Live Dive at Gaviota State Park Educates About Marine Wildlife and Native American Culture
Story from: Parker Grand, Channel Coast District, and Erika Delemarre, Interpretation and Education Division
 Climate Resiliency Program Manager Erika Delemarre showcasing underwater life to viewers above water. Photo from Patrick Webster, volunteer and underwater photographer.
More than 3,000 California students and members of the public tuned into Channel Coast District's first Live Dive underwater interpretive program at Gaviota State Park (SP) on Wednesday, November 1. The PORTScast commenced California Native American Heritage Month and was made in collaboration with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. This marks the first Live Dive program that involves Tribal collaboration. During the program, K-12 classrooms had the opportunity to virtually connect with the culturally important species and ecosystems along the Channel Coast and within the Kashtayit State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA).
Chumash Culture and Language Teachers Isabella Marshall, Levi Zavalla and Tom Lopez shared the important role the coast and ocean have played in Chumash culture since time immemorial. Throughout the program Tom, Isabella and Levi connected what the divers were observing underneath the sea with terms from the Samala language. Levi demonstrated his knife and harpoon points that he made from Monterey chert, a type of sedimentary rock found in the area, while Tom shared his experiences as a paddler crossing the Santa Barbara Channel in traditional redwood plank canoes called tomols. Levi also demonstrated cordage-making using surf grass that had washed ashore.
Participants also had the opportunity to interact with members from the California State Park Dive Team diving just offshore. Climate Resiliency Program Manager Erika Delemarre and volunteer diver and underwater photographer Patrick Webster answered questions and showcased the incredible array of underwater life in the Kashtayit SMCA. Students were treated to views of large and colorful ochre sea stars, multicolored tube worms and massive California mussels growing on the pier pilings. A California two-spot octopus emerged from the kelp forest to pay a surprise visit during the program, and a cormorant came swimming down between the divers in pursuit of schooling perch. The divers also said hello to a well-camouflaged cabezon hiding in a large mussel shell and colorful opalescent nudibranchs searching for their next meal.
Above water, State Park Interpreters Parker Grand and Jennifer Kubel showcased the variety of features of Gaviota SP, including the willow grove, fossil-laden cliffs and the sandy shore. The interpreters shared questions and thoughts with the Tribal members and helped facilitate the conversation between the divers and students interacting with the program virtually from classrooms statewide.
The Channel Coast District expresses its most sincere gratitude to Tom, Levi and Isabella for sharing their stories, expertise and personal experiences during this special cultural program. Members of the California State Park Dive Team ensured safe dive operations while tech-savvy PORTS: Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students® Program staff secured all the necessary audio and video components for a successful PORTScast and learning opportunity for thousands of California's students. A special thank you to everyone who supported this groundbreaking project.
This PORTS Program was livestreamed to YouTube and is available here for viewing.
 Left: Chumash Culture and Language Teachers Tom Lopez (left) and Levi Zavalla sharing a knife and harpoon made from Monterey chert. Photo from Ann Boggess, Channel Coast District. Top right: Pier piling with ochre stars. Photo from Patrick Webster, volunteer and underwater photographer. Bottom right: California two-spot octopus greeting divers. Photo from Patrick Webster, volunteer and underwater photographer.
 Top: The Live Dive team, including, from left to right, James Bray, Phil Hauck, Sydney Hild, Erika Delemarre, Ashley Wemp, Patrick Webster, Tom Lopez, Levi Zavalla and Isabella Marshall. Kneeling in front are Jennifer Kubel (left) and Parker Grand with service dog Saimaa. Bottom (left to right): State Park Interpreter Parker Grand and Chumash Culture and Language Teachers Tom Lopez, Levi Zavalla and Isabella Marshall talking with students during the virtual program. Photos from Ann Boggess, Channel Coast District.
California Boating and Waterways Commission to Meet in San Bernardino County on December 6
Story and photo from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division, and Division of Boating and Waterways
 You are invited to attend the next meeting of the California Boating and Waterways Commission (Commission) on Wednesday, December 6, at 10 a.m., at the San Moritz Lodge in Crestline, California. The public can participate in person or virtually through Zoom or Cal-Span. An optional, in-person tour of Lake Gregory Regional Park begins at 9 a.m., as the Commission considers a grant for facility improvements at the park.
The Commission works year-round to protect public safety and provide resources to California’s recreational boating community. Overseeing this work, the Commission meets quarterly to advise and comment on all Division of Boating and Waterways matters from reports and public feedback.
In addition to the grant proposal for Lake Gregory Regional Park, the meeting agenda includes updates regarding Local Assistance Sewage Management Grants, Local Assistance Boat Launching Facility Grants, the Local Assistance Public Small Craft Harbor Loan Program, Private Small Craft Harbor Loan Program and Shoreline and Erosion Restoration Programs.
The full agenda and further information for participating in the tour and meeting are available at parks.ca.gov/PublicNotices. Meeting sessions are open to the public and accessible to people with disabilities. If specific accommodation is needed, please call (916) 764-5473.
California State Railroad Museum Holds Story Time in Celebration of Native American History Month
Story and photo from: Ileana Maestas, Capital District
 Park Interpretive Specialist Mike Ramirez captivates his audience of tots at California State Railroad Museum’s All Aboard for Story Time! program.
All Aboard for Story Time! is a weekly event held at the California State Railroad Museum (CSRM) in Sacramento, California. The story time takes place every Monday at 11 a.m. as a way for CSRM to engage with toddlers and preschoolers who visit the museum and to encourage their families to visit more often.
In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, Park Interpretive Specialist Mike Ramirez (Konkow Maidu), who is normally stationed at the State Indian Museum State Historic Park, chugged his way over to CSRM as a volunteer storyteller. Mike connected his ancestral story about the land to the railroads as he enthralled an energetic audience of toddlers with Native American creation stories using plush toys and enthusiasm.
Oceano Dunes Rangers and Lifeguards Participate in Multiagency Emergency Training
Story from: Matt Do, Oceano Dunes District
First responders from Oceano Dunes SVRA, CAL FIRE, San Luis Ambulance, CALSTAR Air Ambulance, CHP Coastal Division Air Operations and State Parks Training Section pose in front of their units after completing a multiagency emergency training on the day before Thanksgiving. Photo from Devon Mills, Oceano Dunes District.
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) hosted a mass interagency Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training with local agencies on Wednesday, November 22. In addition to State Parks, the agencies participating included CAL FIRE, San Luis Ambulance, CALSTAR Air Ambulance and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Coastal Division Air Operations.
The training was led by EMS instructors State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Lifeguard (LG) M. Do, SPPO LG J. Hollins, LG II K. Heidler and SPPO (K-9) M. Cueto. With the help of State Parks Training Section’s Medical Director Dr. Allen Chang and Sergeant S. Scoggins, Oceano Dunes SVRA SPPO rangers and seasonal lifeguards received classroom and hands-on EMS training and guidance with a focus on traumatic injuries and multicasualty incidents, which is critical training for an off-highway vehicle (OHV) park.
After the classroom session, rangers and lifeguards met with CALSTAR and CHP helicopters at the Oceano airport. Everyone took the opportunity to walk around the airships, speak with the pilots and flight crew, familiarize themselves with the equipment and cockpit, conduct patient-loading exercises and become proficient in airship/landing zone safety protocols.
Thanks to Oceano Dunes District administration, park aide, interpretation and natural resources staff for jumping in as victim role-players. First responders from each agency were able to take part in a multicasualty incident scenario in the OHV area that consisted of a chaotic traffic collision scene with multiple victims. First responders worked diligently through the mayhem in a calm, professional and organized manner. Responders were tasked with sorting through, treating and making transport decisions for victims based on the severity of their injuries. With the final exercise of loading patients into the helicopters, responders were able to hear up-close the deafening roar of the rotor blades turning and feel the wind gusts and heat from the exhaust. This simulated a “hot load” should they ever have to transfer care of a critical patient to the airship’s advanced life support staff.
All agencies worked together effectively, and everyone who participated exhibited through their actions, professionalism and dedication toward public service and excellence. Oceano Dunes SVRA staff are happy to have great working relations with outside agencies so that we can continue to look for ways to improve and prepare for helping the public in their time of need.
 Clockwise from top left: Paramedic D. Rowley and his crew (CALSTAR Air Ambulance) giving a briefing on patient loading. Photo from Matt Do, Oceano Dunes District. Sgt. S. Scoggins (Training Section) gives a lecture on mass casualty incident protocols. Photo from Matt Do, Oceano Dunes District. CHP Pilots K. Bant and S. Slover with of their H-70 rescue helicopter, H-70. Photo from Matt Do, Oceano Dunes District. A chaotic “crash scene" with nine victims. Photo from Matt Do, Oceano Dunes District. SPPO S. Matis takes a selfie to include all first responders and role-players. Photo from S. Matis, Oceano Dunes District.
State Parks Officers Support Female Riders and Offer Special Skills at Babes in the Dirt Event at Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
Story from: Don Schmidt, Great Basin District
 State Park Peace Officer (Ranger) Haley Del Castillo (right) with hearing impaired riders. Photo from Gabriel Padilla, photographer.
One of the best things about a career as a ranger is that you never know what challenges might be presented to you. State Park Peace Officer (SPPO Ranger) Haley Del Castillo of Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) has had her share of interesting days, but recently she experienced one during the Babes in the Dirt event, October 20-22, that I felt needed to be shared.
We often only focus on the law enforcement aspect of our rangers and forget that our staff has so many other skills they use when required. The public does not often hear about the compassion and respect our state park peace officers use to help our visitors have a better recreation experience.
Haley has been with State Parks for 10 years. She has been working at Hungry Valley SVRA for the last four years, and her duties have included acting as a special event monitor for the Babes in the Dirt event for the last three years. This event began at Hungry Valley in 2014 and hosts upwards of 500 women from across the country and all walks of life. Some of the daily activities include minibike races, fun relay races and lastly, a friendship race, which brings everyone together after a long day of riding.
Most of our SVRAs host large off-road events, but this one is a little different. “This event is awe-inspiring and life-changing for some women," said Haley. "They offer guided trail rides for girls with little riding experience, up to expert riders. This creates a new, empowering and uplifting female community that becomes family. The girls challenge themselves and push each other to new feats. It builds confidence, life experiences and friendships that they take with them and cherish."
During the event, Haley’s supervisor, Ranger John Cunningham, noticed that a couple of the new riders appeared to be deaf and thought Haley could help. One of Haley’s skills is American Sign Language (ASL). It is not often she gets to use ASL on the job, especially with riders on dirt bikes, but her presence at this event could not have been timelier.
“I told the founders of Babes in the Dirt, Ashmore Ellis and Anya Violet, that I knew ASL, and they explained that two girls signed up for a beginner’s riding course with Husqvarna and needed help interpreting," said Haley. "I assisted interpreting for the Husqvarna instructor and was able to give some tips on technique as well since I ride. After their lesson, I kept talking with the girls, and we were all elated with the experience. They are great girls, and I was very impressed with their other hobbies: professional diving and volleyball. They had just come back from the Maldives to attend the Babes in the Dirt event. They love to keep challenging themselves and decided to try dirt biking.”
Haley has ridden with the Babes and the Dirt participants at a different event they host called Dual Sport Summer, so she knows the women who attend and what they get from the commitment. Haley went on to tell me, “The memories and opportunities the women get from these experiences are truly magical. Ashmore and I were laughing together in that it is like the Barbie movie—it’s Barbie Land because all these girls are very incredible and talented woman.”
I have always felt that working in parks is the best career choice anyone could make. We are here to help provide a high-quality recreation experience for our visitors, and I am very glad that Ranger Del Castillo was there to assist with our mission.
 Lifeguard II (in Desert Lifeguard capacity) Maddie McCaw, Huntington State Beach. Photo from Gabriel Padilla, photographer.
State Capitol Holiday Music Program Returns to Entertain Visitors Weekdays Through December 22
Story from: Traci Rockefeller Cusack, T-Rock Communications
 Enjoy a live music program at the California State Capitol this holiday season. Photo from the State Capitol Museum.
Visitors to the California State Capitol in downtown Sacramento will be treated to a festive, fun and free Holiday Music Program on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., now through Friday, December 22. The entertaining live performances take place on the first floor in the Capitol Rotunda.
To set a festive stage and spread holiday cheer, beautiful vintage decorations create a lovely backdrop for a variety of diverse and amazing holiday musical performances. Each day, visitors will enjoy live musical entertainment that includes string ensembles, solo guitarists, choruses, choirs, bell ringers, harps, accordions, Broadway-style song and dance, baroque and brass ensembles, talented school choirs, barbershop harmony and much more.
The State Capitol Museum and California State Parks make this special holiday experience possible in association with the California State Legislature Joint Rules Committee, the Governor’s Office and the Department of General Services, who have worked collaboratively to preserve holiday traditions inside the State Capitol.
For more information about scheduled performances, please call (916) 324-0333 or visit www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov.
Special ‘Music in the Mission’ Program at Sonoma State Historic Park
Story and photos from: Dave Duplantier, Bay Area District
 Senior State Park Aide Jazelle Lieske performing at the chapel of Mission San Francisco Solano.
Having a beautiful music program at the Mission San Francisco Solano chapel at Sonoma State Historic Park (SHP) is always wonderful. However, an event in early November had an even more special meaning, as one of our own State Parks family was the performer. Senior State Park Aide Jazelle Lieske took us on a magical journey of story songs that she presented in the bardic tradition. Jazelle is a local Sonoma County singer and songwriter. She has recently released her new CD of original songs.
Jazelle performed 14 songs both original and traditional to the delight of over 50 attendees. She weaved tales of longing, hope and triumph through the sharing of familiar folk songs and beautifully crafted originals. Many in the audience closed their eyes and felt the music echo around the chapel walls, allowing imagination to carry them into ancient times and mysterious new worlds.
Not only is Jazelle an accomplished musician, but she is a sign painter and illustrator by trade, which our staff can attest to as she creates wonderful advertisement boards for our programs and events at Sonoma SHP. Furthermore, Jazelle is not musically trained and writes songs from an emotional and intuitive place. She said, “I usually start with a melody either in my head or worked out on the guitar.” Her methodology is “to say as much as you can with as little as possible.” Jazelle truly wanted to honor and respect the Mission chapel as such a special venue. She explained, “The acoustics are amazing, essentially giving the place its own very unique voice.”
Lastly, Jazelle added that she was very excited and honored to have the opportunity to share her music with others in this beautiful chapel. Truly the honor was ours, Jazelle. Thank you!
Santa Cruz District Staff Participates in Advanced Carpentry Skills Training
Story from: Ricky Roldan, Training Section
 A visitor (see red arrow) spotted beside the trees during a class group photo. Photo from Ricky Roldan and Kat Ventura, Training Section.
The Advanced Carpentry Skills Group 15 training was held at Big Basin Redwoods State Park (SP) from October 30 through November 3. The training consisted of continuing projects initiated in August with preselected Basic/Advanced Carpentry trainings including local district staff and presented by Project Lead Instructor Joe Lechuga. Projects included reconstructing seven cabins located at Saddle Mountain in Big Basin Redwoods SP and replacing Portola Redwoods SP’s visitor center’s historic roof.
Lead instructor Lawrence “Sparky’’ Ross, alongside multiple skilled State Parks instructors, trained Santa Cruz District staff on replacing all the cabins with new wiring of armored cable, creating multiple outlet replacements, updating current light fixtures and installing new wall heaters. The first day of the Advanced Carpentry Skills Group 15 class consisted of learning how to properly use work tools during on-the-job sites and how to secure the cabin’s structure. Joe and the instructors began on-site with the district’s park aides, seasonal staff, resources staff and foresters. Staff were trained in safely gutting cabins, including tearing down old cabin metal roofs, removing inside plywood walls, pulling out old insulation and detaching decayed cabin sidings. Students broke out into smaller groups of seven to nine rotations through the week. Projects included replacing metal roofing on historic buildings, saw cutting, placing new tongue and groove boards, securing new sheets of plywood, positioning felt and shingle comps onto cabin roofs, installing and hanging inner drywall, taping and mudding inside interior walls, measuring and replacing new sidings on cabin’s exterior walls, positioning trims around current installed windows and doors with new inserted lock sets, and more.
The Training Section and our instructors, Joe Lechuga, Jonathan Lechuga, Richard Barry, Denise Cox, Jason Constant, Rob Hunzeker, Jason Valdovinos, Anthony Lechuga, Lawrence “Sparky” Ross and John Murphy, and all our participants of the Advanced Carpentry Skills Group 15 would like to extend our gratitude to Santa Cruz District Maintenance Chief II Juan Villarino and Park Maintenance Supervisor (Acting) Ben Gonzales for their hard work in hosting, preparing and making the on-site project possible for Advanced Carpentry Skills training.
Please check your FOCUS calendar for the spring and fall 2024 Maintenance classes. Classes fill quickly. If you have any questions, please email ricky.roldan@parks.ca.gov.
 Top left: Class working on the roof top positioning and securing comp shingles. Top middle: Trims were positioned throughout the cabin’s exterior. Top right: Instructor Breanna Cheatham measuring and cutting comp shingles. Bottom right: Student Desirae Renta replacing new roofing boards. Bottom left: Portola Redwoods State Park historic visitor center's newly installed tongue and groove boards. Photos from Ricky Roldan and Kat Ventura, Training Section.
Sonoma State Historic Park Hosts 32nd Annual Victorian Christmas Craft Workshop
Story and photos from: Yvonne Bowers, Sonoma Petaluma Parks Inc.
 Parks staff and volunteers gather for a group photo at the 32nd Annual Victorian Christmas Crafts Workshop.
Sonoma Petaluma Parks Inc., in conjunction with Sonoma State Historic Park, hosted the 32nd Annual Victorian Christmas Crafts Workshop on Sunday, November 12, at Lachryma Montis (“mountain tear”), aka General Vallejo’s Home. The workshop is held annually in memory of Kay Archibald, who started the event, and is a lovely way to share the historic park with the community.
It was a beautiful day in Sonoma as children, parents and grandparents enjoyed creating ornaments and gift crafts at more than 15 craft tables. Santa once again paid a visit, and everyone enjoyed complimentary cookies and beverages.
Thank you to all the docents and volunteers, including State Parks staff, who help make this such a wonderful event each year.
 Top left: Parks Groundskeeper Erin Mitchell and her daughter, Shiloh. Top right: Park Aide Denise Fowler at one of the many crafts tables at the workshop. Bottom left: Kids gather at Sonoma Petaluma Parks Inc.'s Shawn Gernhardt and Anne Cox’s Monarch the Bear activity. Bottom right: Denise Fowler, Interpreter I Jennifer Hanson, Erin Mitchell and Maintenance Mechanic Pablo Perez from Bay Area District pose for a group photo at the event.
Longtime State Parks Volunteers Offer Tips for Places to Visit
Story and photo from: Dick Sacco, Volunteer in Parks
Volunteer Shirley Sacco bikes through the peaceful Rockefeller Forest in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Rockefeller Forest in Humboldt Redwoods State Park is one of a kind and that is why my wife, Shirley, and I have biked it many times over the last 28 years. It is like going back a thousand years in time!
With 10,000 acres of old-growth trees, Rockefeller is the largest single stand of coast redwoods on the planet, just waiting for you to bike up Mattole Road and enjoy their splendor. Can you imagine what it’s like to ride between trees that tower over you, many in the 350-foot range? There are no coffee shops or pizza places along the way. Just peace and tranquility.
When you are done for the day, nearby Albee Creek and Burlington Campgrounds provide real camping in a tent under the tall trees. Had not the founders of the Save the Redwoods League led the fight to save these magnificent giants, we would today be biking through a devastated stand of stumps.
Shirley feels that we should never forget the generosity of John D. Rockefeller Jr., who contributed so much to save these trees from the sawmill. Now it is time for me to get on my bike and catch up to her as she sets a fast pace up the road through the forest!
Editor’s note: Dick and Shirley Sacco have been part of the Volunteers in Parks Program for 28 years in Humboldt Redwoods State Park and 18 years in Orange Coast District. The New York Times recently published this story. The Saccos currently live in San Clemente, California.
San Luis Obispo Coast District Reminds Us to ‘Clean Up Crumbs’
Story from: Robin Hazard, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 San Luis Obispo Coast District encourages park visitors to "Clean Up Crumbs’" with their sticker designs, featuring the California ground squirrel, a racoon, an American crow and the western gull for the Crumb Clean Campaign. Designs from San Luis Obispo Coast District.
Have you ever witnessed wildlife snacking on human food in the park? Whether intentionally fed or not, it is almost inevitable that wildlife will find themselves eating peanuts, chips or a leftover sandwich. In spring 2021, we at San Luis Obispo Coast District decided to get together to create fun and engaging media to help educate park users about the risks involved with unintentional and intentional feeding. We decided to contribute to the statewide Crumb Clean Campaign by adding graphics and messaging for visitors to enjoy.
A team of environmental scientists, maintenance and law enforcement staff, and interpreters decided on a powerful message that would span across different groups. The Crumb Clean Campaign aims to mitigate wildlife feeding with the three E’s: Engineering, Education and Enforcement.
The campaign produced four sticker designs, each featuring a different campground critter often found sneaking in to snatch human food. The animals featured in this series are the California ground squirrel, western gull, American crow and raccoon. The stickers simply say "Human Food Hurts Me – Clean Up Crumbs," conveying that even though someone may not be deliberately hand-feeding squirrels, they may still be unintentionally leaving crumbs behind.
These stickers have been enjoyed by kids and adults alike in campgrounds and beyond. They are such a success that they have even became a bit of a collector’s item. Who knows, they might make their way to a reusable water bottle near you!
The next time you find yourself in one of your parks, notice the behavior of the wildlife around you. Are they eagerly waiting for a handout? Let’s work together to keep wildlife wild by cutting out the convenience of human food and remembering to "Clean Up Crumbs.”
 PARTNER NEWS
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
 Join the California State Library for a live webinar "California's Environmental Heritage: Indigenous Wisdom, Historical Impact, and Future Sustainability," on Wednesday, December 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. PST.
Join panelists as they discuss the environmental legacy of settler colonialism in California, including its impact on current land and water management policy, through the lens of Indigenous practices and perspectives.
Panelists and topics will include:
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Dr. Melinda Adams: Indigenous Cultural Fire: Environment and the Legacy of Settler Colonialism in California
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Dr. Brittani Orona: Transforming Our Rivers: Settler Colonialism and Water Infrastructure in Northwestern California
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Rose Ramirez: The Effects of Contemporary Colonial Mentality on White Sage x
For more information and to register, visit https://libraryca.libcal.com/event/11406831.
 Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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