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 March 15, 2024
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 Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Photo title: “Giants Among the Snow”
This is “Winter Bliss” because: “Fresh snowfall creates an amazing contrast with the red of the giant sequoias.”
Photo taken: Jan. 3, 2024
Photo by: Lillie Oravetz, Central Valley District. Lillie is a state park interpreter II and has been with State Parks for two and a half years.
 Crystal Cove State Park
Photo title: “Winter’s Underwater Jewel”
This is “Winter Bliss” because: “The sea anemone’s striking colors are a reminder that life and color persist even in the coldest months.”
Photo taken: Feb. 22, 2024
Photo by: Diane Morales Velasco, Inland Empire District. Diane is a forestry aide at Lake Perris State Recreation Area and has been with State Parks for one year.
 Hearst San Simeon State Park
Photo title: “Sunset Seals”
This is “Winter Bliss” because: “Winter on the California coast may less predictably bring snow and cold weather, but one thing we can count on here is the return of thousands of northern elephant seals to beaches up and down the coast. The seals return to shore at the start of winter after journeys all around the northern Pacific to give birth to their pups on the beach. This bull was resting when a young pup, not more than a week or so old, joined him for the final moments of sunlight. It’s always a joy to take time to watch these seals in the winter, and while spring will see the vast majority of them depart our beaches, I look forward to enjoying some time watching them again next winter. With elephant seal colonies up and down the coast between Humboldt and Southern California, opportunities to observe them abound!”
Photo taken: Jan. 27, 2024
Photo by: Naftali Moed, Bay Area District. Naftali has been an environmental scientist at State Parks for four and a half years.
 Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
Photo title: “Icons of the Untamed West”
This is “Winter Bliss” because: “It shows a moment of peace and comfort just after a recent rain—enjoying the slower season within the park.”
Photo taken: Jan. 22, 2024
Photo by: Bobby Scruggs, Great Basin District. Bobby has been a state park peace officer (ranger) with State Parks for almost a year (one year in April).
 Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
Photo title: “Cactus Cooler”
This is “Winter Bliss” because: “I got a taste of winter bliss at Providence Mountains when I woke up to the desert covered by a blanket of fresh snow. It was special to be there when this normally harsh environment was made softer and even more peaceful by a dusting of brilliant powder, and to see the contrast of the bright blue sky against the white and red peaks where the snow remained until the late afternoon.”
Photo taken: Feb. 8, 2024
Photo by: Katie Drozd, Inland Empire District. Katie is an environmental scientist and has been with State Parks for three years.
 Samuel P. Taylor State Park
Photo title: “Groundhog Day? Nope, It’s Raccoon Day, Everyday.”
This is “Winter Bliss” because: “Campers were nowhere to be found due to storm closures, and this fellow was feeling a bit lonely and was excited to see the campground host.”
Photo taken: Feb. 7, 2024.
Photo by: Kathryn Dunning, Bay Area District. Kathryn has been a volunteer campground host for the past four years.
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'Spring Senses' Photo Contest Kicks off March 19
Story from: Gabriela Orozco, Communications and Marketing Division
 Anna’s hummingbird spotted in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District.
State Parks staff and volunteers submitted many impressive shots for the “Winter Bliss” photo contest, with top photos showcasing a variety of winter glimpses into state parks—from fresh snow covering the sequoias at Calaveras Big Trees State Park to coyotes camouflaged in the vast Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. Selecting only five winning photos for the contest was difficult, which is why we selected six photos (see top photos in article above). Congrats to the "Winter Bliss" contest winners, and a big thank you to everyone who participated in the contest!
The selected six photos will be shared March 18-22 and March 24 on California State Parks’ social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook and X). Make sure to check them out and give them a like, share or comment on your favorites.
For the upcoming spring season, we would like you to express what engages your senses in state parks through the “Spring Senses” photo contest. Springtime in state parks offers staff and visitors unique opportunities to take in amazing colors, scents and sounds. You may see blooming wildflowers coating several parks, hear wildlife in the distance and feel the warmer weather to enjoy all that parks have to offer. The spring season can be the perfect time to get out into a state park and capture its beauty.
The “Spring Senses” photo contest runs from March 19 through June 4, 2024. As a friendly reminder, if your photos include people who are not 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 for your photo and the name of the state park it was taken in. The Communications and Marketing team will announce the top photos in June 2024. The photos will be showcased in the Weekly Digest, as well as State Parks’ social media channels with their photo credit.
Here are the rules and criteria to submit photos:
- Send photos to the Weekly Digest email address with the subject line “Spring Senses.”
- Photos must be taken between March 19-June 4, 2024.
- Photos with images of those who are not park staff or volunteers must include a photo Visual Media Consent form (DPR 993).
- Photos can be taken at any of California’s 280 state parks or at a State Parks office.
- Only park employees and volunteers can submit photos.
- Photos will be judged on photo quality, uniqueness, moment captured and content.
- The top five 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 lovely springtime photos!
Governor Newsom Announces Reappointments to California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission
Story from: Governor’s Press Office
Governor Gavin Newsom announced three reappointments to the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission (Commission) on Friday, March 8: Kathleen “Kat” Anderson, Tommy Randle and Roger Salazar. The Commission is one of four public commissions within State Parks.
Kathleen “Kat” Anderson, of San Francisco, has served on the Commission since 2023. Anderson has been president of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission since 2023 and served as vice president and commissioner from 2016 to 2023. She has been an attorney with the Law Offices of Kathleen Stewart Anderson since 1991. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California Law San Francisco, College of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Stanford University.
Tommy Randle, of San Dimas, has served on the Commission since 2021. Randle has been chief executive officer of California Leading Edge Inc. since 1994. He was a partnership coordinator at the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Census Bureau from 2009 to 2011, and government partnership specialist there from 1998 to 2005. Randle served in several positions with IBM from 1971 to 1996. Randle was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army after serving from 1964 to 1968.
Roger Salazar, of Sacramento, has served on the Commission since 2020 and was recently elected as chairperson. Salazar has been president of ALZA Strategies since 2014. He was managing director of Mercury Public Affairs from 2012 to 2014 and partner at Acosta Salazar LLC from 2004 to 2012. Salazar was press secretary and deputy press secretary in the office of Governor Gray Davis from 2000 to 2022. He served in several roles in the Clinton Administration from 1995 to 2000. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Redlands and a Master of Arts degree in political/media management from George Washington University.
To read the full press release, click here.
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State Park and Recreation Commission Meets in Cupertino, Tours Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Story and photos from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division
 Left to right: State Parks Director Armando Quintero, State Park and Recreation Commission members Sara Barth, Phil Ginsburg, Christina Jaromay, Jeff Williams, Francesa Vietor, Benjamin Bashein and Assemblymember Gail Pellerin.
Over 50 participants, including members of several partner organizations and the public, joined the State Park and Recreation Commission (Commission) during a recent tour of Big Basin Redwoods State Park (SP). The Wednesday, March 6, tour preceded the Commission’s first meeting of 2024. While rain was a constant companion, visitors were excited to see the rebirth of trees and the return of plant and animal life less than four years since the park and nearby areas were decimated by the CZU Complex Fire in 2020.
Led by Santa Cruz District Superintendent Chris Spohrer, a caravan of vehicles followed narrow roadways into areas of the park not yet reopened to the public. Along the way, at locations including Lower Sky Meadow, Lodge Road and Little Basin, staff provided detailed insights into the park’s ongoing recovery and the planning process that continues to restore the park’s infrastructure and provide a sustainable approach for how the park will be managed for both the environment and visitors.
The future has been heavily influenced by public input, with assistance from many partners participating in Reimagining Big Basin. Several of these partners were represented during the tour, including the Mountain Parks Foundation, California Parks Hospitality Association, California Mountain Biking Coalition, California State Parks Foundation, Parks California, Vista Recreation, Save the Redwoods League, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and the Sempervirens Fund.
Donald Patton, who started his career with State Parks as a ranger at Big Basin Redwoods SP, was one of the public participants on the tour. Patton and his family resided in employee housing at #10 Lower Sky Meadows from 1971 to 1977. The home was the only remaining staff housing in the meadow left untouched by the fire. Patton was joined by his son James, who marveled at the fact the house was still standing after the devastation caused by the fire. Today the house provides living quarters for crews helping to rebuild the park’s trail system.
While full access to the park is far into the future, Big Basin Redwoods SP has seen over 83,000 visitors pass through its gates since it partially reopened in 2022. At the main day-use area, a converted cargo container serves as a small visitor center in the heart of the park.
Commission members met on Thursday, March 7, in Cupertino, California, and were provided further details on the progress of rebuilding Big Basin Redwoods SP and additional information about Reimagining Big Basin. Updates were also provided for nearby Seacliff State Beach, which has be--en pummeled by several high-water events. The Commission was also briefed on California’s 2024 state budget and provided with reports from the Strategic Planning and Recreation Services Division. Board members welcomed newly appointed Commissioner Benjamin Bashein and reelected Chairperson Phil Ginsburg and Vice Chairperson Francesca Vietor to their current positions.
For more information about the State Park and Recreation Commission, including future meetings, please visit the Commission's webpage. A video recording of the Commission meeting is available on CAL-SPAN.
 Clockwise from top left: Santa Cruz District Superintendent Chris Spohrer speaks to tour participants from the steps of the former park headquarters building, now surrounded by new growth. James and Donald Patton stand outside their family’s home from 1971-77, the only employee housing remaining in Lower Sky Meadow after the CZU Complex Fire. Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, ex-officio member of the State Park and Recreation Commission, and Director Armando Quintero at Little Basin. Park Interpreter I Erin Dunning and Senior Park Aide Jean Parker greeted the tour group at a temporary visitor center, a converted cargo container, in the main day-use area.
State Indian Museum State Historic Park Announces New Exhibition 'Native Graduates: From Assimilation to Cultural Pride'
Story from: Ileana Maestas, Capital District
 Park Interpretative Specialist Michael A. Ramirez guest curated the "Natives Graduates" exhibit.
The State Indian Museum (SIM) State Historic Park is delighted to announce the opening of a new temporary exhibition, “Native Graduates: From Assimilation to Cultural Pride,” which was guest curated by Park Interpretive Specialist Michael A. Ramirez (Konkow Maidu). This exhibit explores how Native American graduates express their cultural heritage by wearing traditional regalia, such as feathers, patterned stoles and beaded caps, at commencement ceremonies, and it provides insight into the challenges still surrounding students wearing regalia at graduation.
Importantly, “Native Graduates” tells the personal story of Michael and his family’s experiences with the U.S. educational system, from his grandparents’ forced enrollment in Indian boarding schools to Michael’s own graduation from California State University, Humboldt (now California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt), with a degree in Native Studies. The exhibit not only celebrates the achievements of Native graduates, but also highlights how Native graduation regalia asserts the perseverance of Native culture in the face of a system that tried to eradicate it.
Numerous community members generously lent their graduation photographs and regalia for display in the exhibition. SIM Curator Taylor Moore states, “With this exhibit, we are celebrating this generation and hopefully inspiring the next. Being Native myself, I am truly inspired by the community support for this exhibit. It means a lot to be able to wear our regalia and honor those who came before us.”
Although the exhibit is small—occupying the back left corner of the museum—its presence at the SIM is significant; it is the inaugural display in what will now be the museum’s rotating temporary exhibit gallery. Displays in this space will focus on contemporary Native art and culture, furthering the SIM mission to showcase the contributions of Native Californians to our shared present and future.
The “Native Graduates: From Assimilation to Cultural Pride” exhibit will be on view through summer 2024. We invite all to visit the exhibit before it closes.
Office of Community Involvement’s FamCamp Program Turns 30
Story from: Lovella Sein-Colon, Office of Community Involvement
 The FamCamp program is located in 14 state parks. Top left: Calaveras Big Trees SP staff (left to right): Supervising Ranger Antheney Alegre, State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) (Ranger) Jenna Bernard, Park Maintenance Worker I Mike Reith, SPPO (Ranger) Dan Kendall and Park Aide Morgan McDearmid. Photo from Jacob Cole, Calaveras Big Trees Association. Top right: Silverwood Lake SRA staff (left to right): SPPO Supervisor (SPPOS) Leslie Pina; SPPOS Adrian Nava; SPPOs (Rangers) Josh Bakke, Mark Wright and Cameron Cisek; and State Park Superintendent (SPS) III Ryann Gill. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division. Bottom left: Candlestick Point SRA staff (left to right): Bay Area District Superintendent Gerald O’Reilly, Interpreter II Nick Fowlks and Community Engagement Specialist Lisa Whitmer. Photo from Veronica Silva-Miranda, Parks California. Bottom right: Hearst San Simeon SP staff (left to right): Park Aide Shelby Kessler, Park Aide Tristen Lehrmann and SPPO (Ranger) Jared Meichtry. Photo from Jared Meichtry, San Luis Obispo Coast District.
The Office of Community Involvement (OCI) is happy to share exciting news. The FamCamp Program, which began in 1994, has been a successful program for the past 30 years. FamCamp is the brainchild of Jack Shu and Carol Nelson, former State Parks staff. FamCamp was designed to empower underserved communities and to increase access to camping at state parks. Our Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Outdoor Youth Connection trainings have become premiere programs for meeting State Parks’ goals and strategic initiatives for increasing diversity, creating an urban connection and expanding recreational opportunities for underserved communities.
The FamCamp program, with the support of our strong and faithful partnerships from 14 state parks, district superintendents and their incredible staff, has opened the door for communities to discover the beauty of state parks. Since 1994, FamCamp has provided over 1,000 trips for more than 31,250 campers. For many participants, their FamCamp experience was also their first visit to a California state park.
OCI would like to thank Richardson Grove State Park (SP), Humboldt Redwoods SP, Sue-Meg SP, Mount Tamalpais SP, Calaveras Big Trees SP, San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area (SRA), Millerton Lake SRA, Candlestick Point SRA, Hearst San Simeon SP, Los Angeles State Historic Park, Castaic Lake SRA, Leo Carrillo SP, Malibu Creek SP, Silverwood Lake SRA, Cuyamaca Rancho SP and Anza-Borrego Desert SP for their ongoing support and partnership.
State Parks Career Event for Veterans, Active Military and Family Members
Story from: Brandon Littlejohn, Talent Acquisition Branch and Personnel Services Division
 Veterans and their families learn about careers with California State Parks. Photo from Michael Bunt, Personnel Services, Human Resources.
State Parks, in partnership with the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) and the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), hosted a military-centric strategic outreach event for more than 30 veterans at the WWP’s office in San Diego on Thursday, March 7. These organizations facilitated an in-person and virtual presentation on veteran benefits, veteran hiring preference and career opportunities within State Parks. The WWP and their national director also honored State Parks and CalVet with awards for our continuous support and efforts in supporting the hiring of veterans, active duty service members and their families.
State Parks was represented at the career event through a variety of department subject matter experts, including staff in law enforcement and information technology, and from Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, San Diego Coast District, and the Southern Service Center. They presented on the culture of State Parks, the many career opportunities and why service members should work for State Parks.
A follow-up virtual presentation will be scheduled in the next month with event attendees discussing the state hiring process, navigating the CalCareers website, finding the perfect career opportunity, taking assessments and tailoring their applications to their positions of interest.
San Luis Obispo Coast District Tackles Beach Cleanup
Story from: Katie Drexhage, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Left to right: Senior Park Aides Makaleh Smith, Monica Gonzalez and Robyn Jensen removing cotton bail from Hearst San Simeon State Park. Photo from John Sayers, San Luis Obispo Coast District.
In response to the recent and ongoing debris washing up along the entire Central Coast from a cargo ship that lost several containers of cotton and wine barrels, San Luis Obispo Coast District staff displayed exceptional dedication and resilience in tackling the arduous task of beach cleanup.
The team worked together to get the job done. Chief Ranger Eric Hjelstrom sprung into the role of incident commander, orchestrating surveys and the cleanup effort for staff. Environmental Scientist Jeff Ebner created an app and dashboard to document and track all debris with GPS points and photos. Natural Resources staff surveyed the entire coast of the district, documenting all debris with the app on their smartphones, and assisted with cleanup efforts over the next few days. Also, Maintenance Chief Blake Thorin ensured that roll-offs were staged for the discard of debris, and he assisted with the cleanup efforts.
Despite facing challenging conditions, including downpours of rain, laborious work to rip apart and haul cotton by hand and using wheelbarrows and dealing with heavy, water-logged cotton that emitted a foul odor that cannot be described, staff remained undeterred.
Their tireless efforts filled numerous trucks and roll-offs with debris, significantly alleviating the environmental impact on our beaches and sensitive habitats. Amidst the chaos and urgency of the situation, our staff rallied together with determination and efficiency, demonstrating exemplary teamwork and a profound sense of responsibility toward our environment. Their tireless dedication and hard work have played a pivotal role in safeguarding the delicate ecosystems that thrive along our shorelines.
Their unwavering commitment to the task at hand exemplifies the spirit of teamwork and environmental stewardship. Moreover, their professionalism and dedication have earned the admiration and gratitude of the community.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our staff for their selfless dedication and outstanding work during this critical time. Their efforts have not only protected sensitive resources and habitats along our coastlines, but also underscored the importance of collective action in preserving state parks.
 Clockwise from top: State Parks vehicle with cotton bail recovery. Photo from Katie Drexhage, San Luis Obispo Coast District. Forest Technician Myriam Alvarez, Forestry Aide Julia Nolan, Environmental Scientist John Sayers, Forestry Aide Harrison Kohr and Senior Park Aide Robyn Jensen removing cotton bail from Montaña de Oro State Park (SP). Photo from Katie Drexhage. A 40-yard roll off with cotton from four bails. Photo from Katie Drexhage. Myriam Alvarez, Environmental Scientist Brad Collins, Robyn Jensen, Forestry Technician Mateo Fresquez, Julia Nolan and Harrison Kohr removing cotton bail from Montaña de Oro SP. Photo from John Sayers, San Luis Obispo Coast District.
Celebrating Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park's Olympic Heritage With Free Ski Day
Story and photos from: Kaytlen Jackson, Sierra District
 State Parks staff, Sierra State Parks Foundation staff and volunteers pose with the historic Thiokol snow machine.
The area that is now Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park hosted the Nordic ski events 64 years ago during the 1960 Olympic Winter Games held in Olympic Valley, California. That year the Olympics saw many firsts, including the first mechanically groomed trails, mechanical timing and the first time the Olympics were broadcast on national television, with CBS buying the rights to air the Games for $50,000. Today, that spirit of innovation, camaraderie and goodwill remains in the park, with 11 miles of groomed and ungroomed trails bringing winter recreation enthusiasts of all types.
Park staff and partner, the Sierra State Parks Foundation, celebrated the park's Olympic heritage on Saturday, March 9, by hosting the Free Ski Day event. Visitors participated in a laser biathlon demo, snow science and avalanche safety presentation, snowman making contest, Junior Ranger activities and a free historical snowshoe tour. The Sierra State Parks Foundation sponsored vehicle entry for 50 cars as part of the collaborative goal to increase winter recreation accessibility in state parks. They also provided much-needed warmth on a chilly day by way of coffee, hot cocoa and baked treats.
Like the groundbreaking events of the 1960 Olympic Winter Games, Free Ski Day was also a day of firsts. Many participants were newcomers to the park and were encountering winter recreation for the first time. By reducing barriers, providing new opportunities and emboldening our visitors to explore unconventional types of recreation, we carry on the spirit of outdoor adventure that has long been the history of Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park.
 Scenes from the Free Ski Day event on Saturday, March 9. Top left: Snowman creations made by park visitors. Top right: Supervising Ranger Jackson educating folks about the Sierra snowpack. Bottom right: Park staff trying out the laser biathlon equipment before the event. Bottom left: More than 30 people joined us for a free Olympics history guided snowshoe hike.
California State Railroad Museum and California State Railroad Museum Foundation Announce 41st Consecutive Season of Weekend Excursion Trains
Story from: Traci Rockefeller Cusack, T-Rock Communications
 To start the new season, diesel locomotive No. 402 is returning to operation to pull the weekend excursion trains on many weekends. Built in 1939, the historic locomotive is the California State Railroad Museum’s oldest operating diesel electric locomotive and was last used to pull passengers in 2013. Photo from Kelly B. Huston, volunteer.
Presenting the only train ride experience behind an authentic, historic locomotive in the Sacramento region, the California State Railroad Museum and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation are proud to announce the 41st consecutive season of popular weekend excursion train rides on the Sacramento Southern Railroad.
For an early preseason start, weekend excursion train rides are being offered this weekend, March 16-17, coinciding with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and featuring a special First-Class Leprechaun Lounge experience in the El Dorado parlor car, complete with Irish music, spirited beverages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) and a limited-edition can cooler. Preseason weekend train rides will continue on weekends through March with three train rides per day. Then, the official excursion train ride season will start the weekend of April 6-7 with five train rides offered per day.
Excursion train ride guests can delight in the sights, smells and sounds of an authentic, historic locomotive as it rolls along the levees of the Sacramento River for a 6-mile, 50-minute round-trip excursion. Appealing to all ages, the experience offers guests the chance to enjoy train travel from an earlier era.
Weekend excursion train ride tickets are limited and interested riders are encouraged to book online in advance. If still available, weekend excursion train ride tickets can be purchased in person starting at 9 a.m. the day of the train ride.
To purchase weekend excursion train ride tickets or for more information about the California State Railroad Museum or the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, please visit www.californiarailroad.museum.
California State Railroad Museum's Historic Train Cars: Preservation Through Difficult Grimes
Story and photos from: Ileana Maestas, Capital District
 Curatorial Assistant Russell Moore (left) and Museum Curator Vanessa Cantú work on the cab forward.
Taking care of State Parks' museum collections comes in all forms. From historic paintings to Chinese teacups, California Indian baskets to 19th-century wooden desks, the museum collections stewarded by State Parks is extensive. Luckily, the department has has a crack team of museum curators, museum technicians, museum custodians and curatorial assistants who work in the background, ensuring that the objects and artifacts under their care are maintained so the public will be able to enjoy all these objects in the future.
Some of the largest artifacts in State Parks' collections are the train locomotives and railcars at the California State Railroad Museum. The museum has 21 historic cars on display, and each one requires a specialized plan to ensure its preservation. These objects are unique, not only in their size, but in their access to visitors. Most museum objects are never touched by the public, but the train cars at the museum are accessible for the public to touch, tour and climb aboard. This type of access means that the program to maintain these behemoths must be robust and consistent. Every morning, before the museum opens, teams of curatorial staff clean and assess the wear on the locomotives.
Recently, Museum Curator Vanessa Cantú and Curatorial Assistant Russell Moore spent two days cleaning the steel rods on Southern Pacific 4294 (SP 4294) affectionally known as the "cab forward." The cab forward refers to the location of the driver’s compartment or "cab," which is in front or "forward" of the boiler at the very front of the engine. This engine, the largest in the State Parks collection, is a steam locomotive built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in March 1944, making the cab forward 80 years old this month.
Vanessa and Russell worked to remove unsightly lipid grime and rust from the SP 4294 cab forward’s steel rods. This type of wear is caused by continual touching as well as humidity fluctuations over time. The pair researched and tested several conservation treatments and ultimately decided on a three-step process: A solvent was used to remove excess surface grime and prepare the steel for the removal of micro-rust with light-to-medium abrasion. Once cleansed, the rods were finished with a protective layer of microcrystalline wax to prolong and reduce future wear. Vanessa and Russell logged all the cleaning into the cab forward’s file and are planning for this type of conservation to happen annually.
 Top photo: Treating the steel rods with mineral spirits. Bottom left: Russell (left) and Vanessa taking a break. Bottom right: Equipment and solvents for cleaning the steel rods.
 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.
Want to Live the Parks Life? Communications and Marketing Division Seeking Two Information Officers
Story from: Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division
 Top left: Launch of State Parks Week at Black Miners Bar, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area in June 2023. Top right: Media event for wildflowers bloom at Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve in 2019. Bottom left: Media event at Big Basin Redwoods State Park in September 2020 after the CZU Lightning Complex Fire. Bottom right: Digital Analyst Brittani Peterson doing a social media video with State Parks Director Armando Quintero at Black Miners Bar in June 2023. Photos from Brian Baer, Jorge Moreno and Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division.
You have heard the saying, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” The Communications and Marketing Division is seeking two information officer I's (specialists) to join its team. Don’t get me wrong, you will be working and working hard, but it may also be one of the most rewarding jobs you will ever have in your career.
As the connection to the public, the media and department staff/volunteers statewide, you will be writing press releases, talking points, reports, blogs, social media and other materials to help convey the mission of California State Parks, which is “to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.”
You will be helping plan and staff media events at our amazing park units, providing on-camera interviews to media and supporting the department’s 21 districts across California along with its Division of Boating and Waterways, the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division and the Office of Historic Preservation. This includes responding and helping State Parks staff with emergencies and incidents such as wildfires, floods, storm impacts, etc. Candidates must also embrace new technology, looking beyond State Parks’ current framework and exploring new possibilities to best serve the public. You will conduct livestreams and help create videos to showcase the department and a variety of topics.
You will find that when you join the State Parks team, there is a reason people love working for this department and share their passion for what they do. If you are ready to take this next step and #LiveTheParksLife, learn more about the Information Officer I positions at this CalCareers link. The deadline to apply for these two positions is Monday, March 25, 2024.
State Parks Job Spotlights and Open Exams
 JOB SPOTLIGHTS
Maintenance Aide (Seasonal) – Apply by March 17, 2024: Do you like to travel, wear a state parks uniform, do grounds work or run gators, trucks and small equipment? If so, then the Valley Sector may have the perfect job for you. Click here for more information. No assessment needed.
Senior Maintenance Aide (Seasonal) – Apply by March 20, 2024: Reporting to the Park Maintenance Supervisor, you will be asked to perform tasks like carpentry, painting, electrical and plumbing at Wilder Ranch State Park in Santa Cruz, California. Click here for more information. No assessment needed.
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. See article above to learn more about these available positions. Click here to apply. Click here for the assessment.
Civil Engineer – Apply by March 28, 2024: If you like preparing technical designs, including plans, specifications and estimates for roads, parking areas, bridges, piers, retaining walls and utility connections, and live anywhere in the State of California with a valid Class C driver’s license, then our Facilities and Development Southern Service Center would like to hear from you. Click here for more information. Click here to take the assessment.
EXAM SPOTLIGHTS
Park Maintenance Chief (PMC) I and II – Continuous (March 27, 2024): In this role you will serve as either a first- or second-level supervisor responsible for the management of a maintenance program in one of the park districts. This training and experience exam will test your knowledge of methods, material, tools and equipment used in construction, maintenance and repair work of roads, structures and infrastructure, and the supervisor's role in safety, health and labor relations. Click here for more information for PMC I. Click here for more information for PMC II.
Park Maintenance Assistant - Continuous (March 31, 2024): This classification does routine cleanup and unskilled maintenance and repair, and leads a crew of seasonal employees during peak seasons. A valid driver's license, any combination of education and experience in performing housekeeping duties, semiskilled maintenance tasks and the understanding of mechanical relationships are part of what is required to take this exam. Click here for more information.
Park Maintenance Worker I – Continuous (March 31, 2024): This training and experience exam will test your knowledge of methods, materials and equipment in all types of construction, repair and maintenance work, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting and masonry; use and care of hand and power tools; building materials and their accepted uses; construction and maintenance safety practices; and vehicle engine parts and functions. Click here for more information.
Water and Sewer Plant Supervisor – Continuous (March 31, 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.
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!
Iain Beveridge Promotes to Supervising State Park Peace Officer (Ranger) for San Luis Obispo Coast District
Story from: Chris Hendricks, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Supervising Ranger Iain Beveridge's children, Autumn and Jacob, pinning sergeant chevron on Iain's epaulette. Back row (left to right): SPPOs (Rangers) Darren Wynns, Jared Meichtry, Will Rushworth and Andrew Bampton. Photo from Amy Beveridge and Jack Payne, San Luis Obispo Coast District.
Hearst Castle state park peace officers (SPPOs) (rangers), dressed in Class A uniforms, lined up in formation to witness the promotion of SPPO (Ranger) Iain Beveridge to the position of supervising SPPO (ranger) for San Luis Obispo Coast District; he is assigned to the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument.
His family attended the promotion ceremony, and his two children had the opportunity to pin on his sergeant chevrons as part of the ceremony.
Promoting to supervisor is a great responsibility and a great honor; to be selected means to lead by example, mentor other rangers and help them achieve their career goals.
After the promotion ceremony, all the rangers gathered on the steps below Casa Grande for a staff photo.
 Back row (left to right): SPPOs (Rangers) Darren Wynns, Justin Olenik, Will Rushworth, Jared Meichtry, Andrew Bampton, Jason Rule and Ben Ellis and K-9 partner Jerry. Front row (left to right): Supervising Ranger Sean Lia, Supervising Ranger Iain Beveridge and Superintendent II Chris Hendricks. Photos from Amy Beveridge and Jack Payne, San Luis Obispo Coast District.
Happy Retirement to Reservation Program Manager Jimmy Low
Story and photo from: Jimmy Low III, Strategic Planning and Recreation Services Division
To all my friends in the Field, I have decided to retire after 30 years. My last day will be Saturday, March 30.
I have loved every moment of my career—helping through fires, floods, hurricanes, COVID-19, etc.—and we made it through with State Parks grit as a team. My entire goal was to support the field and to respond to our visitors’ requests in a timely manner. Visitors are what keep us going, keep us doing this job we love. I have never seen so many people dedicated to our State Parks mission.
I want to thank my mentor and friend Jim Luscutoff and Susan Smith for being so loyal, hardworking and available all the time. I want to thank all of you for a fun ride and for the late-night calls; you know who you are! I hope to be fishing at Eagle Lake in May and doing some bowhunting in the mountains. If I step on State Parks property, please just give me a warning and not a ticket.
Macy Mannix will be replacing me, and Susan Smith will continue in her normal duties. You all know how awesome Susan is.
Keep up the good work. I sign off with a huge smile; I loved this job with all my heart. God bless all of you!
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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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ongoing: One word.
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St. Patrick's Day: Celebrated every March 17. Use abbreviation "St.," an apostrophe and uppercase "Day."
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effect/affect: "Effect," when used as a noun, means the result; e.g., "He underestimated the effect of his decision." As a verb, "effect" means to cause; e.g., "She will effect many changes in the department." "Affect," when used as a verb, means to influence; e.g., "The plan will affect how we move forward."
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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 Agoura Hills, California
Staff Services Analyst Jennifer Zangwell and State Park Peace Officer (Ranger) Andrew Fewsmith ventured out this past week to Agoura High School for their career day. They played animal trivia and educated visitors about their local parks, job opportunities and career paths at State Parks. Thank you to the Agoura High School students who stopped by the table and chatted with us!
Photo from Ilsa Buelow, Angeles District
 Red Rock Canyon State Park
State Park Peace Officer (Ranger) Rocio Martinez discovering that there are not many better places to be during sunset than atop Red Rooster enjoying the fading light and blooming California goldfields.
Photo from Damion Laughlin, Great Basin District
Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
A local American badger (Taxidea taxus) shows off its keen sense of smell. This is an essential sense here: Providence Mountains are well-known for intense winds, as you can hear in this clip. Click the button above to watch the video or here.
Video from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Ladybugs in a big clump on a white fir tree. There were thousands of them on four small trees.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
A desert bighorn sheep resting in the rocks on a hillside.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
An adult bald eagle taking off.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
I have been given the opportunity to help at the park while the wildflowers bloom. It was beautiful in the desert with rain showers and intermittent sun and clouds. Left: Desert sunflower. Right: Desert lily.
Photos from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Dune evening primrose and sand verbena.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Flower fields off of Henderson Canyon Road.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Bodie State Historic Park
View to Mono Lake.
Photo from Rama Ewing, Colorado Desert District
 Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
Miracle March snow days. Top: Groundhog Days at residences; trying to keep up with snow removal. Bottom right: Ranger Trever helping me remove 3 to 4 feet of snow on my roof. Bottom left: Plowing the sector office at Sugar Pine Ehrman mansion.
Photos from Tamara Bjorklund-Seals, Sierra District
 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
The view from Henderson Canyon Road across the desert during the rain showers.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Beautiful sunny day from Peninsula Campground at Folsom Lake just after a brief rainstorm.
Photo from Gibson Elkins, Gold Field District
 Humboldt Redwoods State Park
A day of blue skies allows for panoramic views from the Grasshopper Peak fire lookout.
Photo from John Zwick, North Coast Redwoods District
 Red Rock Canyon State Park
A double rainbow makes an extended appearance as viewed from Ricardo Campground.
Photo from Damion Laughlin, Great Basin District
 Lake Perris State Recreation Area
The Southern Communications Center (SURCOM) radio repeater tower stands watch over a dramatic sunset in Perris, California, on Sunday, March 10. SURCOM hosts two publicly accessible ALERTCalifornia fire-watch cameras on the tower, established in partnership with the University of California, San Diego, and CAL FIRE. ALERTCalifornia is a public safety program working to understand natural disasters and determine short- and long-term impacts on people and the environment to inform management decisions. SURCOM is proud of partnerships like this that help strengthen community preparedness and disaster management responses.
Click here to check out our bird's-eye view here 24/7, or the many cameras all around California.
Photo from Captain W. Jacob Pflepsen III, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division
La Purísima Mission State Historic Park
Time to lock up.
Photo from Channel Coast District staff
 Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
Top left: School buses lined up in front of the Allensworth School for field trips celebrating Black History Month. Top right: The special Amtrak train service for the event. Bottom left and right: Views of the state historic park.
Photos from Devin McCutchen, Interpretation and Education Division
 Point Sal State Beach
We hear it's nice out at Point Sal this time of year.
Photo from Channel Coast District staff
 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.
Saturday, March 16, 2024
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Free San Francisco SPCA Mobile Vaccine Clinic— Candlestick Point State Recreational Area at 9 a.m.: The San Francisco American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) mobile clinic offers free vaccines and flea treatment for dogs and cats until noon. For pets 6 weeks or older. No registration required; first come, first served. Location: Park entrance, 500 Hunters Point Expressway, San Francisco, CA 94124.
Sunday, March 17, 2024
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MacKerricher Whale Skeleton Painting—MacKerricher State Park at 11 a.m.: Throw on that old painting shirt and join us to apply another coat of paint to the whale skeleton in MacKerricher State Park! Come to sip cocoa, then paint and learn the fascinating history of MacKerricher's fully articulated gray whale skeleton, while helping ensure that these amazing bones are preserved for years to come. Visitors should wear painting clothes. All ages welcome.
Thursday, March 21, 2024
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Lecture: More Than a Soldier’s Wife—Sonoma State Historic Park at 6:30 p.m.: At the Chapel Mission San Francisco Solano, our own April Farnham will focus on the stories of less prominent and/or landless Californio women who married Spanish and Mexican soldiers during the mission era. Admission: $10 at the door.
Here are some upcoming California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA)-sponsored events celebrating Women’s History Month:
Saturday, March 16, 2024
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Volunteer Workday and Hike – China Camp State Park at 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Get outside and celebrate Women’s History Month with a volunteer work opportunity, lunch and a hike at China Camp State Park. The Bay Area State Park 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. 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: Park Map (QR Code Linked) – Friends of China Camp. RSVP: https://forms.gle/n83a92uKUuFYWrFW8.
Thursday, March 21, 2024
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Career Panel – virtual on Zoom, noon -1:30 p.m.: Join this month’s Career Panel, where we celebrate women who work to increase diversity, equity and inclusion. Hear from women working in departments, conservancies and boards from the CNRA and learn how some thrive in traditionally male-dominated work environments, as well as further the agency's vision of equity, excellence and more.
Saturday, March 23, 2024
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Celebrate Rosie the Riveter Days – Rosie Roll Call, at 1 p.m.: Free! Come see the Rosie the Riveter National Historic Park to explore the exhibits, watch documentaries and have a meet and greet with real World War II Rosie the Riveters. Location: 1414 Harbour Way S #1901, Richmond CA 94804 (the old Ford assembly plant building nearest the Ferry landing). Free parking.
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
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Secretary Speaker Series: Women as Agents of Change: Improving Access, Equity and Inclusion in California, virtual on Zoom, noon-1 p.m.: Join us to explore the vital roles women play as advocates for equity, diversity and inclusion in California. Our distinguished panel of women leaders from the CNRA and the Newsom Administration will share their insights, experiences and strategies for advancing access, equity and inclusion across various sectors. From environmental conservation to community development, these women are driving meaningful change and paving the way for a more inclusive future.
For more information and to check for additional upcoming events, visit CNRA’s Women’s History Month webpage.
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March 12, 2024
March 14, 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.
 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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