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 January 20, 2023
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 Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park
A cute porcupine dries out during a break in the rain.
Photo from Robbie Hunzeker, Northern Buttes District
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President Biden Visits Seacliff State Beach and Surveys Storm Damage
Story from: Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division
 President Biden speaking at Seacliff State Beach on Thursday, January 19. Photo from Governor Newsom's press office.
After the state was pounded by a series of atmospheric rivers and record rainfall over the past few weeks, President Joe Biden toured some of the damaged areas, including Seacliff State Beach, on Thursday, January 19.
With the damaged wooden pier in the background, the president reassured Californians and the thousands of families hit hard by the winter storms that help is on the way. Biden has directed the federal government to cover 100% of the cost of debris removal and emergency measures like sheltering evacuees and paying for overtime for the first responders for the next 60 days. Currently, more than 500 Federal Emergency Management Agency employees are on the ground helping supply food, water, blankets and cots for shelters.
To the people of California, the president said, “The country is here for you and with you. We are not leaving till things are built back and built better than they were before. You can recover from storms. We’ll be with you every step of the way and I mean that sincerely, every step.”
Biden also thanked the first responders whom “we owe more than I can take time to talk about today.”
The president toured Seacliff State Beach for about an hour with Governor Gavin Newsom, Santa Cruz District Superintendent Chris Spohrer, Santa Cruz Deputy District Superintendent Jordan Burgess, Cal OES Director Nancy Ward, CAL FIRE, Department of Water Resources and a number of federal, state and local officials. The park unit sustained major infrastructure damage, including damage to the iconic SS Palo Alto, wooden pier, campgrounds and day-use areas.
Earlier in the day, Biden did an aerial tour led by Governor Newsom on Marine One, surveying damage across Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties. They also visited businesses in Capitola that were impacted by the recent storms.
To read more about the president’s visit, view the governor’s press release and the White House’s transcript of Biden’s remarks.
For the latest information about other state park units impacted by the storms, visit parks.ca.gov/incidents.
 President Biden shared this tweet on Twitter on January 19. The president is seen here with Santa Cruz Deputy District Superintendent Jordan Burgess and Governor Newsom while touring the storm damage at Seacliff State Beach. Photo from President of the United States.
Director’s Recognition Award Nominee Submissions Due Today, January 20
Story from: Sonya Jones, Director’s Office
 Please email submissions to DirectorRecognitionAward@parks.ca.gov.
Today, January 20, is the last day to submit nominations for a Director’s Recognition Award!
The nomination period is for the year 2022. 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.
Award categories include the Adaptation Award for remarkable steps in preparing for and protecting against the consequences of climate change, the Innovation Award for the use of creative and innovative means to complete tasks and projects, the Partnership Award to recognize partners who have demonstrated a high level of commitment beyond the normal call of duty, the Resilience Award for rising to enormous challenges during an emergency response and/or recovery effort, and many more awards. For the full list of award categories and descriptions, click here.
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 appointed by the director. You can view the committee roster on the intranet.
This award ceremony is scheduled to be in person on Thursday, 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 look forward to reading the nominations!
Three Honored With 2019 Golden Bear Award
Story from: Doug Johnson, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division
 Top (left to right): California State Parks Commission Vice Chairperson Phil Ginsburg, State Parks volunteer and Golden Bear Award recipient John Salcido, and California State Parks Commissioner Francesca Vietor. Photo from David Pierce, California State Parks Foundation. Bottom left: John Salcido's Golden Bear Award certificate. Photo from John Salcido, State Parks volunteer. Bottom right: Golden Bear Award recipient Dr. Helen Henry Smith. Photo from Stacy Beard, Strategic Planning and Recreation Services Division.
After a brief hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Golden Bear Awards are back.
As a California State Park and Recreation Commission program, the Golden Bear Awards recognize and celebrate outstanding contributions of employees or retirees from State Parks, external organizations, volunteers, legislators and individuals who have made positive impacts to the State Park System and programs that promote recreation.
Last week, Commission Vice Chairperson Phil Ginsburg and Commissioner Francesca Vietor presented the 2019 awards to volunteers John Salcido and Dr. Helen Henry Smith during a ceremony in Half Moon Bay—CONGRATULATIONS! One more award for the 2019 program will be presented next month at Crystal Cove State Park.
State Parks Volunteer John Salcido works at Half Moon Bay State Beach and has made significant contributions there and at other state parks in the Santa Cruz District. According to Senior Environmental Scientist Joanne Kerbavaz, who nominated Salcido for the award back in 2019, John’s skills in leadership and organization have created a volunteer-led habitat restoration program that has enhanced the natural resources and beauty of the parks while building a dedicated corps of stewardship volunteers.
Dr. Helen Henry Smith was nominated because of her monumental efforts toward preserving the Vikingsholm, a summer home located on the shores of Emerald Bay State Park. Constructed in 1929, Vikingsholm was the home of Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight. Helen Smith’s passion for Vikingsholm came through her unique perspective, as her parents and Lora Knight were friends. In 1953, the house and property were acquired by California State Parks. Smith was nominated by Executive Director of the Sierra State Parks Foundation Heidi Doyle because of her formation of the Vikingsholm Project Council, which helped raise revenue for restoration. Through her leadership, over $2 million was acquired for restoration and repair. Smith was involved in the actual work, coordinating between State Parks staff and outside resources.
Five awards—one statewide and one per division (Northern, Coastal, Central, Southern)—will be presented by the State Park and Recreation Commission during the fourth quarter public meeting of 2023. Recipients of the awards will receive a certificate commemorating their contributions.
To learn more about the history, qualifications and how to nominate candidates for a Golden Bear Award, click here.
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State Parks Working Across California to Mitigate Wildfire Risk with Prescribed Burns
Story from: Doug Johnson, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division
 Top: Sonoma Wildlands Collaborative partners with Trione-Annadel State Park, Bay Area District, in pile burn operation. Bottom left: Santa Cruz District prescribed fire at Wilder Ranch State Park. Bottom right: Sierra District pile burn operation. Photos from State Parks Wildfire and Forest Resilience Program.
State Parks has been working across the state to better protect the State Park System and nearby communities from extreme wildfires like those experienced in recent years. Through the State Parks Wildfire and Forest Resilience Program (WFRP), park districts have been using prescribed fires, also known as prescribed burns, to restore health to ecosystems that naturally depend on fire.
The WFRP has had an influx of recent funding, with $15 million allocated for early action in spring 2021, $105 million in the 2021-22 Fiscal Year Budget Act and an additional $20 million in the 2022-23 Fiscal Year Budget Act.
With weather cooperating last fall, State Parks was able to burn around 2,000 acres in at least 10 different parks, including Jack London State Historic Park, Trione-Annadel State Park, Wilder Ranch State Park, Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Henry W. Coe State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Montaña de Oro State Park and Estero Bluffs State Park.
Through this program, State Parks’ actions are consistent and in alignment with the efforts of the California Wildfire Resilience Task Force and integrate wildland and forest management treatments with wildfire preparedness. The primary focus of this work includes fuel reduction through ecological thinning, watershed restoration and prescribed fire. The program also supports ongoing recovery from wildfires when they happen. (Through a separate program, the department is also now able to start protecting the thousands of structures in areas of potential high fire severity.)
State Parks districts have been able to hire staff dedicated to this new program. With its increased capacity, and with the assistance of collaborators such as Parks California, multiple resource conservation districts, the California Conservation Corps, American Conservation Experience and others, State Parks’ program has been able to increase its planning efforts, as well as its pace and scale of treatments. The program is working to identify communities and resources impacted by wildfire and engaging in on-the-ground efforts to protect them.
And more work is coming. Forest management treatments are being planned and implemented in more than 100 state park units in the coming years. The additional funding and program support has already resulted in an increase of on-the-ground actions toward the stated goal of treating up to 25,000 acres annually.
“In 2021 we spent the year developing the program for State Parks. We asked every district, 'What can you accomplish in five years? And what resources do you need to do that?' Money, staff, equipment,” said Terri Gaines, program manager in the Natural Resources Division. She added that the program has also allowed the department to make some big-ticket purchases in addition to providing funding and training to the districts. “With that influx of one-time dollars, we were able to upgrade our aging fire fleet; buy 11 fire patrols, type 5 and type 6s that I don’t know how we otherwise would have been able to acquire.”
 Top left: Pile burning at Trione-Annadel State Park, Bay Area District. Top right: Sierra District pile burn operation. Bottom left: Prescribed fire operations at Estero Bluffs State Park, San Luis Obispo Coast District. Bottom right: Pile burning at Trione-Annadel State Park, Bay Area District. Photos from State Parks Wildfire and Forest Resilience Program.
CORRECTION
In last week's issue of the Weekly Digest, the link in the "Beta Testers Wanted for New Virtual Passport Feature on State Parks Mobile App" article to the official sweepstakes rules was not working. Please click here to read the official sweepstakes rules.
 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
 WORKSHOPS
Careers at California State Parks: In-Person Hiring Info Session. Wednesday, January 25, noon–2 p.m. Learn how to jump-start your career and work at one of the 279 California state parks. The Parks Recruitment Team will teach you how to create your CalCareers account and apply for the jobs that interest you. We offer opportunities in Law Enforcement, Administration, Communications, Facilities and Maintenance, and many more. Location: 5655 Hillsdale Blvd., Suite 8, Sacramento, CA 95842. Click here to register.
JOB SPOTLIGHTS
Associate State Archeologist – Apply by Jan. 20, 2023: We are looking for an Associate State Archeologist to join our team. This position will serve as the district archaeologist and is responsible for the management of the district's archaeological resources. Click here for more information.
Management Services Technician – Apply by Jan. 23, 2023: We are now hiring a Management Services Technician “Junior Lifeguard Coordinator” at the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. This position is responsible for the management of the Junior Lifeguard statistics and database, administration of the program website and social media pages, and interfacing with the R2S2 reservation system for program registration. Take the online assessment. Click here for more information.
Associate Park and Recreation Specialist – Apply by Jan. 25, 2023: The Office of Community Involvement is looking for an Associate Park and Recreation Specialist (or Park and Recreation Specialist) who will engage various California communities in the development and implementation of programs that expand the department’s services to underserved communities in the urban, suburban and rural areas. Take the assessment today. 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.
EXAM SPOTLIGHTS
Administrative Officer I – Apply by Jan. 27, 2023: The Administrative Officer I, Resources Agency, assessment is now available. If you have administrative experience and are interested in planning, organizing and directing administrative duties within the California Natural Resources Agency, apply for this assessment today. Click here for more information.
Senior State Archeologist – Apply by Jan. 31, 2023: The Senior State Archeologist assessment is now available. If you have two years of experience as an Associate State Archeologist or five years of experience in cultural resource management and protection programs, then apply for this assessment today. Click here for more information.
Aquatic Pest Control Technician/Specialist Series – Apply by Feb. 1, 2023: As an Aquatic Pest Control Technician, you will gain valuable experience learning how to properly care for and manage aquatic pest control activities. As an Aquatic Pest Control Specialist, you will revise, regulate, plan and train others on effective pest control management. You will reduce the impact of such pests as the water hyacinth plant and other invasive pest plants on the environment, including navigational, recreational and agricultural uses in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and its tributaries. Responsibilities of these programs include the implementation of an aquatic weed control program utilizing mechanical, biological and chemical measures to eliminate the threat imposed by the water hyacinth plant, Egeria densa and any other pests that may be legislatively mandated. Click here for more information.
Museum Curator I – Apply by Feb. 13, 2023: The Museum Curator I assessment is now available. If you have two years of experience as a Museum Technician or two years of experience in museum work involving registration, preservation or interpretation, then apply for this assessment today. Click here for more information.
Communications Operator – No deadline: Our California State Parks Communications Operators are emergency dispatchers who monitor emergency communications systems, answer calls for service, log incidents and dispatch field units to emergencies. 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.
State Park Peace Officer (Ranger or Lifeguard) Lateral/Transfer – No deadline: You can now lateral or transfer into an exciting career as a State Park Peace Officer Ranger or Lifeguard. The assessments are available online, anytime. We have positions throughout the state. Take the assessment and join us in protecting our precious resources. Eligibility is good for 18 months. Click here for more information.
EMPLOYMENT TIP
Preparation: Remember to give yourself enough time to complete your application. Be aware of the final filing date for the job that interests you. In doing so, you can thoroughly review your application and make sure it is perfect before submitting.
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!
Workforce Planning and Recruitment Office Launches State Parks Career Resources Webpage
Story from: David Garcia, Workforce Planning and Recruitment Office
 The Workforce Planning and Recruitment Office (WPRO) is thrilled to announce the launch of the State Parks’ Career Resources webpage. This new online resource provides a wealth of information and tools for those seeking new job opportunities or looking to advance in their current roles.
The webpage includes details on career opportunities, reasons why to work for State Parks, video tutorials, resources for veterans and disabled, and exam information, including a yearly schedule. In addition to these resources, the Career Resources webpage also features information on the California Natural Resources Agency Career Center and a new WPRO events calendar.
As part of the Leadership, Excellence, Advancement, Development and Recruitment initiatives, development of this webpage was the result of a yearlong effort by a workgroup I had led. The workgroup was comprised of members from various units, including the Training Section, Exams Unit, Webmaster, Human Rights Office and WPRO. Workgroup participants included Bob Waller, Jacques Carter, Mike Sexton, Bridget Campbell, Kelly Thorn, Jennifer Ehrgood, Sharon Comas, Xochi Prock, Carly Carpenter, Yolanda Ramirez and Anthony Bonilla. These dedicated individuals met monthly to share ideas and resources, and we are grateful for their time and effort in making this project a success.
A special thank you to all the participants who shared their time, ideas, experience and knowledge to make this project a success.
Whether you are seeking a new job or looking to advance in your current career, the Career Resources webpage is a valuable resource. We encourage you to take advantage of all it has to offer.
Kim Milruya Joins State Parks' Communications and Marketing Division
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
 Left: Kim enjoying a hike at Red Rock Canyon State Park. Top right: Designs for the campaign for the California State Library Parks Pass. Bottom right: Designs for the grand reopening of Los Angeles State Historic Park.
Kim Milruya recently joined the Communications and Marketing Division as a graphic designer III to assist with designing various publications and marketing campaigns, creating digital assets for websites and social media, and more.
Kim may be new to the division but has already worked on marketing with California State Parks on multiple projects, including the logo and campaign for the California State Library Parks Pass in 2022, as well as the branding for the grand reopening for Los Angeles State Historic Park in 2017.
Kim has a background in project management and design execution from conception to deployment across different areas, including interpretation and education, natural resource management, hospitality and dining, and animal welfare. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a double major in communications and fine arts (graphic design) and went on to work as a graphic designer for crosstown rival, the University of California, Los Angeles.
She also was the community engagement coordinator with the Channel Coast District and looks forward to bringing that outreach experience to the position as well.
In her personal time, Kim enjoys backpacking in the Eastern Sierras, making stained glass and taking pictures of her two cats, despite their meows.
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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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Lunar New Year: The most important holiday in several East Asian countries, Lunar New Year marks the start of the Chinese lunar calendar. The holiday starts anytime from mid-January to mid-February depending on the year and lasts for multiple days. This year’s Lunar New Year holiday begins Sunday, January 22. The name “Lunar New Year” is preferred over “Chinese New Year” or “Spring Festival,” the name it is known by in China. Use uppercase: Lunar New Year.
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pine cone: Two words.
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Punctuation and quotation marks: The dash, the semicolon, the colon, the question mark and the exclamation point go within quotation marks when they apply to the quoted content only. They go outside when they apply to the whole sentence. Examples: She asked, “When will you be heading home?” Is the area referred to named “Oasis”?
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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 Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park
Governor Gavin Newsom stopped by the Leland Stanford Mansion earlier this month and kindly posed for a photo in the Billiard Room with (left to right) State Park Interpreter III Alison Parks, Capital District; Guide II, Supervisor of Leland Stanford Mansion, Megan Stanley; Event Coordinator for the Capital District Francesca Martella; and Capital District Superintendent John Fraser.
Photo from Governor's Office
 Gold Fields District
Working hard to teach the next generation how to be an equipment operator. State Park Maintenance Worker I Tyler Stanfield and son, Jameson.
Photo from Shannon Stanfield, visitor
 Red Rock Canyon State Park
The silhouette of a lone visitor atop a branch of the Desert View Trail.
Photo from Damion Laughlin, Great Basin District
 Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
A bobcat came up to the district office.
Photo from Steven Ptomey, Great Basin District
 William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park
During a break in the rain on Tuesday, January 10, I caught a glimpse of this double rainbow over the historic park in Red Bluff.
Photo from Heather Lee, Northern Buttes District
 Red Rock Canyon State Park
Stunning views over Red Rock Canyon after days of stormy weather.
Photo from Renee Bell, Great Basin District
 Auburn State Recreation Area
The color difference between the north and middle forks of the American River on New Year's Day. The middle fork appears darker likely due to the runoff from the Mosquito Fire, which burned 76,000 acres last summer.
Photo from Joseph Shanahan, Gold Fields District
 Auburn State Recreation Area
Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge weathering the high water on New Year's Day.
Photo from Joseph Shanahan, Gold Fields District
 Candlestick Point State Recreation Area
Atmospheric river storm floods main entrance of the park.
Photo from Jesse Osorio, Bay Area District
 Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
After heavy rains at reserve on Thursday, January 12.
Photo from Cris Guldberg, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District
 Sonoma Coast State Park
A sunset worth waiting for after a long storm at Wrights Beach.
Photo from Erin Gates, North Coast Redwoods District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Top left: The moon was setting at sunrise on this particular morning. Bottom left: Harper Creek is finally flowing again. Right: The lichens are enjoying the moisture. These are on an old manzanita tree.
Photos from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Portola Redwoods State Park
Found heart in a tree.
Photo from Veronica Ahearn, Santa Cruz District
 Mount Tamalpais State Park
A creek flowing following the recent rains.
Photo from Naftali Moed, Bay Area District
 Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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Jan. 17, 2023
Jan. 18, 2023
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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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