May 10, 2024

Photo of the Week

Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve

Tufa formations reflected on the lake.

Photo from Rick Lane, Captial District

WHAT'S NEW

Governor Newsom Unveils Revised State Budget, Prioritizing Balanced Solutions for a Leaner, More Efficient Government

Story from: Governor's Office

Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday, May 10, released a May Revision proposal for the 2024-25 fiscal year that ensures the budget is balanced over the next two fiscal years by tightening the state’s belt and stabilizing spending following the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic, all while preserving key ongoing investments. Under the Governor’s proposal, the state is projected to achieve a positive operating reserve balance not only in this budget year but also in the next. This “budget year, plus one” proposal is designed to bring longer-term stability to state finances without delay and create an operating surplus in the 2025-26 budget year. In the years leading up to this May Revision, the Newsom Administration recognized the threats of an uncertain stock market and federal tax deadline delays – setting aside $38 billion in reserves that could be utilized for shortfalls. That has put California in a strong position to maintain fiscal stability. Read the full Governor's Office press release here. Additional details on the May Revise proposal can be found in this fact sheet and at www.ebudget.ca.gov.

State Parks Introduces Website Updates and New Resources

Story from: Brittani Peterson, Communications and Marketing Division

In hopes to enhance the department’s communication and collaboration within our various divisions, the Communications and Marketing Division introduced several important updates and resources.

1. New Website Layout: You may have recently noticed a new and improved California State Parks website. The new layout is designed to be more engaging and user-friendly. If you come across any incorrect information or broken links, please reach out to the Webmaster at webmaster@parks.ca.gov so they can promptly address them. We are committed to continuously improving and enhancing the browsing experience on our website.
2. Social Media Policy: The department's Social Media Policy has been updated and is now available on the Communications and Marketing Division SharePoint site. The Social Media Policy provides guidelines and requirements for employees who manage departmental social media accounts. It aims to maintain the department’s brand voice, mitigate social media risks, and protect your accounts from hacking and imposter activities. Please adhere to these guidelines when posting on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), YouTube, TikTok, Threads, etc. As social media is constantly changing, we will continuously add to and update this document. You will always find the latest version here. If you have further questions or would like to provide feedback, please reach out to Brittani Peterson at Brittani.Peterson@parks.ca.gov or SocialMedia@parks.ca.gov. 
3. Intranet Decommissioning: The iSearch intranet was decommissioned on April 4, 2024. This decision is part of our efforts to enhance security and streamline the department’s digital infrastructure. Starting from the decommission date, all traffic to iSearch will be redirected to the new intranet platform at https://intranet.parks.ca.gov/. Our IT support team will be available to assist you throughout this transition. Please reach out to webmaster@parks.ca.gov if you encounter any issues or have questions. We believe this transition will provide you with a more secure and user-friendly platform for accessing information and resources.
4. SharePoint: The Communications and Marketing Resources SharePoint site is your go-to for all Communications and Marketing-related needs. Whether you need assistance with b-roll, filming tips, media campaigns, photography, print publications, press releases, sign programs, social media resources, style guideline tips, or Weekly Digest information, SharePoint has you covered. Please note that SharePoint is a site accessible only for State Parks employees, not the general public.
5. PhotoShelter: If you are not familiar with the department’s photo database, we are introducing you to PhotoShelter. This new tool makes it easier for you to find and request photos of California's state parks. Most photos are available for viewing online on PhotoShelter. Simply browse or search with keywords, note the file number of desired photos, and use the contact form on PhotoShelter to make your request. You can find instructions on how to browse and request photos here. Creating an account on PhotoShelter will allow you to create custom workspaces to collect and view photos. Please note that you will still need to use the contact form to receive a download link.

FIELD REPORT

California State Park Peace Officers Pay Their Respects to Fallen Officers During Sacramento Memorial Ceremony

Story from: Doug Johnson, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division

California State Park Peace Officers attending the 46th annual California Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony on Monday, May 6, 2024. Photos from Doug Johnson, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division.

California State Park Peace Officers (SPPOs) from Headquarters, Training, Capitol, Gold Fields and Bay Area Districts, joined thousands of other law enforcement officers in Sacramento on Monday, May 6, to honor fallen officers.

During the 46th annual California Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony, the names of eight officers were added to the Memorial Monument, at the corner of 10th Street and Capitol Mall.

The solemn tribute featured a procession from the west steps of the state Capitol with bagpipes and honor guards. The families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officers marched by as SPPOs and thousands of other law enforcement officers from across California saluted them.

“It was an honor for our rangers and lifeguards to attend the event and show solidarity with other California law enforcement agencies,” said Pete Estes, assistant chief of Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division. “Our hearts go out to those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The walk of honor is followed by an enrollment ceremony, where the names of newly enrolled officers are formally added to the memorial. California Attorney General Rob Bonta was the Master of Ceremonies while Governor Gavin Newsom and California Supreme Court Justice Patricia Guerrero were also in attendance.

According to the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation, some of the officers honored died in the line of duty in 2023, some died during COVID-19, and one officer was honored in the category "Distant Past Honored Officer" after he lost his life in the line of duty in 1959.

The eight names included this year were:

• Deputy Darnell Calhoun of the Riverside County Sheriff's Office
• Officer Gonzalo Carrasco, Jr., of the Selma Police Department
• Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
• Officer Tuan Le of the Oakland Police Department
• Sergeant Patricia Elena Guillen of the Los Angeles Police Department
• Sergeant Anthony Ray White of the Los Angeles Police Department
• Officer Philip T. Sudario of the Los Angeles Police Department
• Detective Donald A. Mason of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department  

After the ceremony, the SPPOs in attendance joined a peer support debrief led by the State Parks, CAL FIRE and California Department of Fish and Wildlife peer support teams. The debrief also included talks by chaplains, clinicians, and peer support members.

California State Park Peace Officers in front of the Capitol on Monday, May 6, 2024. Photo from Pete Estes, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division.

Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission to Meet Next Week in San Luis Obispo County

Story from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division

Learn more about the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission during a tour of State Park sites, including Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, beginning at Pismo State Beach on Wednesday, May 15. The tour begins at 9 a.m. at the Grand Avenue Parking Lot, 25 W Grand Avenue in Grover Beach. It is expected to last approximately 5 hours, with a lunch break around noon. Weather permitting, the tour will stop at various locations within the Pismo Beach area. Fees will be waived for individuals participating in the tour. An RSVP is required to participate in the tour by calling (916) 902-8598.

The public can participate in the Commission meeting at 9 a.m. the following day, Wednesday, May 16, at the South County Regional Center in Arroyo Grande. Full details for the tour and the meeting are available on the department’s public notices webpage. If you can’t attend in person, watch it live at CAL-SPAN.org. For information about the Division of Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation, including a list of state vehicular recreation areas and grant programs, visit ohv.parks.ca.gov.

Meet the Commissioner: Edward Patrovsky, California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission

Story from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division

Even after a long career working in the outdoors, OHMVR Commissioner Edward Patrovsky still enjoys outside activities, including skiing in the shadow of San Gorgonio Mountain in California's San Bernardino Mountains. Photo from Edward Patrovsky. 

We are continuing to profile those who serve on California State Parks' four public commissions. Today we introduce Commissioner Edward Patrovsky, vice chairperson of the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Commission. The Commission provides guidance to OHMVR Division staff, reviews and approves plans for State Parks’ nine state vehicular recreation areas, and assists the department in its mission to provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California.

First appointed by the California State Senate in January 2013, Commissioner Patrovsky developed his passion for the outdoors through hiking and riding his dirt bike in the Angeles National Forest as a teenager. After graduating from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Patrovsky worked as a firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service before his later employment as a park ranger at several national parks, including Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, and Sequoia-Kings Canyon. Later, he transferred to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as a law enforcement ranger and spent considerable time in off-highway vehicle (OHV) enforcement. To learn more about Commissioner Patrovsky, we asked him five questions:

1. Why did you apply for the Commission? Concerned about ongoing conflicts between motorized recreationists and those who engage primarily in muscle-powered (nonmotorized) recreational activities, I wanted to make a difference in bringing these groups together. We are blessed with millions of acres of public lands, and with mutual respect and good planning, I believe there is plenty of land for both groups to enjoy and protect.

2. Since joining the Commission, what’s one thing that has surprised you? I was surprised at how diligent and effectively the OHMVR Division staff serves the community. I've been especially impressed with the grants program, which expertly provides millions of dollars annually to various agencies and nonprofit groups to improve OHV recreation areas, provide rider education and information, support law enforcement, and fund restoration of impacted areas.

3. Why do you think it is essential for the public to engage with the Commission? Commission meetings are an important conduit of information to the OHMVR Division staff from the public, and public input is vital in setting policies and goals.

4. What is your favorite form of recreation and do you have a favorite state park to visit? I am an avid hiker and am fortunate to live in Big Bear City, in the mountains of southern California, with its hiking trails. My favorite state park is Mount San Jacinto State Park.

5. What would someone be surprised to learn about you? While I'm primarily into muscle-powered recreational activities, I have a lot of history riding off-highway vehicles, all the way back to my teenage years. During my 16 years as a ranger for the BLM, I patrolled millions of acres of public lands by 4x4 vehicle, motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, and snowmobile.

Learn more about all four commissions at parks.ca.gov/Commissions.

State Historical Resources Commission Recommends Eight Properties for Historic Preservation

Story and photo from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division

The State Historical Resources Commission and staff from the California State Office of Historic Preservation pose in front of the Heilbron House, neighbor of the California Natural Resources Agency Building and future home of State Parks’ Office of Historic Preservation. Front row (left to right): State Historic Preservation Officer Julianne Polanco, State Historian II Amy Crain, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Jody Brown, State Historian II William Burg. Second row (left to right), Commissioner Alan Hess, Chief Counsel Tara Lynch, commissioners Janet Hansen, René Vellanoweth, and Luis Hoyos. Back row (left to right): commissioners Adam Sriro, Bryan Brandes, and Lee Adams III.

The State Historical Resources Commission met in Sacramento on May 3 in the auditorium of the California Natural Resources Agency and approved eight nominations to be forwarded to the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The Keeper, an official within the National Park Service, makes the final determination of eligibility for properties to be included on the list.

Nominations forwarded included the Bell Canyon Equestrian Center in Ventura County, the Petaluma Woman’s Club in Sonoma County, the 6th Street Streetcar Commercial Historic District in Los Angeles County, and the California Federation of Women’s Clubs Grove Hearthstone in Humboldt County. The hearthstone is a four-sided fireplace designed by architect Julia Morgan to commemorate the Federation’s role in purchasing 106 acres of old-growth redwoods and donating the property to California State Parks. Constructed in 1932, the hearthstone is located in the northeast corner of Humboldt Redwoods State Park and overlooks the Eel River.

The Commission also announced properties recently added to the NRHP, including the including the Sacramento Shops Historic District, and discussed a future workshop for the California Historical Resources Information System. The system maintains a wide range of documents and materials relating to historical resources, including buildings, structures, objects, historic and archaeological sites, landscapes, districts. For more information about past and future meetings, including meeting recordings and properties nominated to the NRHP, please visit the Office of Historical Preservation webpage.

Arts in California Parks Announces Events in May and June

Story from: Communications and Marketing Division

Visitors listen to the songs of The Acorn MusEcology Project at Sylvan Sounds in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Photo by PlaceWorks. 

Arts in California Parks supports artists, culture bearers, California Native American tribes, and communities in creating artwork that offers perspective on our past and present and help us imagine our potential. Delve into upcoming events and explore the intersection of culture, art, and nature! Don’t miss out on opportunities to experience art in your parks.

Here are some upcoming Arts in California Parks events:

• May 2024 – Pond Farm Pottery Artist in Residence Program. Visit Pond Farm Artist in Residence, Sue Ellen McCann, who is a painter, printmaker, and fiber arts artist, works with oils and watercolor paints, as well as pencil, ink, and natural dyes.
• May 11, 2024 – Fourth Annual Community and Unity Kite Festival at Los Angeles State Historic Park. The Community and Unity People's Kite Festival, in partnership with Clockshop, is a free event that draws thousands of attendees. A family-friendly cultural festival brings together the diverse communities of Los Angeles. This event is free for the public to spend the day enjoying the art of kites, kite-making, and learning new flying techniques from master kite flyers. To RSVP, click here.
• June 2024 – Pond Farm Pottery Artist in Residence Program. Visit Pond Farm Artist in Residence, Ahimsa Timoteo Bodhrán, who is a multigenre writer and multimedia artist (visual, movement, sound, terrestrial), and whose work includes poetry, nonfiction, fiction, hybrids, and work as an editor and critic. His art includes acrylic painting, printmaking, photography, video, audio field recordings, and ceramics, and works with Indigenous, womanist, and queer/trans communities of color.
• June 15, 2024 – Poetry in Parks at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. Poetry in Parks returns to the site of the second Poetry in Parks event held in 2015. Lynne Thompson, former poet laureate of Los Angeles, will host and curate an afternoon of poetry in memoriam of Culver City poet, Amy Uyematsu. This event includes a musical performance by Sage Against the Machine.

For more information on these and upcoming Arts in California Parks events, click here.

Top: Los Arribeños de San Francisco perform at the Cinco de Mayo event at Columbia State Historic Park. Photo from Marissa Duenas, PlaceWorks. Bottom: Students from the Great Wall Youth Orchestra enthralled audience members with their multicultural songs celebrating railroad workers. Photos by Kelly B. Huston, California State Railroad Museum Foundation contributor. 

Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs Fuel Reduction Project Kicks Off in Henry W. Coe State Park 

Story and photos from: Joseph Starr, Diablo Range District

From left to right: State Parks Forestry Technicians George Hernandez and Samuel Isarraras, alongside Tamien Nation members, Paul Lopez, Johnathan Costillas, and Nicolas Costillas. 

The Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs Fuel Reduction Project kicked off with Diablo Range District staff working alongside the California Conservation Corps and the Tamien Nation at Henry W. Coe State Park (SP) in Santa Clara County on April 22.

Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs is a National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) listed property that is currently closed to the public. The NRHP boundary for Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs Historic District encompasses approximately 8 acres of valley woodland on a bench along a steeply sloping hillside above Coyote Creek, 12 miles north of Gilroy, California. This location marks the core resort site of the original 160 acres of property purchased by George W. Roop and William F. Oldham in 1866 and expanded over time to its present size of approximately 240 acres. The remaining historic buildings and structures, the majority of which are one-story wood-framed guest cabins, are within the core site.  

This project creates defensible space around important historic buildings and structures, helping to protect them from the threat of damage from wildland fire. The result of this project is not only the protection of cultural resources, but also the improvement of existing vegetation communities by opening the understory and making the habitat more resilient. It will also result in better access for vehicles, including for evacuations and emergency responses. 

This ongoing project is a win, win, win; a win for cultural resources, a win for natural resources, and a win for the Tamien Nation because it reestablishes access to ancestral lands and advances the use of traditional ecological knowledge at Henry W. Coe SP.

Clockwise from the left: Cut vegetation along the roadway, this material is chipped and scattered on site; the crew chipping vegetation piles; Samuel Isarraras clears the roadway of a downed tree; Paul Lopez and George Hernandez prepare a downed tree for disposal. 

Latino Outdoors Joins the Office of Community Involvement in First-Ever Outdoor Youth Connection Program

Story from: Sam Bell, Office of Community Involvement

Latino Outdoors braves the cold on the last day of camp during OCI’s Spring Break OYC program. Photo from Luis Rincon, Latino Outdoors.

The Office of Community Involvement (OCI) kicked off the 2024 training season with our first-ever Outdoor Youth Connection (OYC) spring break program. The training took place April 2-4 at San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area and included organizations from Richmond, Santa Cruz, Merced, and Fresno. One of the organizations in attendance was Latino Outdoors, who brought 12 youth participants, with many who had never been camping before. OYC is a leadership program designed to connect youth with the outdoors through a three-day and two-night camping trip. During this trip, they learn camping essentials, such as putting up tents, setting up propane lanterns, and cooking for their teammates. They also connect with each other through OCI-led initiatives that focus on communication, empowerment, self-esteem, and team building.

This training was special because our OYC programs are usually only open to ages 13-17, but we decided to expand our range to ages 10-17 for our spring break training. Latino Outdoors participated with their youth group, who were primarily under the age of 13, and the impact was evident in their post-trip videos, where they talked about their experiences. Omar Santos, age 11, said, “It’s easy to make friends because people are really nice, and you have to treat the people the way you want to be treated.” Viviana Tepec Garcia, age 10, added, “Something I learned from this experience was communicating with others to solve problems and this is helpful because I’m usually really shy.”

At OCI, we love hearing the impact our program has on our participants, and we love that we were able to offer this opportunity for Latino Outdoors to bring in some of their younger members.

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

Staff Park and Recreation Specialist – Apply by May 17, 2024: In this exciting role as an Operations Manager, you will manage the protection of the sector's cultural and natural resources, real property, and programs to meet the department’s objective of providing quality service and experiences to the public. Click here for more information. Click here for the assessment.

Senior Maintenance Aide (Seasonal) – Apply by June 18, 2024: Reporting to the Trail Crew Lead Worker at Austin Creek State Recreation Area, this position maintains and operates a variety of equipment: light vehicles, chainsaws, augers, rigging, and cordless tools. Additionally, you will be assisting staff in the maintenance, construction, and rehabilitation of trails and their features. Click here for more information.

EXAM SPOTLIGHTS

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. 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!

Diablo Range District Welcomes New Superintendent

Story from: Matthew Bellah, Central Field Division Chief

Please join us in congratulating the new Diablo Range District Superintendent, Clint Elsholz. Clint has been working for State Parks since 2000, where he started as a maintenance aide at Caswell Memorial State Park (SP) and performed a wide range of duties, including facility maintenance, visitor services, and resource protection. During his time at Caswell Memorial SP, he found his passion for the natural resource field and, inspired by this work, pursued a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in environmental studies. In 2008, he took an environmental scientist position at Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area and was promoted to natural resource manager in 2015, for what was then the Twin Cities District. During the reorganization in 2018, he became one of two natural resource program managers for the newly formed Diablo Range District. Clint has been the acting district superintendent for the district since 2022 and has successfully led a great team of dedicated park professionals. Their enthusiasm for their work is infectious and makes Clint very proud to be a part of such an amazing group of people.  In his spare time, he enjoys relaxing with his wife of 17 years, Alicia, and attending the many youth sporting events and activities that his two boys, Cole and Kai, participate in.  Clint is looking forward to continuing to support high-quality recreational opportunities for the people of this great state. Congratulations, Clint!

LIVE THE PARKS LIFE IN STYLE

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

• archaeology: Use “archaeology,” not “archeology.”
• CAL FIRE: All uppercase, two words. OK to use on first reference for "California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection." 
• Mother's Day: Use an apostrophe, "Mother's Day," not "Mothers Day." Always falls on the second Sunday in May. 

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

Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

State Park Peace Officer Cameron Cisek poses in front of the rainbow a day after the last snow of the season.

Photo from Kyle McCoy, Inland Empire District

Los Angeles State Historic Park

Staff from the Park Operations team and Angeles District meet with Los Angeles City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez.

Photo from Richard Fink, Angeles District

Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park

The Great Basin District Administrative Team toured the park for the "Spring into Motion" challenge. The team hiked 3.04 miles and completed the hike in 1 hour and 38 minutes. Team members in bottom right photo, front row left to right: Hope Gonzales, Connie Viola, Shan Drum, Mary Pinto, Denise Levia. Back row left to right: Julie Farkas, Russ Dingman, Stephany Pinto.

Photo from Russ Dingman, Great Basin District

Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area

              Wrapping up another scene call. CALSTAR 5 lifts off from the TT Track.

Photo from Sgt. Scott Struckman, Diablo Range District

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

A subadult bald eagle.

Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

A wild male turkey displaying for the ladies.

Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

This polyphemus moth was found on the ground outside the maintenance shop. It was relocated to one of the bushes nearby.

Photo from Taylor Lessley, San Diego Coast District

Providence Mountains State Recreation Area

This insect, apparently covered in dust and detritus, was filmed in Mitchell Caverns. Watch this video and join us in trying to figure out what it is. A little known and very unusual world exists below the limestone of the Providence Mountains.

Video from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District

Sonoma Coast State Park

Can you count the birds on this sea stack just off the coast?

Photo from Kenzi Lamb, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Black oaks getting their leaves and catkins among the pines.

Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

Donner Memorial State Park

Springtime – Donner Memorial-style! After an overnight storm on May 4, maintenance staff performed snow removal to get the park up and running for the day. You just never know when it will snow in the Sierras!

Photo from Rhonda Lovejoy, Sierra District

Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Pretty amazing how much snow fell on the visitor center, considering this photo was taken on May 5.

Photo from Sharon Gibson, Park Visitor

Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area

As a new Interpreter for off-highway vehicle (OHV), I toured the park for the first time on Wednesday. It was a very windy but clear day. While I have driven by the entrance since I was a kid, I have never entered the site. I was amazed at the size of the space and can tell that this is a great place for people and families to experience what OHV has to offer. I am excited for this new adventure.

Photo from Megan Stanley, Interpretation and Education Division

Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve

Stargazing at the reserve.

Photo from Rick Lane, Capital 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, May 11, 2024

• May Flowers Hike: Woodlands and Serpentine Wildflower Edition—Mount Tamalpais State Park at 9 a.m.: Join State Park Interpreter Hillary on the second of a series of hikes that explores the park’s abounding spring wildflowers. This is the shortest hike and will look at the blooms found in our mixed woodlands, grassy openings, and serpentine soils, including milkmaids, irises, modesty, mule's ears, poppies, and more. Also features sweeping views, weather permitting. Moderate hike of about 2.5 miles, but with about 600 feet of total elevation gain (and then loss). It starts with a steep climb up Bootjack Trail to Mountain Theater. It then meanders down Upper Old Mine, Riding & Hiking, Easy Grade, and Easy Grade Spur. There will be a gentle reclimb on Old Stage Road before going back down a short stretch of the Bootjack Trail back to the start point. There are restrooms and water at the trailhead and at Mountain Theater.

Sunday, May 12, 2024

• Mother’s Day—Railtown 1897 State Historic Park at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m.: Moms ride free on Mother's Day. Bring mom for a scenic excursion train ride on Mother's Day. For tickets or more information about Railtown 1897 SHP in general, please visit railtown1897.org.

Friday, May 17, 2024

• ParkStage Youth Performance—Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park at 6 p.m.: The culmination of several weeks of hard work, students aged 8-13 will perform a dramatized historical story of Santa Cruz outdoors at our park. Students have rehearsed, researched, and learned history through the process of a performance that they present to the public. Our story for this Spring 2024 ParkStage is set in 1850s Santa Cruz, and follows a dramatized tale of how Eliza Farnham and Georgiana Bruce Kirby come to experience life in California This performance is free to the public and will take place on the lawn at our historic state park at 6 p.m. Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs to sit on.

Also note this upcoming CNRA-sponsored event celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month:

Sunday, May 19, 2024

• Community Volunteer Day—Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park at 9 a.m.: Celebrate AAPI Month with us on a wildfire resiliency project to protect significant cultural resources at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Community volunteers will work with on-site State Parks staff clearing vegetation and placing a fire-resistant border surrounding the Wah Hop and Man Lee historical buildings. When: Volunteer rotations begin from 9 a.m.-noon or 10:30 a.m.-noon. Guided tour of Gam Saan hike or Gold Discovery Museum visit at 12:30 p.m. Where: 310 Back Street, Coloma, CA 95613. Registration and details: https://x.gldn.io/e/avfquNVDUIb.

THANK YOU NOTES

City of Folsom Thanks State Park Interpreter Devin Swartwood for Successful Partnership

Humboldt County Citizens Thank North Coast Redwoods District Lifeguard Dillon Cleavenger for Kids' Swimming Lessons

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.