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 May 12, 2023
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Sierra District
In honor of Mother's Day this Sunday, May 14, hear from California State Parks staff about what they love most about being a mom. Special thanks to Alex Neeb, Kaytlen Jackson, Silver Hartman and Catherine Jones. Click here to view the video or on the button above.
Video from Sarinah Simons, Sierra District
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Governor Gavin Newsom Releases Balanced Revised Budget Plan
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
 Governor Newsom presents revised budget plan in Sacramento on Friday, May 12.
Governor Gavin Newsom released on Friday, May 12, his May Revision proposal, a balanced budget plan that maintains critical investments to address the state’s biggest challenges while preparing for continued economic uncertainty due to global economic issues. The governor’s budget closes a projected $32 billion budget shortfall while protecting key investments in the issues that matter most to Californians, including education, health care, housing and homelessness, public safety and climate action.
Following two years of unprecedented growth, revenues have fallen short of monthly estimates since the 2022 Budget Act was enacted last June. California has planned for this potential shortfall, with the governor and Legislature paying down the state’s prior debts, building unprecedented reserves and prioritizing one-time investments.
“In partnership with the Legislature, we have made deep investments in California and its future—transformative efforts that will benefit generations of Californians, and that this budget will continue to guide as we navigate near-term ups and downs in revenue,” said Governor Newsom. “As we prepare for more risk and uncertainties ahead, it’s critical that we keep the state on a solid fiscal footing to protect Californians and our progress in remaking the future of our state.”
For more information, click here.
Join the Celebration for California State Parks Week
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
 Back by popular demand, California State Parks is hosting its second annual California State Parks Week from June 14-18, 2023. In partnership with Save the Redwoods League, Parks California and the California State Parks Foundation, State Parks will be celebrating California’s natural and cultural resources, its rich history and biodiversity across 280 park units.
Each day of State Parks Week will have a theme:
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Wednesday, June 14: Explore New Experiences
We encourage everyone to visit a state park and try something new, whether it be camping, hiking, surfing, boating, off-roading or learning about a park’s history.
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Thursday, June 15: Nourish Your Health and Well-Being
Studies have shown that time spent in nature can boost your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Everyone should have access to these benefits.
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Friday, June 16: Support Climate Resilience
We encourage you to learn about and support state parks and their partners’ efforts to ensure climate resilience so that future generations can enjoy these treasured resources.
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Saturday, June 17: Celebrate Community and Culture
California’s state parks are for all people. On this day and every day, we honor Black, Indigenous and communities of color and the many ways these communities care for, relate with and enjoy our shared parks.
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Sunday, June 18: Care for Our Shared Lands
It takes a full community to care for your public lands. Discover how you can get involved to protect and steward California’s state parks as park staff person, a volunteer, a partner or one of many other roles.
There will be in-person and virtual events throughout State Parks Week. We hope you’ll join us. Learn more at castateparksweek.org.
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State Senator Josh Newman Recognizes Chino Sector Manager Enrique Arroyo as Citizen of the Month
Story and photos from: Jacqueline Borboa, Inland Empire District
 Chino Sector Manager Enrique Arroyo (left) receiving a Certificate of Recognition as the Citizen of the Month from State Senator Josh Newman. Photo from Patricia Diaz-Arroyo.
Last week, State Senator Josh Newman presented Chino Sector Manager Enrique Arroyo with a Certificate of Recognition as the Citizen of the Month for April 2023 for the 29th District, which includes approximately 90% of Chino Hills State Park.
Senator Newman commended Enrique for ably applying expert knowledge and technical acumen in carrying out his duties conserving California’s natural resources. The senator also added, “Through your exemplary work, you have greatly assisted in ensuring the long-term vitality of the State Park System, while also enhancing opportunities for Californians to understand and appreciate the rich natural and cultural heritage they contain.”
Enrique leads a team of hard-working and dedicated permanent, seasonal and volunteer staff, and together they work with their enthusiastic partner, the Chino Hills State Park Interpretive Association, in making the park a better place.
Historic Structure Maintenance-Adobe Training in San Diego Coast District
Story and photos from: Ricky Roldan, San Diego Coast District
 Adobe training group 15 class.
The first Historic Structure Maintenance-Adobe Training since 2001 was held May 1-5, at the San Diego Coast District's North Sector Office in Carlsbad, California.
The participants began their first day with explanations of historic preservation of adobe, the California Environmental Quality Act, how to complete a project evaluation form and permitting—all necessary prior to starting historic projects. The training opened at the San Diego Coast District Office, with speakers who included San Diego Coast District Maintenance Chief Jodi Whelchel and State Archeologists Paige Liss and Minovi Niloufar, Lead Instructor Joe Lechuga, North Coast Redwoods District Superintendent Victor Bjelajac, Assistant Training Chief Eric Marks and Facilities Management Division Chief Todd Lewis. In the afternoon, the group toured Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, which included viewing completed and new adobe projects.
Participants worked on a historic adobe wall and gained skills in repairing and patching the damaged adobe and parts of the North Sector Office. The 30 participants engaged in daily rotating lab groups:
- Removing existing coats of lime paint that were not acceptable for a historic adobe wall.
- Mixing the adobe mortar “mud plaster.” The ingredients for the mud were approved by the lead archaeologist of the San Diego Coast District.
- Applying the mud plaster to the adobe walls to match the original face of the walls.
- Demolishing and removing existing adobe blocks that were failing and then trained on how to set adobe blocks in place to replace and rebuild failed areas of the adobe wall.
- Setting forms to the existing historic building to pour concrete caps to match existing historical caps and redo the damaged areas of the building.
The Training Section and the adobe class participants extend their gratitude to the San Diego Coast District's North Sector Office for their hard work in preparing and hosting the training.
Please register in FOCUS for the fall 2023 and spring 2024 upcoming Maintenance Training sessions. New class schedules will be coming out in August 2023.
 Top left: Instructor Joe Lechuga instructs a student on the process of adobe refacing with Scott Allen looking on. Top right: Instructors Anthony Lechuga and Jason Valdovinos look on as they instruct students on the ingredients mix to make adobe mud “mud plaster.” Bottom right: Adobe mud plaster poured into brick forms. Bottom middle: Lupeti Funaki removing old lime plaster from the adobe wall. Bottom left: Felipe Coronado and Thomas Hornyak cleaning the adobe wall, preparing to set the cap forms to pour the concrete.
 Concrete cap pour, with Nicholle Jigarjian, Brian Haring, Thomas Hornyak and Ericca Franco setting and spreading the concrete to form the cap above the adobe wall.
Division of Boating and Waterways Boating Safety Unit Join Desert Storm Event
Story from: Zachary Mundy, Division of Boating and Waterways
 Left to right: Deputy William Poe (San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department [SBCSD]); Supervisor, Boating Safety Unit, Joanna Andrade (Division of Boating and Waterways [DBW]); Sergeant Travis Vessells (SBCSD); Deputy Justin Bacon (SBCSD); Lieutenant Jacob Gault (SBCSD); and Chief, Boating Safety Unit, Zachary Mundy (DBW). Photo from Joanna Andrade, DBW.
The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) Boating Safety Unit Supervisor Joanna Andrade and I took to the waters April 19-22 in San Bernardino County for Desert Storm, the largest performance boating event in the western United States. Desert Storm is an annual event that attracts boating enthusiasts from all over the country.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s (SBCSD’s) Colorado River Station covers an area that extends from the Nevada state line south to the Riverside County line, and from the Arizona State line on the Colorado River west to Kelbaker Road. The busiest season for the station begins during spring break and ends sometime after Labor Day. During summer holiday weekends when a large number of visitors are on the water, a maximum number of personnel focuses their efforts on educating the boating public on safe and sober operation. As a result of these efforts, the number of boating-under-the-influence arrests and fatal accidents have seen a reduction in recent years.
The Colorado River Station also provides law enforcement services to three California Native American tribes who have reservations in the jurisdiction. These includes the Fort Mojave Tribe in Needles, the Chemehuevi Tribe at Havasu Landing and the Colorado River Indian Tribe in Big River. The SBCSD marine patrol unit is made up of three full-time marine law enforcement officers responsible for patrolling Lake Havasu. The Colorado River Station also maintains a large contingent of volunteers who make up the Citizen Patrol Units, Line Reserves, Explorer Scouts and Search and Rescue. These dedicated individuals donate thousands of hours each year to keep the citizens safe and the station functioning efficiently.
During the Boating Safety Units tour of Lake Havasu, which is patrolled by SBCSD along with Arizona local law enforcement agencies and the United States Coast Guard, DBW learned about the importance of the lake and how critical the large supply of water is to Southern California. In addition, DBW staff learned about the challenges law enforcement agencies face while patrolling waters under Arizona and California state laws and under the jurisdiction of several different law enforcement agencies. The Colorado River Law Enforcement Association (CRLEA) is an association of local, state and federal boating law enforcement officials and their civilian counterparts from states bordering the Colorado River, including Arizona, Nevada, California, and Utah. CRLEA’s annual conference provides all states the opportunity to train and educate to promote the coordination of all boating laws of each state, as well as the federal agencies that have jurisdiction on the Colorado River. It is critical these states work together and meet on an annual basis to improve boating safety for the public.
Thank you to SBCSD for continuing to keep our waterways safe and supporting DBW’s mission.
 Left to right: Chief Zachary Mundy, Deputy Justin Bacon (SBCSD) and Supervisor Joanna Andrade from the Division of Boating and Waterways, Boating Safety Unit. Photo from Ross Tarangle, SBCSD.
 Left to right: Sergeant Travis Vessells (San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department [SBCSD]), Lieutenant Jacob Gault (SBCSD), Zachary Mundy (Division of Boating and Waterways) and Captain Ross Tarangle (SBCSD). Photo from Joanna Andrade, Division of Boating and Waterways.
 Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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To view current job openings within California State Parks, please visit our jobs webpage at www.LiveTheParksLife.com.
State Parks Job Spotlights and Open Exams
 JOB SPOTLIGHTS
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. Click here for more information.
Audio Visual Specialist (Technical) – Apply by May 19, 2023: This position will be the main content manager for the San Luis Obispo Coast District for the digital marketing, social media accounts, websites, exhibits, displays and publications, as well as will process photo loans and filming permits and maintain the photo archives. Click here for more information.
Exam Analyst – Apply by May 22, 2023: If you have experience with planning and organizing and the oversight and administration of examinations, apply for the Exam Analyst position at headquarters. Help conduct job-analysis classification studies for the development of job-related exam materials. Click here for more information.
Associate Accounting Specialist – Apply by May 24, 2023: Use your accounting analyst, professional accounting, accounting systems or auditing experience to help maintain State Parks’ fiscal management of all federal, recreational trails fund and California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services reimbursements, from inception to closeout. Click here for more information.
Senior State Archeologists, Multiple Opportunities – Apply-by dates vary: Leadership roles are needed to help plan, organize and direct the work of a professional and technical staff; coordinate and direct all cultural resource planning and management efforts and activities; plan and direct the studies in a major section; and analyze technical data and make appropriate recommendations. 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 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 – Apply by May 13, 2023: 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. One day left for the file-in-person exam opportunities. Se habla español. 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 State 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 – Continuous: 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
Make connections! Don’t limit your search to online resources. Speak with people in the field you are considering, attend career fairs or volunteer. Making connections is vital to creating relationships that can help you land the job.
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!
Visit the Recruitment Events Monthly Calendar to find out when the Parks Recruitment Team will be at an event near 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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Mother's Day: Use an apostrophe, "Mother's Day," not "Mothers Day." Mother's Day always falls on the second Sunday in May.
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SPPO: Acronym for "state park peace officer." Please spell out on first reference.
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canceled; cancellations: Use one "l" for "canceled" and two for "cancellations."
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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 Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
Recreational off-highway vehicle instructor training that occurred on May 2-5 for park staff.
Photo from Jacob Margetts, Oceano Dunes District
 Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
The Competitive Review Team from the Office of Grants and Local Services received training from the Gold Fields District Natural Resources Team on looking at natural resources impacts on proposed trail work. This training will assist the Competitive Team when reviewing applications for the Recreational Trails Program.
Photo from Nicky Lambert, Office of Grants and Local Services
 Asilomar Conference Grounds
The California State Parks Cannabis Watershed Protection Program met at Asilomar for a weeklong training at the William Penn Mott Jr. Training Center.
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
The unique vocalization of the common poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii) is a constant soundtrack to warm nights in this corner of the Mojave Desert. These insect-eating, well-camouflaged birds are quite unusual: They perch on the ground and are one of the few birds that can hibernate through winter. Watch this video to the end to see and hear the bird's unmistakable song.
Video from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District
 Saddleback Butte State Park
Mojave rattlesnake sunning itself.
Photo from Matthew Williams, Great Basin District
 Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
A California king snake takes a dip.
Photo from Steven Ptomey, Great Basin District
 Asilomar State Beach
Parts of the beach were covered by velella, known as the by-the-wind sailor, and Porpita, known as blue-buttons. They live far offshore in open ocean waters, and their little sails help distribute them using the force of the wind. However, because they sail only downwind or at a slight angle to the wind, they are often blown ashore in very high numbers, with millions piling onto beaches in drift rows.
Photos from Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division
 Asilomar State Beach
During the morning low tide, sea anemones were visible along the rocks. Sea anemones are named after and resemble flowers, but they are actually invertebrates related to corals and jellies. Anemones are carnivorous, feeding on tiny plankton or fish. Their stinging tentacles are triggered by the slightest touch, firing a harpoon-like filament called a nematocyst into their prey. Once injected with the paralyzing neurotoxin, the prey is guided into the mouth by the tentacles.
Photo from Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division
 Asilomar State Beach
A "naturally" placed seashell during the morning low tide.
Photo from Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division
 Lake Perris State Recreation Area
Goldfield flowers and an oak tree with a dramatic and stormy sky in the background.
Photo from Destin Koelsch, Inland Empire District
 Trione-Annadel State Park
Goldfield flowers and an oak tree with a dramatic and stormy sky in the background.
Photo from Cecilia Rejas, Bay Area District
 Border Field State Park
A beautiful afternoon overlooking the park.
Photo from Tim Allen, San Diego Coast District
 Folsom Historic Powerhouse State Historic Park
Poppies in bloom in front of the Powerhouse.
Photo from Nicole Barden, Gold Fields District
 Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
Top left: Mojave suncup. Top middle: Scarlet bugler. Top right: Purple owl clover in the Grassland Preserve. Bottom right: Wooly paintbrush with chaparral yucca. Bottom middle: Thistle sage. Bottom left: Purple owl clover.
Photos from Leah Gardner, Natural Resources Division
 Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
Left: Woolypod milkvetch. Right: Variable linanthus.
Photos from Leah Gardner, Natural Resources Division
Montaña de Oro State Park
Top left: California poppy. Top right: Paintbrush. Bottom right: Lupine. Bottom left: Fiddleneck.
Photos from Trae Lynn Neal, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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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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