March 10, 2023

Photo of the Week

Emerald Bay State Park

Emerald Bay has partially frozen thanks to the recent storms, covering Fannette Island with snow. But don't plan on walking or ice skating on the frozen water as it's not safe to do so.

Photo from Kaytlen Jackson, Sierra District

WHAT'S NEW

California Secures Federal Assistance to Support Storm Response and Recovery

Story from: Governor's Press Office

Stay safe. Stay informed. Postpone your outdoor activities for sunny, calm days. For the latest information on state parks impacted by the storms, visit parks.ca.gov/incidents. 

Governor Gavin Newsom announced Friday, March 10, that the White House approved California's request for a Presidential Emergency Declaration to authorize federal assistance supporting the state and local response to the severe storms impacting much of the state.

With storms forecasted to continue through mid-March, the governor has proclaimed a state of emergency in 21 counties to support disaster response and relief efforts, following the state of emergency he proclaimed in an initial 13 counties earlier this month.

“California is deploying every tool we have to protect communities from the relentless and deadly storms battering our state,” said Governor Newsom. “In these dangerous and challenging conditions, it is crucial that Californians remain vigilant and follow all guidance from local emergency responders.” 

The emergency declaration enables impacted counties to immediately access Direct Federal Assistance to help protect public safety and property. The request for Direct Federal Assistance includes generators, road clearance equipment and potential sheltering and mass care assistance.

Meanwhile, some state parks are closed in anticipation of the storms. If you are heading outdoors, know before you go and be sure to check the park you plan to visit and the significant incidents webpage for the latest updates at parks.ca.gov/incidents.

For more information on the storms and key safety tips, please view the governor’s press release.

FIELD REPORT

Titaneers Protecting Ancient Coast Redwoods

Story from: Erin Gates, North Coast Redwoods District

Doug Kerr volunteers as an interpreter at Grove of Titans in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Photo from Doug Kerr, Titaneer.

In fall 2021, as Redwood National and State Parks was preparing for the soft opening of the Grove of Titans trail at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, we realized we had a potentially significant visitor-use and resource protection issue looming on the horizon.

The Grove of Titans is an area of exceptionally large coast redwoods that caught the attention of people’s hearts and minds after multiple viral media stories were shared about its existence. These stories led to a huge increase in visitation in an area that did not have trail infrastructure to support it. In visitors' quest to experience the awe and reverence that this grove provided, they were walking off trail to get there and trampling the fragile redwood roots and understory vegetation, damaging the very place they came to see. 

The trail project, to build over 1,400 feet of the elevated walkway, was the first step in allowing for responsible access to the grove without causing further resource damage. But when you build it, they will come. Just because there is an elevated pathway does not mean that visitors are inclined to stay on that pathway, especially when social media shows people taking photos standing on the roots and ferns at the base of these massive trees. Without the ability to staff the trail seven days a week, we knew we needed an alternative solution. That alternative solution was using the power of our collective community, and their passion for this extraordinary place—have the community be the eyes and ears for us, and the voice of these trees, to help visitors understand the critical role they play in protecting this grove by staying on trail.

The Titaneers were then born, a new volunteer group made up of passionate redwood fans from throughout Del Norte and Humboldt counties, and as far as the Bay Area. In less than a year, these Titaneers have engaged with well over 50,000 visitors and have transformed a typical hike into an opportunity to spread the message of the role we all play in stewarding and protecting our special places, both in the redwoods and beyond. 

The first Titaneer, Doug Kerr (who drives all the way up from Sonoma County to volunteer, four hours one way), recently wrote about his experience volunteering at the Grove of Titans in a Save the Redwoods League blog post.

When we work with our community to help protect and connect people to our parks, it causes a ripple effect on both a personal and community level. Doug’s story speaks to the power that this experience has had on him. 

One of the elevated walkways in the Grove of Titans. Photo from Max Forster, North Coast Redwoods District. 

Fruitful Work Weekend at Picacho State Recreation Area

Story and photos from: Eric Kung, Ocotillo Wells District

Panoramic view of the main campground at Picacho State Recreation Area.

Picacho State Recreation Area hosted a volunteer work weekend with cooperating association Friends4Picacho on February 25 and 26. The association has helped California State Parks keep the recreation area open and enjoyable to visitors since 2012.

Major areas of focus included installing a new shade ramada at a group campsite, refurbishing the fish-cleaning station located at the Upper Dock and setting the foundations for a new sign at the main park entrance.

Thank you to all the volunteers and State Parks staff for working together to improve the visitor experience at this geological gem of the California State Park System.

Left: Friends4Picacho Vice President Lorie Long sets a concrete mold for a foundation for a new sign with Senior Maintenance Aides Ricardo Gonzalez and Alex Lamarr. Top right: Friends4Picacho volunteers Virginia Montague and Felicia Parker work with State Parks volunteer Vickie Lamoureux to support the shade structure for the fish-cleaning station, while Senior Maintenance Aide Orlando Johnson and Park Maintenance Worker I Jose Rodriguez-Lagunes make adjustments. Bottom right: Refreshed shade structure for the fish-cleaning station. The cleaning station itself will be polished and refurbished before being reinstalled.

Top: View of the group campsite receiving a new shade structure. Bottom right: Picacho Friends4Picacho Vice President Lorie Long and Treasurer Stephanie Buggert work with Friends4Picacho volunteers Wesley Beaver and Cynthia Baisi and State Parks Camp Host James Hauck to set up a new shade ramada at a group campsite. Bottom left: The completed shade structure.

NOW HIRING

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

RECRUITMENT WORKSHOPS

2024 California State Park Peace Officer Cadet Academy (Ranger/Lifeguard) – Tuesday, March 14, 11 a.m.-noon: Join us for this virtual workshop as we prepare for the opening of the State Park Peace Officer Ranger/Lifeguard application cycle. We will review the minimum qualifications for becoming a State Park Peace Officer (Ranger/Lifeguard), provide an overview of the cadet selection process, list everything you need for the application package and give you tips for applying. Click here for more information.

Careers at California State Parks: In-Person Hiring Info Session – Tuesday, March 21, noon-2 p.m.: Join us for this in-person event and learn how to jump-start your career and work at one of the 280 California state parks. The Parks Recruitment Team will teach you how to create your CalCareers account and apply for the jobs that interest you. Click here for more information.

2024 California State Park Peace Officer Cadet Academy (Ranger/Lifeguard) – Friday, March 23, 11 a.m.–noon: Join us for this virtual workshop to learn how you can Live the Parks Life as a State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) (Ranger/Lifeguard). We will review the minimum qualifications for becoming an SPPO (Ranger/Lifeguard), provide an overview of the cadet selection process, list everything you need for the application package and give you tips for applying. Click here for more information.

JOB SPOTLIGHTS

Staff Park and Recreation Specialist (Limited Term) – Last day to apply! We are now hiring a Staff Park and Recreation Specialist (Limited Term) in our Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division Grants program in Sacramento. This position will be a part of the overall management of the OHMVR Divisions Grants programs, oversee regulatory compliance and work on special projects for office-highway vehicle recreation. Click here for more information.

Staff Services Manager II (Supervisory)/Talent Acquisition Branch Chief – Apply by March 17, 2023: We are now seeking a Staff Services Manager II, Talent Acquisition Branch Chief, to join our dynamic team. In this exciting role, you will oversee all aspects related to Recruitment, Selection Assessment Program and Position/Vacancy Management for the department. Click here for more information.

Associate Civil Engineer – Apply by April 3, 2023: We are hiring an Associate Civil Engineer at the Southern Service Center in San Diego, California. This position will direct specialized technical studies, surveys, design drawings, specifications, schedules and budgetary and detailed cost estimates. 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

Park Maintenance Assistant/Park Maintenance Worker I – Self-schedule is now open: The Park Maintenance Assistant and Worker I assessments still have a few testing dates available. 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.

Communications Operator – Continuous: 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. Apply to take the Communications Operator assessment today and begin your parks career in this exciting and rewarding opportunity! Click here for more information.

Park and Recreation Specialist Series – Continuous: The Park and Recreation Specialist Series assessments are now available online. From creating new outdoor parks in California communities to leading outdoor recreation programs, the opportunities are endless. From entry-level to management, explore our Park and Recreation Specialist Series assessments today. Click here for more information.

EMPLOYMENT TIP

The Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) is designed to help persons with disabilities get jobs in California state civil service. This program is not required but serves as an additional resource for those who may want to participate.

LEAP is an alternative to the traditional testing process, allowing applicants to demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities through on-the-job testing. Click here for more information.

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:

• internet: Use lowercase.
• ensure/insure: "Ensure" means guarantee, make certain, and "insure" is used in reference to insurance. 
• century: Hyphenate when used as an adjective with a number. Do not hyphenate when used as a noun. Spell out numbers one through nine; e.g., ninth century, fifth century. Examples: The 20^th-century masterpiece was worth a great deal. The 20^th century was an exciting era.

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. 

SAVE OUR WATER

POSTCARDS

William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park

Living the parks life is getting new equipment to do our jobs. Thank you, Northern Buttes Admin! Veronica Lamoureaux (left), Wyatt Hein (center) and Jennifer Pooley (right) gleefully pose with the new printer.

Photo from Margie Castleman, Northern Buttes District

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Maintenance Aide Charlie Oswald captured these photos of the park covered in snow. 

Photos from Charlie Oswald, North Coast Redwoods District

Auburn State Recreation Area

Viewing Lower Lake Clementine Dam.

Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division

Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area

Left to right: Sgt. Luke Ware, Bureau of Land Management Ranger T.J. Friend, Desert Lifeguard Cole Magro and Chief Ranger Andrew Ahlberg ready for motorcycle patrol on Saturday, March 4, during an event occurring outside the state vehicular recreation area.

Photo from Eric Kung, Ocotillo Wells District

Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area

Crowd watching skilled drivers get through an obstacle at the 4x4 track during an event on Saturday, March 4, held outside the park.

Photo from Eric Kung, Ocotillo Wells District

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

A common traveler (California ebony tarantula, Aphonopelma eutylenum) in the fall needing directions.

Photo from Jessica Murany, Colorado Desert District

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Bighorn sheep seen in Palm Canyon near the hiking trail. One of the photographs has five bighorn sheep: three ewes and two yearlings. They are blend well into the landscape.

Photos from Jessica Murany, Colorado Desert District

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
State Natural Reserve

Quoth the Raven says, "Don’t doom the bloom." Please remember to stay on trails this spring wildflower season.

Photo from Matthew Williams, Great Basin District

Tolowa Dunes State Park

A lost surf scoter knocked ashore by winds and waves takes flight to return home while avoiding a curious ranger.

Photo from Simone DuRand, North Coast Redwoods District

Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area

While on motorcycle patrol in the Truckhaven Area, the team stopped to check in with some visitors, and a young man all of four or five years old shared what he discovered: a desert horned lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos). Chief Ranger Ahlberg took some time to explain to the group the defense mechanism used by this type of lizard: Don’t move and wait for the threat to leave!

Photo from Andrew Ahlberg, Ocotillo Wells District

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Brilliant color of the Bigelow's monkeyflower in Pinyon Wash.

Photo from Jessica Murany, Colorado Desert District

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Snow falls on the visitor center.

Photo from Charlie Oswald, North Coast Redwoods District

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

Clouds cover the lake and mountains from a storm on Sunday, February 26.

Photo from Brian Haring, Inland Empire District

Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Giant sequoias stand out in a snow-covered forest.  

Photo from Amber Sprock, Central Valley District

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

Rainbows over restrooms.

Photo from Mike Merritt, Central Valley District

Emerald Bay State Park

Beautiful view of Lake Tahoe frozen over.

Photo from Kaytlen Jackson, Sierra District

Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park

In the winter of 1951-1952, 65 feet of snow was recorded in the Sierra. We are now converging on that record. Our maintenance team is TIRED! Here's a pic of our campground kiosk. 

Photo from Elizabeth McMillan, Sierra District

Redwood National and State Park

Torrential uncertainty rains down at the Crescent Beach Overlook.

Photo from Simone DuRand, North Coast Redwoods District

Picacho State Recreation Area

A small portion of the colorful landscape.

Photo from Eric Kung, Ocotillo Wells District

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.