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 June 6, 2025
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 South Yuba River State Park
Spring runoff water flows under the Old Highway 49 bridge. Built in 1921, the bridge over the South Yuba River is a graceful open-spandrel arch bridge with a concrete deck. It has a span just shy of 130 feet and a total length of 191.9 feet. The deck width is 21 feet.
Photo from Mike Lynch, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division
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Celebrate the Fourth Annual California State Parks Week June 11-15 with Over 170 Events Across the State
Story from: Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division
 Watch this video inviting the public to participate in California State Parks Week June 11-15.
This coming Wednesday, June 11, kicks off the start of the fourth annual California State Parks Week! With over 170 events taking place across our State Park System, we could not be more excited to invite all Californians and visitors from around the world to join us and our partners — California State Parks Foundation, Parks California and Save the Redwoods League — in this weeklong (June 11–15) celebration. With the tagline “This is Where You Live,” participants will have the opportunity to join in-person or virtually and learn about the incredible people, places and programs that make California’s 280 state parks one-of-a-kind!
Earlier this week, in collaboration with California’s First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot, State Parks Director Armando Quintero, California State Parks Foundation Executive Director Rachel Norton, Parks California President and CEO Kindley Walsh Lawlor and Save the Redwoods League President and CEO Steve Mietz, State Parks shared a video on social media (Instagram, Facebook and X) with a special message inviting the public to join our staff, partners and volunteers to explore new outdoor activities, learn ways to protect the environment or connect with their family and communities as they enjoy more time in nature to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Additionally, the festivities take added significance this year as California celebrates its 175th year of statehood. Events and activities are centered around this year’s themes:
Care for Our Shared Lands – Discover how you can get involved in efforts to protect and steward California’s state parks as a volunteer, a partner or another role. Events include:
Celebrate Community and Culture – California’s state parks are for all people. We reaffirm this truth by elevating the perspectives and experiences of communities that have been historically underrepresented in public lands with celebrations and cultural events. Events include:
Explore New Experiences – We encourage everyone to visit a state park and try something new. From first-time camping and an interpretive hike to adventures like surfing, boating or off-roading, California State Parks Week is your invitation to explore an activity that you just might fall in love with. Events include:
Nourish Your Health and Well-Being – Studies have shown that time in nature can boost people’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. Everyone should have access to these benefits. California’s state parks give us all places where we can find refuge, inspiration and joy. Events include:
Support Climate Resilience – Learn about and support state parks and their partners’ efforts to ensure climate resilience across California’s State Park System — from expanding protected lands in state parks and restoring forests to engaging in educational dialogue about climate threats and solutions. Events include:
Find an event near you at CAStateParksWeek.org! And before heading out, don’t forget to download our official app with OuterSpatial. Check in through the California State Parks Week Challenge 2025 to earn this year's exclusive badge!
 With over 170 events taking place, visitors can participate in guided hikes, horseback riding, journaling, volunteering and more during the weeklong celebration. Photos from California State Parks.
Secretary Speaker Series Discusses 'Outdoors for All; Now More Than Ever'
Story from: California Natural Resources Agency
 As we combat federal attacks on public lands and cuts to recreation programs, it’s time to check in on our own progress in California expanding safe, fun and welcoming outdoor experiences. Outdoors for All is an ambitious vision to help ALL Californians get outdoors and into nature. As we celebrate California State Parks Week, we’ll check in on our progress. We’ll talk to leaders bringing more people outside through creative new partnerships and discuss how we maintain this movement in uncertain times.
WHAT: Secretary Speaker Series - Outdoors for All; Now More Than Ever
WHEN: Thursday, June 12, 2025, from noon to 1 p.m.
HOW: Register in advance here.
WHO:
- Wade Crowfoot, Secretary, California Natural Resources Agency
- Armando Quintero, Director, California State Parks
- Kindley Lawlor, President & CEO, Parks California
- Jessica Oya, Program Coordinator, Oakland Goes Outdoors
- Sue Bell Yank, Executive Director, Clockshop
- Gloria Sandoval, Deputy Secretary for Access, California Natural Resources Agency
- Nature Champion, Santa Clara County Nature & Health Programs
Celebrate Pride Month with California Natural Resources Agency Through In-person and Virtual Events
Story from: Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division
 The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA), California State Parks and CNRA’s supporting departments invite all to celebrate Pride Month through in-person and virtual events. This year’s CNRA Pride Month theme is “The Power of Pride, Joy and Community,” which honors the strength found in living authentically, the joy that comes from self-expression and the deep connections found through community.
State Parks is proud to support an inclusive and welcoming workplace and parks, where employees as well as visitors feel safe, welcome, and included. As part of this commitment, State Parks celebrates Pride Month, a month dedicated to uplifting and celebrating LGBTQ2S+ voices, lives, contributions, and experiences.
This Sunday, June 8, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area will host a Pride Picnic and Paddle event at Nimbus Flat from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Whether you're LGBTQ+ or an ally, all are welcome to connect, relax, and enjoy nature together and bring snacks, lunch, swimsuit, sunscreen and rainbow gear. For more information on this and other events, visit CNRA’s Pride Month website.
As Pride Month is celebrated across the globe, you can also participate in events in your own communities. Find local LGBTQ2S+ centers to learn more and visit the California Natural Resources Agency.
 Only a Few More Days Left in 'Spring Symphony' Photo Contest
Story from: Andreas Agocs, Communications and Marketing Division
 Spring at Providence Mountains State Recreation Area. Photo from Andrew Fitzpatrick, Inland Empire District.
Our spring photo contest is reaching its home stretch. Under the title “Spring Symphony,” we have been inviting State Parks employees and volunteers to capture the diversity and abundance that California’s state parks offer, especially in spring, a season of contrasts and transitions. So if you haven't done so yet, you still have time until Sunday, June 9, to send us your photos.
Photos for the “Spring Symphony” contest must be taken at one of the 280 California state parks between March 21 and June 9, 2025. If your photos include people who are non-state park employees or volunteers, remember you must have a photo release form.
The rules are simple:
- Only California State Parks employees and volunteers are eligible to participate.
- Send your photos to WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov with the subject line “Spring Symphony.” Provide a brief caption, the name of the state park and a photo credit.
- Photos must be taken between March 21 and June 9, 2025.
- Photos must be taken at one of California’s 280 state parks.
- Photos with images of non-State Parks staff or volunteers must include a filled and signed photo Visual Media Consent form (DPR 993).
- Photos will be judged on quality, uniqueness, the moment captured and content.
- The top five photos chosen will be announced in June and shared on California State Parks’ social media channels and in the Weekly Digest. Photos that didn’t make the top five might also be published on social media.
- Photos will be judged by the Communications and Marketing team (whose members are not eligible to participate in the contest).
- Photo images should be a minimum of 1920×2400 ppi.
Questions? Reach out to us at WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov and we’ll be happy to answer them. If you have a photo contest idea, let us know. And happy exploring!
Tastes of the Trail: Share Your Best Camping Recipes
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
Share your fireside meal favorites with us and help inspire our next great meal under the stars! Photo from California State Parks.
We know many of you love to camp and cook delicious meals that are treasured by family and friends. We want to see the best camp-tested recipes you've whipped up while out in nature.
Whether it's a legendary peach cobbler, a perfectly toasted, gooey s’more, or fire-grilled veggie skewers that belong in the Hall of Flame... share your go-to favorites with us and help inspire our next great meal under the stars.
How to Submit: Send your recipe (photos encouraged) to WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov along with a line or two about why you love it or how you discovered it. And feel free to mention the state park where you love to prepare your legendary entry.
Submission Deadline: June 27, 2025.
Let’s get cooking!
   ADVENTURE OF THE MONTH
Exploring Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, a Central Valley Outdoor Recreation Gem
Story from: Andreas Agocs, Communications and Marketing Division
 Clockwise from top left: Visitors enjoying the view from the Buzzard’s Roost Trail. A picnic site at the south shore day-use area. The marina at Winchell Cove on the south shore. Millerton Lake is a great family destination in the Central Valley. Photos from California State Parks.
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area (SRA), in Fresno and Madera counties, lies in the geographical center of California, where the Sierra Nevada foothills meet the San Joaquin Valley. Millerton Lake was created in 1944 by the construction of Friant Dam, a part of the Central Valley Project that supplies water across the southern San Joaquin Valley to the top agricultural counties in the nation. Today, the reservoir is one of the most popular recreational lakes in the Central Valley, offering visitors a perfect setting for outdoor activities on and off the water, including boating, swimming, hiking and more.
Read the full story about Millerton Lake SRA's outdoor recreation activities, its history and nature on our latest post on the State Parks blog!
 Clockwise from left: State Park Peace Officer (Ranger) Yang wakeboarding on the lake in his off-time. The lifeguarded La Playa swimming beach. Exploring the lake by boat is the perfect way to experience the park. Photos from California State Parks.
 Clockwise from bottom left: A pair of bald eagles, here perched on a foothill pine, are drawn to the park each winter. The park's eastern part offers views of table mountains. The historic Millerton County Courthouse. Millerton Lake SRA was created by the construction of Friant Dam, which supplies water across the southern San Joaquin Valley to the top agricultural counties in the nation. Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
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Dos Rios Opens Additional Trails and Expands Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
 Top left: A scenic view of the pond at Dos Rios. Top right: View of the Tuolumne River from the new Tuolumne River Trail. Bottom right: Visitors learning from a trail guide along the Confluence Trail. Photos from Central Valley District.
Nearly a year after its official opening and just in time for the peak summer season, California State Parks is opening new hiking trails at Dos Rios. Located just 8 miles west of Modesto, California’s newest state park will also host a number of events for the fourth annual California State Parks Week. Nearly 10,000 people have visited Dos Rios since its official opening in June 2024, and the park has steadily increased public access to the approximately 1,600-acre property.
Starting Friday, June 6, five new trails at Dos Rios will be open regularly from Friday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Combined with the previously opened trails, there are more than 16 miles of trails to explore at Dos Rios.
The park will also host the events below for California State Parks Week:
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Celebrating Latino Heritage and Culture at Dos Rios on June 14: From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., come and enjoy live music, a car show, taco truck, traditional Latino artisans, Nature Lotería, art, desserts and more!
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Floodplain Fun Walk or Run on June 15: With newly opened trails along the floodplains, State Parks is bringing together a community of runners/walkers to raise awareness of the benefits of getting outside to support your mental health and general wellbeing. Special 3- and 5-mile routes are exclusive for this event.
To learn more, view our press release.
Inn Fire Ignites at Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
Story and photos from: Mike Rominger, Sierra District
 Superintendent Rich Adams assessing burn damage to the State Parks-owned boardwalk, pictured right, below the county park.
Just prior to the busy Memorial Day weekend, on the afternoon of May 22, the Inn Fire ignited next to Highway 395 across from Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve. Very high, erratic winds caused the fire to jump the highway and grow several hundred acres in a very short time.
The United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, CAL FIRE and local volunteer fire departments quickly responded to combat the blaze. Highway 395 closed and evacuation orders were issued for the fire area. The unit ranger and local wardens assisted the sheriff’s office with the mandatory evacuation, which included the community of Mono City, where many State Parks employees and volunteers reside.
The fire raced into the state natural reserve just before dark, destroying the interpretive boardwalk and signage. The fire also burned around some of the sensitive tufa structures within the protected wetland habitat. As of June 6, the fire is 94% contained and its management has been turned over to Inyo National Forest. The cause of the 728-acre blaze is still under investigation. The Sierra District staff is already working with local cooperators and the Bodie Foundation to fund and plan for the rebuilding of the burned boardwalk.
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park Presents 'Day of the Dad' for Father's Day and Readies Sierra No. 3 for Official Return to Service
Story from: Traci Rockefeller Cusack, T-Rock Communications
Famous Sierra No. 3 ramping up for a return to service. Photo from California State Railroad Museum Foundation.
Excitement is in the air at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown. The park is encouraging families to plan a memorable excursion train ride for Father’s Day on June 15. Rebranded as “Day of the Dad” for the day, fathers taking a train ride will be celebrated with a souvenir sampler glass with a tasting of two of Jamestown’s Bear Tent Brewing beers (for those 21 and over) plus a soft pretzel from Two Acre Farms (while supplies last) to be enjoyed on the deck before departure. A historic locomotive will pull the trains, with departures at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Visit the park's Day of the Dad events website for tickets.
More news for rail fans: Preparations are ramping up to celebrate Sierra No. 3's™ official return to service with a public commemoration on July 12 from 9:30 to approximately 10:15 a.m., followed by boarding for the 10:30 a.m. excursion train. Known as the “Movie Star Locomotive," Sierra No. 3 starred in more than 100 movies and television shows, including "The Virginian," "High Noon," "Little House on the Prairie," "Bonanza," "Gunsmoke," and "Back to the Future III." As Sierra No. 3 is readied for its official return, the public may have the chance to see the steam locomotive in action, witness smoke billowing from the smokestack, and listen to the iconic sounds of the historic locomotive as it steams down the track along the Sierra Railway. For more, please visit www.railtown1897.org.
Deckhands Under Pressure: Orange Coast's Crew Dives Deep for Training
Story from: Nicolas Milward, Orange Coast District
 A group photo of the Surf Watch VII crew. Photo from Orange Coast District.
Orange Coast District conducted its annual deckhand training on May 28, reinforcing its commitment to marine public safety and emergency response readiness. This intensive program united State Parks boat operators and selected deckhands from both the Orange Coast North and South sectors for a day of advanced instruction and practical exercises.
Deckhands in the State Park System are carefully selected for their exceptional lifeguarding skills, strong work ethic, comprehensive medical training, advanced boating expertise and adherence to operational protocols. These dedicated professionals work under the direct supervision of state park peace officer boat operators.
The vessels used by State Parks lifeguards are custom-designed for a wide range of rescue operations along the Southern California coastline. These specialized marine assets are also registered as resources for neighboring agencies, including the United States Coast Guard, with whom State Parks personnel regularly collaborate on training exercises, including search and rescue missions, hoist operations and multi-casualty incident responses. The training program aims to develop highly skilled and adaptable watermen and first responders, prepared for any emergency scenario.
This year’s training emphasized diver emergencies and the critical role deckhands play in these complex situations. The day began with navigation to Catalina Island, where Lifeguard Todd Shanklin delivered a detailed lecture on barotrauma (sudden changes in pressure that can occur while diving) and diver emergency treatment aboard side-tied training vessels at White’s Landing. Following the lecture, deckhands participated in practical exercises alongside members of the State Parks dive team, including Sgt. Nick Milward, Wes Ewart, Cameron Faris and Todd Shanklin.
After completing the dive exercises, the training shifted to the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber, where operators provided in-depth instruction on hyperbaric treatment protocols for barotrauma. The entire Surf Watch crew, comprising 20 personnel, experienced a simulated shallow-depth dive within the chamber, gaining valuable insight into diver physiology and treatment. The crew then observed a touch-and-go training landing by a J-HOC helicopter, highlighting inter-agency preparedness.
State Park Lifeguard II Derric Laub led instruction on damage control and dewatering procedures. Concurrently, Sgt. Milward taught various towing operations, including stern tow techniques and detailed side-tie methods for dewatering. Deckhands then applied these techniques in practical towing exercises.
The day concluded with deckhands skillfully navigating the Surf Watch vessels back to their home harbors, marking the successful completion of a rigorous and highly effective training program. This annual training underscores the State Park Lifeguard Service’s dedication to maintaining a highly skilled, responsive team ready to tackle the diverse challenges of marine safety and emergency response.
 Clockwise from left: Lifeguard II Derric Laub instructs Lifeguard II James Durney on navigation. Todd Shanklin delivers a lecture about barotrauma and diver emergency treatment on the water at Whites Landing. Surf Watch VII docked with a J-HOC helicopter flying overhead. Photos from Orange Coast District.
State Parks Maritime Heritage is a Subject of Award-Winning Underwater Photography
Story from: Ken Kramer, Training Section
 This wooden rowboat is one of many historic sunken boats of Emerald Bay State Park’s “mini-fleet” that are preserved and protected by the Department Maritime Heritage Program, cultural resource specialists and the State Parks dive team.
Underwater photographs of two cultural resources submerged at California state parks won first-place honors in an archaeological photo and video competition held during the 2025 Society for Historical and Underwater Archaeology annual conference in New Orleans earlier this year. The photos were taken by Abbey Dias, assistant diving and boating safety officer at the University of California, Davis – Bodega Marine Lab (UCD-BML) and board member of the nonprofit Sonoma Coast Historical and Undersea Nautical Research Society (SCHUNRS).
UCD-BML and SCHUNRS provide support for a variety of State Parks-wide submerged cultural resource management projects by providing ongoing project collaboration, research, and training. The above photo is titled “Tahoe’s Hidden Legacy: Small Craft at Rest in Emerald Bay.” The photo below is titled "Wreckage Revisited: Diver John Harreld (State Park Volunteer) Through the Rusted Frame of the SS Pomona Boiler.”
 The SS Pomona, which ran aground and sunk off Fort Ross in 1908, is one of several shipwrecks listed on the National Register of Historic Places that are monitored by State Parks' Cultural Resources Division and underwater maritime heritage specialists.
Join the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission in Kings Beach and Tour Locations in Tahoe National Forest
Story from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division
 The California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Commission invites the public for next week’s tour and meeting in the areas of Truckee and Lake Tahoe. The tour locations will be in Tahoe National Forest near Truckee before the Commission meets in Kings Beach, on the north shore of Lake Tahoe.
Members of the public are invited to participate in the tour, which begins at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, at the Tahoe National Forest Ranger Station in Truckee. The tour is expected to last until 3 p.m., with visits to Boca Reservoir, Donner Summit SNO-Park and Indian Springs campground. Participants in the tour are asked to RSVP by Monday, June 9 by calling (916) 902-8598. Please be aware that transportation services may not always be available. If transportation for the tour is provided, seating will be limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
The Commission meeting begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 12 at the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach. Agenda items include updates from the United States Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, along with a presentation of the 2025 OHMVR Commission Program Report.
Full details of the tour and the meeting are available on State Parks’ public notices webpage. Members of the public unable to attend the Commission meeting in person may watch it broadcast live at CAL-SPAN.org. For information about the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, including a list of all nine state vehicular recreation areas and grant programs, visit ohv.parks.ca.gov. California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact 916-324-4442.
Two Months and Counting Until the 75th Anniversary of the California State Park Lifeguard Service Celebration
Story from: Ryan Gates, Orange Coast District
 Just two months to go! The California State Lifeguard Association is hosting a multi-day event at the Orange Coast District to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the California State Park Lifeguard Service, celebrating decades of "Service, Vigilance, and Endurance."
Evening activities from August 3 to 5 include a reception, dinners, awards ceremonies, a history movie and live music, honoring significant contributions. During the day, attendees can participate in various group activities such as golf, pickleball, hiking, surfing and lap swimming, fostering connection among participants.
This milestone celebration is anticipated to be the largest state lifeguard anniversary event yet. Visit the event website to be notified when tickets are available for purchase. Those who submit their interest on the website will be the first ones to be notified when tickets go on sale.
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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
Senior Park and Recreation Specialist (San Francisco) – Apply by June 6: Step into a leadership role as the Sector Manager for the San Francisco Bay Sector, overseeing the iconic Angel Island State Park and Candlestick Point State Recreation Area! You will lead a passionate team in delivering top-tier visitor services, public safety, maintenance, interpretation, and resource management across this dynamic and diverse region. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact while managing one of the most scenic and complex sectors in the Bay Area District of California State Parks. Click here to learn more!
Park Maintenance Worker I (Mill Valley) – Apply by June 12: California State Parks is seeking a dedicated and skilled Park Maintenance Worker I to support the upkeep and preservation of facilities at Mount Tamalpais State Park. This exciting opportunity involves a variety of hands-on work, including structural repairs, trail and road maintenance, and equipment upkeep, while also supporting and helping lead maintenance crews as needed. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the long-term stewardship of park resources and includes a 5% Recruitment and Retention Pay Differential for the Greater Bay Area. Click here to learn more!
Associate Governmental Program Analyst (Sacramento) - Apply by June 13: In this fast-paced role, you will take the lead on initiating facility contracts, coordinating office moves with staff and contractors, and helping to assist the Leasing Program when needed. You will play a key role in managing and distributing surplus items for Business Management Services at McClellan, processing purchase orders and vouchers in Fi$Cal, and handling facility supply purchases. This is a great opportunity to make a real impact at California State Parks. Click here to learn more!
EXAM SPOTLIGHTS
State Park Interpreter Classification Series (Continuous): Looking for a career where you can share stories, inspire curiosity, and connect people to nature and history? Join California State Parks as an Interpreter (I, II, or III)! With parks spanning coastlines, forests, and deserts, Interpreters lead engaging programs like hikes, campfires, and school visits that help visitors experience and appreciate the unique stories of each park. It’s more than a job—it’s a chance to make a lasting impact. Click here for more information.
Park Maintenance Worker I (June 30): Do you have a passion for working with your hands and the great outdoors? As a Park Maintenance Worker I, you will tackle carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry, roofing, and more to maintain and enhance park structures, utility systems, and trails. You may operate and maintain a variety of vehicles and equipment, lead and train a maintenance crew, and may even dive into underwater maintenance tasks. If you're ready to make a tangible impact on California's parks and embark on a rewarding career, apply today to take the assessment! 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! To learn more, find upcoming dates, and get info how to register by clicking here! The next webinar is Wednesday, June 25 at 6 p.m. 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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Upper or lowercase for plants? In general, lowercase the names of plants, but capitalize proper nouns or adjectives that occur in a name. Some examples: tree, fir, white fir, Douglas fir; Scotch pine; clover, white clover, white Dutch clover. If a botanical name is used, capitalize the first word and lowercase others. Scientific names are italicized: red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), blue azalea (Callicarpa americana).
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Apostrophe in farmers market? When you're going shopping at the farmers market, AP style says there's no apostrophe in it. It refers to the plural of farmers, rather than the possessive.
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Federal agency designations: U.S. (not US) is acceptable on first reference. Example: U.S. Coast Guard.
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. We follow our State Parks editorial style guide - available here. For all questions that aren't addressed in our style guide, we follow the Associated Press style and Merriam-Webster.
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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 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Clockwise from left: An oak titmouse perched on a choke cherry, a male house finch enjoying a mustard and a male Brewer's blackbird perched on a pine.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve
Rhododendrons in full bloom.
Photo from K. Pelikan, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District
 Point Sur State Historic Park
I was at Point Sur Lighthouse during a tour for our Accessibility Construction Unit. Staff redid the ADA campsites at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park so they were kind enough to set up a tour of the lighthouse for some of us from District Facilities Management. Everything near the lighthouse looked straight from a painting.
Photo from Kristi Jones, District Facilities Management
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area
I took time off from conducting background investigations to go play at Carnegie with my women's Jeep club.
Photo from Suzanne Matin, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division
 Sacramento Railyards
This photo was taken during a collaborative effort by Public Safety and Restoration Work staff to inspect the roof of the erecting shop in the Capital District. The erecting shop and the boiler shop, often viewed by passing drivers on Interstate 5, are part of the Downtown Sacramento Railyards project. These two buildings were constructed in the late 1800s. Additionally, they provide an indoor space for the storage and maintenance of several locomotives and train cars associated with the California State Railroad Museum.
Photo from Justin Quesada, Capital District
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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, June 7
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The Art of Sleeping on Dirt (Backpacking 101)— Mount San Jacinto State Park, at 3 p.m.:Interested in learning how to backpack but not sure where to start? Looking to carry less weight to have more fun? Join park staff at the Idyllwild Ranger Station for this free class and learn not just the basics of wilderness camping, but how to camp in style! Attendance of this class is required to participate in a guided group campout in Round Valley August 2-3.
Sunday, June 8
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Sonoma SHP - Childrens Day / Día de las Niñez—Sonoma State Historic Park, noon–4 p.m.: A celebration for all ages! Bring the whole family to enjoy games, activities, raffles, and many more surprises. The City of Sonoma is proud to support Children's Day with funding from the City's Recreation and Community Services Program. ¡Una celebración para todas las edades! Vengan todas las familias a disfrutar de juegos, actividades, rifas ¡y muchas sorpresas más.
Wednesday, June 11
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State Parks Week Kick-off Event — Samuel P. Taylor State Park, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.: Join California State Parks, California State Parks Foundation, Parks California, and Save the Redwoods League for a day of fun to kick off California State Parks Week at Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Celebrate community and culture at this historic and popular campground. Expect all kinds of fun programs and events! Hike through an old growth Redwood Grove. Take a guided hike to learn about the local wildlife and learn about the work being done by state parks and our partners to protect the park and its diverse ecosystems.
Explore all California State Park Week Events here.
Also, please note the following California Natural Resources Agency-sponsored events celebrating Pride Month:
Sunday, June 8
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Pride Picnic and Paddle — Nimbus Flat at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Celebrate community in the great outdoors at the Pride Picnic & Paddle! Join us for a joyful day of picnicking, paddling and pride at the beautiful Nimbus Flat at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area on the shores of Lake Natoma. Bring snacks, lunch, swimsuit, sunscreen and rainbow gear! We will kick things off with a lakeside picnic, games, option to kayak or paddleboard. Whether you're LGBTQ+ or an ally, all are welcome to connect, relax, and enjoy nature together. Note: Kayak and paddleboard rentals available at the Sac State Aquatic Center.
Sunday, June 15
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Sacramento Pride March (for state staff) — Southside Park (near 8th & T Street) in Sacramento. March ends at the State Capitol and festival entrance, check in 10-10:30 a.am, march begins at 11 a.m: Join CNRA, CalEPA, CalHHS and fellow state employees as we come together to show our support and pride at the Sacramento Pride March! Last year, more than 100 state staff, their families and friends participated and this year we are aiming for an even bigger presence. Join us!
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June 3, 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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