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 June 7, 2024
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 Cuyamaca Ranco State Park
A great copper butterfly enjoying the nectar of Cuyamaca Lake downingia.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
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Third Annual California State Parks Week Kicks Off Wednesday, June 12, With Opening of Dos Rios - California's Newest State Park
Story from: Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division
 A beautiful view of the pond at Dos Rios, which opens to the public on Wednesday, June 12. Photo from Gloria Sandoval, California Natural Resources Agency.
It’s just around the corner…. The Third Annual California State Parks Week kicks off Wednesday, June 12, to Sunday, June 16, with more than 200 events taking place across the state for the public to join. Presented by California State Parks, Save the Redwoods League, Parks California, and California State Parks Foundation, California State Parks Week, with this year’s theme – This is Where You Live – will host in-person community events and virtual programming celebrating California’s 280 state parks and the people who visit and help protect these iconic places.
This year, California State Parks Week launches with something new – the opening of California’s newest state park – Dos Rios. Located about 8 miles west of Modesto in the Central Valley, the approximately 1,600-acre Dos Rios property is the largest public-private floodplain restoration project in California to restore habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife at the Tuolumne and San Joaquin Rivers. As a state park, Dos Rios will offer Californians opportunities to improve their mental, physical, and social well-being. Visitors will be able to hike some areas of the property and enjoy the newly built picnic tables and ramadas. The public is invited to attend the opening ceremony on Wednesday, June 12, at 9 a.m. Dos Rios is located at 3599 Shiloh Road, Modesto, CA 95358.
Launched in 2022, California State Parks Week is a fun way to celebrate the wonder and sense of community that the outdoors provides to Californians and visitors from all over the world. A complete list of the week’s events and how to participate is available at CAStateParksWeek.org.
This year’s themed days:
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Wednesday, June 12: Explore New Experiences. From epic beach days to the magic of ancient redwood forests, there is so much to see, do, and experience in California’s incredible state parks. California State Parks Week is your invitation to explore an activity that you just might fall in love with. View all events.
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Thursday, June 13: Nourish Your Health and Well-being. There’s a reason why playing outside, having a barbecue or picnic, or taking a walk in the open air feels so good. Studies have shown that time in nature can boost people’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Everyone should have access to these benefits. California’s state parks give us all places where we can find refuge, inspiration, and joy. When we connect with nature, we are connecting with ourselves and boosting our overall health. View all events.
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Friday, June 14: Support Climate Resilience. Forests, oceans, grasslands, and other ecosystems throughout California’s public lands store huge amounts of carbon, making them powerful tools in adapting to climate change. That’s one of the reasons why it’s critical that all of us protect lands and waters. Learn about and support efforts by California State Parks and partner organizations to ensure climate resilience—from expanding protected lands in state parks and restoring forests to engaging in educational dialogue about climate threats and solutions. View all events.
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Saturday, June 15: Celebrate Community and Culture. California’s state parks are for all people. We reaffirm this truth by elevating the perspectives and experiences of communities that have been historically underrepresented in public lands. On this day and every day, we honor Black, Indigenous, and communities of color and the many ways these communities care for, relate with, and enjoy our shared parks. Join us for celebrations and cultural events statewide. View all events.
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Sunday, June 16: Care for Our Shared Lands. It takes our full community to care for public lands. Partners and volunteers are vital to keeping California’s state park system healthy, beautiful, and rich in biodiversity. Discover how you can get involved in efforts to protect and steward California’s state parks as a volunteer, a partner, or one of many other roles. View all events.
We hope to see you all visiting your favorite state park during the week-long festivities!
 Celebrate the Third Annual California State Parks Week, June 12-16, at any of the 280 state parks.
Governor Newsom Proclaims June as Pride Month, Natural Resources Agency Presents Events
Story from: Governor’s Press Office and Communications and Marketing Division
 Throughout the month of June, the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) and its supporting departments invite you to celebrate Pride Month through virtual and in-person events highlighting leaders in the environmental field while fostering thoughtful reflection and inspiring meaningful action for a brighter, more inclusive future. This year’s theme— Reflect, Empower, Act—encourages the LGBTQ2s+ community and allies to harness their inner strength, reflect on the progress and challenges faced, and take decisive steps towards equality and inclusion.
Please visit the CNRA website to view the list of events and to access the Pride Month Partner Toolkit.
Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation earlier this month declaring June 2024 as Pride Month. Click here or see below to read the proclamation.
 State Park and Recreation Commission to Review Sutter's Fort State Historic Park's General Plan to Include New Interpretation Master Plan at Next Meeting
Story from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division
 The public is invited to attend the next California State Park and Recreation Commission meeting on Tuesday, June 11, at 9 a.m. The meeting will take place at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott located at 3455 Reed Avenue in West Sacramento. The agenda includes action on the proposed amendment to Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park’s general plan to include a new interpretation master plan. Information about the plan is available online.
The full agenda and further information for participating in person or virtually is available at parks.ca.gov/PublicNotices. For more information 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.
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Angeles District Hosts State Parks and California Coastal Commission Partnership Workshop at Will Rogers State Historic Park
Story and photos from: Angeles District
 Representatives from State Parks and the California Coastal Commission pose in front of the stables at Will Rogers State Historic Park.
Representatives from California State Parks and the California Coastal Commission participated in a partnership workshop hosted by the Angeles District at Will Rogers State Historic Park (SHP) on Thursday, May 23. Taking place in the park’s historic horse stables, the meeting provided an opportunity for both organizations to collaboratively discuss upcoming projects and identify future partnership meetings at the local level.
The workshop included an overview of the relationship between State Parks and the California Coastal Commission, a moderated discussion about joint priorities, and networking opportunities. A site visit to Topanga Ranch Motel in Topanga State Park was also offered and the team learned about the current Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project. The afternoon included breakout group discussions and tours of Will Rogers’ ranch and Will Rogers SHP’s trail system.The partners plan to continue the momentum generated by the workshop by hosting follow-up meetings at the local level later this year.
 Top: Representatives from State Parks and the California Coastal Commission meet inside the historic stables of Will Rogers SHP. Bottom: Gina Bartlett, from Consensus Building Institute, facilitates the partnership workshop.
Prescribed Fire Returns to Mount Diablo State Park
Story from: Sharon Peterson, Christina McLain, and Gina Benigno, Diablo Range District
 Top: A briefing plan for the day was led by burn boss Mike Walgren (left) and Diablo Range District Senior Environmental Scientist Specialist Mason Hyland. Photo from Christina Lew McLain, Diablo Range District. Bottom left: Wind blew smoke away from neighborhoods. Photo from Cameron Morrison, Diablo Range District. Bottom right: Prescribed fire at Mount Diablo State Park on first of three plots burned. Photo from Cameron Morrison, Diablo Range District. Please click here or below to watch footage of the prescribed burn.
After a 20-year hiatus, State Parks is using prescribed fire as a tool at Mount Diablo State Park (SP). About 45 acres of grasslands in the Mitchell Canyon area of the park were broadcast burned on May 14-15 to help reduce fuels, manage invasive species, and restore the natural fire regime to the landscape. This was done under the California Vegetation Treatment Program (CalVTP) and a Restoration Management Permit through California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Cutting the Green Tape program.
Months of planning went into developing a comprehensive burn plan with burn objectives, prescriptions for ignition, smoke management plans, equipment and resources needed, contingency plans, and safety plans. Outreach to the community included press releases, open-house meetings, distributing door hangers, posting flyers, and social media posts.
All went well on the days of the burn. The weather was within prescription, so smoke dispersed quickly, and wind blew it away from adjacent residential neighborhoods. Timing was also ideal for managing the invasive barb goatgrass. It was burned at the flowering stage after bolting to prevent resprouting and before dropping seed.
Burn boss Mike Walgren from San Luis Obispo Coast District oversaw the burn, assisted by Senior Environmental Scientist Specialist Mason Hyland with support from the Bay Area District, North Coast Redwoods District, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District, Monterey District, Colorado Desert District, and Natural Resources Division, as well as East Bay Regional Park District and Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association. Other participating agencies include CAL FIRE, Contra Costa Fire Protection District, and Bay Area Air Quality Management District. State Park volunteers helped inform the public at temporary trail closures. There was overwhelming positive support from community members.
This first broadcast burn is a major milestone for implementation of Mount Diablo SP’s CalVTP, which calls for approximately 8,000 acres of land to be treated with prescribed fire.
Mendocino Coast Sector Hosts Community Helper Day
Story and photos from: Krista Pelikan, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District
 Area children inspect a CAL FIRE helicopter during Community Helper Day at Mendocino Headlands State Park.
Children often aspire to be a police officer or a firefighter when they grow up. Some wish to be park rangers or game wardens. Over 400 local school children had the unique opportunity to learn the ins and outs of each job at California State Park’s Community Helper Day held on May 30 in Mendocino Headlands State Park. Busload after busload of kids came to Big River Beach to play games and learn about public safety with 11 allied agencies including U.S. Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Wildlife; State Parks, Mendocino Fire Department, Albion Fire Department, Mendocino County Library, CAL FIRE engines and aviation unit, Reach 6 medical helicopter, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, and the Fort Bragg Police Department.
Children moved from station to station and were able to climb in a State Parks off-highway vehicle and pretend they were responding to a call. Kids played a buoy tossing game with the U.S. Coast Guard. CAL FIRE gave out fire helmets to everyone and had their fire safety mascot present. Both CAL FIRE and Mendocino Fire Department had demonstrations. One of the parent chaperones that attended the event said that she was so grateful to see firefighters wear their full turnout equipment for the children so they would know what a firefighter looked like when responding to a fire at their house. The California State Parks Junior Lifeguard Program showcased water safety protocols with children. Mendocino County Library partnered with state park peace officers to offer reading with a ranger and highlighted both the pass program, where families can check out a park pass, as well as their upcoming programming for children. The highlight of the event was watching CAL FIRE and Reach 6 land their helicopters, where children were able to compare the function of a fire response helicopter with a medical helicopter.
Dreaming of the future is a beautiful pastime of children and Community Helper Day was an event that moved some children’s dreams of being a first responder closer to attaining their visions and goals. This annual event provides access to all children in our community to learn about recreation, public safety, and environmental stewardship, which aligns so beautifully with the California State Parks mission.
 Top: A helicopter ambulance from Reach 6 provided an exciting arrival for participants of Community Helper Day. Bottom: A thank you note from a kindergarten class at Redwood Elementary School and picture sums up a day of learning.
Los Angeles State Historic Park Hosts Zine Student Project Launch
Story and photos from: Blythe Wilson, Interpretation and Education Division, and Angeles District Staff
 Top left: Class photo at the zine launch. Bottom left: Angeles District Program Manager, Planning, Public Affairs and Community Engagement, Stephanie Campbell (left) and Community Engagement Coordinator Lorenzo Baker (right). Right: The zine offers a new perspective on Los Angeles State Historic Park.
Los Angeles State Historic Park (SHP) hosted an Unearthing L.A.: Community History at Los Angeles SHP zine and video launch last week with close to 75 California State University (CSU) students, family, and friends. This event marked the culmination of a collaborative project between CSU Northridge (CSUN), Los Angeles SHP, and the State Parks Relevancy and History Program,* focusing on the study and interpretation of the multi-dimensional histories and communities associated with the park. The students and their professor, Dr. Jessica Kim, discussed their completed projects and thanked their State Parks partners, including Access and Engagement Program Manager Blythe Wilson, Angeles District Program Manager, Planning, Public Affairs and Community Engagement, Stephanie Campbell, Los Angeles SHP Community Engagement Coordinators Lorenzo Baker and Luis Rincon, and Angeles District Cultural Resources Program Supervisor Barbara Tejada.
As referenced on the back cover of the publication—available in both Spanish and English—“the zine was created by a group of history students at California State University, Northridge. Invited by the Relevancy and History Project at California State Parks and Los Angeles [SHP], we spent a semester learning about the history of LA, the importance of green space, and the significance of community activism. We’re excited to share what we learned about the park, its history, and our community.” Associated videos focus on the railroad history of the area, connections with nature in the city, diverse communities, and community activism and can be viewed on the @historycsun and @lastatehistoricpark Instagram accounts, already accumulating thousands of views. You can also watch them on the Relevancy and History Project YouTube page. The zine offers new and compelling interpretive and educational material for visitors. Look for the zine next time you visit the park or check out a digital copy on the website!
* The Relevancy and History program has interagency agreements with several different universities to conduct research, facilitate community engagement, and provide internship opportunities and experience for students as part of a larger effort to enhance education and interpretation within state parks by bringing forward the underrepresented histories and voices of California’s diverse communities.
Training Section’s District Maintenance Skills Group Reroofs Buildings at William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park
Story and photos from: Ricky Roldan, Training Section
 Class photo, left to right: Josh Dee, Robert Hunzeker, Cole Frerks, Chad Morgan, Terri Ashe, James Chiavola, Kelly Haywood, Daniel Perez, Justin Rothey, Marcus Buck, Elisha Lechuga, Jason Valdovinos, and Joe Lechuga.
The Training Section’s District Maintenance Skills Training instructors headed to Red Bluff to train and assist Northern Buttes District maintenance staff on reroofing the blacksmith shop and woodshop/classroom buildings at William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park (SHP).
The pre-training demo, preparation, and training week began with maintenance staff setting up the scaffolding, removing old nails, stripping off the old felt and shakes, the wood rotted skip sheathing, eave boards, and severely water-damaged rafter tails.
In the second week of the project, I opened the class with an orientation and introductions. Lead Instructor Joe Lechuga discussed the expectations of the shake roof project, while Park Maintenance Worker I Robert Hunzeker discussed the job hazard analysis, daily tailgate safety meeting, as well as ladder and fall protection practices.
Guest speakers Northern Buttes District Superintendent Michael Teague and Park Maintenance Supervisor Doug Holder came to welcome and talk to the participants about the park’s history and we all took a walk around the project site. They both wanted to express their gratitude and thank Robert Hunzeker for his hard work and persistence in getting this project to move forward, as well as all the maintenance staff and Training Section for their commitment.
The class broke up into lab groups of four per group and they replaced the damaged skip sheathing, plywood, rafter tails with full dimension cut lumber measured as appropriate with historical accuracy. Once the skip sheathing was installed, it was covered with felt underlayment to protect the building from water damage. The class then replaced the eave boards with true dimension cedar lumber and used historically square nails to attach them to the lodgepole trusses and install the new fire-rated wood shake roof and ridge cap.
The Training Section and our instructors are grateful to Robert for reaching out and for all his hard work to make this project come together. We would also like to thank Michael, Doug and district staff for their hard work in hosting, preparing, completing, and making the Willian B. Ide Adobe SHP shake roof project happen.
Please check your FOCUS calendar for the upcoming fall 2024 and spring 2025 maintenance classes and updates. Classes fill quickly. If you have any questions, please email me at ricky.roldan@parks.ca.gov.
 Clockwise from the left: District Maintenance Training Skills Group working hard to set wood shakes. Robert Hunzeker and Jason Valdovinos securing skip sheeting on the woodshop classroom building. Participants completing the installation of the shakes on the blacksmith building. The completed shake roof for the woodshop classroom building.
Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park Hosts Maritime Day Celebration
Story from: Elizabeth Crowley, Santa Cruz District
Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park (SHP) hosted a Pigeon Point National Maritime Day celebration on the nautical traditions of the park on Saturday, May 18. At the event, members of the Santa Cruz Sea Scouts Ship 669 (SSS Pearls) demonstrated how to use a scuttlebutt, a wooden barrel on a ship containing drinking water. The scouts practiced setting up this 50-gallon barrel and taking it down to prepare for an upcoming competition. They also helped kids throw heaving lines, which are ropes with a large knot that could be thrown from one ship to another, or to a dock to help tie up a ship.
Pigeon Point Light Station SHP docents welcomed visitors to a space in the Pigeon Point Hostel where they led maritime activities focused on life at sea and visitors’ all-time favorite maritime mammal: whales. Senior Park Aide Emily Richards from Half Moon Bay State Beach led story times about whales and gave visitors the chance to touch a piece of humpback baleen. Visitors also had an opportunity to learn about and make their own nautical signal flags and practice some important maritime knots: square knot, bowline, and clove hitch.
Especially brave visitors seized the opportunity to try a beverage known as “swanky”, often described as 19th century Gatorade. This concoction would be drunk on board the ship and is made up of water (for hydration), molasses (for sugar and energy), ginger (to offset scurvy), and vinegar (to preserve it). Reactions to this drink were mixed. Some loved it and some swore never to go to sea!
I, an interpreter at Pigeon Point Light Station SHP, led Shipwreck History Tours of the lighthouse grounds. Visitors learned about the tragedies that led to the building of Pigeon Point Light Station, a beacon of hope that saved countless lives after its completion in 1872. The park was also visited by local author, JoAnn Semones, who signed copies of her newest book, “Historic Shipwrecks of Coastside California” in the the historic Fog Signal Building and lent her expertise to the day's event.
Thank you to everyone who made this such a great success! This will hopefully be the first of many Maritime Days at Pigeon Point Light Station SHP!
Angeles District Secures Topanga Landslide Soil for Future Park Development
Story and photo from: Angeles District and Metabolic Studio
 Soil from a landslide along State Route 27/Topanga Canyon Boulevard will provide new opportunities for Los Angeles State Historic Park.
The Angeles District, in partnership with artist Lauren Bon, has secured approximately 1,500 cubic yards (150 truckloads) of pristine forest soil from a landslide on State Route 27 (Topanga Canyon Boulevard) to be utilized at the undeveloped four-acre portion of Los Angeles State Historic Park (SHP).
Starting the week of May 27, the four-acre site began receiving soil and will serve as a laydown site for the soil to be utilized in current and future development projects at the park and throughout Los Angeles. The landslide, which has obstructed the Topanga Canyon roadway for the past few months, revealed an opportunity to enhance the ecological fabric of the community.
This effort marks the inception of a new initiative by artist Lauren Bon, her team at Metabolic Studio, and State Parks. The project aims to create a network of micro-forests along the Los Angeles River, fostering a patchwork of ecological sanctuaries that contribute to the river's ecological agency and biodiversity.
Building on the success of Bending the River, an infrastructural artwork that diverts a portion of the Los Angeles River to Los Angeles SHP, this initiative will be a collaboration between State Parks, the community, local city officials, nonprofits in Los Angeles City Council District 1, and private property owners. The goal is to repair and rejuvenate the floodplain of the historically unbridled Los Angeles River, enhancing the area's resilience and ecological diversity.
The project acknowledges the Topanga soils are ancestral lands of the Gabrielino-Shoshone and Tongva and Kizh nations and the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians as are the lands being repaired. The project will be guided by representatives of Native peoples working together to locate where these lands will be best placed. This ambitious project not only aims to repair environmental damage but also to reconnect the community with the natural assets of their city, promoting ecological awareness and stewardship.
A live webcam of the project can be located here.
Ocotillo Wells District Staff Responds to Mutual Aid Request for Highway Fire
Story and photos from: Andrew Ahlberg, Ocotillo Wells District
 Top left: The Ocotillo Wells District water tender connected directly to Imperial County engine so they could continue fire suppression. Top right: Ranger Brandon Champieux coordinates with Border Patrol officers, who stopped to see if they could help at the scene of the fire. Bottom: Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Dan Christensen coordinating with CAL FIRE and Imperial County Fire to support fire suppression.
Southern Communications Center received a request for mutual aid response from the California Highway Patrol for a truck fire on Highway 78, near Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area on June 4. Rangers Brandon Champieux and I responded and arrived on scene at the same time as Imperial County Fire.
Ranger Champieux and I shut down Highway 78 in both directions. Imperial County Fire requested mutual aid to San Diego County, and then to State Parks for additional water. HEO Dan Christensen responded to this request for mutual aid with 4,000 gallons of water and was able to connect directly to the Imperial County Fire engine to continue to put out the fire.
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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
 Associate Landscape Architect – Apply by June 10, 2024 – As the Associate Landscape Architect, you'll spearhead the preparation of resource inventories, analyze land use, and craft plans for parks and recreational spaces. Collaborating with diverse teams, you'll create visuals and materials, taking the lead on projects. Expect to also design detailed plans and travel statewide to park units. Click here for more information and to apply.
Engineering Geologist – Apply by June 10, 2024 - As an Engineering Geologist, you will aid field offices and staff with complex hydrologic and geologic issues. You will advise on infrastructure, land use, and recommend designs for environmental projects. This exciting position requires independent problem-solving and up to 30% travel. Click here for more information and to apply.
Associate State Archaeologist – (Multiple opportunities) – Apply-by dates vary: In this exciting role, you will use your expertise in the practice of archaeology and knowledge of pertinent law and regulation to review cultural resources, evaluation and treatment, and other important tasks. Click here to view opportunities and to apply.
Maintenance Aides (Multiple opportunities) – Apply-by dates vary: No degree required. This is the perfect entry-level position to get started at State Parks. Perform various maintenance and housekeeping tasks necessary to ensure that public health and safety standards are maintained. Click here for more information. No assessment required!
State Park Peace Officer Supervisor (Ranger) – (Multiple opportunities) – Apply-by dates vary: Take your law enforcement experience to the next level in this awesome leadership role. Primary responsibilities include supervision of staff, safety and enforcement, patrol, interpretation, resource protection/management, and visitor facility operation. Click here to view current opportunities and to apply.
Water and Sewage Plant Supervisor (Multiple opportunities) – Apply-by dates vary: As a Water and Sewage Plant Supervisor, your role will be an essential part of maintaining the beauty of our state parks by ensuring clean waterways and sustainable facilities. In these exciting roles, you will supervise the operation of a water treatment and/or sewage treatment plant, direct the taking of daily tests of water and sewage, and other vital tasks. Click here to view the current openings and to apply.
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.
Water and Sewage Plant Supervisor – Continuous (6/30/2024): 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.
Museum Curator I (7/31/2024)- Guided by general direction, the Museum Curator I will skillfully plan and oversee programs for acquiring, conserving, and interpreting museum objects within park area or house museums. From preservation to storage, they ensure each artifact's significance is preserved and shared with care. Click here for more information.
Museum Curator II (7/31/2024) – The Museum Curator II leads strategic programs for managing museum collections in facilities with active yet moderate-sized holdings. From acquisition to storage, they ensure each artifact is carefully preserved and its story is vividly told. Click here for more information.
Museum Technician (7/31/2024) - As a Museum Technician, you will safeguard and maintain art collections with precision. Your duties will also include specialized cleaning, pest control, and climate management. You will contribute to preservation efforts through inventory management and record-keeping, while ensuring safe object relocation. 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!
State Parks Welcomes New Training Chief
Story from: Crystal Flores, Administrative Services
Please help us in welcoming Elizabeth Parino as our new Training Chief!
Elizabeth has over 24 years of public service, where she has held several leadership roles, most recently serving as a staff services manager II with Peace Officer Selection and Employee Development at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Elizabeth worked for the Advanced Learning Institute, where she was responsible for management and oversight of statewide training. Elizabeth also worked for the Commission on Correctional Peace Officer Standards and Training, where she was the lead for several high-level initiatives, including the implementation of a Correctional Peace Officer Job Shadowing Program.
Elizabeth lives in Fair Oaks with her two children, who both attend Sacramento State University. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, swimming, photography, and walking her three dogs along the American River. She loves being outdoors, making a career with California State Parks a perfect fit!
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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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LGBTQ2S+: The acronym stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and two-spirit, which is an umbrella term across American Indian and First Nations cultures for a person who embodies both male and female spirits within them.
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&/and: The ampersand (&) should not be used in place of “and,” except when it is part of a company's formal name or composition title (Examples: House & Garden, Johnson & Johnson) or when it is part of an accepted abbreviations (Examples: B&B, R&B).
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911: no hyphens.
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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 Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Visitor services staff (left to right: Javier Hernandez Ocampo, Sophie Northcott, Ernesto Roide, and Kaitlyn Zedeker) having a good time while gathered around the laptop to complete Bear in Mind training. What teamwork! Who said training couldn't be fun?
Photo from Lisa Davison, North Coast Redwoods District
 Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area
Sergeant Matthew Williams assisted Kern County Fire on a brush fire in the Mojave Desert.
Photo from Rocio Martinez, Great Basin District
 Chino Hills State Park
Mountain lion caught by trail camera on the Coal Canyon wildlife corridor.
Photo from Ken Gordon, Inland Empire District
 Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
"Houston, we have an acorn." (The acorn was removed).
Photo from Joseph Heredia, Inland Empire District
 Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area
I came across a northern Pacific rattlesnake. Cleaning and organizing the storage container caused some disturbance to its hiding place, and it decided to move away for a while.
Photo from Megan Stanley, Interpretation and Education Division
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Left: A white grape soda lupine. Right: Blue-eyed grass.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Wild flax. It's one of my favorite wildflowers.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Washoe Meadows State Park
Sierra District Natural Resources staff toured the park to discuss opportunities for restoration, stewardship, and partnerships. A pair of sandhill cranes were seen flying over this meadow. Angora Ridge and Mount Tallac (outside the park) are in the background.
Photo from Rich Adams, Sierra District
 Sue-meg State Park
A sunny day in the shade at Palmer's Point.
Photo from Kevin Manning, camp host
 McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
I took this photo of Burney Falls on May 21, 2024.
Photo from Robert Schuricht, San Francisco, park visitor
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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, June 8, 2024
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Humbug Day Living History Festival—Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park :Join us for the 56th annual Humbug Day! Music, old-time crafts, demonstrations, kids' activities, living history building tours, Clamper’s barbecue, and of course the root beer floats! Watch the hydraulic monitor spray a stream of water, and cheer on the "World's Shortest Parade" at the North Bloomfield mining town's annual hometown homecoming. Entrance fee is $10/vehicle (cash only). Be aware there is very little Wi-Fi and cell reception and no nearby ATM, so please plan accordingly. Directions: For the paved route, stay on Highway 49 to Tyler Foote Road and follow signs from there. The N. Bloomfield Road route is a mostly gravel road.
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Juneteenth—Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery in the United States of America. It was on June 19, that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that all slaves were now free. Visitors are welcome to tour the park's historic buildings and enjoy live entertainment, music, and food.
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
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Opening Ceremony of California Newest State Park, at 9 a.m.—Dos Rios: This year, California State Parks Week launches with something new – the opening of California’s newest state park – Dos Rios. Located about 8 miles west of Modesto in the Central Valley, the approximately 1,600-acre Dos Rios property is the largest public-private floodplain restoration project in California to restore habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife at the Tuolumne and San Joaquin Rivers. As a state park, Dos Rios will offer Californians opportunities to improve their mental, physical, and social well-being. Visitors will be able to hike some areas of the property and enjoy the newly built picnic tables and ramadas. The public is invited to attend the opening ceremony. Dos Rios is located at 3599 Shiloh Road, Modesto, CA 95358. See also story above.
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Chino Hills TEENS Program—Chino Hills State Park. 5:30-7 p.m.: Teen Environmental Education and Networking Strategies for Chino Hills State Park. The TEENS program is suitable for teenagers from ages 12 through 17. TEENS offers teenagers a place to connect with like-minded peers in an eco-conscious environment. This group meets twice a month to plan, prepare, and execute monthly goals. TEENS is led by teens with the oversight of a park volunteer instructor. TEENS meets twice a month. Location: Chino Hills Discovery Center, 4500 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, California.
Also note these upcoming CNRA-sponsored events celebrating Pride Month:
Sunday, June 9, 2024
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Sacramento Pride March—Southside Park 2115 Sixth Street, Sacramento, 11 a.m.: CNRA and CalEPA staff members will be marching together at the Sacramento Pride. Join us! Sacramento Pride March registration for State employees only: Pride Month March Registration (office.com).
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California Natural Resources Agency Recruitment Booth—Capitol Mall, Sacramento: Come and meet human resource experts from the California Natural Resources Agency and learn about our 26 departments, conservancies and commissions. Discover job opportunities at departments such as the Department of Fish and Wildlife, CAL FIRE, Conservation Corps, Department of Parks and Recreation and more.
Retired State Park Peace Officer Expresses Thanks for Sharing Story on Lifeguard Rescue
Editors' note: We received the note below in response to the story "Stroke Victim Returns to Crystal Cove State Park to Thank Lifeguards Who Helped Save Her Life" in the May 31 edition of the Weekly Digest.
Thanks for the story, pictures and video. I was crying as I read it. I retired at SPPO in 2011 from Angel Island. I was reminded when my partner Eric Knapp and I on a normal Sunday afternoon were suddenly responding to a visitor caught in the backwash of a ferry and the subsequent drowning.
We responded immediately and then Eric was on the dock doing CPR on the victim. I'm very aware that when we do CPR, the person's heart and breathing have stopped and we're doing it for them. This victim was dead and Eric brought him back to life and kept him alive until he was helicoptered out to the hospital.
I had the great pleasure of sitting next to the gentleman at a Red Cross breakfast and having a nice conversation about how he didn't remember anything about the event. I kept patting his arm and feeling so proud that I was Eric's partner and Eric saved the man's life.
We did a lot of rescues and emergency responses and most of the time we never heard anything about the visitor afterwards but sometimes we did and it's good to remember how fortunate we were to be able to help and how incredible the people we worked with were, lifesavers.
Congratulations to Neil and Carlo and a long and rich life to Lisa and her daughter. Thanks for sharing their story.
Yours,
Jack Duggan
Retired State Parks 2011
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June 3, 2024
June 6, 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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