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 Nov. 8, 2024
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 Estero Bluffs State Park
The moon and Venus setting on the first day we returned to Pacific Standard Time off the Estero Bluffs.
Photo from Anne Steinhauer, San Luis Obispo Coast District
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California State Parks Invites U.S. Military Community to Enjoy Free Access to 144 State Parks on Veterans Day
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
 A variety of parks throughout California will offer free access, including state beaches such as Pismo State Beach (top), historic state parks such as Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park (bottom left) and state vehicular recreation areas include Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area (bottom right). Photos from California State Parks.
To show appreciation for the service of U.S. military members, California State Parks is offering free admission to 144 select state parks on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024.
A variety of parks throughout California will offer free access. Historic state parks include Marshall Gold Discovery, Petaluma Adobe and El Presidio de Santa Barbara. State beaches include Torrey Pines, Pismo and Pescadero. State vehicular recreation areas include Hollister Hills, Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch and Prairie City.
A full list of the participating park units can be found online at parks.ca.gov/VeteransDay2024. To enter these park units for free, a valid military ID or a California driver’s license identifying the individual as a veteran must be shown to park staff. The VA.gov app when accompanied by any valid government photo ID will also be accepted. Read more here.
California State Employees Food Drive – Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services Turkey Drive
Story from Elisa Partin, Administrative Services
 The California State Employees Food Drive started Monday, Nov. 4, and will run through Jan. 10, 2025. If you’d like to participate, find a local food bank of your choosing and:
- Make a monetary donation.
- Make a food donation (you may need to check if the food bank is currently accepting food donations).
- Volunteer your time.
- Donate a turkey to a local turkey drive.
- Participate in a food bank fundraising event (such as Run to Feed the Hungry).
If you are in the Sacramento area, support the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services' Turkey Drive!
The holiday season is a time for giving, and this year we have a wonderful opportunity to make a meaningful difference for local families in need. We are excited to announce that we are participating in the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services' Turkey Drive, and we invite you to join in spreading holiday cheer.
Event Details:
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When: Friday, Nov. 15
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Time: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
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Where: Cal Expo, Main Gate Loop, 1600 Exposition Boulevard, Sacramento
If you can’t join in person, no problem! You can still make a difference by donating a turkey online. Simply click the link to contribute: DONATE A TURKEY HERE
Don’t forget to submit your Food Drive Credit Form.
Please reach out to Elisa.Partin@parks.ca.gov if you have any questions.
State Parks' Our Promise Campaign Offers an Opportunity to Help Nonprofits of Your Choice
Story from: Administrative Services
Important Data: This chart shows State Parks’ pledged dollars for the past few years. Let’s top last year’s result! Source: United Way; Our Promise
Do you have a strong desire to help those in need? The Our Promise campaign, running until Dec. 31, 2024, provides an opportunity for you to contribute to any 501(c)3 nonprofit of your choice. You can donate as little as $5 to help make a huge impact!
Follow these three simple steps:
1. Visit Cal Employee Connect (Set up an Our Promise account if you haven't already).
2. Select your favorite nonprofit(s) - you can even donate to non-certified nonprofits through the 'write in' section with a valid tax ID.
3. Complete your payroll deduction
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A Return to Bodie: Ross Sargent Reconnects with His Childhood Home and Legacy
Story from: Catherine Jones, Sierra District
 State Park Interpreter I Catherine Jones poses with Ross Sargent during his visit to Bodie State Historic Park, in front of the house he lived in as a child. Photo from Catherine Jones, Sierra District.
Ross Sargent, who lived in Bodie from 1940 to 1943, came back for a visit last month. He brought his daughter Nadine and a dear friend Sue with him who had never visited the town, now Bodie State Historic Park, where he lived as a young boy.
To the right of his old home, which we now call the Cody House, Ross’s father built a doghouse for their dog, Jackie Jr., during their stint in Bodie. Ross attended school in the now historic schoolhouse still standing in the park, while his father worked in the Standard Mill, also still standing. After the closure of gold mines during World War II, Ross and his family packed up and moved to Virginia City, Nev. Ross later had a long career in law and worked for the California Legislature, taking any opportunity to work on projects in Mono County, which could take him back to his old home.
During his time in the legislature, Ross worked with Sedrick Mitchell, now deputy director of community engagement for California State Parks. Sedrick shared, “In addition, to being a former resident of Bodie, Ross has been a lifelong supporter of State Parks and open space. When I worked with him in the assembly and state senate, I considered Ross to be one of my early mentors. I have no doubt his return home will be a wonderful time for him, but knowing Ross, it will be an incredible opportunity for our staff to gain firsthand knowledge about one of our most treasured parks.”
As Ross’s visit to Bodie came to an end, it was clear that his deep connection to the town had only grown stronger over the years. For him, returning to his childhood home was more than a trip down memory lane—it was a chance to reflect on the lasting impact of Bodie’s history and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
 Ross Sargent with his dog Jackie Jr. in 1941, in a sled made by his father, with the Sargent home and car in the background. Photo courtesy of Ross Sargent.
Día de Los Muertos: A Community Celebration in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Story and photos from: Alexandra Latona, San Diego Coast District
 Left: Ballet folklórico group performs in front of the community altar during Día de los Muertos celebrations. Right: State Parks staff join a candlelight procession.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park (SHP) celebrated Día de los Muertos from Nov. 1 to Nov. 3 with historic altar tours, live music, ballet folklórico, a 12-foot community altar, historic crafts, and more. The festivities started with "Movie in the Park" with a showing of The Book of Life in the historic Plaza, along with hands-on arts, sugar skull decorating, bilingual story time, and even a “Thriller” flash mob before the show.
On Saturday and Sunday, visitors joined State Parks and the Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce for a full day of live music and performances, story time with San Diego Public Library, magic lantern shows, and hands-on art activities such as decorating sugar skulls and making papel picado and paper flowers. Visitors could add an offering to the 12-foot-tall community altar or add their loved ones' names to a wooden butterfly display on the park’s historic ficus tree. Throughout the day, park staff offered sold-out historic altar tours to three of the four historic altars in the park.
On Saturday evening, 30,0000 visitors watched as park staff in period clothing—and a 12-foot skeleton in a park uniform, including Stetson—joined San Diego Pug Rescue and traditional Aztec dancers on a candlelit procession from Old Town San Diego SHP to Campos Santos Cemetery in the historic district.
This event would not have been possible without the support of many departments and park units, as well as outside organizations, including the Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce, the Boosters of Old Town San Diego, San Diego Public Library, San Pasqual Volunteer Association, park concessions and park maintenance workers, interpreters from San Diego Coast District and the Interpretation and Education Division, public safety officers, and administrative staff.
Monterey State Historic Park’s Custom House Benefits from Restoration Efforts
Story from: Matt Bischoff, Monterey District
 Left: Restoration Work Specialist David Daley, Skilled Laborer Stanley Wyman, and Park Maintenance Worker I Mason Brink in front of the recently restored north tower. Top right: The condition of the north tower prior to restoration work (2015). Photos from Matt Bischoff, Monterey District. Bottom right: The Custom House, circa 1905. Photo from California State Parks, Monterey District Archives.
Monterey District’s restoration program recently completed the first part of a major restoration of a nationally significant landmark and one of the longest-held properties in the State Park System. Located in Monterey State Historic Park (SHP), the Custom House, built in 1827 and expanded in 1846 by the Mexican government, is the oldest public building standing on the West Coast. Until 1845, it was the only custom house north of Mexico, with every trading vessel plying the coast of California compelled to enter its cargo at the Monterey port. It was here, on July 7, 1846, that Commodore John D. Stoat, commander of the U.S. Pacific Squadron, raised the American flag and officially proclaimed California a part of the United States.
Saved from total ruin by the Native Sons of the Golden West at the beginning of the 20th century, it was transferred to State Parks in 1930. It has been open to the public for 95 years and is California Historical Landmark No. 1. Today, the building serves an interpretive role and is largely furnished to appear as if a ship’s cargo is about to undergo inspection by revenue officials during the Mexican era (1821-46). The Custom House is also home to the Monterey SHP Association's giftshop.
Work underway is designed to address deterioration to the porches. Much of this work is timber frame construction, with mortise and tenon joints and distinctive chamfered profiles, and dates to the earliest era of the building’s history. Unfortunately, many of these porch elements were in poor condition and some had recently failed. The last time actual restoration work was attempted on this building was from 1902 to 1905.
The Restoration Crew, which consists of Restoration Work Specialist David Daley, Park Maintenance Worker Mason Brink, and Skilled Laborer Stanley Wyman, has already completed the north tower and are now working on the single-story portion before tackling the south tower. They have painstakingly repaired the existing columns and beams, replacing them only where deterioration is too extensive. All replacement material carefully matches existing features in size, type, species, look, etc. to maintain the historic integrity of California’s first state historic landmark. The work of this highly skilled crew is evident in the improved condition of the building, but also in repairs most people will never notice.
Advanced Trails Training at Mendocino Woodlands State Park
Story and photos from: Mark Ernst, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District
 Top: 2024 Advanced Trails Training - Bridge Class participants at Mendocino Woodlands State Park. Bottom left: Installing posts and decking on the replacement bridge. Bottom right: Learning how to determine elevations using a transit.
The Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District (SMCD) and Mendocino Woodlands Camp Association proudly hosted the most recent class in the department’s trails training series. Students and instructors from District Facilities Management (DFM) and district trail programs across the state converged on Mendocino Woodlands State Park (SP) from Oct. 20-25 for the Advanced Trails Training Program – Bridge Class.
The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the structures in the 700-acre park in the 1930s as part of the Works Progress Administration. The structures currently offer group camping for event providers and outdoor environmental education opportunities. The park contains nearly 100 of the original stone and redwood structures and is the only continuously operated facility that remains from this era. Class participants were able to experience Woodlands just as intended by sleeping in the historic cabins and having meals and class time in one of the three amazing historic recreation halls.
The first day had students attend lectures on bridge design, construction, and the latest innovations in sustainable bridge options. They then applied this knowledge by performing site assessments in the Little North Fork of Big River and discussing the principles of proper location, layout, and design of a trail bridge on park land. These exercises emphasized the importance of the California Environmental Quality Act in the planning process and the benefits of a multi-disciplinary approach for successful project completion.
In the following days, students broke into groups and rotated between field exercises. They learned to design, layout, and construct puncheons (low-lying log or timber boardwalks), were taught methods for squaring bridges, and learned how to perform bridge inspections. At the bridge construction site, students learned to read and decipher engineered plans, safely cut, transport, and install various bridge components, and how to set-up and use fall-arrest systems to keep our employees safe. Over the course of a week students were able to build six new puncheons and complete construction on a 60-foot glulam bridge (a bridge made from glued laminated timber), which replaced an undersized log stringer bridge that was over 30 years old.
Everyone did an amazing job, and the recreational trails and cabin access routes in Camp 2 received some much-needed attention. This year was the first time a trails class had taken place at Mendocino Woodlands SP, and hopefully it will not be the last.
 Top: Class time by the fire with the instructor, Associate Landscape Architect Gary Shannon. Bottom left: Constructing a puncheon using fiberglass reinforced polymer sill material. Bottom right: Installing a bridge diaphragm while secured to an overhead safety line.
Providence Mountains State Recreation Area’s Hallmark Cave Gets a Cleanup
Story and photos from: Andrew Fitzpatrick and Ken Kietzer, Inland Empire District
 State Parks staff and Southern California Grotto volunteers in front of the Mitchell Caverns.
Providence Mountains State Recreation Area (SRA), known as "the home of Mitchell Caverns,” is a hallmark destination in the lonesome eastern stretches of the Mojave Desert. Thousands of curious visitors tour the remote caverns each year. As they marvel at the stunning limestone cave formations, phones come out of their pockets to take photos. The pictures and memories made here can last a lifetime.
But so too can the clothing lint, paper receipts, spare change, and random other pocket contents that unwittingly escape when those phones come out. In fact, this material can last much longer than a lifetime. The same preservation qualities—lack of sunlight, constant temperatures, very little decay—that allow caves to stun and dazzle us with formations millions of years old, also allow this pocket debris, as well as human hair and dander, to pile up for decades, even centuries.
This is unnatural material for this system, and the cave does not have a mechanism to break it down, so it remains and accumulates, ultimately beginning to interfere with the natural processes of life in the cave. This interference is of particular concern for the two endemic species--the Mitchell Caverns niptus beetle and the Mitchell Caverns pseudoscorpion--found in Mitchell Caverns and nowhere else in the world.
Having observed the accumulation of detritus or debris from the surface world and glimpsed its effect on our unique subterranean species, State Parks staff members took action and enlisted the support of the caving community. On Oct. 12, staff members directed and hosted a cave cleanup at Mitchell Caverns to remove as much of this material as possible. Volunteers from Southern California Grotto (SoCal Grotto)—the local chapter of the National Speleological Society—joined staff crawling on their hands and knees along the edge of the cave trail to collect this debris.
This level of care and cleaning is a painstaking process featuring headlamps, UV flashlights (to make fibers more apparent), tweezers, masks, and a great deal of patience and purpose. It is also a compelling way for the caving community to support cave conservation and for State Parks to engage with this unique recreational group, whose members' expertise can be essential in completing such a unique task. To put it another way: you know people truly care when then they are cleaning a cave with tweezers on their bellies.
 Clockwise from top left: The cleanup crew members during their painstaking work. Map of Mitchell Caverns with bags of collected microtrash. The endemic Mitchell Caverns pseudoscorpion among hair and threads. Providence Mountains SRA staff and SoCal Grotto volunteers at the Mitchell Caverns.
Museum Collections Staff Assist with Winterizing in Sierra District
Story from: Cultural Resources Division
 Cultural Resources and Capital District staff Andrew Case, Emily Mizokami, Bethann Watson, and Tyler Gibson pose in front of Hellman-Ehrman Mansion at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park. Photo from Natalie Davenport, Sierra District.
Cultural Resources Division and Capital District staff assisted Sierra District Museum Curator II Natalie Davenport with the annual winterizing of Vikingsholm at Emerald Bay State Park (SP) and the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point SP. During two trips in October the teams cleaned, assessed, and packed items according to current professional standards ensuring they will be safe from environmental and pest damage during the winter months. Additionally, all furniture was covered with plastic sheeting to guard against potential water intrusion.
Rotation and rest of exhibited items is a key part of proper museum collections care. By temporarily removing the items from their exhibit locations we can help prolong their life. For instance, textiles are sensitive to light and extended exposure can damage them. Storing textiles in textile boxes with acid-free packing materials gives the items a break from the repeated light exposure they are subjected to and helps preserve the items for future generations to enjoy. Packing the textiles away for the winter also limits access to rodents and other pests.
These trips also provided entry-level museum collections staff with an exciting training opportunity. Few state parks winterize their house museums in preparation for the snowy months. The staff were able to learn about the winterizing process and additional packing procedures that these units require.
 Left: Bethann Watson, Andrew Case, and Tyler Gibson use acid-free tissue to package curtains at the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion. Photo from Emily Mizokami, Capital District. Top right: Phaedra Nations, Natalie Davenport, and Lily Kilgore cover the hand-carved dragon beams at Vikingsholm with a Tyvek cover. Photo from Taylor Moore, Capital District. Bottom right: Cultural Resources Division and Capital District staff members Phaedra Nations, Taylor Moore, Miranda Bello, and Lily Kilgore in front of Vikingsholm at Emerald Bay SP. Photo from Lily Kilgore, Capital District.
 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
Park Interpretive Specialist (Sacramento, CA - Seasonal) – Apply by dates vary: Are you passionate about nature, history, and education? California State Parks is seeking dedicated Park Interpretive Specialists to inspire and engage visitors with our rich natural, social, and cultural heritage! In this role, you may have the exciting opportunity to plan and lead engaging educational walks, captivating tours, and memorable campfire programs. You will also promote conservation education by showcasing the vital role of natural resources in our society, all while maintaining vibrant exhibits and self-guided interpretive trails that invite exploration. Click here to view opportunities and to apply.
Maintenance Aides (Sacramento, Riverside, San Diego, Los Angeles, Monterey, CA –Seasonal) - Apply by dates vary: Ready for an adventure with California State Parks? Join us as a Maintenance Aide and help keep our stunning natural landscapes in top shape! You’ll be hands-on in preserving the beauty of our parks by clearing trails, maintaining facilities, and caring for the grounds. If you have a passion for the outdoors, and take pride in keeping nature beautiful, we encourage you to apply—come help protect California's amazing parks with us! Click here and to view opportunities and to apply or connect with your local California State Park.
Communications Operator – Until Filled: Join the NORCOM team in Rancho Cordova, CA, as a Communications Operator and play a key role in dispatching emergency personnel across Northern California. Working under the supervision of the Communications Supervisor, you’ll manage radio and telephone systems to respond to both emergency and non-emergency situations. This exciting position offers a fast-paced work environment, competitive pay, and opportunities for career growth and development. Click here to view this opportunity and to apply
Communications Operator (12/01/2024): Join our team as a Communications Operator, where you will play a vital role in maintaining the safety of our state parks and visitors. In this position, you will manage incoming calls, relay critical information to emergency responders, and coordinate responses in real-time. Your strong communication skills will ensure clarity and accuracy, while your ability to multitask will help you thrive in a fast-paced environment. If you're ready to make a difference and keep our beloved state parks safe, apply now! Click here for more information.
Park Maintenance Assistant (12/31/2024) In this exciting role, you will ensure the cleanliness of our beloved park units, ensuring a pristine experience for visitors. You will work alongside experienced maintenance staff on complex projects which will help you gain valuable hands-on experience. You may also have the opportunity to lead and mentor less experienced team members. If you're ready for a fulfilling job that makes a real impact in nature, we hope that you apple! Click here for more information.
Water and Sewage Plant Supervisor (12/31/2024): Are you ready to play a vital role in preserving the beauty of our parks? Become a Water and Sewage Plant Supervisor for the largest State Parks system in the nation. You will need at least three years of engineering or operational experience in a water filtration or sewage treatment plant serving a population of 2,000 or more, as well as possess a valid State of California certification for either Sewage Treatment Plant Operator or Water Treatment Plant Operator at the time of appointment. Click here for more information.
Virtual Archelogy Coffee Chat (11/7/2024 at 1:30 p.m): Join us for a virtual Archeologist Career Coffee Chat! This informal session gives you the chance to ask any questions you have about the assessment process, the application steps, or anything else you’d like to learn more about. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, drop in any time during this coffee chat and gain valuable insights into the world of archeology. We look forward to seeing you there! Click here to learn more.
Virtual Communication Operator Coffee Chat (11/22/2025 at noon): Join us for a virtual Communication Operators Coffee Chat! This is a great opportunity to learn more about the vital role of communication operators in emergency response. Whether you're interested in becoming a dispatcher or just want to hear firsthand about the challenges and rewards of the job, come enjoy a cup of coffee and ask questions. We look forward to chatting with you! Click here to learn more.
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!
 Scott Elliott Retires from California State Parks
Story from: Doug Johnson, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division
 Left: Scott Elliott at the Annual District Superintendent/Chief Ranger meeting. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division. Top right: Chief Scott Bayne presents a retirement certificate to Scott Elliott and relays a story. Photo from Carolina Flores, Sierra District. Bottom right: Sierra District Chief Ranger Dan Youngren slings some burgers. Photo from Carolina Flores, Sierra District.
After starting his career as a seasonal 35 years ago, Superintendent Scott Elliott is hanging up his Stetson.
“Retirement is definitely a process,” said Elliott. “I’ve been in denial for a while, and I’m just now starting to feel what it’s going to be like.”
Elliott started with State Parks at Plumas-Eureka State Park (SP) near Graeagle, in 1989. It was there he spent the next seven summers as a Park Aide and seasonal interpretive specialist. After grad school, he went to Castle Crags SP and McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial SP while waiting for the academy to start.
Elliott joined the academy in March 2001, with BVST-19, graduating on Aug. 31, 2001… not knowing that just 11 days later the world would completely change. He started his first assignment in the Santa Cruz District, working there for three years before transferring to Big Sur for a few more years. His next assignment was in the Sierra District, working at Lake Tahoe-area state parks. It was during his time in the mountains that Elliott was promoted first to supervising ranger and later sector superintendent.
In 2016, Elliott came to the Law Enforcement and Emergency Services (LEES) Division as an assistant chief, eventually promoting to deputy chief and working with the Cannabis Watershed Protection Program (CWPP) from its inception in 2020. Then, in 2023, Elliott returned to the Sierra District as the district superintendent (out of class). Up until his retirement, he has been working on various projects at LEES Division.
“I’ve made so many good friends along the way, and had some amazing times,” Elliott said. “To say that this career is an adventure for all of us is an understatement.”
Elliott said some of the highlights of his career were working on the 50th birthday celebration for Plumas-Eureka SP, a full-circle moment as that was where his career began; working on the 100th birthday celebration for Big Basin Redwoods SP, helping start the CWPP, and further refining and improving State Parks' response to emergencies these past several years.
“Some advice I’d give the cadets or anyone who’s starting their State Parks career: there are a lot of ups and a lot of downs. Always seize the joy of the ups to get your through the downs,” Elliott said. “It seems like everyone rushes their careers and now I already miss the job. Take every day as a gift.”
With his service to State Parks behind him, Elliott said he’ll be spending some time working on a house he and his wife just moved into, which is a bit of a fixer. He also intends to volunteer at Plumas-Eureka SP, and eventually poke around for a second career somewhere. “I’m not ready for shuffle puck at Del Boca Vista,” he remarked.
“Many great thanks go out to all my colleagues throughout the years,” Elliott said. “And a special shout-out to Sierra Administration Chief Carolina Flores, who threw me a great retirement party!”
 Top left: Scott Elliott and party planners Kyndra Serafine, Sonya Riley, and Carolina Flores. Top right: Time for Elliott to cut the cake! Bottom left: Superintendent Dan Youngren, Assistant Chief John Stephens, and Assistant Chief Jeremy Stinson. Bottom right: Partygoers mingling at Donner Memorial SP. Photos from Carolina Flores, Sierra District.
Peter Larsen, Capital District IT Guru, Retires
Story from and photos from: Wendy Sanchez, Capital District
 Peter holds up a clever and tasty poster made by Fam Renfro, Capital District.
Capital District Administration staff celebrated Peter Larsen with a special lunch in Old Sacramento as he retired on Halloween. Peter started working at State Parks in 2007 as a park aide and worked his way up to a staff services analyst position in the administration office. If you have spent any time in the district, you may have seen Peter walking around to get his steps in and enjoy the weather. Over the years, Peter has replaced every computer in the district, set up and repaired audio and visual equipment, and more. He will be missed but we know he’ll enjoy all the travel he has planned with his wife.
 Peter Larsen enjoying his retirement gifts.
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Style time! Here are this week's tips to help spread the word about our department-wide style guidelines:
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Veterans Day: This U.S. holiday, observed on Nov. 11, should be capitalized with no apostrophe: "Veterans Day." Use "veteran" to describe someone who has served in the military. Lowercase unless it’s part of a formal title or event (e.g., "Veterans Affairs" or "Veterans Day").
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Branch of Service: Capitalize names of military branches (e.g., "Army," "Navy," "Marine Corps") but lowercase when used generically (e.g., "the service" or "armed forces").
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War Descriptions: When describing the conflicts a veteran served in, capitalize official names (e.g., "Vietnam War," "World War II") but lowercase terms like "the war" on subsequent references.
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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 Auburn
Staff participated in the City of Auburn’s Safe Trick-or-Treat on Halloween and handed out candy in their awesome costumes to lots of kiddos. Pictured from left to right: Park Aide Caitlyn Griffith, Interpreter I Joe Shanahan, Lifeguard I Steve Ragatz, Lifeguard I Selena Ray, Park Maintenance Assistant Serena Wisnewski, Forestry Aide Eric Danielson, and Senior Park Aide Emily Kinsey.
Photo from Serena Wisnewski, Gold Fields District
 Refugio State Beach
Talk about carving under pressure! Channel Coast District divers decided to take pumpkin carving to a whole new level on Halloween--below Sea level! Top Left: State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Supervisor I (Lifeguard) Dion Von Der Lieth and Environmental Scientist Sydney Smith work together to carve the pumpkin underwater. Bottom Left: Sydney and Dion pose with the pumpkin fully carved. Right: SPPO Supervisor II (Lifeguard) James Bray showcasing the underwater jack-o'-lantern masterpiece.
Photos from Sydney Smith and James Bray, Channel Coast District
 Stanford Mansion State Historic Park
Capital District Guide Trainee Karly Towne (left) and Capital District Guide I Jolene Kitchens (right) at the park during Halloween season, when the mansion is decked out in spooky decorations and district staff lead visitors through its eerie history. All staff who work at the mansion are cross-trained to also work at Governor's Mansion State Historic Park and Jolene, a State Parks employee of 19 years, was the very first to be trained for this dual role.
Photos from Communications and Marketing Division
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Cuyamaca’s Volunteer of the Year, Jerry Kapotic (left) of the Trails Maintenance Unit, with Mike Curtis (center), the lead volunteer of the unit, and cooperating association president Kandhy Franklin (right). Jerry has given thousands of hours of his time helping to keep the trails open for park visitors.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area
Members of the Communications and Marketing Division met with Gold Fields District staff to learn about off-highway vehicle riding.
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area
Environmental Scientist Taylor Espenshade (driver of blue utility task vehicle) and Interpreter I Joleen Ossello (driver of yellow recreational off-road vehicle) took members of the Communications and Marketing team to learn about off-highway vehicle riding, safety measures, and the park's history, wildlife and environmental features.
Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division
 Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
A coyote, awaiting the reopening of the park.
Photo from Steven Ptomey, Great Basin District
 Fort Tejon State Historic Park
A small buck playing in the riparian area of the park.
Photo from Steven Ptomey, Great Basin District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Mule deer in a meadow with crimson-colored marsh knotweed in the background.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Wild turkeys exploring the rocks.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
A monarch butterfly feeding on one of the last Parish's goldenbush blooming in the park.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Leo Carrillo State Park
Bioluminescent waves under the new moon.
Photo from Cassandra Chavez, Angeles District
 Calaveras Big Trees State Park
At the park, the dogwood drupes are wrapping up for the season, but the fall colors aren't done yet.
Photo from Lillie Oravetz, Central Valley District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 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, Nov. 9, Sunday, Nov. 10, and Saturday, Nov. 16
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Celebrate Native American Heritage Month— Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: We are celebrating Native American Heritage Month with exhibitions showcasing the compelling work of Indigenous artists as they display their art and share insights into their rich cultural heritage. Visitors can also purchase their artwork. On Saturday, Nov. 9, and Sunday, Nov. 10, artist Peggy Fontenot will visit and showcase her work. Fontenot is an award-winning Native American photographer, beadwork artist, silversmith, and activist, whose photographs document relevant social issues, including that of Native people and veterans. Fontenot’s beaded samplers address political policies within Indian Country. On Saturday, Nov. 16, visiting artist Judy Einboden will share her gourd art and pine needle baskets. Einboden honors her mother’s Panamanian heritage by incorporating patterns from Mola textiles into her art. However, she adapts the Mola style to depict local California animals. For more information, please call the museum at (661) 946-3055 (711 TTY relay service) or visit the park’s website. Follow the museum on Facebook.
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Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook Volunteer Day— Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area at 9 a.m.: Join us for a Run for the Hills Fundraiser and Volunteer Day at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook! We will meet at the trailhead starting at 9 a.m. Volunteer activities will include trail maintenance, brush clearing, stairway cleaning, and trash pickup. Join Culver City’s Vice Mayor as he tackles the BHSO steps and raise funds for the park! Donate https://go.rallyup.com/runforthehills. Snacks, drinks, and food will be provided. Let’s come together to leave our local park better than we found it! Volunteer Day RSVP.
Friday, Nov. 15
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MPRPD San Jose Creek Loop—Ishxenta State Park, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Explore San Jose Creek by hiking out and back from San Jose Creek Trailhead, accessible through Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District's partnership with California State Parks. A shuttle will take you to and from your destination to meander through fields of flowers, lush redwood groves, and dry chaparral and then climb uphill to spectacular views. Free registration-https://secure.rec1.com/CA/monterey-peninsula-regional-park-district/catalog.
Saturday, Nov. 16
Also note these upcoming CNRA-sponsored events celebrating Native American Heritage Month:
Saturday, Nov. 9
Tuesday, Nov. 12
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Navigating Public Employment Opportunities in California: Insights, Tips, and Strategies— Virtual – Register here to join: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nQGwRT4kTFGXv8ebSIzKhA: Join us for an informative webinar hosted by the California Natural Resources Agency, where we'll guide you through the process of applying for and securing a position with the State of California. This virtual event will offer:
- An overview of the benefits of working for the state
- A step-by-step guide to the application process
- Opportunities to connect with HR hiring managers from various California state departments
- A list of current job openings and valuable resources
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Nov. 4, 2024
Nov. 7, 2024
Nov. 8, 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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