids—from Junior Rangers and Junior Lifeguards programs to exploration tools.
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Do some housekeeping and yardwork: Vacuuming, dusting and weeding, oh my! Taking time to clean or give your yard some TLC does more than add a shiny touch and curb appeal, you will also benefit from all the added physical movement.
To learn more ways to get moving this summer, visit the American Heart Association website.
Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area Staff Member Helps Visitors Arriving on Wrong Date
Dear Officer Mapes,
I'm writing to recognize the outstanding job performed by Jonah Hedlund, a seasonal park employee at Standish-Hickey SRA on Sunday and Monday, June 5th and 6th.
My family and I discovered Standish-Hickey in 1992 and have been camping there ever since, problem-free, until this summer. Somehow, I confused our reservation dates and Jonah, working at the kiosk, informed us we had arrived exactly one week early. As a result, our favorite campsite was occupied and we didn't have a current reservation. We briefly thought about driving home, about 4 hours, and returning the following week but quickly realized that wouldn't work because my wife was scheduled for cataract surgery. I felt pretty stupid, disoriented, and unsure of my options when Jonah reassured me that, "These things happen."
But Jonah didn't leave it at that. He volunteered that there were a number of vacant sites we could use and that our reservation and fees could possibly be applied to the current week. He was extremely gracious and helpful and I was chagrined, relieved, and grateful. Later, Jonah confirmed that our fees would apply to the revised time period and no additional payment or loss would be incurred.
Jonah was our hero for going above and beyond our expectations to rectify my mistake. I've always loved California State Parks and appreciated its staff, but Jonah gave me a new reason for praising and supporting the people who make the parks run well while serving the public.
To you, Jonah, thanks again! You earned a 5-star rating in my book and saved our vacation under the Douglas Fir and Tan Oaks of Standish-Hickey. My wife and I hope you're having a great rest-of-the-summer.
Cheers,
Bill & Diane
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July 27, 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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