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 March 17, 2023
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 Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Photo title: "Frosted Ancient Sequoia"
What makes this a “The Magic of Winter” photo: “Witnessing an ancient sequoia draped in fresh snow in the glittering morning light is nothing short of magical.”
Date taken: Jan. 19, 2023
Photo by: Karri Pearcey, Central Valley District. Karri is a senior park aide and has been with the department for four years.
 Crystal Cove State Park
Photo title: "Rig at the End of the Tunnel"
What makes this a “The Magic of Winter” photo: “Winter is such a great time to be working. As our parks rest and recover over the slower months, we can get out and enjoy the amazing places we work. This tunnel and beach are saturated with visitors during summer, and the desolation depicted here shows Crystal Cove on the mend from a busy summer.”
Date taken: Jan. 27, 2023
Photo by: Ryan Gates, Orange Coast District. Ryan is a state park peace officer lifeguard supervisor I and has been with the department since 1995.
 Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
Photo title: "Fire and Ice in the Skies of Chaw’se"
What makes this a “The Magic of Winter” photo: “In the fleeting calm between two intense snowstorms at Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, Mother Nature gifted a magical scene. This is a vibrant backdrop to a fresh, icy landscape that surely the Native Peoples here learned and continue to accept, cherish and love. As always, Mother Nature proves once again who's really in charge.”
Date taken: Feb. 23, 2023
Photo by: Kaylee Pinola, Central Valley District. Kaylee is a museum technician and has been with the department for two years.
 McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
Photo title: "The Dock"
What makes this a “The Magic of Winter” photo: “These small windows of stillness between winter storms in the mountains remind us of why we choose to live in a place that truly experiences all four seasons.”
Date taken: March 2, 2023
Photo by: Ryan Rzab, Northern Buttes District. Ryan is a state parks peace officer supervisor in the Cascade Sector and has been with the department for 11 years.
 Trione-Annadel State Park
Photo title: “Newt on Snow-Lined Trail”
What makes this a “The Magic of Winter” photo: “A rare snowstorm catches a rough-skinned newt by surprise as it makes its way to breeding ponds filled by winter rains.”
Date taken: Feb. 24, 2023
Photo by: William Miller, Bay Area District. William is an environmental scientist and has been with the department for about 10 years.
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Theme for Next Photo Contest: ‘Spring Awakening’
Story from: Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division
 California poppies in full bloom in 2019 at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve. Photo from California State Parks.
This winter brought plenty of rain and snow to California, and staff took this opportunity to capture some amazing photos for “The Magic of Winter” photo contest. The top five photos selected (see above) range from snow in the mountains, to a sunset on a Southern California beach, to a newt making its way to a breeding pond filled by winter rains. Congrats to the top five, and a big thank you to everyone who shared their photos with us! As always, it is never easy to select just five photos.
As a “prize” for the top five winners, their photos will be shared next week (March 20-24) on California State Parks' social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter). Make sure to share the amazing beauty and the “magic” state parks brings during the winter.
As the weather changes to a warmer climate during the spring, the darker colors brighten, and vegetation and wildlife awaken from the winter lull. For this next photo contest, titled “Spring Awakening,” we would like you to capture the signs of the spring season in state parks such as wildflowers blooming, the rich green colors of the forests, wildlife making their appearance or the plentiful recreational activities available in the 280 state parks. Get creative and have fun taking these photos that capture spring awakening throughout California. When taking photos of wildlife, make sure to take photos from a distance to help keep wildlife wild.
The “Spring Awakening” photo contest runs from March 20 through June 5, 2023. As a friendly reminder, if your photos include people who are non-State Parks employees or volunteers, 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 for your photo and the name of the state park it was taken in. The Communications and Marketing team will announce the top five photos in late June 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 “Spring Awakening.”
- Photos must be taken between March 20-June 5, 2023.
- Photos with images of non-State Parks staff or volunteers must include a photo Visual Media Consent form (DPR 993).
- Photos can be taken at any of California’s 280 state parks or at a 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 summer photo contest? Let us know your suggestion!
 A fox happily "posing" for the camera at Fort Ross State Historic Park. Photo from California State Parks.
 Email photos to WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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Citrus Tasting Festival Back After Three-Year Absence at California Citrus State Historic Park
Story and photos from: Samantha Alonso, Inland Empire District
 This aerial shot captures the excitement of festival attendees as they eagerly line up for a flavorful experience of our citrus grove harvest.
The California Citrus State Historic Park (SHP) came alive with the annual Citrus Tasting Festival on Saturday, March 4, marking the park's 30th anniversary. State Parks staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to bring back the festival, which had been on hiatus since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Park visitors were excited to celebrate the park’s history and enjoy the park's staff and volunteers' fruits of labor once again.
The Citrus Tasting Festival is a beloved event that celebrates the rich history of citrus in California. The state has a long and proud history of growing citrus, dating back to the mid-1800s. California Citrus SHP was established in 1993 to preserve and showcase this history, and the annual Citrus Tasting Festival has become a highlight of the park's event calendar.
The festival is an opportunity for visitors to taste the many different varieties of citrus grown in the park's varietal groves. With 70 different types of citruses, visitors have amazing and numerous choices—from the sweet and tangy flavor of a blood orange to the crisp and juicy taste of a grapefruit.
The festival would not have been possible without staff and volunteers' tremendous efforts and their commitment to preserving and sharing the history of citrus in California.
 Top: Chino Sector Manager Enrique Arroyo and Office Technician Jacqueline Borboa pass out freshly picked citrus from the varietal groves to park guests. Bottom left: Our knowledgeable volunteers Richard Saretsky and Evelyn Molina educate park guests on the diverse range of citrus fruits, while passing out the samples. Middle and bottom right: Park guests savoring the tastes of citrus samples from our groves.
Hounds at Heart Castle K-9 Training Event at Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument
Story and photo from: James Grennan, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguard) Aaron Hoff and K-9 Torq doing an exterior search of Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument.
San Luis Obispo Coast District hosted the Fourth Annual Hounds at Hearst Castle K-9 Training event from March 6-8 at Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument. This is a multiagency law enforcement training for 30 explosives detection canine teams from throughout California and approximately 60 people attended, including handlers, trainers, support staff and volunteers.
Hounds at Hearst Castle K-9 Training covers multiple bomb threats, VIP and Person Search Canine (detects odors on people) scenarios inside Hearst Castle, on the grounds and in the visitor center, offices, containers, vehicles, buses, IMAX-style theater, gardens, guest houses, bedrooms and swimming pool areas.
Our district concessionaires enthusiastically offered some additional areas for the training:
- LUX Bus provided multiple tour buses for the teams to search.
- Aramark invited the trainers to set up a challenging scenario in the gift shop.
- Hearst Castle Theater has a large lobby that was used for classroom presentations.
The goal is for the canine teams to do their training with the distractions of a regular business day, so the scenarios are conducted while tours are taking place and while employees went about their duties.
The cooperation of our district partners is much appreciated, and several of the visiting teams and trainers commented that the varying search areas offered lots of beneficial training experiences.
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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
 RECRUITMENT WORKSHOPS
2024 CA State Park Peace Officer Cadet Academy (Ranger/Lifeguard) – Friday, March 24, 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 (Ranger/Lifeguard). 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.
JOB SPOTLIGHTS
Staff Services Manager II (Supervisory)/Talent Acquisition Branch Chief – Apply by March 17, 2023: It’s the last day to apply! We are now seeking a Staff Services Manager II (Supervisory)/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.
Park Maintenance Supervisor – Apply by April 4, 2023: We are hiring a Park Maintenance Supervisor at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area. This position will supervise and manage the facility maintenance, housekeeping, equipment, landscape maintenance and safety programs. 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
State Park Interpreter I, II and III – The State Park Interpreter I, II and III assessments have been rereleased and are available online. State Park Interpreters help develop interactive and educational programs to teach the rich histories of California. Click here for more information.
Laborer – Continuous: Our California State Parks Laborers work on park restoration projects and help keep our parks safe and operational for all to enjoy. If you are interested in working outdoors and making a difference, apply for this exciting opportunity. The file-in-person locations and dates can be found in the assessment bulletin. Click here for more information.
Park Landscape Maintenance Technician – Apply by March 28, 2023: The Park Landscape Maintenance Technician assessment is now available. If you have experience in planting trees, flowers and ground cover in public parks, large private estates, institutions, commercial nursery landscaping, or have experience in highway landscape maintenance work, then apply to take this assessment. Click here for more information.
Supervisor, Cultural Resources Program – Apply by April 24, 2023: If you have experience as a Senior State Archeologist or State Historian III, or experience in the implementation of cultural resource management, planning and protection programs, apply for the Cultural Resource Program Supervisor assessment. 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 Series assessments today. Click here for more information.
EMPLOYMENT TIP
References: Did you recently interview for a job and wondering what to do next? Call your references and see if they have been contacted and discuss what was asked. Their insight is valuable!
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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K-9: Hyphenate.
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livestream: One word.
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Hyphens: Use hyphens as joiners, such as for compound modifiers: small-business owner. Also use hyphens for ranges, such as February 1-4. There should be no spaces surrounding a hyphen.
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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Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
A short introduction to the two tiny species found inside Mitchell Caverns—and nowhere else in the world! There is a whole subterranean ecosystem here that is seldom seen, little understood and endlessly unusual. We will be following up with more detailed videos about our weird cave life in the coming months.
Video from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District
 Columbia State Historic Park
A pair of ducks visited the historic park during the rain.
Photo from Caleb Masquelier, Central Valley District
 Red Rock Canyon State Park
Goldfields have made their appearance in large numbers in Red Rooster.
Photo from Damion Laughlin, Great Basin District
 Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
State Natural Reserve
Fields full of filaree. The poppies aren't far behind.
Photo from Matthew Williams, Great Basin District
 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Sand verbena flourishes in Coyote Canyon.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
A close-up of a desert sunflower (left) and desert lily.
Photos from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Bladder pod flowers amidst morning dew.
Photo from Courtney Mullen, San Diego Coast District
 Chino Hills State Park
Flowers still thriving on Bane Ridge Trail.
Photo from Enrique Arroyo, Inland Empire District
 Calaveras Big Trees State Park
The park's visitor center on Tuesday, March 7, freshly dug out by our crew.
Photo from Lillie Oravetz, Central Valley District
 Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
The Sierra District Office stands, up here in the snow world. "We stand, too, and we will persevere!" said Senior Environmental Scientist Rich Adams.
Photo from Rich Adams, Sierra District
 Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
This is the first time the Lake Oroville Dam's spillway has been opened since April 2019.
Photo from Noah Brann, Northern Buttes District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Top left: The upper Green Valley Falls with its beautiful granite formations that channel the Sweetwater River. Top right: Sweetwater River in the section below the upper falls. Bottom left: Below the upper falls, which has one of my favorite boulders in the falls. Bottom right: A meadow area in the northern part of Cuyamaca that reminds me of a grassy porcupine in the snow.
Photos from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch
State Vehicular Recreation Area
Moderate rain, rapid snowmelt and saturated ground can lead to strong flow in normally dry washes.
Photo from Matthew Williams, Great Basin District
 Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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March 15, 2023
March 16, 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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