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 June 14, 2024
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 Dos Rios
California’s newest state park, Dos Rios, officially opened to the public on Wednesday, June 12. Local children were handed the “keys” to the new park. Find out all the details below.
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
Moonset.
Photo from Miguel Aldana, Inland Empire District
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California’s Newest State Park, Dos Rios, Opens to the Public During Kickoff of California State Parks Week
Story from: Andreas Agocs, Communications and Marketing Division
 Top: Group photo of the opening day attendees. Bottom left: Artists paint a Dos Rios mural. Bottom middle: State Park Interpreter Ali Manzo, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation Rachel Norton, and State Parks Director Armando Quintero participate in California State Parks Week activities at Dos Rios. The first day's theme was “Explore New Experiences.” Bottom right: Director Quintero speaks at the opening ceremony. Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
California’s newest state park, Dos Rios, celebrated its official opening under sunny skies in the San Joaquin Valley on Wednesday, June 12. The opening of the first state park since 2014 coincided with the kickoff of the third annual California State Parks Week, June 12-16, under the theme “This is Where You Live.” At least 500 hundred visitors, including State Parks staff, news media, partnership organizations, tribal representatives, and members of the public gathered at the Stanislaus County property to engage in activities, listen to a range of speakers, and learn about the past, present, and future of the lands that make up the newest state park.
Located about eight miles west of Modesto, 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. The transformation from agricultural and ranch use to a public park has been 20 years in the making and involved the collaborative vision and effort of multiple partners, including the Lyons family, who supported the project and agreed to sell their ranch for the purpose of conservation. Tuolumne River Trust and River Partners envisioned the property’s restoration, in collaboration with State Parks and other public agencies.
Visitors began pouring in early to the picnic tables and ramadas that were set up under shade trees by the scenic pond at the entrance of the new park. State Parks divisions and districts joined representatives of California State Parks Week partners, including Rachel Norton of California State Parks Foundation; Kindley Walsh Lawlor, president and CEO of Parks California; and Sam Hodder, president and CEO of Save the Redwoods League. Together they distributed information material and gave activity demonstrations ranging from displays of Native basketry to a live demonstration of the PORTS: Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students® Program.
The ceremony began at 9 a.m. with remarks by Northern Division Chief and State Parks Week Chair Jason De Wall. “Welcome to State Parks Week,” said De Wall, “there’s no better way to start it off than with the opening of a new state park.” Valentin Lopez, chairman of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, spoke about the significance of the park for the region’s Native communities with ties to the land, including North Valley Yokuts, Northern Sierra Miwuk, and other tribes. The chairman connected Dos Rios to the ongoing process to “restore wellness to our people.” Lopez was proud of the recent memorandums of understanding between tribes and State Parks, and he emphasized the need for tribes “to have access to native cultural sites.”
State Parks Director Armando Quintero stressed Dos Rios’ role in restoring “the richness and fecundity of the valley that feeds us all.” With the park’s abundance of bird and wildlife, San Joaquin Valley residents “will be able to experience the world at home.” Quintero also pointed out the symbolism of the event’s ramadas, which were made of wood harvested after the fires at Big Basin, building a bridge “from the oldest state park to the newest state park.”
Modesto native Diana Avalos, representing the First Partner’s Office, read a “love letter to Modesto and Dos Rios.” In her passionate address Diana declared “Dos Rios is the best of our communidad … it’s a symbol of hope in the Valley; let’s dream together what the park will mean for the Central Valley!”
Park Manager Paige Haller introduced Julie Rentner, president of River Partners, one of the two nonprofits that were instrumental in the acquisition of the former agricultural property and its transformation into an oasis of wildlife and recreation in a region with few state parks. “When we reconnect people with nature,” said Rentner, “we can start the healing of a community.” Patrick Koepele, executive director of Tuolumne River Trust, emphasized Dos Rios’ historical role as a “gathering place” of rivers and of people that connects Yosemite, the Central Valley, and the Bay Area.
Interpreter I Ali Manzo talked about the importance of the new state park for local school districts; Dos Rios will provide access and connection to nature for students in an underserved region. To highlight this, students from Manzo’s Modesto school took their Junior Rangers pledges on stage— with Director Quintero volunteering to pin their new badges.
After the ceremony, visitors were able to go on guided tours by foot or bike to the almond orchard and restoration area. Central Valley District staff, from District Superintendent Danielle Gerhart to Park Manager Haller, Interpreter II Caitlin Torres, and countless others ensured that Dos Rios’ first day went smoothly and set the tone for a bright future as the Central Valley’s newest gem. As Senior Park Aide Colin Miller put it, “Dos Rios is going to elevate a forgotten area and will bring it new life.”
Plans for greater access and recreational opportunities in the park will involve a public engagement process that includes consultation with area tribes. To learn more, view our press release and visit parks.ca.gov/dosrios. Provide input and follow the progress at parks.ca.gov/DosRiosPlan.
Find Instagram and Facebook coverage of the event under the park’s @dosriossp handle. Congratulations to all for a successful opening day at Dos Rios and launch of California State Parks Week! Read Governor Newsom’s California State Parks Week proclamation here. To find a virtual or in-person event near you, visit CAStateParksWeek.org.
 Top: Director Quintero with the new Junior Rangers and other event participants. Middle left: River Partners President Julie Rentner. Bottom left: Tuolumne River Trust Executive Director Patrick Koepele. Bottom middle: Northern Division Chief and State Parks Week Chair Jason De Wall. Middle right: Diana Avalos, First Partner's Office. Bottom right: Amah Mutsun Tribal Band Chairman Valentin Lopez. Photos from Brian Baer and Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division, and Oscar Vasquez, Information Technology Division.
 Top left: Director Quintero volunteers to pin new Junior Ranger badges. Top right: The Dos Rios leadership team, from left: Four Rivers Sector Superintendent Gerald "Duke" Heberling, Park Manager Paige Haller, Central Valley Superintendent I Danielle Gerhart. Bottom left: Modesto school children receiving the symbolic keys to the new park. Bottom middle: The park logo sign in front of the scenic pond. Bottom right: Modesto Mayor Sue Zwahlen (left) and Diana Avalos, First Partner's office (right). Photos from Brian Baer and Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division.
 About a dozen media outlets covered the Dos Rios opening and the launch of California State Parks Week. Top left: Director Quintero provides an interview in Spanish to Univision. Top Left: Director Quintero interviewed by CBS13. Bottom Left: Central Valley District Superintendent Danielle Gerhart interviewed by KCRA3. Bottom middle: FOX40 and ABC10 interview Director Quintero. Bottom right: Reuters reporter interviews Sam Hodder, President and CEO of Save the Redwoods League. Photos from Adeline Yee and Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
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State Park and Recreation Commission Approves Amendment to Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park’s General Plan
Story from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division
 James Sarmento, executive director of cultural resources for the Shingles Springs Band of Miwok Indians, Capital District Superintendent John Fraser, author Albert Hurtado, and Anthony Burris, a professor at Sacramento State University, each addressed the State Park and Recreation Commission during its discussion of a proposed amendment to Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park’s General Plan to include revisions to the park’s Interpretation Master Plan, during the Commission’s meeting in West Sacramento.
The State Park and Recreation Commission (Commission) met for its second quarter meeting in West Sacramento on Tuesday, June 11. Just a day before the grand opening of California’s newest state park—Dos Rios, the Commission unanimously approved fundamental changes to how history is interpreted in one of State Parks' oldest park units, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park (SHP). By approving the amendment to the general plan, the Commission provided a new direction for the park’s interpretation program and made the first change to the park’s major planning documents in over 30 years.
Capital District Superintendent John Fraser and Jason Finley, from the Strategic Planning and Recreation Services Division, provided background and information about the proposed amendment, which began with stakeholder outreach in 2022 under the Reexamining Our Past Initiative, to develop a more inclusive interpretation master plan for the park. The initiative guides the department as it seeks to address interpretive programs and exhibits in California’s State Park System that fall short of fully contextualizing California history. The initiative was announced in 2020 when State Parks joined with other state agencies to redress discriminatory names within the state’s park and infrastructure systems.
Many stakeholder representatives involved in the process of developing the new interpretation master plan attended the meeting in person and online to support the amendment. Speakers addressing the Commission included Calvin Hedrick, founder and director of the 5th Direction, an organization serving Native youth in Northern California, Albert Hurtado, retired professor and author, James Sarmento, executive director of cultural resources for the Shingles Springs Band of Miwok Indians, and Anthony Burris, a professor at Sacramento State University and citizen of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians.
Other agenda items for the meeting included staff updates and presentations on how State Parks acquires and classifies properties as park units. A video recording of the meeting is available through Cal-Span.org. For more information about Sutter’s Fort SHP’s General Plan Amendment and Interpretation Master Plan, including recordings of past virtual workshops, visit interpretingsuttersfort.org.
 Clockwise from top left: Capital District Superintendent John Fraser is interviewed by reporter Camila Pedrosa from the Sacramento Bee. Anthony Burris, a citizen of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians and assistant professor at Sacramento State University, addresses the Commission. Capital District interpretive staff in attendance at the meeting included (from left to right) Marco Reyes, Devin McCutchen, Jared Jones, Kyle Floyd, and Alison Parks.
Meet the Commissioner: Francesca Vietor, State Park and Recreation Commission
Story from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division
 State Park and Recreation Commissioner Francesca Vietor at San Bruno Mountain State Park. Photo from Francesca Vietor.
Four commissions under the Department of Parks and Recreation provide guidance to department staff, review and approve plans, and assist State Parks in its mission to provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California.
As we continue the Meet the Commissioner profile series, you’ll learn more about Commissioner Francesca Vietor, who is on a quest to visit all 281 units. Vietor was appointed to the State Park and Recreation Commission by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022. She is Senior Advisor on the Environment for the San Francisco Foundation. Her work spans the foundation, where she manages the Youth Access to Nature Fund, provides environmental recommendations for donors, and engages community stakeholders on environmental issues. She also serves on the boards for the Trust for Public Land and Point Reyes National Seashore Association.
We asked Francesca five questions to learn more about her:
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Why did you apply for the Commission? I wanted to spend time in our amazing state parks and to help advance the Governor’s agenda to increase access to the outdoors and build greater climate resiliency.
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Since joining the Commission, what’s one thing that has surprised you? On the upside, I am surprised and pleased by how much Californians LOVE their parks and how wonderful, committed, hardworking, and responsive the field staff are.
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Why do you think it is essential for the public to engage with the Commission?It is important for the public to engage with the Commission so that we can understand their concerns, establish our priorities, and better address the needs in our parks. If we improved and increased our outreach and the opportunities for engagement with the public, we would be better informed and effective as a Commission and department.
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What is your favorite form of recreation, and do you have a favorite state park to visit? I can’t pick only one (form of) recreation or park! I love to hike, swim, kayak, horseback ride, bike ride, and ski. So far, my favorite forest park is Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, my favorite beach park is Crystal Cove State Park, my favorite bay area park is Tomales Bay State Park, my favorite state historic parks are Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park, my favorite state vehicle recreation area is Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area and my favorite state recreation area is Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area/Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook.
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What would someone be surprised to learn about you? I am visiting every state park so that I can really understand the issues facing our state parks. I just finished visiting park number 147—I only have 134 to go!
Four commissions under the Department of Parks and Recreation provide guidance to department staff. These commissions are the State Park and Recreation Commission, California Boating and Waterways Commission, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Commission and State Historical Resources Commission.
California State Indian Museum Hosts 45th Annual Honored Elders Day
Story and photos from: Ileana Maestas, Capital District
 Vendors and visitors on the grounds of the California State Indian Museum for the 45th annual Honored Elders Day celebration.
California State Indian Museum hosted the 45th annual Honored Elders Day celebration on June 1. This year, the event featured traditional dance groups from the Miwok, Maidu, and Aztec traditions, speakers representing local Native successes and State representatives acknowledging the lasting contributions of the Elders.
Over 35 Indian vendors attended selling traditional arts and crafts, Indian tacos, coffee, and deserts; informational vendors were also present including the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Tribal Fire Department, Lólmen Publications, Native Dads Network, and the Sacramento Native American Health Center. Loretta Miranda, deputy tribal affairs advisor to the governor, read the Governor’s Proclamation.
This year Capital District staff developed two large banners featuring the group photos from Honored Elders Day 1999 through 2023. The banners were placed outside at the event and attendees appreciated seeing themselves and their elders throughout the years. Staff also took a deep dive into the unit archives of the California State Indian Museum and created a PowerPoint presentation featuring past Honored Elders Day images. The PowerPoint played continuously in the museum gallery; guests identified many people in the photos and the information was collected for the archives. Requests for images were able to be accommodated.
This event would not happen without the support of the California Indian Heritage Center Foundation, Picayune Rancheria, Wilton Rancheria, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, United Auburn Indian Community, Miridae Mobile Nursery, Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), Sacramento Native American Health Center, Native Sisters Circle, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, Native Dads Network, Three Sisters Garden, the California State Parks Foundation, and the California State Railroad Museum. Capital District is grateful to have strong partnerships that enable this event to be put on every year.
 Top: Elders registering to get their gift and lunch ribbon. Bottom left from left to right: Park Aide Ryan Disch, Senior Park Aide Marco Reyes, Interpreter I Kyle Floyd and Guide II Supervisor Jared Jones. Bottom right: California State Railroad Museum Foundation Special Projects Manager Carly Starr and son Calvin at the event.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Installs New Signs on Historic Buildings
Story and photos from: Alexandra Latona, San Diego Coast District
 Top left and right: Before and after photos of the McCoy House Museum signs at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Bottom left and right: Before and after photos of the Robinson-Rose Visitor Information Center. Photos from Jodi Whelchel, San Diego Coast District.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is looking brand new with the installation of two new 26-foot-long signs on two of the most prominent buildings in the parks: McCoy House Museum and Robinson-Rose Visitor Information Center.
This project is many years in the making with funding for the signs being secured through the Interpretation and Education Division. In keeping with the park’s historic nature, the signs had to be custom-made and hand-painted.
After being painted and assembled by the artist, a team from maintenance brought the signs back to the park, where they sat for nine months as we figured out how to safely install two 26-foot-long solid wood signs on two-story buildings in the middle of a very busy park!
Help came in the form of contractor Joe Lechuga and his team. This included a boom crane brought to the park by QRS Lighting where the old signs were removed, and the new signs installed.
Lights, Camera, Action: State Parks Honors Student Talent at the 58th Annual California Student Media Festival
Story from: Jennifer Langer, Interpretation and Education Division
 California Student Media Festival steering committee members, from left to right: Dr. Leslie Farmer, Brad Upshaw (National Teacher Hall of Fame), Mike Lawrence, Jennifer Langer, Ali Nezu, Hall Davidson, Vashti Williams, Dennis Grice, Sam Dovlatian (Hollywood HS Principal), and Karen Green. Photo from Blake Clausen, Los Angeles Unified School District.
The renowned Hollywood High School rolled out the red carpet for the 58th annual California Student Media Festival (CSMF) on June 1, where State Parks' PORTS: Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students® Program joined the festivities to celebrate the exceptional talent of student filmmakers from across the state.
The event, which could be likened to a mini-Oscars for creative youth, was a true spectacle. With a grand main stage, dazzling Hollywood sign, colorful balloons, and a photo backdrop, the festival exuded an atmosphere of prestige and excitement, welcoming nearly 300 in-person attendees and over 200 virtual participants as 37 awards were presented.
A handful of State Parks staff volunteered as judges, assisting in reviewing project submissions and selecting finalists. I attended the festival as a proud partner and awards presenter. State Parks provides a dedicated category, "Park Adventures: Journeys to Stewardship," recognizing outstanding park-related projects. This year, two exceptional submissions – Anza Borrego Desert State Park and Sun Kissed and Salty – were selected as special award winners in the parks category. I had the honor of presenting these talented students with their well-deserved recognition on the grand stage.
State Parks’ continued involvement in this festival exemplifies its commitment to engaging the K-12 community and fostering appreciation for California's natural wonders. By providing a platform for park-related projects, our organization encourages the next generation of environmental stewards to explore and celebrate state parks through storytelling.
As the curtain fell on another successful festival, State Parks staff look forward to its continued representation as a proud partner, offering a dedicated category for park-related projects in the highly anticipated 59th annual event slated to take place in May 2025.
To celebrate the winning filmmakers, visit the CSMF's winner's page.
Angeles District Hosts Annual Mountain Bike Unit Volunteer Patrol 'Scenario Day' Training
Story from: Angeles District
 New graduates of the Mountain Bike Unit Volunteer Patrol. Photo from Lei De Vera, National Park Service.
Members of the Mountain Bike Unit (MBU) Volunteer Patrol held their annual Scenario Day Training at Malibu Creek State Park on May 4.
This training is provided for new recruits to the program and offers a simulated patrol and response exercise staged by MBU volunteers and evaluated by California State Parks personnel. A total of 16 rangers and staff participated in the day-long training exercise. Eleven new recruits are now proud MBU graduates for the class of 2024.
The MBU assists the National Park Service, State Parks, and the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority by providing public assistance and resource protection to the national and state parklands in Southern California.
Arts in California Parks Events Continue in June
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
 Need more arts, creativity, and connection in your summer? Dive into the world of art and culture with Arts in California Parks, an initiative that champions artists, culture bearers, California Native American tribes, and communities.
Here are some upcoming Arts in California Parks events:
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Saturday, June 15: Art in the Park at Big Basin Redwoods State Park (SP). Last summer marked the beginning of a new phase in the revitalization of Big Basin Redwoods SP with the introduction of the Art About program that invited 18 artists from across California to the park for a weekend of exploration and learning. Artworks that grew out of the program will be unveiled on this day at Big Basin Redwoods SP as part of the celebration of California State Parks Week. Exhibits will include fiber art, wood carvings, photography, and interactive installations. Activities include a craft station where participants of all ages can create their own art, a guided nature journaling hike, and an opportunity to watch members of the Central Coast Plein Air Painters paint on site. Learn more about the artists' Art About camping trip here, and RSVP for the event here.
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Saturday, June 22: Poetry in Parks Storytelling Celebration at Candlestick Point State Recreation Area (SRA) Community Garden. Come celebrate the voices of Candlestick Point SRA! Listen to your neighbors share their stories, share your own stories, and enjoy food and drink with other folks from the community. Activities include storytelling, flowerpot painting, recording your own Candlestick story, poetry/spoken work performances, and a haiku workshop table. View the full schedule of events on Candlestick Point’s Instagram and Facebook pages. This event is the culmination of the Candlestick Point SRA oral history project, which explored the history of the Candlestick Point SRA landscape and community, its connection to racial and environmental justice, and how it has impacted people of the neighborhood. Click here to learn more about the project or to share your story or memory about Candlestick Point SRA.
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Sunday, June 23: Pond Farm’s June Artist in Residence in Conversation at Russian River Books & Letters. 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. Learn more and register here.
 Art About participants shared stories over a campfire as part of their camping trip in 2023. Photo by California State Parks.
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PARTNER NEWS
Parks California and Angeles District Team Up for New Vehicle Donation Pilot Program
Story from: Michael Bridges, Parks California
 Signs for the Vehicle Donation Pilot Program on display at Los Angeles State Historic Park (SHP) (left) and Will Rogers SHP (right). Photos from Angeles District.
Parks California, in partnership with Angeles District, has developed a new Vehicle Donation Pilot Program. Currently in operation at four parks in the Angeles District — Leo Carrillo SP, Will Rogers SHP, Malibu Creek SP, and Los Angeles SHP — the program allows visitors to support their local state parks by donating unwanted vehicles.
A vehicle may have made hundreds of trips to parks and served as a beloved part of family vacations. Then one day, supplanted by something new, the vehicle sits in a driveway or on the street. Now through this unique partnership with Parks California, that vehicle can be donated to support an act of service and help make it possible for other families to enjoy parks, too.
This is a true win-win situation. The owner of an unneeded vehicle can earn a tax deduction and avoid selling hassles. At the same time, the parks receive critical funds that will help make parks more welcoming, inclusive and climate resilient to serve generations to come.
Donations to the program can include more than just cars. Campers, motorcycles, boats, motorhomes, farm machines, vespas, or even helicopters can be donated if desired. The hope is to one day hear folks say things like, “My van brought our family to the park for years. Now, it just seems fitting that our van can live on and continue to bring other families to parks through this donation.” Or, more simply, "We 'Parked' our old car.”
Signs are up now throughout the Angeles District promoting this new program. Visitors can scan the QR code on the signs or visit this link to donate. Donations are open to anyone in the United States.
Learning from Ecosystem Connecting Estuaries
Story from: Andrea Cornelius, Parks California
 Estuary workshop participants. Photo from Parks California.
Did you know that California State Parks are connected to about 155 of the state’s estuaries? That’s a lot of vital ecosystems! Estuaries host diverse habitats like wetlands, seagrass beds, and marshes. They serve as crucial rearing grounds for young marine life and offer invaluable services to both aquatic and terrestrial species, including humans.
Despite their importance, estuaries are disappearing. The value of partnerships in estuarine management is crucial as tackling the issues estuaries face requires coordination between many entities. Learn more about how Parks California and partners are coming together here.
Nine Nonprofit Organizations Awarded Grants to Help Fourth Graders and Their Families Visit State Parks
Story and photos from: Parks California
 Acta Non Verba: Youth Urban Farm Project at Angel Island State Park.
Did you know that fourth graders and their families can visit 54 California state parks for free through the Adventure Pass Program? Sometimes, challenges like getting to a park or finding relevant activities there can prevent people from enjoying these incredible spaces. That’s why we created the Adventure Pass Grants Program to fund nonprofit organizations who connect families to parks.
We just awarded nine grantees who will help over 600 fourth graders reach parks this summer by removing transportation barriers, providing free programs, and/or multilingual experiences. Read about them here and watch a video featuring one of our past grantees, San Mateo Parks Libraries.
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
State Historian II – Apply by June 18, 2024: As the State Historian II, you'll dive into the heart of our history, using your expertise to safeguard our cultural legacy. From reviewing historic documents to recommending preservation strategies, your role is dynamic and crucial. It demands top-notch writing, organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively. Embrace the challenge of preserving our past while shaping the future. Click here for more information and to apply.
State Park Equipment Operator – Apply by June 20, 2024: This position is located in beautiful Humboldt Redwoods State Park. As a State Park Equipment Operator, you will be responsible for the heavy equipment for the district for constructing roads, maintaining parking areas and removing various hazards, including dead trees, landslides, and flood debris. You may also operate light equipment including chainsaws, lawn mowers, repair fences, etc. 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!
Monterey District Ranger Sean James Retires
Story from: Brent Marshall, Monterey District Superintendent
Monterey District Superintendents, Rangers, Administrative, and Maintenance staff celebrate Sean James’ retirement with lunch and honorary plaque at Monterey District Headquarters on May 22, 2024. Photo from Dan Kraft, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division.
Ranger Sean James is retiring after 21 years of service.
After graduating from the academy at Mott Training Center in 2003, Sean went to work for Angeles District. He then returned to the Big Sur Sector in Monterey District where he had previously worked as a park aide.
Sean later transferred to the Monterey Sector and was quickly promoted to supervise the Asilomar Sector visitor services team. The Asilomar Sector job was followed by a promotion to the position of Monterey District Public Safety Superintendent, where he assisted with other roles including Acting Superintendent for the Gavilan, Monterey, and Big Sur Sectors.
Sean completed his State Parks career settling into the Chief Ranger position for the Monterey District.
Thank you for your service, Sean. Have a great retirement!
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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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CEO: Acceptable in all references for chief executive officer.
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multi-: Do not hyphenate. Examples: multiuse, multiagency, and multipurpose.
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red-tailed hawk: Please note the hyphen and “tailed,” not “tail.”
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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 Dos Rios
Left to right: Chief Deputy Director Liz McGuirk, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Commissioner Kat Anderson, State Parks Director Armando Quintero, Deputy Director of OHMVR Sarah Miggins, OHMVR Commission Chair Roger Salazar and OHMVR Commissioner Nick Mueller.
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Dos Rios
Top (left to right): Northern Division Chief Jason De Wall, Dos Rios Park Manager Paige Haller, State Parks Director Armando Quintero, Central Valley District Superintendent Danielle Gerhart, Mayor of Modesto Sue Zwahlen, and District 6 Council Member David Wright. Bottom left (left to right): Jason De Wall, Paige Haller, Armando Quintero, Assemblymember Juan Alanis, staff member Abigail Pendleton, and Danielle Gerhart. Bottom right (left to right): Jason De Wall, Paige Haller, Armando Quintero, Narinder Bahia on behalf of Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil, and Danielle Gerhart.
Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Dos Rios
Top left: Interpretation and Education Chief Heather Holm and Central Valley District Public Information Officer Amber Sprock staff the PORTS: Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students® station. Top right: President and CEO of Parks California Kindley Walsh Lawlor talks about the Arts in California Parks program near a Dos Rios mural. Bottom left: Graphic Designer III Kim Milruya checks out a virtual reality goggle. Bottom right (left to right): Senior Environmental Scientist Heather Reith, State Park Peace Officer Luisana Muniz and Recruitment Analyst Yolanda Ramirez staff the "Live the Parks Life" booth.
Photos from Adeline Yee and Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Dos Rios
Top left: State Historic Preservation Officer Julianne Polanco with State Parks Chief Counsel Tara Lynch. Bottom left: State Parks Director with Diana Avalos, First Partner's Office and Modesto native. Top right (left to right): Digital Content Analyst Brittani Peterson, Natural Resources Deputy Secretary for Access Gloria Sandoval, Information Officer II Adeline Yee, Information Technology Supervisor II Oscar Vasquez and Information Officer II Jorge Moreno. Bottom left: Adeline Yee, Research Writer Andreas Agocs, Information Officer I Doug Johnson and Dos Rios Park Manager Paige Haller. Bottom right: Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs Marivel Barajas, Julianne Polanco, and Gloria Sandoval.
Photo from Adeline Yee and Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Dos Rios
Left to right: Information Officer I Doug Johnson, Information Officer II Jorge Moreno, Videographer Jerry Macias, Graphics Designer III Kim Milruya, Information Officer II Adeline Yee, and Digital Content Analyst Brittani Peterson.
Photo from Oscar Vasquez, Information Technology Division
 Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
State Park Peace Officer (Ranger) Cameron Cisek while filming the new State Park Ranger promo video.
Photo from Garrett Fuhrman, Inland Empire District
 Crystal Cove State Park
Senior Maintenance Aides Ron Stratford and Constance Leong are seen here after refinishing the solid redwood park entrance monument at the Reef Point. The redwood monuments at Crystal Cove are truly beautiful.
Photo from Marty Kansriddle, Orange Coast District
 Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
State Park Peace Officer (Ranger) John Staffel helped a visitor secure his dogs after a medical incident.
Photo from Chelsea Dulaney, Great Basin District
 Castle Crags State Park
Shasta Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation & Release Inc. hosted a great campfire program at the park. They are coming back throughout the summer for more. :)
Photo from Maddy Robertson, Northern Buttes District
Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
With its bizarre gait, spindly legs, and extra long antennae, the thread-legged bug (Emesinae) might be mistaken for an alien. But it is indeed from Earth - and also below it.
Video from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District
 Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument
The Admin team enjoys seeing this family of gray foxes on their daily walk through the maintenance yard.
Photos from Jessica Harvey, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Chino Hills State Park
Left: Turkey vulture. Right: A coyote playing with the butterflies.
Photos from Miguel Aldana, Inland Empire District
 Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
A chuckwalla sunbathing.
Photo from Miguel Aldana, Inland Empire District
 Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
A gopher snake on patrol.
Photo from Diane Velasco, Inland Empire District
 Sue-meg State Park
A happy osprey at Palmer's Point.
Photo from Tim Gentry, Indiana, park visitor
 Chino Hills State Park
Ravens with their prey.
Photos from Miguel Aldana, Inland Empire District
 Point Dume State Beach
A red-tailed hawk in Point Dume Nature Preserve. This was taken on a very misty marine layer morning, where this hawk attempted to dry its feathers to no avail!
Photo from Hannah Eaton, Angeles District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
A hummingbird feeding on a scarlet bugler.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Hearst San Simeon State Park
Killdeer on the prowl in Moonstone Beach.
Photo from Christopher Iniguez, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Chino Hills State Park
Two great horned owls on a maple tree right before sunrise.
Photos from Miguel Aldana, Inland Empire District
 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Left: Cuyamaca Lake downingia. Right: Grape soda lupine.
Photos from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Top row from left to right: Western azalea, Torrey's monkeyflower, and a rainbow iris. Bottom row from left to right: pine violet, phantom orchid, and pale swallowtails on a cobwebby thistle.
Photos from Leah Gardner, Natural Resources Division
 Calaveras Big Trees State Park
From left to right: Heart-leaf milkweed, harlequin lupine, and a glandular clarkia.
Photos from Leah Gardner, Natural Resources Division
 Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
Mitchell caverns.
Photo from Miguel Aldana, Inland Empire District
 Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
I attended the Juneteenth celebration at the park last weekend. In the evening, when the temperature cooled, I walked the empty town and snapped some photos attempting to capture the serenity of the landscape. Here is one of my favorites!
Photo from Diana Chang, Orange Coast District
 Chino Hills State Park
Rainbow.
Photo from Miguel Aldana, Inland Empire District
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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 15, 2024
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The Different Biotic Communities of Allensworth—Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park (SHP) at 9 a.m.: Join us as we explore the different types of biotic communities within Colonel Allensworth SHP. The park is home to a variety of plants and animals. Discover how these biotic communities live together to form a unique landscape in the San Joaquin Valley. Meet at the visitor center parking lot.
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Behind the Scenes Tour of Fort Tejon State Historic Park (SHP)—Fort Tejon SHP at 11 a.m.: Join us for a guided tour of Fort Tejon SHP. This tour explores frontier life in 1850s California at this former military post. Visitors will tour historic places in the park, including behind-the-scenes areas of buildings that are usually partitioned off as museum displays. Visitors may even be called upon to participate in a brief historic military drill and a historic cannon firing demonstration. The guided tour will be approximately 2.5 hours around the “historic zone” of the parade ground covering about 700 to 800 yards of walking. This event is recommended for fourth graders and older. Participants should come prepared for sunny summer weather and should bring water. Photos are welcome. Visitors are welcome to use the picnic benches for lunch after the tour.
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Asilomar Conference Grounds: Empowerment Incubator—Asilomar State Beach at 1 p.m.: Trace Asilomar’s history and learn how Julia Morgan, California’s first licensed female architect, designed buildings to nurture bold ideas and promote social justice. Meet at the State Parks Desk in the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Social Hall. Click here to register.
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
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Fall Creek Guided Hike—Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (SP) at 9 a.m.: The Fall Creek unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods SP is extraordinary, and we want to explore it with you! Join us to explore this beautiful creek system and learn a bit about its history. On this multi-mile hike, we'll be meandering along Fall Creek to the historic Barrel Mill and Lime Kiln sites. RSVP for this event here! We'll meet in the main parking lot of Fall Creek (located off Felton Empire Grade).
Also note these upcoming events for California State Parks Week:
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Sunday, June 16, 2024
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Care For Our Shared Lands—Multiple State Parks: 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 park staff, a volunteer, a partner, or one of many other roles. Click here for more information.
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June 12, 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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