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 September 9, 2022
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 California Citrus State Historic Park
A desert cottontail hiding among California buckwheat.
Photo from Marymar Mendoza, Inland Empire District
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State Parks Renames Park Features to Restore Native Names in Response to U.S. Secretary of Interior Order
Story from: Jason MacCannell, Special Assistant to the Director
 A Kumeyaay name restored is Mat Puy Nah Achhuukaayp in Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. In Kumeyaay Ipai, this name translates to "the place over there where we go to trade." Photo from Steve Quartieri, Ocotillo Wells District.
The United States Board on Geographic Names announced Thursday, September 8, the removal from our National Map of over 600 instances of the “Sq_ Word,” an offensive ethnic, racial and sexist slur referring to Native American women. This was the culmination of an effort initiated late last year by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. State Parks’ Reexamining Our Past leadership team responded to the secretary’s order by creating an inventory of place-names within our system, allowing timely action by district staff to identify appropriate replacement names for these features.
In all, six features were renamed within the State Park System, including four restored Native names identified through consultation between district staff and Native Tribes and organizations. Had it not been for this timely action, the Board on Geographic Names would have selected replacement names using an algorithm.
The name Mat Kwa'rar Nemaaw, restored in the Agua Caliente County park unit of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, means "Grandmother Canyon" in the Kumeyaay language. Another Kumeyaay name restored in San Diego County is Mat Puy Nah Achhuukaayp in Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. In Kumeyaay Ipai, this name translates to "the place over there where we go to trade." After consulting with representatives of other Kumeyaay groups, State Parks supported these proposals originated by the Kumeyaay Diegueño Land Conservancy.
In Auburn State Recreation Area in Placer County, State Parks staff toured the landscapes of Uti Flat and Mani'pa Gulch with citizens of the Colfax-Todds Valley Consolidated Tribes to develop appropriate names in the Maidu language. Uti, meaning "acorn," and Mani'pa, meaning "manzanita," were chosen based on the cultural importance of these plants and their prevalence within the named areas.
The process of the Reexamining Our Past continues as State Parks works together with Tribes to remove derogatory and inaccurate names and materials from our system, while restoring Native names and other significant aspects of California's cultural heritage.
To read the U.S. Department of Interior’s press release, click here.
 Views at the top of renamed Mat Puy Nah Achhuukaayp in Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. Photos from Steve Quartieri, Ocotillo Wells District.
Last Call for ‘State Parks for All’ Summer Photo Contest
Story and photo from: Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division
 Is your "State Parks for All" because of a unique design like the Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle?
It’s not too late to submit photos to our “State Parks for All” summer photo contest. The last day to submit your photos is this Monday, September 12. Share the many benefits of visiting the outdoors via the perfect photo you took this summer at either the park you work at or your favorite state park to visit.
Who is eligible to submit photos? State Parks employees and volunteers. How can you submit your photos? Send them to WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov with the subject line “State Parks for All” and provide a brief caption and the name of the state park where the photo was taken. If your photos include people who are not State Parks employees or volunteers, please remember to include a Visual Media Consent form (DPR 993). The top five photos will be shared in the Weekly Digest as well as the department’s 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 have been taken between June 24–Sept. 12, 2022.
- Photos with images of people who are not State Parks staff or volunteers must include a Visual Media Consent form (DPR 993).
- Photos can be taken at any of California’s 279 state parks.
- Only State Parks 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. If you have any new photo contest ideas, email us your suggestions.
 Are the beautiful colors in your state park the perfect reason for everyone to explore, as seen here at Russian Gulch State Park?
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Kumeyaay Launch 50 Tule Boats at Silver Strand State Beach
Story from: Paige Liss, San Diego Coast District
 Riding the boats in Crown Cove at Silver Strand State Beach.
The Kumeyaay community came together on Saturday, August 27, at Silver Strand State Beach to launch traditional tule boats. This was the first event of its kind here in the San Diego Coast District and it was a huge success.
Over 100 visitors showed up to learn about and witness the launch of 50 tule boats in the San Diego Bay at Crown Cove. The event was organized by folks at the Kumeyaay Community College to educate people about their Tribe's cultural practices. Kumeyaay Community College Board Member/Professor Dr. Stan Rodriguez had a goal to launch 50 tule boats, and he did just that, with help from Kumeyaay community members, Tribal leaders, volunteers and district staff.
Tule reed (Schoenoplectus sp.) is native to freshwater marshes all over North America. After harvesting, the buoyant tule reeds are wrapped together forming a log shape that tapers at both ends, measuring around 6-9 feet long and held together by twine. Three bundles are tied together, forming the hull of the boat and two smaller bundles are added to the sides forming the waddles.
Since the forced relocation of tribes away from their ancestral territories and onto reservations, many of these traditional practices were lost or forgotten. Being able to build these boats, come to the coast and educate the public on traditional cultural practices is important to the Kumeyaay community. It is part of Kumeyaay Community College's mission, to revitalize the tribe’s language, history and culture, and the San Diego Coast District is immensely proud and honored to help support this mission.
 Top: Tule boats lined up on shore at Crown Cove. Bottom: Sign made from sand at the event.
 Left: Tule boats lined up on shore at Crystal Crown at Silver Strand State Beach. Top right: San Diego Coast District staff tying a tule bundle. Left to right: Julia Miura and Paige Liss. Bottom right: Sign made from sand for the event.
Diablo Range District Staff Attend Motorcycle Safety Foundation DirtBike School
Story and photos from: Joseph Starr, Diablo Range District
 The group gives a thumbs-up at the end of the class. Left to right: State Historian Joseph Starr, Seasonal Park Aide Jessica Congleton, Forestry Aide James Lupas and Ranger Kary Tyler-Davis.
Diablo Range District staff attended the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) DirtBike School at Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area last month. Despite the 108 degree weather, students successfully completed the course, covering basic operating skills and principles for negotiating the varying terrain that the sport of off-highway riding involves.
This course is important because it gives students an opportunity to develop their skills while teaching them how to be safe. This particular class was intended to qualify staff; however, the DirtBike School and other MSF courses are available online to the public.
Even though the temperatures were high, so was the enthusiasm to ride!
 Top left: Ranger Kary Tyler-Davis (on bike) demonstrates correct riding posture with Seasonal Park Aide Jessica Congleton (left) and Forestry Aide James Lupas. Top and bottom right, bottom left: Ranger Kary Tyler-Davis navigates the course.
Lifeguard Eli Lapidus Successfully Performs Dangerous Rescue at Leo Carrillo State Park
Story and photo from: David C. Wilson, Angeles District
 Lifeguard Eli Lapidus moments after he rescued a 10-year-old child from potentially drowning.
Working a busy Labor Day weekend, with plenty of sizable surf and record crowds due to a significant heat wave, Lifeguard II Eli Lapidus performed a successful rescue at Leo Carrillo State Park. On Monday afternoon, September 5, Lifeguard Lapidus was working on lifeguard dispatch when a member of a nearby permitted film told him a mother had lost her child. Lifeguard Lapidus met with the panicked mother, who told him that as they were leaving the beach, she lost sight of her child who was playing by the rocks near Lifeguard Tower 2.
From his experience and training, Lapidus knew to immediately radio for assistance and rapidly check the surrounding area. As other lifeguard staff arrived on the scene, Lapidus radioed he would check the immediate area around Tower 2. He entered the water with a rescue buoy and began to swim around the rocky point where Tower 2 sits. With the high tide present and occasional large swell, Tower 2 was a dangerous place to swim with the waves pounding against the sharp, jagged rocks.
As he was swimming around the point, he heard a faint cry for help coming from inside a sea cave. Lapidus swam and crawled over rocks to enter the narrow cave opening and found the missing child stuck inside. The child was too terrified to move and the sound of the waves crashing into the cave was deafening. On his hands and knees, Lapidus pulled out the missing child and brought him out of the cave. He wrapped the panicked child in a rescue buoy for safety and began to swim back to the shore.
Meanwhile, responding lifeguards were meeting with the missing child’s parents. After the lifeguards radioed in the description of the child and ensured the mother they would be doing everything they can, a film crew member ran over and yelled to the mother that the lifeguard had her son and is bringing him out of the water. Before walking over, the terrified parent prepared herself for her worst nightmare, asking through tears if her son was still alive. The film crew member replied, “Yes, the lifeguard’s got him!”
Lapidus carried the crying 10-year-old to the rocky coastline, where he assisted up a cliff and handed back to his mother with nothing but two small scratches on his foot. Lapidus received a few abrasions and lacerations from the rocks but stated he was fine and continued the rest of his shift.
Lapidus used his experience and ocean knowledge to perform an extraordinary and dangerous rescue which ultimately saved a life.
 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
 In-person Workshop
Hillsdale Job Center Workshop – Sept. 15, 2022, noon–2 p.m.: Join us for this in-person workshop to learn about state assessments, how to create your CalCareers account, the different career opportunities and more. This workshop will be held at the Hillsdale Job Center: 5655 Hillsdale Boulevard, Suite 8, Sacramento, CA 95842. Click here to register for this event.
JOB SPOTLIGHTS
Communications and Media Specialist – Apply by Sept. 9, 2022: We are now hiring a Communications and Media Specialist in our Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division. This position provides consultative services, as well as manages internal and external statewide OHMVR Division projects. Take the online assessment and apply today. Click here for more information.
Personnel Supervisor II – Apply by Sept. 14, 2022: California State Parks is now hiring a Personnel Supervisor II. This position is responsible for the daily supervision and oversight of the department’s Personnel Transactions Program. Take the online assessment and apply for this exciting opportunity today. Click here for more information.
Forestry Assistant II (Permanent Intermittent) – Apply by Sept. 15, 2022: We are now hiring a Forestry Assistant II (Permanent Intermittent) in the Gold Fields District. This position assists natural resource management staff in the district and assists with projects for the protection, restoration and management of natural resources in support of the State Parks Wildfire and Forest Resilience Program. 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
Park Maintenance Assistant – Self-schedule opens on Sept. 12, 2022: The Park Maintenance Assistant assessment has been released. Join our Facilities and Park Maintenance Division by taking this entry-level assessment. From park restoration projects to keeping our parks clean and operational for all, come “Live the Parks Life” as a Park Maintenance Assistant. Click here for more information.
Park Maintenance Worker I – Self-schedule opens on Sept. 12, 2022: The Park Maintenance Worker I assessment is now available. From carpentry to masonry to repair and construction, park maintenance workers 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. State Park Interpreters develop interactive educational programs and teach the rich histories of California. Click here for more information.
EMPLOYMENT TIP
Skills: Hiring managers want to see your soft skills on your resume. Include your communication, customer service, time-management, flexibility and ability-to-work-independently skills, as well as how well you work when on a team.
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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white-tailed deer: Lowercase and hyphenate; do not use “whitetailed deer” or “whitetail deer.”
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live stream: two words
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do's and don'ts: Please use this style. Note the apostrophe in "do's."
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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 Benicia Capitol State Historic Park
Celebrating California’s 172nd birthday on admission day. Docent Diana King, pictured here with State Park Interpreter I Julio Ortiz, brought in a small cake and iced tea to share with today’s visitors.
Photo from Julio Ortiz, Diablo Range District
Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park
Click above and see video of Environmental Scientists Trish Ladd-Shute and Chaye VanKeuren celebrating Biodiversity Week through their restoration work on the Sacramento River. They are true Biodiversity Champions for California State Parks!
Video from Jennifer Pooley and Nick Pooley, Northern Buttes District
Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
This very unusual visitor stopped by Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park on Labor Day to admire the first order Fresnel lens. Though docent Dan Clearwater asked the fox what brought him/her/them to the lighthouse, all Dan got was a sly grin and this photo!
Photo from Dan Clearwater, Santa Cruz District
 Portola Redwoods State Park
A Santa Cruz garter snake enjoying the heat this week at Portola Redwoods State Park.
Photo from Lucas Dickey, Santa Cruz District
 Richardson Grove State Park
The wildlife enjoy their “reflections” on the calm waters of the Eel River.
Photos from Ann Hagerman, North Coast Redwoods District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
The Horses 101 program continues to be very popular with visitors, even in the heat. Left: Cash. Right: Diego.
Photos from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Fort Tejon State Historic Park
A bobcat out for a morning stroll.
Photo from Steven Ptomey, Great Basin District
 Morro Strand State Beach
Close-up of a beautiful dragonfly on Sunday, August 28.
Photo from Trae Lynn Neal, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Left: Wild rose hips. Right: Large milkweed bugs. They are all over the narrow leaf milkweed seed pods.
Photos from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
The park experienced a "monsoon" over Labor Day weekend. Moisture from the Gulf of Mexico traveled up here and dropped precious rain. Monsoons often play a role in reducing wildfire threat by providing moisture at higher elevations during the wildfire season. However, flash flooding is a serious danger during the monsoon. Dry washes can become raging rivers in an instant, even when no storms are visible, as a storm can cause a flash flood tens of miles away; it is therefore wise to avoid camping in a dry wash during the monsoon. If you see a trickle, get out of the wash immediately. Lightning strikes are also a significant danger; do not carry tall metal poles in a lightning storm.
Photos from Callista Turner, Great Basin District
 Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
View of the Red Ridge Loop Trail showing the erosion at the reserve. Rockslides and cliff collapses occur without notice. Be sure to keep a minimum distance of 10 feet from the bluffs. Walking off trail causes erosion, tramples plants and frightens wildlife.
Photo from Barbara Green, San Diego Coast District
 Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park
Rays from a sunset over the Antelope Valley Indian Museum barn on Wednesday, September 7.
Photo from Jean Rhyne, Great Basin District
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Story from: Brooke Haugen, Risk Management Division
 Infographic from National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Suicide is a difficult topic, but it is OK—and necessary—to talk about. Suicide and suicidal behaviors are tragic responses to life situations often when individuals suffer from depression or bipolar disorder. In fact, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people ages 10-34 (National Alliance on Mental Illness).
This month is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and is a reminder that we can all help prevent suicide and reduce the stigma of mental health. According to verywellmind.com, 8 out of 10 people considering suicide give some signs of their intentions. Here are some warning signs to be aware of:
- Talk of wanting to die.
- Talk of guilt or shame.
- Talk of being a burden to others.
- Feelings of hopelessness, emptiness, trapped or having no reason to live.
- Extreme sadness, more anxious, agitated or full of rage.
- Unbearable emotional or physical pain.
- Making a plan or researching ways to die.
- Withdrawing from friends and/or family, saying goodbye, gifting important items, making a will.
- Engaging in risky behaviors (e.g., erratic driving).
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
- Eating or sleeping more or less.
- Using substances (drugs/alcohol) more often.
If you, or someone you know exhibits these behaviors, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).
Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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Visitor to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Gives Kudos Regarding Automated Phone Tour
We really enjoyed the visit today! Very educational, very informative. Very well laid out and enjoyable. In 110-degree heat, ranger [Park Interpreter] Jerelyn [Oliveira] was also very friendly and informative, with a ton of good information about the park. Really appreciated it, job well done! I like the auto tour and the fact that you could at your leisure press any number you were at and you didn't have to go back through the whole system in order to; I really like that.
It's very hot today. So it's wonderful to be able to go drive around. The bathroom facilities here were very nice clean. We enjoyed Jerelyn, in particular. I also liked a certain plaque on the wall in the visitor center [proclamation from the State Assembly]. It talks all about Colonel Allensworth and his efforts to educate in the military. Good luck in the future. I understand you're building a new building and I hope that all goes well. Thank you.
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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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