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 August 19, 2022
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 Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
A tranquil photo of buckwheat on the bluffs.
Photo from Naftali Moed, Bay Area District
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Applications Now Being Accepted for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program Grants
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
California State Parks is now accepting applications from public entities to provide outdoor recreational experiences to their communities through the federal Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP). In the sixth phase of this competitive grant program, a total of $192 million is available nationwide for communities with limited or no access to publicly available, close-by, outdoor recreation opportunities.
“Everyone deserves to have access to high-quality outdoor experiences,” stated State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “A pool, hiking trails, picnic areas and soccer fields can bring people, families, and communities together and build healthy communities. We invite public entities to compete for this program.”
ORLP is a federal National Park Service grant program established in 2014 and funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The program funds the acquisition or development of new parks, or substantially renovate parks in economically disadvantaged cities or towns of at least 30,000 people. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, state agencies, federally recognized Native American Tribes, Joint Powers Authorities where all members are public agencies, park districts, and special districts with authority to acquire, operate and maintain public park and recreation areas. The maximum grant request amount per application for this round is $10 million.
For more on this program and how to apply for these grants, click here.
California Biodiversity Day Events Planned Across State Parks From September 3-11
Story from: Leah Gardner, Natural Resources Division
 This year marks the fourth annual celebration of California Biodiversity Day since it was first established in 2018 by Governor Jerry Brown, along with the Biodiversity Initiative. Since then, several executive orders and other actions by the Newsom Administration—such as the 30 x 30 Conservation Strategy—have built on this foundation to understand and protect our state’s unique and precious natural resources.
So far 20 state parks representing 11 districts will be hosting Biodiversity Day events this year all over the state—from Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in the north to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park in the south. Visit the Biodiversity webpage to see details of these events ranging from tide pool tours and bird walks to bioblitzes and webinars.
Bioblitzes use iNaturalist to engage community scientists to record observations that contribute to our knowledge of the distribution of California’s amazing plant and animal life. Of any state in the country, California has both the highest total number of species and the highest number of endemic species (i.e., those that occur nowhere else). California also has the most rare and imperiled species of any state with more than 30% of California’s species threatened with extinction. California is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and one of 36 Global Biodiversity Hotspots designated by Conservation International.
If your park would like to participate in the Biodiversity Day with an event or for more information, contact Leah Gardner at Leah.Gardner@parks.ca.gov.
State Parks for All Summer Photo Contest in Full Swing
Story from: Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division
 Children creating seed balls at San Clemente State Beach. Is your park unique for its fun activities? Photo from California State Parks.
With summer winding down, many of the 279 state parks continue to be busy with visitors exploring the mountains, rivers, lakes, beaches and historic places. With more and more Californians visiting the outdoors, the department’s employee/volunteer summer photo contest—“State Parks for All”—is the perfect time to capture memorable moments and share why it’s important to have access to the state’s iconic parks.
Spending time in nature has many benefits to our well-being from boosting our mood to feeling rejuvenated, both mentally and physically. With so many recreational activities like hiking, camping, swimming, off-highway vehicle recreation, wildlife viewing, scenic views, exploring historical buildings and outdoor programs like the Junior Ranger or Lifeguard programs, these are ways to showcase why your state parks are for all. Whether you’re an interpreter, campground host, office staff, ranger or lifeguard, you all capture remarkable moments. Be creative and showcase the importance of the outdoors and the many wonders found in the state’s 279 parks.
The “State Parks for All” photo contest runs from June 24 through Sept. 12, 2022. If your photos include people who are non-state park employees or volunteers, remember to include a Visual Media Consent form (DPR 993).
To be eligible to participate, you must be a State Parks employee or park volunteer and submit your photos to the Weekly Digest. Provide a brief caption description of your “State Parks for All” photo and the name of the state park in which the photo was taken. The Communications and Marketing team will announce the top five photos in late September. The photos will be showcased in the Weekly Digest as well as State Parks’ social media channels with their photo credit.
Here are the rules and criteria for the photo contest:
- Submit photos to the Weekly Digest email address with the subject line “State Parks for All.”
- Photos must be taken between June 24–Sept. 12, 2022.
- Photos with images of non-park staff must include a Visual Media Consent form (DPR 993).
- Photos can be taken at any of California’s 279 state parks.
- Only State Park employees and volunteers can enter the contest.
- Photos will be judged on photo quality, uniqueness, moment captured and content.
- The top five photos chosen will be shared on California State Parks’ social media channels and in the Weekly Digest.
- Photos will be judged by the Communications and Marketing team (who is not eligible to participate in the contest).
- Photo images should be a minimum of 1920×2400 ppi.
If you have any questions on the contest, please send an email to the Weekly Digest. And if you have any new photo contest ideas, email us your suggestions.
 Is your state parks for all for the amazing views seen at night or day? Night views at Emerald Bay State Park. Photo from California State Parks.
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California State Library Parks Pass A Hit With Californians
Story from: Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division
 Have you checked out the California State Library Parks Pass yet to visit more than 200 participating state park units?
The California State Library Parks Pass is a hit with California library cardholders! Launched in early April, State Parks partnered with the California State Library as an additional opportunity to advance safe and equitable outdoor access to all Californians. The pass has been one of the most sought-after items to check out at state libraries. Through this program, 5,000 day-use passes have been provided to over 1,100 library branches, with a greater number of passes being provided to library branches in areas with high population density and high poverty index percentage. The pass provides free day use access to more than 200 parks throughout the state. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the pass, later this year State Parks will be increasing the total number of passes available and expanding to include tribal libraries as a part of the program.
The way the pass works is anyone with a state library-card can check out the pass at their local library for the allotted number of days allowed by the library, then they return the pass to the library for others to use. A recent survey by library patrons who have checked out the pass found that 39% plan to visit state parks seven or more times per year thanks to the free vehicle day-use pass. Additionally, 38% said they plan to visit state parks three to six times a year and 17% said they would visit one to two times a year.
Here’s what’s being said about the new pass by library cardholders:
- We love our library for many reasons: checking out lots of books, classes, special programs, reading incentives. We homeschool so we check out a lot of books at once and the librarians are always very accommodating. We love the option to use the state park pass to get in free to see new places and to revisit places we love.
- The entry cost to state parks usually puts me off. Having the pass made it super accessible. Also brought me into the library where I signed up for a reading program and checked out other items that I never would've thought they'd have (a game and an electric drill!).
- With the library parks pass, in just one day, my husband and I were able to check out 6 different central coast beaches and parks we were interested in staying at. We will be retiring this year and now we have several parks we know we want to invest more time in experiencing and exploring. My son was able to make a more informed choice for his upcoming vacation after he and I visited some So Cal beaches with the pass I checked out with my library card. More than likely we will purchase a pass in the near future! Thanks for making this available!
State Parks would like to thank the California State Library for the amazing success of the pass thus far and the continued work. Detailed information on the new California State Library Parks Program, including full terms and conditions, is available online at CheckOutCAStateParks.com. For more information on all the new parks pass programs, please visit parks.ca.gov/CaliforniaOutdoorsForAll.
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The California State Library Parks Pass is a hit with California library cardholders! Launched in early April, State Parks partnered with the California State Library as an additional opportunity to advance safe and equitable outdoor access to all Californians. The pass has been one of the most sought-after items to check out at state libraries. Through this program, 5,000 day-use passes have been provided to over 1,100 library branches, with a greater number of passes being provided to library branches in areas with high population density and high poverty index percentage. The pass provides free day use access to more than 200 parks throughout the state. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the pass, later this year State Parks will be increasing the total number of passes available and expanding to include tribal libraries as a part of the program.
The way the pass works is anyone with a state library-card can check out the pass at their local library for the allotted number of days allowed by the library, then they return the pass to the library for others to use. A recent survey by library patrons who have checked out the pass found that 39% plan to visit state parks seven or more times per year thanks to the free vehicle day-use pass. Additionally, 38% said they plan to visit state parks three to six times a year and 17% said they would visit one to two times a year.
Here’s what’s being said about the new pass by library cardholders:
- We love our library for many reasons: checking out lots of books, classes, special programs, reading incentives. We homeschool so we check out a lot of books at once and the librarians are always very accommodating. We love the option to use the state park pass to get in free to see new places and to revisit places we love.
- The entry cost to state parks usually puts me off. Having the pass made it super accessible. Also brought me into the library where I signed up for a reading program and checked out other items that I never would've thought they'd have (a game and an electric drill!).
- With the library parks pass, in just one day, my husband and I were able to check out 6 different central coast beaches and parks we were interested in staying at. We will be retiring this year and now we have several parks we know we want to invest more time in experiencing and exploring. My son was able to make a more informed choice for his upcoming vacation after he and I visited some So Cal beaches with the pass I checked out with my library card. More than likely we will purchase a pass in the near future! Thanks for making this available!
State Parks would like to thank the California State Library for the amazing success of the pass thus far and the continued work. Detailed information on the new California State Library Parks Program, including full terms and conditions, is available online at CheckOutCAStateParks.com. For more information on all the new parks pass programs, please visit parks.ca.gov/CaliforniaOutdoorsForAll.
 Chart from a recent survey showing how many times library cardholders plan to visit state parks with the California State Library Parks Pass.
Division of Boating and Waterways Participates in 'Unity in the Community'
Story from: Joanna Andrade and Melissa Miranda, Division of Boating and Waterways
 Left to right: Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) Program Analyst Maureen Teixeria, DBW Manager Joanna Andrade and Sacramento County Sheriff Deputy Mike Keegan. Photo from Joanna Andrade, Division of Boating and Waterways.
The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) staff attended “Unity in the Community” in Rio Linda, California, on July 24, working alongside the marine patrol unit to distribute 100 life jackets and educate the public on safe boating practices.
The free family event is hosted by the Sacramento County Sherriff's Department and features live and static displays of current and past law enforcement vehicles and operations. It’s an opportunity for the public to engage with local law enforcement in a positive way. Sacramento County Sheriff Marine Patrol Unit was one of the featured law enforcement units at the last community event.
This event is mutually beneficial for both DBW and law enforcement and showcases positive outreach and education on safe boating and water recreation.
Smokey Bear Celebrates 78th Birthday at Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Story from: Nic Gunvaldson, North Coast Redwoods District
 CAL FIRE, State Parks and Smokey Bear joined forces to educate park visitors about fire safety at Smokey’s birthday bash put on by our partners at Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Association. Photo from California State Parks.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park (HRSP) and the Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Association (HRIA) celebrated the 78th birthday of Smokey Bear on Thursday, August 18. This event, which was proceeded by a weeklong, livestream videos series on HRSP’s Facebook page about cultural burning, pyrophytic (fire-adapted) plants and the history of the Smokey Bear campaign drew in over 150 visitors to the Campfire Center near Burlington Campground. Visitors from all over the globe learned about Smokey's history, "good fire" and fire ecology, about black bears in the park and, most importantly, what they can do to help prevent destructive wildland fires.
Before the event started, kids and families learned about Smokey and participate in some fun activities from HRSP Interpreter Cleo Dominguez and learned about black bears (Ursus americanus) from State Park Peace Officer Estephen Gonzalez.
Volunteers from HRIA kicked off the event with a sing-along before HRIA manager Mary Kaufman walked visitors through the history of Smokey Bear. "Smokey" was designed by the U.S. Forest Service as a fictional bear in 1944 that would help educate the public about fire prevention. This image of a bear pouring water over a fire became extremely popular and by 1947 had spread (like wildfire) across the country and had even developed a catchphrase, "Only YOU can prevent forest fires!” In 1950, fiction became fact when fire broke out in the Capitan Mountains and firefighters rescued a young, badly burned bear cub from the blaze. They named him Smokey, and after rehabilitating his wounds, he spent the rest of his life in comfort at the National Zoo in Washington DC.
HRIA staff completed the program by singing the Smokey Bear song, which—this time, at least—roused Smokey from his slumber and enticed him to visit the event. He arrived escorted by firefighters from the CAL FIRE Weott Station and members of Miranda Volunteer Fire Department under firetruck lights and sirens. CAL FIRE then spoke briefly about the importance of not starting fires, having a fire safety plan and what to do and whom to call (911) when a fire does occur. Following this, visitors had fun taking photos with Smokey and using a hose to put out a simulated fire. Then everyone ate cupcakes.
HRIA Director Sophia Eckert told me afterward that she was "thrilled everyone could come and take part in the celebration of this special birthday." Sophia wanted to thank all the staff and volunteers who did such a good job putting this together, our local CAL FIRE and volunteer fire departments, and of course, Smokey, for once again choosing to spend his birthday at Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
New Exhibit Shows Real-Life Specimens of the Minerals of Minecraft at California State Mining and Mineral Museum
Story and photos from: Natalie Sanman, Central Valley District
 The main Minecraft exhibit shows some rocks and minerals from the museum’s collection that were not previously on display.
At the California State Mining and Mineral Museum, a new exhibit compares rocks and minerals found in the popular video game Minecraft to real-life specimens. Minecraft draws many parallels with real-life rocks, minerals, and geology, however not everything is accurate. In the blocky world of Minecraft, players travel through nearly infinite terrain to collect materials and mine for minerals. Then, these resources can be used to craft items like tools, build structures, and to make simple machines. The game is well known for its educational value and for promoting creativity, teamwork, and problem solving.
In the main exhibit, select minerals from Minecraft are displayed. Each one has a cube resembling how it looks in Minecraft, next to the real-life specimen. A display card summarizes how it is mined and used in Minecraft compared to the real world. Some Minecraft minerals are made up, and so a real-life mineral with similar qualities is substituted. Throughout the museum, there are a few more Minecraft minerals next to real-life specimens that were already on exhibit, such as gold ore or lodestone.
A new Junior Ranger scavenger hunt was also launched with the exhibit, so kids can now choose between a regular or Minecraft themed scavenger hunt to earn their Junior Ranger badges. Minecraft is especially popular with Junior Ranger aged kids. Having a scavenger hunt that relates to something kids already care and know about is a great way to hook them into the rocks, minerals, geology, and mining history already on display at the museum. However, the exhibit has been popular with Minecraft lovers of all ages.
 Top: Gold ore and lodestone were already on exhibit, so a Minecraft card was added to the displays. Bottom left: Prismarine is a mineral that Minecraft made up, so aquamarine is substituted. Bottom right: At first glance, lapis lazuli in Minecraft seems like real-life lapis lazuli, but the uses and geology differ slightly. In Minecraft, you can use lapis lazuli to dye your sheep blue.
Rebuilding the Other Mill at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Story and photos from: Jerrie Beard, Gold Fields District
 Park maintenance staff and volunteers help anchor the new base onto the stamp mill frame.
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park (SHP) interprets the gold discovery that started the California Gold Rush. Beyond that discovery, interpretive signs and displays cover the many ways that gold was mined and processed in California. One of the displays is of a working stamp mill used to crush gold bearing quartz to free the mineral contained within. Well, it used to be working. Time and dry rot had taken a toll, and the sagging stamp mill has been non-functional for a couple of years.
That is until recently. With the help of Jason Smith from Argos Timber Works in Jackson, the maintenance staff at the park is rebuilding the stamp mill from the ground up and hopes to have it back online by the fall.
On Thursday, August 11, Jason and the maintenance crew (Park Maintenance Supervisor Pat Metcalf, Worker 1 Derek Kettenhofen and Maintenance Aide Dave Teves), with the assistance of Heavy Equipment Operator Steven Barnett, and park volunteers Mike Judd, Ed Allen and Norm Allen, replaced the base of the stamp mill, which had become the victim of dry rot and termites. The lumber for the base was milled at the park from black locust logs and constructed at the carpenter shop. It was carried to the site by Barnett operating the heavy reach forklift with Smith’s masterful guidance.
Once at the site, the remaining upright portion of the mill, which includes the cast iron stamping apparatus, had to be lifted and the new base placed underneath. No small feat, but with the skillful assistance of Barnett on the forklift and the crew on the ground, an achievable one.
Park Interpretive Specialist Jenna Matyac captured the operation in a neat little time-lapse film that can be viewed on the park’s YouTube channel.
The next phase is to rebuild the housing for the motor that runs the mill and replace the collecting tray. Stay tuned!
 Top left: The interpretive stamp mill at Marshall Gold Discovery SHP had fallen into disrepair and was no longer operational. Top right & bottom left: Heavy Equipment Operator Steve Barnett operates the forklift that carried a new base for the stamp mill to its final location guided by Jason Smith of Argos Timber Works. Bottom right: A brace holding the stamp mill up.
 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
Recruitment Analyst – Apply by Aug. 23, 2022: We are now hiring a Recruitment Analyst in Sacramento. This position is responsible for developing innovative and inclusive recruitment strategies; attending statewide recruitment events, job fairs and workshops; and reviewing current recruitment trends. We are looking for a candidate with strong social media skills and cultural sensitivity. Take the online assessment. Click here for more information.
Administrative Officer I – Apply by Aug. 24, 2022: We are seeking a highly motivated and dependable person to fill the Administrative Officer I position and bring new ideas to the team. The Inland Empire District has parks in Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange Counties. This position will be responsible for the oversight of administrative staff and processes for the district. Click here for more information.
District Superintendent I – Apply by Sept. 6, 2022: California State Parks is now hiring a District Superintendent I in the San Diego Coast District. This position serves as the direct supervisor for all the Core Program Managers in the district, including Administration, Facilities Development, Natural and Cultural Resources, Interpretation, Public Safety, the Tijuana Estuary, and Historic Sectors. 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: California State Parks has released the State Park Equipment Operator assessment. 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. This assessment now has a biannual cut-off date. Take the online assessment today.
Park and Recreation Specialist Series – No deadline: The Park and Recreation Specialist Series assessments are now available online. From creating new outdoor parks in California communities to leading outdoor recreation programs, the opportunities are endless. From entry level to management, explore our Park and Recreation Specialist Series assessments today. Take the online assessment today.
State Park Interpreter I, II, III – No deadline: The State Park Interpreter I, II and III assessments are now available online. State Park Interpreters help develop interactive and educational programs to teach the rich histories of California. Take the online assessment today.
EMPLOYMENT TIP
Practice makes perfect: Help prepare for your interview by answering some typical practice interview questions in front of the mirror. This will help you to prepare answers ahead of time.
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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western snowy plover: Lowercase.
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that/which: Use “that” and “which” when referring to inanimate objects and to animals without a name. Use “that” for essential clauses (important to the meaning of a sentence) and without commas. Example: I remember the time that I first met you. Use “which” for nonessential clauses (where the clause is less necessary) and use commas. Example: The program, which was held last month, was a great success. Tip: If you can drop the clause and not lose the meaning of the sentence, use “which"; otherwise, use "that."
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sing-along: Please note the one hyphen.
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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 North Coast Redwoods District
Junior Lifeguard Instructional Aides (JG Aides) were treated to a special rescue boat operations day, south of Trinidad State Beach. The group of six JG Aides learned basic deck hand operations from Lifeguard (Permanent Intermittent) Dillon Cleavenger and Lifeguard I Spenser Stratton.
Photo from Keven Harder, North Coast Redwoods District
 Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
Participants watch in the telescope as the super moon rises above the hills on the last Full Moon Hike of the summer at the park. It was a great night for stargazing as the fiery Perseid meteor streaked the sky next to the moon. Each summer, the park offers the special opportunity to experience this section of the park in a whole new way—at night! The guided walks are hosted in Mudstone Ranch, the nonmotorized area with dedicated trails for hiking, mountain bicycling and equestrian use.
Photo from Elise Fleishman, Diablo Range District
 Bodie State Historic Park
Sierra District Water and Sewer Plant Supervisor Adam Shea and family enjoying Friends of Bodie Day on Saturday, August 13.
Photo from Erica Shea, visitor from Tahoma, California
 Sonoma Coast State Park
Maintenance Supervisor Jason Eaton keeping the campers safe by felling a dead tree beach.
Photo from T. Nealy, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District
 Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
This past week staff at the park said goodbye to their first summer intern, Anthony Battle. Battle, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, is a student at Denison University. The department entered a MOU with Denison University to promote research about Allensworth in general and specifically in regards to one of the town founders William Payne, a Denison University graduate. The project was funded by a generous donation of funds from the California State Parks Foundation for travel and a stipend for the student, and housing by Denison University.
Photo from Steven Ptomey, Great Basin District
 Shasta State Historic Park
On July 23 and 30, local artist Robyn Alexander (top left) and Interpreter Jonathan Sutliff (bottom left) led a watercolor painting class titled "Pop Tin Art in the Park" at the park. Attendees were given a variety of old tin props to pick from that they could sketch and paint, or they were given the option of painting in a pre-printed can outline instead. Participants were taught different watercolor techniques, like how to achieve a “dry” or “wet” look to their art, while enjoying the scenery of the historic courthouse. Old Shasta is looking forward to hosting further "Pop Tin Art in the Park" events in the fall.
Photo from Jonathan Sutliff, Northern Buttes District
 Shasta State Historic Park
Left: A participant shows off her painting "Pop Tin Art in the Park" event held at the park. Right: Interpreter Jonathan Sutliff shares the can drawing before participants color it in.
Photo from Jonathan Sutliff, Northern Buttes District
 Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
Two bald eagles rest on a tree or search for their next meal?
Photo from Naftali Moed, Bay Area District
 Angel Island State Park
A turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) gets comfortable on a dead branch.
Photo from Victoria Austin, Bay Area District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
A tarantula hawk (Pepsis wasp) on a narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis).
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
The western tiger swallowtail (Papilio rutulus) on a willow (Salix ssp.).
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Richardson Grove State Park
Mule deer doe leads her fawn across the Eel River.
Photo from Ann Hagerman, North Coast Redwoods District
 Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
The elks tangling with each other by using their antlers.
Photo from An Phan, Statewide Bond Office
 Tolowa Dunes State Park
Lush summer growth in the dunes.
Photo from Ian Jones, North Coast Redwoods District
 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Thunderstorm-looking clouds seen from the park's Montane Sector overlooking the desert.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Redwood National and State Parks
Sunset over Wilson Beach.
Photo from Ian Jones, North Coast Redwoods District
 Angel Island State Park
One hundred years ago, immigrants from China and over 80 other countries crossed over this beach to the U.S. Immigration Station, where they were examined and detained while they waited to learn whether they would be allowed to enter the United States.
This morning, a lone coyote walked across the beach.
Later today, hundreds of visitors will arrive to see the site and tour the Detention Barracks and new Angel Island Immigration Museum, where they will be given the opportunity to reflect on the complex—and at times, exclusionary—immigration policies from the past and present.
Photo from Evan Weissman, Bay Area District
 Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
A funny face on the bark of a redwood.
Photo from An Phan, Statewide Bond Office
 Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Five Finger Fern.
Photo from An Phan, Statewide Bond Office
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Tips to Safely Exercise in the Heat
Story From Brooke Haugen, Wellness Coordinator
With the heatwave upon us, your physical activity may be taking a hit. Though it is extremely important to take caution, especially if you take your exercise to the great outdoors in high temperatures, it doesn’t have to mean you fully hang up the shoes. Some tips to keep up with your activities include:
- Exercise earlier in the day to avoid peak temperatures.
- Wear light, loose, moisture wicking clothing (avoid synthetic materials like cotton, polyester, nylon).
- Look for shade! This can be for your bike rides, hikes, runs, or even a strength workout.
- If partaking in these higher intensity workouts, take it slightly easier than you would in cooler temperatures. Your body is already working harder to stay cool.
- Be mindful of humidity. Even if temperatures may seem feasible, if humidity is high, your body isn’t able to produce sweat as well which can increase risk of heat-related illness. (Sweat is our natural cooling system!)
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Consuming water is important even BEFORE you engage in activities, not just during and after. Also to note, depending on your sweat rate, consuming electrolytes may better aid your re-hydration.
To find more information (and to even learn tips about exercising in the cold), click here.
Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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NEWS RELEASES
August 19, 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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