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 August 5, 2022
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Año Nuevo State Park
This park is best known for its colony of massive elephant seals, but this adorable long-tailed weasel stole the show when it poked its head up on the trail on July 18!
Photo from Evan Weissman, Santa Cruz District docent naturalist
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Calling All Fourth and Fifth Graders to Get Their California State Park Adventure Pass
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
 The dog days of summer may be winding down, but your adventure is just beginning! Incoming fourth graders, did you know that beginning September 1, you can visit 19 selected state parks for FREE for one year with your California State Park Adventure Pass?
Plus, incoming fifth graders (past fourth graders), you can still access your Adventure Pass until August 31. This is a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy the outdoors before school starts.
Championed by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, whose California for All Kids initiatives support children’s physical, mental and social-emotional well-being, the California State Park Adventure Pass Program expands the opportunity for fourth graders and their families to enjoy the benefits of connecting with nature, with each other and with their communities.
Applying for the free pass online is simple. All that is needed is a name, address, phone number and an email address.Have your parent or guardian go to ReserveCalifornia.com or call (800) 444-7275. For individuals who do not have access to a smartphone, computer or printer, and/or do not have an email address to use when applying online, they can still apply for a pass by visiting a State Parks Pass Sales Office—click here for a list of locations—or by calling (800) 444-7275. For detailed information on the program and the list of participating park units, please visit parks.ca.gov/AdventurePass.
 
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Sierra District Staff A Hit on Livestream About Bear Safety
Story and photos from: Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division
Interpreter I Kaytlen Jackson shows a bear skull during the livestream at Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park.
Sierra District staff recently took to State Parks' Facebook page to help educate the public on everything about bears. The livestream, held on Wednesday, July 27, from Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, was a hit with the department’s Facebook followers. Staff provided some very important information about black bears, including how they need to consume between 20,000 to 24,000 calories a day to prepare for hibernation and how incredible their sense of smell is. Black bears can smell seven times better than a bloodhound and 7,000 times better than humans.
Interpreter I Kaytlen Jackson and Human-Bear Management Specialist Sarinah Simons also provided helpful tips on how visitors can keep their campsite tidy and bear-free by storing away ALL food or scented items (like deodorants or toothpaste) in a bear-proof bear box. Staff showed how even some of the strongest coolers are no match for bears' powerful claws and teeth when they are determined to get some of the tasty snacks visitors bring on their camping adventures.
Kaytlen and Sarinah also talked about what to do if a bear does show its powerful nose at campsites. They advised to stand your ground and not run away and make as much noise as possible to deter bears from entering your campsite. If you have pots and pans, use them to make loud noises or even your car horn is helpful. Also, don’t throw rocks at the bears.
Below are some helpful tips from TahoeBears.org:
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Do not feed bears or other wild animals. Bears that become accustomed to human food and garbage lose their natural fear of humans, which may lead to the injury of a person or euthanasia of the bear.
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Dispose of garbage properly. Litter and overflowing garbage cans provide bears with an endless source of food and teach them that being in human-occupied areas is easier than searching for natural foods.
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Never approach bears or cubs. Leave bears alone. Do not impose for sightseeing or photo-taking purposes. Always keep a safe distance.
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Prevent vehicle break-ins. Always remove any scented items from your vehicle, including items such as food wrappers, sunscreen, lip balm, hand lotion and scented air fresheners.
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Keep a clean campsite. Clean picnic tables and wash dishes after every use.
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Use bear lockers. Always store food and ice chests in bear lockers provided at campgrounds. If lockers are not available, use a bear-resistant ice chest and secure it with a padlock.
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Respect wildlife and keep your distance. Hike in groups. Stay alert and make noise to avoid surprising bears. Watch for bear signs, such as scat along trails or claw marks on trees. Keep dogs on a leash.
Staff also provided some dad jokes during the stream like “What do you call a bear without teeth? A gummy bear!” You can thank Sarinah for this awesome joke when you share it at your next camping trip.
The livestream currently has almost 7,000 views, reached over 12,400 people and more than 600 reactions, comments and shares. If you haven’t viewed it, click here.
 Interpreter I Kaytlen and Human-Bear Management Specialist Sarinah showed a messy campsite during the livestream at Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point SP.
Crystal Cove State Park Welcomes Japanese Americans Home
Story from: Blythe Wilson, Interpretation and Education Division, and Crystal Cove Conservancy
 From 1927 to 1942, the Irvine Ranch coastline (now part of Crystal Cove State Park) was home to more than a dozen Japanese American farming families, including the Miyada family pictured here at their produce stand. Both sides of the Coast Highway were laden with fields and families constructed homes and barns on this land. Some opened roadside produce market stands to sell crops both to local tourists and to Los Angeles, California, markets. Photo from the Don Miyada Collection.
As the kickoff for Crystal Cove Conservancy’s 2022 Speaker Series on Thursday, July 14, Conservancy President and CEO Kate Wheeler led a panel discussion at Crystal Cove State Park (SP) in the Japanese Language School/Cultural Center, on the Japanese American experience during World War II and beyond entitled “People and Place: The Japanese American Community at Crystal Cove and Orange County.”
In addition, I shared the oral histories, photographs and interpretation of the Japanese American farming community at Crystal Cove SP, expanding upon the efforts of retired State Park Historian Alexa Clausen, who wrote the report “Japanese History Project: Japanese Farm Sites.” The panel also explored the broader context of the times in Orange County during the World War II era from author Janice Munemitsu, author of “The Kindness of Color,” about two immigrant families working together against racism after World War II, and from activist Sandra Mendez Duran, daughter of Gonzalo Mendez, who helped in the fight to desegregate schools in Orange County.
The event focused on the Japanese American farming history in the area of what is now Crystal Cove SP. More than 70 people were in attendance, welcoming special guests Emiko Sakamoto Sugiura, Don Miyada, Takashi “Tak” Yamashita, who contributed their oral histories and photographs from their childhood spent in the Crystal Cove area prior to World War II and Executive Order 9066 issued by President Franklin Roosevelt on Feb. 19, 1942. During this time, issei (first-generation Japanese in the United States) and nisei (second-generation Japanese in the United States) families were incarcerated in camps or left the coast to avoid imprisonment, leaving behind the farms and homes they had built for over a decade.
The event emphasized the current and future significance of the Japanese Language School/Cultural Center as a place of remembrance, learning, community building and healing.
Click here to view a virtual version of the 2008 exhibits and here to complete a survey to provide your feedback and inform future interpretation and education at Crystal Cove State Park. Also, click here to view the video of the July 14 event.
 Photos of Emiko Sugiura with her family and during her childhood. Emiko was born in Pacific Beach, California, and lived in Laguna Beach, California, from 1929 to 1942. She recalls, “We went to the beach a lot and hiked the hills. We enjoyed picnics with our neighbors at Orange County Park … I danced in kimono at the Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts and also in the Nisei Week parade in Los Angeles.” Photos from Emiko Sugiura, Monterey Park, California.
 Top: Panel discussion event at Crystal Cove State Park. Photo from Crystal Cove Conservancy. Bottom right: Special guests at the event (left to right): Emiko Sakamoto Sugiura, Don Miyada and Takashi “Tak” Yamashita. Photos from Crystal Cove Conservancy. Bottom left: Don Miyada, who was a student at the Japanese Language School, recalls learning about culture, joining community gatherings and enjoying games at the softball field. This photo was taken school year 1937-38. Photo from the Don Miyada Collection.
Kids Experience Wonders of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Story from: Alec Knapp, Monterey District
 Exploring the tide pools at Weston Beach at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Photo from Isabella Brown, Monterey District.
If you’ve ever spent any time at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (Point Lobos), you’ve probably asked yourself, “Why didn’t I come here sooner?” From the sweeping ocean views to the colorful flora and abundance of wildlife, Point Lobos provides a feast for the senses. What better place to hold a summer camp for kids?
Established in 2009, the Point Lobos Summer Adventures Program is an outdoor day camp for kids, ages 8-12, run by California State Parks’ Monterey District interpretive staff. The goal of the program is to expose children to the joys of exploring and recreating in parks. The program is based at Point Lobos but includes visits to numerous local parks. Activities include hiking, tide pooling, art projects, habitat restoration, whale watching, rock climbing, kayaking and nature journaling. Two-week sessions typically start in June and run until the end of July.
One of the parents of a child who participated in this season's Summer Adventures said, “After two weeks of activity and time outside, my daughter realized how much she enjoys being in and exploring nature and is actually ASKING to hike!” Another parent said: “We had heard about the program to be well organized and beneficial, and we immediately realized the dedication of the staff/volunteers and the quality and organization of an excellent program.”
Registration for next summer’s program opens March 2023. You can learn more about the program by contacting me at alec.knapp@parks.ca.gov.
 Campers keeping eyes peeled for a spout or breach on a whale watching tour in Monterey Bay. Photo from Alec Knapp, Monterey District.
Stargazing Strolls a Summertime Success
Story from: Ian Bernstein, Inland Empire District
 Chino Hills State Park, in partnership with the Chino Hills State Park Interpretive Association, hosted the park’s annual Stargazing Strolls event this past weekend, July 30 and 31. This special after-hours event is always in demand and went off without a hitch.
The forecast was less than ideal for stargazing, with cloudy skies the whole weekend, but the winds were on our side and parted the clouds just long enough for the over 40 attendees to identify the key summer constellations.
 The night started at 9 p.m. with a presentation on how to find key constellations such as the Big Dipper, Little Dipper, Cygnus, Scorpio, Sagittarius and the Summer Triangle. We also pointed out how to locate individual stars such as Polaris, Deneb, Altair and Vega, along with the only visible planet in the sky, Saturn.
After the presentation, the stroll began along the 1/4-mile section of paved roadway within the park as we looked skyward and found the constellations, stars and planets in real time (with the help of some star-finding phone apps). Upon reaching the destination overlook point, attendees were given a lesson in cell phone astrophotography and had a chance to snap some decent photos while learning about city light pollution and its effect on the night sky.
 After walking back to the amphitheater, all visitors were then able to use the park’s telescope to view Saturn and its rings.
All event attendees were so engaged with the program that even at the event's end time of 11 p.m., nobody wanted to leave. The No. 1 question of the night was: “When is the next one?” Sadly, the park only offers these nighttime strolls in the park for two nights over summer season, but our interpreter plans to bring out the telescope for more winter and springtime programs in the future.
State Park Peace Officers Recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers
Story from: Brian Carroll, Division of Boating and Waterways; Richard Preston-LeMay, Gold Fields District; and Aaron Wright, Northern Buttes District
 Left to right: State Park Ranger Joseph "Taylor” Jackson (Sierra District), Folsom Sector Superintendent Richard Preston-LeMay (Gold Fields District), Supervising Ranger Scott Modeste (Gold Fields District), State Park Lifeguard Andrew Helble (Gold Fields District), State Park Superintendent II Peter Estes (Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division) and Supervising Ranger Kathy Searl (Sierra District). Not present: State Park Ranger Dylan Ayache (Northern Buttes District), Supervising Ranger Christopher Glenn (Northern Buttes) and Ryan Gray (Northern Buttes District). Photo from Joanna Andrade, Division of Boating and Waterways.
The Sacramento chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) honored California state park peace officers from the Sierra, Northern Buttes and Gold Fields Districts on Tuesday, July 19, for their contributions in removing impaired drivers and vessel operators from State Parks roadways and waterways.
MADD presented a plaque and 23152 (California Vehicle Code section for driving under the influence) pin to each of the top arrest-producing officers in their respective districts over the course of one year. State Park Ranger Taylor Jackson was honored for having 16 arrests, State Park Lifeguard Andrew Helble was honored for having 12 arrests, and State Park Ranger Dylan Ayache was honored for having seven arrests. Supervising Ranger Scott Modeste was awarded a Community Champion Award for his relentless commitment to the MADD mission and for his ongoing communication with the Sacramento MADD team members coordinating MADD events at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.
Supervising Ranger Christopher Glenn and State Park Ranger Ryan Gray were mentioned as nominees for the Outstanding Officer award. MADD presents the Outstanding Officer award to officers who have made a difference in the last year by going above and beyond in the areas of education, prevention, policy and enforcement and whose efforts impact reducing alcohol-related death or injury. The officers assigned to Glenn consistently have the highest number of DUI arrests for the Northern Buttes District and often receive MADD awards. In 2021 they accounted for 53% of all of the DUI arrests for the Northern Buttes District, despite his team only representing 12% of the rangers in our district. Gray as a rookie ranger just off of his field training was passionate about preventing these impaired drivers from hurting or killing someone in the communities we work in. He accounted for 15% of the entire district’s DUI arrests.
The Division of Boating and Waterways, Marine Law Enforcement Training Unit, boating under the influence (BUI) instructor cadre and training coordinator were recognized for their efforts to educate marine patrol officers on how to assess and subsequently make arrests of impaired vessel operators. They were awarded the Cynthia and Sophie Peterlin award for outstanding service. This award is given to those who provide extraordinary service in BUI enforcement and education by taking a proactive approach to implementing and developing BUI training. The sole notion is to seek out and remove boaters who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Over the past six years, the instructor cadre have delivered 21 BUI classes, teaching over 315 maritime deputies and officers the necessary skills to detect boaters who are under the influence.
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PARTNER NEWS
NBC Bay Area’s ‘OpenRoad’ Features Celebration of Joint Operations Agreement Between Yurok Tribe and State Parks
Story and photo from: Alfred Torres III, Parks California
 Members of the Yurok Tribe, California State Parks and partners celebrate the ribbon cutting at Stone Lagoon Visitors Center.
NBC Bay Area’s Open Road with Doug McConnell featured the celebration on Sunday, July 31, of the joint operations agreement between California State Parks and the Yurok Tribe at the Stone Lagoon Visitor Center at Humboldt Lagoons State Park. Stone Lagoon Visitor Center is the first tribally operated visitor center in California's State Park System.
The feature, "Yurok Tribe Makes History on California North Coast," covered many of the leadership and teams who made the partnership possible and touched on the significance of this agreement—bringing more Indigenous voices into the parks. McConnell also highlighted the efforts to reintroduce the California condor (Prey-go-neesh) back into their native habitat.
The Parks California team is thankful to all the partners and leadership who coordinated with us to make this piece possible. We are humbled to be a part of this work and so honored to create opportunities that share relevant stories of the partnerships created to support parks throughout California.
 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
 JOB SPOTLIGHTS
Maintenance Mechanic – Apply by Aug. 11, 2022: We are now hiring a Maintenance Mechanic at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (SRA). This position is responsible for a wide variety of skilled tasks in maintenance, alteration and repair of buildings and mechanical systems. Take the online assessment. Click here for more information.
Deputy Director, Information Technology Division (CIO) – Apply by Aug. 15, 2022: California State Parks is now hiring a Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead our Information Technology Division. As the CIO, you will be responsible for the development of departmental IT strategic direction, technology operations and technology recovery plans. 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.
District Superintendent I – Apply by Sept. 9, 2022: A fantastic leadership role is available in the San Diego Coast District. California State Parks seeks to hire a District Superintendent (DS) I with strong interpersonal sensitivity, written and verbal communication skills, decision-making skills, positive leadership skills, as well as tact and diplomacy to supervise all the core program managers in the district. The DS I will oversee the district's liaisons with cooperating associations, nonprofit partners, Proud Partners, volunteer groups and community groups. Click here for more information.
Lifeguard I (Seasonal) Tryouts – Dates vary: Join California State Parks Aquatic Safety Division as a Lifeguard I (Seasonal). New tryout dates have been listed for both Lake Lifeguard I (Seasonal) and Ocean Lifeguard I (Seasonal) positions. Complete the interest form below to "Live the Parks Life" in this exciting outdoor opportunity. Click here for more information.
Seasonal/Part-Time – Dates vary: 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 – 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
Volunteer - Knowing your skills, accomplishments, interests and values is the foundation of career success. Volunteer experience can be a great way to learn more about yourself and your potential. How about becoming a California State Parks volunteer! Click here for more information on how to become a Volunteers in Parks participant.
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!
Bay Area District Senior Park Aide Cindi Whitehead Retiring After Almost 30 Years
Story and photos from: Cindi Whitehead, Bay Area District
 Left: Cindi Whitehead at Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Right: Cindi Whitehead at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park kiosk in June 2007. Whitehead said the kiosk has since been torn down.
After nearly 30 years, full- or part-time here and there, I am retiring from my senior park aide career with California State Parks on September 10.
I was once asked, “When are you going to get a real job?” Ha! Many stories to tell over my park career. I have worked at many parks and with great rangers, maintenance, resources and other park staff and volunteers. I have had many rewarding experiences. I even worked with roads and trails and with Natural Resources. What an awesome experience.
This has been a great and wild ride with California State Parks, and I have made many friends along the way and felt I was really contributing to the State Park System. I was also once told that, as far as the public may be concerned, I was the Parks staff member they saw in the entrance station. Why? Because I may be the only state park person they ever meet and it was up to me to provide that welcoming presence. Maintenance staff and volunteers usually have the first contact with members of the public, along with rangers, of course.
It has been an honor to work for California State Parks as long as I have and being part of the park family.
I started at Angel Island State Park, was trained at Samuel P. Taylor State Park, worked all over and returned to Samuel P. Taylor. In between I worked at Mount Tamalpais, my favorite mountain!
I thank so many of you! All of you are in my heart and mind. This is and has been the best job EVER! It resonates my very soul.
 Top: Cindi Whitehead with Ma’ali and Cooper, her volunteer dogs, at Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Bottom: Mount Tamalpais State Park.
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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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kickoff/kick off: One word when used as a noun. Example: As a kickoff to the event, we had a picnic. Two words when used as a verb. Example: The program kicks off with an icebreaker activity.
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%: Acceptable to use the % symbol. Always use a numeral, even if under 10. Example: She is in the top 5% of her class.
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exclamation point: OK to sparingly use to express a high degree of surprise, incredulity or other strong emotion; however, avoid overuse and end mildly exclamatory sentences with a period.
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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 Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
The Lifeguard Team ready and motivated for a busy 2022 summer.
Photo from Ben Jensen, Oceano Dunes District
 Trinidad State Beach
North Coast Redwoods District Junior Lifeguards are off and running hard this summer! The Junior Lifeguard program is offering a total of nine one-week sessions throughout the summer. Pictured above is session 5.
Photo from Keven Harder, North Coast Redwoods District
 Van Damme State Park
Craig Comen, owner and operator of Kayak Mendocino, took time away from his tours and gave our Junior Lifeguards great instruction and a memorable sea cave kayaking experience on Tuesday, August 2. I was impressed with the amount of seamanship, oceanography and marine biology Craig was able to share with the group within one session. The Junior Lifeguards also were able to do a snorkeling session off of Van Damme Beach, which was chock-full of marine life.
Photos from Loren M. Rex, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District
 Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Volunteer Trail Crew co-coordinator Paul Schwarz on Wednesday, July 27. The volunteers were cleaning up Bullfrog Pond Campground, along with a group from Youth Ecology Corps. The volunteer Trail Crew was focusing on ladder fuel reduction, burn pile construction, firewood processing and taking care of small dead trees.
Photo from Rich Lawton, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District
 Auburn State Recreation Area
The park held a Junior Ranger program on Saturday, July 30, in the Oregon Hill Area. The Junior Rangers learned how scat and skulls are clues to animal survival. Interpretive Aide Kevin Rick waves behind the scat and skull display.
Photo from Joseph Shanahan, Gold Fields District
 Auburn State Recreation Area
Senior Park Aide Joseph Shanahan and Mounted Assistance Unit volunteer Diane Dull introduced her horse, April, and discussed horse adaptations as part of the Junior Ranger program. Diane rode down on April, and participants saw April’s teeth by feeding her sugar cubes, learned about trail safety and even got to witness some fresh horse scat!
Photo from Roger Groghan, Gold Fields District
 Wilder Ranch State Park
Santa Cruz District interpretive staff had their monthly meeting on the steps of the Meder House.
Photo from Susan Blake, Santa Cruz District
 Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
Park Maintenance Aide Taylor Costello replaces an old road sign with a new sign, making it easier for new visitors to find a popular day-use area.
Photo from Pablo Lopez, Central Valley District
 Sonoma Coast State Park
Officer S. Luna contacting a van parked off-road along Goat Rock Road.
Photo from T. Nealy, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District
 Linden, California
State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Supervisor Sasha Wessitsh and his K-9 partner, Ben, along with SPPO Alex Lucero and her K-9 partner, Rex. On June 26, both teams participated in San Joaquin County's 2022 Sheriff K-9 Trials in Linden, California. They won a total of 10 awards, including several first place overall titles, after competing against multiple K-9 teams from law enforcement agencies all over Northern California.
If interested in becoming a K-9 handler or hosting a K-9 training within your district, please reach out to Mike Gleckler (michael.gleckler@parks.ca.gov) or James Grennan (james.grennan@parks.ca.gov).
Photo from Mike Gleckler, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division
 Marsh Creek State Historic Park
District Interpretation and Education Manager and Acting Cultural Resources Manager for the Diablo Range District Elise E. McFarland pets a horse on the property.
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Hollister, California
Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area staff hosted an interpretative and educational booth at the annual City of Hollister Police Department National Night Out on Tuesday, August 2. Left to right: Interpretation Senior Park Aide Meaghan Cathcart and Visitor Services Park Aide Kennedie Frost and Visitor Services Senior Park Aide Robert Bessa.
Photo from Matthew Lohr, Diablo Range District
Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
Intern Andrew Charter (U.S. Air Force), Human-Bear Management Specialist Sarinah Simons, Interpreter I Kaytlen Jackson and intern Stacy Pritts (U.S. Air Force) set the scene for the bear safety livestream held on July 27.
Photo from Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
It’s butterfly season in the park. Every year I take photos of the same species of butterflies, and every year is just as exciting as the last. Sometimes I ask myself, “How many photos of this plant or butterfly do I need?” My answer is always “All of them.” Featured is the white checkered-skipper (Burnsius albescens Plötz) on gumplant.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Left: Mylitta crescents (Phyciodes mylitta) on salt heliotrope. Middle: Melissa blue (Plebejus melissa) warming up in the morning. Right: Narrow-leafed milkweed with a tarantula hawk (Pepsis) flying away from it.
Photos from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
Giant blazing star in bloom.
Photo from Catherine Jones, Sierra District
 Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park
Sunset along Lake Natoma.
Photo from Devin Smartwood, Gold Fields District
 California Citrus State Historic Park
Sunrise over the expansive landscape and rows citrus trees.
Photo from Samantha Alonso, Inland Empire District
 Sue-meg State Park
Scenes from Sue-meg Village and the Ceremonial Rock Steps Trail.
Photos from An Phan, Statewide Bond Office
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
You Can’t Outrun a Bad Diet
Story from: Brooke Haugen, Risk Management Division
Have you ever tried to increase your physical activity in hopes to better manage your weight, but notice very little or no change? The secret may actually be in the food you’re consuming. Unfortunately, physical activity only gets our bodies so far. Nutrition and how you fuel your body is where the real changes will happen.
Here are some tools that can help keep nutrition in check:
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Know how much you are eating. Little bites here and there of your kids’ snacks, the creamer in your coffee, measuring out sauces, dressings and spreads … all of these things add up throughout the day and are often overlooked when we think back to our overall calories.
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The fix: Try logging your food every day for a week to get a good picture (tedious I know, but effective). This can be done by keeping a written journal, phone notes or using an app.
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Know how to “build a meal.” Many of our plates get filled with an improper balance of proteins, carbs and fats. Knowing how to put these together at each meal will help with satiety (feeling of fullness and satisfaction), micro and macro-nutrient sufficiency, and decreased likelihood of overconsumption.
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The fix: Calculate how much of each (protein, carbs and fat) you should be eating daily, use a logging tool and follow this guideline: Healthy Eating Plate.
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Plan ahead. Instead of going through a drive-through or picking up gas station snacks, if you know you’re going to be on the go, plan and pack nutritious things ahead of time.
Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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Latino Outdoors Thanks North Coast Redwoods District and National Park Service Staff
Story and photo from: Erin Gates, North Coast Redwoods District
A group of Latino Outdoors leaders stayed at the Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) Wolf Creek Outdoor School for a weeklong retreat in mid-July. Each day, staff from various programs gave them an opportunity to experience a behind-the-scenes look at our park.
Well over 20 State Parks and National Park Service staff were involved in the various activities. Some of the activities included trail brushing at Sue-meg State Park with an interpretive tour of Sue-meg Village and a Redwood Rising half-day tour in greater Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
One of the group leaders shared a thank you letter:
Hi Erin,
I just wanted to take a minute to extend my sincere gratitude for partnering with you on our Volunteer Vacation in partnership with Latino Outdoors. It was a huge privilege to get to work with you and share the amazing work you’re doing in the Redwoods with the LO [Latino Outdoors] volunteers. From what they have shared with us, it was an incredibly impactful trip and I am so grateful for all the time, effort and energy you and the rest of the NPS / state park staff put into meeting with us and sharing the magic of the Redwoods. The meetings with the park staff, foresters and biologists were hugely appreciated and everyone felt very grateful for the opportunity to see the “inside look” into the work being done at so many different levels. Thank you so much!
Ellie Place | Programs Manager
AMERICAN HIKING SOCIETY
 Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) Superintendent Steve Mietz (far left) and North Coast Redwoods District (NCRD) Deputy Superintendent Erin Gates (far right) met with Latino Outdoors leaders from across California and Colorado to discuss inclusivity and community collaboration opportunities within RNSP and NCRD.
State Park Peace Officer T.J. McHenry Helps Visitors With 'Slithery' Situation at Mount Diablo State Park
A few weeks ago I was camping with my family at Live Oak campground. My two year old daughter and I walked into one of the bathrooms and got trapped inside with a rattlesnake. The rattlesnake was rattling at first (I must have disturbed him when I opened the door) but calmed down and started to go outside under the door and ended up curling up right in front of the door (with us still inside). We were terrified. My husband called the park service and got in touch with Officer McHenry who then came and caught the snake and freed us from the bathroom. The situation could have been much much worse and I am forever grateful to Officer McHenry for saving us. I just wanted to say thank you. He is our hero!
Shelby Edgar
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August 2, 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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