State Parks Staff Participates in Interpreting Climate Change Training at Mott Training Center
Story from: Cryssie Moreno and Erika Delemarre, Interpretation and Education Division
 Interpreter II Daniel Williford talks to the training participants about climate change impacts at Point Lobos State Marine Reserve. Photo from Erika Delemarre, Interpretation and Education Division.
After seven weeks of independent study, State Parks staff from coastal park districts convened at Mott Training Center from November 28 to December 1 to collectively complete their University of California (UC) Climate Stewards certification. The 26 trainees were empowered with skills and information that will help them deliver effective climate change communication and interpretive programs in their coastal park units.
During the in-person training, participants spent a day exploring the Monterey Bay coastline. The insightful site visits began at Seacliff State Beach, where they observed the aftermath of the winter storms of January 2023 and gained valuable insights into Santa Cruz District’s outreach and resiliency initiatives. The journey continued south to Elkhorn Slough, where trainees learned about wetland restoration and collaborative efforts among partners. On the final stop of the day, the group explored climate change impacts and interpretation techniques at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
On the final day of the training, the participants presented their stewardship projects, which varied from coastal climate change interpretive programs to initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. The graduates then received their UC Climate Stewards certifications and pins.
This was the first section of three trainings being offered by State Parks in partnership with UC Climate Stewards, a training program offered by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. Training topics include climate change communication, earth and climate systems, community resilience and engagement. The course is designed to shape our work toward equity, inclusivity, accessibility and community and ecosystem resilience.
There are two additional sections of Interpreting Climate Change training now open for registration on FOCUS, which will take place in the coming year. The next section beginning in late January will provide State Parks staff with the standard UC Climate Stewards coursework, with a special focus on forest resiliency and wildfire. Following the self-paced online coursework, trainees will meet in person at a retreat center in Sonoma County in late March. The third section of the class will be offered next fall and will focus on extreme heat and drought, with the in-person portion of the training taking place in Southern California.
Both upcoming sections of the Climate Change Interpretation Training will emphasize both climate science and communication techniques. The comprehensive content, tools and best practices provided are designed to be beneficial for staff engaged in interpretation, natural resources and other roles that involve interactions with the public.
For more information, contact Climate Resiliency Program Manager Erika Delemarre at Erika.Delemarre@parks.ca.gov.
 Training participants on a field trip at Seacliff State Beach. Photo from Sarah-Mae Nelson, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.
 Information on UC Climate Stewards courses. Sign up on FOCUS.
Natural Resources Division Hosts Estuaries Stewardship Workshop in Santa Cruz
Story from: Nick DaSilva and Marina Cazorla, Natural Resources Division
 Santa Cruz District Natural Resources Program Manager Tim Hyland shares observations about climate impacts on estuaries with colleagues and partners during the estuaries workshop. Photo from Jay Chamberlin, Natural Resources Division.
California State Parks’ Natural Resources Division hosted the 2023 State Parks Estuaries Workshop in partnership with Parks California at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, in Santa Cruz, California on Tuesday, December 5. This in-person event convened about 80 participants—made up of State Parks staff and government, academic, Tribal and nonprofit partners—to discuss advances in estuarine science and foster collaboration and stewardship for estuaries affiliated with the State Park System.
Estuaries are among California’s most biodiverse coastal habitats and provide many benefits and values. In addition to their cultural and recreational significance for the public, estuaries provide important habitat for countless species, offer critical linkages between the ocean and terrestrial watersheds, and strengthen coastal resilience in multiple ways. State Parks manages more estuaries than any other entity in the state, with more than 150 estuaries affiliated with 98 coastal units and 44% of the small bar-built estuaries along the California coast. The department thus plays a critical leadership role in protecting and restoring these significant ecosystems.
California Sea Grant Fellow Tarynn Kimmick and Senior Environmental Scientist Specialist Nicholas DaSilva led much of the program, which included presentations in which State Parks and external partners shared their work restoring, conserving, advocating for and researching California estuaries. A panel discussed models for collaboration and partnership, and subsequent breakout discussions addressed:
- Strengthening regional collaboration.
- Identifying challenges and solutions affiliated with climate change.
- Brainstorming next steps to actualize partnerships and maintain momentum.
Over 35 State Parks staff attended, including scientists and planners from 10 coastal districts, as well as staff from the Strategic Planning and Recreation Services, Facilities Management, Cultural Resources, and Interpretation and Education Divisions.
Post-workshop materials will be produced soon. If you would like to receive workshop and estuary-related materials, email Tarynn.Kimmick@parks.ca.gov or Nick.Dasilva@parks.ca.gov.
Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division Receives Southern California Mountains Foundation Award
Story from: Sarah Miggins, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division
 The Southern California Mountain Foundation presented this award at its 30th anniversary celebration. Photo from Jessica Terry, OHMVR Division.
The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division is a proud recipient of the Conservation Award presented at the 30th anniversary celebration of Southern California Mountains Foundation (SCMF) on Thursday, November 30. SCMF achieves their mission by raising money, organizing critical volunteer resources and creating and managing programs focused on health, stewardship and sustainability of the Southern California mountains.
The SCMF and OHMVR Division have maintained a successful partnership for more than 20 years. The OHMVR Division grants unit provides SCMF funding to produce quality safety and education programs, and several successful restoration projects have occurred on the San Bernardino National Forest over the years.
SCMF has been a longtime partner of the San Bernardino National Forest and is excited to expand restoration work on Bureau of Land Management lands near Palm Springs, California, next year.
 Left to right: Jessica Terry, associate park and recreation specialist of the OHMVR Division accepting the award in Redlands, California; Stacy Gorin, executive director of SCMF; and Mike Jasberg, president of SCMF. Photo from Jessica Terry, OHMVR Division.
Three Generations of State Parks Family in Photo Memories
Story from: Sarah Holden, Oceano Dunes District
 Three generations of a State Parks family: Baby Sarah Holden with grandfather, Michael Coronado, and mother, Dolores Yates, participating in living history program at Bidwell Mansion SHP in 1998. Photo from Elaine Coronado, granddaughter of former State Parks staff member, Michael Coronado.
Looking at a few old family photos recently made me aware that as a part of State Parks, I follow in the footsteps of 50 years of my family history. The pictures represent half a century of memories for three generations of a State Parks family.
My grandfather, Michael Coronado, started working as a park aide at the Hyde Street Pier State Maritime Museum in San Francisco in 1973. His first permanent position was park maintenance assistant at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve (SNR). He was involved in the creation of the Parson Jones Interpretive Program, which was used at the Asilomar Training Center as an example of a campfire program for the younger generation. Michael received multiple promotions during his work at Samuel P. Taylor State Park (SP) and Tomales Bay SP from 1979 to 1985. He was the maintenance supervisor at the Cascade District’s North Valley Sector, then promoted to maintenance chief II at Oroville Lake State Recreation Area (SRA) from 2000 to his retirement in 2007.
My mother, Dolores Yates, literally grew up in state parks since she was 3 years old. After moving to Armstrong Redwoods SNR in 1973, her family lived in State Parks housing in several parks, including the State Parks-owned Dream Farm Ranch. In 1982 the family moved to live first inside Tomales Bay SP, until settling down in 1986 in Paradise, California.
During Dolores’ time as a student at California State University, Chico, she did lots of living history and volunteer work at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park (SHP), where Michael was working then—her dad’s office was in the carriage house behind the home. In 1994, Dolores became a guide trainee at Bidwell Mansion SHP before she went to work seasonally as an interpretive specialist at Lake Oroville SRA in 1995. She remembers the campfires as great fun during her time there.
As shown in the photos, my mother, grandfather and I often did living history events at William B. Ide Adobe SHP when I was growing up. After college, I initially struggled to find a job that was using my masters in cultural anthropology. Then I met my partner, Brendan Daum, a park ranger at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, who encouraged me to move with him from my hometown in Chico, California, to Pismo, California. I applied for a position as an Oceano Dunes District park interpretive specialist and was fortunate to get the job.
I am so excited to continue my family’s tradition of working for State Parks and "living the Parks life" for a third generation.
Looking at a few old family photos recently made me aware that as a part of State Parks, I follow in the footsteps of 50 years of my family history. The pictures represent half a century of memories for three generations of a State Parks family.
 Clockwise from top left: Sarah, Dolores and Sarah's cousin Taylor during a living history event at William B. Ide Adobe SHP, 2007. Photo from Michael Coronado, former State Parks employee. Sarah Holden during a living history event. Photo from Michael Coronado, former State Parks employee. Michael playing horseshoes at the living history event. Photo from Dolores Yates. Michael working as maintenance employee, clearing a trail at Tomales Bay SP in the early to late 1980s. Photo from Elaine Coronado. Interpretive Specialist Dolores Yates giving a campfire talk at Lake Oroville SRA in the 1990s. Photo from Michael Coronado, former State Parks employee.
 Top left: "DPR Mike" Michael posing at Woodson Bridge SRA in the 2000s. Photo from Elaine Coronado and Dolores Yates, relatives of Michael Coronado, former State Parks employee. Top right: Dolores with nephew James at Lake Oroville SRA in the 1990s. Photo from Michael Coronado, former State Parks employee. Bottom left: Dolores during living history event at William B. Ide Adobe SHP, 2007. Photo from Michael Coronado, former State Parks employee. Bottom right: Sarah started her State Parks career early. Photo from Michael Coronado, former State Parks employee.
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Wins Second Place at Tracy Parade of Lights
Story from: Fiona Catalano, Diablo Range District
 The team that brought the idea to life. Left to right: State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Kary Tyler-Davis, Environmental Scientist Elizabeth Gutberlet, Park Maintenance Worker I Gary Elsholz, Maintenance Aide Clinton Van Name, Senior Park Aide Crystal Meleen, SPPO Mary Hazel, Park Aide Hector Lopez, Interpreter I Fiona Catalano and State Park Equipment Operator Shawn Alberti. Photo from Kary Tyler-Davis, Diablo Range District.
In our continued efforts to connect more with the local community, this year Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) participated in the City of Tracy’s Parade of Lights for the first time on Saturday, December 2.
It took a team from all units—Visitor Services, Maintenance, Administration, Interpretation and Education, and Natural Resources—to put together an awesome decorated vehicle. As an off-road vehicle park, we felt it appropriate to use dirt bikes as reindeer and a side-by-side as a sleigh. We placed them on our longest trailer, decorated with lights, antlers and a red nose for Rudolph.
Of course, Santa’s sleigh would not be complete without the … Grinch! Our very own Park Maintenance Worker I Gary Elsholz endured the heat of the costume to be a big hit with the kids. Environmental Scientist Elizabeth Gutberlet did an amazing job creating the Cindy Lou Who hairdo. Shawn Alberti, barely two weeks as Carnegie SVRA’s state park equipment operator, became the MVP by driving the trailer through the crowded streets, blowing the horn and making tight corners perfectly. State Park Peace Officers Kary Tyler-Davis and Mary Hazel decorated a ranger vehicle and entertained the crowd with the siren and lights.
It was an amazing night, and everybody was surprised to learn Carnegie SVRA got second place in the decorated vehicle category.
 Top: Carnegie SVRA’s second-place decorated vehicle display, with dirt bikes as reindeer and a side-by-side as the sleigh. Photo from Fiona Catalano, Diablo Range District. Bottom left: Park Maintenance Worker I Gary Elsholz as the Grinch. Photo from Mary Hazel, Diablo Range District. Bottom right: SPPO Kary Tyler-Davis having a blast in the parade. Photo from Mary Hazel, Diablo Range District.
Mendocino Sector Receives Award for Holiday-Lighted Truck Parade for Second Year in a Row
Story and photo from: Krista Pelikan, Sonoma-Mendocino District
 Mendocino Sector's float lights up the parade in Fort Bragg, California.
Mendocino Sector Maintenance, Natural Resources, Interpretation and Visitor Services units teamed up to put together a showstopper for this year's Holiday Lighted Truck Parade in Fort Bragg, California, on Saturday, December 2.
The theme of this year's float was "The Nutcracker" and was comprised of many lights, boughs of holly and six large nutcrackers painted to look like California State Parks employees. Three local students performed ballet on the float, and one child dressed as a nutcracker.
The Mendocino Sector took home the third place trophy, out of roughly 30 floats that had preregistered.
Northern Buttes District Gets Into Holiday Spirit
Story from: Noel Lopez, Northern Buttes District
 Top: Volunteers along with Park Aides Veronica Lamoureaux and Wyatt Hein prepare holiday props at William B. Ide Adobe SHP. Photo from Heather Lee, Northern Buttes District. Bottom left: Park Aide Quinn Neves (left), Interpreter Noel Lopez (middle) and Interpretation and Education Program Manager Terri Lopez (right) prepare ornaments for the 12-foot-tall Christmas tree at Bidwell Mansion SHP. Photo from Sondra Murphy, Northern Buttes District. Bottom right: Interpreter Jonathan Sutliff and Park Aide Abbie Sarbacher pose in front of the freshly decorated Christmas tree at Shasta SHP. Photo from Jennifer Pooley, Northern Buttes District.
Deck the halls with boughs of holly, ‘tis the season to be jolly! Over the last two weeks, staff in Northern Buttes District have been busy embracing the holiday spirit and decorating their parks in preparation for upcoming holiday events and hoping old Saint Nick will make an appearance.
Shasta State Historic Park (SHP) staff got into the holiday spirit by decorating their Christmas tree, while a newly hung synthetic garland graces the original black walnut staircase banister of the Bidwell Mansion at Bidwell Mansion SHP. The interior of the visitor center at William B. Ide Adobe SHP is also ready for a holiday on the homestead, with paper snowflakes and other handmade decorations.
Holiday spirit can be found from the Bidwell Mansion SHP, Williams B. Ide Adobe SHP and Shasta SHP and almost everywhere in between!
Santa Returns to Empire Mine State Historic Park’s ‘Holidays at the Park’ Event
Story and photos from: Jean Rhyne, Sierra District
 The event organizer, State Park Interpreter Jean Rhyne, in Victorian period attire by the clubhouse fireplace.
Winter celebrations are a popular feature of cultures worldwide, and nowhere is this truer than with the traditions of the Cornish miners. Set in the historic core of Empire Mine State Historic Park, Holidays at the Park celebrates the winter spirit of the miners from Cornwall who helped to shape modern Grass Valley’s cultural identity and of the elite Bourn family who owned the mine.
The day’s light rain did not deter over 800 visitors from their annual trek to the park on Saturday, December 2. For over 20 years, visitors from far and wide have come to the Empire Mine’s holiday event to enjoy live music, Victorian era activities, the beautifully decorated grounds and a visit with a very beloved Santa Claus.
A highlight for park staff was witnessing the enormous smile and eyes full of wonder on the face of the first child in line to see Santa, as Santa took the boy’s hand at the door and personally led him to his chair. Dressed in Victorian Father Christmas grandeur, Santa and Mrs. Claus have heard the wishes of two generations of the local community’s children at Empire Mine. Almost 500 visitors lined up for their chance to enter his peaceful sanctuary in the immense 1905 clubhouse, decorated with garland and vintage tree trimmings, and warmed by a crackling fire in the large fireplace. Docents dressed in period attire assisted families and took photos, and Mrs. Claus gave every child a jingle bell.
This year also saw the return of the world-renown Grass Valley Cornish Carol Choir, which has performed traditional songs since the 1860s, including a 1940s Christmas performance down in the mine. Celtic harp music and local band Fire in the Kitchen also stoked Christmas spirit on the Clubhouse deck; classical guitar provided musical ambiance in the Bourn cottage.
The scent of roasting chestnuts wafted across the grounds, tended to by docents and park rangers. The cooking fire was a welcome respite for all in the damp weather. Christmas cookies and hot drinks were served while children played with historical toys, such as Lincoln Logs and hobbyhorses, nearby.
Other historical activity stations could be found around the grounds. Visitors had the opportunity to make their own dipped candles, as would have been used to decorate Christmas trees—an English and American tradition that was just appearing in the early 20th century. Visitors also tried their hand at making their own tin-punched ornament, another popular Christmas decoration of the period. In the blacksmith shop, the volunteer blacksmiths could not keep up with demand for handmade items.
2023 marks the return of the Holidays in the Park event in its full traditional format, after coming back in a partial capacity post-COVID. It was truly an early Christmas gift for park staff, our annual visitors and the Grass Valley/Nevada City community who have been deeply connected to the mine for generations.
 Top left: Volunteers served 600 Christmas cookies and over 500 cups of hot cider, hot chocolate and coffee. Top right: The world-renown Grass Valley Cornish Carol Choir with their Town Crier. Bottom right: Interpretive Senior Park Aide Wyatt Grognet assists Empire Mine docents Steve Sanchez and Dan McCarthy with roasting chestnuts. Bottom left: Children went on a scavenger hunt for images of piskies, a Cornish cousin of the pixie, who are known to be mischievous but can also bring good luck when spotted.
 Top: Supervising Ranger Ryan Randar and State Park Peace Officer (Ranger) James Carey stay warm around the chestnut fire, while K-9 Ivan wants to play with Ranger Martin Gilbertson. Bottom: Volunteer Joshua Rhyne is happy to hear that Santa will grant all his wishes.
Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District Volunteer Art Morley Remembered
Story from: Terra Fuller, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District
 Volunteer Art Morley. Photos from Carrie Durkee, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District volunteer.
Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District long-term volunteer Art Morley, passed away at 97 years young.
Art began his career with State Parks as a state park peace officer (ranger) at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and after retirement, returned to his hometown of Fort Bragg, California. Up until his passing, Art worked tirelessly on invasive species removal at his two beloved parks, Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park and Inglenook Fen-Ten Mile Dunes Natural Preserve. Art’s efforts played an important role in protecting native species and preserving the unique and beautiful habitat of the Mendocino Coast, by keeping broom and pampas grass invasions to a minimum.
In addition to his invasive species efforts, Art volunteered for the 10-year black oystercatcher productivity study, a citizen science project with California Audubon and State Parks.
Art’s efforts and passion to care for natural world will be dearly missed. Thank you, Art!
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