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 July 14, 2023
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 Capitol Park
The California State Capitol Park Junior Ranger program had a great turnout this past weekend. The kids learned about the urban park ecosystem and the many ways that plants and animals are connected. Junior Rangers are all smiles for the program!
Photos from Megan Stanley, Capital District
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State Parks Wants Visitors to Exercise Caution During Heat Waves
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
 As the temperature rises to triple digits, California State Parks wants to ensure visitors take precautions when heading to the outdoors, whether it is to enjoy a picnic or to cool off along California’s waterways. Even the most experienced outdoor enthusiast can be impacted by extreme heat, so it is important to exercise caution.
Below are some heat wave safety tips and resources available for visitors to follow:
Safety tips:
- Explore options along the coast and indoor facilities like museums and visitor centers.
- Plan activities during cooler parts of the day, such as going on a hike early in the mornings or late evening when the temperatures are lower.
- Dress in loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing.
- Shield yourself from the sun using hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Bring plenty of fluids, especially water, even when not thirsty; drink sports drinks (in moderation with water) to help replace electrolytes lost during exercise. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
- If heading to a waterway to cool off, wear a life jacket, swim in designated areas and actively supervise children.
- Stay connected and use the buddy system when heading to the outdoors.
- Stay informed by checking the local weather for forecasts, extreme heat alerts and cooling centers.
With more frequent and severe heat waves, Governor Gavin Newsom launched the Heat Ready CA campaign to help protect communities from extreme heat, which is the deadliest form of climate-driven extreme weather.
The California Department of Public Health has also created the heat and summer safety toolkit to provide resources and communication tools that can be shared.
Additional resources:
 ADVENTURE OF THE MONTH
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park Offers Native Californian Culture Amid Foothill Nature
Story and photos from: Andreas Agocs, Communications and Marketing Division
 Statue of a Miwok dancer in front of the Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum.
Rocks are symbols of permanence and durability. At Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park (SHP), they also tell us about a region’s history and State Parks’ role in preserving it.
Indian Grinding Rock SHP is a little gem—only a 90-minute drive from Sacramento, at 2,400 feet elevation in Amador County. I met with Cultural Program Manager Lee Eal and Park Supervisor Keli Ward for a tour of the 135-acre park. The park is perfect for visitors and families who want to combine learning about Native Californian culture with a mellow nature experience in the Sierra foothills.
The park’s name derives from its large grinding rock—or chaw’se in Miwok language. Carved into the soft limestone slab are 1,185 mortar holes, the largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America. The Miwok people, the original inhabitants of the Sierra Nevada foothills, traditionally used the rock to pound acorns into a mush that formed into the mainstay of much of the Miwok diet. Constant pounding over time would deepen the holes in the soft limestone, making it a cultural as much as a natural item.
Standing on the viewing platform that prevents visitors from treading on the rock, Lee pointed out wiggly lines and geometric patterns—the petroglyphs carved around some of the mortar holes. The combination of petroglyphs and mortar holes is another feature that makes Indian Grinding Rock SHP unique. Lee and I discussed the challenges of preserving cultural resources while maintaining their character; the softness of the limestone rock that enabled the carvings also means they will ultimately be washed away. Consistent with Native outlooks, these cultural resources will become part of the earth again.
Indian Grinding Rock SHP serves as an example for a successful collaboration between State Parks and local Tribal communities. I spoke with Rollie Fillmore Sr., the tribal cultural preservation representative of the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians, who affirmed State Parks’ important role in preserving Native tradition. A visible result of this is the park’s other prominent feature: its ceremonial roundhouse (hun’ge), which was built by the Miwok community using traditional materials such cedar bark, oak stems and grapevines.
After unlocking the wooden gate, we entered the roundhouse, which is used for private ceremonies and traditional dances by the local Miwok community. It is not publicly accessible, except during the Big Time ceremony celebrating the acorn harvest in September. At 60 feet in diameter, the roundhouse is the largest in California, and the sunlight streaming through its only opening on the top conveys a sense of the structure’s sacredness.
Indian Grinding Rock SHP does not only offer insights into Native culture, but it also has two easily accessible nature trails. Because a bridge on the North Trail was washed away during the recent rains, Lee, Keli and I hiked the shorter South Trail, which leads from the park’s central meadow past elderberry and milkweed bushes through its lush oak-pine forest. Native Californians are not the only ones who appreciate the values of the abundant oak trees; Keli pointed out a group of woodpeckers just above us feeding on oak galls.
The South Trail passes the campground with its 23 sites and ends up at the reconstructed Miwok village, which includes bark houses as well as a field for a traditional ball game resembling soccer. We ended the tour in the museum, which displays informative exhibits of Miwok, Maidu and Washoe history. Lee told me how in 2021 State Parks staff had to temporarily evacuate the museum’s cultural items, because the park was threatened by the Caldor Fire that raged through Sierra and foothill counties. Climate change means that even something as seemingly permanent as Indian Grinding Rock SHP is constantly threatened and depends on the efforts of State Parks staff to be preserved.
However, this does not mean that Native culture is relegated to museums and historical sites only. I asked Tribal representative Rollie which of the Tribal traditions in the park were still alive in the Native community today. “All of them!” he answered without hesitation.
Indian Grinding Rock SHP is a great place to visit in summer but keep in mind that the climate in the lower foothills is similar to the Central Valley, with summer temperatures often reaching 90 degrees and above. Make sure to bring enough water and comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. See article above and click here for more safety tips information.
If you would like to have your local park featured in the Weekly Digest as an Adventure of the Month park, send your suggestion to WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
 Top left: Park Supervisor Keli Ward (left) and Cultural Resources Program Manager Lee Eal. Top right: Mortar holes on the chaw'se. Bottom right: Maidu baskets. Bottom left: Petroglyph on chaw'se.
 Left: Woodpecker eating oak gall. Top right: Entrance to roundhouse. Bottom right: Roundhouse.
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A Fourth to Remember at Torrey Pines State Beach
Story from: Giselle Lewis, San Diego Coast District
 Left to right: Lifeguard Emilio Cavazos, David Anderson, Luke Anderson and Lifeguard Phillip Hall. Photo from Andres Weishaupt, Communications and Marketing Division.
When lifeguards put on their uniform for duty, they never know what the day may bring. California State Parks lifeguards train hard to face down every possible scenario on the beach. Not every call can be a victory, but when they are, it is extremely special.
On July 4, State Parks visitor David Anderson returned to Torrey Pines State Beach with his grandson, Luke Anderson. On July 4, 2022, David suffered a traumatic cardiac arrest on that very beach. His visit one year later was one of gratitude—a mission to give his thanks and celebrate the heroic action of two California State Parks lifeguards who saved his life.
David arrived on the beach this past July 4 all smiles, bringing an air of gratitude to the coast. He greeted his rescuers like old friends. Lifeguards Phillip Hall and Emilio Cavazos returned the feeling, clearly brightened by the presence of David in good health and great spirits on the beach again. “I’ve met these guys a few times, but I’ll never be able to say ‘thank you’ enough,” he beamed.
The incident is best remembered through the eyes of David’s grandson, who accompanied his grandfather to the beach last year on July 4. Luke recalls watching his grandfather collapse to the ground and begin to gasp for air—a symptom of respiratory arrest that first responders call agonal breathing. As lifeguards came to the scene, Luke called 911. “It was the worst phone call of my life,” he recalled. Lifeguards Hall and Cavazos performed life-saving CPR to sustain him. In an emergency situation, good chest compressions and proper oxygen ventilation are key to keeping a patient in a recoverable position. “They [the lifeguards] did yeoman's work and kept me going until the paramedics and firefighters got here,” David explained. Embracing his grandfather’s rescuers on the beach, both Luke and David can recall a dark day with new light.
From the dispatch personnel who coordinated secondary transport to the hospital, to the lifeguards on the ground that day, David's walk on the beach this past July 4 is living proof of State Parks lifeguards’ commitment to public service.
Creating a Snapshot of California's North Coast Tide Pools
Story from: Kenzi Lamb, North Coast Redwoods District
 Snapshot Cal Coast participants explore the tide pools at Palmer’s Point in Sue-meg State Park (SP) during the -1.2-foot low tide on the morning of Friday, July 7. Photo from Kenzi Lamb, North Coast Redwoods District.
This year, the North Coast Redwoods District (NCRD) and Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) partnered with the California Academy of Sciences for Snapshot Cal Coast, a three-week iNaturalist bioblitz event that started on June 17 and ended July 9. Thanks to the partnerships with RNSP and Redwood Parks Conservancy (RPC) and with assistance from interpreters across NCRD, we were able to host four in-person programs where park visitors were invited to join the interpreters in making observations and learning about marine life.
These events were held at Enderts Beach on June 22, Trinidad State Beach on June 23, Wilson Creek Beach on July 6 and Sue-meg State Park on July 7. At each event, an interpreter was stationed at the parking lot or trailhead with a table of marine artifacts and snacks and coffee complimentary of RPC. This helped us connect with more people as some locations were more accessible than others. Visitors were invited to join the interpreters at the parking lot at 8 a.m. to walk to the tide pools together or drop in anytime between 8 a.m. and noon. We also played T-I-D-E-S bingo in the tide pools with bingo sheets that doubled as species guides for our district.
Since connectivity in the North Coast is poor, many people opted for T-I-D-E-S bingo during our in-person programs and left with resources to help them download the iNaturalist app and make observations on their own. Visitors also enjoyed following the roving interpreters in the tide pools as they pointed out plants and animals and engaged in conversation with visitors. Throughout the event, we did four Instagram or Facebook livestreams and posted one video. Our social media posts got a lot of attention; many people said that they came to the events because they saw our Instagram or Facebook posts.
The in-person program at Sue-meg State Park had approximately 100 participants, making it our most successful location despite how strenuous the trail to Palmer’s Point is. It was awesome to see families and strangers alike helping each other traverse the difficult terrain. The four events were an overwhelming success, as over 250 people were able to participate.
 Left: Giant green anemones, ochre sea stars, California mussels and a sneak peek of the diversity of seaweeds that can be found at Wilson Creek Beach within Redwood National and State Parks. Photo from Kristi Lamb, visitor from Cayuga, Indiana. Top right: A giant green anemone (Anthopleura xanthogrammica) pulls in its tentacles as the tide recedes. Bottom right: Snapshot Cal Coast participant and College of the Redwoods professor shows off a sea clown nudibranch (Triopha catalinae) at Palmer’s Point in Sue-meg SP, Friday, July 7. Photos from Kenzi Lamb, North Coast Redwoods District.
Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division Holds All-Hands Meeting and Family Pinic
Story from: Vicki Perez, Sarah Miggins and Jenn Grady, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division
 Top: Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division staff and their families listening to the All-Hands Meeting at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park (SHP). Bottom left: OHMVR Deputy Sarah Miggins and Division Chief Callan McLaughlin talk to staff. Middle and right: Josh Bernádas and Jenn Grady doing what they do best—grilling. Photos from Vicki Perez and Sarah Miggins, OHMVR Division.
The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division held an All-Hands Meeting and Family Picnic at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park (SHP) on Wednesday, June 28. The event was attended by over 70 people from the OHMVR Division, including family and friends.
The meeting included a division update on each unit and what their programs are currently working on, as well as recognition of several staff members who will be retiring in the next few months. Additionally, State Parks partner California Outdoor Recreation Foundation presented former Division Chief Brian Robertson with an award for his outstanding support for off-highway vehicle recreation. Visitor Service Manager for the OHMVR Division Mark Hada was given a plaque of his badge in honor of his upcoming retirement.
For lunch, participants enjoyed marinated chicken, beef, pork and a variety of grilled veggies. Staff brought the rest of the items for the taco bar and sides. OHMVR Division Administrative Assistant II Vicki Perez provided delicious root beer floats for dessert, which were much appreciated by all. Marshall Gold Discovery SHP staff graciously opened the River House for OHMVR Division staff to prepare food and keep things cool until lunch was served; they also loaned the use of their Santa Maria grill for cooking. The staff at Marshall Gold Discovery SHP also provided a tour of the park, and after the meeting, invited anyone who was interested to try to pan for gold.
Josh Bernádas, associate park and recreation specialist, was the grill master. Jenn Grady, staff park and recreation specialist, was the sous chef on the grill. Josh and Jenn were supported by Josephine Parra, management services technician; Amy Woodhull, associate governmental program analyst; and Traci Fortier, staff services analyst, the parking queen.
The day and the food were hot, but the shade and the fun were cool!
 Left: Environmental Scientist Shane Emmerson and his daughter. Right: OHMVR Division staff and family listening to the All-Hands meeting. Photos from Vicki Perez, OHMVR Division.
Poetry-Themed Campfire Program at Clear Lake State Park
Story and photos from: Tiana Cicco, Northern Buttes District
 Top: Lake County poet Mia Ruiz reads her original poetry to the engaged audience at the Clear Lake State Park (SP) Campfire Program. Bottom left: Georgina Marie Guardado, poet laureate of Lake County and the Lake County Literacy Coalition (LCLC) program coordinator, reads her original poetry. Bottom right: Clear Lake SP volunteer and LCLC Vice President Susan Parker (left) and LCLC Director Nancy Hudson provide free books during Clear Lake SP’s monthly StoryWalk event.
Clear Lake State Park (SP) hosted a very special campfire program on Saturday, July 1, featuring poetry inspired by the natural and cultural beauty of Lake County. Three local poets graced our campfire with original poems that celebrated their connection with the local flora, fauna, geology, waters and Native Peoples that all make Lake County unique. Thirty visitors joined the campfire poetry reading, ranging in ages from young children to elders and everyone in between.
The idea for the poetry-themed campfire program was generated through a budding partnership between Clear Lake SP’s interpretative staff and the Lake County Literacy Coalition (LCLC), a nonprofit organization that provides funding and support for the Lake County Library’s Adult and Family Literacy Program. LCLC Vice President Susan Parker, who is also a Clear Lake SP volunteer, initially facilitated the connection between organizations, which has proven very fruitful for the Lake County community. Thanks to LCLC, free books are now being given away at Clear Lake SP’s monthly StoryWalk events and Lake County Library staff now hosts a weekly Story Time in the Park event at the park to promote adult and family literacy.
While working with the Lake County Library to coordinate these events, I met with Lake County Library’s Literacy Program Coordinator Georgina Marie Guardado, who is also the poet laureate of Lake County. Georgina expressed her desire to participate in more live poetry readings, and the idea for the poetry-themed campfire program was born. Georgina recruited two other local poets, Mia Ruiz and Lourdes Thuesen, whose work focuses on the natural wonders of Clear Lake. Audience members learned about topics relevant to Lake County, such as cyanobacteria blooms, fault lines and the legacy of the Pomo people, through the poets’ creative perspectives, which emphasize our mutually beneficial relationships with these elements.
It is increasingly important to create opportunities for children and adults alike to develop an appreciation for literature. Clear Lake SP is proud to collaborate with the LCLC to provide opportunities for visitors to create meaningful connections between the natural world they experience around them and the written word. We hope to host more poetry-themed interpretive events in the future and to inspire other California state parks to partner with their local literary groups to offer similar community enrichment programs.
 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
Park Maintenance Worker I – Apply by July 17, 2023: You will be responsible for the maintenance of facilities and grounds within the South Area of the Pajaro Coast Sector, which includes park units such as Sunset State Beach (SB), Manresa SB and The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. Responsibilities will include maintaining park structures, equipment, facilities and grounds and housekeeping. Click here for more information. Take the assessment and apply today. Click here for more information.
Staff Services Analyst – Apply by July 20, 2023: In this role you will assist in the development, preparation, administration, maintenance, review and control of the department’s support, local assistance and capital outlay budgets. Take the assessment and apply today. Click here for more information.
Environmental Scientist (Watershed) (Permanent Intermittent) – Apply by July 21, 2023: In this position, you will have the opportunity to be involved at the district level with the Watershed Management Program. Duties include watershed management and trails planning, coordinating with other agencies and project consultants, and other exciting projects. Click here for more information.
State Park Interpreter II – Apply by July 22, 2023: You will be responsible for planning, research and development of interpretive projects for the Department of Parks and Recreation; interpretation of concepts to the public; directing work of seasonal staff and volunteers; participation in or direction of major interpretive projects or portions of large interpretive projects; and other related work.
State Park Interpreter Specialist (Curatorial) – Apply by Sept. 26, 2023: Help develop interpretive content for interpretation, exhibit programs and digital media for the State Capitol Museum. This is an entry-level position. No assessment required. 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. No assessment required! Click here for more information.
EXAM SPOTLIGHTS
Aquatic Pest Control Series – Continuous: The role of the Aquatic Pest Control series is to minimize the impact of invasive plants in our waterways through weed control programs. The series includes Aquatic Pest Control Technicians and Specialists. Click here for more information.
State Park Peace Officer Cadet (Ranger and Lifeguard) – Continuous: Applications for the State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Cadet exam are now offered on a continuous basis. 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 Series – 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: Enhance your online presence! Maintain a professional online presence on platforms like LinkedIn. Optimize your profile, showcase your achievements and engage with industry professionals and potential employers.
If you have any questions regarding these opportunities, connect with us at Recruiting@parks.ca.gov. We’re happy to help!
Interested in more jobs and exams like this? Explore www.LiveTheParksLife.com to discover the possibilities.
Join the Parks Jobs mailing list here. We can send you updates on jobs and exams that interest you!
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Style time! Here are this week's tips to help spread the word about our departmentwide style guidelines:
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biannual, biennial: Use "biannual" to mean twice a year (also semiannual). Use "biennial" to mean every two years.
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all-terrain vehicle, ATV: Spell out as “all-terrain vehicle” on first reference. Use of “ATV” is OK for subsequent references.
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heat wave: Two words.
Keeping a consistent writing style ensures the Weekly Digest looks and sounds its best. Each week, the Communications and Marketing Division reviews submitted articles for proper grammar and punctuation and style consistency––from capitalization and hyphenation to proper acronyms and active/passive voice usage. In general, we follow the Associated Press style and Merriam-Webster, but at times we use our own department-specific style.
We always welcome your feedback on how to “Live the Parks Life” in (writing) style. Connect with us via email at weeklydigest@parks.ca.gov.
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 Richardson Grove State Park
North Coast Redwoods District staff and volunteers gathered late last month to celebrate the 23-year career of Park Maintenance Supervisor Mike Pogue (kneeling, first row, third from left), who retired on Friday, June 30. Congratulations, Mike!
Photo from Andrea Mapes, North Coast Redwoods District
 Northern Communications Center
It has been over a decade since anyone at the Northern Communications Center (NORCOM) was expecting a baby. Communications Operator Christina Holley is having a baby girl due this August! Christina joined the ranks at NORCOM in February 2021. Since her tenure began, she got married and is now expecting her first child. On Tuesday, July 4, we celebrated baby Evelyn’s expected arrival with a combo baby shower and Independence Day pizza and potluck. Christina, we are all so excited for you and your family!
Photo from Julie Higday, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division
 Sunset State Beach
This spring, a great horned owl pair successfully fledged two chicks. I believe the owl photographed in the Palm day-use area is one of the chicks.
Photos from Byran Kine, Santa Cruz District
 Portola Redwoods State Park
This beautiful millipede is mostly likely a Gosodesmus claremontus, commonly known as pink feather boa millipede seen next to a termite in this picture. They are found throughout California, can grow to be 27 millimeters long and have up to 81 body segments. SO COOL!
Photos from Lucas Dickey, Santa Cruz District
 Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
A scarlet pimpernel flower. Flowering takes place from March through July. Flowers have five salmon-colored petals and slender stalks, and grow singly between the stem and leaf stalks. On rare occasion, flowers can be brick red, bright blue or white. They remain closed during cool or cloudy weather.
Photo from Joshua Jaco, Gold Fields District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Western azaleas (Rhododendron occidentale) are a plant of great beauty and have a captivating fragrance that appeals to virtually everyone who comes upon it.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
The mariposa lilies have been beautiful. Left: Golden bowl mariposa lily. Top right: Splendid mariposa lily. Bottom right: Weed's mariposa lily.
Photos from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
A stream orchid.
Photo from Kyle Buchanan, North Coast Redwoods District
 Sue-meg State Park
Clouds over the Pacific at Dusk Rim Trail.
Photo from Kevin Manning, Camp Host
 Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park
Summer is in full bloom at this stately mansion.
Photos from Mike Newby, Capital 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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