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 October 28, 2022
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 Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
A Johnson's jumping spider (Phidippus johnsoni) explores the fieldstone masonry of the historic visitor center. Although maybe a half-inch long, this little critter's brightly colored back and iridescent mouthpieces stand out even in miniature.
Photo from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District
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Celebrate National Native American Heritage Month in November
Story from: Dena Mitchell, Cultural Resources Division
 November is National Native American Heritage Month, where we celebrate the original peoples of what is now the United States of America.
This month, State Parks and the California Natural Resources Agency will be hosting a variety in-person and virtual events to celebrate and honor Native American Heritage Month.
- November 15, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., the California Natural Resources Agency Speaker Series will host an event called “Strengthening Tribal Partnerships in our Nature-Based Solutions Work” via Zoom.
- November 17 at noon, State Parks will hold a live stream to celebrate Native American Heritage Month on the department's Facebook page. The live stream will feature collaborative work with tribes at North Coast Redwoods District, Capital District, and Colorado Desert District.
Visit our webpage (parks.ca.gov/NativeAmericanHeritageMonth or parks.ca.gov/NAHM) to learn more about the upcoming events, how you can participate in-person and virtually and to download our social media graphic toolkit (coming soon). The webpage also has information on park units that interpret California Native American heritage all year long.
If your park is hosting an event in-person or virtually and would like to be added to the webpage, please email Dena.Mitchell@parks.ca.gov.
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Stranded Sea Lion Goes for a Ride-Along in Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District
Story from: Alexander Ramm, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District.
 Stranded sea lion smiling for the camera. Photo from Russ Citlau, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District.
On the morning of Wednesday, October 19, a wayward California sea lion swam his way up the Russian River, then plopped himself right in the northbound lane of Highway 1. Naturally, a 6-foot-long, 170-pound sea lion is a bit of a traffic hazard. Fortunately, Maintenance Chief Russ Citlau happened to be driving through and assisted directing traffic.
I arrived and positioned my patrol car about 20 feet in front of the sea lion to shield him from traffic. I also had my emergency red and blue lights flashing. Northern Communications Center called the Marine Mammal Rescue Center and asked them to send a rescue team. The sea lion seemed lethargic at first, so Russ and I settled in.
The sea lion, though, was not content to chill where he was. Only about 10 minutes after Russ and I got set up, he started waddling his way up the road and toward my car. Then, attracted either by the warmth of the engine or a desire to be higher off the ground, the sea lion waddled toward my hood and climbed aboard. He then climbed his way up my windshield, over my lightbar and onto the rear of the roof. Normally, you need to sign a waiver before you do a ride-along.
He eventually climbed down, then hid in some nearby bushes. The Marine Mammal Rescue Center arrived a few hours later and transported him to their medical facility in Marin County. I would later learn that he was suffering from malnutrition and leptospirosis (bacterial infection in the kidneys). He’ll be treated, then released back into the ocean.
Just another day as a park ranger!
 Top left: State Park Peace Officer Alexander Ramm directing traffic around his new ride-along. Top right: The sea lion enjoying the engine warmth. Bottom right: Sea lion soaking in the view. Bottom left: Sea lion, the traffic hazard. Photos from Russ Citlau, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District.
Society for California Archaeology Meeting Held at Parks’ McClellan Facility
Story from: Darren Andolina, Cultural Resources Division
 Top: The McClellan facility. Photo from Darren Andolina. Bottom: Dr. Jelmer Eerkens from UC Davis presents recent archaeological research. Photo from Jay King, Far Western Anthropological Research Group.
The Society for California Archaeology’s annual Northern Data Sharing meeting was held on Saturday, September 24, at State Parks' McClellan Training Center. The data sharing meeting is a free, informal one-day event presenting recent archaeological research from throughout northern California, and complements the Society’s primary annual conference, a multi-day event held in spring.
Nine presentations were given on a wide range of archaeological topics, spanning the earliest known human occupation of northern California, through 1920s-era historic roads and homesteads. Approximately 90 people attended the event, including academics, cultural resources management professionals and students. Thanks to the efforts of Parks employees Wil Jorae, Jena Peterson, Sherry Dixon, Joanne McKenney, Heather Martin, Johanna Marty, Pete Hanchett, Tim Slowik, and Darren Andolina, guided tours of the Statewide Museum Collections Center were provided as part of the event.
Prescribed Burn Conducted at Ed Z’Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
Story from: Genomé Rodriguez, Sierra District
 Plume rising from the prescribed burn at Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park (SP). The photo was taken looking from Tahoe City south to Sugar Pine Point. // Pie de foto: La columna de humo elevándose de la quemazón que ocurrió en Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point SP. La foto fue tomada mirando desde Tahoe City hacia al sur a Sugar Pine Point. Photo from/ Crédito de la foto: Silver Hartman.
Earlier this week, the Sierra District conducted a successful understory prescribed burn at Ed Z’Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park (SP). This eight-acre plot was the second unit burned in this area since the beginning of October. In total, 12 acres were treated with a mosaic pattern of fire intensity to promote ecological benefits, enhance forest resiliency, and improve defensible space along the park boundary and the adjacent residential neighborhood. This burn unit is home to old growth forest that survived the logging era and serves as ideal wildlife habitat. Many thanks to all the collaborators on this effort – California State Parks North Coast Redwoods, Monterey, Diablo Range and Santa Cruz District Fire Management Crews, CAL FIRE, California Conservation Corps and USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
Esta semana pasada ocurrió una exitosa oportunidad en el distrito de Sierra para usar fuego en el sotobosque de Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point SP. Un total de 12 acres fueron quemadas de forma mosaica y la intensidad del incendio variada para el beneficio ecológico y la resiliencia del bosque y también mejorar el espacio defendible para las casas residenciales junto a la frontera del parque. La ubicación de la quemazón es en un bosque antiguo que sobrevivió la era de la explotación forestal y sirve como hábitat ideal para la vida silvestre. Muchas gracias a todos los colaboradores en este esfuerzo exitoso a los Equipos de Manejo de Incendios de los Parques Estatales de California de los distritos de North Coast Redwoods, Monterey, Diablo Range y Santa Cruz, y adicionalmente incluyendo CAL FIRE, California Conservation Corps y USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
 Top left: During the fire, firefighters use drip torches to put fire on the ground. // Izquierda: Durante la quemazón, los bomberos utilizan antorchas de goteo para prender fuego en el suelo. Photo from/ Crédito de la foto: Silver Hartman. Top right: During the fire, firefighters use drip torches to put fire on the ground. // Derecha: Durante la quemazón, los bomberos utilizan antorchas de goteo para prender fuego en el suelo. Photo from/ Crédito de la foto: Silver Hartman.
Middle left: Looking into the burn unit before the fire. // Izquierda: Mirando hacia la ubicación de donde va a ocurrir la implementación del fuego. Photo from/ Crédito de la foto: Silver Hartman. Middle right: Looking into the burn unit after the fire. // Derecha: Mirando hacia el lugar donde ocurrió la implementación del fuego. Photo from/ Crédito de la foto: Genomé Rodriguez.
Bottom left: Looking into the burn unit before the fire. // Izquierda: Mirando hacia la ubicación de donde va a ocurrir la implementación del fuego. Photo from/ Crédito de la foto: Silver Hartman. Bottom right: Looking into the burn unit after the fire. // Derecha: Mirando hacia el lugar donde ocurrió la implementación del fuego.
Heritage Day Event Showcases Marsh Creek State Park
Story from: Sharon Peterson, Diablo Range District
 Top left: Heritage Day event at Marsh Creek State Park on Oct. 15, 2022. Photo from Joe Starr, Diablo Range District. Top right: Supervising Ranger Cameron Morrison (right) at the State Parks booth. Bottom right: District Interpretation and Education Manager Elise McFarland speaking at the event. Photos from Sharon Peterson, Diablo Range District. Bottom left: The John Marsh house. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
John Marsh Historic Trust (JMHT) hosted a special event showcasing Marsh Creek State Park on Saturday, October 15. Heritage Day 2022 featured speakers, information booths, food, music from the Brentwood Concert Band and music and dance from Los Arribeños de California, guided hikes, and an opportunity to peek into the John Marsh House. Since Marsh Creek is not yet open to the public, this event provided a special opportunity for the community to get a glimpse of the park and learn about its story.
Speakers included Mayor Joel Bryant of the neighboring city of Brentwood, and State Parks District Interpretation and Education Manager, Elise McFarland, who spoke about plans for the future of the park. She started by acknowledging that this site has been home to Native Americans for thousands of years and their descendants are represented today by the Bay Miwok and Muwekma-Ohlone. She also spoke about recent funding from the legislature that is being used to continue the efforts to stabilize the John Marsh House and will provide a much-needed new roof.
Thanks to the efforts of the volunteers that make up JMHT, a nonprofit cooperating association that specifically works to support Marsh Creek State Park, approximately 350 people participated in Heritage Day 2022.
 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 RECRUITMENT EVENT
Careers at California State Parks: In-Person Hiring Info Session, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, Noon–2 p.m. Learn how to jump-start your career and work at one of California’s 279 state parks. The Parks Recruitment Team will teach you how to create your CalCareers account and apply for the jobs that interest you. 5655 Hillsdale Boulevard, Suite 8, Sacramento, CA 95842. Click here for more information.
JOB SPOTLIGHTS
Labor Relations Specialist – Apply by Oct. 31, 2022: We are now hiring a Labor Relations/COVID-19 Reporting Specialist in our Human Resources Division. This position is responsible for representing the department, assigned bargaining units, excluded employees, labor relations programs and special projects for the department. Take the online assessment today and begin your journey here at State Parks. Click here for more information.
Museum Curator II – Apply by Nov. 1, 2022: We are now hiring a Museum Curator II at San Juan Bautista State Historic Park. This position is responsible for responding to public and scholarly inquiries, and assists the Cultural Resource Program Manager in overseeing conservation treatments. Click here for more information.
Seasonal/Part-Time: Multiple Opportunities – Apply by dates vary: 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, Guide Trainee or Forestry Aide openings today. Click here for more information.
Staff Services Manager I – Apply by Nov. 10, 2022: We are now hiring a Statewide Bond Officer at the new California Natural Resources Headquarters Building. This position is responsible for fund management, allocation and appropriation oversight, and statewide bond cost control. Take the online assessment and click here for more information.
EXAM SPOTLIGHTS
Park Maintenance Chief I – Apply by Oct. 30, 2022: The Park Maintenance Chief I assessment is accepting applications. If you have experience in supervising park maintenance activities, conducting various park inspections and assessing budgets and revenue channels, apply today. Click here for more information.
Park Maintenance Chief II – Apply by Oct. 30, 2022: As a Park Maintenance Chief II, serve as the first- or second-level supervisor responsible for the management of a maintenance program in large districts. Click here for more information.
Communications Supervisor – Apply by Nov. 1, 2022: The Communications Supervisor assessment is now available. As a Communications Supervisor, you'll plan, organize and assign work to a group of communications personnel at one of our two Communications Centers. Click here for more information.
Park and Recreation Specialist Exam Series – No deadline: The Park and Recreation Specialist exam series are 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
Not everyone can do what you do! Highlight your skills on your résumé. Leave the details of your work history to your application. Your résumé is a tool to promote yourself.
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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jack-o’-lantern: Lowercase, unless starting a sentence.
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trick or treat, trick-or-treating, trick-or-treater: Note when to and when not to hyphenate.
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four-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, 4WD: Use of four-wheel drive is preferred in text that explains a trail or vehicle. For maps, use the 4WD symbol or label as 4-wheel drive.
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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 Crystal Cove State Park
A happy crew makes for a beautiful state park. The fantastic crew at Crystal Cove State Park just finished another trail maintenance outing. On the bluffs overlooking the Pacific with Catalina Island in the background makes even trail maintenance pleasurable.
Left to right: Park Maintenance Assistant Jeff Brown, Senior Maintenance Aide Steven Davila, Park Maintenance Aides Ron Stratford, Kasey Magallanas, Alexandra Sasikumar and Jim Del Crognale.
Photo from Marty Kansriddle, Orange Coast District
 Trinidad State Beach
Weekly lifeguard trainings are held every Sunday morning, rain or shine.
Photo from Keven Harder, North Coast Redwoods District
 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
A couple enjoys the sunset at Font’s Point.
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Top: Happy Halloween from Gold Fields District Superintendent Barry Smith. Bottom left: Marshall Gold's maintenance staff says enjoy your weekend. Bottom right: Welcome to Marshall Gold from the Gold Discovery Museum!
Photos from Holly Thane, Gold Fields District
 Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Left: Park Office Technician Jerrie Beard is answering all your holiday questions. Right: Happy Halloween from our Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS) team!
Photos from Holly Thane, Gold Fields District
 California State Mining and Mineral Museum
The replica hard rock mine tunnel at the California State Mining and Mineral Museum has been looking extra spooky lately.
Photos from Natalie Sanman, Central Valley District
Auburn State Recreation Area
The park's annual staff pumpkin carving party. Have a safe and spooky Halloween!
Note: Pumpkins were removed by park staff after photo was taken.
Photo from Stephanie Collins-Sowers, Gold Fields District
 San Clemente State Beach
While on a routine physical training through the Calafia State Beach parking lot, State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguard) Carlos Alfaro stumbled upon these painted pumpkins. Leaving pumpkins behind is not allowed and unfortunately, the park's maintenance staff had to remove them, some of which became a puree mess. Please help keep your state parks clean and leave no trace.
Photos from Carlos Alfaro, Orange Coast District
 Sonoma State Historic Park
A red-breasted sapsucker woodpecker at General Vallejo's home. This bird is a rare fall migrant and winter visitor.
Photo from Crystal Perata, Bay Area District
 Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
A young bear wanders down from the surrounding hills to check out the park's office.
Photos from Jack Gorman, Great Basin District
 Richardson Grove State Park
Our state bird (the California Quail) is on alert..ready to enforce State Park rules.
Photo from Ann Hagerman, North Coast Redwoods District
 Seacliff State Beach
A dolphin pops up for a breath of fresh air before submerging back to the rest of his pod.
Photo from Doug Johnson, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division
 Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
A serene view after sunset.
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
A glimpse of the park after rain. Here's the seasonal part of Lake Cuyamaca on a misty morning.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
Stream surveys and pebble counts on a beautiful fall day.
Photo from Katrina Henderson, North Coast Redwoods District
 The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Sun shines through the tree canopy along the Aptos Rancho trail.
Photo from Doug Johnson, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
A tremendous rock and white fir on the Azalea Loop Trail.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach
Birds are not the only ones that enjoy a beautiful sunset on the beach.
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Point Mugu State Park
This stretch of the coastline has been experiencing this beautiful ocean bioluminescence for every night for the past couple of months. Many marine organisms such as jellyfish, algae, bacteria, sea stars, fish and sharks, contain luciferin, a molecule that when it reacts with oxygen, produces light.
Photo from Hannah Eaton, Angeles District
 Mount Diablo State Park
An oak with a view. Who knows how many sunset this great oak has seen!
Photo from Jessica Sears, Diablo Range District
 Tolowa Dunes State Park
There's nothing quite like a day at the beach.
Photo from Simone DuRand, North Coast Redwoods District
 Seacliff State Beach
The sun sets on another beautiful October day.
Photo from Doug Johnson, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
No Tricks, Just Some Tips on Treats
Story from: Brooke Haugen, Risk Management Division
Getting dressed up, and trick-or-treating has been a long-time tradition and with Halloween quickly approaching and November being Diabetes Awareness Month, I wanted to take a moment to touch on the topic of children and sugar. Many of us know that too much sugar is not good for children, but knowing how much and better yet, how to monitor that, is more important.
A clinical dietitian, Otoniel Santiago, stated that “children should only have about 3-6 teaspoons of sugar each day (12-24 grams)…today’s children are consuming as much as 16 teaspoons of sugar every day.” The result of this excess of sugar leads to obesity and serious health concerns for the kids. The average fun sized candy has 7-10 grams of sugar- which is about half of a child’s total recommended intake per day. Juanito Montelongo Soto, a registered dietitian listed these tips to help keep you kids on track this Halloween:
- Set limits on how much candy kids can eat
- Focus on fun this Halloween, not sugar
- Encourage healthy eating with themed snacks and meals
- Offer low-sugar or non-food Halloween treats
- Swap candy for small toys or prizes
To read more in detail on each of these tips, visit: 5 ways to control sugar intake this Halloween - Children's Health (childrens.com)
To read more on sugar and kids and how much is too much, visit: Sugar and Kids: How much is too much? – Children's Health (childrens.com)
 Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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October 24, 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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