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![Weekly Digest Banner](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/03/5612364/3993387/weeklydigestmasthead-final011422_crop.png) March 1, 2024
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![Anza-Borrego Desert SP (Sand verbena flowers Feb 27)](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2024/03/9088089/5295779/anza-borrego-desert-sp-sand-verbena-flowers-feb-27_crop.jpg) Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Vibrant sand verbena blooming at the park.
For more about wildflower blooms in desert state parks, see article below in What's New section.
Photo from Danny McCamish, Colorado Desert District
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2023 Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards Honors Six Recipients for Preserving State’s Diverse Heritage
Story from: Office of Historic Preservation
![Governor's HP Awards](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2024/02/9070749/5291919/pr-2023-governors-historic-preservation-awards-coll_crop.jpg) Top left: Representatives from the City of Richmond join State Parks Director Armando Quintero and State Historic Preservation Officer Julianne Polanco to receive their award for the Rooted in Richmond tour app. Top right: Present to receive the award for the Ah Ha’ Mut-ta-ti’ e Traditional Cultural Property Evaluation Report are Rachel Ruston, La Posta Band of Mission Indians Chairwoman Gwendolyn Parada, Ed Mercado, Deputy Secretary for Tribal Affairs of the Governor’s Office Loretta Miranda, Carmen Lucas, Nick Doose, Courtney Ann Coyle and Brian Williams. Bottom: State Parks Director Quintero provides remarks to those in attendance at the Stanley Mosk Library and Courts Building in Sacramento. Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
The Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) and California State Parks had the pleasure of hosting the 2023 Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards at a ceremony held in Sacramento on Tuesday, February 27, and livestreamed on the OHP YouTube channel. State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) Julianne Polanco and California State Parks Director Armando Quintero presented awards to six deserving projects and organizations that represented the dedicated efforts throughout California to preserve, educate and celebrate our state’s treasured heritage.
“Preservation’s greatest strengths and successes come from citizens of all backgrounds, joining together to protect, sustain and share California’s rich heritage,” said Director Quintero. “It is an honor to provide recognition to the spirit of these organizations and individuals for their efforts to ensure that our collective history continues to be celebrated and commemorated.”
The 2023 awards range from the rehabilitation of historic buildings, to the creative use of smart technology to access a community’s history, and to organizations who together constitute nearly a century of dedicated preservation efforts in California.
“Whether a traditional cultural landscape, a building rehabilitated into a new use or the site of a historic event, cultural heritage is a powerful force that shapes all of our lives and binds us through storytelling and shared experiences,” said SHPO Polanco. “It is a privilege to recognize the efforts of our neighbors and friends, to appreciate the rich and layered history of our great state.”
Here are the 2023 Governor’s Historic Preservation Award recipients:
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Ah-Ha’ Mut-ta-ti' e Traditional Cultural Landscape Evaluation Report represents a highly successful collaboration between public agencies, scientists and California Indian communities that went beyond agency mandates. Preserved within the report’s pages lies cultural knowledge invaluable to present and future generations of the Kumeyaay people and other tribes of the Laguna Mountain region.
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California Garden and Landscape History Society is impressive for the scope of work it has accomplished in highlighting, preserving and educating about California’s many and diverse cultural landscapes and gardens. The Society’s journal "Eden" is recognized as a go-to source for knowledge about California’s garden heritage and is accessible to the public for free.
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Historic Shipyard at Pier 70 Rehabilitation represents a successful public-private partnership that employed Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives credits to preserve and adaptively reuse historic buildings for modern uses while maintaining tangible links to San Francisco’s waterfront heritage.
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Palm Springs Preservation Foundation is recognized for over 20 years of exceptional work preserving and educating about the history and architectural resources of the Palm Springs and Coachella Valley region, while extending free membership to ensure access for all citizens.
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Rooted in Richmond Tour App innovatively employs the latest smart-device and web technology to make a community’s history and historic places accessible to all, while inclusively focusing on populations and neighborhoods not usually addressed.
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Save Our Heritage Organisation is impressive for 54 years of preserving and educating, through inclusive programing, about the historic, architectural, cultural and archaeological heritage of the San Diego region.
To read the press release, click here.
The OHP is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards. Nominees can include resource restoration and preservation; civic efforts or organizations that preserve, interpret, and educate about community history; and companies and public agencies that go above and beyond expected mandates. Efforts to address the challenges of climate change will be considered as well. Individuals whose passion for preservation has made a difference and saved numerous cultural, historical and archaeological treasures may also be nominated. Visit the Governor's Historic Preservation Awards Program webpage for nomination forms and instructions. The application deadline is Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
California State Parks Anticipates Impressive Spring Wildflower Blooms in Desert State Parks
Story from: Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division
![Wildflower Bloom Collage 2](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2024/03/9088100/5295780/wildflower-bloom-collage-2_crop.jpg) Top left: Desert wildflowers are starting to bloom at Coyote Canyon at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (SP). Photos from Danny McCamish, Colorado Desert District. Top right: Small batches of flowers and grass currently cover Bane Canyon at Chino Hills SP. Photo from Garrett Fuhrman, Inland Empire District. Bottom left: Sparse flowers are starting to show at Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve (SNR). Photo from Callista Turner, Great Basin District. Bottom right: Goldfields currently adorn the Tule Elk SNR. Photo from Lori Wear, Great Basin District.
This spring, you may see a lot more color in California’s desert state parks as the state is expecting an impressive wildflower season, and California State Parks is asking all visitors to enjoy them responsibly.
“In recent years, California has been lucky to see spectacular wildflower blooms in many public lands, including in state parks,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “We welcome all Californians and visitors from around the world to experience this natural phenomenon and ask all to keep the ‘Beauty in the Bloom’ by staying on designated trails and taking only photos, not flowers.”
Depending on the park, visitors may see colorful lupine, coreopsis, desert sunflowers, evening or brown-eyed primroses, desert bells, desert poppies or desert lilies.
Information regarding current bloom situation:
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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: Blooms are arriving in the heart of Borrego Springs along Henderson Canyon Road, the lower sandy dune portions of Coyote Canyon and in the southern portion of the state park along Highway S2 southeast of Agua Caliente County Park. Additionally, areas near June Wash moving northeast toward Fish Creek and Arroyo Tapiado are beginning to show the early bloomers like primrose, phacelia and wooly sunflower. If moving south along the Highway S2, four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended on any unpaved park road.
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Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve: Sporadic individual poppies are already starting to bloom. From mid-March to May, this park expects a variety of wildflowers to bloom. Poppies, fiddleneck and redstem filaree have sprouted throughout the Poppy Reserve in large, dense quantities. Live updates from this park are available through the PoppyCam live feed. If the weather remains mild, the bloom is expected to be better this year than last year. If the weather turns hot, this could affect the bloom in the next few months.
- These state parks are expected to have good wildflower blooms from mid-March to May and into the spring season: Red Rock Canyon State Park, Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area, Chino Hills State Park, Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area and Fort Tejon State Historic Park.
Detailed information, in Spanish and English, on this year’s potential wildflower blooms and park rules is available at parks.ca.gov/WildflowerBloom.
Recreate Responsibly:
For those wishing to visit areas where the blooms are popping, State Parks is providing visitors with tips on how to explore safely and responsibly, especially in the desert parks where the landscapes may have changed due to recent storms. Read the full press release for safety tips.
![Beauty in the Bloom (Anza-Borrego Desert SP)](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2024/03/9087021/beauty-in-the-bloom-anza-borrego-desert-sp_original.png) Secretary Speaker Series Webinar on How California Prepares for Drought by Seizing the Wet Years
Story from: California Natural Resources Agency
![Secretary Speaker Series_Seizing_the_Wet_Years graphic v2](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2024/03/9088464/5296031/secretary-speaker-series-seizing-the-wet-years-grap_crop.png) Climate change is driving weather extremes across the world. In California, we can expect a growing portion of our water supply to come from big storms, like those we just experienced. Drought, too, will intensify.
Join California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) Secretary Wade Crowfoot and state water leaders Tuesday, March 5, from noon to 1 p.m., at the Secretary Speaker Series webinar program "Seizing the Wet Years: Adapting Our Water Infrastructure and Management to Weather Whiplash" on how to take advantage of wet times to endure dry times. They will unpack this weather whiplash, explore the work underway to seize opportunities and discuss where we need to concentrate our efforts moving forward.
Register here to participate.
![Bear Digest Divider](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2021/11/5218956/digest-divider_original.jpg) ![WeeklyDigestRequestforContentGraphic-NaturalBridges-Final122121](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2023/09/8249989/4983547/weeklydigestrequestforcontentgraphic-naturalbridges_crop.png)
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State Park and Recreation Commission to Meet in Cupertino, Tour Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Story from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division
![SPR Commission Meeting](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2024/02/9079132/5292109/spr-commission-meeting-3-7-24-fbx-post-2_crop.jpg) The public is invited to attend the next meeting of the State Park and Recreation Commission on Thursday, March 7, at 9 a.m. at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Cupertino, California. An optional, in-person tour of sites within Big Basin Redwoods State Park (SP) will precede the meeting on Wednesday, March 6, at 9 a.m. Agenda items for the meeting will include updates on the budget for the department, restoration efforts following the CZU Complex Fire at Big Basin Redwoods SP and planning for the future impacts of climate change.
While it is not required, participants are asked to RSVP for the tour by calling (916) 902-8651 or emailing SPR.Commission@parks.ca.gov. Participants who do not RSVP are still permitted to attend the tour.
The full agenda and further information for participating in the tour and meeting are available at parks.ca.gov/PublicNotices. Information about attending the meeting virtually is also available. For more about the State Park and Recreation Commission, visit the Commission webpage.
California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact (916) 902-8651.
Meet the Commissioner: Phil Ginsburg, State Park and Recreation Commission
Story from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division
In a new series, we are profiling commissioners who serve on the four public commissions under State Parks: the California State Park and Recreation Commission, California Boating and Waterways Commission, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Commission and State Historical Resources Commission. Commissions provide guidance to department staff, review and approve plans, and assist State Parks in its mission to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California.
The second commissioner to be featured is State Park and Recreation Commissioner Phil Ginsburg, who was first appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2019 and currently serves as chairperson. Ginsburg is the general manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. With more than 4,100 acres and over 220 parks under its jurisdiction, the department stewards some of the most spectacular public spaces in the world, including Golden Gate Park, Coit Tower and the Palace of Fine Arts. Under Phil’s leadership, San Francisco became the first city in the United States where 100% of its residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. He also serves on the National Recreation and Park Association Board of Directors.
To learn more about the commissioner, we asked him five questions:
1. Why did you apply for the California State Park and Recreation Commission?
Having spent 15 years running San Francisco’s park system, I was excited to support California’s state park system and the governor and first partner’s Outdoor Access for All initiative.
2. Since joining the Commission, what is one thing that has surprised you?
The vastness and scale of California’s state parks and the impact climate change has had on these precious resources.
3. Why do you think it is essential for the public to engage with the Commission?
State Parks commissioners and staff help steward our park system, but we rely on public input and engagement. Without public engagement, it’s an impossible exercise to prioritize resources or make good public policy decisions—all of which often require difficult trade-offs.
4. What is your favorite form of recreation, and do you have a favorite state park to visit?
I love to run, hike and fish. All of our state parks are jewels—filled with recreational opportunities, nature and our shared history. Asking me to pick a favorite park is like asking me to pick a favorite child. But as a San Franciscan, my choice has to be Candlestick Point State Recreation Area. It’s gritty, urban and imperfect, but it’s beautiful, loaded with potential, vital to its surrounding neighbors and speaks to the most poignant and equitable vision for California’s state park system: access for all.
5. What would someone be surprised to learn about you?
That in 1997, I proposed to my wife, Emily, on her first-ever backcountry camping trip in Glacier National Park. She said yes.
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State Parks Team Tackles Invasive Marine Plant Found Close to Silver Strand State Beach
Story from: John Anderson, San Diego Coast District
![Invasive Marine Plant Found Close to Silver SB_team](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2024/03/9087986/5295781/invasive-marine-plant-found-close-to-silver-sb-team_crop.jpg) Environmental Scientist Carrie Benner and the San Diego Coast District Dive Team prepare to survey the Coronado Cays marina with Marine Taxonomic Services Vice President Robert Mooney and Associate Scientist Elia Miller. Divers (left to right): Erick Burgan, Michael Lawrence, Tim Gunther and Joel Puckett. Photo from John Anderson, San Diego Coast District.
A highly invasive algae species was discovered in Coronado Cays next to Silver Strand State Beach in San Diego County in September 2023. The algae, which is native to Florida and other subtropical locations, is scientifically known as Caulerpa prolifera. Caulerpa poses a substantial threat to local marine ecosystems and has the potential to displace native eelgrass within the San Diego Bay marine habitat. Eelgrass is an important marine plant that cleans the water, nurtures fish, absorbs climate-warming carbon, produces oxygen and protects the coastline and marinas.
In response to the environmental threat, San Diego Coast District natural resource specialists have teamed up with the district’s scuba dive team to assist the Southern California Caulerpa Action Team (SCCAT). SCCAT is a multiagency team comprised of federal, state and local agencies that have joined forces to identify the extent of the algae’s infestation.
As preparation for the underwater work, State Parks divers completed special training focused on scientific survey techniques, identification and mitigation measures for invasive plant species (Caulerpa) management. Following completion of the training course, divers received certification though the National Marine Fisheries Service-National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, qualifying them for the project.
Last month, the State Parks dive team joined a multiagency group of scientists and divers who conducted several days of initial work to identify and eradicate the highly invasive species.
![Invasive Marine Plant Found Close to Silver SB_Caulerpa](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2024/03/9087992/invasive-marine-plant-found-close-to-silver-sb-caul_original.jpg) Divers used scientific survey techniques in less than 2 feet of visibility to search the marina for this invasive Caulerpa algae. Photo from Eric Burgan, San Diego Coast District.
![Bear Digest Divider](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2021/11/5218956/digest-divider_original.jpg) ![Winter Bliss graphic 3](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2023/12/8682707/5147244/winter-bliss-3_crop.jpg) Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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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
![Now Hiring banner](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2021/12/5247047/now-hiring-graphic_original.png) JOB SPOTLIGHTS
Skilled Laborer – Apply by March 4, 2024: The reporting location for this position is Malibu Creek State Park (SP). This position will work under the supervision of the Park Maintenance Supervisor and will perform skilled and semiskilled facility maintenance and repair work. In this role, you will primarily be responsible for the maintenance, groundskeeping and housekeeping functions at Malibu Creek SP but may be required to work in other areas in the Angeles District. This position has shared responsibility with the other Park Maintenance Workers, Skilled Laborers, Park Maintenance Assistants and Laborers, within the Angeles District. Click here to apply. Click here for the assessment.
Staff Services Analyst (Permanent Intermittent) – Apply by March 4, 2024: The Parks Recruitment Office is seeking an enthusiastic candidate who enjoys helping others find a rewarding career in natural resources. You will host the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) Career Center located downtown in the new CNRA building Poppy Pavilion. Other tasks include providing career consultations, career development strategies, resume and application review, and help demystifying the state hiring process. Click here to apply. Click here for the assessment.
Associate Park and Recreation Specialist – Apply by March 6, 2024: The Office of Grants and Local Services is seeking a Project Officer to join their team. In this role you will exercise independent judgment and initiative in performing complex analysis to review, administer and monitor grant projects. Responsibilities include reviewing Per Capita and noncompetitive grant applications for technical accuracy and ensuring compliance with grant program requirements. Additional responsibilities include processing grant payments, grant contracts and deed restrictions. Travel is required to conduct site inspections and technical assistance workshops. Click here to apply. Click here for the assessment.
Communications Operator (multiple positions) – Apply by March 8, 2024: The reporting location for this position is the Northern Communications Center (NORCOM), located in Rancho Cordova, California. NORCOM is a 24-hour public safety dispatch and communications center with a service area covering Northern California. In this role, you will dispatch State Park Peace Officers (Rangers and Lifeguards), National Park Service Rangers, Department of Fish and Wildlife Wardens and other emergency services personnel in the NORCOM service area to emergency and non-emergency events. Duties will include operation of a radio console system, VESTA telephone system, California Law Enforcement Telecommunication System and computer-aided dispatch. Other duties will include dispatching Department of Fish and Wildlife CALTIP (or Californians Turn In Poachers and Polluters) calls and receiving and processing Office of Emergency Services hazmat reports. Click here to apply. Click here for the assessment.
Associate Governmental Program Analyst – Apply by March 7, 2024: In this exciting role as the HR Technology Analyst, you will help evaluate, implement and maintain the system to meet organizational needs. You will also provide essential support and training to team members, fostering the adoption of ServiceNow HR Service Desk and ensuring proficient utilization. Collaboration with cross-functional partners is a key aspect, involving the creation of tailored technology solutions to address their unique needs and challenges. Click here to apply. Click here for the assessment.
Information Officer I (Specialist) (two positions available) – Apply by March 25, 2024: Under the direction of the Information Officer II, the Information Officer I (IO I) provides support and direction to State Parks staff, including planning, researching, writing, editing and preparing materials for dissemination through all major means of communication. The IO I will research, write and edit press releases, media advisories, talking points, reports, scripts, blogs, videos, social media and other informational material, as well as will be required to provide on-camera interviews. Individual must embrace new technology, looking beyond the current framework and exploring new possibilities to best serve the public. Click here to apply. Click here for the assessment.
EXAM SPOTLIGHTS
State Park Equipment Operator (Final filing date: March 1, 2024): From developing new recreation areas to restoring parks, our State Park Equipment Operators are essential to ensuring visitors are safe, preserving the state’s precious resources and keeping state parks operational for all to enjoy year-round. This assessment now has a biannual cut-off date. Click here for more information.
Water and Sewer Plant Supervisor – Continuous (March 1, 2024): 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 making the more involved analyses by interpreting tests and determining necessary changes in dosage and treatment processes. Click here for more information.
Communications Operator – Continuous (Applications will be processed the first day of every month): This is the entry, working and journey level for this series. Employees work under general supervision in a Communications Center, following established policies and procedures to perform a variety of duties. Duties include operating multifrequency/ channel radio telephone systems and computer-aided transmitting and receiving equipment to receive calls from field units, telephones or other sources. 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.
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!
Veterans, Active Military and Family Members Invited to In-Person and Virtual State Parks Career Event, March 7
Story from: Anthony Bonilla, Recruitment Office, and Recruitment Office Staff
![Recruitment_VeteranEvent_March2024_V2_Page_1](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2024/02/9080231/5292448/recruitment-veteranevent-march2024-v2-page-1_crop.jpg) California State Parks invites veterans, active duty, guard and reserve from all branches of our military for a unique in-person and virtual career recruitment event in San Diego on Thursday, March 7.
This is not your average recruitment day: The event is through a partnership between State Parks, the California Department of Veteran Affairs, Wounded Warrior Project, and Work for Warriors. Veterans and active military members from all branches and their families are invited to learn more about the various career opportunities waiting for them at California State Parks.
The State Parks recruitment team will be joined by top-notch experts in interpretation, law enforcement and numerous other disciplines to provide insightful information on the rewarding career paths available. Staff will be there to answer questions and provide knowledge, resources and expert guidance to help you snag the career of your dreams.
Michael Bunt, a personnel officer at State Parks, is a veteran himself and knows the pains and struggles of transitioning to civilian work. That is the heart of it—a real connection, a shared struggle and a determination to bridge the gap between your quest for meaningful work and State Parks' need for skilled, passionate employees.
This event is the kickoff of a series of events designed to shower career resources on veterans and their families. "We're committed to helping active-duty members prepare for their transition to civilian life," said Bunt. It's not just a job; it's a mission.
Bring resumes, and, before the event, create a CalCareers profile. Visit calcareers.ca.gov and let the adventure begin.
For more details about career opportunities, visit LiveTheParksLife.com or email to the recruitment team at Recruiting@parks.ca.gov. If you are eyeing a career in State Parks law enforcement, send a message to LEJobs@parks.ca.gov; they are ready to help make you stewards of state parks.
The event will unfold from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the spectacular Wounded Warriors Project venue, located at 8880 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 900, San Diego, CA 92108. If you cannot attend the event in person, the event will also be streamed virtually on Microsoft Teams.
Are you ready to Live the Parks Life? The countdown to the event on Thursday, March 7, has begun! Register here.
![Live the Parks Life banner](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2021/12/5247050/livetheparkslife-2_original.jpg)
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Style time! Here are this week's tips to help spread the word about our departmentwide style guidelines:
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Months: When a month is used with a specific date, abbreviate only Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec. Example: Jan. 15, 2024. Spell out when using alone, or with a year alone. Example: February 2024 was a memorable month. Always spell out March, April, May, June and July.
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coast/Coast: Lowercase when referring to physical shoreline (e.g., Pacific coast, Atlantic coast) and when referring to smaller regions (e.g., Mendocino coast, Monterey coast). Uppercase “the Coast” only when referring to the “West Coast” and when referring to recognized major regions (North Coast, Central Coast, South Coast).
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waterline: One word.
Keeping a consistent writing style ensures the Weekly Digest looks and sounds its best. Each week, the Communications and Marketing Division reviews submitted articles for proper grammar and punctuation and style consistency––from capitalization and hyphenation to proper acronyms and active/passive voice usage. In general, we follow the Associated Press style and Merriam-Webster, but at times we use our own department-specific style.
We always welcome your feedback on how to “Live the Parks Life” in (writing) style. Connect with us via email at weeklydigest@parks.ca.gov.
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![Los Banos Creek Reservoir_collage](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2024/02/9052452/5282039/los-banos-creek-reservoir-collage_crop.jpg) San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
Staff at the Four Rivers Sector hiked the Path of the Padres to do a trail check at Los Banos Creek Reservoir and make sure the trail is prepared for guided hikes starting in March. The Path of the Padres is a popular hike in the Central Valley that only comes around one month out of the year and is only accessible by boat.
Left: Volunteers John Fulton and David Milam; Matt McDonnal, interpreter I; Marissa Ludice, park aide; Sherry Luke, management service technician; Chris Jou, state park peace officer (SPPO) supervisor; Ozzy Lara, maintenance aide; Park Aides Brandy Castillo and Johnny Greer; Chris Nguyen, SPPO; Pablo Flores, senior park aide; and Jaime Pena, heavy equipment mechanic. Right: SPPO Supervisor Chris Jou striking a pose at the reservoir.
Photos from Caitlin Jackson, Central Valley District
![Orestimba High School_career day Caitlin Jackson and Chris Nguyen](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2024/02/9052388/5282040/orestimba-high-school-career-day-collage_crop.jpg) Newman, California
Interpreter II Caitlin Jackson and State Park Peace Officer Chris Nguyen at Orestimba High School for career day.
Photos from Caitlin Jackson, Central Valley District
Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
A rare daytime bobcat (Lynx rufus) appearance and an even rarer vocalization. Bobcats are usually silent, so this footage is a rare treat. Click button above to watch video or click here.
Video from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District
![Red Rock Canyon SP_greening hills](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2024/02/9050251/5282042/red-rock-canyon-sp-greening-hills_crop.jpeg) Red Rock Canyon State Park
Greening hills in the Hagen Canyon area. What blooms will this spring bring?
Photo from Luis Malik, Great Basin District
![Huntington SB_HQ](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2024/02/9059241/5284487/huntington-sb-hq_crop.jpg) Huntington State Beach
The first few rays of sunshine after several days of stormy weather produce striking features in the clearing skies.
Photo from Dana Lundblad, Orange Coast District
![Los Banos Creek Reservoir_landscape](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2024/02/9052449/5282043/los-banos-creek-reservoir-landscape_crop.jpeg) San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
Looking up Los Banos Creek.
Photo from Caitlin Jackson, Central Valley District
![Huntington SB_kiosk](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2024/02/9059270/5284488/huntington-sb-kiosk_crop.jpeg) Huntington State Beach
A rainbow over the kiosk after the storm.
Photo from Sean Bierman, Orange Coast District
![Antelope Valley Indian Museum SHP_bus](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2024/02/9050229/5282044/antelope-valley-indian-museum-shp-bus_crop.jpeg) Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park
School field trips are part of our normal routine at this historic park, which is now a California State Park Adventure Pass participating park. Students join staff and volunteers in museum tours, hikes and hands-on activities like making small clay pots.
Photo from Luis Malik, Great Basin District
![Red Rock Canyon SP_helicopter](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2024/02/9049895/5282045/red-rock-canyon-helicopter_crop.jpg) Red Rock Canyon State Park
Mercy Air 14 seen lifting off from the Ricardo Visitor Center parking lot. When medical emergencies arise in some remote parks, sometimes a helicopter ride is the quickest way to the hospital.
Photo from Damion Laughlin, Great Basin District
![Bear Digest Divider](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2021/11/5218956/digest-divider_original.jpg) ![Winter Bliss graphic 4](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2023/12/8682716/5147269/winter-bliss-4-1_crop.jpg) Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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Here are some upcoming State Parks events. For a list of more upcoming events, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/events.
Friday, March 1, 2024
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Whale Festival Campfire Program—Van Damme State Park at 6 p.m.: Join California State Parks interpreters for an evening of songs, stories, trivia and s'mores around the campfire on the beach. Visitors will learn why we celebrate this charismatic cetacean while sipping hot cocoa as the sun sets. This program and parking are free of charge, donations to MendoParks accepted.
Saturday, March 2, 2024
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Raincoats and Rubber Boots—Henry W. Coe State Park, 10:30 a.m.: Bring the kids, rubber boots and raincoats (or shorts and T-shirts, depending on weather), lunch, snacks, drinks, towels and dry clothes for the ride home. Play, hike and float a boat or rubber duck (provided) in the creek. Go on a scavenger hunt, learn about the plants, animals and rocks. Find out what makes it rain. Location: Hunting Hollow Entrance, 4826 Gilroy Hot Springs Road, Gilroy, CA 95020.
Sunday, March 3, 2024
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Sue-meg Village Tours—Sue-meg State Park at 2 p.m.: Explore the rich history of Sue-meg Village and the continuing of traditions of the Yurok people. Experience Sue-Meg Village in the park or from home with our augmented reality, virtual adventure app. All programs are free, open to the public and about one-hour long. Program topics and presenters may vary. Programs available, weather permitting. For updates, visit the park Facebook and Instagram pages, @northcoastredwoods.
Here are some upcoming State Parks and California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) events celebrating Women’s History Month:
Saturday, March 2, 2024
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Free Museum Day-California State Library Science Fair—Stanley Mosk Library Building at 914 Capitol at 10 a.m.: Bring your daughters to this free California State Library Science Fair in Gillis Hall. The fair features interactive exhibitions, hands-on workshops and science games. Topics include photochemistry, political science, space, recycling, botany and more. Drop-ins are welcome!
Thursday, March 14, 2024
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Tour of the State Archives—1020 O Street, Fourth Floor Reception Desk at noon: This free behind-the-scenes tour of the state archives for Natural Resources staff will feature historical records celebrating Women’s History Month. The California State Archives, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, provides a permanent repository for the state’s governmental records as well as other materials documenting California history. Please arrive 10 minutes early to get through ground-floor security and to secure backpacks and purses in the free lockers. RSVP here.
Saturday, March 16, 2024
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Volunteer Workday and Hike—China Camp State Park at 9 a.m.: Get outside and celebrate Women’s History Month with a volunteer work opportunity and a hike at China Camp State Park. The Bay Area District and Friends of China Camp invite you to explore, hike and learn about this majestic and historic landmark nestled off San Pablo Bay in San Rafael, California. Bring work gloves, a hat, sunscreen, water, and your lunch. Tools provided by Friends of China Camp. Enter the park from the north side via North San Pedro Road. Follow the signs to the Miwok Meadows Gate. Parking on North San Pedro Road. Park map can be found here: Park Map (QR Code Linked) – Friends of China Camp. RSVP here.
For more CNRA Women's History Month events, click here.
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Feb. 28, 2024
March 1, 2024
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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.
![Bear Digest Divider](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2021/11/5218956/digest-divider_original.jpg) ![WeeklyDigestRequestforContentGraphic-CastleCrags-Final122121](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/CNRA/2022/10/6624312/4391213/weeklydigestrequestforcontentgraphic-castlecrags-fi_crop.png) 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.
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