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 January 27, 2023
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 Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
The Lodge with its reflection in a puddle on Dec. 12, 2022. Normally we don’t get such
large puddles out front so it made for a rare opportunity. Within a matter of hours,
the puddle was gone.
Photo from Zuzana Volny, San Diego Coast District
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Office of Historic Preservation Announces 2022 Governor’s Historic Preservation Award Recipients
Story from: Office of Historic Preservation
 Photo 1: Restored Arizona sandstone facade of the Old Orange County Courthouse, Santa Ana. Photo 2: First Congregational Church of Long Beach, Long Beach, showing the restored rose windows. Photo 3: Rehabilitated Angel Island Immigration Station Hospital, Angel Island State Park, San Francisco. Photo 4: “Save As: NextGen Heritage Conservation” podcast in progress, University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Photo 5: Rehabilitated SMUD Headquarters Building, with Thiebaud mural encircling the ground-level walls, Sacramento.
On behalf of Governor Gavin Newsom, the Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards. Each of the projects represents exemplary achievements on behalf of preserving California’s richly diverse heritage. This year’s award recipients range from the rehabilitation of one of California’s signature mid-century modern resources, to an innovative podcast that advances the work and mission of historic preservation.
"The dedication of California citizens to celebrate and commemorate the places and stories important to them is nothing short of inspiring. We are fortunate to continue to expand the rich mosaic of our shared heritage,” said State Historic Preservation Officer Julianne Polanco. “It is an honor to recognize the efforts of our communities with this awards program.”
In recognizing these award recipients, Governor Gavin Newsom continues a tradition that has taken place annually since the awards program was established in 1986. The Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards Program is distinguished from other preservation awards in two important respects: It emphasizes involvement by community groups, and it recognizes a broad array of preservation activities, from building rehabilitation to archaeology, education and preservation planning.
Here are the 2022 Governor’s Historic Preservation Award recipients:
The 2022 awards will be presented at a ceremony on March 30, 2023, in Sacramento, beginning at 1 p.m. and will be live streamed on the OHP Facebook page. Please join us in celebrating these excellent achievements!
To learn more about the awards program, please visit the OHP website at https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/governorsawards.
California Online Course for Safe Boating Now Available in Spanish
Story from: Joleane King and Kristi Jones, Interpretation and Education Division
The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) has published its free boating safety e-book course, “California Course for Safe Boating,” in Spanish. The translation is the first Spanish language boating safety course to be approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. The 136-page e-book course will serve the state’s nearly 30% of residents who speak Spanish as their primary language.
Like its English counterpart, the “Curso de California para Navegación” home study e-book meets the California Boater Card education requirement. It can be read online or downloaded to a home computer, and both courses are free to the public. Boaters who use the e-book may request—via email or phone—individual answer sheets to complete the course and then apply for the California Boater Card.
The last two years of the seven-year age, phase-in schedule for the California Boater Card program will begin this year, 2023, requiring all operators of motorized vessels 50 years of age and younger to carry the card on California/California-shared waterways. Therefore, this is a crucial time to increase access to our Spanish-speaking boaters, as those who are not in compliance with the law will be fined.
Both the Spanish and English courses allow boaters to study at home at their own pace. Whether you are a new boat operator looking to learn the “rules of the road” or are an experienced boat operator looking for a refresher, our course will cover everything you need to know while out on the water. Topics include personal safety, safety equipment, navigation rules, aids to navigation, boating law, vessel operation and personal watercraft information, and other relatable case studies that may be helpful in preventing serious boating accidents, injuries and deaths. With the new age range of 50 and under for the California Boater Card in 2023, we hope to ring in a safe and fun boating season!
Get started on studying for your California Boater Card right now in the off-season. Detailed information about the Spanish and English courses are available on DBW’s website.
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Junk Removal Project at Clear Lake State Park
Story and photos from: Tiana Cicco, Northern Buttes District
 Crane lifts a discarded mattress at Clear Lake State Park. Maintenance staff (left to right): Yeng Chue, Water Sewer Plant Supervisor Chelsea Trujillo, Nav Van, Jon Littrell and Park Maintenance Supervisor Kao Chue.
A team of State Parks rangers and maintenance staff from the Northern Buttes District tackled a massive junk removal project on Thursday, January 19, at several dumping sites along the northeastern border of Clear Lake State Park.
The items, including 11 mattresses, two couches, an easy chair and bags of household rubbish, were located near the lake’s edge at the bottom of a steep embankment along Soda Bay Road, just east of Dorn Bay. Brave members of the team were strapped with tree harnesses and belayed down the embankment by a vehicle winch to safely collect the junk.
A crane was employed to lift the bulkier items up the steep embankment while Supervising Ranger Christopher Glenn controlled traffic along the adjacent roadway. Park Maintenance Chief I Wendy Lieberg estimates that the dumping site was neglected for over a decade.
State Parks staff and local community members are much relieved to see this section of the park restored to pristine conditions.
 Top: Maintenance staff (left to right) Nav Van, Yeng Chue, Chelsea Trujillo, Onofre Soto and Wyatt Boatright use a crane to lift an easy chair. Bottom: Onofre and Wyatt strap bulky items for removal.
  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
 JOB SPOTLIGHTS
Associate/Senior Park and Recreation Specialist – Apply by dates vary: Our Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) is now hiring for multiple openings. Join our Community Engagement Division as a Project Officer or play a leadership role as a Policy and Operations Manager. Explore these exciting new opportunities. Click here for more information.
Maintenance Mechanic – Apply by Feb. 1, 2023: We are now hiring a Maintenance Mechanic at the Año Nuevo State Park. This position must be highly skilled in electrical, have a strong working knowledge of pumps, have good troubleshooting skills/knowledge and develop and maintain a preventative maintenance program for all equipment serving the public. 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.
District Superintendent I – Apply by Feb. 2, 2023: We are looking for a District Superintendent I to lead the Angeles District. This position will supervise the district’s Core Program Managers, including the Administration, Facility Maintenance, Natural Resources, Cultural Resources, Interpretation, Public Safety and Service Driven programs. Click here for more information.
EXAM SPOTLIGHTS
Aquatic Pest Control Technician/Specialist – Apply by Feb.1, 2022: 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. Click here for more information.
Lifeguard (Permanent Intermittent) – Apply by Feb. 13, 2023: The Lifeguard (Permanent Intermittent) assessment is now available. If you have six months of open water lifeguard experience, a valid driver's license and an emergency medical technician certification, apply for this assessment today. 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 take your State Parks career to the next level in this exciting and rewarding opportunity. Click here for more information.
Senior State Archeologist – Apply by Feb. 24, 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, apply now. 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.
EMPLOYMENT TIP
State Parks Career Resources webpage: Explore our new Career Resources webpage! This resource includes details on career opportunities, why work for parks, video tutorials, resources for veterans and disabled, and exam resources, including a yearly schedule.
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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cleanup: One word, no hyphen.
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U.S. versus US: Use periods in the abbreviation and use "U.S." within text (e.g., U.S. Coast Guard). In headlines, use "US" (no periods).
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Department versus department: Uppercase on first reference with full name (e.g., Department of Parks and Recreation) and lowercase on subsequent references (e.g., department).
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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 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
The happy couple takes a stroll through the park. Newlyweds Betsy (Essepian) Muller, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division, and husband, Neil Muller, enjoy the redwoods on their big day.
Photo from Betsy Muller, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division
 Humboldt Lagoons State Park
Seasonal Lifeguard I Spenser Stratton is hoisted by U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Humboldt Bay helicopter during a bimonthly hoist training with the USCG.
Photo from Dillon Cleavenger, North Coast Redwoods District
 Humboldt Lagoons State Park
Top left: Seasonal Lifeguard I Spenser Stratton prepares for the bimonthly hoist training with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Bottom left: Spenser is being hoisted by the USCG Sector Humboldt Bay helicopter. Right: A screenshot from the North Coast Junior Lifeguards Instagram of Spenser with USCG Rescue Swimmer Cody Wright in-flight in the cockpit of the USCG Dolphin helicopter.
Spenser was in the Weekly Digest in 2019 for a rescue he and three of his friends assisted in of two men drowning in a large rip current off Trinidad State Beach. At that time, Spenser was just a Junior Lifeguard. He is now a State Parks employee and a true up-and-comer for our program! Three years later and he has made yet another life-saving rescue only 6 miles away from his last rescue effort. Later the same day of the training, he finished up a late afternoon surf session when he noticed two surfers struggling in a powerful rip current caused by large swell and king tides rapidly falling to extreme low tide. Spenser paddled out to the inexperienced and exhausted surfers and assisted both safely back to shore in the darkness of evening settling in. This recent rescue on Friday, January 20, occurred during a high surf advisory in what many consider to be California’s most rugged and dangerous coastal county.
Photos from Dillon Cleavenger and Keven Harder, North Coast Redwoods District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
It’s always a surprise to see the new year’s butterflies so early in the year. This butterfly is known as a spring azure but maybe the common name should be changed to “surprise azure.”
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
Bald eagle season is in full swing! I got to see this beauty soaking in some sun as a jet flew overhead.
Photo from Steven Andrade-Torres, Central Valley District
 Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Some fun photos of American robins hanging out in toyon.
Photos from Nicole Barden, Gold Fields District
 Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Honeybee pollinating a California peony (Paeonia californica) within the 2020 Dolan Fire scar. Amazing to see native regeneration!
Photo from Aidan Sarbeck, Monterey District
 Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
The Sierra District office buried in snow.
Photo from Rich Adams, Sierra District
 Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
The North Beach ramp covered with cobble from all the high tides we've been having.
Photo from Barbara Green, San Diego Coast District
 Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
Our corner of the Mojave has received about 3 inches of rain in the past week. Fingers crossed for a splendid spring.
Photo from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District
 Westport-Union Landing State Beach
Sunset at DeHaven Creek.
Photo from Andrea Mapes, North Coast Redwoods District
 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Sunrise from one of my favorite places to overlook the desert. It was a beautiful morning before the rain started.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Seacliff State Beach
The calm after the storm.
Photo from Doug Johnson, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division
 Sonoma State Historic Park
The sun sets behind Mission San Francisco Solano after the rain. In the foreground is prickly pear cactus, which is over 100 years old, and a California buckeye tree.
Photo from Dana Richards, Bay Area District
La Purísima Mission State Historic Park
Photos taken when the park was closed on January 9 and10 and January 14-16 due to the creek overflow.
Photos from Kristen McNally, Channel Coast District
 Andrew Molera State Park
A surprisingly warm January day next to the Pacific Ocean.
Photo from Doug Johnson, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division
 Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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Jan. 26, 2023
Jan. 27, 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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