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 February 10, 2023
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 Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Wispy morning frost similar in appearance to the needles found on the coast redwoods in the background.
Photo from Ian Jones, North Coast Redwoods District
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State Parks and Natural Resources Agency Invites You to Celebrate Black History Month
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
 California State Parks invites the public to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth by visiting parks across the state where you can discover connections to places with a rich history of Black and African Americans.
Here are some interesting historical facts that you may not have known.
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, about 45 miles north of Bakersfield, off Highway 99 in Tulare County, preserves and interprets a remarkable example of an all-Black settlement established here in 1908. Susan D. Anderson, history curator at the California African American Museum, coined the phrase Black Town Movement to refer to this period when more than 1,200 Black settlements, enclaves and towns were established across the country in the late 18th and early 20th centuries in the Reconstruction and post-Reconstruction era when anti-Black, Jim Crow laws proliferated. It was here in 1908 that retired Colonel Allen Allensworth, educator William Payne, miner John W. Palmer, minister William H. Peck, and real estate agent Harry A. Mitchell founded the California Colony and Home Promoting Association and purchased the land for the settlement. Allensworth became the first all-Black voting precinct, school district, and judicial district in the state. It also had the first branch of the Tulare County Public Library. There’s so much more to explore at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.
Angel Island State Park
Did you know there’s a connection between Angel Island State Park and Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park? The Chapel of Saint Marie is tucked away in the trees that have grown over the hill behind the historic row of Officers’ quarters at historic Civil War Camp Reynolds garrison on Angel Island State Park, the largest island in the Francisco Bay. This is where Col Allen Allensworth served as Chaplain for the 24th Infantry here with his wife Josephine Leavell Allensworth at the turn of the last century. There was a schoolroom attached for children of the post. Col. and Mrs. Allensworth, a concert pianist who accompanied him during chapel services, emphasized and valued education through their lives as seen in the design of the town of Allensworth in the San Joaquin Valley.
To learn more about other state parks with connections to Black and African Americans, read our blog.
Governor Newsom on Tuesday, February 7, issued a proclamation declaring February 2023 as Black History Month. To read the text of the proclamation, click here.
The Natural Resources Agency, State Parks, California Conservation Corps and other agencies are hosting a number of events to celebrate Black History Month. Please visit resources.ca.gov/BlackHistoryMonth to find out how you can participate.
 Left: Colonel Allen Allensworth. Right: The Chapel of Saint Marie at Camp Reynolds on Angel Island State Park. Photos from California State Parks. To learn more about state parks with connections to the rich history of Black and African Americans, read our blog.
Still Time to Enter 'The Magic of Winter' Photo Contest
Story from: Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division
 Although recent sunny days in California make it feel like spring has arrived, winter is not over, which means there is still time to submit your “The Magic of Winter” photos for the current photo contest. Recent storms brought more much-needed rain and snow, making creeks flow and flowers grow in many state parks. If you have captured some spectacular photos of your parks this winter, make sure to enter the contest.
Although there are no “prizes” for the top five photos selected, you do have bragging rights and your photos will be shared via social media promoting why state parks are awesome. Photos can showcase anything from winter activities in the snow, to wildflower blooms in the desert or a beautiful rainbow after the rain. Whatever the reason for why the park you work at or like to visit is magical, capture it in a photo and make sure to submit it for the contest.
“The Magic of Winter” photo contest started Dec. 21, 2022, and the deadline is Monday, March 6. If your photos include people who are non-state park employees or volunteers, remember you must have a Visual Media Consent form (DPR 993).
To be eligible to participate, you must be a State Parks employee or park volunteer and submit your photos to the Weekly Digest. Provide a brief caption description of your photo and the name of the state park it was taken. The Communications and Marketing team will announce the top five photos in late March 2023. The photos will be showcased in the Weekly Digest, as well as State Parks’ social media channels with their photo credit.
The rules and criteria to submit photos are:
- Submit photos to the Weekly Digest email address with the subject line “The Magic of Winter.”
- Photos must be taken between Dec. 21, 2022–March 6, 2023.
- Photos with images of nonpark staff must include a photo Visual Media Consent form (DPR 993).
- Photos can be taken at any of California’s 279 state parks or State Parks office.
- Only park employees and volunteers can submit photos.
- Photos will be judged on photo quality, uniqueness, moment captured and content.
- The top five photos chosen will be shared on California State Parks’ social media channels and in the Weekly Digest.
- Photos will be judged by the Communications and Marketing team (who is not eligible to participate in the contest).
- Photo images should be a minimum of 1920×2400 ppi.
If you have any questions on the contest, please send an email to the Weekly Digest. Have an idea for the spring photo contest? Let us know your suggestion!
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State Parks and Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Formalize Government-to-Government Relationship
Story from: Scott Green, Sierra District
 Standing (left to right): State Park Interpreter I Kaytlen Jackson; Tribal Affairs Program Analyst Dena Mitchell; Sierra District Natural Resources Chief Rich Adams; Sierra District Cultural Resources Chief Alexandra Neeb; Department Tribal Liaison/Cultural Resources Division Chief Leslie L. Hartzell, Ph.D.; Sierra District Superintendent Dan Canfield; State Park Interpreter II Jeremy Lin; Woodfords Colony Tribal Chairman Irvin Jim; Carson Colony Tribal Council Representative Everett Osorio; Sierra District Tribal Liaison/Archaeologist Scott Green; and Off-Reservation Tribal Council Representative Lydell Wyatt. Seated (left to right): State Park Director Armando Quintero, Washoe Tribal Member Jonathon Jim and Washoe Tribal Chairman Serrel Smokey. Photo from Ben Griswold, Sierra District.
Chairman of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada of California Serrell Smokey and California State Parks Director Armando Quintero signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Sierra District and the Tribe on a brisk, sunny morning at Donner Memorial State Park on Saturday, January 28.
Chairman Smokey—joined by Washoe Tribal Council Members Everett Osorio, Lydell Wyatt, Irvin Jim and his son, Jonathon—acknowledged the hard work on behalf of Tribal and California State Parks staff to complete the formal agreement that will allow for tribal gathering and day-use access for all Washoe Tribal members in 12 state parks located within the traditional Washoe homeland. The five-year MOU will establish a protocol for open discussions and will outline the responsibilities of State Parks and the Tribe to promote successful cooperation, comanagement and collaboration for the mutual benefit of the Washoe Tribe and State Parks.
Sierra District will work cooperatively with environmental scientists and resource specialists from the Washoe Tribe to introduce Traditional Management Practices based on Washoe priorities and Traditional Ecological Knowledge to the management of resources in park units located in the traditional homeland of the Washoe people.
The 12 Sierra District state park units included are Burton Creek State Park (SP), Cascade Creek Unit, D.L. Bliss SP, Donner Memorial SP, Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point SP, Emerald Bay SP, Grover Hot Springs SP, Kings Beach State Recreation Area (SRA), Lake Valley SRA, Tahoe SRA, Ward Creek Unit and Washoe Meadows SP.
The mutually beneficial activities outlined in the MOU include:
- Washoe Tribal access.
- Co-management of Tribal traditional and cultural areas.
- Partnering on forestry and natural resource projects.
- Collaborating on interpretive themes, educational programs, public outreach and collections management.
Director Quintero remarked that by creating these MOU agreements with Tribal entities, the department is meeting the goals of Governor Jerry Brown’s Executive Order B-10-11, which requires the governor's Tribal Advisor and the Administration to engage in government-to-government consultation with California Native American Tribes regarding policies that may affect Tribal communities, and also Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-15-19, which established the Truth and Healing Council.
Woodfords Community Tribal Chairman Irvin Jim spoke of how working with his late mother, Washoe elder Linda Shoshone, as a Tribal monitor in California State Parks provided him the opportunity to immerse himself with the land and water where his people originated. Reflecting on the MOU, Chairman Jim said that "It is a beautiful thing for this to happen, my mother is smiling.” Chairman Smokey remarked, “This proves to other states this can be done” and can serve as a template for “other Tribes to be able to access their lands across the Nation.”
 State Parks Director Quintero (left) and Washoe Tribal Chairman Serrell Smokey engage in a handshake after signing the MOU between the Sierra District of California State Parks and the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California at the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center. Photos from Ben Griswold, Sierra District.
Chumash Life PORTScasts a Huge Success for Channel Coast District Programming
Story from: Kristen McNally, Channel Coast District
 Levi Zavalla (left) and Tom Lopez show the materials they handmade and shared during the Chumash Life PORTScasts on Friday, January 27.
The Channel Coast District’s Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS) Program had a virtual success with the Chumash Life PORTScasts, with over 9,000 students in attendance after hosting just two programs. Last year, Channel Coast District Interpretive Coordinator Ann Boggess saw a need to incorporate a more inclusive history of La Purísima Mission State Historic Park (SHP) by providing a program where Chumash people share their culture and history. During the development of this program, Ann reached out to Tom Lopez, a Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Tribal Member, and they worked together in creating this program.
Tom, along with Tribal members Levi Zavalla and Tani Zavalla, present this program virtually to students across California. Together they teach students about the modern and ancestral Chumash culture by sharing traditional Chumash tools, ceremonial items, instruments and more. The materials shared and described during this program are handmade by the presenters.
The participation totals from the November 2022 and January 2023 broadcast have been outstanding and speak volumes about teachers' interest in programs focusing on Indigenous history and culture from Indigenous voices.
The next Chumash Life PORTScasts is scheduled for Thursday, May 11, at 10 a.m. La Purísima Mission SHP is incredibly thankful for the generosity of our Chumash partners in sharing their vibrant culture. We look forward to continuing to grow our opportunities for the Chumash to share their voice and provide a more inclusive history of La Purísima Mission.
 Levi harvested and dried the dogbane plant into cordage to make the dogbane net he is holding and that he shared with students during the Chumash Life PORTScasts on Friday, January 27.
Channel Coast District Staff Take Action to Help Elderly Couple Struggling in Surf Line
Story and photos from: Dave Wilson, Channel Coast District
 Channel Coast District Staff Service Analyst Patrick Gallegos was on a walk on the morning of Wednesday, February 1, at San Buenaventura State Beach. Patrick was taking advantage of the park’s beach boardwalk that meanders through the dunes with a picturesque view of the ocean; a pleasant way to enjoy a break during the workday.
Patrick noticed an elderly woman in the surf line who appeared to be in trouble. Her husband had been taking a photograph with the beautiful Pacific Ocean and Ventura Pier behind her when a wave unexpectedly took her off her feet. Her husband was now struggling to get her out of the white water. Patrick thought about calling California State Parks dispatch to request a lifeguard, but knew he was able to help.
He took immediate action entering the water to assist her in getting back on her feet and out of the surf that was pulling her down the sloped beach. Once on dry sand again, the elderly couple expressed their gratitude for the help. Thankfully neither was injured and only suffered from soaking wet clothes. Patrick was also wet as he returned from an eventful “break.” Luckily, Patrick had a pair of beach sandals in his car to wear for the rest of the day. A fitting way to finish the day as an honorary State Parks lifeguard!
A Great Migration Happening 'Afoot' in Your State Parks
Story and photos from: Cecilia Rejas, Bay Area District
 Just one of many California newts seen emerging from its breeding pond on a drizzly evening in early February, for the return migration to its upland habitat at Trione-Annadel State Park.
Unbeknownst to many of us, there is a great migration afoot in our state parks. It is quite literally happening at foot level. The California newt (Taricha torosa), uses its strong homing instinct to travel, in some instances, 2 miles or more, to its breeding pond or to slow-moving channels of water. The initial journey for the California newt coincides with when the winter rains begin, usually in November or December.
The newt migrates from its upland foraging habitat to rainy season breeding grounds. Newts are more likely to cover territory during rain spells or in heavy fog. Breeding at their aquatic sites takes six to eight weeks. During this time, you may see newts clasping onto each other, forming large “mating balls.” Females lay three to six egg masses, each containing seven to 47 eggs, in water.
The eggs are attached to plant stems, roots or unattached. The incubation period is 14 to 52 days. Then newt larvae appear, looking like miniature versions of the axolotl. After breeding, the adult newts do not stay and guard their eggs; at some point after breeding, they will migrate back to their dry season, upland habitat and take shelter under woody debris, in animal burrows or in rock crevices.
The larvae complete their metamorphosis into small newts and emerge from their natal breeding grounds at the end of summer or in the early fall, and then they too journey to find a place to call home.
Please recognize that newts may be afoot in your parks, and their migrations often involve crossing roads and busy trails. Many newts have their 20-year-plus lifespans cut short by motor vehicles and never make it to their breeding areas. We can do our part to help these minute creatures by remembering that they are here, moving slowly but with determination.
 Top (left to right): A custom sign place strategically on a busy park road at Trione-Annadel State Park (SP) where newts cross; a California newt on the move on a trail in Trione-Annadel SP; newts in their breeding pond. Bottom (left to right): A newt with an egg cluster grasping a twig and newts in their breeding pond with eggs.
Millenium Corvette Club of Corona Holds Mystery Drive at California Citrus State Historic Park
Story and photos from: Teri Pope, Inland Empire District
 Left: Millennium Corvette Club Governor Fernando Rodriquez and his wife, Annette Rodriquez, also a club member, present Interpretive Park Aide Samantha Alonso with a Certificate of Appreciation for their tour of California Citrus State Historic Park. Right: The certificate now hangs proudly in the visitor center at the park.
The Millennium Corvette Club of Corona enjoyed a “Mystery Drive” event at California Citrus State Historic Park on Saturday, January 21. The club’s officers plan these events once a month for their members, visiting various sites around Southern California. Members are given an address that day and told to meet there for a tour or gathering.
Club Governor Fernando Rodriquez set up the tour with Park Aide Samantha Alonso. The club was so thrilled with the tour and fruit tasting that Samantha provided, they came back on Friday, January 27, to present her with a Certificate of Appreciation!
 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
Staff Services Analyst – Apply by Feb. 12, 2023: We are looking for a Staff Services Analyst at Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve. This position will act in a lead capacity in administrative personnel, coordinating the district's P-Card accounts, tracking all expenditures and reconciling district transactions. 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.
Forestry Technician (Permanent Intermittent) – Apply by Feb. 24, 2023: We are now hiring a Forestry Technician (Permanent Intermittent) at Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area. This position assists natural resource management staff in implementing projects for the fire impacts, restoration and management of natural resources. Click here for more information.
Park and Recreation Specialist/Associate/Staff/Senior – Apply by dates vary: Our Office of Grants and Local Services 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.
EXAM SPOTLIGHTS
Park Maintenance Assistant/Park Maintenance Worker I – Self-schedule opens on Feb. 13, 2023: The Park Maintenance Assistant and Worker I assessments have been released. As a member of our Facilities and Park Maintenance Division, you will work on various restoration projects and keep our parks clean and operational for all. 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.
Guide II, Historical Monument (Supervisory) – Apply by Feb. 17, 2023: The Guide II, Historical Monument (Supervisory), assessment is now available. If you have three years of tour guide experience involving a major emphasis on oral presentations before groups, then apply for this assessment today. 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 for the exam today. Click here for more information.
Park Maintenance Worker II – Apply by Feb. 27, 2023: The Park Maintenance Worker II assessment has been released. If you have two years of experience as a Park Maintenance Worker I or three years of experience in a construction, building repair or mechanical trade, apply to take the Park Maintenance Worker II assessment. Click here for more information.
Museum Curator I – Apply by Feb. 28, 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.
State Park Equipment Operator– Apply by March 1, 2023: From developing new recreation areas to restoring our parks, our State Park Equipment Operators are essential in keeping visitors safe, preserving our precious resources and ensuring our state parks are operational for all to enjoy year-round. This assessment now has a biannual cut-off date. Click here for more information.
EMPLOYMENT TIP
Fall in love with your next job! Explore our newly revised www.LiveTheParksLife.com to see all of our available positions and find your perfect match.
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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Valentine's Day: Valentine's Day is on February 14 every year. Don't forget the apostrophe.
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P.O. Box: Use periods in the abbreviation "P.O." for P.O. Box numbers.
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yearlong: One word.
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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 Fort Tejon State Historic Park
Park Interpreter Mike Deagon teaches new Park Maintenance Aide Nick Dingman how to lead and fire an 1846 Mountain Howitzer at the Great Basin District's All Hands meeting. This year's meeting held last week featured a chili cook-off (hence the western duds), as well as information about the various program areas and sign-ups for California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) sessions.
Photo from Steven Ptomey, Great Basin District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Bald eagles back on their nest.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Shaw's agave plant with a visiting hummingbird.
Photo from Scott Henry, San Diego Coast District
 Chino Hills State Park
Small patches of California poppies blooming about a third of a mile up Bane Ridge Trail from Horse Camp. The snow-capped mountain in the background is Mount Baldy.
Photo from Enrique Arroyo, Inland Empire District
 Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Roosevelt elk enjoy a spectacular sunset as they graze.
Photo from Dee Dee Cathey, North Coast Redwoods District
 San Onofre State Beach
Summertime-sized crowds descended into the surf beach on Saturday, February 4, as Southern California got a break from the rain and eager surfers came to enjoy the clean, fun-sized surf in the 3-4 foot range. Visitors filled the parking lot to capacity by 8 a.m., while others waited in line for over an hour when the park reaches capacity and entry goes to a one-in, one-out policy.
Photos from Carlos Alfaro, Orange Coast District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
View from Cuyamaca toward Borrego that I took in the fall. Now instead of plants there is water.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
Foreboding storm and powerful surf at Wilson Beach.
Photo from Ian Jones, North Coast Redwoods District
 Redwood National and State Parks
A clear evening overlooking Crescent Beach.
Photo from Ian Jones, North Coast Redwoods District
 Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Sunset approaches at Beals Point with Folsom Lake in the foreground. What a treat it was to catch a glimpse of this vibrant rainbow and unique cloud formation!
Photo from Ilana Briggs, Gold Fields District
 Sinkyone Wilderness State Park
A beautiful view seen from the Needle Rock Visitors Center on Sunday, February 5.
Photo from Bob Kass, camp host
 South Yuba River State Park
Hiking along the Jones Bar Trail during a much-needed mid-winter break in storms.
Photo from Nathan Shasha, Sierra District
 Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
A small waterfall along the Pine Ridge Trail. Wondering why the photo looks pink? It's because I used pink film.
Photo from Sarah Komathy, Monterey District
 Tolowa Dunes State Park
A sunset over Yan’-daa-k’vt, the sacred center of the world to the Tolowa Dee-ni'.
Photo from Simone DuRand, North Coast Redwoods District
 Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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Officer Chris Phelps Rescues Missing Elderly Person at San Buenaventura State Beach
Story from: David Wilson, Channel Coast District
Staff in the Ventura area of the Channel Coast District received a request on Monday, January 30, to be on the lookout for an elderly, at-risk person who was missing. The worried family said that “Papa” suffers from Alzheimer's disease and had not returned from a walk. California State Parks lifeguards and officers, along with local allied public safety agencies, began to search the area.
As the sun began to set and the temperature dropped, the concern for Papa grew.
State Park Peace Officer Chris Phelps was on patrol at San Buenaventura State Beach and spotted an individual who matched the description of Papa. Chris noted that the elderly gentleman was soaking wet, likely form being in the ocean, was shivering and seemed unconcerned about his condition as he walked. Chris quickly built a rapport with him, who at first seemed content to keep walking, rather than to stop and speak with our ranger. Chris contacted the family, who was overjoyed to hear the good news and to reunite with Papa.
I spoke with one of Papa’s adult sons on Tuesday, January 31, who asked to bring his family to meet Chris and to express their gratitude. The family delivered the letter of appreciation (see below) and read it out loud to Chris with tears of thankfulness. Highlighting the significant risk Papa was in, the family added that they later learned he had walked 14 miles while he was missing and that Papa does not stop for everyone who tries to talk to him.
“You saved my dad’s life” was emphatically repeated.
Well done, Chris Phelps.
 Thank you note from family whose elderly relative was recently rescued by State Park Peace Officer Chris Phelps.
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Feb. 7, 2023
Feb. 10, 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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