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 Jan. 24, 2025
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 Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
A red-tailed hawk along the Guy Fleming Trail.
Photo from Scott Henry, San Diego Coast District
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Last Chance to Nominate Your Colleagues for the 22nd Annual Director’s Recognition Awards
Story from: Jo Biswas, Communications and Marketing Division
Today is the final day to submit your nominations for the 22nd Annual Director’s Recognition Awards! Don’t miss this opportunity to highlight your colleagues’ outstanding contributions and celebrate their professionalism, dedication and passion for California State Parks.
All employees, regardless of classification, are eligible for the Director’s Recognition Awards. You can access the program guidelines and nomination forms via the Director’s Recognition Awards SharePoint site or the Intranet (must be on Parks network to access). Completed nomination forms can be sent to DirectorRecognitionAward@parks.ca.gov.
This year's awards include a new category — the Tribal Partnership Award. Nominees for this award have shown exceptional dedication to fostering meaningful relationships with California Native American tribes. The Tribal Partnership Award honors individuals who have gone beyond their regular duties to build trust and mutual respect, value Tribal knowledge, and support Tribes’ right of self-determination.
Please take some time to read through the award categories and descriptions. Below is a list of the categories:
Director Quintero, Angeles District Staff Interviewed by National Public Radio Following Palisades Fire
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
 State Parks Director Armando Quintero walks through Will Rogers State Historic Park after the Palisades Fire. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
State Parks Director Armando Quintero, Angeles District Superintendent Richard Fink and Cultural Resources Program Supervisor Barbara Tejada were recently featured in a story on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" news program describing the significant losses at Will Rogers State Historic Park caused by the Palisades Fire. Click on the link below to hear the full story.
Apply now for Pond Farm Pottery's Artist Residence Program at Austin Creek State Recreation Area
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
 Participants weave with locally sourced natural materials during Pond Farm Pottery's Artist in Residence event Aug. 16, 2024. Photo by Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods.
Calling all artists! Pond Farm Pottery's Artist in Residence Program is accepting applications from artists interested in three-week residencies from May through September 2025. You can learn more about the program by visiting pondfarm.org/pond-farm-air or by reading about 2024 residencies at artsincaliforniaparks.org/archive. Artist applications must be submitted online or received by mail no later than Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025.
Help us spread the word! Share this opportunity with your friends, networks, and on social media channels.
Located in Austin Creek State Recreation Area SRA, adjacent to northern California’s iconic Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve (SNR), the residency offers artists the opportunity to create and explore in a rural, rustic natural setting, away from the familiar contexts and constraints of daily routine.
In addition to access to 6,000 acres of the spectacular Austin Creek SRA, residents will experience the grandeur of Armstrong Redwoods SNR, the nearby Russian River, and northern California’s coastal range. Each residency lasts three weeks, with six residencies available from May through September; October is reserved for a special partnership with the Kunststiftung Sachsen-Anhalt, a contemporary arts foundation in Germany.
 ADVENTURE OF THE MONTH
Donner Memorial State Park Offers Year-Round Recreation and Commemorates California's Pioneers
Story from: Andreas Agocs, Communications and Marketing Division
 View from China Cove at the south shore of Donner Lake toward the pass that proved elusive for the Donner Party. Photo from Rachel Parks, Sierra District.
“Never take no cut-offs and hurry along as fast as you can.” Thirteen-year-old Donner Party survivor Virginia Reed had good reason for her warning, after being stranded for five months in the snow-covered Sierra Nevada during the winter of 1846-47. Today's travelers on Interstate 80, though, should safely ignore her advice though and visit Donner Memorial State Park (SP), which is less than two hours away from Sacramento and easily accessible.
The park’s beautiful mountain setting offers year-round recreation opportunities. Summer activities include hiking or biking on more than eight miles of trails, staying at one of 154 campsites, and paddleboarding or swimming in Donner Lake. At 6,000 feet elevation, Donner Memorial SP is also a great destination in winter, with opportunities to snowshoe and cross-country ski,
“There’s no better way to learn about the Donner Party than snowshoeing in 6 feet of snow,” says Interpreter Nick Potter, who conducts tours of the park that highlight both its natural beauty and its history of tragedy and heroism. The Midwestern emigrants of the Donner Party were trapped when heavy snowfall prevented their wagon train to cross the mountain passes west. The families set up makeshift cabins whose locations can still be identified in the park but soon ran out of food and supplies. Of the 87 men, women and children in the Donner Party, only 46 survived.
“Many publications sensationalize the horror of the circumstances of the Donner story,” said Sierra District Interpretive Manager Jeremy Lin, including the cannibalism that was reported in some accounts but for which “exists no archaeological evidence.” Instead, the district’s interpretive approach acknowledges the heroism, leadership, and tenacity of the families and especially the four rescue parties that came from the west to pull people out of the Donner Lake area.
The park is also widening the scope of the pioneer experience itself. “We are shifting the way we are telling the story of pioneers,” says Lin. The interpretive exhibits and films shown in the visitor center illuminate not only the plight of the Donners but also the lifeways of the Washoe people, the Indigenous stewards of the area, who can be seen as having pioneered survival in the central Sierra long before the arrival of wagon trains. It also includes the Chinese emigrant workers who helped build the first railroad over the Sierra – an enormous pioneering feat of its own – and the early motorists who crossed the mountain passes on the Lincoln Highway.
Read the full story, with more details on the park and the Donner Party, in the State Parks blog.
 Right: The Pioneer Memorial from 1918, depicting a family facing west. Top right: The Nature Trail winds along and crosses Donner Creek. Bottom right: Splitrock campground in the snow. Photos from Andreas Agocs, Communications and Marketing Division.
 Top left: This granite boulder was once the north wall of the Murphy cabin during the winter of 1846-47. Top right: Exhibits at the visitor center document the Donner Party as well as other pioneers in the Sierra, like Chinese railroad workers. Bottom left: This Jeffrey pine is believed to have been struck by lightning. Bottom right: View of Donner Lake from the Donner Pass overlook on eastbound Interstate 80. Photos from Andreas Agocs, Communications and Marketing Division.
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Meet the Commissioner: José González from the California Boating and Waterways Commission
Story from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division
 José González, a member of the California Boating and Waterways Commission, enjoys time on the water. Photo courtesy of José González.
Meet the Commissioner, an occasional series, continues with a profile of José González, a member of the California Boating and Waterways Commission (Commission). The Commission is mandated by the Harbors and Navigation Code to advise and comment on all Division of Boating and Waterways matters within its jurisdiction. The Commission must also advise and comment on all boating facilities loans and grants proposed by the division. In addition to the Boating and Waterways Commission, three other commissions under the Department of Parks and Recreation provide guidance to the department director and staff, including the State Park and Recreation Commission, State Historical Resources Commission, and the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Commission. The next California Boating and Waterways Commission workshop and meeting are scheduled to be held in Sacramento, Feb. 5-6. More information may be found on the Commission's webpage.
Commissioner González was appointed by Governor Newsom in May 2022. He was hired as the first equity officer for the East Bay Regional Park District in 2023. Previously, he was a partner at the Avarna Group, a fellow at the Pisces Foundation from 2019 to 2020, founder and executive director of Latino Outdoors via Community Initiatives from 2013 to 2017, Latino outreach and education manager for the Tuolumne River Trust from 2013 to 2014 and a Butler Koshland Fellow at Radio Bilingue from 2012 to 2013. The commissioner also served on the faculty of National Hispanic University, Eastside College Preparatory School and Douglass Middle School in the Woodland Unified School District. Commissioner González is a board member of Parks California and Resource Media, a trustee of the National Recreation Foundation and the National Outdoor Leadership School, and a league councilor for Save the Redwoods League. He earned a master of science degree in behavior, education and communication from the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment.
We asked Commissioner González five questions about his interest in joining the California Boating and Waterways Commission and his time on the commission so far.
Why did you apply for the Commission?
I appreciate being able to be in a role in public service. It gives me an appreciation for all the work public servants do and what it takes to provide access and resources to the people of California. I also love parks and this is another way to get a sense of the work covered.
Since joining the Commission, what’s one thing that has surprised you?
The amount and scope of work the Division of Boating and Waterways does. And how through its funding and support the division helps a range of municipalities, counties, and agencies that is not limited to state parks.
Why do you think it is essential for the public to engage with the Commission?
I think the more the public knows about how these processes work, the more they can appreciate them and, most importantly, that they are grounded in support, especially as they rely on public funding.
What is your favorite form of recreation, and do you have a favorite state park to visit?
I admit I’m a bit of a nature saunterer but I also like a good trail run. And there’s too many favorite parks! But to name one: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
What would someone be surprised to learn about you?
If I were to pick something silly, it’s that I don’t snap my fingers like most people do.
An Appealing Partnership: Hearst Castle’s Annual Citrus Donation Nourishes San Luis Obispo County Families
Story and photos from: Carmen Aurrecoechea, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Top left: Senior Maintenance Aide John Manyak uses a long tool to reach fruit over a cement barrier. Top right: Groundskeeper Kaley Nye loads his cart with harvested fruit. Middle left: Staff load fruit into the San Luis Obispo Food Bank truck. Bottom middle: Nye harvests citrus near the Neptune Pool. Bottom right: Senior Maintenance Aide Charlie Foster-Ogle uses a long tool to reach high grapefruit. Bottom left: All the collected fruit loaded into the truck.
As visitors stroll through the lush gardens of Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, (Hearst Castle) they are often greeted by the refreshing scent of citrus filling the air. Many can’t help but wonder, “What happens to all this fruit?” The answer is as sweet as the fruit itself—each year, the bounty from the estate’s productive citrus trees is collected and donated to local communities in need, thanks to the efforts of Hearst Castle staff and San Luis Obispo Food Bank's Glean SLO program.
The gardens' caretakers, or grounds staff, nurture and maintain the gardens year-round, including the productive citrus trees. When the time comes for the annual glean, staff thoughtfully remove a selection of fruit from the trees over two to three days. The SLO Food Bank collects all of the fruit on the final day. The donated oranges, tangerines, grapefruit and lemons have totaled 16,284 pounds since 2020. This year's collection totaled 4,322 pounds.
This effort is a highlight for staff members each year, as they see their work directly feeding the community. The excess produce is distributed to hundreds of families experiencing food insecurity, supporting the SLO Food Bank's mission to alleviate hunger and build a healthier community. Thanks to all staff members who helped in this year's glean, including Park Landscape Maintenance Technician Shannon Melendy, groundskeepers Alfredo Cardenas and Kaley Nye, and senior maintenance aides Bryan Loredo, John Manyak, Charlie Foster-Ogle, and Rocky Fullerton.
 Please submit your photos HERE. Please send questions to 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
Information Technology Manager II (Sacramento, CA) – Apply by Jan. 27: Take the lead in shaping the future of information technology (IT) at State Parks! As the Information Technology Manager II (ITM II), you will manage enterprise IT projects, collaborate with top agencies, and work with a talented team to enhance business applications and data management solutions. With direct involvement in strategic planning and major IT initiatives, this role gives you the chance to make a real difference in a fast-paced, exciting environment! Click here to learn more!
Accounting Officer (Specialist) – (Sacramento, CA) – Apply by Jan. 30: Are you ready to make a real impact? As an Accounting Officer (Specialist), you will dive into the exciting world of state finances, managing Payroll Accounts Receivables, Salary Advances, Housing Refunds, and more—all while ensuring everything is perfectly balanced. This position offers you a hybrid work schedule and a chance to work alongside a dynamic team. This is an exciting opportunity you do not want to miss! Click here to learn more!
Dispatch Clerk– (Rancho Cordova, CA) - Apply by Feb. 6: Be part of the action at NORCOM, a 24/7 public safety dispatch center serving Northern California. This opportunity offers the chance to work with cutting-edge technology, maintain law enforcement records, and assist in coordinating emergency and non-emergency services. If you previously applied, your application is already under consideration—no need to reapply. If you have not yet applied now is your chance! Click here to learn more!
EXAM SPOTLIGHTS
State Park Equipment Operator (2/1): State Park Equipment Operators play a crucial role in maintaining the safety, accessibility, and beauty of California’s State Parks! Depending on the park, you will operate heavy and specialized machinery to handle vital tasks such as road maintenance, hazard removal, snow clearing, and general park upkeep. Each day offers new challenges as you handle minor repairs, assist with major fixes, transport materials, train others, supervise projects, and contribute to park operations. Click here for more information.
Guide I, Historical Monument (3/31): As a Guide I, you will lead visitors through historical monuments, sharing the significance of exhibits and the history of the site. You will help prepare and maintain exhibits, protect and preserve various historical monuments and artifacts, as educate park visitors and the significant of these artifacts and sites. Additionally, you may assist with cleanup, supervise various maintenance tasks, and perform clerical duties to support the daily operations of a historical site. Click here for more information.
WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHT:
Join our upcoming virtual webinars to learn about exciting job opportunities with California State Parks. Learn more about the job application process, assessments, and the state hiring process. Our recruiters will provide guidance on how to succeed in the hiring process and answer any questions you may have. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and take the first step toward your career! Learn more, find upcoming dates, and how to register by clicking here!
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 department-wide style guidelines:
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Percentage: Percent is one word. It's acceptable to use % symbol. Always use a numeral, even if under 10. For example: She is in the top 5% of her class.
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Numbers at the Start of Sentences: Spell out numbers at the beginning of a sentence. For example: Three people went to the game. If the number is large, rewrite the sentence so the number doesn't begin the sentence. Wrong: Eight thousand, six hundred and seventy-eight people attended the game. Right: There were 8,678 people in attendance at the game.
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But There's an Exception: A calendar year can start a sentence. For example: 2025 is the year of growth and transformation.
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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 Will Rogers State Historic Park
Members of the executive team from Sacramento tour the devastation from the Palisades Fire.
Photo from Cassandra Chavez, Angeles District
 Will Rogers State Historic Park
Left to right: Desert Division Chief Greg Martin, Central Division Chief Matt Bellah, Interpretation and Education Division Chief Heather Holm, Angeles District Superintendent Richard Fink, Cultural Resources Division Chief Leslie Hartzell, Asst. Deputy Director of Park Operations Adrien Contreras, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division Chief Alex Luscutoff, Asst. Deputy Director of Facilities and Development Brian Dewey, Facilities Management Chief Todd Lewis, Northern Division Chief Jason De Wall, Natural Resources Division Chief Jay Chamberlin and Angeles District Chief Ranger Darrell Readyhoff.
Photo from Cassandra Chavez, Angeles District
 Near Castaic
A lone firefighter overlooking the scorched earth within the burn area of the Hughes Fire, which impacted Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area.
Photo from Bobby Scruggs, Great Basin District
 Los Padres National Forest
The Hughes Fire in Castaic as I was evacuating Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area and the bordering national forest.
Photo from Bobby Scruggs, Great Basin District
 Salton Sea State Recreation Area
Visitors from all over enjoyed another successful Salton Sea Bird Festival, which included bird walks, children’s activities, photography workshops and Salton Sea history talks. Staff was once again thankful to work with Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge and Sea & Desert Interpretive Association to offer complementary activities around Salton Sea to bring further awareness to this important desert ecosystem.
Photo from Taylour Unzicker, Ocotillo Wells District
 San Simeon
Our administrative team are in sync (N'Sync?) and ready for their Zoolander auditions.
Photo from Anne Steinhauer, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Crystal Cove State Park
Working together, lifeguards and natural resources and maintenance team members completed a nearly month-long campground brushing and renovation project. Brush was removed from 60 campsites and then processed through a chipper, turned into mulch and returned to the campground. This incredible effort is truly representative of the team spirit at the park.
Photo from Marty Kansriddle, Orange Coast District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
A lone pine in the East Mesa Area.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Undulations in a meadow revealed by early morning light.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 D.L. Bliss State Park
I took this photo at Rubicon Point thinking of all those affected by the recent fires, those suffering the loss of their homes, and the special places we all lost in our parks. This is my reset place.
Photo from Elizabeth McMillan, Sierra District
 Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area
Colorful columns of sandstone, mudstone, and conglomerates near Jawbone Canyon.
Photo from Damion Laughlin, Great Basin District
 Crystal Cove State Park
Sunset over Catalina Island from Pelican Point.
Photo from Audrey Morgan, Orange Coast District
 Red Rock Canyon State Park
The El Paso Mountains viewed from within the Rock House.
Photo from Damion Laughlin, Great Basin District
 Hearst San Simeon State Historic Monument
Neptune Pool at night, taken during closing patrol after holiday tours.
Photo from Jason Rule, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Hearst San Simeon State Historic Monument
The SpaceX Starlink Group 11-6 launch as seen from the Hearst Castle esplanade on Jan. 24 at 6:07 a.m. The bottom right photo also shows the returning booster below the large glowing contrail from the rocket.
Photos from Jason Rule, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Please submit your photos HERE. Please send questions to 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, Jan. 25
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Gold Discovery Day—Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Join us as we commemorate the discovery of gold with living history activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by Sutter's Mill. Join historian Ed Allen in the museum at 1 p.m. for an informative presentation on James Marshall and John Sutter and their joint venture that led to the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill. There is a $10 per vehicle day use fee.
Saturday, Jan. 25
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Newt Night—Trione-Annadel State Park, 4 – 5:30 p.m.: Join us for Newt Night, an evening of exploration. We'll take an evening hike up Cobblestone Trail to Frog Pond, discovering the amazing adaptations of newts and their role in our local ecosystem. Meet at the Cobblestone Trailhead. This out-and-back hike is moderate and about 2.5 miles in length. Please note: Participants are encouraged to bring a flashlight, dress accordingly for the weather and time of day, pack water, and wear close-toed shoes. This hike is suitable for all ages but children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is necessary. Questions? Email: trioneannadelstatepark@gmail.com or call 530-523-9031.
Friday, Jan. 31
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Fantastical Floodplain—Dos Rios at 10 a.m.: Dos Rios, a rewilded floodplain, is an incredible 1,600-acre forest full of native plants and trees that benefit from the biodiversity that depends on it. It acts as a buffer for high-water seasons and protects communities downstream from flooding. Join a State Park's interpreter to learn and see first-hand the many benefits of this beautiful floodplain forest. This walk is approximately two hours, flat and easy. Meet at the welcome center. Please remember to bring good walking shoes, water and a snack.
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In the Jan. 17 edition, a photo identifying firefighter Kelly McFadden was instead of Maegan Ealy, whose last name was mislabeled as Massaro.
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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 use this submission form or click the button above.
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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