Guardians of California's Parks–The Journey of Basic Visitor Service Training 50
Story from: Angelica De La Peña, Communications and Marketing Division
 Basic Visitor Service Training 50 graduating class. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
California State Parks recently welcomed 32 cadets to the nations largest state park system. In the afternoon of April 11, the cadets gathered to celebrate a milestone that marked the culmination of eight months of challenging training. Standing before their families, friends and department staff, they received the badges that officially recognized them as California state park peace officers, ready to protect and serve the state’s cherished parks and the millions who visit them.
Among the graduates was Ranger Cadet Jordyn Ahlberg, a second-generation ranger, whose passion for this role began in childhood. Her father, Andy Ahlberg, serves as the Chief Ranger at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. As a young girl, Jordyn once drew a picture of herself as a park ranger, a drawing that was proudly displayed on the ceremony’s program; a testament to her lifelong dream and dedication to protecting California’s natural and cultural treasures.
For the graduates of the Basic Visitor Service Training (BVST) Academy, this was not just a ceremony. It was the culmination of a transformative journey, one that began on September 3, 2024, and led them here, ready to take their place as California state park peace officers.
The theme for this year’s class, “Water and Land, Together We Stand,” could not have been more fitting. The cadets had spent months training to protect California's most cherished places, from the towering redwoods of the North Coast to the rolling hills of the Central Valley and the sun-soaked beaches of the Orange Coast.
“It’s not just a job, it’s a promise,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero during the ceremony. “These men and women will be the steady hands guiding lost hikers home, the first responders in times of crisis and the storytellers who connect us to our past.”
The road to this moment was anything but easy. Selected from a competitive pool of over 830 applicants, the cadets underwent eight months of training that pushed them physically, mentally and emotionally. Days began before sunrise and ended long after dark, filled with lessons in strategic communication, resource protection and search-and-rescue operations. They practiced defensive tactics, learned to handle firearms with precision and honed their skills in de-escalating tense situations. The training wasn’t just about mastering skills, it was about embracing the role of protector, guide and educator.
The ceremony itself was a testament to their triumphs, with family, friends and department staff watching proudly from the audience. Each graduate stepped forward to receive their badge, the weight of it symbolizing not just their accomplishments, but the responsibilities they now carry.
Governor Gavin Newsom offered his congratulations in a press release, calling the graduates “the backbone of our state parks.” He added, “These 32 individuals are stepping up to ensure our parks remain enjoyable and safe destinations for all Californians. Their service is invaluable.”
Among the graduates were standout achievers like Ranger Cadet Caleb Wilkins, who earned the Defensive Tactics Award, and Ranger Cadet Joshua Jacobson, recognized for his exceptional physical fitness. Each award reflected the diverse strengths of this graduating class, united by a common purpose.
With their badges in hand, the graduates now embark on the next phase of their journey: the 13-week Field Training Officer Program. During this time, they will apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios, patrolling the very parks they have trained to protect.
These new peace officers will serve as the guardians of California’s 280 state parks. Their mission is clear, to protect the lands and waters that define what it means to be Californian.
Honoring Excellence: BVST 50 Awardees
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Valedictorian: Lifeguard Cadet Turner Roll
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Salutatorian: Lifeguard Cadet Turner Roll
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Firearms Award: Ranger Cadet Matthew Richards
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Defensive Tactics Award: Ranger Cadet Caleb Wilkins
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Emergency Vehicle Operations Course Award: Ranger Cadet Jennifer Sanchez
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Park Operations Award: Lifeguard Cadet Turner Roll
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Academic Award: Lifeguard Cadet Turner Roll
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Physical Fitness Award: Ranger Cadet Joshua Jacobson
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James Whitehead Award: Ranger Cadet Angela Winder
Ready to join State Parks?
The call to “Live the Parks Life” is open to anyone ready to take up the challenge. Visit LiveTheParksLife.com to learn how you can begin your journey with California State Parks.
 Top left: State Parks' peace officer graduation ceremony on April 11. Top right: BVST 50 graduating class. Bottom left: Lifeguard Heath Hawkins leads the graduates into the auditorium. Bottom right: State Parks most senior ranger, Andrew Ahlberg, salutes the newest ranger, his daughter, Jordyn Ahlberg. Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
Ranger Cadet Jordyn Ahlberg’s drawing from when she was a child. Photo from Andrew Ahlberg, Ocotillo Wells District.
Celebrate Earth Day at California’s State Parks
Story from: Angelica De La Peña, Communications and Marketing Division
 This April, California State Parks invites you to celebrate Earth Day with activities at its 280 parks. From guided nature walks and beach cleanups to virtual programs, there’s something for everyone.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve hosts a family-friendly Climate Action Day on April 19, featuring conservation talks and hands-on activities ($10 parking fee). Virtual attendees can join the Earth Week PORTScast from April 20–25 for live broadcasts on marine life, forest ecology, and more.
In Sacramento, the California Natural Resources Agency will host an Earth Day event on April 22 with fun, interactive activities for all ages. Coastal parks like Doheny State Beach (SB) and Bolsa Chica SB offer engaging celebrations with crafts, beach cleanups and wildlife education on April 26 and 27, respectively.
“Earth Day reminds us to cherish and protect our natural world,” says State Parks Director Armando Quintero.
Read our latest Earth Day press release and explore events and celebrate nature at resources.ca.gov/earthday2025.
Join us and make every day Earth Day!
For Earth Week, Virtually Visit Parks Across the State and Dive into a Marine Protected Area
Story from: Erika Delemarre, Interpretation & Education Division
 California State Parks is excited to celebrate Earth Day with a full week of PORTS (Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students®) Programs from Monday to Friday next week, April 21-25. From towering giant sequoias in the Sierra Nevada to the sparkling tide pools along the California coast, K-12 classrooms and members of the public are invited to virtually visit parks across California. Viewers will learn about the different ecosystems and species found in them and hear about actions we can all take to steward these special places.
On Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22, we have a great lineup of virtual programs all day long, including a special collaboration with the State Parks Dive Team. The scuba divers will be broadcasting live from underwater in the kelp forest of the Point Lobos State Marine Conservation Area as they work to solve an Earth Day mystery.
To find full details on the different programs, please visit PORTS Program's PORTScast schedule where teachers and members of the public can register to attend the different programs hosted on Zoom. Alternatively, each program will be livestreamed to the PORTS Program YouTube channel live throughout Earth Week.
State Parks Launches Golden Mussel Prevention Program with Vessel Inspections at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Story from: Angelica De La Peña, Communications and Marketing Division
 Top left: The quarantine red cable seal placed on vessels after inspection. Top right: Inspections being done at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Bottom right: State Park interpreter Zakary Adams assists boaters with inspections. Bottom right: Boaters line up to have their vessels inspected on April 14. Photos from Angelica De La Peña and Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division.
California State Parks launched its new Golden Mussel Prevention Program with vessel inspections at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (SRA) on April 14. The first week of the program saw a steady turnout of boaters as Gold Fields District staff worked diligently to inspect and apply quarantine seals to trailered and motorized vessels, ensuring they are clean, drained and dry to prevent the spread of invasive golden mussels.
Trained State Parks staff inspect each vessel for the presence of mussels and onboard water. Once a vessel passes inspection, a red quarantine seal is applied for a mandatory 30-day period during which the vessel cannot launch. The seal includes a cable that loops through the bow eye of the vessel and around the frame of the trailer, ensuring it remains out of the water. These seals are tamper-evident and serialized, and each application is recorded in a database, capturing the date, vessel/seal numbers and location.
After completing the 30-day quarantine, vessels may either launch and have the seal removed by authorized staff or return to obtain a green seal.
The program requires inspected boats to remain out of the water for the duration of the quarantine before returning to launch at Folsom Lake SRA or Lake Clementine. Hand-launched watercraft, such as kayaks and paddleboards, are exempt from inspections but must follow the Clean, Drain and Dry boat cleaning procedures.
Golden mussels, recently discovered in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, pose a significant threat to ecosystems, water systems and recreational activities. The prevention program aims to protect these critical resources by ensuring that invasive species are not introduced into local waterways.
Click here for inspection guidelines and more information.
State Park and Recreation Commissioners Welcome Tom Huntington at Palm Desert Meeting
Story and photo from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division
 State Park and Recreation Commission's newest member, Tom Huntington, at Fonts Point in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park during the commission's recent tour of the park.
At their recent meeting in Palm Desert, members of the State Park and Recreation Commission welcomed their newest commissioner, Thomas "Tom" Huntington. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Tom has lived in San Francisco for many years with his family. He was appointed to the commission by Governor Newsom in March.
Tom has worked for many years at nonprofit organizations and foundations focused on environmental, humanitarian and educational programs. This includes work at the Environmental Defense Fund as western regional development director, where he engaged in a range of environmental issues in California. Prior to that, Tom was executive director at the Friends of the River Foundation and helped add over 10 California rivers to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Tom became interested in environmental stewardship and connecting people with nature as a river guide and manager at OARS, Inc. an eco-travel company on rivers in California, Oregon and the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park.
Tom has also served as a volunteer in California on the advisory board of Project Avery, working to assist youth and families with incarcerated parents to access nature-based experiences. Additionally, he served in San Mateo County as both a member of the Ohlone Portolá Heritage Trail Committee and on the Community Advisory Committee for the Don Horsley County Park at Tunitas Creek Beach near Half Moon Bay. Recently, while researching the connectivity of historic trails and cultures, Tom was one of the executive producers of an award-winning documentary, "La Recua" (the mule pack train), about the trade caravans of Baja California. This bilingual history and travel film was recently selected for national PBS television distribution.
Team State Parks Shows Endurance and Teamwork at Baker to Vegas Challenge
Story and photos from: Goodwin "Goody" Pompa, San Diego Coast District
 Top row, left to right: Don Crouthamel, Erik Burgan, Tom Pagan, Brian Menter, Alonzo Martinez, Makar Kazmin, Andres Mendoza, Bill Wolcott, Scott Bayne, Besty Essepian, Tim Schulte, Giselle Barrios, Eddie Guaracha. Bottom row, left to right: Darrell Readyhoff, Daniel Valenzuela, Mike Lawerence, Dennis Burden, Goodwin Pompa, Aaron Wright, Dan Kraft, Cameron Dice. Not in picture: John Anderson, Darby Fultz, Ron Krueper.
We are thrilled to announce that Team State Parks proudly took 32nd place in the prestigious Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay. This incredible 120-mile race through the Mojave Desert is a true test of endurance, teamwork and dedication and our team rose to the occasion.
From blistering heat to steep climbs and nighttime runs, our runners gave it everything they had. The grit and determination shown by each team member reflects the strength and unity of our park family. A huge shoutout to the support crew as well—we couldn’t have done it without the volunteers, drivers, timekeepers and logistics pros who kept things moving like a well-oiled machine.
We are deeply grateful for the support of our generous sponsors who helped make this year’s race possible:
- California Statewide Law Enforcement Association
- Ranger Foundation
- California State Park Rangers Association
- California State Park Peace Officers Management Association
Your support made it possible for us to represent State Parks with pride and professionalism in one of law enforcement’s most iconic events. Thank you for investing in our team and helping us cross that finish line!
Until next year, let’s continue to build on this momentum and get ready for an even stronger showing in 2026. Go State Parks!
 Scenes and participants of this year's Baker to Vegas relay challenge.
Fourth Graders Transported Back in Time at William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park
Story and photos from: Heather Lee, Northern Buttes District
 Fourth graders from Bella Vista Elementary School recently visited William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park to learn about living in California in the 1850s.
Following a recent visit, fourth graders from Bella Vista Elementary sent park staff a package of 22 hand-drawn and handwritten thank you notes. The students had participated in William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park’s Life in the 1850s Environmental Studies Program. Coordinated this year by Senior Park Aide Veronica Lamoureux, the students learned key skills newcomers would need to know to survive in gold rush-era California, including woodworking, schooling and candle making.
Through their kind notes, students ensured our volunteers–and staff–were properly thanked for leading them in the day’s activities. The thank you letters also highlighted how much students enjoyed hearing stories about real people who lived in Tehama County during the gold rush, how much fun they had wearing the period clothing, getting nicknames–like Flap Jack Kid and Johnny Dungaree–and how the students persevered to solve our ox-yoke puzzle. One student so valued his experience that he noted, “I appreciate you guys … I think you guys should get paid because you guys were so nice.”
Volunteers and staff alike were thrilled with this show of kindness and wanted to say thank you right back to the students for being such a wonderful group.
 Clockwise from left: a selection of thank you cards received from students at Bella Vista Elementary. A handwritten thank you. Senior Park Aide Veronica Lamoureux dresses the part of a settler in California in the 1850s.
Sonoma State Historic Park Hosts Bat Night at The Barracks
Story and Photos from: Dave Duplantier, Bay Area District
 Close up of a live bat at Sonoma State Historic Park.
Bats abounded in late March at Sonoma State Historic Park in downtown Sonoma. The Barracks AV room and theater was the place to be to learn about our winged creature friends. State Parks hosted Northern California Bats (NorCal Bats) for an evening of learning and exploring how these little animals live and what their importance is in our natural world.
NorCal Bats is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of bats throughout Northern California. Attendees to the program got a close-up view and were educated about the positive environmental benefits of bats, including insect control, while dispelling misconceptions about these valuable mammals.
The program was attended by more than 110 people. In addition to the presentation featuring live bats and video, anyone could make a bat craft to take home to remember their night of Bats in the Barracks.
 Kids enjoying the bat presentation.
SpringFest at South Yuba River State Park
Story and photos from: Jeremy Lin, Sierra District
 Volunteers Shelly Erdei (left) and Laura Boatman leading a tufted poppy craft activity.
The second annual SpringFest at South Yuba River State Park on April 12 was a vibrant celebration of the spring season, welcoming park guests together to honor wildlife and this year’s featured organism—the tufted poppy (Eschscholzia caespitosa). Visitors participated in guided walks along the stunning Buttermilk Bend Trail to view the park’s dazzling wildflower displays.
Guests of all ages enjoyed hands-on crafts inspired by the golden orange wildflower while listening to live music and presentations by local experts and land management agencies. The event was a bright and fun celebration of the South Yuba River’s natural beauty.
 Clockwise from top left: Interpreter Jean Rhyne leading a barn swallow nest craft activity. Volunteer Jacque Bromm leading a flower propagation activity. Park guests enjoying a wildflower walk using the new Buttermilk Bend Bridge. Interpreter Wyatt Grognet educates guests about barn swallow nests.
Office of Community Involvement Volunteer Spotlight: Ivonne Malave
Story from: Sam Bell, Office of Community Involvement
 Ivonne Malave with her Golden State Warriors jersey. Photo courtesy of Ivonne Malave.
Sometimes you’re lucky enough to have a volunteer who has impacted the community at such a high level that they are recognized on a large scale. Two years ago, Ivonne Malave was certified as an outdoor recreation leader and has been volunteering with the Office of Community Involvement (OCI) since then. But Ivonne has been impacting her community for over a decade. She was recently recognized by Impact Warriors, an initiative developed by the Warriors Community Organization, to “recognize the essential everyday leadership of people in the Bay who are working to make their communities a better place.”
This is what the Impact Warriors said about Ivonne: “With 38 years of dedicated service, Ivonne Malave has been a passionate advocate for the youth, the unhoused and many deserving organizations across Solano and Contra Costa Counties. Ivonne’s work spans from juvenile probation to group homes, empowering countless individuals. For the past 12 years, she has mentored youth through Rosie’s Service Corps, teaching job readiness and guiding teens towards successful careers.”
When asked about this experience, Ivonne said, “It was the most amazing surprise! I love volunteering and empowering the next generation, they have to know how awesome and powerful they are. I love doing what I do is all about making a difference in our communities and people.”
OCI staff is inspired by Ivonne and her work in the community and feel privileged that she comes to our Outdoor Youth Connection programs to inspire the next generation of community leaders.
 PARTNER NEWS
A Toast to California State Parks
Story from: Michelle Williams, Parks California
 Artwork on cans for the 2025 Community Impact series Parks California IPA. Look closely to find P-22, the "Hollywood Cat" (a mountain lion) that was often spotted in and around Los Angeles' Griffith Park. Photo from Parks California.
As a partner of the global movement 1% for the Planet, which inspires businesses and individuals to support environmental solutions through annual membership and everyday actions, Parks California has the opportunity to work with state-based organizations. And we get to meet some fantastic local businesses doing good for the planet, parks and people along the way.
Since 2021, Smog City Brewing in Torrance (Los Angeles County) has been one of those partners. The environmentally focused craft brewer launched its community impact series with four partners, including Parks California, creating custom brews to raise awareness and funds to support each nonprofit's cause.
The 2025 Parks California IPA series launches Friday, April 18, and is expected in stores by May 12. The series will raise awareness and encourage support for the Los Angeles Firestorm recovery.
 New senior director of development, Kristi Bieber, making sure there's enough hops in our batch. Photo from Parks California.
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