May 5, 2023

Photo of the Week

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

A lark sparrow resting on a rock.

Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

WHAT'S NEW

California State Parks Graduates 30 Cadets Who Will 'Live the Parks Life' as Peace Officers

Story from: Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division

Basic Visitor Services Training (BVST) 48 class photo taken moments after their graduation ceremony in Paradise, California, on Friday, April 28. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division. Click here or the video button above to see highlights from the ceremony. Video from Andres Weishaupt and Charles Rouse, Communications and Marketing Division.

California State Parks graduated 30 cadets (29 rangers and one lifeguard) on Friday, April 28, who will “Live the Parks Life” in the country’s largest state park system. Since the Basic Visitor Services Training (BVST) 48 Academy began on Sept.19, 2022, this class has stayed committed to their responsibility as keepers of the state's most valuable natural and cultural resources as they advance to the next stage of their careers.

Before an audience in person in Paradise, California, and remotely, the graduation began with the traditional playing of bagpipes during the procession and then the singing of the national anthem by graduates Tyler Malloy and Christian Winter.

Academy Director Jason Smith welcomed the audience, followed by Director of Public Safety Education and Training Center Don Beasley with Butte Community College.

State Parks Director Armando Quintero spoke to the graduating class, telling them “Integrity is the foundation of law enforcement … graduates have a commitment to public service, dedicating themselves to our natural and cultural resources and the communities that enjoy these lands and waters.” Director Quintero also urged the graduates to “be curious about the world, be curious about the people around you, be curious about the diversity of knowledge and experience.”

Salutatorian Gabriel Del Castillo, the only lifeguard in the graduating class, was voted by his class to summarize their past seven months in five minutes. Del Castillo said, “This entire academy and our future career will be filled with opportunities to overcome difficulty and look beyond ourselves and find a way to serve, whether we’re having struggles or not. I’ve seen this academy grow personally and professionally these last seven months, and I’m proud to watch as we go out and serve our parks and the people who visit them.”

Valedictorian Boon Andrews told his fellow BVST 48 graduates, “With all that has been given to us, so too we have been given a calling, a calling to go forth and pursue excellence in all that we do … by the bond that we have formed and the accountability we have to one another, we will answer this call. We will step forward and help those in need, to uphold the law and to defend the magnificent places we have sworn to protect.”

After watching a video by graduate Bobby Scruggs highlighting their challenging seven months in the Academy, special awards were handed out in the following categories:

• Valedictorian and Bob Donohue Memorial Scholarship: Boon Andrews
• Salutatorian: Gabriel Del Castillo
• James Whitehead: Riley Budd
• Park Operations: Mason Gannaway
• Firearms: Boon Andrews
• Defensive Tactics: Boon Andrews
• Physical Training: Gabriel Del Castillo
• Emergency Vehicle Operations: Gibson Elkins
• Academics: Brian Jackson

Chief Law Enforcement Executive Officer Jason De Wall told the audience of this class’ motto “Hustle and Heart Set Us Apart.” He stressed the importance of peace officers connecting to their local communities: “When it feels impossible and the cards are stacked against you, remember, you’ve earned the badge and uniform, wear it proudly and break down barriers … embrace your identity, embrace your class motto, with hustle and heart will truly set you apart.”

After the cadets were officially sworn in as state park peace officers and badged, some by members of their own families in law enforcement and the military, Director Smith closed out the ceremony with the story of Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen’s expedition to reach the North Pole in 1893. Smith said, “Be bold in your pursuits, steadfast, and never give up on your dreams. I have no doubt you will achieve great things in your careers, and you will have a positive impact on those you serve … remember, what’s within you is stronger than what’s in your way. Good luck and be safe.”

Up next for BVST 48, a two-week break before 13 weeks of field training. State Parks is currently accepting applications for the 2024 State Park Peace Officers Cadet Academy exam until Saturday, June 10, 2023. Visit LiveTheParksLife.com or email recruiting@parks.ca.gov for more information.

Top left: State Parks Director Armando Quintero speaks before the graduating class. Top right: Graduates recite the Peace Officer Oath. Bottom left: Chief Law Enforcement Executive Officer Jason De Wall pins graduate Giselle Barrios. Bottom middle: Valedictorian Boon Andrews with Academy Director Jason Smith. Bottom right: State Park Peace Officer Haley Lubben (now Castillo) badges Salutatorian Gabriel Del Castillo. Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.

20th Annual Director's Recognition Awards Ceremony Honors 90 Employees and Park Partners

Story from: Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division

 A group photo of the 20th Annual Director’s Recognition Awards Ceremony recipients and California State Parks staff outside the California Natural Resources Agency Headquarters building in Sacramento. All photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division. 

More than 150 California State Parks employees and their family and friends celebrated and honored 90 colleagues and State Parks partners at the 20th Annual Director’s Recognition Awards Ceremony last Thursday, April 27. This year’s event was held as an in-person ceremony at the California Natural Resources Agency Headquarters Auditorium in Sacramento, with a virtual viewing opportunity. Each year, the awards recognize the fantastic and exceptional accomplishments of staff and partners over the past year, and this year, for the first time since the pandemic in 2020, everyone was excited to recognize their colleagues once again in person.

The ceremony kicked off with a short introductory video of State Parks staff sharing what they loved best about “Living the Parks Life.” State Parks Chief Deputy Director Liz McGuirk welcomed the audience as the emcee of the ceremony. Liz told attendees and viewers that “each of you work every day to make California’s parks more accessible and welcoming to all. You engage with visitors in multiple languages; you educate the public about California’s remarkable historic, cultural and natural resources; and you conserve and protect some of the most remarkable landscapes of the world. And while doing all of this, many of you literally save people’s lives every single day. … We are so thankful to all of you for doing your jobs in service of the state and our parks.”

State Parks Director Armando Quintero also shared his gratitude and sentiment to staff during the opening remarks. He told the audience that they were some of the most amazing, passion-driven workforce in the state government. He went on to say, “What’s amazing is that I get to work with you, really the heroes of state parks. I take a tremendous sense of honor, I think, along with you, in knowing that we are creating the future legacy of these lands. Thank you so much for your passion and the work that you bring.”        

As in previous ceremonies, executive staff presented awards to recipients for accomplishments that ranged from combating climate change, to staff and partners providing equitable access to parks, to inspiring stewardship, and to those heroes who literally saved lives. Those who nominated the recipients shared awe-inspiring and heroic stories of their colleagues and State Parks partners on why they deserved to be recognized. This year’s ceremony included wonderful and emotional speeches from winners, including Compass Award recipient Ricky Roldan from the Training Section, who thanked his family and mentor Karl Knapp, whom the Compass Award honors. Ricky said that when he was in his first training classes about 25 years ago, Karl gave him his business card and Ricky joked that he called Karl all the time and that Karl probably regretted giving him that card.

The Inspiration Award recipient Sarinah Simons, from the Sierra District, said that she was not expecting to get emotional and immediately thanked her mother who drove from Southern California to be at the event. As part of her acceptance speech, she said “it’s important to tell interesting stories, moving stories that can galvanize people to take action and care. That’s why I do what I do. Working for California State Parks has been the joy of my life. …I hope to stay and continue to do cool things like this.”  

Resilience Award recipient Andrew Capistrano, from the Strategic Planning and Recreation Services Division, gave a shoutout to his parents, who were watching from Hong Kong in their pajamas.

In the Special Commendation and Special Act or Service Awards, the audience heard about life-saving acts from recipients like Kari Cotton, from the Southern Communications Center, who played a significant role in the rescue of stranded hikers and a ranger at Mount San Jacinto State Park. Also honored was Environmental Scientist Kelly McFadden from the San Luis Obispo Coast District, who was recognized for her actions during an incident where an elderly woman was stuck inside a vehicle in a storm surge waterflow. The last award of the ceremony was given to Albert Di Paolo, restoration and maintenance lead worker from the Capital District. Albert—as well as the audience—was surprised to receive the award from John Graddon, the man whose life Albert saved when John suffered a cardiac arrest at the Railroad Shops near the California State Railroad Museum. Albert also dedicated his award to a former volunteer who had tragically passed away under similar circumstances.

If you missed the ceremony, you can watch it at parks.ca.gov/DirectorAwards. A full list of award recipients is also available on the webpage.  

Top left: Special Commendation Award recipients the Fire and Forestry Crew from the San Luis Obispo Coast District with California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. Top right: Parks California, California State Parks Foundation and Save the Redwoods League received the Partnerships Award. Bottom left (top): Chief Deputy Director Liz McGuirk was the emcee for the ceremony. Bottom left: More than 150 State Parks staff, family and friends celebrated their colleagues and park partners. Bottom right: The Equity and Diversity Award recipients, which included staff from the California State Library, Department of Social Services and California State Parks.

Top left: Director Quintero with Compass Award winner Ricky Roldan from the Training Section. Top right: Director Quintero and Sarinah Simons from the Sierra District, receiving the Inspiration Award. Bottom left: Special Act or Service Award winner Albert Di Paolo, from Capital District, received his award from John Graddon, the man whose life Albert saved. Bottom right: Director Quintero and Special Commendation Award recipient Kelly McFadden from the San Luis Obispo Coast District.

Governor Newsom Proclaims Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Natural Resources Agency Present AAPI Events

Story from: Governor’s Press Office and Communications and Marketing Division

Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation on Friday, May 5, declaring May 2023, as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Click here or see below to read the proclamation.

Throughout the month of May, the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) and its supporting departments, invite you to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Through virtual and in-person events, CNRA departments, commissions, and conservancies will be honoring Asian leaders in the environmental field, who work to protect the environment for current and future generations and encourage others to become environmental stewards.

Visit the CNRA website to view the list of events and to access the AAPI Partner Toolkit.

FIELD REPORT

Fallen Park Ranger George Kowatch III Honored During San Diego County Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Ceremony

Story from: Doug Johnson, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division

Top: State park peace officers (SPPOs) attend the 37th Annual Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Ceremony at the San Diego County Administration Center. Left to right: Jeremy Stinson, LEESD (state park superintendent III [SPSIII]); Jessica Murany, Colorado Desert, SPPO (Ranger) (SPPO-R); Deputy Chief Kent Miller, CalOES Law Enforcement Branch (senior coordinator-law enforcement and former State Parks officer); Brittany Shearer, Colorado Desert (SPPO-R); Emily Swarthout, Colorado Desert (SPPO-R); Norb Ruhmke, Colorado Desert (SPSIII); State Park Ranger II George Kowatch III, in memoriam; Natalie Kazazian, Colorado Desert (SPPO-R); Ryan May, Colorado Desert (SPPO-R); Michael Lawrence, San Diego Coast (state park peace officer supervising lifeguard I [SPPOSI-L]); Justin McHenry, LEESD (SPSII); Jake Pflepsen, LEESD (SPSII); Erik Burgan, San Diego Coast (SPPOSI-L). Bottom left: Photo of fallen SPPO George Kowatch III. Bottom right: Officers with the San Diego Police Department salute fallen SPPO George Kowatch III and U.S. Border Patrol Agent Daniel H. Salazar.

The name of fallen California State Parks Peace Officer (SPPO) George Kowatch III was added to the San Diego County Regional Law Enforcement Memorial during a ceremony at the County Administration Center on Wednesday, May 3. Hundreds of law enforcement officials from across the state attended as Kowatch and fallen U.S. Border Patrol Agent Daniel Salazar were given a 21-gun salute while their names were unveiled on the Regional Law Enforcement Memorial in Waterfront Park.

Kowatch had been the supervising tanger for Palomar State Park from June 1984 until November 1987 when he was fatally injured while on duty in a vehicle accident. He is survived by his wife, Rosalinda; son, George Aaron Kowatch IV; and daughters, Theresa and Angela.

“My father was a state park ranger through and through. He loved his job, he loved the parks, he loved the state. That’ll never change,” said George Aaron Kowatch IV. “He touched a lot of lives.”

Salazar was fatally injured while conducting line watch operations on May 13, 2022, when his service vehicle rolled off a steep embankment adjacent to the international border. He is survived by his wife, Karina, and son.  

Kowatch’s and Salazar’s families, along with a dozen rangers and lifeguards from the Colorado Desert and San Diego Coast Districts and the Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division, attended the event, which was put on by the San Diego County Memorial Foundation. Hundreds of officers from the region also participated in the ceremony, which featured a California Highway Patrol and San Diego Police Department motorcycle escort, water cannon salute from the San Diego Harbor Police Department and a helicopter flyover.

“It was a beautiful ceremony. I wasn’t expecting this; it was a very pleasant surprise. It brought me back 30-something years,” said Kowatch's son. He added it was great to see his father’s life honored three decades later.

As a supervising ranger, Kowatch had jurisdiction not only at Palomar, but also at the 25,000-acre Cuyamaca Rancho State Park as well. He was the district's first-aid instructor, defensive-tactics teacher and manager for both other park rangers and seasonal staff.

“He was a great guy, he cared a lot, he was very popular with all the rangers because he was just a reasonable, good supervisor,” said Jack Shu, who was Kowatch’s supervisor at the time.

Kowatch’s career in service to his country and the public began with his entry into the U.S. Navy and service in Vietnam. He began working for the U.S. Forest Service in the Saugus Ranger District in 1972. His State Parks career started in 1975 when he began working at the San Diego Coast District. During his 12-year career, he worked at Heart Bar State Park (now a U.S. Park), Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, Will Rogers State Historic Park, Malibu Creek State Park and finally Palomar Mountain.

“Well, I mean every boy wants to be his father, I actually worked for the State Parks System for a time,” George Aaron Kowatch IV said.

Ranger Kowatch's tenure at Palomar saw many improvements in park programs, including a Saturday night summer campfire program. Kowatch also enlisted the aid of many groups to work within the park to give interpretive talks, conduct children’s programs and work on trial improvements.

“My family remembers him, and we all love him,” Kowatch's son said.

Top left: SPPOs attending the event. Top right: Hundreds gathered in San Diego for the memorial ceremony. Bottom left: Law enforcement honor guards bring in flags and wreath. Bottom right: San Diego Harbor Police Department boat provides a water cannon salute.

California State Parks K-9 Program 2023 Annual Qualifications Award

Story from: James Grennan, San Luis Obispo Coast District

State Parks K-9 Annual Qualifications, State Parks canine teams. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.

• Ben Ellis – San Luis Obispo Coast District
• Andrew Bampton – San Luis Obispo Coast District
• Chris Hendricks – San Luis Obispo Coast District
• Martin Gilbertson – Sierra District
• Sasha Wessitsh – Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division Headquarters
• Matt Pasquarella – Capital District
• Briana Kennedy-Feldhaus – Capital District
• Brain Lane – San Diego Coast District
• Aaron Hoff – Orange Coast District
• Angelica Stevens – Orange Coast District
• Trevor Irace – Northern Buttes District
• Janessa Sederquist – Northern Buttes District
• David Elias – Channel Coast District
• David Gunn – Angeles District
• Alexandra Lucero – Gold Fields District
• Mark James – Gold Fields District
• Brett Weber – Special Enforcement Team
• Michael Cueto – Special Enforcement Team
• Colin Bliese – Ocotillo Wells District
• Thomas Cunningham – Central Valley District
• Kyle Meza – Central Valley District

Left: Top Dog winner: Brian Lane and K-9 Chase, San Diego Coast District. Right: Dave Graham winner: Janessa Sederquist and K-9 Oz, Northern Buttes District. Photos from Mike Gleckler, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division. 

Another Year of InterpTech Accomplished

Story and photos from: Brad Krey, Interpretation and Education Division

Watch the video from our PORTScast Live Dive! from Whalers Cove at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. 

Since 2016, California State Parks has been conducting a conference-style event to gather thoughtful leaders in innovative interpretation. With the department staff at the core and representatives from throughout the United States, including National Park Service and NASA in attendance, the InterpTech 2023 event held in late April once again proved to be a highly engaging and impactful meeting of the minds at the Mott Training Center at Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds.

Our partners at the National Association for Interpretation, as well as State Parks Director Armando Quintero kicked off the program, while a virtual me delivered opening remarks as a digitally created avatar, with an AI-generated backdrop and a speech written entirely by ChatGPT. Over the course of three days, participants had the chance to experience a PORTScast Live Dive! from Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and participated in a competition to create 360-degree videos for social media.

This conference remains the only event dedicated to gathering interpreters to push the limits of storytelling in the 21st century, an accomplishment only made possible by California State Parks’ dedication to the craft and our proven success in implementing innovative approaches to visitor experiences. 

A huge shout-out to the Interpretation and Education Division team who made this year’s event a success, including Brandon Caskey, Lydia Stinson, Kayla Jones, Erika Delemarre and Jennifer Langer.

Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students Program Manager Brad Krey has gone totally virtual. 

Caution for Boaters, Water Enthusiasts: Record Snowfall Will Bring High, Fast Rivers, Cold Lakes and Reservoirs

Story from: Vivian Matuk, California State Parks and California Coastal Commission, and Joleane King, Division of Boating and Waterways

Spring warm-up will lead to swift-water conditions. Photo from Division of Boating and Waterways. 

Boaters are advised to take extra precautions and to be aware of cold-water dangers this spring to avoid tragedy. The series of winter storms are causing rising rivers and stream-flow levels not seen in years. The eventual spring warm-up will bring fast flows and cold temperatures when all the snow starts to melt. All Californians are being encouraged to wait until it is safer to recreate in the summer.

In California’s high-water years, recreational boating fatalities related to swift-water conditions more than doubled on state waterways when compared to similar conditions during low-water years. According to California State Parks Division of Boating
and Waterways' (DBW's) annual recreational boating accident statistics, 50 California residents lost their lives in swift-water conditions during the state’s high-water years of 1993, 1998, 2005, 2010, 2011 and 2017 combined.

Key "Know Before You Go" safety points for boaters can be found on the DBW webpage
“Winter and Spring Storm Boating and Marina Safety.” The webpage includes vital safety information for boaters:

• Know the Water!
• Know Your Limits!
• Know About Life Jackets!
• Know How to Supervise!
• Be cold-water ready
• Fast- and cold-water videos
• Do’s and don’ts of cold-water boating
• Winter storm boating safety fact sheet
• Winter and spring storm checklist for marina operators

Here are some additional resources:

• DBW: Boating Alerts of Temporary Closures
• California Department of Water and Water Resources: Current River Conditions
• U.S. Geological Survey: National Water Dashboard
• Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: All Hazard Response
• California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services: www.caloes.ca.gov 
• California Department of Transportation: Road Closures QuickMap

To read "The Changing Tide" spring 2023 newsletter, click here. 

'Dockside’ Podcasts Highlight Clean and Safe Boating Practices

Story from: Vivian Matuk, California State Parks and California Coastal Commission, and Sara Kennedy, Interpretation and Education Division

Check out and share the latest “Dockside” podcast episode, created to engage recreational boaters, boating facilities operators and water enthusiasts. Each of the 10 educational episodes recorded to date aims to showcase timely topics that promote clean and safe boating practices.

“Dockside” podcasts feature knowledgeable speakers who have covered a variety of topics—from plastic pollution in California to white water rafting, the California Boater card, oil spills and sewage management.

The podcasts have been developed by the San Francisco Estuary Partnership, the California Boating Clean and Green Program, and the California State Parks Boating Education Unit. It is partially funded by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways Clean Vessel Act Education Program and the Federal Clean Vessel Grant Act Program.

What are you waiting for? Tune in and enjoy all of the podcast episodes!

Empire Mine State Historic Park 'Adventure Pass Family Day' on Saturday, May 6

Story from: Daniel Williford, Interpretation and Education Division

Springtime is here and Empire Mine State Historic Park (SHP) is offering a fun California State Park Adventure Pass event for fourth graders and their families to explore California's state parks! "Adventure Pass Family Day” at Empire Mine SHP will take place on May 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wrapping up Art Month in Nevada County, visitors can learn different art techniques with hands-on activities. Enjoy the days of spring with a picnic in the park, take a tour through historic buildings and learn what it takes to become a park ranger. Fourth graders are encouraged to sign up for their Adventure Pass at reservecalifornia.com and come with their families to the park for FREE and enjoy a fun family friendly day at the historic park.

Check out the flyer above to learn about additional upcoming activities happening at Empire Mine SHP June 3 and September 9. 

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.

State Parks Job Spotlights and Open Exams

IN-PERSON RECRUITMENT EVENT

Careers at California State Parks: In-Person Hiring Info Session: May 11, 2023, 2 to 4 p.m.: There’s still time to register! 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 a CalCareers account and apply for the jobs that interest you. We offer opportunities in Law Enforcement, Administration, Communications, Facilities and Maintenance, and many more. 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

Associate Park and Recreation Specialist – Apply by May 05, 2023: Today is the final day to apply for this exciting opportunity! The Office of Community Involvement is seeking an outdoor enthusiast to work at state park sites to provide tent camping during program facilitation regardless of weather, to handle moderate to heavy lifting and to travel to various communities throughout California. Click here for more information.

District Superintendent II – Apply by May 5, 2023: Last chance! We are hiring a District Superintendent II at the Gold Fields District Office in Folsom, California. This position is responsible for directing the overall activities of the district. Duties include natural and cultural resource management and protection, visitor services, interpretation, aquatic programs, facilities maintenance, capital outlay engineering, landscaping, property management, historic properties preservation and employee discipline. Click here for more information.

Museum Curator I – Apply by May 5, 2023: One day left! We are hiring a Museum Curator I in our Cultural Resources Division in Sacramento. This position will plan, implement, supervise and actively ensure appropriate documentation, care and preservation of collections on display as well as in storage. Click here for more information.

Exams Analyst – Apply by May 8, 2023: The Exams Unit is looking to hire an Exams Analyst responsible for the planning, organizing, oversight and administration of examinations for various classifications. Click here for more information.

Recruitment Analyst – Apply by May 8, 2023: The Workforce Planning and Recruitment Office is seeking a Recruitment Analyst to join our team. If you enjoy people-centered work and have a desire to assist others in finding their dream job, then this is the opportunity for you. Click here for more information.

Administrative Officer I – Apply by May 11, 2023: We are seeking a highly motivated and dependable person to fill the Administrative Officer I position and bring new ideas to the team. Click here for more information.

Associate Personnel Analyst (Special Projects) – Apply by May 17, 2023: Human Resources is seeking an Associate Personnel Analyst to support special projects, including Human Resources Information System implementations, develop plans and programs, and support compliance reviews. Click here for more information.

Construction Supervisor II – Apply by May 18, 2023: Help manage and coordinate numerous construction projects for buildings and other State Parks facilities. The Construction Supervisor II will also be required to provide direct inspection services of construction projects or direct supervision of inspectors assigned to work for which they are managing. 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, Archeologist Specialist, Guide Trainee or Forestry Aide openings today. Click here for more information.

EXAM SPOTLIGHTS

State Park Equipment Operator – Apply by May 11, 2023: The State Park Equipment Operator is essential to developing new recreation areas, restoring state parks, preserving our precious resources and keeping our state parks operational for all to enjoy year-round. You will play an important role in keeping park visitors safe and maintain California State Parks’reputation as one of the nation’s best and most well-kept state park systems. Click here for more information.

State Park Peace Officer Cadet (Ranger and Lifeguard) – Apply by June 10, 2023: We are currently accepting applications for the State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Cadet exam. This is the first step toward acceptance to the SPPO Cadet Academy. In the cadet academy, you will learn everything you need to know to become an SPPO Ranger or Lifeguard. You will learn about law enforcement, public safety, natural and cultural resource protection, education, interpretation, program management and much more. When applying, you can opt in for electronic notifications! 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.

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.

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 history of California. Click here for more information.

EMPLOYMENT TIP

Do your homework! Research the position and unit you would like to work in so you can be an informed interviewee.

LIVE THE PARKS LIFE IN STYLE

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

• "a" before "historic": Use “a historic structure,” and not "an historic structure." Use the article “a” before consonant sounds.
• "s" and spans of decades or centuries: Use an "s" without an apostrophe to indicate spans of decades or centuries. Examples: the 1850s, the 1900s.
• fire ring: Two words. 

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

Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture, San Francisco, California

Last week, state historians attended the 47th Annual California Preservation Conference “Placekeeping/Placemaking,” at Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture in San Francisco. The event was organized by the California Preservation Foundation and was attended by numerous agencies and historic preservation organizations. An exhibition table provided information to participants about the work State Parks does to preserve California’s important cultural resources. In addition to attending special presentations by preservation professionals in different fields, historians attended the California State Historical Resources Commission meeting where historic properties are nominated and recognized for their outstanding cultural value. Much was learned and a good time was had by all! 

Left to right: State Historian I Wes Hale from Cultural Resources Division, State Historian I Andrew Shimizu from Northern Service Center, State Historian II Matt Walker from Gold Fields District, State Historian II Michael Jasinski from the Northern Service Center and State Historian I Joseph Starr from Diablo Range District.  

Photo from Joseph Starr, Diablo Range District. 

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

The Monterey District's Natural Resources Volunteer Program kicked-off a brand new monthly volunteer project on Thursday, April 27. Volunteers worked with State Parks staff to remove invasive thistles, forget-me-nots and prickly lettuce from the redwood understory. Volunteers will be back next month to handle weeds along the beautiful Pfeiffer Falls Trail!

Left to right: Rosie Aguirre, Celine Whitman, Doug Beck, Brett Stoner-Osborne, Gail Beyatte, Debora Raymond, Helen Ogden and Rick McGarrity.

Photo from Sam Winter, Monterey District

Orange Coast District

Eleven department dive team members attended a 40-hour POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certified Public Safety Diver training course held April 24-28, at Orange Coast District. The training was copresented by the city of Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department and the Los Angeles Port Police-Marine Unit. The training included classroom, skills and practical exercises in scuba safety; incident command and response; equipment and technology; search-rescue-recovery techniques; underwater investigations; teamwork; and more. Currently, the department has 54 dive team members tasked with public safety diving responsibilities at 10 districts statewide.

Top Left (left to right): State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) (Lifeguards) Dennis White, Bryan Etnyre, Brian Staudenbaur, Spencer York, and diving instructor from the National Association of Underwater Instructors Eric Dymmel. Bottom left: SPPO (Ranger) Lee Hausner under water. Right (left to right): SPPO (Lifeguards) Spencer York and Bryan Etnyre training in the ocean.

Photos from Kenneth Kramer, Training Section

Seacliff State Beach

Supervising State Park Peace Officer (Ranger) Trevor Morgan was treated to a surprise visit by the Secret Service who presented him with an award for his outstanding leadership during the Presidential visit to Seacliff State Beach in January. In the intimate ceremony held on site at Seacliff State Beach, Central Division Chief Matt Bellah and Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division Chief Scott Bayne also presented Morgan with a letter of commendation and kind words for his service.

Photo from Jordan Burgess, Santa Cruz District

California Natural Resources Agency Headquarters Auditorium, Sacramento

Communications and Marketing Division staff along with the Department of General Services who produced the 20th Annual Director’s Recognition Awards ceremony.

Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division

Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area

Ranger Karl Mears standing by with some stray dog stowaways along for the ride to watch CALSTAR land to pick up a critical medical patient.

Photo from Alex Lucero, Gold Fields District

California State Capitol Park

Associate Governmental Program Analysts Betsy Essepian and Michele Garcia pose with two California Highway Patrol equestrian units.

Photo from Betsy Essepian, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division

Sonoma State Historic Park

This past Saturday, April 29, the park hosted its first Children's Day event since the pandemic began. Over 400 people visited the Sonoma barracks to enjoy our crafts tables, petting zoo, pony rides, historic cooking demonstration, docent tours and a Civil War encampment. 

This free event would not be possible without our amazing volunteers, staff and cooperating association. The feedback from the public was overwhelmingly positive, and we can't wait to do it again next year.

Photos from Tyler Markley, Bay Area District

Carpinteria State Beach

Providence Mountains State Recreation Area

Last weekend, desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) crashed both tours headed to Mitchell Caverns. The visitors were thrilled, especially by the little lamb. Never a dull day here in the Providence Mountains!

Photo from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

Bobcat admiring the picturesque view from the balcony of the Ye’i Heki’ Regional Indian Museum.

Photo from Ian Bernstein, Inland Empire District

Lake Perris State Recreation Area

Same bobcat but now admiring how cute HE looks. 

Photo from Ian Bernstein, Inland Empire District

Providence Mountains State Recreation Area

Keep a close eye (or better yet, eyes) on the road in the Mojave Desert. The local desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) are out. The smaller juveniles are quite difficult to see so drive slow, and, remember, NEVER TOUCH A TORTOISE UNLESS IT IS IN DANGER OF BEING HIT!
Note: The keys in photo are only present for scale. This tortoise is far too young to drive.

Photo from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District

Angel Island State Park

A once-a-year occurrence, when a turkey decides to take up residence on Angel Island.

Photo from Alex Bok, Bay Area District

Portola Redwoods State Park

Tachinid fly are nectar-feeding flies; that means they are pollinators! But they are also parasitoids, which means the females lay eggs on a host species, in this case, caterpillars. When the fly babies hatch, they are called maggots and eat the caterpillar to death. Gruesome! Then they pupate into adulthood, have a midlife crisis and become vegetarians who only drink nectar.

Photos from Lucas Dickey, Santa Cruz District

Torrey Pines State Beach

Baby peregrine falcons peeking out from their nest and testing their wings.

Photos from Peter Norton, San Diego Coast District

California Natural Resources Building, Sacramento

The headquarters building with California poppies in the foreground on a sunny, spring evening.

Photo from Erik Taylor, Gold Fields District 

Red Rock Canyon State Park

Wildflower blooming at the park. Top: A Cooper's box thorn (Lycium cooperi) (left) and a single smooth desert dandelion (Malacothrix glabrata) plant. Bottom left: a broad flowered gilia (Gilia latiflora) (top) and a blazing star (Mentzelia albicaulis). Bottom right: Sand blossoms (Linanthus parryae).  

Photos from Alexia Svejda, Great Basin District volunteer 

Red Rock Canyon State Park

A spectacular bloom of goldfields. 

Photo from Alexia Svejda, Great Basin District volunteer 

Red Rock Canyon State Park

Red cliffs, with the endemic to the park and California rare plant rank of 1B.1, also known as the Red Rock Canyon monkeyflower (Erythranthe rhodopetra), and the yellow pepper grass (Lepidium flavum).

Photo from Alexia Svejda, Great Basin District volunteer 

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Spring is in full swing with wildflowers in bloom including the ground pinks (left) and milkmaids (right). 

Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

Red Rock Canyon State Park

While most of the bloom is fading, a few still thrive. Mojave aster on top, beavertail cactus on bottom left and the rare alkali mariposa lily on bottom right.

Photos taken by Damion Laughlin, Great Basin District

Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park

Dune evening primrose blooming below Piute Butte.

Photo from Berenice De Loera, Great Basin District 

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area

Sunset on Tuesday, May 2.

Photo from Kary Tyler-Davis, Diablo Range District

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

A fountain sparkles in the sunlight in front of the Plaza (Washington Square).

Photo from Doug Johnson, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division 

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

NEWS RELEASES

May 1, 2023

• California State Parks Graduates its Newest Peace Officers at Law Enforcement Academy Graduation

May 3, 2023

• State Park Campgrounds in the Sierra Delay Opening Dates Due to Historic Snowpack

May 5, 2023

• Office of Historic Preservation Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Regulations

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.