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 May 26, 2023
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 Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park
“Are you lookin’ at me?” A yellow-backed spiny lizard is unimpressed with my attempt to challenge him to a push-up contest.
Photo from Matthew Williams, Great Basin District
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Training Section Rolls Out New Curriculum for 'Intro to State Parks' Course
Story from: Bob Waller, Training Section
 Intro to State Parks 50 in front of the Mott Training Center. Standing (left to right): Matthew George, Bob Waller, Daniel Middaugh, Sherril Airaudi, Sammy Reyes, Rosalind Rowe, Denise Ross, Thina Nguyen, Mads Hatfield, Sam Lumley, Buffy Tufts, Chaye VanKeuren, Rosie Blackburn, Vernon Reyes, Chandra Nabors, Anne Cooper, Rachel Young and Ann Stansell. Seated (left to right): Sasha Tokas, Rachel Ronkowski, Christina Steele, Vanessa, Arroyo Sanchez and Samantha Shackelton. Kneeling: Casey Wear, Victor Jue, Sarah Hauck, Justine Kardad, Fiona Catalano, Sonja Coleman, Sara Schlussler, Lytonia Joyner, Sam Guida and Erik Hernandez. Photo from Taylor Monson, Training Section.
The Training Section rolled out its new curriculum for its "Intro to State Parks" course last week from May 16-19, at the Mott Training Center, in Asilomar, California.
The new curriculum features more emphasis on California’s cultural diversity and how the department is organized. It also features a shift from single-expert presentations to multi-expert panel discussions on topics such as maintenance, law enforcement, natural resources, cultural resources and more.
The three-and-a-half-day event was greatly enhanced by employees of Monterey District, who provided a lifeguard demo and a tour of Asilomar’s architecture, and by Santa Cruz District staff, who provided panelists for six of the class’ eight panel discussions.
 Left (Clockwise from bottom left): Sammy Reyes of the Budgets Section, Rachel Ronkowski of the Budgets Section, Sherril Airaudi of Inland Empire District and Lytonia Joyner of the Dispatch Center enjoy a much-needed break between lessons. Photo from Sammy Reyes, Budget Section. Top right: Aaron Gilmartin of Monterey District explains features of the chapel during a tour of Asilomar’s architecture. Buffy Tufts of the Accounting Section is in the foreground. Photo from Bob Waller, Training Section. Bottom right: One of Asilomar’s famous deer explores the dune between the forest and the shore at Asilomar State Beach. Photo from Daniel Middaugh, Budget Section.
 Left: Mike Grone of Santa Cruz District addresses the class during a panel discussion on cultural resources. Other panelists (to his right) include Denise Ross of the Business Management Services Section, formerly of the Cultural Resources Division; Eric Blind of the Cultural Resources Division; and (to Mike’s left) Ann Stansell of Angeles District. Denise and Ann were students in the class. Right: Luca Bozzo (left) and Ryan Petersen of Monterey District prep students for a lifeguard demo on Asilomar State Beach. Photos from Sara Schlussler, Office of Grants and Local Services.
Northern California Oil Spill Response Communication Workshop for Boating Facilities Successfully Conducted
Story from: Vivian Matuk, California Coastal Commission
 The California State Parks and the California Coastal Commission’s Boating Clean and Green Program, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Office of Spill Prevention and Response (partnering agencies) conducted the first Northern California Oil Spill Response Communication Workshop for boating facilities on Thursday, May 11. Boating facility operators learned about:
- California’s oil spill response structure.
- California’s marinas and yacht clubs spill response communication packet.
- Spill case studies: Lessons learned and best practices.
- Oil spill response resources for boating facilities.
This unique webinar has been successfully planned by the partnering agencies with the purpose of assisting boating facilities to be prepared in case of a spill inside or outside their facilities. Forty-six people attended the webinar.
After the training, 34 participants completed an evaluation form. The workshop was rated as excellent by 74% of the participants and 26% rated it as good, and 97% of the participants learned and gained new information from the workshop's real case spill scenarios.
Comments from the workshop participants included:
- Thank you all! It is great to see this quality presentation, it adds a lot to help with preparedness for our on-land facility.
- Great workshop overall. Nice to see how many different types of agencies can come together to coordinate an effective response.
- All the presenters were extremely knowledgeable and helpful with answering questions! Spill Response Kit packet is a great resource for us to refer to in the future.
- Fantastic workshop.
- Thank you for putting this together, much appreciated!
The next workshop will be for Southern California facilities, and it is scheduled for Thursday, July 27.
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State Parks and Allied Agencies Urge Public to Stay Out of Dangerous Rivers, Stay Alive
Story from: Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division
Auburn State Recreation Area Superintendent Mike Howard speaks at a joint press conference about river safety on Wednesday, May 24, urging the public to stay out, stay alive. Males ages 16-24 are the group most likely to swim in these dangerous waters, putting themselves and first responders at risk. Click on the button above or here to view this important life-saving message. Photo and video from Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division.
With a dangerously cold and fast American River flowing right behind them at Auburn State Recreation Area (SRA) on Wednesday, May 24, California State Parks and its allied agencies urged everyone to stay out of California rivers this Memorial Day weekend and for the next couple of months. Due to our record snowpack at more than 320% of normal this time of the year, the water is running much higher, colder and faster than in previous years. In fact, Auburn SRA Superintendent Mike Howard said we have not seen water levels this high in 40 years.
Despite numerous signs posted, free life jackets and a social media campaign urging the public to stay out, Superintendent Howard said the message is not getting through: “16 to 24-year-old males, I’m talking to you. You’re the ones drowning in these rivers at a far higher rate than anyone else … One of the main reasons is that you tend to challenge yourself or challenge your friends to do things like swim across the river or jump in fast, cold water, and see if you can make it out.”
Howard said rescuers have been instructed not to enter the water until they have full gear on and the entire team is in place. “If it’s too dangerous for them, it’s too dangerous for you. Please stay out, stay alive. This year is different,” said Howard.
Since 1983, 54 people have drowned at Auburn SRA. Placer County Sheriff’s Office says on average, rescue teams respond to about 23 calls throughout the year. So far, they have received 13 calls and summer has not even begun.
On April 29, 2023, a 22-year-old male drowned in the American River at Auburn SRA, and his body was just recovered last weekend. Another 19-year-old male has been missing since Mother’s Day when his family said he was trying to swim across the river and did not make it out.
In Fresno County, another tragedy involved a 4-year-old boy and his 8-year-old sister. Both were washed away in the cold, fast-moving waters of the Kings River on Sunday, May 21, while recreating in the river that had been closed to the public since March.
After the press conference, swift-water rescue teams held a demonstration showing the power of the river and the challenges of river rescues. The Sheriff’s Office Falcon 30 helicopter performed a mock rescue. However, it is important to note that most rescues do not end in happy endings.
If a family member or friend does fall into the river, first responders say you should call 911 and not jump in after them, despite the strong urge to do so. The likelihood of you surviving is slim. Instead, try to keep an eye on where they were last spotted and continue to update 911 dispatchers.
Placer County and CAL FIRE launched the Be River Wise campaign on April 27 of this year, in hopes of preventing more tragedies. To learn more, visit BeRiverWise.org.
 Top left: Placer County Sheriff's Office Falcon 30 performs a mock rescue. Top right and bottom middle: Swift-water rescue teams demonstrate the challenges of a rescue in dangerous conditions. Bottom left: Gold Fields District Superintendent Barry Smith interviewed by KCRA-TV. Bottom right: Information Officer Jorge Moreno does an interview in Spanish with Telemundo. Photos from Adeline Yee and Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division.
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Hosts Sixth Annual Kids’ Safety Day
Story from: Steve Barber, Central Valley District
 NAS Lemoore SAR MH-60 Seahawk performs a sling-load water rescue display for the visitors upon departure.
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area hosted the Sixth Annual Kids’ Safety Day on Saturday, May 20. This California State Parks event gave families and children the opportunity to meet with professional rescuers to discuss water safety education and outreach, drowning and water-related injury prevention, rescue and recovery, and ambulatory services.
More than 10 public safety agencies (local, state, federal and military), a handful of safety and support organizations, several static displays and uniformed personnel informed would-be bathers, swimmers and boaters on the importance of water safety, whether it be at Millerton Lake or elsewhere—even a backyard swimming pool.
The tenets of the event, “Learn to Swim, Swim Near a Lifeguard, Wear a Life Jacket,” were expounded upon children and families at each station, which consisted of fire engines, patrol boats, rescue watercraft, lifeguard towers, ambulances, police patrol vehicles and two helicopters.
The City of Madera Parks and Community Services shared information about swim lessons. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary exchanged or issued more than 100 life jackets provided by the Division of Boating and Waterways. State Parks lifeguards spoke with the kids on lifeguard towers with their best “Baywatch” photo ops. Sponsors handed out free hot dog lunches to visitors and professional rescuers. Firefighters, pilots, peace officers, lifeguards, nurses, paramedics, volunteers and professionals each took time to meet each and every kid and stamp their event handbooks. Families who wanted a free and brand-new U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket received one. Three news media outlets covered the event with interviews from eventgoers.
This year’s Kids’ Safety Day was attended by about 200 visitors. The event is growing in popularity each year, and this year, was held during a time when its message is particularly crucial: The rate of drowning fatalities in the United States is an average of 11 per day and increasing. With the frequency of flooding in the San Joaquin Valley and the “Great Melt” threatening to swell our rivers and charge our reservoirs well into the summer, the message of water safety is paramount. Every state park peace officer assigned to a state beach or reservoir knows the importance of water safety and the devastating impact a drowning can cause on a family and on park staff. There is no greater charge in these state park units than water safety, and this event intends to prepare our visitors for the extraordinary conditions the valley can expect this summer. The alternative is just too great.
Event partners:
- American Ambulance
- California Highway Patrol
- California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
- City of Fresno Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services
- City of Madera Parks and Community Services
- Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Fresno City Fire
- Fresno County Fire
- Fresno County Sheriff
- Madera County Fire
- Madera County Sheriff
- NAS Lemoore Search and Rescue
- Safe Kids Central California
- SkyLife
- U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
- U.S. Forest Service
- Valley Children’s Hospital
- Water Safety Council of Fresno County
Sponsors:
- California State Law Enforcement Association
- California State Park Rangers Association
- Millerton Marina
- Ranger Foundation
 Lifeguard Chesney Watson assists kids at the event at Millerton Lake SRA.
 Kids get a look inside of the NAS Lemoore SAR MH-60 Seahawk.
First Responder Therapy Dogs and Service Puppies in Training Provide Smiles to Parks Staff
Story from: Ben Jensen, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division
 Oceano Dunes staff with First Responder Therapy Dogs. Back row (left to right): State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Ben Jensen, SPPO David Flanagan, SPPOS (State Park Peace Officer Supervisor) Darren Parker and SPPOS Michael Lack. Front row (left to right): SPPO Pat Cullen, SPPO Matt Do, SPPO Hejin Burris-Lee and SPPO Jake DiNolfi. Dogs Louise (left) and Ash. Photo from Kelly Sosa, The Service Dog Connection.
The staff at the Oceano Dunes District Ranger Station have been spending time with lots of special canine visitors over the past five months. In December and January, the staff helped The Service Dog Connection acclimate their service dog candidates to sirens and people in uniform.
The training helps these specially trained dogs perform at their highest level in the event of an emergency. In March, the station received a visit from two certified First Responder Therapy Dogs teams, Louise and Ash. The dogs are trained to snuggle everyone's stress away and increase oxytocin levels for first responders to lower rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, but they also provide a nice mental break in the day.
One month later, The Service Dog Connection was back with a new litter of service dog puppies for siren training. Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area and Pismo State Beach staff were happy to help prepare the pups for their future life-saving roles as working dogs, while receiving a few puppy kisses in the process.
 Top left: Lifeguard II Garrett Tobin, SPPO Ray Rathjen-Gonzales and SPPO Ben Jensen with service dog candidate puppies following siren training. Top right: Oceano Dunes resources staff with First Responder Therapy Dogs. Bottom left: First Responder Therapy Dog Louise. Bottom right: SPPO Jensen with two service dog candidates. Photos from Kelly Sosa, The Service Dog Connection.
Wildfire Resilience Funders Prescribed Fire Tour at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
Story and photo from: Genomé Rodriguez, Sierra District
 Rich Adams from Sierra District speaking to group during the Wildfire Resilience Funders Prescribed Fire Tour.
Natural Resources Manager for the Sierra District Rich Adams was one of multiple speakers participating in the Wildfire Resilience Funders Prescribed Fire Tour at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park on Tuesday, May 23.
Participants ranged from state and federal agencies, Washoe and other Tribal members, nonprofits, foundations, academia, businesses and philanthropic entrepreneurs. The tour was meant to highlight the importance of long-term forest stewardship using fire as a beneficial tool to increase the health and resilience of our fire-adapted ecosystems.
Potential funders are interested in building workforce development opportunities for underrepresented populations, access to affordable housing and personal protective equipment, and increasing the pace and scale of current fire and forest resilience programs.
Creek Days Connects Students to Their Watershed at Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Story from: Cleo Domingo, North Coast Redwoods District
 Top: WSP Corpmember Chase and students watch State Park Interpreter Cleo teach about the difference between dog and cat tracks at the “Tracks and Scat” booth. Bottom: WSP staff member Alex and students watch WSP Corpmember discuss mushrooms at the “Fungus Among Us” booth. Photos from Erika Granadino, North Coast Redwoods District.
The Watershed Stewards Program (WSP), in partnership with AmeriCorp, presented its annual Creek Days event at Humboldt Redwoods State Park last week. Two dozen Corpmembers came from all over California to put on this three-day educational fair for local students. The fair took place in Williams Grove, with 12 booths spread throughout the redwood forest and the nearby river bar. Throughout the three days, more than 200 students attended to learn all about watershed science and biodiversity.
Docents guided groups of students and kept them engaged as they walked from booth to booth. At each booth, presenters taught students about a wide variety of nature-related topics. Students created their own complex streams, saw live and preserved amphibians and lamprey, made edible scat out of candy and much more.
After the first day, WSP held a watershed awareness volunteer event with California State Parks. They invited the public to join them in removing invasive spiderwort and periwinkle to make habitat for important native species, such as Douglas irises and redwood violets. Volunteers removed more than 10 contractor bags full of invasive plant matter.
Creek Days was and continues to be an important event for the southern Humboldt community. The event connects students to their local environment and state parks with knowledge and guidance from young experts.
Thank you to all of the volunteers, partners, WSP Corpmembers and especially Rachael Aguirre for your hard work and enthusiasm!
 Left: WSP Corpmember Jeremy shows off an ensatina salamander at the “Fun With Amphibians and Reptiles” booth. Right: WSP Corpmember Tiffany poses in front of the “XStream Wood” booth, where she discussed the importance of channel complexity. Photos from Cleo Domingo, North Coast Redwoods District.
 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
Maintenance Mechanic – Apply by May 26, 2023 (Today is the last day to apply.): The Central Valley District is looking for someone to inspect, maintain and repair plumbing, heating, water and sewer systems, and perform electrical maintenance and repair work. Take the assessment to ensure you are eligible to apply. Click here for more information.
Groundskeeper – Apply by May 30, 2023: A job with breathtaking views. Help keep the Monterey State Historic Park's hardscapes (walkways and barriers) and landscapes (trees, plants and ground covers) in safe, well-groomed and healthy condition. Click here for more information.
Park Maintenance Chief – Apply by June 1, 2023: Sonoma State Historic Park needs someone like you to plan, direct and coordinate maintenance resources to meet the Bay Area District and departmental goals and objectives. Click here for more information.
State Park Interpreter (aka Outdoor Educator) – Apply by June 2, 2023: Use your presentation and teaching skills to create and deliver interpretive programming, directly engage the community with outreach efforts and use media to captivate the thousands of people who visit Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Click here for more information.
Associate Governmental Program Analyst – Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division – Apply by June 8, 2023: Help the Investigative Unit with the Drug and Alcohol Testing program; track and maintain Commercial Drivers and Passenger Boat Crews licenses; help with POST Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion compliance and database improvement projects; process DMV Pull Notices; and more. 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.
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
Be a STAR! Use the STAR method to knock your interview out of this world. First, Summarize the situation. Then, describe the Tasks required and the Action taken. Finally, showcase the Results.
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!
 K-9 Ben Retires as Handler Sasha Wessitsh Steps Away From Program
Story from: Mike Gleckler, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division
 Retiring K-9 Ben with handler Superintendent II Sasha Wessitsh. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
K-9 Ben is set to retire, and Superintendent II Sasha Wessitsh will be stepping away from the program from a handler’s perspective. For those of us who have been through the retirement of a K-9 partner, we know how difficult this is. For those who have not, prepare yourselves, as you will one day know. We are so lucky to create such a bond and be given the opportunity to be a part of something so special.
Sasha and Ben completed patrol school on Nov. 20, 2015, and got right to work at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, while soon after being certified in narcotics detection. They later transferred to Capital District to work downtown Sacramento, and recently made the move to the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division to support that operation.
They have had many calls for K-9 service during their diverse career, from patrol work to narcotics detection. Whether they were in their assigned district or working throughout the state at different units and events, this team could always be counted on for their amazing skills, proactiveness and willingness to work. They have represented the department and K-9 Program with the upmost professionalism during all aspects of their career together. This includes countless uses and responses within park property, protecting the public, taking drugs out of the parks and off the streets, responding to allied agency assists, performing school presentations and winning multiple K-9 trial competitions. They have been a fixture at the academy each year participating in the K-9 demonstration for the cadets. Sasha and Ben are also two-time State Park Top Dog Award recipients. They have always come through with incredible ability and without wavering. They have always led by example. Since the beginning of their partnership, I have had the pleasure to work with and watch Sasha and Ben grow as a team, fully dedicate themselves to the craft and become one of the most successful teams in the department’s long K-9 history.
An amazing team indeed, and we will certainly miss them and their skill set working in the field. On behalf of California State Parks and the K-9 Program, I would like to acknowledge this important time and thank Sasha and Ben for their years of hard work and dedication. Our State Parks team, State Parks visitors, members of our surrounding communities and our K-9 Program are certainly all much better for it.
Congratulations to Sasha and his partner, Ben, on a stellar K-9 career. We sincerely thank you.
 K-9 Ben during his State Parks career, including at the K-9 Qualifications event on April 26-27 at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
 State Parks K-9 teams at 50th Anniversary K-9 Program at Hearst Castle. Photo from Oscar Vasquez, Information Technology Division.
 Retiring K-9 Ben and Superintendent II Sasha Wessitsh enjoying a beautiful sunset. Photo from K-9 Handler Briana Estes, Capital District.
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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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Memorial Day: The federal legal holiday on the last Monday in May, honoring the those who died while serving in the U.S. military. This year's Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 29.
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Ages: Use numerals for ages. Examples: 5-year-old girl; an 8-year-old law; the 6-year-old house. Use hyphens for ages expressed as adjectives before a noun or as substitutes for a noun. Examples: The participant is a 5-year-old boy. The event is for 4-year-olds.
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911: Do not use hyphens; use 911 and not 9-1-1.
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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 Ventura County
California State University, Channel Islands, Police Lieutenant Chris Jetton (left) and Angeles District Public Safety Superintendent Jeff Langley at the Ventura County Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony held Thursday, May 18, at the Ventura County Government Center. Langley and Jetton both worked as park aides in the Angeles District/Malibu Sector from 2003-2008 prior to beginning their law enforcement careers.
Photo from Jeff Langley, Angeles District
 Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Monterey District came together for a barbecue on Wednesday, May 17. District managers and supervisors recognized all the work that was done during the heavy storms this winter. The extra effort and public service that will be provided by all our staff and partners this summer are much appreciated!
Photo from Brent Marshall, Monterey District
 Calaveras County Fair
Calaveras Big Trees State Park was thrilled to join in the Calaveras County Fair this year. Senior Park Aide Karri Pearcey and Supervising Ranger Antheney Alegre share black bear facts and park opportunities with the public.
Photo from Karri Pearcey, Central Valley District
 Calaveras Big Trees State Park
The Central Valley District held its basic fire refresher and pack test May 17 and 18. The training included the fire shelter deployment exercises. The entire team passed their pack test! We even had the pleasant surprise of our District Superintendent Danielle Gerhart joining the refresher. Yes, she passed her pack test also!
Top (left to right): District Superintendent Danielle Gerhart, Cultural Resources Manager Lee Eal and Natural Resources Program Manager Heather Reith. Bottom: Fire shelter deployment.
Photos from Heather Reith, Central Valley District
 Marin Civic Center Fairgrounds
Bay Area District staff joined over 50 partners and participating organizations in the second annual “Ember Stomp” Wildfire Prevention Festival on Saturday, May 20. It was fun helping to raise awareness about how everyone can help Marin County be fire-adapted and how we can all prepare for wildfire.
Photo from Cyndy Shafer, Bay Area District
 Auburn State Recreation Area
Parks staff doing the famous "Barry Smith" thumbs-up pose. Left to right: Information Officer Jorge Moreno, Auburn State Recreation Area Superintendent Mike Howard, Information Officer Adeline Yee, Gold Fields District Superintendent Barry Smith and Digital Content Analyst Brittani Peterson.
Photo from Jorge Moreno and Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division
 Auburn State Recreation Area
Staff members pose for a quick photo in front of Placer County Sheriff's Office Falcon 30 after a mock rescue demonstration on Wednesday, May 24. Left to right: Gold Fields District Superintendent Barry Smith, Information Officers Jorge Moreno and Adeine Yee, Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) Boating Education and Outreach Manager Melissa Miranda, DBW Chief of Boating Safety Unit Zach Mundy and Auburn State Recreation Area Superintendent Mike Howard.
Photo from Melissa Miranda, Division of Boating and Waterways
 Coastal Highway 1
Cyclists pass the Hearst San Simeon State Park and Hearst Castle signs up a foggy Coastal Highway 1 during the Ironman 70.3 Morro Bay on Saturday, May 20.
Photo from Kimberly King, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Hearst San Simeon State Park
State Parks employee John Singleton shares a wave with a local angler and a fish.
Photo from Kevin Murphy, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Sonoma Coast State Park
Nine volunteers set out from the Pomo Canyon Campground to clear two sections of the Pomo Trail between the campground and the East Junction of the Pomo/Red Hill Trail. Three were tasked with removing a large bay tree that had fallen across the trail. This tree had gotten the nickname of "The Crawl Under Tree" due to its size and that you had to literally crawl under to get past it. Above: Volunteer Keith Flood cutting the tree down to size.
Photo from Mark Anderson, volunteer
Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
Spring in the Mojave Desert has a lot of nightlife. One of our local snakes, the desert glossy snake (Arizona elegans eburnata), was recently encountered on the prowl. This species can grow to nearly 6 feet in length but are usually much smaller. Watch the video here.
Video from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
A horned lizard camouflages itself in with the fallen branches. Last week, I saw two but managed to get a photo of this one.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
A ground squirrel looking like it is king of the forest.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Clockwise from top left: Douglas iris, bush poppy, western columbine, redwood sorrel, stipulate lotus and wartleaf ceanothus.
Photos from Leah Gardner, Natural Resources Division
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
A backlit checker bloom (Sidalcea malviflora).
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument
A bee photobombs this photo of a flower in the formal gardens at Hearst Castle.
Photo from Shannon Elver, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Asilomar State Beach
Clockwise from top left: California poppy, pathway to the beach, Monterey paintbrush, yellow sand verbena.
Photo from Rachel Young, Partnerships Division
 California Citrus State Historic Park
View of the citrus groves, and in the background is the view of the San Gabriel mountain range, located in northern Los Angeles County and western San Bernardino County.
Photo from José Cabello, Inland Empire District
 San Juan Bautista State Historic Park
Inside the Plaza Stables.
Photo from Crystal Perata, Diablo Range District
 Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Taking a hike on the Cyprus Grove Trail.
Photos from Rachel Young, Partnerships Division
 Asilomar State Beach
Gorgeous sunset.
Photo from Rachel Young, Partnerships Division
 Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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San Buenaventura State Beach Peace Officers Receive Stack of Thank You Cards From Students
During National Police Week, state park peace officers at San Buenaventura State Beach received a stack of thank you cards from young students from a local elementary school. The artwork and kind messages were greatly appreciated during this special week recognizing the contributions and sacrifices made by officers.
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May 22, 2023
May 23, 2023
May 24, 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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