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 August 26, 2022
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 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
A short break from the humidity and monsoon weather brought great conditions for stargazing in the desert!
Photo from Jonny Victorino, Colorado Desert District
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Check Out Newly Launched Kids’ Exploration of California’s State Parks Resources Webpage
Story from: Laura Kujubu, Communications and Marketing Division
 Are your kids looking for an adventure in a California state park? With 279 parks, California’s State Park System has plenty to offer. Kids and their families can take a hike or camp in the woods, explore exciting Wild West towns, discover historical places, learn about California’s tribal communities, swim in a lake, play on the beach and more. To help plan your child’s adventure, visit the new Kids’ Exploration of California’s State Parks webpage.
The resources webpage has valuable information to have fun outdoors—and indoors—in state parks:
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Free access: Learn about the three park pass programs—the California State Library Parks Pass, California State Park Adventure Pass and the Golden Bear Pass—that provide free access to participating state parks for kids and their families.
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Programs: Discover the State Parks programs, both online and in-person programs, available to kids of all ages.
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Recreate Responsibly: Get important safety tips, including how to be safe around water and while biking, hiking or riding in the parks.
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Our environment: Find out about programs that show kids how they can make a real difference in keeping California’s outdoors clean and in protecting wildlife.
We invite you and your kids to enjoy all the physical and mental benefits of connecting with the cultural, historic and natural resources found across the state. Click here to visit the Kids’ Exploration of California’s State Parks webpage.
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North Coast Redwoods District Live Diving Into Healthy Watershed
Story from: Erin Gates, North Coast Redwoods District
 State Parks Dive Team members Erika Delemarre and Angie Edmunds. Photo from California State Parks.
Thanks to the power of partnerships, the North Coast Redwoods District (NCRD) had the opportunity to host its first underwater live dive in the pristine waters of the Smith River this week. The Smith River is a wild and scenic river that flows freely through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, part of Redwood National and State Parks. It is the one of the few remaining not-dammed rivers in California and is considered one of the cleanest rivers in the United States.
Members of the California State Parks Dive Team and the California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly), Humboldt, Dive Team came together to provide the aquatic support required to pull off two educational events: a PORTScast (Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students [PORTS] Program educational webinar for students) and a Facebook Livestream. These educational events featured underwater interpretation from Dive Team member and NCRD Interpreter Angie Edmunds, with camera work provided by Erika Delemarre, dive team member and Marine Protected Area outreach and education project coordinator. Additional underwater dive support was provided by members of the Cal Poly Dive Team.
On shore, Diving Safety Officer Kenny Kramer was joined by PORTS Coordinators Lydia Stinson and Brandon Caskey to ensure a safe dive and flawless incorporation of technology to connect cameras and microphones from underwater to a laptop on the surface. Supervising State Park Ranger Keven Harder and Lifeguards Dillion Cleavenger and Spencer Stratton provided the necessary emergency services support and were on hand to assist should a medical emergency arise during the dive. Land-based interpretive programming was provided by NCRD Watershed Interpreter Kyle Buchanan, and additional diver support and social media assistance was provided by Patrick Taylor and Ally Gran, with the National Park Service.
This broadcast, featuring information about how we all play a role in maintaining healthy watersheds, was shared out on California State Parks, PORTS Distance Learning Program, NCRD and for the first time, Redwood National and State Parks Facebook pages with a total of over 5,000 views and counting. The PORTScast connected over 300 classrooms (and upward of 9,000-plus students!) to an area of the California coast that many people will not have a chance to visit due to this remote location.
A huge thank you to all the various staff, divisions and volunteers who came together to provide such important messaging and digital access to the Smith River and Redwood National and State Parks.
Dive into this unique broadcast and click here.
 The whole live dive team. Photo from California State Parks.
 Top left: California State Parks and Cal Poly Humboldt Dive Team members. Top right: Diving Safety Officer Kenny Kramer. Bottom right: Action shot of what it takes to provide a live interpretation program underwater. Bottom left: NCRD Watershed Interpreter Kyle Buchanan in action. Photos from California State Parks.
Curry County in Oregon Runs Junior Lifeguard Program With Help of North Coast Redwoods District Lifeguards
Story from: Keven Harder, North Coast Redwoods District
 Top: Into the surf for morning vitamin workout. Bottom right: Buoy swim. Bottom left: Morning warm-ups led by State Parks Lifeguard II Shannon Ingram. Photos from Shannon Ingram, North Coast Redwoods District.
Three years ago, I was contacted by Luke Martinez of Curry County in Oregon regarding his endeavor to start an aquatic safety program along the southern Oregon coast. Luke and I collaborated on the process that North Coast Redwoods District (NCRD) went through in the development of our own aquatic safety program, and initial blueprints were visualized and plans were set in motion for him to follow.
Two years ago, Luke came down to Trinidad State Beach to attend NCRD's annual requalification and tryout swims. Luke passed the tryout qualifications and secured a spot in the State Parks’ Huntington Beach training that same June, auditing the training as an outside agency participant. After completion of the State Parks lifeguard training, Luke worked for the County of Curry in Oregon as the first and only trained ocean lifeguard along that coastline for the past two years.
Part of the process for the development and sustainability of an aquatic program that Luke and I had laid out two years ago was the incorporation of his own Junior Lifeguard program on the Oregon coast. Earlier this month, Luke was able to successfully run Oregon coast’s first-ever Junior Lifeguard program and State Parks is proud to have been an integral part of its success.
NCRD Lifeguard II Shannon Ingram assisted Luke in the weeklong program, which hosted 23 local youth participants. Ingram had the following to say about the experience: "I was extremely excited to be invited to attend and help be part of the process. Together we created a day-to-day curriculum to base the program off, mimicking NCRD Junior Lifeguard program here in Northern California. Areas of instruction were water entries, water safety, hand signals, signs of distress, basic CPR, general first aid, board skills and the difference between safe and unsafe ocean conditions. Myself and my daughter Rogue, who is 10 years old, had the experience of a lifetime getting to know the 23 local kids who participated. They were all attentive, fun and eager to learn. I hope the program continues to grow and thrive in years to come. I feel beyond stoked to be included in part of Oregon coast’s very first Junior Lifeguard program!"
Bats at Olompali State Historic Park Are the True Stars of Nighttime Sky
Story from: Ryan Forbes and Cecilia Rejas, Bay Area District
 Top left: Pallid bat held by NorCal Bats' Corki Quirk. Photo from Camila Mize, Bay Area District. Top right: Ranger Cecilia Rejas shows places to look for bats. Photo from Kenneth Stone, park volunteer. Bottom: Visitors gathered for keynote presentation. Photo from Cecilia Rejas, Bay Area District.
After two years in hiatus, Bat Night returned on Saturday, August 13, to Olompali State Historic Park (SHP)—no Batmobile or Robin sidekick necessary! A collaborative effort by California State Parks and the Friends of Olompali, this event is offered to visitors at no cost, aside from the price of admission to the park. This year over 200 visitors showed up for an evening of bat crafts, nature walks, educational presentations and live bats.
Bats are often misunderstood and may be commonly associated with disease and gothic horror villains, but bats are animal superheroes. They are insect control experts, eating approximately 600-1,000 mosquitoes in one hour. They also eat pests that damage crops. Some bats are pollinators and seed dispersers for plants. If you like mangos, bananas, guavas or agave (think tequila), you likely have bats to thank.
Olompali SHP is host to numerous colonies of bats, all of which are insectivores. Bat Night gives visitors the chance to learn more about these fascinating animals. Bat expert “Batma'am” Corki Quirk from NorCal Bats was the keynote speaker. She brought rescued, unreleasable bats with her for up-close observation.
The evening was capped off at twilight, as visitors watched Olompali’s bat population emerge to begin their nightly activities. Special thanks to the Friends of Olompali for sponsoring this event.
We are happy to help promote a better understanding and appreciation of these often-maligned creatures that live in our parks.
 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
 WEBINAR
California State Parks: How to Get a State Job – Aug. 30, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.: There are so many wonderful career opportunities waiting just for you at California State Parks. In this webinar, you'll learn about state assessments, how to create your CalCareers account, the different career opportunities and more. Click here to register for this webinar.
JOB SPOTLIGHTS
Guide I, Historical Monument – Apply by Aug. 29, 2022: Join our dynamic team as a Hearst Castle Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS) Guide! PORTS is a K-12 education program that utilizes technology to bring parks into classrooms. The Hearst Castle PORTS Program includes live, interactive videoconference presentations, a curated educational curriculum and engaging digital content. Click here for more information.
Associate Personnel Analyst – Apply by Aug. 29, 2022: The Classification and Hiring branch is growing! We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic and customer service- and detail-oriented individual who is comfortable working in the grey. This is a great opportunity to learn and perform the full range of hiring tasks involved with the State of California’s hiring process. Click here for more information.
Associate Governmental Program Analyst/Editorial Analyst – Apply by Sept. 1, 2022: Join the Communications and Marketing Division! The Associate Governmental Program Analyst/Editorial Analyst undertakes a broad range of research, writing and editing activities in the production of park brochures, marketing materials, reports, press releases, social media content and graphics, newsletters, website content, maps and signage. Click here for more information.
Park Maintenance Assistant – Apply by Sept. 1, 2022: California State Parks is now hiring a Park Maintenance Assistant at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. This position is responsible for maintaining the facilities within the park and acts as a lead person for seasonal employees. 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 is seeking to hire a District Superintendent I (DS I) with strong interpersonal sensitivity, written and verbal communication skills, decision-making skills and positive leadership skills, as well as tact and diplomacy to supervise all the core program managers in the district. The DS I also oversees 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 – Tryouts on Sept. 11, 2022: Join California State Parks' Aquatic Safety Division as a Lifeguard I (Seasonal). Tryouts for ocean water will be held at Crystal Cove and Monterey. Click here and complete the interest form to Live the Parks Life in this exciting outdoor opportunity.
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.
Staff Services Analyst Exam Transfer – Apply by Sept. 12, 2022: The Staff Services Analyst transfer assessment is now available! Our California State Parks Staff Services Analysts do everything from administration to outreach. Review the study guide and send your application. 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
Tailor Your Resume – Trying to craft the perfect resume? If applying to multiple opportunities, tailor your resume to fit each individual job to help you stand out.
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:
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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 Humboldt Lagoons State Park
Interpreters Princess Colgrove (left) and Kes-e-loh McQuillen working at the Stone Lagoon Visitor Center. Earlier this year, the Yurok Tribe, in partnership with California State Parks, Parks California and Redwood National Park, celebrated the grand opening of the renovated and renamed Chah-pekw O’ Ket’-toh “Stone Lagoon” Visitor Center, the first tribally operated visitor center within the State Park System. For more information, click here.
Photo from Laura Kujubu, Communications and Marketing Division
 Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
State vehicular Recreation Area staff finish up a solid week of Motorcycle Safety Foundation Dirt Bike School at Hungry Valley. Chief Ranger Jack Gorman (Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area [SVRA]), Chief Ranger Andrew Ahlberg (Ocotillo Wells SVRA), State Park Peace Officer (SPPO Supervisor) John Cunningham (Hungry Valley SVRA) and SPPO Tim Schulte (Ocotillo Wells SVRA) all completed the course to become certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation Dirt Bike School instructors.
As part of their final test, the rangers conducted a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Dirt Bike School course with students SPPO Samuel Toscano (Eastern Kern County-Onyx Ranch SVRA), SPPO Rocio Martinez (Eastern Kern County-Onyx Ranch SVRA), Seasonal Maintenance Aide Housten Epp (Hungry Valley SVRA) and Senior Maintenance Aide Michael Vorndran (Hungry Valley SVRA). Students learned the basics of safe, effective motorcycle operation for use on dirt bike patrol or other job duties while the new instructors practiced proper coaching techniques.
Photo from Tim Schulte, Ocotillo Wells District
 Asilomar State Beach
Ivan Cheng of San Francisco, pushes his mother, Julie Cheng of Sunnyvale, along Asilomar State Beach. The Cheng family was visiting Pacific Grove, California, for a family reunion and took the opportunity to borrow the beach wheelchair from Asilomar Conference Grounds. The beach wheelchair enabled Julie to visit a beach directly for the first time in several years.
Photo from Susan Cheng, visitor from Sunnyvale, California
 Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Scenery during a beautiful and peaceful hike through the park.
Photos from Laura Kujubu, Communications and Marketing Division
 Bodie State Historic Park
Late summer thunderstorms in the Eastern Sierra make for some spectacular sunsets at Bodie State Historic Park.
Photo from Colt Russell, Sierra District
 Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Sun shining through the majestic redwoods during a hike.
Photo from Case Belltawn, Facilities Management Division
 Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
A couple of shots taken on a very hot and sunny day while completing field training at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.
Photos from Jessica Wallace, Diablo Range District
 Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Fern Canyon winding down after a busy day of putting miles on visitors' faces. As a reminder, there is a pilot parking permit program for visitors to Fern Canyon and the Gold Bluffs Beach Day-Use Area from May 1 to September 30. Click here to learn more before your visit.
Photo from Lorena Sanchez, North Coast Redwoods District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Can you spot the silhouette of a bee on a Jimsonweed flower?
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Creek dogwood berries.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 California Citrus State Historic Park
A Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) collecting nectar from California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) flowers.
Photo from Samantha Alonso, Inland Empire District
 Heber Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
A beautiful summer day with dina yellow butterflies.
Photos from Diana Navarro, Ocotillo Wells District
 Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
A male western snowy plover brooding a large chick (not visible in photo) among flowering dune mint in a newer restoration area. The photo was taken through a spotting scope.
Photo from Amber Clark, Oceano Dunes District
 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Mount Hermon June Beetle (Polyphylla barbata), an endangered species endemic to Santa Cruz County.
Photo from Veronica Ahearn, Santa Cruz District
Montaña de Oro State Park
"You lookin' at me?" A big buck with dark eyebrows was spotted at the park after a short rainstorm.
Photos from Kevin Murphy, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Somebody was watching me work today. A western fence lizard.
Photo from Barbara Green, San Diego Coast District
 Richardson Grove State Park
North American river otters in the Eel River. If you happen to see these river otters in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, be sure to let State Parks staff know so they can assess the status of the otter population.
Photos from Ann Hagerman, North Coast Redwoods District
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Walking for Heart Health
Story from: Brooke Haugen, Risk Management Division
Though Heart Health Month is technically in February, it is important to be mindful of heart heath year-round! Why is heart health important?
- Firstly, your heart is responsible for transporting blood, oxygen, hormones, compounds, waste products and more throughout your body to keep it functioning properly.
- Poor heart health can limit transportation of these important things mentioned above.
- About half of all Americans have at least one of three key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol and use of tobacco products, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Heart disease affects both men and women.
- Set an example and teach children healthy habits to set them up for success (especially if their hereditary factors are not in their favor).
How to monitor your heart health:
- Avoid tobacco.
- Get daily movement.
- Be mindful of your diet.
- Understand your genetics (family risk factors).
- Know your numbers (cholesterol, blood pressure, heart rate).
- Check in with doctor regularly, especially as we age.
- Manage your stress.
Get involved! American Heart Association has some upcoming walks this fall, and I am excited to share that for Parks employees, we will be having a team for each walk! But do not worry if there isn’t one nearby, virtual walks will be accounted for. Keep an eye out for updates! To find a walk near you, visit Heart Walk - American Heart Association.
For more information on heart health, visit Heart Health - Harvard Health, Understand Your Risks to Prevent a Heart Attack | American Heart Association and Know Your Risk for Heart Disease | cdc.gov.
Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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Aug. 22, 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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