August 25, 2023

Photos of the Week

Silver Strand State Beach

The calm before the storm ... a serene scene before the arrival of Tropical Storm Hilary. 

Photo from Alexia Harlow, San Diego Coast District

Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area

A post-storm shot that looks like a scene out of this world. As the saturated desert rapidly dries, these "scales" become a common sight.

Photo from Eric Kung, Ocotillo Wells District 

WHAT'S NEW

Majority of State Parks Back Open After Tropical Storm Hilary

Story from: Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division

Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Hilary fell on Red Rock Canyon State Park on Sunday, August 20, damaging local roads and fences within Red Rock Canyon State Park and Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area. An estimated 2-3 inches of rain fell within a 24-hour period that arrived in two bands. This video was captured by Supervising Ranger Matt Williams, who says in the 15 years he has worked at Red Rock Canyon and the Mojave Desert, this is the most amount of rain and flooding he has witnessed. However, the Great Flood of 1997 was much worse and destroyed the entire park compound. Click here or button above to view video, which was shot by Matt Williams, Great Basin District, and edited by Jerry Macias, Communications and Marketing Division.

State Parks and much of the state were ready for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Hilary, the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years. Working in coordination with state and local emergency officials, the department temporarily closed state beaches in Orange and San Diego Counties along with some in the inland and desert areas, canceled camping reservations for impacted areas from Sunday to Tuesday, and closed parking lots for state beaches in Los Angeles County. While Hilary drenched parts of Southern California—flooding roads and downing trees—there were no significant injuries or damages in state park units.

Here are examples of how some parks were impacted:

• Mount San Jacinto State Park: Many trees were damaged at the park, causing the delayed reopening of the developed campgrounds. The grounds crew from Lake Perris State Recreation Area went up the mountain to assist in clearing trees and debris from the Idyllwild and Stone Creek Campgrounds Monday to Thursday, just in time to reopen them to campers today, August 25.
• Desert parks: Parks such as Red Rock Canyon State Park (SP), Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), Hungry Valley SVRA, Ocotillo Wells SVRA and Anza-Borrego Desert SP experienced flooding and trail and road damage.
• Torrey Pines State Beach: There was a small bluff collapse at Torrey Pines State Beach, but there are no safety concerns.

Led by Division Chiefs Jason De Wall, Greg Martin and Matt Bellah and Chief of Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division (LEESD) Scott Bayne and LEESD Deputy Chief Alex Lutscutoff, State Parks employees at headquarters, district offices and in the field worked through the weekend to ensure the public remained safe.

At Mount San Jacinto, where more than 10 inches of rain fell at the top of the tram near the Long Valley Ranger Station (8,616 feet of elevation), Inland Empire District staff worked with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit to warn hikers and campers to leave the area. The district was able to make contact with 14 backpackers registered to be in the San Jacinto backcountry and ensure they safely left the area.

At Picacho State Recreation Area (SRA), State Park Peace Officer Tim Schulte checked on maintenance employees staying in state housing. Officer Schulte turned some campers around and helped one of the campers pack up and load up a rented U-Haul. While following her to make sure she got out safely, her vehicle got a flat tire. Officer Schulte then changed her tire in heavy rain. Earlier in the day, Officer Schulte also gave an unhoused person a ride from the Salton Sea SRA to a safe location. Kudos to Officer Shulte and all staff who went above and beyond this past week.

State Parks would like to thank the public for their patience during the temporary park and beach closures. Most park units that were lightly impacted reopened to the public on Monday and Tuesday. As of Friday afternoon, Heber Dunes SVRA, Ocotillo Wells SVRA, Picacho SRA and Salton Sea SRA remain fully closed and Doheny State Beach partially closed. We ask the public to observe the closures for their own safety so personnel can focus on storm assessments and the reopening of the park units. For the latest information on impacted park units, please visit parks.ca.gov/Incidents. 

If you have not visited the incidents webpage yet, you will notice there is a new GIS map, showing all the impacts statewide. Thank you to our data and GIS specialists and webmasters for creating the dashboard to show more timely updates for the public.

Downed trees at Mount San Jacinto State Park's campgrounds from Tropical Storm Hilary. Photos from Kelly Elliott, Inland Empire District.

Top: State Park Peace Officer Kevin Overduin surveying damage at Red Rock Canyon State Park (SP). Bottom left: Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Michael Biglay repairing damage on Abbott Drive, which is the entrance road to Red Rock Canyon SP day campground. Bottom: Flooding at Picacho State Recreation Area. Bottom right: HEO Dwayne Bell on the motor grader at Hungry Valley SVRA, repairing Hungry Valley Road. Photos from Jack Gorman, Great Basin District. 

Top photos: Pre-storm photos at Ocotillo Wells SVRA. A shower of hail turns into a burst of heavy rain and wind as Hilary passes through the park. Bottom photos: Ocotillo Wells SVRA received 1.55 inches of rain. That is more than one-quarter of a year's worth of rain in one weekend! Photos from Eric Kung, Ocotillo Wells District.

ADVENTURE OF THE MONTH

Malibu Creek State Park Offers Nature, History and Bit of Hollywood  

Story from: Andreas Agocs, Communications and Marketing Division

Beautiful views at Malibu Creek State Park. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division. 

Less than 40 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Southern California residents have a natural wonder at their fingertips: Malibu Creek State Park’s 8,000 acres span the crest of the Santa Monica Mountains on both sides of Malibu Creek. Its 35 miles of trails offer views of craggy canyons and jagged peaks, as well as rolling grasslands, wildflowers, meadows and rock pools. Being close to an urban center, Angeles District parks attract plenty of visitors, and Malibu Creek State Park (SP) is no exception.

At the park’s southern tip, woodlands and chapparal give way to freshwater marsh and ultimately the sandy beaches of Malibu Lagoon, where Malibu Creek enters the Pacific Ocean. Taken together, Malibu Creek SP and its neighbor Malibu Lagoon State Beach contain almost every theme that most people associate with California: iconic beaches that gave birth to the state’s surfer culture, rugged mountain scenery that earned Malibu Creek SP the nickname “Yosemite of Southern California,” and, last but not least, a prominent role in Hollywood history.

Cultural Resources Program Supervisor Barbara Tejada confirms the broad range of historical resources that are part of Malibu Creek SP. Park visitors can find traces of all aspects of Southern California’s history, “from the Indigenous history and the village of Talepop, to the Spanish/Mexican rancho era, to the early American homesteads and the Crags Country Club to the 20^th Century Fox Movie Ranch.” Ever since the expulsion of the Native Chumash and Tongva peoples by the Spanish, ownership of and access to Malibu Creek’s beauty has been contested. In the early 20^th century, a large chunk of today’s state park became the property of the Crags Country Club, whose membership was made up of wealthy Los Angeles businessmen. Malibu Creek’s establishment as a state park in 1976 opened what used to be a place of exclusivity up to all Californians.

The nonprofit Malibu Creek State Park Docents, which supports many of the park’s educational and interpretive activities, offer excellent tours and staff the park’s visitor center, located near the Crags Country Club Resort. Park visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming and fishing, as well as camping on more than 55 RV and tent sites. According to State Park Interpreters Allison Frye and Ilsa Buelow, the volcanic rock pool is one of the park’s most popular spots. The accessible Ann Skager Trail is a favorite with families, while visitors who seek a more remote experience might want to explore the Piuma Ridgeline Trail in the park’s southeast corner. Ilsa points out that there is also a second, more secluded rock pool, while Allison recommends the Forest Trail leading up to Century Dam for those who want to enjoy the park’s beauty in more quietude.

As Allison explains, Malibu Creek SP encompasses seven different plant communities, from oak woodland and valley oak savannah to coastal sage scrub. Tapia Spur Trail, off the campground, is a great place to enjoy native wildflowers in spring. The diversity of Malibu Creek’s nature extends to its wildlife. Bird-watchers can observe countless species, including quails, hummingbirds, hawks, woodpeckers, cormorants and many more. A scientific study currently is looking at the interactions between mountain lion and deer populations in the park. Apparently, ground squirrels play a larger-than-expected role as keystone species in the park’s ecosystem—even though the mammals’ inclination to burrow under historical structures can make them less than popular with cultural resources experts!

Besides its trails and historical structures, Malibu Creek SP is iconic for its former use as sets for movies and TV shows after the land was bought by 20^th Century Fox Studios in 1946. Even people who have never set foot in the park might have seen glimpses of its scenery in movies such as “Planet of the Apes” or the “M*A*S*H” TV show. Allison remarks that school children and younger visitors, for whom these films and shows are ancient past, are nevertheless fascinated by the interpretative “before and after” displays at some of the former movie sites. Malibu Creek was an obvious go-to location for countless Western movie productions, but until 1976, the park’s canyons and grasslands also served as a pretend backdrop for movies set in, for example, 19^th-century France, the Himalayas, the Chinese Yangtze Valley and the African Jungle (for Tarzan movies), not to mention numerous extraterrestrial planets and imaginary sci-fi worlds.

However, fortunately, you do not have to be a Hollywood star to experience Southern California history and nature in a nutshell—just make a visit to Malibu Creek State Park.

For more information, visit the Malibu Creek SP webpage.

Different sites at Malibu Creek State Park. Top left: Grassland savannah. Left middle: Set of "M*A*S*H" TV show. Bottom left: Park entrance sign. Top right: Canyon. Bottom right: Malibu Creek. Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division. 

Top: One of the sets of the original "Planet of the Apes" movie, which no longer exists at the park. Bottom: The movie location after restored by State Parks. Photos from California State Parks. 

FIELD REPORT

Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods Works on Leaning Tree at Austin Creek State Recreation Area

Story from: Rich Lawton, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods and Retired State Parks Supervising Ranger 

Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods (Stewards) trail crew members at work. Top left: Safety talk prior to the drop. Notice how much the tree is leaning toward the restroom, and check out the rigging. Photo from Rich Lawton, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods. Top right: Rob Turner, Bill Krawetz and Jim O'Donnell get a workout on the industrial woodsplitter (aka “the Beast”). Photo from Mark Anderson, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods. Bottom right: Scott Lawyer giving the hazard tree a little gentle persuasion. Photo from Mark Anderson, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods. Bottom middle: Rich and Keith Flood setting up the rigging. Photo from Tim Mayer, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods. Bottom left: Final safety instruction on safely guiding the tree down. Photo from Casey Marks, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods.

Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods (Stewards) Operations Manager Scott Lawyer was joined by 11 volunteers for another fun and productive adventure at Bullfrog Pond Campground in the Austin Creek State Recreation Area on Wednesday, August 9. Stewards is a nonprofit organization that partners with the Russian River Sector of California State Parks to promote, restore and protect the natural and cultural resources in parks. 

The goal for the day was to safely guide a leaning tree to the ground without injuring anyone or destroying the restroom next to Campsite 19. The 70-foot-tall bay tree with an 18-inch diameter was leaning 30 degrees toward the restroom. It was in danger of falling onto the restroom that was being rebuilt after the Walbridge Fire and, to make matters worse, the center of the tree was hollow and rotten to the core.

After an extended briefing and safety talk, the crew broke into several groups. One group started up the industrial woodsplitter (what we call “the Beast”) and began processing rounds leftover from our last adventure. Another started cleaning trees that the Conservation Corps North Bay had dropped as part of the Fuel Reduction Project in the campground. A third group started rigging the leaning hazard in to safely guide it to the ground without hitting the restroom. By lunchtime the area was cleaned up, the tree rigged and the woodsplitter was ready for a rest. We then had time for lunch and ate cookies baked by volunteer Flora Haluazk.

After lunch, it was time for another safety talk on how to gently guide the tree to its final resting place. Two teams took on the job of managing the two safety guidelines. These lines assist in keeping the tree from falling sideways. Scott took on the job of pulling the tree 180 degrees away from the direction the tree was leaning. Not an easy task! Two sawyers went to work and made an initial face cut, which would give the tree a direction to fall. The face cut revealed that the center of the tree was indeed rotten, about 5 inches on the side of the cut. The tree started to lean in the direction of the restroom, so Scott tightened up his pull line. The sawyers made a back cut to start the tree fall. After that, it was all Scott, as we watched the tree slowly reach a vertical position. All was looking good except two branches high up in the hazard were hung up in two redwoods. The top on one of the redwoods moved 20 feet before the branch came loose. Finally, the hazard tree came to rest within the safety zone we had set up. Now it was time to buck it up, limb and build burn piles.

It was another great day for the Stewards crew and the park. Stay tuned, as the work continues.

More work by Stewards trail crew members. Top left: Paul Schwarz and Tim Mayer cleaning up the drop zone. Photo from Mark Anderson, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods. Top right: Keith Flood making the face cut as Rich Lawton checks for hazards. Photo from Mark Anderson, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods. Bottom right: Keith making the back cut, checking out how rotten the center of the tree is. Photo from Mark Anderson, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods. Bottom middle: Casey Marks and Jim O'Donnell carting rounds to the splitter. Photo from Mark Anderson, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods. Bottom left: Stewards trail crew member Elise Regalardo sporting her very own "Trail Working Mamacita" shirt. Photo from Rich Lawton, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods.

State Parks Lifeguards Finish Fifth in National Lifeguard Competition in Virginia

Story from: Ryan Gates, Orange Coast District

Top: Team State Parks Surf Racing on the final day of the 2023 USLA National Lifeguard Championships in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Photo from Ryan Gates, Orange Coast District. Bottom: State Parks’ Giselle Lewis and Lily Frisbie (both seasonal lifeguards, San Diego Coast District) carry teammate Rylee Nakayama (seasonal lifeguard, Orange Coast District) up the berm following the landline rescue race. Photo from James Burgess, photographer from Torrance, California.

The California State Parks Lifeguard Competition Team wrapped up the competition season in Virginia Beach, Virginia, last week as the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) National Championships were held August 10-12. The State Parks Surf Racing team, composed of current and former lifeguards, competed against the top lifeguard agencies from all over the country. Our team placed a respectable fifth place, while the Monmouth County Lifeguards from New Jersey won the championship. Placing fifth with a small team is no easy accomplishment!

Top Open Division scorers for the California State Parks team were Montana White (seasonal lifeguard, Orange Coast District) and Roman Higgins (seasonal lifeguard, Channel Coast District). During the competition, the USLA made athlete selections to represent the U.S. at the International Surf Rescue Challenge, which will take place in Texas this September. Two of our very own were selected to compete in the Under-19 division: Roman Higgins (seasonal lifeguard, Channel Coast District) and David McKeeman (seasonal lifeguard, San Diego Coast District).

In late July, our team defeated Los Angeles County Lifeguards during the Southwestern Regional Lifeguard Championships at Newport Beach for the 10th straight year. Our team has won the Regional Championships every year since 2013, a historic accomplishment. 

Lifesaving sport events test skills used by lifeguards every day: swimming, running, paddling, ocean knowledge, rescue techniques, spotting and responding to rescues, and teamwork. The sport was created to encourage lifesavers to develop, maintain and improve the essential physical and mental skills needed to save lives in the aquatic environment.

Congratulations to the State Parks Lifeguard team for another year of competition, representing our department and recruiting and motivating our lifeguard staff to be better life savers.

The 2024 USLA National Championships will be held in South Padre Island, Texas. All current and former lifeguards are encouraged to compete with the team. Only 50 weeks left—time to start training!

Top left: State Parks’ Montana White (seasonal lifeguard, Orange Coast District) exits the water after the Surf Swim race. Photo from Marta Meinardi, lifeguard from Laguna Beach, California. Top right: Giselle Lewis (seasonal lifeguard, San Diego Coast District), Montana, Rylee Nakayama (seasonal lifeguard, Orange Coast District) and Lily Frisbie (seasonal lifeguard, San Diego Coast District) are all smiles after the brutal Landline Rescue race. Photo from Brandi White, Orange Coast District. Bottom left: Seasonal Lifeguard Brandi White completes the 4x100-yard Beach Sprint Relay race. Photo from Marta Meinardi, lifeguard from Laguna Beach, California. Bottom right: Brandi rows a dory boat during the Women’s Solo Surf Boat Row event. Photo from Brandi White, Orange Coast District. 

Adventure Pass Exploration LIVE! at Samuel P. Taylor State Park

Story from: Daniel Williford, Interpretation and Education Division

Friday, September 1, marks the first day for this year’s 2023-24 fourth graders to sign up for their free California State Park Adventure Pass. To celebrate this noteworthy occasion, for our next monthly broadcast of Adventure Pass Exploration LIVE!, we will be visiting Samuel P. Taylor State Park on Friday, September 1, at noon. State Park Interpreter Ryan Forbes will host us as we find out what an Adventure Pass user can do in this incredible park of varying landscapes and many recreational opportunities.

Our livestream is aimed to educate fourth graders, their families and the general public about the California State Park Adventure Pass. View the livestream on either the California State Parks’ Facebook page or the Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students: PORTS® program Facebook page. These monthly broadcasts have helped to contribute to the approximately 25,000 Adventure Passes that fourth graders have signed up for this year.

The Adventure Pass Exploration LIVE! broadcast will also share what the Adventure Pass is and how to get one, and encourage fourth graders to sign up for the pass. Included in all this fun will be the showing of the latest Adventure Pass video with the California State Railroad Museum.

To learn more about the Adventure Pass, visit www.parks.ca.gov/adventurepass.

Junior Ranger Programs Wrap Up in Santa Cruz District

Story and photos from: Devin McCutchen, Santa Cruz District

Junior Ranger programs in Santa Cruz District on Saturday, August 12. Left: Interpreter I Ashley Wemp at Seacliff State Beach. Right: Interpreter I Leslie Reyes at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

As students head back to school, interpretive staff across the state wrapped up a busy summer of Junior Ranger programs.

During a recent visit to Santa Cruz District, I was able to get a firsthand look at just how much attention and joy field staff bring to these well-loved programs. At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Interpreter I Leslie Reyes kept a pack of Cub Rangers enthralled, identifying plaster animal tracks and plastic models of scat. At Seacliff State Beach, Interpreter I Ashley Wemp led a two-person beach cleanup with a very dedicated Junior Ranger, who has spent much of her summer enjoying Ashley’s programs. Finally, Senior Park Aide Jean Parker helped a brother and sister earn their first Junior Ranger badges in a fire ecology walk at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, with additional assistance from Interpreter I David Coleman.

Congratulations to staff across the entire department for welcoming so many new and returning Junior Rangers to our parks!

Junior Ranger programs at Big Basin Redwoods State Park on Saturday, August 12. Left: Interpreter I David Coleman and Senior Park Aide Jean Parker taking group of Junior Rangers around park. Left: Senior Park Aide Jean Parker with a couple of Junior Rangers.

Introducing Revamped PORTS Website: Enhancing Virtual Learning Through California State Parks

Story from: Lydia Stinson, Interpretation and Education Division

We are excited to share an important update: the unveiling of the enhanced PORTS: Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students® program website. The revamped website brings a host of new features and resources designed to elevate virtual learning experiences, while fostering a deeper connection to the natural wonders of California state parks.

PORTS has long been a beacon of innovation, connecting K-12 classrooms with the diverse landscapes and cultural heritage that make up our state's remarkable park system. Now, the new PORTS website takes this experience to a whole new level.

Here is what is new in the PORTS website:

• Filter and search with the PORTSfinder: Navigating the vast array of digital curriculum resources has never been easier. Our updated website introduces a refined search-and-filter functionality, enabling educators to effortlessly find resources tailored to specific grade levels and subjects. From captivating videos to interactive activities and comprehensive lesson plans, the new PORTS website is a treasure trove of educational tools.
• Enhanced user experience: The PORTS team understands the importance of supporting educators in their quest to deliver impactful lessons. The revamped website provides educators with the tools they need to schedule and plan captivating live, interactive video field trips and engaging learning experiences, all while aligning with academic standards and California's rich cultural heritage.
• Email list registration: To ensure educators never miss an opportunity to enrich their teaching tool kit, we invite them to sign up for our PORTS email list. By joining our community of passionate educators, you will be the first to know about new resources, upcoming sessions and program enhancements. Sign up at www.ports.parks.ca.gov/signup and stay connected with us!

We welcome educators across California to join us in exploring the wonders of state parks through the PORTS On-Demand Programs. These free, live interactive programs provide a unique opportunity to immerse your students in the captivating world of California's natural and cultural heritage, all from the comfort of your classroom. Registration begins Friday, September 1, on the new website.

PORTS is dedicated to helping create memorable and impactful learning experiences that resonate with students. By signing up for our programs, educators become a vital part of a dynamic educator community that harnesses the power of California state parks to ignite curiosity and inspire lifelong learning.

Visit www.ports.parks.ca.gov to explore the new website and discover the boundless educational possibilities that await. To learn more about the website, read the full press release here. 

Stay connected and stay curious!

Reagan Ranch Eagle Scout Project in Malibu Creek State Park 

Story from: Bryce Wild, Angeles District

Rebuilt fence completed through Eagle Scout projects. Photo from Mike Malone, park volunteer. 

In 2018, three Boy Scouts took on rebuilding a nearly 400-foot fence at Malibu Creek State Park for their Eagle Scout projects. The three-rail fence represents one portion of an extensive number of fence lines that once stood here when the property was owned by Ronald Reagan from 1951 to 1966. The future California governor and U.S. president sold his ranch to 20th Century Fox as it bordered the movie ranch. In 1974, the studio sold its movie ranch to the State of California.

Five years after the Scouts rebuilt the fence, it was clearly in need of a fresh coat of paint and a realignment and stabilization of up to 50% of its posts. Prospective Eagle Scout Cooper Zee from Los Angeles County Boy Scout Troop 127 accepted the challenge. Over the course of a 90-degree, 10-hour day, the project was successfully completed. A special treat at day's end occurred when one of the three 2018 Scouts, Spencer Driggs, stopped by to thank Cooper and the troop for all their hard work in refurbishing the fence.

Special thanks to park volunteer Mike Malone, who has taken the lead overseeing these Eagle Scout projects over the years. Mike retired from the National Park Service in 2013 after 30 years, the last 16 at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, where he served as the parkwide volunteer manager. Angeles District is grateful for his passion and dedication to our protected lands.

Learn more about Malibu Creek State Park in the "Adventure of the Month" article above. 

Star Party Event at Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Story from: John Hardcastle, North Coast Redwood District

Star Party attendees receiving instruction before stargazing began. Photo from Mary Kaufman, Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Association.

The Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Association (HRIA) hosted a Star Party with Astronomers of Humboldt organization members at Humboldt Redwoods State Park last weekend.

Albee Creek Campground, nestled among old-growth redwoods 32 miles from the closest sizeable town, provided perfect dark skies. The Milky Way was on full display, and the Perseid meteor shower made it an extra exciting night for stargazing. Astronomers of Humboldt brought six large telescopes for viewing and taught participants all about globular clusters, star nurseries, moon phases and distant galaxies.

At the edge of a large field, friendly volunteers greeted visitors with hot chocolate and cookies, and advised them of stargazing and telescope etiquette. To preserve participants’ night vision, red string lights and red lanterns lit the path to different telescope stations, which were focused on different points of interest in the sky.

With over 260 participants joining in on the fun, it was the most popular Star Party at Humboldt Redwoods State Park to date. The event was brought back this year by popular demand, and HRIA Manager Mary Kaufman and the Astronomers of Humboldt intend to hold more Star Party events in summers to come.

A huge thanks to the Astronomers of Humboldt participants, who went out of their way to create a special evening for park visitors and our local community.

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

PARTNER NEWS

Newly Repaired, Storm-Damaged Staircase Restores Coastal Access at Manresa State Beach

Story from: Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

State Parks Director Armando Quintero (left) and California Coastal Commission Director Dr. Kate Huckelbridge at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the news stairs at Manresa State Beach. 

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks announced Tuesday, August 22, in partnership with California State Parks that storm-damaged stairs at Manresa State Beach have been rebuilt, reestablishing public access between the bluff-top campground and the beach.  

California State Parks Director Armando Quintero and California Coastal Commission Director Dr. Kate Huckelbridge visited the state beach on Tuesday to celebrate the repairs. The $1.297 million state-funded project involved completely rebuilding the lower third of the wooden staircase, which was destroyed by El Niño storms in March 2016.

“Projects like this do not happen without partnerships. Incredible partnerships like this are reflected by the beauty of this new staircase,” Quintero said. “Come down and see it.”

The new stairs, built by Robert Botham Construction, feature improved pilings that were drilled into the ground. Construction began in the spring and lasted about four months. The complex project secured Coastal Commission support and permits due to its location within the coastal zone. The Coastal Commission is committed to protecting and enhancing California’s coast and ocean for present and future generations, including ensuring public access to beaches.

"This project is a great example of two state agencies partnering to ensure public access is available for this area of the California coast," Huckelbridge said.

The seasonal 64-site campground at Manresa Uplands is about a half-mile south of Manresa State Beach, a popular day-use area. Reconnecting Manresa Uplands’ campground to the beach via the staircase was a priority for State Parks to provide a high-quality visitor experience.

“It’s exciting to see this project finished because it restores vital coastal access for the public. The dedication of State Parks staff to complete this storm repair despite the complexities of building in an ever-changing coastal environment is admirable,” said Santa Cruz District Superintendent Chris Spohrer. “Creating infrastructure that can withstand climate-driven disasters and sea level rise is the new normal on the California coast, and we will look to this project as a model for how to proceed moving forward.”

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks is an operational partner with State Parks, supporting Manresa Uplands State Beach and more than 30 other state parks and beaches in Santa Cruz and coastal San Mateo counties.

NOW HIRING

To view current job openings within California State Parks, please visit our jobs webpage at www.LiveTheParksLife.com.

State Parks Job Spotlights and Open Exams

JOB SPOTLIGHTS

Associate Personnel Analyst – Apply by Aug. 27, 2023: Are you looking for a rewarding career in personnel where your skills, talents and knowledge of the state’s hiring process can be expanded? The Classification and Hiring Branch is looking for someone highly motivated, enthusiastic and detailed-oriented to join their growing team. This position is responsible for verifying eligibility and minimum qualifications, and sending job offer letters. Click here for more information. Click here to take the Associate Governmental Program Analyst assessment.

Associate Park and Recreation Specialist (NAGPRA Program Lead) – Apply by Aug. 28, 2023: This position will have a leadership role in many capacities but namely within a team of interdisciplinary professionals to fulfill the department's Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and CalNAGPRA responsibilities. Tactful communication, great listening skills and interest in solving complex problems will help when developing, collaborating and maintaining various reports and Tribal relationships. Come make a difference and support the California Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Click here for more information. Click here to take the assessment.

Park Maintenance Supervisor – Apply by Aug. 29, 2023: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains and is most famous for the 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees. If you enjoy supervising, planning and directing the daily operations of a district equipment program and facility maintenance program, then consider applying as the Park Maintenance Supervisor at this park. Click here for more information.

Personnel Specialist – Apply by Aug. 31, 2023: If you are looking for a fast-paced job in a dynamic environment, working independently and in teams to evaluate and process various personnel transactions, then this is the job for you. This position reviews documents for completeness; determines eligibility for reinstatements, transfers and list appointments; processes separations; determines benefit eligibility requirements; reconciles and certifies master payroll (for all assigned unit employees); and researches and resolves payroll discrepancies. Click here for more information. Click here to take the assessment.

Personnel Supervisor II – Apply by Sept. 3, 2023: If you are someone who has excellent interpersonal and supervisory skills, demonstrates knowledge of applicable HR statutes, knows various bargaining unit language and understands the state's human resources and payroll operations, its applications, policies, procedures and transactions codes, then look no further and apply for the Personnel Supervisor II position. Click here for more information. Click here to take the assessment.

Accountant Trainee – Apply by Sept. 11, 2023: Are you interested in a career in accounting? This is a great entry-level opportunity. Help with auditing and processing deposits in a timely manner, ensuring deposit detail report reconciles to check log. Work closely with districts and the supervisor to research, analyze and resolve posting and over remittance issues, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of cash and gain valuable experience to move to the next level in your career. Click here for more information. Click here to take the assessment. 

State Park Interpreter I, II, III – Apply-by dates vary: There are eight vacant positions, located throughout the state that need someone to plan park events, report and maintain interpretive statistics; assist in training staff and volunteers in interpretive methods and techniques; and help with interpretive program oversight and planning, including school programs and tours. Click here for more information. Click here to take the assessment.

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.

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 Maintenance Assistant – Continuous: This classification does routine cleanup and unskilled maintenance and repair and leads a crew of seasonal employees during peak seasons. A valid driver's license, any combination of education and experience in performing housekeeping duties, semiskilled maintenance tasks and the understanding of mechanical relationships are part of what is required to take this exam. Click here for more information.

Park Maintenance Worker I – Continuous: Assessments will begin in September for those who have experience in the construction, building repair or mechanical trades. The exam will test your knowledge of methods, materials and equipment in all types of construction, repair and maintenance work, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting and masonry; use and care of hand and power tools; building materials and their accepted uses; construction and maintenance safety practices; and vehicle engine parts and functions. Click here for more information.

Water and Sewage Plant Supervisor – Continuous: The Water and Sewage Plant Supervisor supervises the operation of a water treatment and/or sewage treatment plant and directs the taking of daily tests of water and sewage and upkeep of equipment. Applicants will need three years of experience operating a water filtration system and State of California Certification for Sewage Treatment Plant Operator and/or Water Treatment Plant Operator. Click here for more information.

EMPLOYMENT TIP: Are you on the wrong career path? Maybe you have a degree in criminal science, but life’s opportunities somehow landed you in something entirely different. The Parks Recruitment Office can help you transition into the Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division so you can put that degree to work. Connect with us at Recruiting@parks.ca.gov.

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!

LIVE THE PARKS LIFE IN STYLE

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

• PORTS: Use “PORTS: Parks Online Resource for Teachers and Students®” on first reference and then “PORTS” for all subsequent references.
• flyer versus flier: "Flyer" is preferred term versus "flier" when referring to advertising handbills. 
• sunblock: 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. 

POSTCARDS

Portola Redwoods State Park

Hanging out with my favorite tree in Peters Creek Loop after cleaning up some graffiti.

Photo from Alexis Gutierrez, Santa Cruz District 

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Trail crew volunteers (left to right) John, Thomas, Jerry and Mike working on a trail reroute in the park.

Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Ernie and his horse, Gus, at Horses 101 program, which is put on by the park's mounted volunteers to introduce the public to horses and learn about trail and campground courtesy. 

Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

Red Rock Canyon State Park

State Park Peace Officer (Ranger) Sam Toscano staffs a road closure due to flooding of the main entrance road during Tropical Storm Hilary.

Photo from Matthew Williams, Great Basin District

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Lovely late bloomers. California harebell from Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

Photo from Kyle Buchanan, North Coast Redwoods District

Sue-meg State Park

Gorgeous sunset from Rim Trail.

Photo from Kevin Manning, camp host

Bolsa Chica State Beach

View of the beach at the tail end of Tropical Storm Hilary. 

Photo from Carl Ulrich, Orange Coast District

Bolsa Chica State Beach

Another gorgeous view of the beach at the tail end of Tropical Storm Hilary. 

Photo from Carl Ulrich, Orange Coast District

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Thundercloud over the park. 

Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Rain from storm over the park.

Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

Here are some State Parks events happening today and this weekend. For a list of more upcoming events, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/events.

Friday, Aug. 25, 2023

• Campfire Program—Silver Strand State Beach at 7 p.m.: Come enjoy a campfire by the bay and meet other visitors (adults and children) to the park. We will play a game to get to know other campers, sing a song and learn about the sea turtles in the San Diego Bay.

Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023

• Auto Safari—Tule Elk State Natural Reserve at 10 a.m.: Join us for an "Auto Safari" tour, which features a brief presentation on the history of the tule elk herd followed by a tour of the visitor center and a guided tour of the reserve to view the magnificent tule elk. Bring binoculars to view the wildlife.

Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023

• Perk Up in the Park—Mount Tamalpais State Park at 8 a.m.: This “Coffee With a Ranger” is offered most Sundays. We will provide hot beverages and answers to questions about the park, or California State Parks in general. Camped at Pantoll and forgot coffee, packed the cocoa too soon or are just really wondering what bird woke you up at 5 a.m.? Stop on by (and bring your own mug if you can)! Hiking, mountain biking, cycling, running or just enjoying Mount Tamalpais and need a little warmth, caffeine or information? Stop on by! For this warm season, we will only be staging at Pantoll, by the kiosk, from 8 to 10:30 a.m. 

NEWS RELEASES

Aug. 19, 2023

• California State Parks Urges Public to Limit Outdoor Activities During Hurricane Hilary
• California State Parks Temporarily Closes All State Beaches in Orange and San Diego Counties due to Hurricane Hilary

Aug. 24, 2023

• Pedestrian Access to Vikingsholm in Emerald Bay State Park to be Temporarily Closed for Trail Repairs

Aug. 25, 2023

• California State Parks Unveils Enhanced PORTS Website Offering Innovative Learning Resources for Teachers and Students

NEWS CLIPS

The Weekly Digest includes a collection of news articles related to the
California Department of Parks and Recreation. The views expressed and opinions do not always reflect that of the department.

To view this week's News Clips, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/NewsClips.

Weekly Digest Article and Photo Submissions

If you have an article or photo you would like to submit for the Weekly Digest, please send your entries via email to WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.

For an article submission, please include:

• Author’s name and division/district.
• All relevant information (e.g., headline, park name, dates, name of event, individuals’ full names and titles, etc.).

Articles should be no longer than 300 words. 

For photos, please include:

• Photo credit info and captions.
• Photo release forms should be kept on file for non-employees or volunteers.

Unless otherwise noted, all photos included in the Weekly Digest are courtesy of the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

The deadline for Weekly Digest submissions is close of business Thursday. For more information, email WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.