State Parks Peace Officer Lifeguards Awarded Meritorious Act Awards by California Surf Lifesaving Association
Story and photo from: Giselle Lewis, Training Section
 State parks peace officer lifeguards Cameron Faris (second from left) and Justin Quiggle (second from right) with their awards.
State parks peace officer lifeguards Cameron Faris and Justin Quiggle accepted awards at the California Surf Lifesaving Association’s (CSLA) biannual board of directors meeting for their heroic actions in the line of duty. Their stories are as follows:
On Nov. 11, 2023, at 12:26 a.m., California State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Cameron Faris responded to a mutual aid call from the Huntington Beach Police Department for a subject who had jumped off the end of the Huntington Beach Pier and was screaming for help. Faris responded code 3 from Pacific Coast Highway and Golden West Street, approximately a mile away. The victim was holding on to a ring buoy and floating away from the pier.
Faris arrived at the base of the pier, doffed his police gear and located his rescue buoy and fins. Huntington Beach Police escorted Faris to the end of the pier. He located the victim, jumped off the pier, and swam to the victim. The victim, an adult male, was conscious and breathing and compliant to instruction. Faris secured the victim in his rescue buoy and began swimming to shore. Faris brought the victim back to shore with assistance from Huntington Beach Marine Safety Captain Todd Bartlett.
For his decisive actions in recognizing the victim's plight, and appropriate lifesaving actions, Cameron Faris was awarded the CSLA Heroic Act Award and the United States Lifesaving Association's (USLA) Meritorious Act Award.
On Nov. 20, 2023, SPPO (Lifeguard) Justin Quiggle, along with SPPOs Steven Wolfe and Daniel Valenzuela, were on duty at Bolsa Chica State Beach. At 11:09 p.m. Officer Quiggle heard a 911 dispatch on the Huntington Beach Police radio channel for a car in the water near Pacific Coast Highway and Warner Avenue. While en route to the call, Huntington Beach Police located the vehicle using their drone three-quarters mile south of the dispatch location. Quiggle, Wolfe and Valenzuela responded to the new location.
The vehicle was found vertical in the water, with the front end submerged into the mud and the rear end, exhaust and wheels above the water line. Officer Quiggle doffed his gear and entered the water. Unable to see through the rear window, Quiggle dove down to the driver’s side window which had already been rolled down. On breath hold, Quiggle searched around the deployed airbag to locate the victim, extricate her through the window and bring her to the surface.
With assistance from Huntington Beach Police, Quiggle assisted in moving the victim up the muddy embankment to begin patient care. Quiggle then returned to the vehicle in an attempt to clear the backseat for further occupants, but was unsuccessful due to debris and visibility. Officer Valenzuela entered the water in full SCUBA gear and was able to determine there were no further occupants.
For his heroic lifesaving actions, Justin Quiggle was awarded the CSLA and USLA Heroic Act awards.
State Park and Recreation Commissioners Visit Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Meet in Palm Desert
Story and photos from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division
 Commissioners Francesca Vietor, Tom Huntington, Phil Ginsburg and Jeff Williams pose at Fonts Point in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Not pictured: Commissioner Christina Jaromay.
A warm morning greeted members of the State Park and Recreation Commission during its first gathering of 2025 on State Parks’ largest outdoor stage, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (SP). Along with nearly 50 State Parks’ staff members, stakeholders and members of the public, commissioners observed more than just sweeping vistas and desert flora.
Convening at the park’s visitor center in Borrego Springs, commissioners were welcomed by Colorado Desert District Superintendent Ray Lennox. Park interpretive staff were joined by several students from Borrego Springs High School’s Certified Interpretive Host program, an elective class supported by the National Association for Interpretation. Students shared stories traveling by overland stage wagon through the region.
Senior Park Aide Pablo Espinoza explained the park’s natural history to commissioners and participants while Senior Park Aide Caroline Alderdice guided everyone on a stroll through the park’s desert botanic garden. Entering the visitor center, designed by well-known San Diego architect Robert Farris, commissioners and participants were provided an orientation by Interpreter II Julie McClanahan and Senior Park Aide Anna Whitson. Commissioners moved through the impressive displays and interacted with park staff members during their visit.
A short drive away, tour members were introduced to several facilities hosted in the park, including the Begole Archaeological Research Center, which houses the extensive collections of artifacts from Cuyamaca Rancho and Anza-Borrego Desert SPs as well as Palomar Mountain SP. The center provides storage space, office space and laboratory workspace for park archaeologists, visiting scientists and park volunteers. The park is also home to the Stout Paleontology Research Center, operated by park staff members and volunteers from the Anza-Borrego Desert Paleontology Society.
Lunch followed nearby at the Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center, a cooperative facility managed by University of California, Irvine. The center hosts scientists and researchers from throughout the world, providing opportunities to explore the desert. A presentation by Bri Fordem, executive director of the Anza-Borrego Foundation, explained the close relationship between her organization and State Parks, including the unique opportunities the foundation offers to visitors, researchers, volunteers and students.
Tour participants then climbed to the top of Fonts Point for a panoramic view of the park, while State Parks’ locally based airplane, Air Patrol 1, circled overhead. Later, several State Parks staff members returned to Borrego Springs to meet members of the aircrew, learn how the airplane is used for law enforcement and search and rescue operations, and see the plane up close.
During their meeting the following day, commissioners officially welcomed recently appointed Commissioner Thomas “Tom” Huntington of San Francisco and heard several staff reports on the department’s budget, operations and planning. Commissioners also received an update on recovery efforts following the devastating Southern California firestorms that occurred in January, destroying parkland and historic buildings inside Will Rogers State Historic Park and Topanga SP. Commissioners also unanimously reelected Phil Ginsburg and Francesca Vietor to their positions of chairperson and vice chairperson, respectively.
A video recording of the meeting is available through Cal-Span.org. The next Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 26. The location has yet to be announced.
 Top left: Student volunteers from Borrego Springs High School’s Certified Interpretative Host Program pose with their advisor Stacy Valdez (far left) and Park Interpretive Specialist Phyllis Aswell (center) with an overland stage wagon. Student volunteers (from left to right): Alan Rodriguez, Noe Sanchez and Eli Loera. Right: Senior Park Aide Caroline Alderdice shares two of her favorites in the park’s botanical garden, desert lavender and ocotillo. Bottom left: Interpreter II Julie McClanahan and Senior Park Aide Anna Whitson welcome tour participants to the park’s visitors center designed by San Diego architect Robert Farris.
 Clockwise from top left: L. Louise Jee, a volunteer with the Colorado Desert Archaeological Society, shares stories behind several artifacts with State Parks Director Armando Quintero. Environmental Services Intern Syd Magner provides information about various types of native and invasive plant species in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Paleontology center volunteers Curtis White and Mary Mecham, who reside near the park during the winter months, explain their restoration efforts of a mammoth skull fossil to Commissioner Jeff Williams.
 Clockwise from left: State Parks Director Armando Quintero poses with Bri Fordem, executive director of the Anza-Borrego Foundation, at Fonts Point. State Parks staff members get a close-up view of Air Patrol 1, the department’s Cessna 206, at its home airfield in Borrego Springs. State Parks Peace Officer (Ranger/Pilot) Sandra Reynoso poses with Director Quintero next to Air Patrol 1.
Mendocino Whale Festival Celebrates Conservation, Community and Climate Action
Story and photos from: Kenzi Lamb, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District
 Top left: Interpreter Kat Gabrielson poses before the Van Damme beach campfire at Van Damme State Park. Top right: Senior Park Aide Casen Jaquez poses during the MacKerricher State Park (SP) campfire program. Middle left: The whale skeleton on display at MacKerricher SP. Bottom right: Jaquez, Gabrielson and Interpreter Steve Jahelka at the Van Damme beach campfire. Bottom left: Park visitors whale watching at Spring Ranch in Van Damme SP.
California State Parks celebrated Whale Festival in March with whale walks, campfire programs, and a fresh coat of paint on the famous MacKerricher gray whale skeleton. Throughout the month, over 250 visitors joined us for whale watching at Mendocino Headlands State Park (SP), Van Damme SP and MacKerricher SP, and we hosted our annual Van Damme beach campfire with music and refreshments provided by Mendocino Area Parks Association, along with a beach sunset. Seventy volunteers joined us at MacKerricher SP to apply a new coat of paint to help preserve the whale skeleton for years to come.
Mendocino Whale Festival recognizes the historic importance of whaling in California, honors the efforts of Mendocino locals in whale conservation and celebrates the opportunity to see gray whales today. Originally called the Mendocino Whale War, the first festival took place in 1976 after some Mendocino locals caught national attention for declaring war on Japan and the Soviet Union to raise awareness about commercial whaling, just one year after Russian whalers fired a harpoon at Greenpeace activists off the Cape of Mendocino.
Human actions drive climate change, which threatens both whales and us, but there’s hope. Just as the small town of Mendocino came together to save whales, we can come together to fight climate change. This year, we challenged our visitors to come together as a community to combat climate change.
Sutter's Fort State Historic Park Brings California History Alive for Third Graders—and Their Parents
Story and photos from: Marty Greenstein, Communications and Marketing Division
 Left: Third grader Lilly with her dad, Deputy Director of Communications and Marketing Marty Greenstein. Top and bottom right: Guide I Theresa Havelka captivates the third graders with hands-on demonstrations at the grist mill.
My daughter Lilly recently experienced an overnight field trip to Sutter's Fort State Historic Park with her third grade class. The kids explored Sutter's Fort as part of a full-day immersive program deftly led by Guide I Theresa Havelka that transported them back to the 1840s. Parent-led stations included candle making, rope making and laundry—a surprising crowd favorite after the blacksmith station, which thankfully was not parent-led.
My station was the wagon, where another parent and I discussed the months-long overland journey to California. The kids were all surprised to learn that people didn't travel inside the wagon but walked alongside it—covering around 2,000 miles over approximately six months. Importantly, we pointed out that while the wagon symbolized opportunity for the people coming to California in search of a better life, it symbolized something very different to California's Native American tribes, who were already seeing their way of life change forever.
Lilly and her classmates had an incredible time and left with a memory they will long cherish. In fact, there were a couple of parents who remembered doing a similar field trip at Sutter's Fort when they were kids. This program is a testament to the department's work to make California's history come alive and spark the curiosity of the next generation. Kudos to Guide II Jared Jones, Theresa and the entire team at Sutter's Fort for this well-planned program that educates, entertains and excites hundreds of Sacramento-area kids every month throughout the school year !
New Report Shows Significant Socioeconomic Benefits of Large-scale Restoration Projects in Redwood National and State Parks Region
Story from: Angelica De La Peña, Communications and Marketing Division
 Heavy equipment operators with California State Park staff removing a segment of a defunct logging road in the Greater Mill Creek area within Redwood National and State Parks. Photo from California State Parks.
A new report from Save the Redwoods League and California State Parks highlights the significant socioeconomic benefits of large-scale restoration projects in Redwood National and State Parks. The Assessing the Restoration Economy within Redwood National and State Parks report details how the Redwoods Rising and ‘O Rew Redwoods Gateway programs are driving economic growth in Humboldt and Del Norte counties. By creating quality jobs and boosting local revenue, these programs are helping revitalize communities historically reliant on logging and fishing while ensuring the long-term health of coast redwood forests. Learn more by reading the joint press release.
State Park Peace Officers Present 75th-Anniversary Lifeguard Badge
Story from: Ryan Gates, Orange Coast District
 Left: The design for the 75th Anniversary Lifeguard Badge is based off badges worn on uniforms in the early phase of the California State Lifeguard Service. Top right: State lifeguards in a photo from 1961. Bottom right: How the badge appeared in the 1950s. Photos from Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division.
To encourage public and department staff awareness of the 75-year contribution of lifeguards, a special commemorative badge was specifically designed for wear on the State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) uniform. The commemorative badge design is based on the 1950s designs worn on the uniforms under what was then the Division of Beaches and Parks.
The badge design was used from 1953 to 1961, with some slight modifications from 1961-1972. We chose to increase the size of the badge to match the dimensions of the current star badge more closely. The badge is made of brass with silvertone and natural finishes and cobalt blue enamel. It’s a two-layered badge produced by SymbolArts of Utah.
Be on the lookout for California State Park Peace Officers wearing this special badge in 2025, and mark your calendars for Aug. 3-5 at Huntington State Beach for a multi-day event to celebrate and honor our colorful 75-year history of service, vigilance and endurance. This event is not be one to miss as we commemorate this milestone anniversary for the California State Lifeguard Service. Visit the 75th Anniversary of Lifeguard Service website for more information.
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park Announces New Season of Weekend Excursion Train Rides, Beginning April 5-6
Story from: Traci Rockefeller Cusack, T-Rock Communications
 Railtown train 1265 and water tower. Photo from Kelly B. Huston, volunteer for the California State Railroad Museum Foundation.
In partnership with the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown will present a new season of weekend excursion train rides, starting on April 5-6, 2025. The historic No. 1265 diesel engine will be in operation all weekend running the regular Mother Lode Cannonball schedule, with excursion train ride departures at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Weekend guests will enjoy a memorable 6-mile, 45-minute roundtrip ride on the Sierra Railway through the picturesque Mother Lode countryside. In addition to the train ride, park visitors are encouraged to observe the train crew operate the turntable at the start and end of each day. For opening weekend, vintage railroad equipment will be on display with several open to walk through, such as Sierra Railway coach cars No. 5 and No. 6. These classic cars were featured in numerous movies and television series including "High Noon" and "Petticoat Junction."
Excursion trains, programs, and activities continue throughout the year and visitors are encouraged to take a train ride or plan a day at the park to enjoy a tour of the historic roundhouse and shops, have a picnic, and/or leisurely stroll around the grounds. The park will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., April through October, for self-guided or docent-led tours along with exhibits that include interpretive signage.
More information and advance excursion train ride tickets are available via this link. For more information about Railtown 1897’s events and activities and the park in general, please visit www.railtown1897.org or call (209)-983-3953.
 PARTNER NEWS
Tune in Tuesday, April 8 for Fireside Chat: Resilience in Action
Story from: Elizabeth Kubey, Parks California
 Join Parks California for an Instagram Live interview on Tuesday, April 8, at noon, and an in-depth look at resilience in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire.
This chat will feature colleagues from the Wildfire and Forest Resilience program at California State Parks who participated in leadership training programs as part of California State Parks' partnership with Parks California. State Parks staff members participating include:
- Senior Environmental Scientist Lisa Andreano
- Forester I Azalie (Oz) Welsh
- Senior Environmental Scientist Brooke Sheridan
These State Parks team members had to tap into their training quickly as they faced the destructive Palisades Fire in January, which reached both Will Rogers State Historic Park and Topanga State Park. We’ll hear how they took action to help firefighters minimize the effects of fire on archaeological sites, rare plants, endangered species, tribal assets and wilderness areas. Help spread the word and share these social media posts on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
 Employee Spotlight: Angelica Guzman
Story from: Angelica De La Peña, Communications and Marketing Division
 Angelica hiking in Lake Tahoe (left) and at Bassi Falls Trailhead near Kyburz (right).
Meet Associate Personnel Analyst Angelica Guzman—her colleagues call her a rockstar!
Angelica isn’t just incredible to work with; she consistently goes above and beyond to support others whenever she can. With her background in the districts, she brings invaluable knowledge that helps the people around her better serve State Parks as a whole.
Whether it’s work-related questions or a conversation about football, Angelica is the go-to person. Her colleague recalls a time when she saw Angelica handle a tough call from an employee with remarkable calmness, empathy and professionalism—stepping in to assist a teammate who was feeling overwhelmed by an aggressive caller.
Her positive energy uplifts the team every day, and she truly deserves the spotlight.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your role in the department.
I was born and raised in the small town of Healdsburg, north of San Francisco, where I enjoyed early morning overcast skies, the coastal breeze, the Russian River (my summer swimming hole), flooded winter months and the smell of local pastures. I grew up playing in orchards of walnuts and the vineyards of Dry Creek Valley. I was taught to work hard, have faith and, most importantly, familia. My role with State Parks is an associate personnel analyst within the Classification and Hiring Unit. I support programs with filing vacancies, tracking RPAs, gathering documentation, salary determinations and verifying the most qualified candidates.
How did you get started in your career field?
I took the opportunity to begin my career with the State of California in 2013. My first position was an office technician for the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). With DFW I would learn the rules and regulations for recreational activities, such as fishing, hunting and commercial fishing throughout the Bay-Delta region and worked closely with environmental scientists on the permitting processes of the Lake and Streambed Alteration Program. After two years, I took a promotion and would become an administrative officer I (supervisory) within the same unit. I would later transfer to State Parks and work as the administrative officer at the Russian River Sector office, located in Duncans Mills. I made the decision to take a promotion as an analyst to gain the experience necessary to one day become a leader.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy providing support and customer service to programs and their hiring needs. I enjoy creating a positive working environment and providing support to the Classifications and Hiring Team.
What are your favorite hobbies outside of work?
Road trips, cooking, cleaning, watching professional sports, and self-care.
Nominate An Exemplary Colleague
Do you know of an exceptional State Parks colleague in your field, division, or district, who goes above and beyond in their role? Nominate them for Employee Spotlight! In upcoming issues, the Weekly Digest team will spotlight outstanding employees, sharing insights into their journey, experiences, and wisdom gained during their career at State Parks.
- Specific reasons for why you are nominating them. This could be based on their outstanding achievements, dedication, teamwork, or any other qualities that make them stand out.
- The name of the nominee's supervisor (if you know who that is).
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
Staff Services Analyst - (Sacramento, CA) - Apply by April 15: As a Staff Services Analyst, you will provide administrative support for programs like Statewide Crews, Maximo, FEMA, Energy and Water Reporting, and the Statewide Program Support Center. Your tasks will include managing personnel, timekeeping, fiscal tracking, contracts, purchasing, and asset management, along with coordinating projects funded by various sources like Maintenance Funds, Special Grants, and FEMA. Ready to make an impact? Apply today! Click here to learn more!
Senior Park and Recreation Specialist (Monterey, CA) – Apply by April 11: Join our team at the stunning Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds where you will work under the District Superintendent III. As the Senior Park and Recreation Specialist (SPRS), you will lead the planning, implementation, and direction of all district operations. You will oversee visitor services, partnerships, permits, facilities development, and resource management, with a focus on contract compliance at Asilomar. This position offers opportunities for growth and collaboration with a dedicated team! Click here to learn more!
Park Aide (Statewide Opportunities) – Deadlines extend into June: Ready to dive into a fun and rewarding experience with California State Parks? We’re looking for energetic individuals to join us in providing excellent visitor services. Depending on the park, you may handle ticket sales, assign campsites, share the park’s history, or lead fun educational programs. You will be at the center of it all, whether it's supporting park rules and regulations, keeping facilities clean and well-maintained, or ensuring visitors have an unforgettable experience! This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience and build your resume. Click here to learn more!
EXAM SPOTLIGHTS
State Historian I, II, and III (May 1): State Historians at California State Parks dive into historical research, help preserve California’s cultural treasures, and lead training on historic preservation. They explore and protect historical sites, review exhibits for accuracy, and work with agencies and groups to manage historical resources. They handle grants, contracts, and environmental reports, train staff, give talks, and even help shape the future of California’s historic legacy. It’s all about preserving the past, so the future can enjoy it! Apply to take the assessment today! Click here for more information.
Communications Operator Series (May 1): Interested in keeping our beloved California State Parks safe? As a Communication Operator, you will respond to emergency calls, dispatch units as needed and collaborate with other agencies to effectively address critical situations. You will access and utilize vital data to make informed decisions, track incidents, and coordinate timely responses to emergencies. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a fast-paced, high-impact environment while supporting the safety and well-being of the community. 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! The next webinar is Wednesday, April 23. 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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