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 Sept. 13, 2024
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 Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
An osprey taking a break from fishing.
Photo from Madyson Slaven, Oceano Dunes District
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Director Armando Quintero to Host Campus Connect Series on California’s Vernal Pool Landscapes and Species
California State Parks Director Armando Quintero will be hosting a conversation with John Vollmar, a senior vegetation ecologist and aquatic wildlife biologist with more than 30 years of experience, to talk about the importance of vernal pools. John will guide us on a virtual tour of the Great Valley’s unique vernal pool landscapes and species. Recently, he and his team at Vollmar Natural Lands Consulting published a new publication to inspire and guide the ongoing conservation of these unique habitats. He will discuss the newly published guide’s conservation planning component and how federal and state agencies can use it to enhance conservation and mitigation efforts.
You can attend in person or virtually.
In Person:
Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 I 1 - 2:30 p.m.
CNRA Headquarters
715 P Street, Sacramento
Auditorium (1st Floor)
Virtually:
https://bit.ly/PreservingCAVernalPools
California on Track to Meet Its Ambitious 30x30 Conservation Goal
Story from: Jo Biswas, Communications and Marketing Division
 It's not too late to participate in this year's statewide Biodiversity Day celebrations.
This year’s California Biodiversity Day celebrations, which began on Sept. 7 and continue through Sept. 15, have been an unforgettable experience. Nature lovers from across the state have immersed themselves in the weeklong events, discovering the richness of California's diverse ecosystems and helping in its protection. California State Parks’ incredible interpretive and natural resources staff have hosted more than 100 events statewide—from guided hikes and restoration projects to bioblitzes and PORTS (Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students®) programs—inviting participants to connect with nature and take actions to protect the environment. It’s not too late to participate—visit parks.ca.gov/cabiodiversityday to see exciting events coming up for the final weekend of Biodiversity Week on Sept. 14 and 15.
The kickoff for this year’s Biodiversity Day celebrations included the release of the 2024 Annual Progress Report for the 30x30 Initiative—California’s commitment to conserve 30 percent of state lands and coastal waters by the year 2030. The report showed that:
- California is on track to reach this goal, with the state now having conserved 25.2 percent of its lands and 16.2 percent of its coastal waters.
- Since the 30x30 effort started in 2022, California has added almost 1.5 million acres of 30x30 conservation areas—or roughly 2,350 square miles of conserved lands. This year alone, 861,000 acres were added.
- A major milestone was California’s first-ever ancestral land return effort through the Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Grant Program, which provided $100 million in funding for the return of roughly 40,000 acres to Indigenous communities.
Click here to read the full report.
Employee Spotlight: Mark Webberley
Story from: Jo Biswas, Communications and Marketing Division
 Mark Webberley at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Photo from Mark Webberley.
Mark Webberley has been with California State Parks since 1997 and now oversees 22 park units in the beautiful North Coast Redwoods District as maintenance chief II. Mark is the go-to guy for all things park maintenance—from solving complex challenges to sharing fascinating stories about the parks he stewards.
Mark’s colleagues say he has demonstrated a lot of care for the parks he works at, the people who work within them, and the communities and visitors who enjoy them. Even with limited staffing and resources, he’s always ready to jump in, lend his time and expertise, and create as much positive impact as he can. Whether it's planning and directing park programs, or fixing up campgrounds and rescuing park resources, Mark’s a true guardian for North Coast Redwoods parks.
Here’s more about Mark, in his own words.
Q: Can you share a project or accomplishment you're particularly proud of?
A: I have been here 26 years and I’m proud of my entire career. I have had an opportunity to gain a variety of experiences through [State] Parks. I started working for our road and trails program in the north half of the district performing trail work and assisted in the local sign shop. Over my career I have held the following positions: park maintenance worker (PMW) I, PMW II, park maintenance supervisor, and currently park maintenance chief II. This has given me the opportunity to work on multiple projects throughout the district, such as twelve new cabins in three different parks, five vault bathrooms, a new kiosk, and many others.
Q: Can you share a memorable or fun experience from your time with the department?
A: A few years ago at Hidden Springs in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the well pump and associated infrastructure failed from a lightning strike. The campground was closed for the season but opening in a few days. We pulled the old pump out of the well and installed a new pump, but the pump was unable to provide enough pressure to send water up the hill to the water plant. We walked the line several times bleeding air out of the line and troubleshooting. It was getting late so we sent an employee to get pizza for everyone on the job. We eventually discovered that somehow the new pump had been wired out of phase, which was easily corrected. It was a very long day. We were all very tired. I got home after midnight. My favorite part is that the public showed up on opening day and had no idea how close we were to not being able to open this campground. The entire maintenance staff worked very hard to resolve this issue.
Q: Do you have any advice for new employees or those looking to excel in their careers?
A: Be humble and recognize where you lack experience and be willing to accept criticism from trusted employees or friends. Then do your best to learn how to complete the specific task that you are lacking. Always ask questions and volunteer for training. Always look for ways to improve.
To learn more on how you can join the California State Parks Team, visit LiveTheParksLife.com.
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State Parks and Community Members Attempt to Rescue Orca at Carmel River State Beach
Story and photos from: Isabella Brown, Monterey District
 State Parks lifeguards and members of other agencies and the community assist with pouring seawater on the stranded orca.
Thank you to Marine Mammal Center staff, California State Parks staff, and community members who tried heroically and tirelessly to rescue a stranded juvenile orca whale at Carmel River State Beach (SB) on Tuesday. The joint effort between State Parks, the Marine Mammal Center, Monterey Peninsula Engineering, the Long Marine Laboratory, and the Moss Landing Marine Laboratory was able to transport the young female orca from the beach, even though, sadly, the effort could not save the whale.
On the morning of Sept. 10, visitors to Carmel River SB spotted an orca rolling around in the surf. Marine Mammal Center staff were quickly called to the scene and were unable to find any external wounds or obvious causes for the stranding. The orca was estimated to be 6 months old, based on its size of 10 feet. Because it was uncertain why the orca stranded, it was deemed too dangerous to attempt to return the calf to the water. Instead, efforts were focused on keeping the orca cool by pouring seawater on her and draping wet towels over her back. Staff from State Parks and the Marine Mammal Center also interacted with curious members of the public to inform them of the situation.
Once a whale veterinarian arrived and made an assessment, the orca was moved onto a stretcher. An excavator lifted the orca to the back of a lifeguard truck, which drove across the beach to the parking lot. There, a climate-controlled van was waiting to transport her to the Long Marine Laboratory, a research facility with tanks large enough for an orca. Unfortunately at this point, the orca had been out of the water for nine hours, and she did not survive the journey to the lab.
It is normal to find pods of transient orcas that specialize in eating marine mammals in Monterey Bay. However, it is very rare for a live orca to get stranded on a beach like this. A scientist said she has only heard of this happening one other time in her 30 years of research in the bay.
While the story has a sad ending, it was amazing to witness so many people from different organizations come together to help rescue her. This kind of teamwork and partnership is key for protecting orcas and the many other iconic and beautiful species that call Monterey Bay their home.
 Left: State Park Peace Officers Marcos Ortega, James Nothhelfer, Stephen Stults, and Seasonal Lifeguard II Zack Brady wait to assist with hoisting the orca onto a lifeguard truck. Right: An excavator moves the orca up the beach to load her onto a truck.
Ocotillo Wells District Participates in Museum Day at Imperial Valley Pioneers’ Museum
Story and photo from: Taylour Unzicker, Ocotillo Wells District
 State Park Interpreter I Cassandra Van Dyne (near poster) explains California’s biodiversity to a group of familiar friends from the Imperial County Probation Department’s Project ASPIRE program.
Salton Sea State Recreation Area (SRA), Picacho SRA, and Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) made an appearance at Pioneers’ Museum in Imperial for Museum Day on Saturday, Sept. 7. Museum Day hosts museums, visitor centers, and other organizations from around the region to showcase their offerings to the community. This was the second year that State Parks has participated in this popular event.
The State Parks team highlighted California Biodiversity Week and offered walkthroughs for those interested in using the iNaturalist app. In addition, the rich history of Imperial County was highlighted at the Salton Sea SRA and Picacho SRA tables. At the Ocotillo Wells SVRA table, visitors participated in a trivia game, "Jeep-ardy," answering trivia questions about desert and off-highway vehicle safety. State Parks staff interacted with people of all ages from all over the Imperial Valley.
Ocotillo Wells District has enjoyed being an active participant in the Imperial Valley community and looks forward to continuing to grow these relationships. Thank you to the Imperial Valley Pioneers’ Museum for allowing State Parks to showcase the great natural, cultural, and recreational resources that are available to the community.
Lake Oroville State Recreation Area Gets New ‘SS Relief’
Story from: Jared Zucker, Northern Buttes District
 The new American with Disabilities Act-compliant floating restroom was designed by the California State Parks engineering group. Photo from Jim Chiavola, Northern Buttes District.
If you’ve ever been boating and had to use the restroom, then you’ve likely been thankful for floating restrooms. Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (SRA) recently received a new floating restroom, aptly named “SS Relief,” to replace an older unit and complement several others around the lake. The new American with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant restroom was designed by the State Parks engineering group and features two stalls, aluminum float construction, solar power, and a 500-gallon holding tank to help keep our waterways clean.
The restroom was awarded to the Northern Buttes District through the Division of Boating and Waterways’ Floating Restroom Grant Program, which is funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Clean Vessel Act Grant program and the state’s Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund. This floating restroom facility was one of three awarded from the 2022 grant application cycle—the other two were awarded to Folsom Lake and Lake Shasta. More information about floating restroom grants available at: Floating Restroom Grants.
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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
State Park Peace Officer (Ranger/Lifeguard) – Apply by 12/2/2024: Are you passionate about public safety? Apply now to become a California State Park Peace Officer and protect the largest state park system in the United States! As a SPPO, your primary objective is to protect natural resources and park visitors. You will respond to emergency services and provide interpretive services to the public. 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.
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 role, you will monitor emergency communications systems, answer calls for service, log incidents, and dispatch field units to emergencies. Click here to view this opportunity and to apply.
EXAM SPOTLIGHTS
Museum Custodian (9/17/24): In this role, you’ll perform museum custodial duties, including preserving historic objects, controlling pests, and maintaining optimal environmental conditions. Tasks include sweeping, mopping, window washing, and minor maintenance like painting and plumbing. Click here for more information.
Park Maintenance Assistant (9/30/2024): As a Park Maintenance Assistant, you will manage routine cleanup and maintenance tasks at a State park, including facility cleaning and trail upkeep. You'll lead seasonal workers, oversee trash removal, and assist with vegetation care and minor vehicle maintenance. Additional duties include supporting complex maintenance projects and answering public inquiries. Click here for more information.
Park Maintenance Chief I (9/30/2024): In this leadership role, you'll oversee the upkeep of buildings, electrical, and plumbing systems. You'll plan and supervise repairs, manage staff and contractors, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Your role includes project planning, cost estimation, and public works contracts, along with implementing advanced technologies like solar heating. Click here for more information.
Park Maintenance Chief II (9/30/2024): The next level in the Maintenance Chief series, you'll lead the maintenance of buildings, electrical systems, and more, ensuring efficient operations. You'll manage and mentor staff, oversee project planning, and drive the implementation of advanced technologies like solar heating. Your leadership will extend to evaluating performance, preparing cost estimates, and coordinating with health and environmental agencies. Click here for more information
Water and Sewage Plant Supervisor (9/30/2024): In this role you'll lead the operations of water and sewage treatment facilities, overseeing daily tests and performing detailed analyses to ensure optimal performance. You'll manage the repair and adjustment of essential equipment like pumps and chlorinators, and keep systems running smoothly, including incinerators and swimming pools. Step in as a relief operator when needed and guide a dedicated team while handling diverse tasks. This role offers a rewarding blend of technical expertise and leadership in a vital field. 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:
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"closed-toe" shoes: Use "closed-toe" shoes instead of "close-toed" shoes.
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"noon" and "midnight": To avoid confusion, use "noon” for “12 p.m.” and “midnight” for “12 a.m.”
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numerals for measurements: Use numerals when writing measurements; for example, "6 feet" and "5 miles."
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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 Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
Photos from the recent air campaigns and firefighting operations that were near Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodlands State Park for the Apollo Fire, utilizing Quail Lake next to the park. They were then diverted to the Bridge Fire to assist in water drops.
Photos from Bobby Scruggs, Great Basin District
 San Onofre State Beach
We welcomed the World Surf League (WSL) back for their 2024 finals at Lower Trestles. The event welcomed visitors to enjoy the pristine wilderness that San Onofre is known for while watching professional surfers from around the world go head-to-head in "heats" on the water.
Left, from left to right: Tour President of the World Surf League (WSL) Graham Stapelberg, Orange Coast South Sector Superintendent Scott Kibbey, State Parks Chief Deputy Director Liz McGuirk, Orange Coast District Superintendent Kevin Pearsall. Top right: Professional surfers Caroline Marks (in blue) and Tatiana Weston-Webb (in red) warming up for a heat. Bottom right (left to right): Kevin Pearsall, Liz McGuirk, Special Event Coordinator Shauna Hull, Scott Kibbey, and Public Safety Superintendent Bryan Etnyre visit Lower Trestles to observe the WSL Finals.
Photos from Kevin Pearsall, Orange Coast District
 Madera
State Park Interpreter Eduardo Gonzalez shares information about State Parks with Madera District Fair attendees this past weekend.
Photo from Amber Sprock, Central Valley District
 San Juan Bautista State Historic Park
Museum Technician David Mueller inspecting the carriages in the Plaza Stables.
Photo from Joseph Starr, Diablo Range District
 Salton Sea State Recreation Area
Just under 2 acres of the visitor center parking lot were repaved and resurfaced last week. This area also provides 14 full hook-up RV campsites. The remaining 4 acres of the visitor center parking lot are targeted for repaving and resurfacing this fiscal year.
Photos from Enrique Arroyo, Ocotillo Wells 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, Sept. 14
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Bioblitz Highlight Hike - South Creek Trail and Lagunitas Creek—Samuel P. Taylor State Park, 10 a.m. to noon: Meet staff at the South Creek Trailhead to join a guided bioblitz hike to help document the park's biodiversity during California Biodiversity Week! Upload photos of plants and animals using iNaturalist; the observations will be automatically included in our project. We will be exploring a small portion of the South Creek Trail, participants will have the option to access the creek and identify some species in this tranquil area. Please bring hiking appropriate clothing, footwear, and plenty of water.
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Fiestas Patrias: Celebrate Mexican Independence—Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Fiestas Patrias marks the beginning of Mexico’s fight for independence and is a way for us to honor, learn about, and celebrate pride in Mexican heritage, tradition, and history. Enjoy an assortment of traditional crafts, living history demonstrations, and historic adobe walking tours. Traditional Folklorico dancers from Gift of Dance will perform throughout the day. Old Town Guac’ Off: Who has the best guacamole in Old Town? You can decide in the first annual Old Town Guac’ Off hosted by the Boosters of Old Town San Diego and Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce. $1 per tasting.
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Poetry in Parks - China Camp Villa—China Camp State Park, noon to 5 p.m.: The free event will feature live music by Gillian Grogan and readings by the Marin County Youth Poet Laureate Ambassadors Mira Sridharan (The Branson School) and Clarisse Kim (Abraham Lincoln High School). The event will also feature readings by culturally diverse writers through Quiet Lightning’s Better Ancestors series, which showcases writers of color. The Better Ancestors set at the event will include readings from Karla Myn Khine, Alex Feliciano Mejia, Kato Bisase, Zouhair Mussa and Sarah O'Neal, with special host Tadeh Kennedy. Tickets, links and more information can be found on the Quiet Lightning website.
Wednesday, Sept. 18
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Chino Hills TEENS Program—Chino Hills State Park, 5:30 - 7 p.m.: TEENS (Teen Environmental Education and Networking Strategies) offers teenagers a place to connect with like-minded peers in an eco-conscious environment. This group meets twice a month to plan, prepare, and execute monthly goals. TEENS is led by teens with the oversight of a park volunteer instructor. The TEENS program is suitable for teenagers from ages 12 through 17. Location: Chino Hills Discovery Center, 4500 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, CA 92823.
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Sept. 9, 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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