Big Basin Facilities Management Plan Underway: Participate Through Online Survey Closing October 1
Story from: Garret Hammack, Santa Cruz District
The Big Basin Facilities Management Plan (BBFMP) process is underway to plan, according to the Reimagining Big Basin Vision Summary completed in 2022, the rebuilding of facilities lost in the 2020 CZU Fire. The BBFMP will assess site opportunities, constraints, environmental considerations and visitor experiences to plan for new facilities that provide recreational experiences in the park while focusing on strategies to increase the resilience of the old-growth redwood forest and to increase equity in access to the park.
The public still has time to complete the Big Basin Facilities Management Plan Online Survey and be part of the process. Fill out the survey here (available in English or Spanish) or at the button above through Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023. Feedback from this engagement effort will feed directly into the project-planning framework that will help inform the final facilities plan.
This survey is the first stage of outreach as part of a two-year planning effort. This first stage will culminate in a “Basis of Design” document that will inform the development of design alternatives, then a final plan with an environmental review. Once a finalized plan is adopted, design and construction of facilities can move forward.
For the most recent updates on the Big Basin Redwoods State Park planning process or for opportunities to stay involved and informed, please visit ReimaginingBigBasin.org.
California State Park and Recreation Commission Presents Six Recipients With 2022 Golden Bear Award
Story from: Sonya Jones, Strategic Planning and Recreation Services Division
 Top (left to right): California State Parks Director Armando Quintero, California State Park and Recreation Commission (CSPRC) Vice Chairperson Francesca Vietor, Executive Director Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship Matt De Young, CSPR Commissioner Jeff Williams, CSPRC Chairperson Phil Ginsburg, CSPR Commissioner Christina Jaromay and CSPR Commissioner Sara Barth. Bottom (left to right): CSPRC Vice Chairperson Francesca Vietor, CSPRC Chairperson Phil Ginsburg, CSPR Commissioner Christina Jaromay, CSPR Commissioner Jeff Williams in back and Desert Division Golden Bear Award recipient Mark Faull.
As a California State Park and Recreation Commission (Commission) program, the Golden Bear Awards recognize and celebrate outstanding contributions of external organizations, employees or retirees from State Parks, volunteers, legislators and individuals who have made positive impacts to the State Park System and programs that promote recreation.
This week, members of the Commission presented six awards to current and past State Parks employees, volunteers and members of the public during the Commission’s public meeting in Berkeley, California, on Thursday, September 21.
Congratulations to the Golden Bear Award recipients:
Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship received the Central Division Golden Bear Award and was recognized for its incredible support of the Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (SP) following the CZU Lightning Fire Complex in 2020. This team provided vital support to State Parks staff working in areas affected by the wildfire, felling trees, creating burn piles, removing hazards, restoring charred trails and rebuilding park features. The team ensured the restoration was suitable for a wide range of visitors and even built a new bridge to increase access for equestrian users.
Dr. Jarrell Jackman, who received the Coastal Division Golden Bear Award, devoted 35 years to the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (Preservation), where he served first as a project administrator, then CEO. State Parks has had a longstanding partnership with the Preservation for the restoration, reconstruction, interpretation and preservation of El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park. Dr. Jackman actively engaged in the ongoing rebuilding of the Santa Barbara Presidio, was influential in property acquisitions and implemented a research program at the park, with a goal of interpreting the history of different populations in the area.
Mark Faull, who received the Desert Division Golden Bear Award, began his career with State Parks in 1976, when he worked as a State Parks ranger in various park units in the Northern Division. Mark spent the last 20 years of his career at Red Rock Canyon SP as an associate resource ecologist. His devotion to research, interpretation and education was inspiring to colleagues, park visitors and community members. Mark prioritized youth and education at Red Rock Canyon SP and as a result, was able to bring thousands of elementary and college students to the park. He motivated students to visit their state parks as often as possible, encouraging them to become stewards of our public lands. Mark is also known for the extensive research he has completed at the park. His expertise led to the creation of a database that houses information on flora at the park; Mark continues to update the database to this day. Mark is known by others as a jewel of humanity and has surely inspired those around him to appreciate and protect the natural world around us.
Tom Trakes, former state employee and volunteer, received the Desert Division Golden Bear Award. He dedicated over 30 years of his career to managing the San Jacinto Wildlife Area, prioritizing wildlife protection and making meaningful connections with volunteers and visitors. Tom could relate to all visitors, no matter what their preferred choice of recreation was and is widely known in the surrounding community. Tom has surely inspired others to become active stewards of the outdoors.
State Park Peace Officer (Ranger) Andrea Mapes, who received the Northern Division Golden Bear Award, has contributed significantly to park operations within the Eel River Sector of the North Coast Redwoods District and is widely known as a motivator and mentor to staff and volunteers. Andrea is knowledgeable across all program areas and actively works to ensure operational needs are met at all levels. Her leadership and keen ability to foster relationships among all levels of staff have made a lasting impact on the district.
Jeanne Marie Ekstrom, who received the Statewide Golden Bear Award, dedicated 46 years to State Parks; she started as a seasonal maintenance aide in 1978, then later became a permanent employee in 1981. Before retiring, Jeanne was a project officer for the department’s Office of Grants and Local Services. Through Jeanne’s diverse work experience and demonstration of leadership, with no expectation of recognition, she has touched the lives of many. Jeanne is a special person to many, someone whom her peers and colleagues can count on and a remarkable example of public service.
The Commission looks forward to announcing the nomination period for the 2023 awards at the next public meeting in December. Recipients of the awards will receive a certificate commemorating their contributions. To learn more about the history, qualifications and how to nominate candidates for a Golden Bear Award, click here.
 Top left (left to right): California State Parks Director Armando Quintero, California State Park and Recreation Commission (CSPRC) Vice Chairperson Francesca Vietor, Michele Jackman, Coastal Division Golden Bear Award recipient Dr. Jarrell Jackman, CSPR Commissioner Christina Jaromay, CSPRC Chairperson Phil Ginsburg, CSPR Commissioner Sara Barth and CSPR Commissioner Jeff Williams. Top right (left to right): CSPRC Chairperson Phil Ginsburg, CSPR Commissioner Jeff Williams in back and Coastal Division Golden Bear Award recipient Dr. Jarrell Jackman. Bottom left: CSPR Commissioner Christina Jaromay watches as Statewide Golden Bear Award recipient Jeanne Marie Ekstrom accepts her award. Bottom right: Statewide Golden Bear Award recipient Jeanne Marie Ekstrom.
Training Section's Masonry Skills Group 16 Shores Up at Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
Story and photos from: Ricky Roldan, Training Section
 Top: First maintenance class of the year. Bottom left: Masonry Group 16 class setting concrete forms for future buildings. Bottom right: The class finishing up on the concrete surface pouring slab.
The first masonry skills training class of the year took place from August 20 to September 1 at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park (SP) in South Lake Tahoe. The Masonry Skills Group 16 began their first day of training with the instructors’ and guest speakers’ introductions. The opening instructors explained the masonry and concrete skills agenda, final project, safety procedures, California Environmental Quality Act processes, project evaluation forms and permitting.
The first day of class was held at Donner Memorial SP. Our opening speakers from the Sierra District included District Maintenance Chief III Tim Reynolds, Skilled Laborer Duanne Seals, Water and Sewer Treatment Supervisor Graham Payne and Project Lead Instructor Joe Lechuga. The instructors included Duanne Seals, Jonathan Lechuga, Anthony Lechuga, Juan Lopez, Jason Valdovinos, Ericca Franco and Breanna Cheatham. The class participated in discussions of terminology and methods of masonry and safety. Afterward, Donner Memorial SP Interpreter Nick Potter gave the class a walking tour that included the project site at Ed Z’ berg Sugar Pine Point SP.
Participants were able to work on setting material, using the proper tools, estimating layout and form construction, mixing and placing, finishing, setting and handling stone/rock material, with a lot of daily on-site cleanups. The class of 30 broke out into four daily rotating lab groups. The first lab group was shown and taught how to set elevation’s square and forms for a building foundation. A second group set forms and layout of building in preparation for the concrete setting, while the third group laid out and dug piers for the foundational supports and put in place all rebar per the blueprint. The last group of four learned how to set granite stones for a patio area, setting flow lines and setting brick walls. On the final day, the groups rotated in pouring 47 yards of concrete. They also rotated in competing the finishing work.
The Training Section and the participants of Masonry Skills Group 16 would like to extend a big thank you to the staff at Ed Z’ berg Sugar Pine Point SP and the Sierra District for their hard work in preparing and hosting the training.
Please check your FOCUS calendar for the fall 2023 and spring 2024 Maintenance upcoming classes and updates. Classes fill quickly. If you have any questions, please email Ricky Roldan at ricky.roldan@parks.ca.gov.
 Top left: The class prepares and constructs a granite stone patio. Bottom left: Masonry Group 16's first day of class at Donner Memorial State Park (SP). Right: The group takes a guided historical tour around Donner Memorial SP.
 Left: Instructor Breanna Cheatham powering through the hard soil materials, operating a jack hammer. Top right: Instructor Ericca Franco sets up the laser level for shooting the grade level. Bottom right: Students Charles Patacsil, Heidi Rodarmer and Karina Ludeke setting out rebar to prep for the concrete pour.
Division of Boating and Waterways Honors Napa County Sheriff Office Deputies for Life-Saving Actions
Story from: Joanna Andrade, Division of Boating and Waterways
 From left to right: Napa County Sheriff Oscar Ortiz, Napa County Sheriff’s Office Marine Deputy Brian Ringo, Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) Boating Safety Unit Chief Zach Mundy, DBW Administration Chief Maria Perez, DBW Boating Safety Unit Manager Joanna Andrade, Napa County Sheriff’s Office Marine Deputy Joseph Schiavoni and Napa County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Erik Olson. Photo from Henry Wofford, Napa County Sheriff’s Office.
State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways was honored to present on Monday, August 28, Napa County Sheriff’s Office Marine Deputies Brian Ringo and Joseph Schiavoni with the Award of Commendation on behalf of the Western State Boating Administrators Association. Deputies Ringo and Schiavoni were recognized for life-saving measures they performed during a major injury vessel accident on Lake Berryessa. The deputies’ response led to the 33-year-old pregnant victim and her unborn baby surviving catastrophic injury.
At approximately 12:20 p.m. on June 17, 2022, dispatch began receiving numerous 911 calls—many of which were dropped due to poor reception—regarding a four-months' pregnant woman who had sustained a prop cut from a vessel and was still in the water. Deputies Ringo and Schiavoni both immediately responded to the 911 call coordinates. Upon arrival, Schiavoni and Ringo found the victim on board the involved vessel in critical condition.
Finding there was no easy access to board the two-story pontoon boat and transfer the victim due to the boat’s high freeboard and rail, Schiavoni directed the operator to reverse the vessel so the back of the vessel would become accessible to his patrol vessel’s gunwale. Ringo boarded and began providing medical aid, and after Schiavoni secured the patrol vessel, he immediately loaded the victim on a backboard and onto the patrol vessel. Schiavoni proceeded on way to a nearby rocky peninsula where the California Highway Patrol’s helicopter had just landed. The victim was transported to Kaiser hospital.
The victim’s legs were miraculously saved, and she recovered to the point where she can now walk. More importantly, the unborn baby had survived. Following the incident, Flight Officer Bouyea stated that Deputy Ringo’s tourniquet application and both deputies’ expeditious actions to get the victim to the helicopter had saved both her and her unborn baby’s life.
The heroic actions by Deputies Ringo and Schiavoni undoubtedly saved the lives of both the female victim and her unborn infant, and they are commended for their incredible response to this horrific accident.
Special Event-Filled Weekend at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Story from: Peter Stewart, Central Valley District
 Left: Lifeguard Thomas Cunningham and K-9 Doc demonstrate Doc’s abilities. Top right: DeLorean on the tracks for "Back to 1885." Bottom right: Model T on the track for the California State Railroad Museum Foundation Members Day. Photos from Peter Stewart, Central Valley District.
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park (SHP) experienced an extremely busy weekend September 9-10, with two special events back-to-back. Staff and volunteer docents hosted California State Railroad Museum Foundation (CSRMF) Members’ Day on Saturday and the private “Back to 1885” event on Sunday.
On Members’ Day, CSRMF members explored the park and were greeted with special displays and experiences. State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguard) and K-9 handler Thomas Cunningham came from San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area and, with the help of Lifeguard Diego Soberanes, demonstrated K-9 Doc’s abilities. Members learned about the Central Valley District at a booth organized by our Public Information/Marketing Director Amber Sprock. Booth special guests included Natural Resources Manager Heather Reith and Cultural Resources Manager Lee Eal, who shared the crucial work being done throughout the district. CSRMF members joined tours throughout the day, watched the ring of fire as we heated up a railroad tire, visited the blacksmith forge, viewed the historic No. 34 locomotive and Model T, and more.
On Saturday afternoon, the humidity increased, sprinkles fell, and a lightening show started. The lightening knocked out electricity across Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties, including at Railtown1897 SHP. Railtown 1897 SHP was still without electricity on Sunday during the “Back to 1885” event organized by Terry and Oliver Holler to support the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. A replica DeLorean was on display, and staff opened Clara’s Train Car, one of the park’s historical train cars. About 400 people visited the park on Sunday. Even though the electricity remained off and was an extra challenge, but staff and volunteers made it all happen. Overall, it was a great day.
 Lifeguard Diego Soberanes in a training bite suite with K-9 Doc during a demonstration at Railtown 1897 SHP. Photo from Amber Sprock, Central Valley District.
Division of Boating and Waterways Aims to Prevent Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation at Town Hall Event in Discovery Bay
Story and photo from: Timothy Giles, Division of Boating and Waterways
 DBW Environmental Services Intern Brandy Vang helps staff the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation prevention booth in Discovery Bay on Saturday, September 16.
The Quagga and Zebra (QZ) Unit of the Division of Boating and Waterways’ (DBW’s) QZ Mussel Prevention Grant Program was invited to share their knowledge and expertise on aquatic invasive species at the Town Hall Event hosted by the Town of Discovery Bay on Saturday, September 16.
The QZ team set up a display with various materials and resources to educate the public about the impacts of quagga and zebra mussels on the environment, infrastructure and economy. The team also answered questions from attendees, both boaters and nonboaters, who were curious about the origin, spread and prevention of these invasive mussels. The QZ team also provided important messaging about the Mussel Fee Sticker, which is required of Department of Motor Vehicles-registered vessels boating in fresh water.
The QZ team provided information on other topics related to boating and waterways, such as boating safety, aquatic invasive plant control, the Clean and Green Program and the California Boater Card.
Railway Terminal at Bodie State Historic Park Gets New Old Windows
Story from: Alex Neeb, Sierra District
 Bodie Rail Office with newly reinstalled windows. Photo from Tim White, Capital District
After several years, the Bodie Railway Terminal building at Bodie State Historic Park (SHP) finally has second-floor windows again. Last week, Capital District Restoration Supervisor Tim White, Bay Area District Restoration Work Specialist Tim Wood, Sierra District Park Maintenance Assistant Melinda Meyer and I, the Sierra District cultural resources chief, reinstalled 10 windows that were reconstructed or replicated during the May 2023 Historic Wood Windows training at Malakoff Diggins SHP.
The Bodie rail office 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 Douglas-fir milled to the same profile.
We painstakingly reassembled, reglazed and rehung 20 sashes. As is common with many historic buildings, the window openings were not level or straight, so it required a bit of gentle cajoling and careful wood planing to make the windows fit.
While the installation took many hours to complete, the team camped overnight with the ghosts—and cows (see postcard below). Many thanks to Tim White and the entire project team for getting these windows across the finish line.
 Left (top and bottom): Restored windows await their placement among the arrested decay. Right: Tim Wood carefully fits the last window sash into place. Photos from Alex Neeb, Sierra District.
 One of the windows before (left) and after (right). Photos from Tim White, Capital District.
 Newly installed windows with wavy restoration glass reflecting the sunlight. Photo from Tim White, Capital District.
Adventure Pass Goes LIVE! to Explore Clear Lake State Park With Livestream Event on September 28
Story from: Daniel Williford, Interpretation and Education Division
 Come along on our next Adventure Pass Exploration LIVE! happening Thursday, September 28, at noon. Located on the shores of California’s largest freshwater lake, we will visit Clear Lake State Park (SP). The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, geologic intrigue, rich cultural history and many water and land-based recreational opportunities.
Clear Lake SP Interpreter Tiana Cicco will share some of the fun a fourth grade California State Park Adventure Pass user can have in this park of numerous exciting interpretive and recreational adventure possibilities.
Our monthly broadcast is aimed to educate fourth graders, their families and the general public about the California State Park Adventure Pass. These engaging virtual park visits can be viewed on either the department's Facebook page or the PORTS: Parks Online Resource for Teachers and Students® Facebook page.
To learn more about the Adventure Pass, go to California State Park Adventure Pass. Share this information with every fourth grader in your life to make sure they know about this free pass!
Old Sacramento State Historic Park Hosts Its First ‘Field Day With the Badges’
Story from: Paul Wissler, Capital District
 The Capital District Public Safety Team in front of the Union Pacific caboose. Left to right: State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) (Ranger) Matt Pasquarella and K-9 Hugo, State Park Superintendent III Paul Wissler, SPPO Ranger Supervisor Hannah Rizzo and SPPO Ranger Karsten Banz. Photo from Francesca Martella, Capital District.
Sacramento area law enforcement converged in Old Sacramento State Historic Park (SHP) on Sunday, September 17. However, the heavy law enforcement presence consisting of multiple agencies was not for an active incident but to reach out to visitors and the community at the “Field Day With the Badges” event.
Capital District provides a unique urban park environment where our state park peace officers (rangers) interact with law enforcement partners at the Sacramento Police Department (PD) and California Highway Patrol (CHP) on a regular basis. With the coordinating support of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership and assistance by the California State Railroad Museum Foundation (CSRMF), this cooperation between law enforcement agencies spurred the creation of the first “Field Day With the Badges” event.
The event was put together to provide the community with an opportunity to come and meet their local first responders in the Sacramento downtown area. Participating agencies and units included the Sacramento PD SWAT, K-9, Recruiting, and Mounted Units; officers from the CHP Capitol Protection Section; and State Parks’ Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division and Capital District.
The CSRMF provided free railroad turntable rides and State Parks and Sacramento PD K-9 teams put on K-9 demonstrations throughout the day. Attendees were invited to take a look in the Sacramento PD’s SWAT Team “Bearcat” armored vehicle, as well as practice their off-roading skills at the OHMVR Division's booth’s remote-control Jeep course. Members from each agency’s recruiting staff were also present to speak to potential applicants about their respective departments in a time where many public safety agencies are facing increased officer vacancies.
Public safety staff from each agency works together every day to provide a safe and pleasant resident and visitor experience in downtown Sacramento. Capital District was happy to host our public safety partners at the event and to have the opportunity to make meaningful connections with our shared community.
 Left: Capital District SPPO (Ranger) Matt Pasquarella and his K-9 partner, Hugo, show off their skills, including “puppy push-ups” to the crowd. Top right (left to right): Recruitment Analyst Jose Hernandez from the Workforce Planning and Recruitment Office and Office Technician Michael Dufau of Capital District work the recruitment information booth at the event. Bottom right (left to right): OHMVR Division State Park Interpreter I Don Schmidt and SPPO (Ranger) Alexandra Robertson share safe and responsible off-roading tips as well as assist visitors with the remote-control Jeep course. Photos from Paul Wissler, Capital District.
 PARTNER NEWS
California Department of Fish and Wildlife Announces Availability of $8.6 Million in Grant Funding for Improving Boating Access Statewide
Story from: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
 The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced the availability of up to $8.6 million in funding for projects to improve public access for recreational boaters statewide. CDFW’s Boating Access Grant Program will reimburse the costs of projects that seek to acquire, develop, renovate, maintain or improve facilities that create or enhance public access to California waters or advance the suitability of waters for recreational boating.
CDFW is accepting proposals through Nov. 3, 2023, for the 2023-2024 Boating Access Grant Program. CDFW will also hold a Public Solicitation Workshop on Wednesday, October 4, at 10:30 a.m. to provide an overview of the program, including eligible activities, program requirements and the grant process.
“California’s waterways, from our coastline to majestic lakes and a vast network of rivers, provide unparalleled recreational opportunities for every boater,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “Ensuring safe and reliable access for our anglers and every boater statewide remains a high priority.”
Supported with federal funds through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program, funding for the program comes from revenue via taxes on sport fishing equipment, fishing tackle, pleasure boats and the portion of the gasoline fuel tax attributable to small engines and motorboats. The Boating Access Program provides funding for a broad range of access facilities and associated amenities that benefit recreational boaters. To find out more about eligible activities, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/
Grants/Boating-Access.
For questions on CDFW’s Boating Access Grant Program, please email boatingaccess@
wildlife.ca.gov. To read the full press release, click here.
 Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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