State Park and Recreation Commission to Meet in San Diego, Tour Border Field State Park and Silver Strand State Beach
Story from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division
 The public is invited to attend the next State Park and Recreation Commission tour and meeting in San Diego County. The Commission will visit Border Field State Park (SP) on Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Due to limited access, the tour of Border Field SP is limited to 50 participants. A tour of Silver Strand State Beach (SB) will follow from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. There is no maximum number of participants for the tour of Silver Strand SB.
The Commission meeting will take place on Thursday, Sept. 12, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Marriott Mission Valley Hotel in San Diego. The agenda includes State Parks program updates, a report on hiring and recruiting, and an informational presentation on charging stations and other State Parks efforts regarding electric vehicles.
Information for both the tour and Commission meeting, including the Tour Registration Form required to visit Border Field SP, the agendas for the tour and meeting, and further information for joining the meeting 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.
Meet the Commissioner: Jeffrey Williams, State Park and Recreation Commission
Story and photo from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division
 Jeffrey Williams stands between fellow State Park and Recreation Commission members Christina Jaromay and Phil Ginsburg during a visit to Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area earlier this year.
"Meet the Commissioner," an occasional series in the Weekly Digest, continues with a profile of Jeffrey Williams. Four commissions under the Department of Parks and Recreation provide guidance to the department director and staff: the State Park and Recreation Commission, California Boating and Waterways Commission, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Commission and State Historical Resources Commission. Commissioner Williams was appointed to the California State Park and Recreation Commission by Governor Newsom in 2023.
Commissioner Williams is the vice president of production for unscripted television at Paramount Global, overseeing content for BET Media Group. In addition to his professional work, his dedication to environmental stewardship and community improvement is reflected in his current role as the vice chair of the board of directors at Heal the Bay, a Santa Monica-based environmental nonprofit organization. As founder of the Black Surfers Collective in 2012, a nonprofit organization in the Los Angeles area promoting and fostering cultural awareness and diversity within the surfing community, Commissioner Williams has been instrumental in helping to reshape the narrative of surfing, making it an inclusive experience open to all.
Commissioner Williams served and earned an honorable discharge from the California Army National Guard, which had a significant impact upon his commitment to service in community and environmental related causes. He resides in Ventura County with his wife and daughter, striving to create a life driven by purpose and positive change.
We asked Commissioner Williams five questions to learn more about him:
1. Why did you apply for the Commission? I applied to the Commission because, as a California resident, I feel a responsibility to ensure our parks, which I deeply love, have someone advocating for them - someone who appreciates the people, activities, and the wildlife they support.
2. Since joining the Commission, what’s one thing that has surprised you? One thing that has surprised me is the immense level of care from the public. Californians are incredibly passionate and their dedication to protecting resources, both locally and beyond, exceeds my expectations. It's inspiring to work alongside such passionate individuals who genuinely want to make a difference.
3. Why do you think it is essential for the public to engage with the Commission? Engaging with the Commission is crucial because our recommendations to the Governor's Office are influenced by public input. Without hearing from local stakeholders, our decisions wouldn't align with community needs. I value the opportunity to listen to people's concerns and praises about the work in their communities. Their feedback has broadened my understanding of various topics and shaped my perspectives on important issues in park management.
4. What is your favorite form of recreation, and do you have a favorite state park to visit? I don't have a single favorite form of recreation because I enjoy many activities, including mountain biking, fly fishing, dirt bike riding, surfing, hiking, over-landing, camping, and pickleball. As for state parks, I appreciate them all for their unique offerings.
5. What would someone be surprised to learn about you? One surprising thing about me is that I've been fortunate enough to have a supportive wife who encourages my endeavors to "save the world." My daughter’s first word was “outside,” reflecting our preference for outdoor activities. I hope she'll be inspired by my efforts to improve the lives of others and follow a similar path. She's expressed interest in potentially running the Black Surfers Collective, the nonprofit I co-founded in 2012.
Adventurous Snowy Plover from Zmudowski State Beach Heads North to Establish New Breeding Site
Story from: Amanda Preece, Monterey District
 Point Blue biologist George Cummins bands a snowy plover chick at Zmudowski State Beach. Photo from Esther Haile, Monterey District.
Undoubtedly, any State Parks employee who works near the coast knows the western snowy plover (Anarhynchus nivosus), the small shorebird in the plover family found on coastal beaches and the shores of inland alkaline lakes. Their large eyes and short beak, combined with puffy cheeks and a round forehead, give them a sweet, cherubic appearance. The Pacific Coast population of the western snowy plover was listed as a federally threatened species in 1993, due to a significant reduction in population size and the number of occupied breeding sites.
State Parks natural resources teams monitor these birds, protect nesting habitat, and educate the public about the threats they face. The birds are marked with colored leg bands to be tracked throughout their lives to better understand population trends. The unique combination of four colored bands, two on each leg, identifies the individual.
Point Blue Conservation Science, a partner organization to State Parks, has been monitoring and banding the snowy plover population in Monterey Bay since the 1980s. Many of the plovers that hatch and fledge in this region become year-round residents. Other more adventurous birds will leave the area as early as one month after their first flight and travel to wintering areas as far south as Baja California or as far north as Oregon.
Recently, one intrepid plover that hatched last year at Monterey District’s Zmudowski State Beach (SB) was discovered nesting at Drakes Spit within Point Reyes National Seashore, where no plover nesting activity had been documented in over 40 years. This female bird was banded as a chick by Point Blue biologist George Cummins on May 15, 2023, at Zmudowski SB. Banded blue and orange on the left leg and red and yellow on the right, she was initially spotted this May at Gazos Creek at Año Nuevo State Park, 44 miles north of her hatch site. She later flew the remaining 78 miles north to Point Reyes, where she paired and nested with an unbanded male.
The Point Reyes National Seashore’s plover monitoring team includes Point Blue biologist Carleton Eyster, who had spent many years of his early career monitoring snowy plovers at Zmudowski SB. Carleton banded the two chicks from the pioneering Drakes Spit nest, which fledged in early August. Park staff are excited to find out if these young birds and the Zmudowski SB female will return next year to continue to use this site.
 Point Blue biologist Carlton Eyster handles the far-flying Zmudowski SB female at Point Reyes National Seashore. Photo from Wanda Bonneville, National Park Service volunteer.
Clear Lake State Park Hosts Community Workshop for General Plan
Story from: Jared Zucker, Northern Buttes District
 Top: Associate Park and Recreation Specialist David Block and Ascent Environmental Senior Associate Kari Zajac share information with workshop attendees about the Clear Lake State Park (SP) General Plan. Photo from Ascent Environmental, Inc. Bottom left: A facility feedback board with people's ideas for Clear Lake SP. Photo from Ascent Environmental, Inc. Bottom right: Workshop attendees check out the display stations. Photo from Jared Zucker, Northern Buttes District.
Clear Lake State Park (SP) hosted the first community workshop for its general plan on Aug. 21. The goal of the event was to engage the local community and park visitors in the collaborative development of the general plan, gathering input on opportunities and constraints within Clear Lake SP to inform future decision-making and ensure the plan reflects visitors' needs and aspirations.
The workshop featured several activity stations covering recreation, facilities, resource management, interpretation, and other topics to inform a comprehensive and relevant park vision and purpose. The event also offered neighbors and other interested stakeholders the opportunity to interact with park staff and the planning team.
The 590-acre park, nestled between the largest natural freshwater lake in California and Mount Konocti, features four campgrounds, a visitor center, an education pavilion, cabins, a marina and boat ramp, a swim beach, numerous day-use facilities, and more than 3.5 miles of trails. Fully opened to the public in 1952, the park supports rich biodiversity unique to the region, protects significant cultural resources, and serves as an important outdoor venue for the local community and destination visitors alike.
This is the first time in more than 70 years that a comprehensive planning process has been undertaken at Clear Lake SP to inform long-term park priorities. The general plan development process started earlier this year and is anticipated to be completed over a three-year period. Visit the Clear Lake SP General Plan webpage for more information.
Nature and Community Fair Held at Sonoma State Historic Park
Story and photos from: Dave Duplantier, Bay Area District
 Exhibits and participants at the annual Nature and Community Fair.
State Parks hosted the annual Nature and Community Fair on a beautiful warm evening in downtown Sonoma in early August. The fair is a blend of nature, environmental and community agencies and organizations. This gathering provides the public a wonderful chance to learn, explore, and experience nature and local community through a variety of exhibits and stations.
The event has grown over the past few years and this year over two dozen agencies and organizations participated working to bring awareness regarding environmental impacts and challenges facing the wine country region and beyond. It also highlights what is done to protect nature, enhance the health of the community, and educate all in these critical areas.
Some representatives included: Felidae Conservation Fund, North Bay Bear Collaborative, La Luz, Sonoma Community Center, Jack London Park Partners, Homeless Action Sonoma, Kids Scoop Magazine, Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, Robert Ferguson Observatory, Sonoma County Library, Buck Institute, and Sonoma Valley Fire District. In addition, fun activities for children included a petting zoo featuring a miniature cow, donkey, sheep, and even a camel.
State Parks teamed up with the nonprofit Sonoma Petaluma Parks Association in hosting a table that featured nature journaling, and a State Parks volunteer entertained attendees with soft guitar music to enjoy. Finally, there were live birds that included owls from All about Owls, live doves, and pigeons from a local bird rescue. The estimated number of people attending the fair exceeded over 300, which offered something for just about everyone.
San Diego Coast District's Ranger Read-Aloud Program at Public Libraries Is a Summer Success
Story from: John McCaull, San Diego Coast District
 San Diego Coast District staff during the library read-aloud. Photo from California State Parks.
This summer the San Diego Coast District interpretation team teamed up with San Diego Public Library for the California State Park Ranger Read-Aloud program. This initiative brought the park experience directly to libraries, allowing children to interact with “interpretive rangers,” engage in activities, and explore free park resources.
During these hour-long programs, interpretive staff read children’s books like “If I Were a Park Ranger” that emphasize environmental action. They also led hands-on activities, including the “Build Your Own Ranger” paper doll craft, where children designed their own rangers in roles such as environmental scientists, interpreters, and peace officers. These activities inspired participants to think about protecting natural spaces and understanding the various roles park rangers play.
The program was a tremendous success, with over 700 enthusiastic participants across 20 San Diego public libraries. A heartfelt thanks to the libraries for their incredible support in hosting these events and reaching so many families.
Special shout-outs for their dedication in facilitating the programs go to: Laura Chaing and Zuzana Volny, senior park aides at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve; Claire Andrews, interpreter at South Carlsbad State Beach; Haley Calhoun, K-12 access coordinator for the San Diego Coast District; John McCaull, senior park aide for the San Diego Coast District; Jessie Looney, interpreter at Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve. Special thanks also to Katia Graham, “Librarian on the Go,” for her invaluable role in providing Spanish translation and program inspiration.
The San Diego Coast District looks forward to continuing this program and is exploring the creation of a special edition of “If I Were a Park Ranger” for State Parks. Through these efforts, we aim to inspire young people to appreciate and protect our natural spaces.
California State Railroad Museum & Foundation and Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum Present Community Mural Paint Days
Story from: Traci Rockefeller Cusack, T-Rock Communications
 Photo from Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum.
The California State Railroad Museum and the California State Railroad Foundation (CSRMF), along with project partner Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum (SOJO), are pleased to announce fun and free Community Paint Days on Saturday, Sept. 14 (Second Saturday) and Sunday, Sept. 15. All weekend long, community mural painting will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Front and I Streets (on or near the sycamore-shaded lawn) just outside the California State Railroad Museum. All ages are welcome, and no experience or advance registration is required to participate.
While painting alongside talented professional artists from SOJO, participants will also enjoy entertaining DJ music, a food truck on-site, interactive activities offered by other community and resource partners, and more. The result of community engagement that took place in July, the mural design will include overarching themes that highlight innovation and invention along with diverse stories of past, present and future with 2D and 3D art, land/earth artistry, and technology-centered art incorporated as well. Later this fall, the completed community mural will be installed inside the museum in the second-floor gallery space.
More detailed information about the Community Mural Paint Days is available at californiarailroad.museum/mural. And, as always, the community is encouraged to continue to share railroad stories with the California State Railroad Museum by submitting them at californiarailroad.museum/my-story. More information about SOJO is available at sojoartsmuseum.org. And for more information about the California State Railroad Museum or CSRMF, please visit californiarailroad.museum.
 PARTNER NEWS
California State Parks and Parks California Announce Joint Effort to Bolster Park Workforce Throughout California
Story from: Elizabeth Kubey, Parks California
 Top: A Crystal Cove Conservancy intern set up a trail camera to conduct wildlife monitoring. Bottom: Sierra Institute’s P-CREW learning how to conduct fuels reduction in Plumas-Eureka State Park. Photos from Parks California
It is never too early or too late to kick-start an environmental career. California State Parks and Parks California are excited to announce the awardees for the 2024-2026 Career Pathways Grants. Fourteen local organizations will receive a total of over $1.1 million to help train people for careers in parks and public lands. The Career Pathways program helps California State Parks work with local organizations to prepare people and overcome barriers to access for careers in parks.
The Career Pathways Grants Program aims to not only prepare the next generation workforce with necessary skills but also expand awareness about the diversity of careers in parks and public lands. It also connects participants to mentors and professional networks to support them in their career journey, and helps participants navigate state hiring processes.
The grantees will work collaboratively with California State Parks to offer work experiences and training in park operations and stewardship, such as wildfire resilience projects, trail building, habitat restoration, and visitor services. Additionally, the grantees connect participants to job networks and provide career advice and additional resources, such as equipment, wages, meals, and travel reimbursement.
To learn more see the full press release here and learn about grantees here.
  Email photos to the WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov.
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