February 17, 2023

Photo of the Week

Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area

A gorgeous rainbow over the green hills.

Photo from Crystal Perata, Diablo Range District

WHAT'S NEW

California State Park System Back to 280 Park Units

Story from: Communications and Marketing Division

As the largest state park system in our nation, California State Parks is now officially back to 280 park units (classified units and major unclassified properties) as of July 1, 2022, and throughout the 2022/23 fiscal year.

How did the number of state park units go from 279 to 280? The Tesla-Alameda Expansion area, a major unclassified property, was added to the California State Park System legislatively during the 2021/22 fiscal year. That increased the official size from 279 to 280.

This total figure of 280 represents 265 classified units and 15 major unclassified properties. You can learn more about each of the 280 units in the current "Planning Milestones" on the park’s website.

Nominations Open for 2023 Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards 

Story from: Office of Historic Preservation

2021 Governor's Historic Preservation Award recipient: “Unsung Heroes of Hearst Castle” includes exhibits in the visitor center at Hearst Castle, Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument (SHM), as well as online videos and social media posts telling the stories of individual workers. Photo from Hearst San Simeon SHM. 

The Office of Historic Preservation is welcoming nominations for the 2023 Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards. The deadline for nominations is Monday, May 8, 2023.

Projects, organizations, agencies and individuals can be nominated for a Governor’s Historic Preservation Award. To download 2023 nomination forms and instructions, visit the Office of Historic Preservation website at https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/governorsawards.

Preservation efforts will be considered that rehabilitate, restore or adaptively reuse historic buildings; document, educate about and preserve cultural traditions and sites; establish public programming that promotes and teaches about California’s heritage and/or actively engages citizens in the work and mission of historic preservation; successfully achieve historic designation of a resource through community/grassroots efforts; or develop strategies and responses to climate change impacts on cultural resources and heritage.

Past award recipients have included “Unsung Heroes of Hearst Castle,” public programming that shared the lesser-known stories of the builders, artisans, craftspeople and designers behind the creation of Hearst Castle; and Pacific Electric Railway Substation 14, a rehabilitation project that preserved and converted a historic substation building into a community-requested wellness center offering health, education and other services to the surrounding neighborhood.

FIELD REPORT

Seacliff State Beach Pier to be Removed as Storm Damage Debris Removal Begins

Story from: Communications and Marketing Division

The historic winter storms damaged over half of the pier and the campground at Seacliff State Beach. For more photos and a video showing the damage, click here. Photos from Andres Weishaupt, Communications and Marketing Division.

California State Parks announced this week several key updates related to the cleanup and recovery at Seacliff State Beach, following recent historic storms that severely impacted communities across California. The damage to the public-serving infrastructure is extensive and has impacted the ability for State Parks to provide the standard recreational opportunities visitors have experienced in the past. The most extensive damage within the state beach is at the pier, campground, and seawall. State Parks is working with a contractor to eliminate or mitigate public safety issues, including the demolition of the pier. Crews will begin positioning equipment this week with work expected to commence next week.

The public is encouraged to attend a farewell planned in conjunction with the Seacliff State Beach cleanup on Saturday, February 18, from noon to 2 p.m. Volunteers can meet for the cleanup in the upper parking lot at noon. The farewell will be held on the pavement in front of the pier at the conclusion of the cleanup.

The historic storms that impacted California’s communities this winter and damaged Seacliff State Beach are evidence of a new reality the state’s shoreline faces as a result of climate change, especially due to sea-level rise and extreme weather. As State Parks develops plans to restore services and amenities for visitors, providing climate-resilient facilities will be a critical consideration.

“Seacliff State Beach has been beloved for generations,” said California State Parks District Superintendent Chris Spohrer. “State Parks looks forward to working with the community, scientists, and environmental stewards to build resilience to sea-level rise and extreme event impacts so that more generations can continue to fall in love with Seacliff State Beach.”

To learn more about the key updates on Seacliff State Beach, view our press release. To view more photos and a video of the damage, click here.

Wooden Spiked Arch Gets Replaced at Sutter's Fort State Historic Park

Story from: Ileana Maestas, Capital District

Upgraded wooden spiked arch at Sutter's Fort State Historic Park. 

Last March, staff at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park (SHP) noticed that the wooden spiked arch above the eastern gate was beginning to lean. Upon closer inspection, severe rot was discovered so the arch was immediately removed, and research began regarding the origins of the arch.

The current lintel was built in 1990-1991, and the design was based on a lithograph from 1846. Architectural drawings surfaced, which allowed for a more accurate fabrication of the new arch. Restoration Specialist Tim White designed and built the new arch in the Capital District’s workshop. A new arch and beam were hand sawed and hand hewn to match the buildings' historical texture. Spikes were hand carved and mortised into the arch and an aging chemical was added to allow the new elements to match the existing wood framing.

The new arch was then assembled at the workshop and transported to the fort for installation. Before the park opened to the public, a crane was contracted on-site to assist with installation. Park Maintenance Workers Joshua Verseman and Ian McWherter along with Tim White guided the arch onto its new home, and “Spike drop!” everything was done and the historic park opened on time.

Top left: Spiked arch before removal. Bottom left: Staff install the beam. Right: Hand hewing the beam. All photos from Tim White and Devin McCutchen, Capital District.

Hollywood Icon Meets Hollywood Icon

Story from: Bill Hamm, Angeles District

Harrison Ford visits Will Rogers State Historic Park for a photo shoot for The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Photo from Austin Hargrave, The Hollywood Reporter.

The day before an in-person school visit to Will Rogers State Historic Park in the Pacific Palisades, in Los Angeles, word came down that we would be hosting a photo shoot with a big-name actor at the historic house and stables. Forty-eight fourth graders from Wadsworth Elementary School, a five-person photography crew from The Hollywood Reporter magazine and Harrison Ford—what could go wrong?

As we led the fourth-grade class into the historic stables, we could see the photo shoot was in full production. The shoot paused as we shuffled past Harrison Ford, making our way to the wall panels where we discuss Will Rogers, roping, branding, his cowboy attire and his 23 horses. As the students exited the barn, I asked them, “What did you notice in the shoot?” Their replies were “cameras, lights, a smoke machine”—not one of them recognized Ford. They probably were not used to him in cowboy garb instead of his Han Solo outfit.

I found out that Harrison Ford specifically requested Will Rogers’ historic ranch house and stables to shoot his promotion for his new TV series, the "Yellowstone" spinoff "1923" along with the Indiana Jones movie sequel, "The Dial of Destiny."

Later the students were on the front lawn playing outdoor games: roping our two iron play "calves" using trick kid ropes and playing polo using shorter mallets and tennis balls.

After the photo shoot, Ford jumped into his car and zoomed into hyperspace. May the force be with him ... always. 

Harrison Ford visits Will Rogers State Historic Park for a photo shoot for The Hollywood Reporter" magazine. Photo from Austin Hargrave, The Hollywood Reporter.

Communications Team Provides Media Training to Newest Class of Academy Cadets

Story from: Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division

Top: Group photo with BVST 48 on the training grounds of Butte College in Oroville, California. Bottom photos: Information Officers Jorge Moreno and Adeline Yee interview cadets in mock scenarios. Photos from Jorge Moreno and Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division.

State Parks’ newest class of cadets is in the final few months of their eight-month-long academy. In addition to getting trained in public safety law enforcement and aquatic rescue services, state park peace officers (rangers and lifeguards) also provide public education through interpretation directly to the public. This often includes getting interviewed by members of the media about anything related to the park unit to an emergency.

Members of the Communications Team provided a media training course to Basic Visitor Services Training (BVST) 48 on Wednesday, February 15, at Butte College. The training included interviewing tips, using social media, coordinating responses with headquarters and mock scenario exercises. Santa Cruz District Public Safety Superintendent Gabe McKenna also joined us live via Microsoft Teams to provide his insight into handling media inquiries and dealing with natural disasters, including the recent winter storms, damage at Seacliff State Beach, flooding, shark attacks, CZU Lightning Complex Fire and many more in his 18 years with the department.

BVST 48 is set to graduate on April 28, 2023. The application period for the next State Parks Academy will be opening soon. Stay tuned for details on that and BVST 48’s graduation ceremony. In the meantime, if you or someone you know is interested in becoming a state park peace officer, check out this webpage for more information or contact the Workforce Planning and Recruitment Office at Recruiting@parks.ca.gov.

Top left: Deputy Director of Public Affairs Gloria Sandoval, Digital Content Analyst Brittani Peterson and Information Officer Doug Johnson join the class via Teams. Top right and bottom left: Santa Cruz Public Safety Superintendent Gabe McKenna provides his media experience tips to the class. Bottom right: Cadet Bobby Scruggs draws a State Parks vehicle as part of a mock scenario exercise. Photos from Jorge Moreno and Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division.

Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.

NOW HIRING

To view current job openings within California State Parks, please visit our jobs webpage at www.LiveTheParksLife.com.

Announcing the New Orange Coast District Superintendent

Story from: Matt Bellah, Central Division Chief 

Left: Orange Coast District Superintendent Kevin Pearsall with his daughter Teagan at Huntington State Beach (SB). Top right: Kevin with daughter Teagan and son Brady in Newport Beach. Bottom right (left to right): Kevin Pearsall, and staff at the grand opening of new restaurant at Huntington SB. 

Please join me in welcoming Kevin Pearsall as the new District Superintendent for the Orange Coast District. Kevin started his career with State Parks at the Gold Fields District as a seasonal lifeguard. For the last 23 years, Kevin has worked in the Orange Coast District with his last assignment as the Sector Superintendent for North Sector.  Kevin has a bachelor’s degree in Physiology from UC Davis.

Kevin has two children, Teagan and Brady, who are crazy busy and so therefore Kevin is crazy busy! They travel often and Kevin has visited most of our 280 state parks. Kevin looks forward to a State Park future that will bring positive direction and united healthy experiences for our profession and our visitors.

Welcoming Dan Shaw as Monterey Deputy District Superintendent I

Story from: Brent Marshall, Monterey District Superintendent  

Dan Shaw at Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve. 

Please join me in welcoming Dan Shaw to his new role as the Monterey Deputy District Superintendent I.

Dan will be working closely with natural and cultural resources programs, as well as the facilities and maintenance program. He will also be the district lead when I am not available. Dan has a wide range of park experience. He has been a research scientist investigating focused topics, to a specialist integrating science and management, then expanding more broadly to a public land manager with a strong science background.

His career started as a wildland firefighter in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho, followed by a decade as a research scientist with the U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. He moved to California State Parks in 2006 as an environmental scientist with the Northern Service Center working as a lead biologist on multiple complex projects, including Major Cap, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and acquisitions projects. In 2009, he transferred up to the Sierra District, moving into the role of senior environmental scientist supervisor in 2017, where he gained valuable experience managing natural resources, cultural resources, trails, aquatics and remediation programs, and working closely with core program managers on all aspects of district management.

Dan retired his snow shovels in 2022 and accepted a new role as Natural Resource Program manager for the Monterey District, a move that took him back to the ocean and the Monterey Bay Area where he grew up. While in the Monterey District, he has been involved in advancing key district priorities, building natural resource program capacity, expanding marine conservation and management roles, and coordinating closely with multiple external partners. He has also been focused on building a new workforce development program in coordination with Monterey County for young adults in underserved communities, looking for an opportunity to advance critical environmental projects, learn job skills and earn a living wage.

Dan spends his spare time mostly in the outdoors with his wife, soaking up every minute as their children expand their horizons into college and beyond. This is a very exciting time for the Monterey District, and Dan is thrilled to continue to be part of the team in this new role.

State Parks Job Spotlights and Open Exams

IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL RECRUITMENT EVENTS

#Work4CA Job Fair – Thursday, February 23, at 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Meet in Oakland, California, with Parks Recruitment staff and explore career opportunities. Staff will be available to answer your questions and provide resources. This event is free, and there will be recruiters from over 20 departments. Location: Elihu Harris State Building, 1515 Clay Street, Oakland, CA 94612. Click here for more details.

Honoring Black History Month: Careers With California State Parks – Friday, February 24, at 2 p.m.: Join us for this virtual event to hear staff discuss their journey toward a rewarding career with California State Parks and learn how you can also “Live the Parks Life.” We will review the hiring process, career options and how your career choice can make an impact. Click here for more details.

Visit the Recruitment Events Monthly Calendar to find out when the Parks Recruitment Team will be at an event near you.

JOB SPOTLIGHTS

Park and Recreation Specialist – Apply by Feb. 17, 2023: We are now hiring a Park and Recreation Specialist at the Ocotillo Wells District Office. This position will provide analysis for the district’s concessions, volunteer, special event, filming and partnerships programs. Take the online assessment and apply. Click here for more details.

Environmental Scientist – Apply by Feb. 21, 2023: We are looking for an Environmental Scientist at Castle Crags State Park. This position will work on a multidiscipline resource management team to plan, develop and monitor forest management projects that support the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Program. Take the online assessment and apply. Click here for more details.

Chief Information Officer – Until filled: We are now hiring a Chief Information Officer (CIO) to join our executive team at California State Parks. As the CIO, you will oversee California State Parks Information Technology (IT). This includes IT Project and Portfolio Management, Network and Client Services, and Web and Application Development. Click here for more details.

District Superintendent II – Until filled: We are now hiring a District Superintendent II at the San Diego Coast District Office. This position will be responsible for directing the overall activities of the district, which include natural and cultural resource management and protection, visitor services, interpretation, aquatic programs, facilities maintenance, capital outlay engineering, landscaping, property management and historic property preservation. Click here for more details.

Associate Park and Recreation Specialist – Apply by dates vary: Have a rewarding career as an Associate Park and Recreation Specialist. Multiple positions available in the Office of Grants and Local Services and the Strategic Planning and Recreation Services Division. Help develop the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, review grant applications or help direct the development of road and trail management plans and a variety of outdoor recreation projects. These exciting opportunities ensure parks are for everyone. Take the online assessment, then apply. Click here for more details.

Park Maintenance Worker II – Apply by dates vary: We have several opportunities throughout the state for Park Maintenance Worker II positions. This is a rewarding position with very diverse assignments, including maintaining, restoring, improving and repairing numerous facilities and grounds. Click here for more details.

State Park Interpreter I – Apply by dates vary: Become an outdoor educator. Develop programs meant to engage with park visitors and inform about the cultural, historical and natural significance of our resources. We have opportunities throughout the state. Take the online assessment and apply. Click here for more details.

Seasonal/Part-Time: Multiple opportunities – Apply by dates vary: Wherever you are in the state, there is an opportunity for you to gain valuable experience on park operations. Apply to become a Park Aide, Maintenance Aide, Environmental Services Intern, Park Interpretive Specialist, Guide Trainee or Forestry Aide. There are no assessments to take. Click here for more details.

ASSESSMENT SPOTLIGHTS

Park Maintenance Assessments – Self-schedule is now open: The Park Maintenance Assistant and Worker I assessments are now available. Schedule a date, time and location that best fits your schedule. Facilities and Park Maintenance staff work on various restoration projects and keep our parks clean, safe and operational for all. Space is limited and are first come, first served; don’t miss your opportunity for this meaningful career. Click here for more details.

Guide II, Historical Monuments (Supervisor) – Apply by Feb. 17, 2023: Last chance! Send your application to take the Guide II, Historical Monument (Supervisor), assessment today. 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 details.

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 today. Click here for more information.

Senior Park Maintenance Worker II – Apply by Feb. 27, 2023: 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, send your application to take the Senior Park Maintenance Worker II assessment. Click here for details.

Park and Recreation Specialist Exam Series – No deadline: The Park and Recreation Specialist exam series is 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.

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.

Superintendent Series – No deadline: The California State Parks Superintendent assessments are available online. As a Superintendent, you will be responsible for the protection and management of natural and cultural resources, public safety and law enforcement functions, visitor services, interpretation programs, real property management, facilities maintenance and administration. Click here for more information.

EMPLOYMENT TIP

Live the Parks Life - Fall in love with your next job! Explore our newly revised www.LiveTheParksLife.com webpage to see all the new resources available and help you 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!

LIVE THE PARKS LIFE IN STYLE

Style time! Here are this week's tips to help spread the word about our departmentwide style guidelines:

• Presidents Day: No apostrophe. This holiday falls on the third Monday of February each year. This year's Presidents Day is on Monday, February 20. 
• Northern California, Southern California, central California: Uppercase "Northern California" and "Southern California"; however, lowercase "central California." 
• closed-toe shoes: Use apostrophe and note the "d" in "closed": "closed-toe shoes" versus "close-toe shoes." 

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. 

POSTCARDS

Doheny State Beach

A ranger’s sunset. State Park Peace Officer (Ranger) Sean Wheeler taking a moment to appreciate getting paid in sunsets while on an evening foot patrol through the campground on Saturday, February 11.

Photo from Wesley Ewart, Orange Coast District

Lake Oroville State Recreation Area

K-9 Oz reminding everyone that hearing protection is required on the range.

Photo from Janessa Sederquist, Northern Buttes District

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

A rare Valentine's Day snowy morning scene at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

Photo from Dee Dee Cathey, North Coast Redwoods District

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Sunrise rainbow over Torrey Pines.

Photo from Courtney Mullen, San Diego Coast District

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area

This dry creek became a river after the storms in January. Photo taken on Tuesday, January 17.

Photo from Fiona Catalano, Diablo Range District

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Coyote Canyon is carpeted with early displays of wildflowers, including desert sand verbena (purple), desert sunflower (yellow) and birdcage evening primrose (white).

Photo from Leah Gardner, Natural Resources Division

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Top left: Desert lilies. Top right: Honeybee on birdcage evening primrose. Bottom row (left to right): Trailing windmills, rock hibiscus and Bigelow's monkeyflower.

Photos from Leah Gardner, Natural Resources Division

Morro Bay State Park

Awesome rainbow over the Morro Bay Rock. Taken from Black Hill.

Photo from Gerry Lopez, San Luis Obispo Coast District

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

A brief winter storm brought a dusting of snow to the redwoods on Tuesday morning, February 14. 

Photos from Erin Gates, North Coast Redwoods District

Red Rock Canyon State Park

The rising sun peeking over the cliffs at Red Cliffs Natural Preserve.

Photo from Damion Laughlin, Great Basin District

Locke Boarding House Museum

Locke is the last remaining rural Chinese town in the United States and lies along a
bend on a bank of the Sacramento River. Top left: Locke Boarding House Museum. The boarding house once housed Chinese farmworkers, who picked and processed the asparagus and pears that grew in the delta. The museum has new exhibits recently installed. Top right: Joe Shoong School Museum. Bottom right: Dai Loy Gambling House Museum. Bottom middle: Locke Memorial Park. Bottom left: Main Street. Photos taken Saturday, February 11.

Photos from An Phan, Statewide Bond Office

Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.

NEWS RELEASES

Feb. 16, 2023

• California State Parks Provides Seacliff State Beach Update

NEWS CLIPS

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.