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 December 9, 2022
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 Red Rock Canyon State Park
A full moon rises over as the sun's glow fades.
Photo from Damion Laughlin, Great Basin District
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Director’s Recognition Award Nominee Submissions Due Friday, January 13
Story from: Sonya Jones, Director’s Office
 Please email submissions to DirectorRecognitionAward@parks.ca.gov.
It’s that time of year where we all have the opportunity to recognize a coworker for being innovative, remaining resilient under pressure or for going above and beyond the normal call of duty. Or maybe you’d like to recognize a colleague or a supervisor who inspires you and your team to be great stewards for California’s state parks. The department wants to hear about these individuals so that they can be recognized for their hard work and dedication.
The nomination period is for the year 2022, and all nominations must be submitted by Friday, Jan. 13, 2023. The Director’s Recognition Awards Program honors exceptional and outstanding accomplishments that model the types of behavior furthering the mission, goals and values of California State Parks. All employees—regardless of classification, level, time base or pay status—are eligible for recognition. The program recognizes teams, as well as individuals.
Here are award categories, which include our newest award, the Equity and Diversity Award:
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Adaptation Award: Taken remarkable steps in preparing for and protecting against the consequences of climate change.
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Compass Award: Demonstrated remarkable long-term visioning, mentorship that fosters talent and provides support to staff at all levels, and innovative thinking to develop strategies that improve all facets of department operations.
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Equity and Diversity Award: Demonstrated an exceptional contribution to furthering the department’s values of equity and inclusion by working toward ensuring all Californians have access to the outdoors and cultural sites or demonstrated a successful effort at removing barriers many Californians face in accessing parks for recreation or employment.
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Innovation Award: Demonstrated use of creative and innovative means to complete tasks and projects.
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Inspiration Award: Achieved a major public objective while inspiring public support.
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Leadership and Vision Award: Shown keen ability to lead and motivate others to positive action.
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Partnership Award: Recognizes partners who have demonstrated a high level of commitment beyond the normal call of duty.
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Professional Integrity Award: Maintained high professional standards despite pressure to compromise those standards.
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Resilience Award: Rose to enormous challenges during an emergency response and/or recovery effort.
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Trailblazer Award: Introduced new ideas or methods to accomplish the mission of State Parks.
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Director’s Special Commendation: Made a significant contribution toward the accomplishment of the State Parks mission.
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Director’s Recognition for Special Act or Service: Performed an extraordinary act of heroism extending far above the normal call of duty or service.
You can access the program guidelines and nomination forms via the Director’s Recognition Awards SharePoint site or the intranet. Nomination forms, including any attachments, should be submitted via email to DirectorRecognitionAward@parks.ca.gov.
All nominations are confidential and will be reviewed by the Director’s Recognition Awards Program Committee, who will then submit their recommendations to the director. The committee is comprised of nine members who are appointed by the director. You can view the committee roster on the intranet.
This award ceremony is scheduled to be in person on April 27, 2023, at the new California Natural Resources Agency Building auditorium. Recipients will be honored at the ceremony and through various communication platforms (e.g., social media and the department’s website).
We're looking forward to reading the nominations!
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Hollister Hills Ranch Designated as a California Point of Historical Interest
Story from: Cheryl Ashton, Diablo Range District
 A plaque declaring Hollister Hills Ranch a California Point of Historical Interest. Photo from Scott Soares, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division.
Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) held a plaque dedication ceremony on Saturday, December 3, to celebrate being designated as a California Point of Historical Interest (CPHI). Michael Lynch (retired annuitant for Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division) and I prepared the successful nomination application for CPHI recognition.
CPHI status for Hollister Hills Ranch was pursued as part of the OHMVR 50th anniversary, celebrated in 2021. California Points of Historical Interest are sites, buildings, features or events of local (city or county) significance and that have anthropological, cultural, military, political, architectural, economic, scientific technical, religious, experimental or other value.
In addition, an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Commission Resolution was approved on November 4, recognizing the significant contributions of Howard W. Harris to the OHV community. Howard Harris was the previous landowner of the property, which became Hollister Hills SVRA. Howard wanted to preserve the land for public OHV recreation and sold the property at a reduced price to the state. Harris was directly involved for decades in the development of state and federal standards for sustained OHV use, including the enactment of the Chappie-Z-berg Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Law and the first federal OHV management regulations in California. OHMVR Division Deputy Director Sarah Miggins, with former Hollister Hills Superintendent Dan Dungy, presented the resolution to Glenn Harris, one of Howard’s sons. Glenn was also given a porcelain copy of the plaque.
Eighteen members of the Harris family came to the event from as far as Vermont and expressed to State Parks staff how much this event meant to them. Despite the heavy rain, the turnout was fantastic.
The Hollister Hills Off-Road Association sponsored the event and provided lunch and a CPHI plaque cake for dessert. The association also paid for a portion of the plaque, which will be mounted at the park, and a panel will be developed explaining the points of the designation.
Receiving this historical designation in an SVRA emphasizes the great job the OHMVR Division and the SVRAs are doing in preserving our cultural heritage and historic buildings, while providing OHV recreational opportunities in a successful blend of multiuse park stewardship.
 Top left: Cheryl Ashton and Mike Lynch, all smiles after two-year project completed. Top right: Cheryl Ashton and Mike Lynch receive copy of plaque. Left to right: OHMVR Division Deputy Director Sarah Miggins, Cheryl Ashton, Mike Lynch and Hollister Hills Manager Matt Lohr. Photos from Scott Soares, OHMVR Division. Bottom left: Glenn Harris receiving resolution from Sarah. Left to right: Glenn Harris, Sarah Miggins, retired Hollister Hills Superintendent Dan Dungy and Mike Lynch. Bottom right: CPHI group photo. Photos from Joseph Starr, Diablo Range District.
Using Prescribed Fire as Tool to Improve Wildfire Resilience at Plumas-Eureka State Park
Story from: Rich Adams, Sierra District
 Forestry Aide Julia Nolan puts fire to a hazardous tree threatening a state park fire road. Photo from Kamren Dammons, Sierra District.
Staff in the Sierra District Fire Management Crew set fire to hazardous dead trees (snags) during a recent snowstorm at Plumas-Eureka State Park (SP).
The targeted snags were threatening a state park fire road and the safety of future prescribed fire operations being planned for the area. It is possible that the trees could have been felled with a chainsaw but doing so would have been very dangerous for the sawyer.
Recent snow accumulation, and actively falling snow, provided ideal conditions for snag mitigation. These trees were identified over a year and a half ago for desired mitigation with fire. This month, a desired weather pattern finally lined up with staffing availability.
Prescribed fire project work is being funded by the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Program and is part of larger efforts across Plumas-Eureka SP, Sierra District and the entire state. With many different resources, utilizing many different tools of the trade, we are implementing forest stewardship and fire-fuels reduction projects for ecosystem restoration and building resiliency for the future. It takes many stages of work to prepare for and implement prescribed fires. Experience and science have shown that application of fire can be the best tool to improve wildfire resilience.
 Left: Notice the spiral pattern in the wood. This occurs sometimes but is not always apparent with the bark still on. Spiral growth helps a tree withstand strong winds. Top and bottom right: This tree was identified as a hazard to future prescribed burning but very dangerous to fell with a chainsaw. A decision was made to burn the tree during snow conditions. Photos from Kamren Dammons, Sierra District.
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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
Skilled Laborer (Permanent Intermittent) – Apply by Dec. 10, 2022: We are now hiring a Skilled Laborer in the Russian River Sector. This position will be responsible for miscellaneous skilled labor tasks related to facilities maintenance and housekeeping, and performing weekly tool, equipment and vehicle maintenance. 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.
Office Technician (Typing) – Apply by Dec. 13, 2022: We are looking for an Office Technician for Humboldt Redwoods and Richardson Grove State Parks. This position will process invoices, accounting documents, personnel documents, employee timesheets, one-time service contracts and trainings. Click here for more information.
Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer (CEA) – Apply by Dec. 22, 2022: We are now hiring a Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer (CEA) to join our executive leadership team. This position is responsible for the evaluation of program policies and working relations with local, state and federal agencies; Native American tribes; and the public. Click here for more information.
EXAM SPOTLIGHTS
State Historian II – Apply by Dec. 27, 2022: The State Historian II exam is now available. If you have three years of experience in research, cultural resources management, museum work or have taught California history, apply to take this exam today and begin your parks career in this exciting and rewarding opportunity. Click here for more information.
Communications Operator – No deadline: Our California State Parks Communication Operators are emergency dispatchers who monitor emergency communications systems, answer calls for service, log incidents and dispatch field units to emergencies. See article below and 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.
EMPLOYMENT TIP
Use your resume as a tool to stand out from the crowd. List all of your skills and accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications. There is no time for modesty—show yourself off!
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!
Live the Parks Life as a Communications Operator
Story from: Shelley Gesicki, Communications and Marketing Division
 California State Parks is actively recruiting individuals for the role of communications operator. These positions are an integral part of public safety operations within State Parks.
Although the communications center is similar in nature to other 911 centers (taking and creating calls for service and dispatching them to officers), the responsibilities of State Parks communications operators are vastly different in many ways. The communications operator is responsible for covering multiple counties within the state and supporting hundreds of peace officers, with most calls not officer-initiated but transferred from other agencies. They dispatch not only for California State Parks, but also the Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Parks (Northern California) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Southern CA). Typical calls may include injured animal problems, vehicle stops, lost/missing hikers, traffic collisions and medical help for visitors.
To apply to these positions, interested candidates should send an application to the Parks and Recreation Exam Unit at Exams@parks.ca.gov. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be emailed an exam link, and successful candidates will be placed on an eligible list utilized for hiring.
For more information about this exciting and rewarding career, visit the Communications Operator webpage.
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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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-ly: Do not use a hyphen between adverbs ending in -ly and adjectives they modify. Instead of "a badly-damaged vehicle," use "a badly damaged vehicle." Other examples of correct usage, no hyphen: the locally owned store, the regularly scheduled time.
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Jet Ski: Use uppercase. Jet Ski is a registered trademark of Kawasaki for a type of personal watercraft.
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offshore: One word, no 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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 Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
On Sunday, December 4, lifeguards jumped into action after reports of a bird tangled up in fishing line near the boat launch area. After rescuing the bird, later identified as a western grebe, the fishing line was freed from its body and evaluated by rangers. Pictured is Lifeguard II Anthony Nassar, rescuing the western grebe.
Photos from Garrett Fuhrman, Inland Empire District
 Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area
State park peace officers and desert lifeguards respond to an off-highway vehicle collision, with the help of air ambulance REACH 11 and San Diego County CAL FIRE paramedics.
Photo from Tim Schulte, Ocotillo Wells District
 Gold Fields District
District Administrative Chief Brandy Greene (left) and Senior Environmental Scientist Meghan Sullivan accidentally “twinning” in "Star Wars" holiday sweaters. Great minds do think alike!
Photo from Brandy Greene, Gold Fields District
 Auburn State Recreation Area
As a thank you for everything they do for the district, Gold Fields District Administrative Officer I Carissa Barnett set up a trip on Monday, December 5, for the Accounting Services Support Unit to tour Mountain Quarries Mine. Top: Inside the Mountain Quarries Mine. Bottom right (left to right): Carissa, Kimber Combs (Fiscal and special project manager), Matthew George (associate governmental program analyst) and Tim Chen (staff services analyst). Bottom left (left to right): Mike Howard (Gold Fields sector superintendent II), Sarah Morgan (state park peace officer [ranger]), Tim, Kimber, Matthew and Joseph Shanahan (senior park aide).
*Note: The Mountain Quarries Mine is currently not open to the public.
Photos from Kimber Combs, Accounting Services Section
 Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
When a gigantic fly crashed the caverns tour on October 9, it was a topic of great interest. After weeks of research, we have an identification: This massive insect is a female bot fly (Cuterebra approximata). These flies are unique, to say the least. The females deliver their eggs onto mammals, where the eggs hatch, stimulated by the warmth and proximity of the host, and enter the skin of unfortunate creature. Here they pupate, later dropping out of the skin to complete their growth in the ground. This species appears to target mice for its rather revolting life cycle.
Nature, particularly in the Mojave Desert, is not all sublime sunsets and majestic views.
Photos from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District
 Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
A hawk and a crow up on two poles.
Photo from Barbara Green, San Diego Coast District
 Humboldt Lagoons State Park
Perfect rainbow over the Big Lagoon Spit during ice plant removal.
Photo from Katrina Henderson, North Coast Redwoods District
 Border Field State Park
Nasturtium bloom after a light morning rain.
Photo from Darby Fultz, San Diego Coast District
 Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Stairs leading to the beach.
Photo from Barbara Green, San Diego Coast District
 California Citrus State Historic Park
Palms in the late afternoon yesterday.
Photo from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District
 Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park
The small point of light is the International Space Station flying over the Leland Stanford Mansion and the former Natural Resources Agency building. It is the largest modular space station in low Earth orbit and flies around the Earth at over 17,000 mph.
Photo from Megan Stanley, Capital District
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
California Department of Public Health Encourages Winter Virus Protection
Story from: California Department of Public Health
 With COVID-19, the flu and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) all spreading across California’s communities this winter, it’s important for everyone to be prepared. RSV has led to an increase in hospitalizations of children across the state, and slowing the spread is critical as we enter the end-of-year holidays. COVID-19 is also still present in California, which is why it’s important to get the updated (bivalent) booster. Getting vaccinated is the safest way to protect against the worst outcomes of COVID-19, including hospitalization, long COVID and death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also urges everyone to get vaccinated against the flu as there’s already been an early rise in cases. To find out how to get both vaccines near you, visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call (833) 422-4255.
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director Dr. Tomás Aragón also recommends these “5 Tips for Virus Prevention as We Gather This Winter”:
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Get Vaccinated, Boosted (and Treated): Flu and COVID-19 vaccines continue to be your best defense to limit severe illness and death—and you can get both at the same time. If you test positive for COVID-19, contact your doctor or a test-to-treat site immediately to seek treatment. Treatments work best when started right after symptoms begin.
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Stay Home if You're Sick: It's crucial to stay home if you are feeling ill. Avoid close contact with others to protect them and take the time you need to heal. This is especially important for respiratory viruses like the flu, RSV and COVID-19, which can lead to more severe illness.
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Wear a Mask: There is no vaccine for RSV, so wearing a mask can significantly slow the spread and protect babies and young children who do not yet have immunity and are too young to wear a mask themselves. Wearing a mask in indoor public places is a good way to limit the spread of germs.
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Wash Your Hands: Frequent handwashing, with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
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Cover Your Cough or Sneeze: Remember to cough or sneeze into your elbow, your arm or a disposable tissue. Make sure to wash your hands or sanitize after.
For more information, visit CDPH's website.
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Dec. 7, 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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