|
 June 9, 2023
|
|
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
The view toward Lake Cuyamaca as the fog rolled in.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
|
|
California State Parks Launches Virtual Adventurer Mobile App, an Interactive Augmented and Virtual Reality Journey
Story from: Kayla Jones, Interpretation and Education Division
State Parks is excited to announce the official launch of Virtual Adventurer, the department’s new mobile app that takes you on an immersive experience through both augmented and virtual reality. The app allows you to discover and interact with the people, places and events that have played a role in our state’s rich history. This collaborative project, made possible with Parks California and TimeLooper, created the first interpretive-focused app utilizing virtual reality to share the incredible untold stories across our state parks. The app was developed in support of the department’s Reexamining Our Past Initiative, providing more inclusive and accessible opportunities for visitors—both in-person and virtually—to learn from a wide diversity of California history perspectives.
From storytelling, to holograms, to 3D images and reconstructions, the Virtual Adventurer app offers unique journeys through nine participating state parks. For example, the public can travel through Coyote Canyon in today’s Anza-Borrego Desert State Park with Maria Jacinta Bastida, one of the many Afro-Latina women who were part of the Juan Bautista De Anza expedition. Users can also choose to experience the bustling Chinatown as it reemerged from the sagebrush at Bodie State Historic Park. With so many historical adventures to choose from, visitors are sure to gain a new perspective and leave with a deeper sense of connection to the multicultural heritage of California.
The app currently features nine of California’s state parks, with more coming soon, so be sure to download multiple modules. In addition, keep your eyes out for summer social media campaigns across all participating parks to learn about the unique, immersive experiences all can enjoy.
Below are the nine state parks currently participating:
Here is information on how to download and use the Virtual Adventurer app:
- If you are on a mobile device, you can download the app here or you can search “Virtual Adventurer” in your app store.
- Select your park of choice from the map view or list view.
- Download the park’s adventure to use on your upcoming visit. The virtual experiences are large files, which are easiest to download on Wi-Fi before your trip.
- Have fun learning while you explore California’s state parks!
We are beyond grateful for the partnership with Parks California and TimeLooper for supporting the use of emerging technology to connect more people to parks. Make sure to download the app today to enhance your next trip to a California state park. We cannot wait for you to experience the magic for yourself!
|
 |
Save the Date: Secretary Speaker Series Event 'What's Happening with 30x30 California?' on June 21
Story from: California Natural Resources Agency
 Join upcoming Secretary Speaker Series event, "What’s Happening With 30x30 California? The Movement to Protect and Restore Nature Across California," on Wednesday, June 21, from noon to 1 p.m.
Click here to register for the Zoom event.
California Natural Resources Agency Invites Public Comment on Draft Procedures for Removing Derogatory Word from California Geographic Features and Places
Story from: California Natural Resources Agency and State Parks Communications and Marketing Division
 In Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, a Kumeyaay name restored is Mat Puy Nah Achhuukaayp. In Kumeyaay Ipai, this name translates to "the place over there where we go to trade." In all, six features were renamed within California's State Park System, including four restored Native names identified through consultation between district staff and Native Tribes and organizations.
California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) recently announced the public is invited to provide comment on draft procedures for renaming California geographic features and places containing the derogatory “sq_” term. The draft procedures are now posted on the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names (CACGN) website.
The term “sq_” is a racist and derogatory term that has historically been used as an offensive ethnic, racial and sexist slur, particularly for Indigenous women. On Sept. 23, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 2022 (Ramos), requiring the term be removed from all geographic features and place names in the state, commencing on Jan. 1, 2025. Under the new law, public agencies are required to report all “sq_” named geographic features and places to CACGN by July 1, 2023. Members of the public may also nominate geographic features and places using an online reporting form.
The draft procedures released by CACGN on Tuesday, May 30, address the new law and outline what will be the required steps for implementation and renaming California geographic features that contain the term. Comments about the draft procedures will be accepted through Saturday, July 15, and may be submitted by either of the following means:
-
Email: cacgn@resources.ca.gov; please include “CACGN Draft Guidelines Public Comment” in the subject line.
-
U.S. Mail: CACGN – CNRA, 715 P St., 20th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814
To read CNRA’s full press release, click here.
State Parks has addressed all references to the 'sq_' name in our system. The United States Board on Geographic Names announced Sept. 8, 2022, the removal from our National Map of over 600 instances of the derogatory term. This was the culmination of an effort initiated late last year by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. State Parks’ Reexamining Our Past leadership team responded to the secretary’s order by creating an inventory of place names within our system, allowing timely action by district staff to identify appropriate replacement names for these features.
In all, six features were renamed within the State Park System, including four restored Native names identified through consultation between district staff and Native Tribes and organizations. Read the Sept. 9, 2022, Weekly Digest "What's New" section for more details.
The process of Reexamining Our Past continues as State Parks works together with Tribes to remove derogatory and inaccurate names and materials from our system, while restoring Native names and other significant aspects of California's cultural heritage.
First Partner Siebel Newsom’s Summer Book Club Encourages California Youth to Read Variety of Diverse Stories
Story from: Governor's Press Office
California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom today announced the start of this year’s First Partner’s Summer Book Club. The Summer Book Club, part of the First Partner’s California for ALL Kids initiative, is an annual program and partnership with the California State Library that aims to reduce learning loss by encouraging kids and caregivers to read throughout the summer.
Research has shown that many students, particularly children from disadvantaged backgrounds, experience summer learning loss—falling behind in reading by at least two months. And studies show that access to reading and learning opportunities between the ages of 0 and 5 are a foundational part of an individual’s future health, education and economic participation.
This year's Summer Book Club list was curated by the First Partner in partnership with librarians across the state. The books highlight themes such as navigating mental health struggles, identity and belonging, and the importance of exploration and curiosity. The books range in reading levels from preschool to high school and are available for checkout at most public libraries across the state.
In addition to promoting early and regular reading, the First Partner’s Summer Book Club also encourages California families to learn about and engage with programming at their local library. In particular, First Partner Siebel Newsom has championed the California State Library Parks Pass—a partnership with the State Library and State Parks. Through the program, library card holders can check out a State Parks vehicle day-use pass at their local public library for use at over 200 participating California State Parks. To date, over 50,000 passes have been checked out.
To read the full press release, click here. First Partner Siebel Newsom’s Summer Book Club launch video is available in English and Spanish.
|
|
|
Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students Program Celebrates World Ocean Week With Live Broadcasts
Story from: Lydia Stinson, Interpretation and Education Division
 Marine Protected Area Project Coordinator and State Park Diver Erika Delemarre shows off a moon jelly at Point Lobos State Marine Reserve to over 4,000 students tuning in live. Photo from Patrick Webster, volunteer.
This week, the California State Parks Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS) Program celebrated World Ocean Week with a series of live PORTScasts for
K-12 students on Zoom. Over the span of 17 live broadcasts happening up and down the coast, the PORTS Program reached 20,000 students! The week’s worth of events all led up to a live underwater broadcast at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve on World Ocean Day, Thursday, June 8, which saw 4,000 students tuning in to virtually explore and discover the beauty of Marine Protected Areas, from the comfort of their classrooms.
This is PORTS Program’s third annual World Ocean Day underwater live broadcast and second annual California State Park World Ocean Week student logo competition. The finalists of the competition won their classrooms the opportunity to speak privately with State Parks divers underwater, and the Grand Prize-winning logo served as the official logo for the week’s events.
Special thanks to the Monterey District, Training Section, California State Parks Dive Team, our partners Zoom Video and Microsoft Flip, the Ocean Protection Council, Point Lobos Foundation, participating coastal interpreters and all the essential volunteers who provided invaluable support. We could not have put together such an incredible event without such successful collaboration, dedication and passion for sharing our beautiful one world ocean.
 State Parks team: Top row (left to right): Dive Safety Officer Ken Kramer, Interpretation Program Manager Brad Krey, State Parks Volunteer Michael Slade, State Parks Dive Team Volunteer Eric Sturn, State Parks Dive Team Volunteer Patrick Webster, State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Lee Hausner, SPPO (Lifeguard) Supervisor James Nothhelfer, PORTS Program Coordinator Brandon Caskey, State Parks Volunteer Stan Burns, Marine Protected Area Project Coordinator and State Park Diver Erika Delemarre and State Park Lifeguard Matt Trotter. Bottom row (left to right): State Park interpreter I Alec Knapp, PORTS Program Coordinator, Lydia Stinson, K-12 Access Coordinator Kara Lu, State Park Interpreter Isabella Brown, State Park Interpreter and Diver Ashley Wemp and Digital Projects Coordinator Kayla Jones. Photo from Brad Krey, Interpretation and Education Division.
 Top: Poster of logo competition submissions from some participating fourth grade students. On margins of poster, the students wrote ways to protect the ocean and what the ocean "does best." Their teacher sent a note of appreciation to PORTS staff: "Thank you so much [for the California State Parks World Ocean Week live underwater presentation]! The kids LOVED it!" Photo from Maryanne Morris, teacher. Bottom right: State Park Diver and Marine Protected Area Project Coordinator Erika Delemarre (left) and volunteer diver Patrick Webster. Photo from Ken Kramer, Training Section. Bottom left: State Park Interpreter I Alec Knapp connecting live from the kayak. Photo from Ken Kramer, Training Section.
New Sign at South Yuba River State Park Honors Native Name of River 'Uba Seo
Story and photos from: Jason MacCannell, Director's Office
 Left to right: Nisenan Tribal members Jessica Thomas, Saxon Thomas Jr., Saxon Thomas, Natalie Thomas, Sierra District Tribal Liaison Scott Green and Nisenan Tribal spokesperson Shelly Covert stand next to the new interpretive sign, restoring the original name of the Yuba River to 'Uba Seo.
Staff from the Sierra District and the Director’s Office joined members of the Nevada City Rancheria of Nisenan Tribe on a sunny morning on Saturday, June 3, to unveil a new interpretive sign restoring the name of the river to its original Nisenan form and honoring the river’s ongoing significance to the Tribe. The name “Yuba River” is an English rendition of the Nisenan ‘Uba Seo, and the sign represents the beginning of a larger effort to restore the Nisenan form of the name for contemporary and future use.
Designed by consulting Nevada City landscape architect Sheri Brown, the sign includes images of a young family of Tribal members enjoying the river alongside information about the waterway’s Nisenan history and heritage. The family pictured, Saxon and Jessica Thomas and their children, Natalie and Saxon, were present at the ceremony. Tribal spokesperson Shelly Covert sang a Nisenan song and spoke to dedicate the plaque.
Scott Green, tribal liaison for the Sierra District, acknowledged that South Yuba River State Park is in the ancestral Nisenan territory and made remarks on the department’s collaboration with the Sierra District’s partnering association Sierra Gold Parks Foundation and the Tribe, whose associated nonprofit organization, the California Heritage Indigenous Research Project, was also involved in the sign’s creation.
While informing visitors about the park’s Nisenan cultural heritage, the sign also asks them to “embody the responsibility” of stewardship and natural resource protection that the Nisenan people have taken on themselves since time immemorial.
In a message printed on the sign, Covert wrote, "While spending time at this beautiful river, can you feel the pull of its Spirit? Remember that life abounds and cannot compete with the heavy feet that humans sometimes bring. When we walk gently, with conscientious awareness of other beings and life forms, we can move into a more compatible way of living in harmony with nature.”
 Nisenan Tribal spokesperson Shelly Covert at the new interpretive sign unveiling on Saturday, June 3.
Maintenance Staff Throw Modern Technology 'Out the Window' at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park
Story from: Alexandra Neeb, Sierra District
 Class photo with one of the completed windows. Top row (left to right): Shaun Owens, Bryce Wild, Ericca Franco, Melinda Meyer, Dustin DiMauro, Thomas Vogt and Jason Constant; Bottom row (left to right): Alex Neeb, Daniel Nino, Janette Parsons, Tim Wood, Ian McWherter, Ben Soler, Charles Patacsil, Annie McCausland, Ryan Canutt, Jose Gonzalas and Mike Whitsel. Photo from Tim White, Capital District.
For the full week before Memorial Day, 15 State Parks staff members joined together for the first-ever historic wood window repair class at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park (SHP) in Sierra District. The class worked on 10 wood double-hung windows from the second floor of the 1881 Bodie Railway terminal building at Bodie SHP.
Originally planned to be held on site at Bodie SHP, the excessive snow has rendered Bodie closed until at least mid-June, so Ricky Roldan and the Training Section saved the class by pivoting last minute to Malakoff Diggins SHP. The class was developed and led by Restoration Work Specialist Tim White from Capital District, with assistance from North Coast Redwoods District Park Maintenance Assistant Janette Parsons, former Bodie Maintenance staff Mike Whitsel and Sierra District Cultural Chief Alex Neeb.
All the windows and materials were relocated to Malakoff Diggins in Nevada County, where students had the opportunity to work on repairing a weight-and-pulley style wood window from start to finish. Later in the week, the class learned how to rebuild missing windows from scratch. The Bodie rail depot windows were essentially reduced to bits and pieces, so while some could be repaired, many had to be reconstructed.
Following the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties, the project aimed to reuse as much of the existing sashes as possible and used the remaining pieces to have replacement in-kind Doug fir milled to the same profile. Using the few remaining pieces of sash and muntins, Tim taught the class how to cut pieces to profile, assemble window sash, cut restoration glass to size and reglaze window panes—all using hand tools only. Hopefully the windows will be reinstalled in the depot later this summer once Bodie reopens.
It was a week filled with new techniques, good weather, bad puns and, most importantly, major progress on an ongoing project that is finally seeing the finish line. Many thanks to Tim White and the Training Section for putting this class together.
 Top: Wood Window Repair Class held on-site at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park. Photo from Tim White, Capital District. Bottom left: Tim White demonstrating painting technique on historic window. Photo from Benjamin Soler, Bay Area District. Bottom middle: Class working on glazing and reconstruction. Photo from Tim White, Capital District. Bottom right: Tim Wood and Annie McCausland show their completed window sash. Photo from Annie McCausland, Monterey District.
 Bodie Railway Terminal Building at Bodie State Historic Park. Photo from Paul Friesen, Bodie Foundation.
North Coast Redwoods District Lifeguards Join Allied Agencies at Annual Water Safety Days for Local School District
Story and photos from: Dillon Cleavenger, North Coast Redwoods District
 Top: U.S. Coast Guard helicopter hoists "victim" to safety in mock rescue at the annual Water Safety Days event. Bottom left: Helicopter seen flying above. Bottom right: Students from the Del Norte County School District watch the search and rescue team.
North Coast Redwoods District lifeguards joined several allied agencies for the sixth annual Water Safety Days in Crescent City, California, on Friday, June 2. Hosted by the Del Norte Sherriff’s office, this event is designed to cover water safety from various perspectives for the entire fifth grade of Del Norte County School District. It is an excellent example of community outreach and teamwork to spread an important message before the summer season.
Presenters included the Del Norte Sheriff’s search and rescue team, Crescent City Fire Department, the National Weather Service and our close partner in Humboldt County, the U.S. Coast Guard. Allied agencies presented to over 400 kids.
Last year we performed an impromptu hoist training demonstration with the U.S. Coast Guard, which involved a lifeguard swimming a victim off the rocks to a safe location where the MH-65 (dolphin) Helicopter could safely hoist the victim out of the water to safety. This year there were several requests that we team up and perform another joint training demonstration at the end of the presentations. We were able to perform this training very efficiently due to our long history of great partnership/responses with the U.S. Coast Guard Air Survival Team out of Humboldt Bay.
Seed Banking on Future at Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Story from: Jim Suero, Central Valley District
 Top: Anthony Ambrose from the Ancient Forest Society collecting giant sequoia cones at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Bottom left: Bags of collected cones. Bottom middle: Giant sequoia cones on the branches. Bottom right: Seed collection information board. Photos from Ancient Forest Society.
Researchers and professional tree climbers from the Ancient Forest Society collected giant sequoia cones at Calaveras Big Trees State Park last month to support forest succession planning. Over the course of the week, a total of 20 bushels of cones were collected from both the North and South Groves.
The cones were then delivered to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's LA Moran Reforestation Center in Davis, California, for viability and germination testing, and banking. These giant sequoia seeds will be stored along with previously banked sugar pine seeds from Calaveras Big Trees State Park collected in the early 2000s.
Having seeds banked will maintain the genetic integrity of these species should the park need to replant following a stand-replacing event such as a catastrophic wildfire.
State Parks Surfwatch Deckhand Training Teams Up With U.S. Coast Guard
Story and photos from: Michelle Figueroa, Orange Coast District
 Top left: Lifeguard IIs John Packard and Kent Mertins hoist their "patient" into the back of a Surfwatch rescue vessel. Top middle: U.S. Coast Guard helicopter glides over California State Parks Surfwatch vessels during deckhand training to simulate an emergency medical transport. Top right: State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguard) Todd Shanklin oversees Lifeguard IIs Malcolm McClung, Heath Hawkins, Cole Lennon and Tai Risko preparing a "patient" with a spinal/neck injury for extrication. Bottom: Lifeguard II deckhands (left to right: Callen Viter, Rycker Grindstaff, Brandon Duarte, Cole Nelson, on the backboard) practice treating a "patient" in the water with a spinal/neck injury.
The Orange Coast District and United States Coast Guard (USCG) partnered up to carry out necessary low-frequency, high-risk training to 14 Surfwatch deckhands on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 31. Coordinated by State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguard) Nick Milward and Lifeguard Supervisor I Timothy Senneff, this training involved critical patient extrication, which served as an introductory course for newer deckhands and as a refresher for returning guards.
Deckhands performed extrications on “patients” suffering spinal and neck injuries in the ocean. Different from a normal rescue, one of their main focuses now is transporting the patients from the water to the rescue boats in a manner that prevents further spinal injury. Two lifeguards were needed for this type of rescue: one to get the patient into the vessel and one to receive them. From there, the USCG trailed the vessel in their rescue helicopter to hoist the “critical patients” up in a basket where they would be transported to a nearby medical facility to receive additional life-saving care.
Rescues of this caliber are not common, but State Parks boat operators and lifeguards remain diligent in their training. We are grateful to our partners over at USCG for making this training possible so that our staff can ensure the safety of all park visitors in all kinds of circumstances.
|
|
|
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
Staff Park and Recreation Specialist (Community Engagement Supervisor) – Apply by June 9, 2023: You will be reporting to Los Angeles State Historic Park and participating in the development and implementation of community programs and engagement activities at existing parks in downtown Los Angeles. Additionally, you will assist with the operational oversight of the Planning, Public Affairs and Community Engagement Program in the Angeles District, leading the community and engaging staff in program development, coordination and implementation. The position will work with staff and park partners to ensure the most beneficial park operations for visitors as well. Click here for more information.
Office Technician (Typing) PI – Apply by June 10, 2023: The reporting location for this fast-paced position is Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District Office/Russian River Sector Office/Duncan Mills, California, where you will be performing a wide variety of difficult nonsupervisory clerical assignments and using various computer applications to process invoices, accounting documents and a P-card (within Fi$Cal). In addition, you will receive, screen and direct incoming phone calls to the appropriate staff, provide visitor information and sell park passes on a daily basis. Click here for more information.
Associate Park and Recreation Specialist – Apply by June 11, 2023: This exciting position will help manage grants for the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division, headquartered in Sacramento, providing guidance to subject matter experts in grant application acceptance and review and scoring processes. Additionally, you will act as the liaison between various competing interests such as environmental groups, OHMVR clubs and stakeholders. Click here for more information.
Dispatcher Clerk – Apply by June 15, 2023: The reporting location for this position is the Southern Communication Center, located in Perris, California. Work as a first responder and help operate law enforcement telecommunications and maintain Law Enforcement Records and Requests of emergency and non-emergency services. Click here for more information.
Staff Services Manager II (Supervisory) – Apply by June 15, 2023: Reporting to the Monterey District Office, you will be part of the management team and responsible for all components of the district's administrative staff (e.g., personnel, budgets, accounting, contracts and purchasing). You will be a leader, encourage a team atmosphere, motivate employees, solve problems, research and advise senior staff, as well as ensure staff are compliant with rules, regulations and policies. You will also oversee staff within the Fi$Cal system and travel throughout the district. Click here for more information.
State Park Interpreter I (Community Engagement Interpreter) – Apply by June 16, 2023: In this dynamic position, located at Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, you will not only conduct interpreter programs and engage the community within and around the area but you will create culturally relevant, interpretive and environmental programming that integrates both assets and experiences of the audience. In addition, you will assist the Bay Area District, Northern Service Center and headquarters staff on special interpretive and site development projects. 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: The California State Parks Job Shadowing program is not just something the public can benefit from, but is available to department staff as well. If you would like to do a “Ride-Along with a Ranger” to see if becoming a ranger is something you would be interested in, complete this form and get your name on the list today.
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!
|
|
|
Style time! Here are this week's tips to help spread the word about our departmentwide style guidelines:
-
“like” versus “such as”: Generally, use “like” for comparisons to underline similarities or resemblances. Examples: They ran like the wind. It sang like a bird. In general, use “such as” preceded by a comma to introduce several examples. Example: I went to the store and bought produce, such as apples, grapes and peaches.
-
app: Short for “application” and acceptable on first reference. Typically used to refer to computer programs that run on phones, tablets and PCs, or as part of a larger online service, for instance, Facebook apps.
-
photobomb: One word.
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.
|
|
 California Natural Resources Agency Headquarters Building
New metal signage for the Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division arrived on the 11th floor at the Natural Resources Building, in Sacramento. State Park Peace Officer John Stephens (left) and Chief Scott Bayne stand in front of the badge.
Photo from Michelle Garcia, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division
El Capitán State Beach
No “June gloom” on this beautiful day as Lifeguard Annie Ackert keeps a watchful eye on the water.
Photo from Dave Wilson, Channel Coast District
 Donner Memorial State Park
State Park Peace Officers (SPPO) Matt Yarbrough (left) and James Carey stand before the Donner Monument on a sunny day—quite a change from a few months ago when the snow depth was 8 feet in March. SPPO Yarbrough has been with State Parks for 21 years and SPPO Carey for 16 years.
Photo from Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division
 Donner Memorial State Park
Sierra District interpreters take a break from training for a quick photo. Standing (left to right): Chief of Cultural, Interpretation and Partnerships Alex Neeb; Interpreters Catherine Jones, Erica Hedlund, Sam Bell and Kaytlen Jackson; and Public Engagement and Education Manager Paige Haller. Kneeling (left to right): Interpreter II Jeremy Lin, Interpreter Jean Rhyne and Information Officer Adeline Yee.
Photo from Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division
Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
As their name implies, variable ground snakes come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Locally, these small serpents tend to have a lot of bright orange. These reptiles eat spiders, scorpions, centipedes, crickets and insect larvae. Watch more videos at the "Home of the Mitchell Caverns" here.
Video from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District
 Malibu Creek State Park
A Baja California tree frog (left) and a California toad enjoying the higher-than-normal flows in Malibu Creek. No word yet if a prince was later spotted in the area.
Photos from R.J. Van Sant, Angeles District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
A stream lupine blooming.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Mount San Jacinto State Park
Snow plant in June at Strone Creek Campground. Snow plant has no chlorophyll; it derives nutrition from fungi underneath the soil, and for this reason, the plant is called "mycotrophic."
Photo from J. Carley Skidd, Inland Empire District
 Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Some jimsonweed (Datura wrightii) near south beach. A little beauty on this gray day!
Photo from Barbara Green, San Diego Coast District
 Mount Diablo State Park
View of Mount Diablo looking north from Morgan Ridge Road.
Photo from Joseph Starr, Diablo Range District
 Near the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve
Rangers assist with road closures and scene safety during a grass fire 2 miles north of the Poppy Reserve.
Photo from Matthew Williams, Great Basin District
 Benbow State Recreation Area
Taking in a "paid in sunsets" moment Monday, June 5.
Photo from Andrea Mapes, North Coast Redwoods District
|
|
|
June 6, 2023
June 7, 2023
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
