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 August 16, 2024
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 Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
Participants enjoy time on the water during this year’s Paddle Sports Program, which concluded last week. Millerton Lake SRA hosted 17 paddle sports programs introducing paddling at no cost to 200 people this summer. Participants were able to try stand-up paddleboarding, along with kayaking, in a safe learning environment under the watchful eye of State Parks lifeguards.
Photo from Julie Del Testa, Central Valley District
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Watch the 21st Annual Director’s Recognition Awards Virtual Ceremony!
Story from: Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division
 We are excited to announce the 21st Annual Director’s Recognition Awards prerecorded video ceremony is now available for staff and their family and friends to view. This awards program recognizes the amazing accomplishments of State Parks employees, volunteers, and park partners over the past year. We hope you can join us in celebrating the accomplishments of your colleagues and the spirit of service and commitment to the department’s mission. The video is now available to watch at parks.ca.gov/DirectorAwards. You can also find the list of all the award recipients here.
This year’s Director’s Recognition Awards celebrate the exceptional work of over 110 State Park employees, partners, and volunteers. More than 130 individuals were nominated this year! Accomplishments ranged from working with Native American tribes to conduct fuel reduction; to bringing the underwater world to classrooms and the public via livestreams; to using technology to engage with a new generation of visitors; to saving lives and protecting our state’s remarkable cultural, natural, and historical resources for future generations to enjoy. This year’s award recipients showcased State Parks workforce’s diverse talent, their unique approach to engage with the public, and their passion to making sure that everyone feels safe and included in the nation’s largest state park system. Congratulations!
Hear about the incredible work that Senior Environmental Scientist Michelle Succow, the Climate Adaptation awardee, is doing in crafting the department’s actionable sea level rise adaptation strategy to be used in the field. Learn about the Equity and Diversity awardee, the Big Basin Planning Team, which is being recognized for reimagining the future of Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The team has prioritized equity and inclusion in all aspects of the planning process. Their focus on community engagement ensures those who haven’t historically had a seat at the table have a voice in this process.
Staff from the Colorado Desert District share why the Native American Conservation Corps Team received the Inspiration Award for their fuel reduction work, which will increase wildfire and forest resiliency in San Diego County and Colorado Desert District. Working with local tribes, staff began collaborating in 2020 in onboarding volunteer team members with the goal of making successful conservation corps crew members ideal candidates for subsequent forestry and fire-related positions and increase their local workforce skill.
In the Special Commendation Award category, recipients included Laborer Eric Draper from the Sierra District, who saved a lost visitor’s life during a heavy winter storm at Bodie State Historic Park. From the Cultural Resources Division’s Historic Properties Program, Staff Parks and Recreation Specialist Kathleen Kennedy is being recognized for her work in shepherding the Pond Farm Pottery property at Austin Creek State Recreation Area through nearly seven years of documentation and review to attain National Historic Landmarks designation.
The Special Act/Service Awardees had incredible heroic stories, including Santa Cruz District Seasonal Lifeguards Maxwell Hunter and Riley Rhodes being recognized for their rescue of a swimmer during hazardous conditions at night at Poplar Beach. Additionally, they both received the Governor’s Medal of Valor Award in June. State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) (Ranger) Jake DiNolfi and former SPPO (Lifeguard) Jaycee Hollins from Oceano Dunes District are both being recognized for their rescue at Pismo State Beach on Dec. 28, 2023, during high surf conditions in saving a family whose vehicle was submerged in water. Additionally, the Channel Coast District High Surf Response Team is being recognized for their heroic efforts during the same high surf event across the district, with waves averaging 12-15 feet, with some as high as 25 feet. Staff braved the surf more than 40 times to make rescues as well as making over 900 safety contacts that day. Plus, hear about the incredible story of Orange Coast District SPPO (Lifeguard) Justin Quiggle, who helped rescue a victim from a submerged vehicle at night that went off the Pacific Coast Highway and onto the wetlands adjacent to Bolsa Chica State Beach.
These are just a few of the highlights of this year’s Director’s Recognition Awards recipients. Additionally, a deep appreciation also to those who took the time and effort to nominate and honor your colleagues and partners for these awards. Your recognition of their achievements makes this awards program successful and demonstrates your support and pride in each other's accomplishments. Learn more about the awards program at parks.ca.gov/DirectorAwards.
Employee Spotlight: Rachel Young
Story from: Jo Biswas, Communications and Marketing Division
 Clockwise from bottom left: Rachel at her favorite park, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve; enjoying one of her favorite Apple Hill treats at one of her favorite Apple Hill farms; visiting beautiful London, on a trip to the UK in 2022; delivering baking entries off at the California State Fair baking competition. Photos from: Rachel Young, Partnerships Division.
We’re celebrating another superstar Parks employee this week — meet Rachel Young, Volunteers in Parks Program coordinator in the Partnerships Division!
Her team members say she is hardworking, supportive, and a whiz at keeping everything organized and moving smoothly. Need rosters updated? Rachel’s on it. Looking for training resources? She’s not only got them but has created some top-notch training videos and SharePoint pages to make everyone’s jobs easier. She’s always quick to respond, ready with answers and help, and has even found a way to simplify the process of getting uniforms to Parks volunteers. Amazing job, Rachel!
Read on below to learn more about Rachel, in her own words.
Q: What are your favorite hobbies outside of work?
A: I love to bake and am considering starting my own side business soon. I also love gardening, traveling (when funds allow), and hosting parties (especially fun-themed parties) for my friends and family.
Q: Can you share a project or accomplishment you're particularly proud of?
A: In 2020, I had the opportunity to make significant changes to the biannual volunteer coordination training when we needed to move it online. Not only did I successfully adapt the training to a virtual format but made significant changes to the topics covered to try to make the training more practical for those responsible for the day-to-day operation of running a volunteer program. I got overwhelmingly positive feedback and have exciting plans for the future of training resources for volunteer coordinators in our parks.
Q: Is there something you're particularly skilled at that people might find surprising?
A: I am the self-proclaimed resident expert on all things Apple Hill. I’ve been to all the farms, and if someone tells me they’re going up there, I’m quick to provide recommendations for which farms to visit, where to get the best apple donuts, and which ones have the best views for enjoying a picnic lunch.
Q: Do you have any advice for new employees or those looking to excel in their careers?
A: Learn who and where your resources are. This gives you a chance to learn from others, become self-sufficient, and become a resource for others. No work is “below” you – help wherever it is needed – it will build your skills, support your program, and give you a great opportunity to build relationships. Finally, customer service is key – if people know they can count on you to follow through and respond timely (we all know how frustrating it is when you’re waiting for someone to get back to you) it can go far in building relationships and creating a good reputation for yourself.
Nominate An Exemplary Colleague
Do you know of an exceptional State Parks colleague in your field, division, or district, who goes above and beyond in their role? Nominate them for Employee Spotlight! In upcoming issues, the Weekly Digest team will spotlight outstanding employees, sharing insights into their journey, experiences, and wisdom gained during their career at State Parks.
Send in your submissions to WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov with the subject: "Employee Spotlight Submission".
Don't forget to include:
- Specific reasons for why you are nominating them. This could be based on their outstanding achievements, dedication, teamwork, or any other qualities that make them stand out.
- The name of their supervisor (if you know who that is).
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California State Parks Issues 2023 Volunteers in Parks Program Annual Report
Story from: Rachel Young, Partnerships Division
 Headland Eradication and Restoration Team volunteers Trilby Dupont, Son Rey Garcia, Carrie Durkee, Winnie Pitrone, and Katie Wheeler at Mendocino Headlands State Park. Photo from Andy Mackey, State Parks volunteer.
The Volunteers in Parks Program (VIPP) is proud to announce the publication of the 2023 VIPP Annual Report. California State Parks, its staff, and visitors all greatly benefit from the presence, hard work, talent, and dedication of volunteers, and this report showcases the extraordinary contributions made by the thousands of individuals who generously donated their time to our parks last year. The 2023 annual report shows 27,064 volunteers contributed a total of 784,931 service hours, which carry an equivalent value of over $30.3 million. This was a nearly 18% increase in total number of volunteers serving over 2022.
Without the passionate and dedicated service of volunteers in the VIPP supporting critical functions, State Parks would not be able to successfully execute its mission, and many of the programs that draw visitors to our parks would not be offered without the involvement of volunteers. Throughout the year, State Parks’ community of volunteers served in their parks helping with park interpretation, visitor services, public safety, providing for the ongoing stewardship of our natural and cultural resources, and so much more.
The report’s statistics also reflect the efforts of volunteer coordinators, superintendents, and field staff who are to be commended for their work in building and maintaining this robust program. Thanks to our amazing volunteers for their hours of service and commitment to the stewardship of our parks! You can request a copy of the report by e-mailing Volunteer.InParksProgram@parks.ca.gov. For more information about becoming a volunteer, visit California State Parks' Volunteer in Parks Program.
 Clockwise from top left: Campground host Gail Crow at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area. Photo from Eduardo Gonzalez, Central Valley District. Jill and Mark Vigeant interacting with young visitors at Calaveras Big Trees State Park (SP). Photo from Abby Davis, State Parks volunteer. Tamar Ingber, a docent at Big Basin Redwoods SP's Rancho del Oso Welcome Center and Año Nuevo SP. Photo from David Coleman, Santa Cruz District. Deborah Moore, portraying Betty Rogers, with Will Rogers reenactor Bill Roberts at Will Rogers State Historic Park, Photo from Larry Nemecek, State Parks volunteer.
A Very Different Kind of Rumble at Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
Story and photo from: Callista Turner, Great Basin District
 Interpretative Park Aide Chris Kofman poses along the San Andreas Fault near Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. A recent earthquake has inspired Chris and Interpreter II Callista Turner to develop two PORTS programs about earthquakes.
The mountain communities around Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) experienced a rumble very unlike the off-highway vehicles found at the park: A 5.2 magnitude earthquake on an unnamed fault located 15 miles northwest of Grapevine on Tuesday, August 2, at 9:09 p.m. More than 400 aftershocks jostled Hungry Valley SVRA staff over the next three days. To be fair, most of the aftershocks were mild enough that they escaped notice.
Earthquakes are often on the minds of the park staff and local community residents as the largest and second largest fault lines in California cross less than two miles from Hungry Valley SVRA in the town of Lebec. In fact, the San Andreas Fault can be seen from Interstate 5 at the top of Tejon Pass (please do not stop on the freeway - use the frontage road between Frazier Mountain Park Road exit and Gorman exit for a closer view). From these vantage points, the San Andreas Fault looks like soft sand in a range of pale tan, gray, and blue colors. The brittle fault rock is called fault gouge and is caused by the grinding and milling of the rock from the two sides of the fault sliding against each other.
This earthquake has inspired Interpretive Park Aide Chris Kofman and me to begin developing two Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students® (PORTS) programs about earthquakes - one for elementary grades about tectonic plates and shifting and another for middle- and high-school students about earthquakes and technology to mitigate the potential damage. For more information about earthquake preparedness, visit Earthquake Warning California and download the new statewide early earthquake warning app called MyShake.
Summer Storm Brings Flash Floods to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Story from: Danny L. McCamish, Colorado Desert District
 Flooding in Fish Creek Wash, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, from last weekend’s storms. Video from Sicco H. Rood, UCI/Steele-Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center.
During the summer months, from July to September, the general airflow pattern over the Anza-Borrego Desert region changes. The subtropical ridge, a high-pressure area that normally sits over the Pacific Ocean, shifts northward during the summer. This shift allows moisture from the tropics to move into the southwestern U.S., including the Anza-Borrego Desert.
The change in wind direction brings warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of California northward into the southwestern United States. This moisture-laden air moves over the deserts of Arizona and Southern California, including Anza-Borrego. The contrast between the hot desert surface and the cooler, moist air above is most pronounced during the summer months, creating strong updrafts that fuel thunderstorms. These storms can be powerful, producing heavy rainfall in a short period of time, which leads to the flash floods characteristic of the monsoon season.
Desert storms, especially during monsoon seasons, can produce intense rainfall over a very short period. While rainfall in deserts is generally infrequent, when it does occur, it often comes in the form of heavy downpours. This concentrated rainfall can overwhelm the landscape. Desert soils are often compacted and dry, with a surface crust that forms due to the lack of moisture. This crust, along with the sparse vegetation, means that the ground has a low infiltration rate—it absorbs water very slowly. When heavy rain falls, the water cannot soak into the ground quickly enough, leading to rapid surface runoff. In some desert areas, particularly those with rocky terrain or hardened clay, the surfaces are impermeable. Rainwater cannot penetrate these surfaces and instead runs off rapidly, exacerbating the potential for flash flooding.
Even a relatively small amount of rain—an inch or less—can lead to significant flooding in the desert. Water that pools on the surface can quickly collect and surge through canyons and valleys, leading to flash floods. These floods can be incredibly powerful, carrying debris, uprooting trees, and even sweeping away vehicles and structures, and even people.
Editor's note: Flash flooding is a danger in state parks throughout the year. It's always a good idea to check the status of any park unit by visiting its webpage or checking the Significant Incidents Updates webpage. For safety tips regarding flash flooding, please visit .
It’s Rattlesnake Season: Angeles District Public Safety Superintendent Has Tips to Keep You Safe
Story from: Angeles District
 Public Safety Superintendent Jeffrey Langley gives tips about rattlesnake safety to Seamus Bozeman of the LAist, accompanied by a (rubber) rattlesnake on his desk. Photo from Cassandra Chavez, Angeles District.
It’s rattlesnake season in California and one of the most common questions the Angeles District receives from hikers during this time is, “How do I avoid rattlesnakes?” Here is some important information on rattlesnakes and helpful tips on how to be safe around them, from Angeles District Public Safety Superintendent Jeffrey Langley:
- If you see a rattlesnake, you should keep your distance until it clears your path, keep out of high brush, and never try to pick it up or remove it.
- If a hiker sees a rattlesnake, they should keep their distance until it clears their path, keep out of high brush, and never try to pick it up or move it.
- Wear thick leather boots. Avoid mesh shoes since snakes can bite through those. Do not wear flip-flops.
- Wear loose-fitting long pants that cover your whole leg.
- Maintain situational awareness. Pay attention to where you place your feet, don’t stick hands in places you can’t see, and always look before placing your hand down.
- Hike in groups, or with friends.
- Stay on the trail at all times, as rattlers can be in the grass, or on the edges of trails.
- Visually check your surroundings before sitting down.
- Rattlesnakes can swim, so don’t grab branches and twigs in the water.
Rattlesnakes are important players in the California ecosystem because they prey on and control the population of mice, rats, rabbits, squirrels, small birds, and other small animals and rodents. But while they have an invaluable role in the natural world, it’s important for hikers to follow these key safety rules to stay safe.
Redwood National and State Parks Welcomes New Citizens to the United States
Story and photo from: Karla Jovel, North Coast Redwoods District
 The newly naturalized citizens under a coast redwood tree.
Fifty new American citizens celebrated their Oath of Allegiance during a naturalization ceremony held by Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) on Wednesday, August 8. The event took place at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in a popular day-use area well-known by park visitors from around the world as the Big Tree Wayside – a place where people come to experience some of the most remarkable stands of old-growth coast redwood forest. The National Park Service, California State Parks, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services welcomed new citizens from 22 countries, reminding people that like coast redwood trees, American citizens stand strong, remain resilient, and work better when supporting each other.
This is the second time RNSP has hosted a naturalization ceremony. Marking the occasion were North Coast Redwoods District Superintendent Victor Bjelajac, Supervisory Immigration Services Officer Aleksandra Hulisz, Deputy District Director Joseph J. Hamilton, and Regional Director John J. Daly Jr. Addressing the new citizens, Steven Mardone, 5th District Supervisor of Humboldt County and the keynote speaker, said, “As citizens of the United States of America, we have to work hard at being active citizens. Yes, we have rights, but we also have responsibility. Be like a redwood tree and intertwine your roots with each other - with your neighbors and your community. Reach out and support each other.”
Citizenship ceremonies hosted in iconic historic and picturesque sites help promote stewardship and connections between new American citizens and State and National public lands. RNSP staff and partners, including cooperating association Redwood Parks Conservancy, could not be more honored and proud to work collaboratively to bring communities together and administer the new citizens’ Oath of Allegiance.
California State Railroad Museum to Launch 'Rail Innovation in Action' Course for High School Students
Story from: Traci Rockefeller Cusack, T-Rock Communications
 Photo from Kelly B. Huston, California State Railroad Museum Foundation contributor.
The California State Railroad Museum is preparing to launch a new online program titled “Rail Innovation in Action,” designed for high school students interested in real world problem solving and learning about the future of railroads. Supported by the California State Railroad Museum Foundation and working in partnership with the Lemelson-MIT program, a national leader in advancing invention education, the first-year focus of the virtual program will center on powering locomotives and reducing their environmental impact. The accessible and free online program is open to high school students of all backgrounds and interests who are based locally, regionally, or nationwide. Applications are open now through Sunday, August 25.
Students registered in the program will have the opportunity to engage with guest experts in the modern rail industry, work on lab simulations and in group exercises, and participate in career talks. Prior experience about railroading will not be required to participate in this pilot program; simply a desire to gain knowledge, acquire new skills, and learn how to work collaboratively to problem solve.
The “Rail Innovation in Action” course will take place in three-hour sessions on six consecutive Saturdays, starting on September 28, 2024. At the conclusion of the interactive course, participants will receive a certificate of completion and will develop research and invention skills that are transferrable to college and future career endeavors.
To apply or find out more information about the program, please visit californiarailroad.museum/RIA. For more information about the California State Railroad Museum or Foundation, please visit californiarailroad.museum.
Visitors Enjoy Bat Night at Olompali State Historic Park
Story from: Evan Weissman, Bay Area District
 Clockwise from top left: Corky Quirk of NorCalBats projects a video of a rescued pallid bat. Photo from Evan Weissman, Bay Area District. Interpreter Evan Weissman leading a bat habitat nature hike. Photo from Rachel Weissman, visitor. Kids (and some kids-at-heart) made googly-eyed puffy bats. Photo from Cynthia Pu, Bay Area District. Visitors started picnicking and saving space around the Visitor Center well before dusk. Photo from Jim Crumpler, volunteer, Bay Area District.
Olompali State Historic Park’s (SHP's) Bat Night on August 10 was a fun night for all. The event, sponsored by the nonprofit Friends of Olompali, drew about 400 visitors to the park. Over the course of three hours, visitors got up-close views of rescued bats, crafted little bats and bat masks at the two art stations, joined bat habitat nature hikes, and watched a presentation with videos and projections of live bats by Northern California Bats.
We were also treated to the sight of wild bats flying overhead after dusk. Visitors included everyone from Novato residents who have been coming to Olompali SHP since they were children, to bat enthusiasts from around the San Francisco Bay. Bat Night was a collaborative effort, with invaluable support from volunteers as well as staff helping from across the Bay Area District.
Sierra District Shines at Nevada County Fair
Story and photos from: Jeremy Lin, Sierra District
 Clockwise from top left: (left to right) Forestry Aide Genomé Rodriguez, Park Aide Alma Ramirez, Volunteers in Parks Program (VIPP) Volunteer Linda Mazor, and Senior Park Aide/Interpreter Wyatt Grognet tend the California State Parks booth at the Nevada County Fair. A young visitor learns gold panning techniques from VIPP Volunteer Karen Partch, while other participants also tried their luck. Wyatt Grognet and Nevada County's Office of Emergency Services Program Manager Paul Cummings prepare for their live interview on KNCO Radio.
California State Parks participated in the Nevada County Fair, August 7-11, offering the Sierra District staff a valuable chance to connect with the community. Sierra District staff and volunteers set up an informative booth where guests learned about their local parks’ interpretive and recreational opportunities. The engaging information booth highlighted outdoor activities, local conservation efforts, and promoted state parks like Empire Mine State Historic Park (SHP), Malakoff Diggins SHP, South Yuba River State Park (SP), and Donner Memorial SP.
The gold-panning station was a popular attraction. Attendees of all ages had the chance to try their hand at this classic activity, getting a small taste of California's Gold Rush history. The hands-on experience was educational and engaging, sparking curiosity and conversations about the state's rich heritage.
Adding to the event’s success, Senior Park Aide/Interpreter Wyatt Grognet participated in a live radio interview with KNCO Radio to discuss recreational river safety for guests visiting South Yuba River SP. Overall, the fair was a successful platform for Sierra District staff to reach a broad audience to promote California State Parks, hopefully inspiring many to plan their next outdoor adventure.
 Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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To view current job openings within California State Parks, please visit our jobs webpage at www.LiveTheParksLife.com.
State Parks Job Spotlights and Open Exams
 JOB SPOTLIGHTS
Associate Park and Recreation Specialist – Apply by August 24, 2024: As the NAGPRA Program Lead, your role will be to take the lead on formal, government-to-government consultations with federally recognized and non-federally recognized tribes. You will work with culturally affiliated tribes to identify and repatriate the remains of their ancestors and cultural items in a respectful and expeditious manner. Click here for more information and to apply.
Maintenance Aides (Seasonal) – Apply-by dates vary: 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 to view opportunities and to apply.
Park Interpretive Specialist (Seasonal) – Apply-by dates vary: In this seasonal role, you will lead engaging tours, and promote conservation across the state. Other tasks include conducting educational programs, operating audiovisual equipment, and educating visitors on park rules and preservation. Click here to view opportunities and to apply.
Senior Maintenance Aide (Seasonal) – Apply-by dates vary: The Senior Maintenance Aide directs maintenance aides in upkeep tasks, oversees housekeeping and conservation efforts at State facilities, ensures quality control, and trains new hires. They also handle light vehicles and support permanent staff with various maintenance duties. Click here to view opportunities and to apply.
Communications Operator – Until Filled: Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding career that allows you to provide protection to the public, law enforcement, and California State Parks? In this position, you will monitor emergency communication systems, answer calls for service, and dispatch field units to emergencies. Become a guardian of the largest state park system in the nation in this exciting and rewarding career. Click here to view opportunities and to apply.
EXAM SPOTLIGHTS
Aquatic Pest Control Specialist (9/1/2024) - As a journeyperson, you'll lead a pest control team under general supervision, handling all fieldwork and project phases. You'll oversee planning, training, and coordination, drawing on technical data to make decisions. The specialist ensures safe boat operation, trains the technician, and maintains equipment while guiding and directing field activities. Click here for more information.
Aquatic Pest Control Technician (9/1/2024) - Our Aquatic Pest Control team is responsible for making sure our California State Parks' waterways are free of invasive plant and animal species. In this entry-level role, you'll perform routine tasks under close supervision while training in aquatic pest control and advancing quickly through increasing responsibilities. Click here for more information.
State Park Equipment Operator (9/1/2024): From developing new recreation areas to restoring our parks, our State Park Equipment Operators are essential to keeping visitors safe, preserving our precious resources, and keeping our state parks operational for all to enjoy year-round. 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!
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Style time! Here are this week's tips to help spread the word about our departmentwide style guidelines:
- biannual, biennial: Use biannual to mean twice a year. Use biennial to mean every two years.
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earthquake magnitude: Do not use hyphens when the magnitude is used as a modifier. Examples: 5.2 magnitude earthquake, a magnitude 5.2 quake.
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San Andreas Fault: all capitalized.
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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 Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Sales representatives from Century 21 Select Real Estate in Citrus Heights recently donated 48 life jackets to the Division of Boating and Waterways' Life Jacket Loaner Program. Accepting the life jackets at Black Miners Bar on behalf of the Gold Fields District were (on the left) Junior Lifeguard Administrative Coordinator Angelica Gale and State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguard) Andrew Helble and (on the right) Senior Park Aide Zakary Adams and State Park Interpreter I Nicole Barden.
Photo from Melissa Miranda, Division of Boating and Waterways
 Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area
CAL FIRE provides joint training for California State Parks’ Fire Program staff and local tribal partners to gain experience working in conjunction with helitack crews, including how to request and direct water drops over the radio at the park.
Photo from Mason Hyland, Diablo Range District
 Bodie State Historic Park
Everyone needs a midday nap now and then, especially a juvenile Belding ground squirrel.
Photo from: Simone DuRand, Sierra District
 South Carlsbad State Beach
Thanks to Campground Host Jim Zoval, our kiosk pond has been transformed with a new pump and waterfall. Jim is also teaching park staff to keep it properly maintained when he is not here, but he remains the "pond master" and keeps it perfectly healthy. Thanks Jim!
Photo from Michael Powell, San Diego Coast District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Clockwise from bottom left: Volunteer Phyllis Mecstroth shows campers some of the insects that can be found in the Sweetwater River. The Water Bugs Program is very popular with park visitors. It includes learning about the Sweetwater River watershed, what insects live in the water, and a visit to the river, where participants collect water insects and other aquatic animals, examine them in magnifying view finders and then return the animals back into the river. Two pale swallowtails on a non-native bull thistle. Cherokee, volunteer Gina Rahenkamp’s horse, who helps Gina teach about horse etiquette in the campgrounds and on the trails as part of the park’s Horses 101 program.
Photos from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Castle Crags State Park
Beautiful wildflowers are still in bloom at the park. Left: crimson columbine, right: California Indian pink.
Photos from Leah Gardner, Natural Resources Division
 Redwoods National and State Parks
Clockwise from left: Sunset rays on fallen giants, Sequoia sempervirens of Stout Grove. Smith River Bridge to Stout Grove. Sunset rays through the Coastal Redwoods of Stout Grove.
Photos from Ryan DeMasters, Gold Fields District
 Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Monterey cypress trees cast their shadows and frame this San Mateo Coast beach on a late summer afternoon.
Photo from Andreas Agocs, Communications and Marketing Division
 Castle Crags State Park
View from Castle Creek.
Photo from Leah Gardner, Natural Resources Division
 Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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Here are some upcoming State Parks events. For a list of more upcoming events, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/events.
Saturday, August 17, 2024
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Ground-Breaking Women of Asilomar—Asilomar State Beach at 7 p.m.: In 1913 women created Asilomar, and built a legacy that is alive and well today at Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds. Join us for an evening of history as we trace the lives and times of Asilomar’s founding mothers. Undeterred by oppressive societal convention, women like Julia Morgan, Grace H. Dodge, and Phoebe Apperson Hearst took giant leaps toward gender equity in the early 1900s. Learn about the challenges faced and barriers broken by these bold, determined women. Complimentary warm beverages and light refreshments will be served. Reserve your seat here.
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International Lighthouse Day—Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park, 11 a.m-4:30 p.m.: August is full of reasons to celebrate Pigeon Point: San Mateo County Victorian Days, National Lighthouse Day, and International Lighthouse-Lightship Weekend! Join us for a Victorian Days history tour of the lighthouse grounds. Stay afterwards to participate in game and crafts that lightkeepers' families would have entertained themselves with in the 19th century. Finally, lighthouses and lightships all over the world will connect on radio this weekend. The La Honda Radio Club will be at Pigeon Point giving us the opportunity to talk to other lighthouses. This event is made possibly by Coastside State Parks Association, San Mateo County Historical Assocation, La Honda SC4 Amateur Radio Club. Victorian Days History Tour Registration.
Friday, August 23, 2024
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Star Party—El Capitán State Beach at sunset.: Join the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit for some out-of-this-world conversation while gazing at the summer night sky with high-powered telescopes. It'll be a star-ific time! Subject to cancelation or change, depending on weather conditions. California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the Refugio State Beach office at (805)-968-1033.
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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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