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 Feb. 7, 2025
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 Mount Diablo State Park
Just another day at the office.
Photo from Jessica Sears, Diablo Range District
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Honoring the Best in Interpretation and Education: 2024 Excellence Award Winners
Story and photo from: Elizabeth Evans, Interpretation and Education Division
 Winners of the Interpretation and Education Excellence Awards Ceremony on Zoom.
Over 100 park staff gathered virtually to celebrate the first annual Interpretation and Education Excellence Awards on Jan. 29. The eight awardees demonstrated interpretive expertise and upheld the department’s core values, ensuring that parks remain welcoming spaces for exploration, enjoyment and inspiration for all Californians.
Here is a look at this year’s winners:
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Rookie of the Year: Claire Andrews, state park interpreter I, for increasing equity and access at the North Sector Campgrounds in San Diego.
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Lifetime Achievement Award: Lisa Bradford, Monterey District interpretive programs manager, for 30 years of dedicated service in Monterey District.
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Program Partnership Award: Team Old Town San Diego for collaboration on the Día de Los Muertos Celebration. Deputy District Superintendent Lisa Adams commented, “This event exemplifies not only what great community partners can do, but what it truly means to work as partners within parks.”
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Media Award: Gabby Bates, senior park aide, celebrated for transforming Año Nuevo State Park’s online presence with creative and educational social media.
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Access Award: Eduardo Gonzalez, state park interpreter I, who expanded audiences at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area with his bilingual skills, paddle sports programs, and collaborative outreach.
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Interpretive Leader Award: Jason Rankins, guide II supervisor at the California State Railroad Museum, praised for inclusive leadership and launching the “Roundhouse Crosstalk”
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Educator Extraordinaire Award: Allison Frye, state park interpreter I, recognized for her dedication to inclusivity and adapting field trips for diverse students at Malibu area state parks.
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Inspiring Interpreter Award: Maiya Rainer, senior park aide, honored for her Indigenous storytelling and educational programs at Sue-meg State Park. State Park Interpreter III Karla Jovel praised Maiya’s dedication, stating, “Maiya is unapologetic in her approach, deeply passionate about her work, and a true inspiration to those who experience her programs.”
During the ceremony’s closing remarks, State Parks Director Armando Quintero praised the interpretive staff, saying, “You all have the ability to reveal stories and make connections that create understanding and empathy, so that we work better together. And I cannot thank you enough for the work that you do.”
Dockside Podcast with Rios to Rivers and Paddle Tribal Waters
Story from: Sara Kennedy, Interpretation and Education Division
 Paddle Tribal Waters students connecting with the river. Photo from Weston Boyles, Rios to Rivers.
California State Parks and California Coastal Commission’s podcast Dockside is now streaming its newest episode “Rios to Rivers and Paddle Tribal Waters: The Return of the Klamath River.” In this episode, podcast host Sara Kennedy speaks with Weston Boyles, the founder and executive director of Rios to Rivers, and Danielle Rey Frank, the director of development and community relations of Rios to Rivers.
Rios to Rivers inspires the protection of rivers worldwide by investing in underserved and Indigenous youth who are intimately connected to their local waters and supporting their development as the next generation of environmental stewards. Through this podcast, listeners learn about the story of hope of California’s Indigenous youth and their fight for the largest dam removal in history as they also prepare to make the first descent down the newly freed river.
When the largest dam removal in history began on the Klamath River, Weston and Danielle began developing a plan to teach Indigenous youth how to whitewater kayak so that they could become the first people to paddle the restored river from source to sea, a distance of about 300 miles. The paddlers will travel sections of the Klamath River that have not flowed freely for more than a century and they will use kayaking to celebrate the monumental movement. Their first descent will take place this summer. Learn more about this incredible project and keep updated on the progress of Paddle Tribal Waters’ first descent of the Klamath River here.
Listen to this and all other 28 episodes of Dockside, the podcast that helps you save and enjoy the waters you love by sharing clean and safe boating practices, wherever you stream your podcasts.
Parks California and California State Parks Honored with 2025 Public Lands Partner Award
Story from: Elizabeth Kubey, Parks California
 Geoff Kish, vice president of programs at Parks California accepting the award from Dan Puskar, president & CEO of Public Lands Alliance. Photo from Parks California.
Parks California and California State Parks were recognized at the annual Public Lands Alliance convention in Las Vegas with the 2025 Public Lands Partner award! This recognition celebrates partnership for a "stunning achievement to protect and preserve our public lands and enhance the experiences of their visitors and users."
Dan Puskar, president and CEO of Public Lands Alliance, presented the award on Feb. 3 to Geoff Kish, vice president of programs at Parks California, at this year's Public Lands Alliance convention.
Parks California is thankful for this recognition and looks forward to continuing our strong partnership to help California's state parks thrive.
 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
Water and Sewage Plant Supervisor – (Tuolumne, CA) – Apply by Feb. 10: Take the lead at Columbia State Historic Park, overseeing the operation and maintenance of essential water and wastewater systems throughout the sector. You will play a key role in keeping things running smoothly, while leading a team and tackling unique challenges throughout the Central Valley District. With a T-2 Water Treatment and Grade 2 Wastewater Operator Certificate, you will enjoy a rewarding role with the added bonus of pay differential #234! Click here to learn more!
Accounting Officer (Specialist) (Sacramento, CA) – Apply by Feb. 10: Join our team at State Parks' headquarters in Sacramento, CA, where you will take on dynamic and challenging accounting tasks, from managing financial records to conducting in-depth data analysis. As an accounting officer (specialist), you will have the opportunity to work independently, use your sharp problem-solving skills, and drive improvements that make an impact. If you're detail-oriented, proactive, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you! Click here to learn more!
Environmental Services Intern– (Humboldt, CA) – Apply by Feb. 14: Join us as an environmental services intern at Fort Humboldt State Historical Park, where you will explore and restore the stunning Del Norte Coast and Humboldt Redwoods State Parks. Work alongside experts in resource management, leading botanical surveys, habitat restoration, and supporting wildlife protection efforts. If you're passionate about the outdoors, ready for adventure, and eager to make an impact, this is your chance to dive into hands-on environmental work in some of California’s most beautiful landscapes! Click here to learn more.
Park Maintenance Worker II (Feb. 28): Join our team as a park maintenance worker II and play a vital role in keeping our State Parks safe, beautiful, and functional. From hands-on tasks like carpentry, plumbing, and trail clearing to leading a dynamic team and protecting natural resources, no two days are the same. If you're ready for an exciting, outdoor adventure where you can make a real impact, this is the position for you. Apply to take the assessment today. Click here for more information.
Guide I, Historical Monument (March 31): Step into the past and lead exciting tours through historical monuments, bringing their rich stories to life for visitors of all ages. You will share the significance of various sites and exhibits, ensuring their protection while also making them a welcoming and safe space for all. From guiding tours to maintaining exhibits and overseeing the monument’s upkeep, you will play a key role in preserving history while inspiring others to connect with it! Click here for more information.
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! Next webinar is Wednesday, Feb. 12. See you there!
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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kickoff/kick off: One word when used as a noun. Example: As a kickoff to the event, we had a picnic. Two words when used as a verb. Example: The program kicks off with an icebreaker activity.
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stand-alone: hyphenate.
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temperatures: Use numbers for all temperatures except for zero. Do not use the minus sign - use the word 'minus' - to indicate temperatures below zero. Examples: Today’s high is expected to be 55 degrees. The temperature today was minus 15 degrees. The temperature went up to zero by the afternoon.
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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 Topanga State Park
Left to right: Angeles District State Park Peace Officers (Rangers) Greg Urban (Topanga Sector) and Daniel Allen (Malibu Sector) patrol the Palisades Fire from beautiful Topanga backcountry fire roads. Ranger Urban's backcountry expertise was vital in teaching out-of-sector aide critical patrol areas. The impacted park trails remain closed to the public for continued safety concerns, maintenance, and hazardous conditions.
Photo from Gina Romero, Angeles District
 Austin Creek State Recreation Area
Fourteen members of Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods Volunteer Trail Crew joined up with State Park Maintenance Worker I Louie Guglielmino, Dave Hall and Devon Graves (Stewards operations manager and assistant manager) for another fun filled adventure in Austin Creek. Louie took a team of three to the old wood processing area to burn a ton of slash and reduce the fire hazard. The rest of the crew headed up to Bullfrog Pond for some general clean up in preparation for a future opening of the campground. The crew performed burn piles, removed hazard trees and cut cords of wood from the downed trees.
Photos from Rich Lawton, Mark Anderson and Elisa Regalado, Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods
 Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
A coyote takes a break from chasing field mice prior to the winter storms.
Photo from Steve Ptomey, Great Basin District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
A mule deer buck walking through a meadow.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Topanga State Park
The oak lives on along Sullivan Fire Road.
Photo from Simone DuRand, Sierra District
 Auburn State Recreation Area
Lots of powerful water moving over the North Fork Dam at Lake Clementine after large storms that passed through. Water usually flows over the four center spillways, so this is an uncommon sight. River flows were about 11,500 cubic feet per second.
Photo from Serena Wisnewski, Gold Fields District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
The sky early in the morning. I laid down on the ground to get as much sky as I could.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
Sonoma State Historic Park
A view of Mission Gardens at San Francisco Solano Mission.
Photo from Donna Vigil, Bay Area 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, Feb. 8
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Black History Month Kick Off Event—California Citrus State Historic Park, 4 – 6 p.m.: Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, and interactive art as Lady Danger and Bobcat Fraley take the stage to honor the rich Black heritage of the Inland Empire. Bring a blanket or folding chair, sit back under the open sky (weather permitting), and experience the power of live performances that weave history into song and story. Explore The Relevancy & History Project’s immersive media installation featuring sounds and images contributed by local families and descendants of Black Californians active throughout the birth and meteoric scale of the citrus industry. Can’t make it in person? We’ve got you covered! We’ll be live streaming the performances and event on Instagram and Facebook Live, so you can celebrate with us from anywhere. All ages and mobilities are invited to learn, enjoy, and celebrate together! Admission is free after the $7 parking fee.
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Black History Month Celebration—Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Join the Friends of Allensworth and California State Parks as they continue to celebrate and preserve the history of Allensworth during this Black History Month celebration. Visitors are welcome to tour the park's historic buildings and enjoy live entertainment, music, and food.
Every Saturday and Sunday in February
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Afro-Latinidad Presence in Early California—Pio Pico State Historic Park, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Join us in celebrating the story of Afro-Latine in early California with an exhibition and family activities. This event explores the contributions of Afro-Latine descendants who played a role in shaping the state’s history, from establishing towns and ranches to influencing political and social landscapes. Through engaging displays and discussion, we’ll explore the history from the Anza Expedition, the challenges faced under U.S. rule, and how Afro-Latine communities helped shaped the culture of California. This event offers an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of California and engage in conversations of racial, ethnic, and social dynamics that continue to resonate today.
Sunday, Feb. 9
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Guided Walk—Bean Hollow State Beach, at 10 a.m.: Join a state park educator and enjoy the flora, fauna and coastal views on this leisurely 1.5-mile out-and-back walk along the bluffs between Bean Hollow State Beach and Pebble Beach. Hike is mostly flat with some mild elevation gain and loss. Meet at the Bean Hollow State Beach south parking lot on Highway 1. Free parking. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and a hat and bring plenty of water and snacks. Steady rain will cancel. Contact: halfmoonbay@ports-ca.us or (669)758-1819. Registration is required. If there are no sign-ups the Friday before the scheduled event, it will be cancelled. Use this link to register.
Wednesday, Feb. 13
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World Whale Day—Point Dume State Beach, at 10 a.m.: Celebrate World Whale Day from some of California's amazing marine protected areas (MPAs) ! This free live PORTScast webinar will showcase three beautiful state parks that are within the boundaries of MPAs. These beaches are known rest stops for migrating gray whales. Dive into the fascinating world of these gentle giants as we explore their incredible adaptations at MacKerricher State Park. Discover how humanity’s relationship with whales has evolved from hunting them to flipping the script and championing their protection at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Lastly, we'll explore how these whales are helping to combat climate change and learn how we can all help protect these magnificent creatures at Point Dume State Beach. This is an online event. Register for this program through the PORTScast Calendar, Zoom registration link: World Whale Day.
In addition the the Feb. 8 events, also note this upcoming CNRA-sponsored event celebrating Black History Month:
Tuesday, Feb. 18
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Black Professionals in California Natural Resources—webinar, noon–1 p.m.: Join us for a dynamic and inspiring webinar, spotlighting the achievements of Black American professionals in California's natural resources sector. Hear what Black History Month means to them, their insights for aspiring professionals seeking meaningful careers in natural resources, and the valuable lessons they’ve learned along the way. This engaging event offers a unique opportunity to connect, gain practical advice and celebrate the impact of Black and African American leadership in shaping California’s natural environment. The discussion will include a Q&A session, allowing participants to ask questions and engage directly with the speakers. Whether you’re starting your career or exploring opportunities in natural resources, this webinar is a space to learn, grow, and be inspired! Registration/Microsoft Teams: Meeting ID: 213 675 859 033. Passcode: 59Y29ef7. Join the meeting now.
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Feb. 6, 2025
Feb. 5, 2025
Feb. 4, 2025
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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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