December 15, 2023

Top Photos: 'Fallin' Back in Time'

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Photo title: "Fall Embers" 

This is "Fallin' Back in Time" because: “This photo makes me think of Mother Nature hugging the plants and animals before the park goes into its winter sleep. Fall is the time of the year to take a deep breath and embrace the quiet. It is a time for slowing down and recharging all the surprises the new year will bring. I love the calm of the autumn season.”

Photo taken: Nov. 20, 2023

Photo by: Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District. Michele is a park interpretive specialist and has been with State Parks for eight years. She has also submitted amazing photos for previous photo contests.

Malibu Creek State Park

Photo title: "Fight or Flight"

This is "Fallin' Back in Time" because: “The fall leaves and crisp blue skies set the scene for a territorial battle between a woodpecker and a nanday conure (black-hooded parakeet).”

Photo taken: Nov. 29, 2023

Photo by: Andrew Fewsmith, Angeles District. Andrew is a ranger in the Malibu Sector and has been with the department for two years.

Old Sacramento State Historic Park

Photo title: "Nature’s Promise"

This is "Fallin' Back in Time" because: “With leaves on the ground and rainbows in the sky, this peaceful moment captures what life may have been like for the Miwok people long before Chaw’se became a state park. It is nature’s promise that as much as things change, even more remains the same.”

Photo taken: November 2023

Photo by: Kaylee Pinola, Central Valley District. Kaylee is a museum technician and has been with the department for three years.

Old Sacramento State Historic Park

Photo title: "Polar Express Riding at Sunset"

This is "Fallin' Back in Time" because: “The train was making its way back from the North Pole to the display of autumn colors along the Sacramento River.” 

Photo taken: Dec. 1, 2023

Photo by: Rick Lane, Capital District. Rick is a senior maintenance aide and has been with the department for two years.

Providence Mountains State Recreation Area 

Photo title: "A Timeless Rhythm"

This is "Fallin' Back in Time" because: “Male tarantulas venture forth from their burrows every autumn and have for as long as anyone has recorded or remembered. They set out on a one-way trip looking for a mate. Living deep in the Mojave Desert unveils ancient patterns—and the longer one stays here, the more one sees.”   

Photo taken: Early November 2023

Photo by: Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District. Andrew is a state park interpreter I at the Home of the Mitchell Caverns and has been with State Parks for 15 years. Andrew is a double top-photo winner in this contest. See second photo below. 

Providence Mountains State Recreation Area 

Photo title: "Above the Clouds"

This is "Fallin' Back in Time" because: “A day after we got a considerable rainstorm, we woke up to find the mountain wreathed in low clouds. One got the feeling this might be what the area felt like ages ago, in the Pleistocene and even earlier, before the Mojave Desert was a desert, when lakes filled the parched basins. When coupled with warmer temps, these late season rainfalls also produce secondary or even tertiary blooms in our local flora, which feels like falling back into spring.”

Photo taken: Nov. 16, 2023

Photo by: Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District. Andrew is a state park interpreter I at the Home of the Mitchell Caverns and has been with State Parks for 15 years. 

WHAT'S NEW

2023: A Year in Review 

Story from: Communications and Marketing Division

Top: President Joe Biden speaking at Seacliff State Beach on January 19 during his visit to survey storm damage. Photo from Governor Newsom's press office. Bottom left: Chairman of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada of California Serrell Smokey and State Parks Director Armando Quintero signed a new MOU between the Sierra District and the Tribe on January 28, at Donner Memorial State Park. Bottom middle: Millerton Lake State Recreation Area staff held a community event with Latino Outdoors during State Parks Week, June 14-18. Photo from Central Valley District. Bottom right: Bioblitz dance with Redwoods Rising Interpreter II Griff Griffith at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park’s 100^th anniversary celebration on August 26. Photo from California State Parks.

This year was the first “normal” year since the COVID-19 pandemic, as in-person events and celebrations returned across the state. Many of you shared highlights, accomplishments and beautiful photos that make the Weekly Digest a must-read each week. The Communications and Marketing Division is incredibly appreciative of the work you do—sharing your stories and photos with not only our staff, but also Californians and readers from around the world, is what makes the Weekly Digest what it is today.

Below are some of the highlights featured in the Weekly Digest in 2023, which included everything from natural disasters to making parks more accessible through its pass programs and outdoor equity grants to more memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreements with various tribes:

Natural Disasters

2023 started with a series of atmospheric river storms that brought record rainfall over several weeks. The winter storms caused flooding, mudslides and downed trees at state parks across California. The hardest hit was Seacliff State Beach, where the campgrounds and pier sustained severe damage and the iconic cement ship, SS Palo Alto, was destroyed. President Joe Biden and Governor Gavin Newsom, Director Armando Quintero and other state leaders toured the damaged areas on January 19, vowing to help State Parks rebuild. During the summer, Hurricane Hilary hit Southern California, causing the department to close some state parks and beaches due to flash floods and rough waves. Additionally, the department canceled camping reservations for the impacted areas.

MOU Signings

State Parks also signed seven MOU agreements during the year with California Native American tribes. The MOUs included the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California (January), San Luis Rey Band of Luiseño Indians (March), Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria (April), the Koi Nation of Northern California (renewed August), Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians (October), Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria (October) and the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians (November).

Prescribed Burns

State Parks has been working across the state to better protect the State Park System and nearby communities from extreme wildfires like those experienced in recent years. Through the State Parks Wildfire and Forest Resilience Program, park districts have been using prescribed fires, also known as prescribed burns, to restore health to ecosystems that naturally depend on fire. June 3 marked the 50^th anniversary of the prescribed fire program for the department and a milestone in the history of State Parks' natural resources management. Several districts conducted prescribed burns throughout the year, including Burton Creek and China Camp State Parks and Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.

Pass Programs

In September, in partnership with the California Department of Social Services, State Parks expanded the Golden Bear Pass to participants of California’s Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, providing free day-use access to more than 200 state parks. The California State Library Parks Pass program in partnership with the First Partner’s Office and the California State Library continues to be a big success. By providing free vehicle day-use entry to more than 200 participating state park units, the Parks Pass Grant program allows more Californians to check out the outdoors. Its popularity went viral this year when the Los Angeles County Library posted a TikTok video on June 5 promoting the pass, hitting almost 5 million views just on TikTok alone. Just before the Thanksgiving holiday, the department expanded its popular California State Park Adventure Pass Program for fourth graders and their families from 19 select state parks to 54.

State Parks Week

State Parks, along with park partners Save the Redwoods League, Parks California and California State Parks Foundation, celebrated the second annual California State Parks Week. With 182 community in-person events and virtual programming, California State Parks Week was held June 14-18. State Parks staff and partners invited visitors to explore parks and discover ways to deepen their relationships with the state’s cultural and natural resources.

Milestones

This year also included some major milestones like Prairie Creek Redwoods and Richardson Grove State Parks, both celebrating their 100^th anniversary. Thousands attended festivities focused on honoring the past, celebrating the present and envisioning the future. The Training Section also celebrated the 50^th anniversary of the William Penn Mott Jr. Training Center in September.

Digital Apps

Visitors also had more opportunities to interact with the department through apps. State Parks launched the Virtual Adventurer, a mobile app that takes visitors on an immersive experience through both augmented and virtual reality. The app allows visitors to discover and interact with the people, places and events that have played a role in our state’s rich history. The app was developed in support of the department’s Reexamining Our Past Initiative. Additionally, the department partnered with what3words on a new tool that provides dispatchers with technology to assist visitors if they become lost or stranded or need help from emergency services. Using this technology, State Parks dispatchers can pinpoint the locations of individuals with just three dictionary words, so help can be sent to exactly where it is needed. Visitors can also use the tool to provide locations to family and friends when visiting parks.

Plus, visitors can now download state parks passport badges using the California State Parks mobile app, powered by OuterSpatial. The public can collect unique passport badges to each park and challenge other users to visit parks.

Other Top Stories of the Year

• State Parks lifeguards make multiple rescues on the same day in the San Mateo coast. Lifeguards Riley Rhodes rescued a fisherman who had been dragged out by a rip current at Half Moon Bay State Beach on January 21. That same day at Poplar Beach (Half Moon Bay City Beach), Lifeguards Miles Dickey, Riley Rhodes, Max Hunter and Cameron Weaver responded to reports of a lost swimmer. Swimming through large swells over 8 feet in the dark and using the victim’s screams for help to guide them, they successfully rescued the swimmer and brought him to shore.
• The department announced in May the second application period for the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, which offers $50 million in grant funding for nature-based outdoor programs. The funding helps establish hubs for local activities and trips to natural areas for underserved communities.
• The PORTS: Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students® Program launched in August a revamped website that brought 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.
• A second anglerfish washed up onshore at Crystal Cove State Park. The Pacific footballfish was found on October 13 by Seasonal Lifeguard Sierra Fockler, directly in front of the lifeguard headquarters building at the park's Moro Beach.
• California State Parks announced on October 26, the launch of a new program, Arts in California Parks, to help make California’s parks more inclusive and welcoming. Through this new program, artists, culture bearers and California Native American tribes will be eligible to receive funding to create artwork throughout state and local parks.
• The Cannabis Watershed Protection Program was busy with dozens of cleanups and reconnaissance operations on State Parks lands, removing waste and confirming old known sites are inactive. State Parks has also been an active member of various statewide cannabis enforcement task forces, including the Department of Justice’s Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis Program and Governor Gavin Newsom’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force.

Top left: Post-storm at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area in August. As the saturated desert rapidly dries, these "scales" become a common sight. Photo from Eric Kung, Ocotillo Wells District. Top right: The second Pacific footballfish in two years was found at Crystal Cove State Park’s Moro Beach on October 13. Photo from Crystal Cove State Park staff. Bottom right: State Parks, in partnership with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the California Natural Resources Agency, expanded the California State Park Adventure Pass Program from 19 state parks to 54. Bottom left: Pile burning as part of prescribed burn in January at Trione-Annadel State Park, Bay Area District. Photo from State Parks Wildfire and Forest Resilience Program.

Top 2023 Photos and Video 

Left: Emerald Bay State Park - frozen bay by Kaytlen Jackson, Sierra District. Top right: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park - wispy morning frost by Ian Jones, North Coast Redwoods District. Bottom right: Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area - rainbow over the green hills by Crystal Perata, Diablo Range District.

Top left: Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park - yellow-backed spiny lizard by Matthew Williams, Great Basin District. Top right: Huntington State Beach - surf dog Cherie with Lifeguard Brendan Stratford by Michele Figueroa, Orange Coast District. Bottom: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park - park lit up for Sacramento Pride on June 10 by Linsey Fredenburg Humes, Friends of Sutter's Fort.

Top left: Pacheco State Park - tule elk at sunset by Lee Sencenbaugh, Central Valley District. Bottom left: Millerton Lake State Recreation Area - State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguard) L. Machado by Anthony Yang, Central Valley District. Right: Bodie State Historic Park - camping under the stars by Tim White, Capital District. 

Left: Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area - a spectacular shot of the annular solar eclipse by Chris Kofman, Great Basin District. Right: Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve - rough-skinned newt on fallen redwood by Karen Bearson, Acquisition and Real Property Services Division.

Sierra District - In honor of Mother's Day, May 14, California State Parks staff talked about what they love most about being a mom by Sarinah Simons, Sierra District. Click here to view the video or on the button above.

Social Media: 2023 Year in Review

Story from: Brittani Peterson, Communications and Marketing Division

Instagram reels were a hit in 2023, with more interactions from the public. The reel above was posted in June; Lifeguard York discusses the rewarding career of a state park peace officer (lifeguard).

Social media is integral to California State Parks, serving as a crucial tool for communicating park information, events and environmental initiatives. By leveraging these platforms, parks can connect with a diverse audience, inspire stewardship and foster a community dedicated to preserving and enjoying the state's diverse landscapes. Social media plays a vital role in enhancing the visibility and engagement of California State Parks in the digital age.

Here is a summary of the department's main social media account activities for the past year:

• Facebook saw a slight increase in its following by 1.4%. Despite debates about its appeal to younger demographics, Facebook remains a vital space for connecting across diverse age groups. The content breakdown reveals photos lead with 58% of impressions, followed by albums at 32%, videos at 9% and events at 1%.
• Instagram experienced significant growth, increasing followers by 9.5%. Its visual-centric format attracts younger demographics, making it a vibrant space for creative expression. Top post reach categories include stories and reels at 42%, photo posts at 37% and carousel albums at 17%.
• X (formally Twitter) had a moderate increase, growing 3.7%. While facing challenges against visually driven platforms, X remains valuable for concise communication and real-time engagement, catering to users who prefer quick, bite-sized content.
• Threads, an emerging platform, exhibited promising growth, amassing over 14,000 followers since its launch on July 5, 2023. Focused on fostering engaging conversations, Threads offers a unique and evolving social experience.

In the last year, California State Parks achieved substantial social media growth, expanding its online community. Accomplishments include increased engagement, event participation and a shared commitment to preserving the state's natural beauty.

State Parks Presents Next Photo Contest: ‘Winter Bliss’

Story from: Gabriela Orozco, Communications and Marketing Division

Donner Memorial State Park at sunrise. Photo from Trever Meier, Sierra District.

Our fall photo contest presented us with a variety of captivating photos that brought past memories to the present this autumn season across state parks. From beautiful skies, rich hues of fall and fascinating close-ups of wildlife, the entries for the “Fallin’ Back in Time” photo contest were so impressive, we had to have six top photos this year. Thank you to all who participated and congratulations to our winners!

The top photos will be featured next week (December 18 to 24) on California State Parks' social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook and X). Please make sure to keep an eye out for them and give them a like, share or comment on your favorites.

Now that winter is coming, so is our new photo contest! Show the beautiful side of state parks this season with the theme “Winter Bliss.” This contest is a chance for you to showcase winter-themed photos that bring you joy and make you proud to be a part of State Parks. Photos can range from holiday events held in state parks, cuddly critters roaming in state parks (if not in hibernation), to landscapes covered in blankets of snow or flora thriving in parks, despite the chilly weather.   

The “Winter Bliss” photo contest will begin on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, and will end on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. As a friendly reminder, if your photos include people who are non-State Parks employees or volunteers, you must have a Visual Media Consent form (DPR 993).

To be eligible to participate, you must be a State Parks employee or park volunteer and submit your photos to the Weekly Digest. Provide a brief caption description of your photo and the name of the state park where it was taken. The Communications and Marketing team will announce the top photos next month. The photos will be showcased in the Weekly Digest, as well as State Parks’ social media channels (Instagram, Facebook and X) with your photo credit.

The rules and criteria to submit photos are:

• Submit photos to the Weekly Digest email address with the subject line “Winter Bliss.”
• Photos must be taken between Dec. 21, 2023-March 5, 2024.
• Photos with images of nonpark staff must include a photo Visual Media Consent form (DPR 993).
• Photos can be taken at any of California’s 280 state parks or State Parks offices.
• Only park employees and volunteers can submit photos.
• Photos will be judged on photo quality, uniqueness, moment captured and content.
• The top photos chosen will be shared on California State Parks’ social media channels and in the Weekly Digest.
• Photos will be judged by the Communications and Marketing team (whose members are not eligible to participate in the contest).
• Photo images should be a minimum of 1,920×2,400 ppi.

If you have any questions on the contest, please send an email to the Weekly Digest. We look forward to seeing your impressive winter photos for this contest!

Around 60 State Parks Will Kick Off 2024 With Annual First Day Hikes

Story from: Communications and Marketing Division

California State Parks welcomes the public to start 2024 in a healthy way and to enjoy the fresh air with the annual First Day Hikes, on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. Currently, more than 60 state parks will be participating, with over 80 guided hikes taking place across the state. Californians and visitors from around the world can hike amongst the gentle redwoods, learn about the geology of the desert or catch a glimpse of bald eagles and other unique wildlife.

First Day Hikes is a national-led effort that encourages individuals and families to experience, with a seasoned guide, the beautiful natural and cultural resources found in the outdoors and in doing so may inspire them to take advantage of these treasures throughout the year and an individual’s lifetime.

With more than 80 guided hikes taking place in California’s State Park System on January 1, distance and difficulty will vary per hike or activity. Visitors are encouraged to check out details of start times and hike descriptions. This year’s First Day Hikes webpage—parks.ca.gov/FirstDayHikes2024—is more interactive, as the public can search a map of locations by park name, county and region. Visitors are also able to see the status of the hike and the last time it was updated, and by zooming into the map, they can find hikes taking place near that region. Additionally, the webpage provides information on new hiking opportunities around the holiday. For example, Carpinteria State Beach will offer a hike the morning of Saturday, December 30, and La Purísima Mission State Historic Park will have a Last Day Hike of the year the morning of Sunday, December 31. 

Other participating parks include Angel Island State Park, Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Salt Point State Park and Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park.

Most parks require a parking fee for the hikes. However, if visitors have checked out the California State Library Parks Pass or have qualified for the Golden Bear Pass, they can enter for free at participating parks. Additionally, parents of fourth graders are invited to download the California State Park Adventure Pass that allows free entrance to visit park units like Millerton Lake State Recreation Area or Samuel P. Taylor State Park. 

If your park plans to host a First Day Hike, please email Jorge Moreno and Doug Johnson to submit a new event.

Visitors are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using the hashtags #HikeInto2024, #FirstDayHikes, #HikeWithCAStateParks and #CAStateParks.

Top left: Hikers at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Track chair will be available for visitors with mobility challenges. Top right: Many First Day Hikes will be guided by State Parks staff. Bottom left: Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Sonoma County is just one State Parks property hosting a First Day Hike. Bottom right: Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park in Los Angeles County will also have a First Day Hike.

FIELD REPORT

California Boating and Waterways Commission Recommends Approval of Planning Grant for Lake Gregory Regional Park Nonmotorized Boating Facility

Story and photos from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division, and Joe Dux, Division of Boating and Waterways

Left to right: State Parks Chief Deputy Director Liz McGuirk, California Boating and Waterways Commissioner Kenneth Ehrman, Vice Chair Tom Pier and Chair Katie Hawkins, and Deputy Director of Boating and Waterways Division Ramona Fernandez. Not pictured: Commissioner Jose Gonzales, who attended the meeting virtually.

Standing along the shore of Lake Gregory in the San Bernardino National Forest, members of the California Boating and Waterways Commission (Commission) and California State Parks staff met for the last Commission meeting of the year with representatives from San Bernardino County Regional Parks and the Lake Gregory Company on Wednesday, December 6. The commissioners, staff and area stakeholders were shown aged facilities trying to keep pace with the needs of recreational users—from a lack of access to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to much-needed boat launch and dock improvements.

The tour preceded the Commission’s meeting in the alpine community of Crestline. Lake Gregory, an 84-acre reservoir created in 1938, provides nonmotorized boating and other recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors from the urban areas of San Bernardino and nearby Riverside Counties.

The reservoir is part of San Bernardino County Regional Parks and managed by the Lake Gregory Company, which became the concessionaire in 2021. Since then, the partners have worked aggressively to plan and develop improvements at the lake to serve its growing number of users.

Nathan Godwin, general manager of the Lake Gregory Company, told commissioners that Lake Gregory’s staff generally records 100,000 contacts with the public during a typical season. The reservoir also hosts youth and senior adult groups from underserved areas to introduce nonmotorized boating and other recreational activities, with the assistance of the Lake Gregory Yacht Club. However, outdated park facilities have not kept pace with demand. According to Godwin, the park’s newest facility was constructed in 1970. During the meeting following the tour, the Commission received a formal presentation from Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) staff, with details of the $300,000 planning grant proposal. Adding publicly available boater parking spaces, restrooms, low freeboard boarding floats and ADA accessibility are just a few of the planned improvements. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the planning grant, which will fund the design, permit and engineering costs for the improvements, which are expected to benefit 7,300 boaters annually.

The Commission also received reports from DBW staff on grant programs, boating safety and education campaigns, and environmental programs, including the successful Dockwalker Program. Commissioners were also provided a report on the successful pilot program for paddle sports at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area targeting underserved communities. The pilot program over the summer introduced 121 participants to stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.

For more information about this and previous Commission meetings, including available podcasts and informational videos, please visit the Division of Boating and Waterways website. If you missed the meeting, a recording is available at cal-span.org/meeting/cbwc_20231206.

Left: Lake Gregory Regional Park is the centerpiece of Crestline, providing aquatic recreation to 11,000 residents and approximately 100,000 visitors each year. Top right: Representatives from the Lake Gregory Company and San Bernardino County Regional Parks explain how park facilities no longer meet the needs of users. Bottom right: Improvements will allow park staff to reopen this boat ramp that closed 20 years ago.

Cannabis Watershed Protection Program Cultural Staff Surveys Tataviam Cultural Preserve in Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area

Story from: Stephanie Gallanosa, Cultural Resources Division

Video of Cultural Survey at Tataviam Cultural Preserve in Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. Video from Doug Johnson, Communications and Marketing Division. 

California State Parks’ Cannabis Watershed Protection Program (CWPP) and Great Basin District cultural staff recently began a cultural resources inventory of the 450-acre Tataviam Cultural Preserve within Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). All work completed as part of this inventory is being done in consultation with the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians. Darren Andolina, Stephanie Gallanosa and Megan Webb with CWPP teamed up with District Archaeologist Jairo Avila, Seasonal Archaeologist Victoria Vargas and Cultural Resources Division Archaeologist Pete Hanchett for the survey, which lasted all week.

This cultural inventory was initially prompted by the discovery of two illegal cannabis grow sites within the park in 2021, including one grow site located within the Tatavium Cultural Preserve on an unrecorded precontact Native American site. In December 2021, CWPP Cultural Supervisor Darren Andolina, determined that the unrecorded Native American site had been impacted by the excavation of plant wells and cisterns by the illegal cannabis growers.

This work is meant to address the impacts caused by illegal cannabis cultivation while also building a comprehensive historic and prehistoric context of the park through a parkwide records search of the California Historical Resources Information System and an intensive pedestrian survey of the preserve. There are currently 83 recorded Native American sites and 49 historic sites and features recorded in Hungry Valley SVRA, but the park has never had a comprehensive intensive cultural resources survey and the Tataviam Cultural Preserve has not been surveyed since 1980.

Since the fieldwork portion of the inventory has begun, cultural staff have surveyed roughly half of the preserve, identifying 10 unrecorded sites and 14 isolated finds. These sites range from historic-aged fencelines, likely associated with ranching, to Native American lithic scatters and Yucca roasting pits. Isolated finds typically consist of stone tool flakes and historic-aged tin cans. To complete the inventory, record and map newly identified sites, and update the site records of sites within the preserve so they meet modern standards, at least two more five-day rotations are planned for this winter and the following spring. This cultural inventory may identify additional illegal cannabis grows in remote areas of the park seldom used, allowing for a better understanding of the scope of illegal cannabis cultivation within the park and the impacts of these activities on cultural resources.

This effort is a prime example of how the CWPP works collaboratively with districts throughout the state to address the impacts of illegal cannabis cultivation on natural and cultural resources.

Top: California State Parks archaeologists performing a cultural inventory of the Tataviam Cultural Preserve, Hungry Valley SVRA. Bottom left: CWPP Archaeologist Megan Webb and CRD Archaeologist Pete Hanchett recording a historical site. Bottom right: CWPP Archaeologist Stephanie Gallanosa mapping a site using Field Maps with CWPP Interpretation and Education Division Manager Elizabeth Evans in the background. Photos from Doug Johnson, Communications and Marketing Division. 

Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area Holds Motorcycle Safety Classes for Fourth Graders

Story and photos from: Cheryl Ashton, Diablo District

The fourth graders and their instructors. Back row (left to right): Class instructors Danielle Garcia and Mike Ruhstorfer. Front row (left to right): Fourth graders Jitheshram Vanjikumaran, Aria Acevedo, Ruby Acevedo and Giovanni Acevedo.

With the help and support of the California Outdoor Recreation Foundation (CORF), Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) received a grant from Parks California and participated in the California State Park Adventure Pass Program. We offered beginning motorcycle safety classes for fourth graders and their families for free. Motorcycles and all safety gear were provided to the students. Nine families participated in the classes and the kids were excited to learn a new sport.

All the students passed the course and were eager to return to the park to practice their new skills. Lessons included learning about the motorcycles, how to operate and ride them safely, and Tread Lightly principles. Hollister Hills is the only SVRA in the Adventure Pass Program, and it was a great success.

CORF reached out to the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative, which further enhanced our program by donating a new Yamaha 125 motorcycle for our training classes. The grants also provided buses for two fourth grade groups to come to the park for nature hikes and interpretive activities in November, as well as additional funding for new safety gear for our classes.

A big thank you to CORF and to Yamaha!

Left: Students learning basic riding skills. Top right: Riding across small obstacles. Bottom right: Learning small hill techniques.

Adventure Pass goes LIVE! to Explore Monterey State Historic Park on December 22

Story from: Daniel Williford, Interpretation and Education Division

The California State Park Adventure Pass Program has expanded from 19 to 54 state parks. Our latest Adventure Pass Exploration LIVE! monthly broadcast checks in on one of the newly added parks to the program, Monterey State Historic Park (SHP), on Friday, December 22, at noon.

History comes alive at Monterey SHP, located in downtown Monterey along California’s central coast. As you adventure along the streets of one of California’s oldest cities, the human stories behind these intriguing structures start to take shape, helping us to understand the California we know and love today. While exploring this unique state park, we will find out some things a fourth grader and their family can do while they are visiting the park. Take a moment to transport yourself on a worthwhile trip to Monterey SHP!

Our monthly broadcast is aimed to educate fourth graders, their families and the general public about the incredible California State Park Adventure Pass Program. These engaging virtual park visits can be viewed on either the State Parks’ Facebook page or the PORTS: Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students® Program’s Facebook page. 

To learn more about the Adventure Pass, visit the California State Park Adventure Pass webpage.

Holiday Gifts That Truly Keep on Giving: Annual Passes From California State Parks

Story from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division

Share the joy of the season with State Park gift ideas— the perfect way to share nature's wonders. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.

It happens to the best of us. You have one person or a family you think is impossible to shop for and the holiday clock is ticking.

Fortunately, California State Parks has the perfect last-minute gift: A variety of State Parks Annual Passes and gift items are available for purchase at select state parks and through the department’s online store. 

Park passes offer something for everyone and make great gifts throughout the year. If you are looking for a gift for a family who loves boating or hiking, someone who likes off-roading in the great outdoors or for that history buff who loves California history, we have you covered.

For more information, including how to purchase annual passes or reduced cost passes, read our latest blog "Holiday Gifts That Truly Keep on Giving: Annual Passes From California State Parks" or visit California State Park Passes.

Historic Window Repair Training Takes Place in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Story from: Paige Liss, San Diego Coast District, and Tim White, Capital District

Training participants (left to right): Anthony Del Bono, Amado Macias, Josiah Trinidad, Joaquin Altamirano, Nicholle Jigarjian, Perla Holt, Foresta Von Kurt and Bill Smith. Photo from Tim White, Capital District.

A historic window repair training took place in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park (SHP) from November 14 to 16. The training, led by Capital District’s Restoration Work Supervisor II Tim White, consisted of a small group of staff from parks across San Diego Coast District. The district’s Maintenance Chief Jodi Whelchel and Associate State Archaeologist Paige Liss first reached out to Tim when the Mason Street Schoolhouse building in Old Town San Diego SHP was broken into, resulting in a boarded-up window, due to a lack of knowledge on how to properly repair it based on the Secretary of Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. After a brief meeting providing some background on the structure, Tim jumped on the opportunity.

Day one consisted of some classroom time with a major focus on the importance of building strong relationships with cultural resources staff to ensure a smooth repair project. The class was also hands-on and went over the identification and removal of historic windows and tools and products unique to window restoration work.

After seeing the project area and how during post-vandalism clean-up, San Diego Coast District staff had not kept the vertical muntin, Tim was faced with the problem of not having a proper example for reconstruction. He racked his brain to figure out where he could find old-style stock. Luckily, Tim remembered he had brought an old window restoration textbook down to share with the class that had a resource index in the back listed by state. The only name that came up for San Diego—Bill Smith.

Tim called Bill, and he answered! Tim and Bill met and almost immediately started talking shop. A student overheard them talking about Abatron, Sarco, Bendheim glass and Samson spot cord and just shook his head in amazement at the bond formed over these topics. Bill said he had a busy day, but he would get back to us with some stock.

On day two, staff learned about rot treatment and stabilization of sashes, including the recreation of broken pieces. That morning, Bill showed up with perfect muntins that he custom milled the night before. He hung out for a while and popped in with a few wisdom nuggets while the class worked on the windows.

The final day was focused on historic glass identification, cutting, installation and glazing. We all learned a lot. Bill now has paperwork to be on our vendor’s list, and Tim and staff in Old Town San Diego SHP have now created a wonderful relationship with another local window nerd. 

Top left: Window in progress. Photo from Jodi R. Whelchel, San Diego Coast District. Top right: Mason Street Schoolhouse. Photo from Tim White, Capital District. Bottom right: Josiah Trinidad and Anthony Del Bono practicing cutting restoration glass. Photo from Tim White, Capital District. Bottom left: Matt Orner stripping the paint off a window sash. Photo from Tim White, Capital District.

Morro Bay State Park Volunteer Retires After 30 Fulfilling Years of Service

Story and photo from: Francesca Manheim, San Luis Obispo Coast District

State Park Interpreter I Francesca Manheim presents Norma Wightman with the Medallion Award on Saturday, November 4, in Morro Bay State Park.  

In recognition for her lasting commitment, dedication and significant impact to the interpretive volunteer programs in the San Luis Obispo Coast District, volunteer Norma Wightman was presented with the Volunteer Medallion Award after she facilitated her final Adventure with Nature program at Morro Bay State Park on Saturday, November 4.

Norma has been volunteering for San Luis Obispo Coast District for over 30 years and is hanging up her volunteer vest in pursuit of spending more time with family. 

Since 1992, Norma has been actively serving as an interpretive guide for nature walks, with a focus and interest in local coastal geology. Over the years, Norma has connected with thousands of park visitors and sparked many meaningful connections to precious park resources.

Many park visitors and staff have commented on how much they value the guided outdoor experiences provided during Norma's fun programs. She has received many accolades through social media channels and has had many repeat participants, who enjoyed her programs time and time again.

We would all like to send a warm congratulations to Norma on her "retirement"!

Community, Caroling and Holiday Spirit: Holiday in the Park Event Returns to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Story from: Kristin McGowan, San Diego Coast District

Holiday in the Park staff and volunteers—the carolers in front of Machado y Silvas Historical Adobe. Photo from Elizabeth VanPelt, volunteer. 

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park (SHP) celebrated the holiday season once again at “Holiday in the Park” on Friday, December 8. Interpreters and volunteers of the park dressed in their finest period attire to bring an 1800s holiday spirit into the park through caroling.

Two hundred guests relaxed around the bonfire, participated with the carolers and enjoyed hot cocoa and s'mores provided by concessionaire Fiesta de Reyes during this two-hour event. Visitors explored the historic adobe Machado y Silvas, which was decorated to reflect a Californio Christmas celebration, created take-home holiday crafts and snapped selfies to remember the occasion.

This event was planned in coordination with Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce’s traditional Las Posadas celebration, which reenacts the pilgrimage of Joseph and Mary as they seek shelter at different inns.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the park has not done any holiday events. It was a great joy for staff and volunteers to feel the holiday spirit back in the park and in the guests. We look forward to making this an annual Old Town San Diego SHP event and becoming a part of the community’s holiday traditions.

Top left: Guests enjoying the bonfire and the s'mores and hot cocoa provided by Fiesta De Reyes. Right: Christmas tree prepped for the Holiday in the Park event by Old Town curatorial staff. Bottom left: Luminaries lit the plaza and museums, providing light for the holiday event. Pictured is Machado y Silvas adobe. Photos from Kristin McGowan, San Diego Coast District.

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

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

Construction Supervisor II – Until filled: Use your project management skills to manage and coordinate numerous construction projects for buildings and other State Parks facilities. Click here for more information and click here to take the assessment. Construction Supervisor I may also be considered; click here for the assessment.

Maintenance Aides (Multiple opportunities) – Apply-by dates vary: No degree required. This is the perfect entry-level position to get started at State Parks. Perform various maintenance and housekeeping tasks necessary to ensure that public health and safety standards are maintained. The Maintenance Aide cleans all park structures and facilities, including offices, restrooms, kiosks and storage areas and shop buildings; restocks restroom supplies; picks up litter; and collects and disposes of garbage. Click here for more information. No assessment required.

State Park Interpreter I, II, III – Apply-by dates vary: There are many 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

Water and Sewer Plant Supervisor – Continuous (Dec. 31, 2023): You will be supervising the operation of a water treatment and/or sewage treatment plan, directing the taking of daily tests of water and sewage in the various stages of treatment, and make the more involved analyses by interpreting tests and determining necessary changes in dosage and treatment processes. Click here for more information.

State Park Interpreter Series – Continuous: The State Park Interpreter I, II and III assessments have been rereleased and are available online. State Park Interpreters help develop interactive and educational programs to teach the rich history of California. Click here for more information.

State Park Peace Officer Cadet (Ranger or Lifeguard) – Continuous: Be a guardian of our state parks and help prevent criminal activity. Join us as a State Park Peace Officer Cadet and embark on a fulfilling law enforcement career. Click here for more information. Click here to apply.  

Park and Recreation Specialist – Continuous: This classification performs collection, evaluation, summarization and analysis of outdoor recreation data from a variety of sources to identify recreational trends, existing outdoor recreational facilities, needs and deficiencies; and preparation of a variety of written plans and reports, including recommendations to establish priorities. Click here for more information. 

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!

Remembering State Parks Staff Member Ian Branaman 

Story from: Lisa Jaycox, Park Operations Administrative Services Division

It is with a heavy heart and a tremendous amount of sadness that we share news of the passing of our dear friend and coworker Ian Branaman.

Ian lost his battle with cancer in October leaving behind his wife, Pam, and their two young daughters, Emma and Ava. Ian loved his job at California State Parks, and the people he worked with were all very special to him. In addition to the smile Ian always wore and his piercing blue eyes, we will remember him for his strong desire to solve problems, his sense of humor, how clever he was, his quick wit and most importantly, his friendship. He had a knack for making one feel like they were his top priority, where he would go to the ends of the world (and he would, too). Come to find out, he did this for everyone, as we were all special in his mind and he cherished every relationship he built.

Although his passing leaves a void, he also leaves behind a legacy. Ian will be greatly missed. May we all be an Ian in someone’s life, be there to help those when needed and to make them feel as though there is nothing and no one more important. Cherish the memories, share stories and funny tales of our dear friend.

If you would like to share stories or well wishes or support to the family, please send to the attention of or contact me, Lisa Jaycox, in the Park Operations Administrative Services Division, at Lisa.Jaycox@parks.ca.gov. A celebration of life will be scheduled for some time after the holidays. As more information is available, we will be sure to let everyone know.

LIVE THE PARKS LIFE IN STYLE

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

• Christmastime, eggnog, fruitcake, gingerbread, mistletoe and sugarplums: All are one word.

• happy holidays, merry Christmas, season's greetings, happy new year: Lowercase except in exclamations (Christmas is always capitalized). Examples: Have a happy new year, wishing you a merry Christmas, sending season's greetings your way. In exclamations: Happy holidays! Merry Christmas! Season's greetings! Happy New Year! (New Year is uppercase in this use for the January 1 holiday.) 

• dressing versus stuffing: Dressing is cooked outside of the bird; stuffing is cooked inside. However, use of the terms can vary regionally in the U.S., with one preferred over the other regardless of how it is prepared. 

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

Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park

Happy Holidays from the interpretive team! Left to right: Interpreter II Devin Swartwood, Senior Park Aide Interpreter Sarah Veliz, Interpreter I Nicole Barden, Senior Park Aide Interpreters Zak Adams, Horacio Porath, Sabrina Borchard and Leenna Keo.  

Photo from Sarah Veliz, Gold Fields District

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

The Santa Cruz District Administration Team at their holiday brunch. Happy Holidays to the best team ever!

Photo from Jake Bentley, Santa Cruz District

McClellan Training Center

Happy Holidays from the Accounting Services Section, and we hope you have a good New Year!

Photo from Cathy Mundy, Administrative Services

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

This park is on the ancestral land of the First People, the Kumeyaay, whose story is shared in the outdoor exhibit "Iiapy ~ Tipai Kumeyaay Mut Niihepok" (Land of the First People). Left to right: Interpretation and Education Manager Alexandra Latona, District Administrative Chief Valerie Stephens, San Diego Coast District Superintendent Nicole Van Doren, Deputy District Superintendent Lisa Tomas, Graphic Designer III Megan Curtis and Supervising Lifeguard Sean Homer.

Photo from Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division

Crystal Cove State Park

State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) John Hunt, SPPO Matt Sage, SPPO Sargeant Ryan Gates, SPPO Lieutenant Paul Andrus, SPPO Jayme Landrau and Senior Park Aide Elliott Wiley outside the ranger station.

Photo from Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division

Crystal Cove State Park

State Park Peace Officer Paul Andrus takes a selfie with members of the Communcations and Marketing Division at the famous Christmas tree on the beach. Left to right: SPPO Paul Andrus, Information Officer IIs Jorge Moreno and Adeline Yee, Graphic Designer III Kim Milruya, Videographer Jerry Macias and Graphic Designer III Megan Curtis.

Photo from Paul Andrus, Orange Coast District

Sacramento McClellan Airport

Colorado Desert District Chief Ranger Norb Ruhmke and Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division Retired Annuitant Pilot Robert Shannon strike a pose following a flight in the department’s Cessna 206 patrol aircraft.

Photo from Paul Wissler, Capital District

California State Railroad Museum

State Park Peace Officer (Ranger) Megan Merritt from Auburn State Recreation Area lends a hand in the Western Pacific, EMD F7 locomotive during the recent Polar Express train ride in Old Sacramento.

Photo from Paul Wissler, Capital District

Above Sacramento

Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division retired annuitant pilot Robert Shannon skillfully guides the department’s Cessna 206 patrol aircraft over the cloudy Sacramento evening skies on Thursday, December 7.

Photo from Paul Wissler, Capital District

Crystal Cove State Park

Left: Some of the fantastic team at Crystal Cove State Park Maintenance about to commence on a trail maintenance project on the bluff, above one of the park's beautiful beaches. Right: Maintenance Aides David Giddings, Dan Cloud and Jim Del Crognale, and Park Maintenance Assistant Jeff Brown. Merry Christmas from Crystal Cove State Park!

Photos from Marty Kansriddle, Orange Coast District

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

The Communications and Marketing (CoMark) Division held their all-hands division meeting at the historic park. Thank you to Chief Ranger Barry Smith, Interpreter Holly Thane and the staff at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park for their warm hospitality.

Photo from Holly Thane, Gold Fields District

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

Park historian and longtime docent Ed Allen gives the CoMark Division a tour of the park and shows what some of the miners could have found during the Gold Rush era.

Photos from Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

Interpreter Holly Thane along with Park Interpretive Specialist Susan Okey and Visitor Services Park Aide Dolores Zombory gave our team a gold panning lesson while Chief Ranger Barry Smith gives his famous thumbs up! 

Photos from Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

Top left and right: A small but brave group form the CoMark Division took an early morning hike at the historic park: Jorge Moreno, Brittani Peterson, Kimberly Milruya, Travis Ma and Kevin Murphy. Bottom left: The CoMark Division takes a quick thumbs-up selfie with Barry Smith, Gold Fields District chief ranger.

Photos from Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division

Mendocino Headlands State Park

Natural Resources staff and nine volunteers joined at Mendocino Headlands State Park on Wednesday, December 13, to haul away the piles of ice plant the volunteers had pulled the last couple years. In 2023, long-term volunteers gave 1,485 hours toward Natural Resource Management in the Mendocino Sector. The ice plant was piled onto tarps, then carried and lifted into the back of a truck, driven to the green waste bin, piled into wheelbarrows and dumped inside. By the end of the day, a full bin's worth of ice plant had been removed from the headlands. A big thank you to everyone who joined the effort!

Photos from Amelia Schall Tůmová, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District

Topanga State Park

State Park Peace Officer Danny Duarte and Marshmallow the Alpaca patrol the park's backcountry trails.

Photo from John Conroy, Angeles District

Mount Diablo State Park

State Parks cosponsored the 60^th Annual National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Beacon Lighting Ceremony event on Thursday, December 7. Other sponsors included Save Mount Diablo; The Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, Chapter 5; and California State University, East Bay. Every year, the “Eye of Diablo,” atop the Summit Visitor Center, is lit for 24 hours not only to honor the survivors, but also in remembrance of the lives lost that fateful day 82 years ago. Mount Diablo State Park Supervising Ranger Cameron Morrison (pictured) was part of a panel of speakers, who included 99-year-old Pearl Harbor Survivor Earl “Chuck” Kohler, who energetically recalled the events of that day to the audience. Despite cloudy weather, the beacon glowed from the mountain top throughout the night.   

Photo from Joseph Starr, Diablo Range District

California State Capitol Museum

Clouds break above downtown Sacramento in a view from the department’s Cessna 206 patrol aircraft on Thursday, December 7, just enough to catch a glimpse of the California State Capitol (center) and the Natural Resources Building (center left).

Photo from Paul Wissler, Capital District

Old Sacramento State Historic Park

Christmas toy train dreams come alive with the Santa Fe 347C, EMD F7 locomotive, providing the perfect Christmas backdrop in Old Sacramento during the Polar Express Train rides run by the California State Railroad Museum Foundation and Sacramento Southern Railroad.

Photo from Paul Wissler, Capital District

Old Sacramento State Historic Park

The Big Four Building and California State Railroad Museum decked out in holiday spirit in Sacramento.

Photo from Paul Wissler, Capital District

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

A sunset from Cuyamaca Peak facing west.

Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Left: A sunset facing east. Right: Cottonwood leaves backlit in Green Valley.

Photos from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

Morro Strand State Beach

A sunset photo taken on Sunday, December 3, at 5 p.m.

Photo from Jenny Daly, San Luis Obispo Coast District

Fort Ross State Historic Park

A sunset at Fort Ross State Historic Park ... how about dat!!!

Photo from Juan Lopez, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

Sunset framed by trees along Lake Natoma.

Photo from Kim Milruya, Communications and Marketing Division

San Elijo State Beach

A stunning sunset at San Elijo State Beach Campground on Monday, December 11.  

Photo from Elizabeth Peace, San Diego Coast District

Refugio State Beach

Winter in California is a unique experience. I took these photos while on a camping excursion. It is December, yet we are surrounded by palm trees and beautiful sunsets.

Photo from Matt Preston-LeMay, Gold Fields District

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

First light along the South Fork of the American River, where James Marshall first discovered gold in January 1848.

Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division 

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Wonder if the 1800s residents of San Diego enjoyed the blue skies and sunsets as much as we do now.

Photo from Nikki Renner, San Diego Coast District

Old Sacramento State Historic Park

Cottonwood leaves blown by a cold wind over the mighty Sacramento River near the California State Railroad Museum. The river flows from the headwaters spring at Mount Shasta, through several state parks and state recreation areas. The Sacramento and San Juaquin Delta flows into the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Photo from Marion Million, Capital District

South Yuba River State Park

Frost clinging to grass.

Photo from Wyatt Grognet, Sierra District

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Saturday, December 16

• Holidays on the Homestead—William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park at 11 a.m.: California State Parks and its partner, Ide Adobe Interpretive Association, invite you to get in the holiday spirit with Holidays on the Homestead at William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park (SHP). The park’s 44th annual festive winter tradition will be celebrated from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The public is invited to join us for a day of festivities, music and making ornaments. Enjoy living history demonstrations, with staff and volunteers dressed in 1850s clothing to greet visitors. Learn about the many winter traditions that brought light and warmth to this dark and cold time of year. The event is fun for families and friends of all ages. Admission for adults is $5, children 3 years and older is $2, and children under 3 are free. Families (up to five guests) are $10. William B. Ide Adobe SHP is located at 21659 Adobe Road, Red Bluff, California.

• Pre-Solstice Snowshoe Tour—Plumas-Eureka State Park at 1 p.m.: The snowshoe tour will depart from the Plumas-Eureka State Park Visitor Center at 1 p.m. (weather permitting). Led by Park Interpreter Darcy Page, the tour will last around 90 minutes (2 miles approximately) with short educational stops and natural viewpoints along the way. After our winter tour, we will have the opportunity to warm up in the park’s visitor center around the fireplace and view the park museum’s collections. Participants are responsible for bringing their own snowshoes, warm layers and sun protection. If snow conditions are not appropriate for snowshoeing, tours may become walking tours. Traction devices on boots may be helpful.

Thursday, December 21

• Lights on the Shortest Day—Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park at 1 p.m.: Join us at the Santa Cruz Mission on the shortest day of the year. Around the winter solstice, civilizations all over the E-arth have celebrated with traditions of fire and light. We will discuss the labor of candle-making as it happened here at the Santa Cruz Mission under Spanish colonization and ways in which the winter solstice was acknowledged and celebrated throughout various cultures. Each participant will have an opportunity to dip a candle, rain or shine. This event is free. Call (831) 425-5849 or email santacruzmission@ports-ca.us with any questions.

NEWS RELEASES

Dec. 11, 2023

• Kick Off 2024 With Annual First Day Hikes at More Than 60 Participating State Parks

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.