Oct. 3, 2025

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Los Angeles State Historic Park

National Custodial Day was Oct. 2. A special shoutout to all State Parks maintenance and facilities workers who keep California's parks running smoothly.

Find more on National Custodial Day on Facebook, Instagram and X., and in our Postcards section, below.

Photo from Marvin Mendez, Angeles District

WHAT'S NEW

Top Unforgettable California State Parks to Visit During the Fall Season

Story from: Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division

California’s state parks have epic fall destinations to visit, including Cuyamaca Rancho, Donner Memorial and Henry W. Coe state parks, and Sunset State Beach. Photos from California State Parks. 

With the temperatures cooling and the changing colors in the foliage, fall is one of the best times to visit California’s 280 state parks for a weekend getaway with friends or a nice family day trip. With its diverse and beautiful varieties of habitat such as deserts, forests, rivers, lakes and beaches, as well as historic sites, California offers a little bit of everything for an autumnal paradise. As California State Parks continues to celebrate the state’s 175th anniversary, we compiled a list of some of the best state parks to take in the crisp air, listen to the rustling leaves and take in the unforgettable sights.

The best fall activities are all outdoors and in the Golden State’s parks. Californians and visitors from around the world can take in the vibrant red, orange and yellow colors of the Sierra, bask in the sunset along the coast, camp under the stars in the deserts or ride the off-highway vehicle trails. We picked a handful of iconic state parks destinations to escape to this season.

Some of the parks include:

• Donner Memorial State Park (SP): Located conveniently just off Interstate 80 in Truckee in the scenic Sierra Nevada and on the shore of Donner Lake, the park has over 8 miles of hiking trails and a visitor center that features compelling exhibits illuminating the emigrant experience, the Donner Party, the Land of the Washoe, Chinese construction of the railroad, and early motoring adventures over nearby Donner Pass. The trail in Coldstream Canyon in the south of the park contains the alignment of the primary Emigrant Trail and contains aspen tree stands with abundant, colorful fall foliage.
• Henry W. Coe SP: With 87,000 acres of scenic hills and mountain ridges in the Diablo Range, this largely undeveloped park welcomes backpackers, equestrians, mountain bikers, day-hikers and anyone seeking solitude in a nearly untouched setting. Fall is a particularly good time to visit, with temperate days, cool nights and a chance to enjoy the color of the turning leaves.
• Cuyamaca Rancho SP: San Diego County is known for its diverse landscapes: coast, inland, mountains and desert. Nowhere is that concept more apparent than at Cuyamaca Rancho SP. Standing atop the pine-strewn pinnacle of Cuyamaca Peak at 6,512 feet, one can look west and watch the ocean disappear over the horizon, then turn around and gaze east at the immense but tantalizing deserts of neighboring Anza-Borrego Desert SP. Roughly 40 miles east of the city of San Diego, Cuyamaca is the ancient stronghold of the Kumeyaay people during California’s colonization. The park features more than 100 miles of trails throughout 24,700 acres, and many of those are multi-use trails where mountain bikers and horseback riders are welcome alongside hikers. The change of the foliage colors of the various trees during the season makes it a must-visit in the fall.
• Point Dume State Beach: Representing the picturesque appeal of Malibu, this beach and natural area feature breathtaking cliffs, headlands and rocky coves. Popular visitor amenities include swimming, surfing, scuba diving and wildlife watching. Though small, the natural preserve within the state beach provides habitat for a surprising amount of wildlife. A visitor may encounter coyotes, skunks, raccoons, ground squirrels and rabbits in broad daylight. The incredible vistas offer an opportunity to view sea lions, harbor seals and dolphins in the surf only a few dozen feet away. The location is also known for filming and has been featured in productions including "Iron Man," "Planet of the Apes" and "Days of Our Lives."

Read all the parks that made the list in our latest blog post. 

FIELD REPORT

State Parks Lifeguards Recognized for Saving a Life

Story and photo from: Ryan Steele, Gold Fields District

Seasonal Lifeguards II Brendan Farfan (left) and Nate Sheren hold their Field Save coins awarded to them for their lifesaving efforts. 

State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Hayden Mack witnessed a major traffic collision just outside the Granite Bay unit of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area on Sept. 22. Officer Mack requested additional units from State Parks and allied agencies. Gold Fields District Superintendent Mike Howard, SPPO Sergeant Eric Dales, SPPO Javier Garza, Seasonal Lifeguard II Nate Sheren and Seasonal Lifeguard II Brendan Farfan all assisted on scene, in addition to first responders from South Placer Fire District, the California Highway Patrol, and the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.

The driver of the vehicle appeared to have had a major medical emergency, leading to the traffic collision. CPR was initiated on the patient with immediate transport to a local hospital. Sheren and Farfan performed CPR on scene and Sheren continued in the ambulance. One week later, the patient walked out of the hospital, having survived the medical emergency and traffic collision. 

On Oct. 1, South Placer Fire District Chief Mark Duerr and Division Chief James Magnuson, presented Sheren and Farfan with their agency’s Field Save coin award. The Field Save coin is presented for lifesaving efforts that result in saving a patient’s life within the fire district’s area of operation. The fast response and coordinated team effort of all agencies involved was attributed to the successful lifesaving and recovery of the patient.

Jane Goodall's 2014 California Visit Involved State Parks Staff

Story and photo from: Steve Ptomey, Great Basin District

Jane Goodall in 2014 with Steve Ptomey (at the time state park interpreter III, now Great Basin District chief of cultural resources).

Eleven years ago, staff from Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park (SHP) and AmeriCorps assisted with operational support for a lecture at Bakersfield College by Dr. Jane Goodall, the world-renowned primate researcher, who passed away on Oct. 1. Colonel Allensworth SHP had just started a new rotation with an AmeriCorps team when the park received a request from Krista Mooreland, an anthropology professor at Bakersfield College (and former college classmate), for assistance at the planned lecture by Dr. Goodall in 2014.

The AmeriCorps team volunteered to work after hours to be ushers, microphone handlers and provide general crowd control at the event. Uniformed park staff also assisted with the event and had an opportunity to perform outreach for recruitment and provide a community presence at what was the major event for Bakersfield that year.  

It was a very long day for the team but a great investment in collaborating with our local communities, and getting the opportunity to spend a few hours with Dr. Goodall created a priceless memory.

Candlestick Point State Recreation Area’s Third Annual Kite Day Soars

Story from: Lisa Whitmer, Bay Area District

Clockwise from top: The crowd at Candlestick Point State Recreation Area’s third annual Kite Day. Kite Day revelers show off their decorated kites. State Parks staff and partners pose, from left to right: Veronica Silva Miranda (Parks California) and Bay Area District staff Casey Lee, Hillary Colyer, Cynthia Pu, Briana Edward, Bart Grant, Francesca Kocks, Lisa Whitmer, Kourtney Boone and Kaylie Williams. Photos from Parks California.

Over 1,500 people shared the simple joy of flying a kite at Candlestick Point State Recreation Area's (SRA’s) third annual Kite Day on Sept. 6. Generously funded by Parks California, this year’s event was the largest gathering Candlestick has seen in recent years, one that spotlights the renaissance underway at our park.

On this beautiful day, people of all ages decorated kites before letting them soar in the afternoon San Francisco winds. Eventgoers took turns on our smoothie bike, blending orange juice and frozen berries into delectable drinks. Families played tug of war and ate delicious tacos from El Fuego, bobbing their heads to the funky beats of DJ BeatsMe.

A dynamic group of local organizations offered attendees a smorgasbord of experiences. Literacy for Environmental Justice hosted fishing workshops on our pier. The Bay Area Face Painters adorned children’s gleeful faces with flowers, intricate patterns, hearts and even spiders. Tree Frog Treks introduced visitors to bearded dragons and pythons. The Bayview branch of the San Francisco Public Library offered free books in both English and Spanish. The Wild Oyster Project, the Crosstown Trail and the California State Parks Foundation showcased meaningful ways to engage with urban nature. Local nonprofits Faces SF and BMagic shared the programs and services they provide our community.

We are so grateful to all of our partners, but especially Parks California, for bringing so much joy to our community. And big thanks to California State Parks staff from all over the Bay Area District for lending hands and smiles to make Candlestick Point SRA's third annual Kite Day such a soaring success!

The Power of Partnerships: State Park and Recreation Commission Tour Highlights the Bright Future of Delta Parks

Story from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division

Participants during the recent State Park and Recreation Commission tour of park sites in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Photo from Cameron Morrison, Diablo Range District.

Clouds and a few raindrops may have obscured parts of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta landscape but they could not hide the power of California State Parks’ partnerships working to bring improved experiences to visitors. The State Park and Recreation Commission hosted a tour of Brannan Island State Recreation Area (SRA), the Delta Meadows Property and the Locke Boarding House on Sept. 24; each site showing how partnerships are making a difference in the Delta with help from funding available through the Waterways Connection Initiative (WCI).

Beginning at Brannan Island SRA, over 50 State Parks staff, commissioners and members of the public learned about a successful arrangement allowing a concessionaire to provide most services to operate the 300-acre park, which includes campgrounds and a boat launch providing quick access to the Sacramento River. Diablo Range District Planner Megan Harrison explained how funding made possible through WCI has district staff working toward many improvements for the park, including a pavilion to serve as a welcome center and outdoor education area, a new interpretative trail highlighting the history and importance of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and upgrades to campground and boating facilities.

Other partnerships are also helping to make improvements and grow visitation to Brannan Island SRA. Nicholas Mueller, director for Greater Valley Conservation Corps (GVCC), and a member of the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, explained how state park projects are not only improving visitor experiences but providing job training for the members of his and other youth corps. During his remarks, corps members were seen working nearby to rebuild fencing along the park’s roadways.

Bryan Dugan, a park maintenance worker from Diablo Range District, described a project recently completed with the assistance from State Parks’ Mott Training Center, which also enlisted the help of youth corps members. Two crews were assembled to upgrade two restroom buildings with new composition shingle roofing and to install inverter solar panels.

Traveling by caravan, participants paused for lunch at the Delta Meadows Park Property, adjacent to the town of Locke. District Cultural Resources Manager Amanda Blosser explained the history of the property, which was cobbled together through several acquisitions from 1985 to 1999, totaling 519 acres. The WCI is being used as a funding mechanism to classify the property and develop its general plan.

Participants were led on a short hike along a former railroad line perched on a levy protecting the town of Locke. Park aides Logan Currin and Max Ulman described their work in providing interpretive programs at Delta Meadows and Brannan Island SRA, including birding walks, a safe recreational boating program and a learning-to-canoe program.

The tour ended at nearby Locke Boarding House, purchased by State Parks in 2005 and managed in partnership with the Locke Foundation. Stuart Walthall, chairman of the foundation, welcomed participants and mentioned that through the work and dedication of Currin and Ulman, the boarding house had recently expanded its public hours to include Fridays. Blake Roberts, a program manager with the Delta Protection Commission, one of three state agencies providing oversight of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, presented information about the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area (NHA), approved by Congress in 2019. Spread across 1,237 square miles, the NHA supports historic preservation, natural resources conservation, recreation, heritage tourism and educational projects through public-private partnerships.

The Commission met in West Sacramento the following day. Commissioners reviewed nominations for the 2024 Golden Bear Awards, approved six memorial grove resolutions and approved a concession contract at Sonoma State Historic Park. Diablo Range District Superintendent Clint Elsholz provided a report on the Diablo Range District and commissioners received an update on State Parks’ 2025-26 budget from Administrative Services Deputy Director Crystal Flores. A full recording of the Commission meeting is available through CAL-SPAN.

Clockwise, from top left: Diablo Range District Superintendent Clint Elsholz talks about the future of cabins for overnight stays at Brannan Island SRA with assistance from Logan Currin. Park Maintenance Worker I Bryan Dugan describes a roofing and solar project at the SRA. Eddie Hard, from the Division of Boating and Waterways, explains the impact of invasive species currently inhabiting the SRA’s marina to (from left) State Parks Director Armando Quintero and commissioners Christina Jaromay and Jeff Williams. Corps members work on installing a fence. Nicholas Mueller, director for GVCC, explains the career opportunities for corps members. Photos from Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division.

Clockwise from top left: District Representative Nicole Cuellar-Nelson (back row, left), from the office of Senator Christopher Cabaldon, Field Representative Lisette Jones (back row, right), from the office of Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, and staff service analysts Sidney Short (front row, left) and Evonne Luu from State Parks’ Legislative Office. Campbell Ingram, executive officer from Delta Conservancy, explains the agency’s role. Park aides Logan Currin and Max Ulman explain their efforts to expand interpretation programs at Delta parks. Diablo Range District Planner Megan Harrison talks about the future of Delta Meadows. Blake Roberts, program manager for the Delta Protection Commission, explains the importance of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta NHA. Commissioner Tom Huntington speaks with Stuart Walthall, chairman of the Locke Foundation. Photos from Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division.

2025 Smith River Kayak Program: A Record-Breaking Summer

Story and photos from: Elizabeth McKisson, North Coast Redwoods District

Tandem kayaks floating on the blue-green water of the Smith River.

The 2025 Smith River Kayak Program on the Wild and Scenic Smith River has officially wrapped and we are thrilled to report a highly successful year. This season, the Redwood National and State Parks team doubled its program offerings by running the guided kayak tour twice a week, providing more opportunities for visitors to experience one of the most pristine rivers in the lower forty-eight states.

This expansion was made possible by the dedication of our seasonal staff. Before the season began, we hosted a preseason training for several national park and state park employees. Their support was crucial to building capacity, allowing State Park Interpreters I Kyle Buchanan and Lizzie McKisson to double the program’s frequency and reach.

By starting the program earlier in the season, in mid-June, and running it through July, we were able to share this unforgettable experience with 180 visitors. The three-hour program consisted of a mandatory safety talk, a 2-mile float, including Class II rapids, and an optional hike through the old-growth redwood forest in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. We are delighted with the program’s success and hope to keep expanding our offerings, providing even more opportunities for visitors next summer.

Park visitors Kaitlin Johnson and Sasha Keller paddle through a rapid while participating in the 2025 Smith River kayak program offered in Redwood National and State Parks. 

Employee Spotlight: Katie Freehling

Story from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division

At Fonts Point in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Photo from Katie Freehling. 

This week, the spotlight is on Katie Freehling, from the Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS). Her coworker, Nicky Lambert, said, “Katie is a positive, thoughtful and dedicated staff member and is such asset to our office, applicants and grantees. When talking to Katie it is apparent that she is not only passionate about assisting communities address their park, recreation and resource needs but everything parks, recreation and nature. Her energy is electric and she is always such a ray of sunshine for our office.”

To know a little bit more about Katie, we asked her a few questions:

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your role in the department. 
A: I work in the Office of Grants and Local Services as a project officer. This means I get to administer funds that help build parks across California. In addition to state projects, our office provides funding to local agencies to ensure all Californians have meaningful connections to outdoor recreation.

Q: How did you get started in your career field?
A: I started my journey with State Parks in the Office of Community Involvement, a unit that trains youth and community organizations how to use the outdoors as a wellness and community building tool. I was in the middle of a career shift and when I saw I could get paid to help others fall in love with the great outdoors, I was like, "Sign me up!" The Office of Community Involvement and OGALS are in the same division, so I learned about the grants office and felt its work aligned perfectly with my long-term career goals.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your role? 
A: As a project officer, it's my job to support agencies from application through grant close-out. Working with local agencies to solve problems and demystify complicated grant requirements brings me so much joy. Watching a vacant parcel of land transform into a beloved community park is a special kind of magic!

Q: Can you share a project or accomplishment you're particularly proud of? 
A: Our team was responsible for supporting 15 local agencies through last year’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership national competition. We worked one-on-one with applicants to make sure they were putting their best foot forward in the national competition. It was our team’s first grant round and we really didn't know what to expect. All 15, 100% of the projects, won awards for a total of $95 million in funding. My mind was blown! Calling the agencies we'd worked with to let them know they'd been selected was a really special moment.

Q: Do you have any advice for new employees or those looking to excel in their careers?
A: Shoot your shot! Ask questions and start building connections and a network of people related to where you want to be. If you don't know where to start, I highly recommend the State Parks Mentorship Program. There are so many awesome professionals who want to help you realize your career goals.

NOW HIRING

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 Manager I (Sacramento)—Apply by Oct. 7: The Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) is seeking a skilled and motivated Staff Services Manager I to lead fiscal and administrative operations supporting statewide grant programs. In this role, you will oversee a dedicated team and manage critical functions including budgeting, contracts, personnel, and officewide procedures. This is a great opportunity for a strong leader with excellent judgment and a passion for public service to make a statewide impact. Apply today! Click here to learn more.

Automobile Mechanic (San Clemente)—Apply by Oct. 7: Join us as an Automobile Mechanic at the District Headquarters in beautiful San Clemente, California. In this role, you will work alongside the Heavy Equipment Mechanic to keep our fleet in top shape through regular maintenance, equipment repairs, engine work, and troubleshooting, all while ensuring a high standard of safety and reliability. Click here to learn more.

Construction Supervisor II (Sacramento/San Diego)—Apply by Oct. 9: California State Parks is seeking a qualified Construction Supervisor II to manage and coordinate complex construction projects for buildings and facilities throughout the state. This exciting position provides oversight of project execution, ensures compliance with CEQA, Historic Building Codes, and environmental regulations, and may supervise or perform on-site inspections. The role requires travel to park units statewide and a valid California driver’s license. Click here to learn more.

EXAM SPOTLIGHTS 

Historian Classification Series (Oct. 31): Interested in preserving California’s rich and diverse history? The Historian classification series with California State Parks offers the opportunity to research, document, and protect the state's cultural and historical resources. Whether you're managing historical collections, or consulting on preservation projects, taking a Historian assessment is your first step toward a rewarding career helping tell the stories of California’s past for future generations.  Click here for more information.

State Archaeologist Classification Series (Nov. 30): The State Archaeologist series includes roles focused on the discovery, evaluation, and preservation of California’s archaeological and cultural resources. These exciting roles may involve field surveys, excavations, research, policy development, and collaboration with other agencies to manage and protect cultural sites and materials. Take the assessment to help safeguard California’s heritage and support meaningful cultural resource management. 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 help you with the hiring process and answer your questions. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and take the first step toward your dream career! To learn more, find upcoming dates, and get info on how to register, click here! The next webinar is Wednesday, Oct. 8, from noon to 1 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!

LIVE THE PARKS LIFE IN STYLE

Style time! Here are this week's tips to help spread the word about our departmentwide style guidelines:

• century: Hyphenate when used as an adjective with a number (e.g., the 20th-century masterpiece was worth a great deal). Do not hyphenate when used as a noun (e.g., The 20th century was an exciting era.) 
• public: Collective noun but use with singular verb. Example: The public is invited to Colonel Allensworth's Rededication event on Oct. 11.
• year-round: always hyphenate.

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. 

POSTCARDS

Mather

State Parks participated in the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services' Family Day this past week in Sacramento County. Representatives from the Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW), Interpretation and Education Division, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division (LEESD) and its K-9 Program were in attendance. From left to right: Joleane King, DBW; Melissa Miranda, DBW; Taylour Unzicker, OHMVR Division; LEESD Assistant Chief Mike Gleckler; Sterling Frank, OHMVR Division; and State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguard) Tom Cunningham with K-9 Doc.

Photo from Mike Gleckler, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area

Todd Lewis (Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, right) directs Park Maintenance Worker I Brian Bynum on how to set up an autonomous drone mission to collect photo points for the park. These photo points will be documented at least once a year and will be used to monitor changing conditions in the park, as well as to showcase the incredible rehab work conducted by the park's staff over the years. The park's natural resources staff are excited about this update to our monitoring program.

Photo from Elizabeth Gutberlet, Diablo Range District

Los Angeles State Historic Park

Facilities Development Team for the win! The park's Facilities Development Team keeping 32 acres of green space, well, green.

Photos from Marvin Mendez, Angeles District

Providence Mountains State Recreation Area 

A curious Mojave desert tortoise dropped by the visitor center two days in a row. 

Photo from Joseph Dahlin, Inland Empire District

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park 

Clockwise from top: A California fuchsia flower. White alder leaves floating on water. A few Sierra gooseberry leaves. What I like about all three of these photos is how simple and quiet they are.

Photos from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

San Buenaventura State Beach

A great blue heron balancing with nature.

Photo from Zachary Dingman, Channel Coast District

Border Field State Park

The silver garden orbweavers have sensed the arrival of October and come out in full force at the Tijuana River Estuary.

Photos from Victoria Bok, San Diego Coast District

Burleigh H. Murray Ranch Park Property

On a recent guided walk there was a bit of drizzle. Actually a lot of drizzle.
Not too many birds, but a good day for spiderwebs.

Photo from Ginny Conboy, volunteer, Santa Cruz District volunteer

Grover Hot Springs State Park

Just some cool clouds over the park. 

Photo from Oscar Vasquez, Information Technology Division

McClellan

The Commemorative Air Force North American Aviation B-25 J Mitchell “Maid in the Shade” (top) and Boeing B-17 G Flying Fortress “Sentimental Journey” (bottom) stopped at McClellan Park (formerly McClellan Air Force Base, parts of which are now home to the Statewide Program Support Center) during the Sacramento leg of their 2025 Flying Legends of Victory Tour. Both aircraft saw combat during World War II and are over 80 years old. Thousands of these aircraft passed through McClellan during World War II. Today only a handful of them still survive. Only five airworthy B-17s still exist and only 34 B-25 J models are still flying in the world. These two aircraft were meticulously restored by the Commemorative Air Force and continue making history in the skies.

Photos from Joseph Sebastian, Cultural Resources Division

Sue-meg State Park

Our last post for the season as we return home after our 12th season as volunteer hosts. Goodnight from Sue-meg!

Photo from Kevin and Pauline Manning, North Coast Redwoods District camp hosts

Auburn State Recreation Area

Autumn has settled over the park. The vibrant riverbanks of summer, once alive with laughter and sunlight, now dream beneath veils of rain and drifting fog, while the bridge keeps silent watch above the mist.

Photo from Jessica Sears, Gold Fields District

Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument

Main terrace pond at Hearst Castle during sunset.

Photo from Jason Rule, San Luis Obispo Coast District

UPCOMING EVENTS

Here are some upcoming State Parks events. For a list of more upcoming events, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/events. 

Saturday, Oct. 4

• Frontier Army Days — Fort Tejon State Historic Park, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Come join us for a trip back in time to 1856 at Fort Tejon State Historic Park. Experience the life and times of dragoon soldiers, as well as civilians. See a mountain howitzer cannon demonstration and volunteers and staff dressed up as if they just stepped out of a photograph. Event is free. Parking is $10 per vehicle, free with a 4th grade Adventure pass.

Sunday, Oct. 5

• Birding in the Oak Forest — Caswell Memorial State Park at 9 a.m.: Join us at Caswell Memorial State Park for a relaxing morning of birding in the majestic oak forest. The walk starts at 9 a.m. and will last 1.5 hours. On this 1-mile stroll we are likely to see many different birds such as bushtits, woodpeckers and raptors soaring up above. Park in the last parking lot and meet at the River Bend trailhead. Loaner binoculars will be provided for those who don’t have them. Applying sunscreen and mosquito repellent is highly recommended. Day use fee applies, but the guided walk is free.

Friday, Oct. 10

• Shasta Union Cemetery - Beneath the Autumn Moon Cemetery Tour — Shasta State Historic Park at 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m.: The public is invited to tour the Shasta Union Cemetery on Friday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 11. These tours will explore the lives and deaths of pioneers of Shasta that are buried there. Four tours will be offered from 6:30 to 8 PM and will last approximately 30 minutes. Space is limited to 30 people per tour and reservations are required. Admission is $5 per person. Please call the Courthouse Museum at 530-243-8194, to reserve a space. Visitors are asked to bring a flashlight and to wear sturdy shoes as there are uneven pathways. The tours will leave from the steps of the Courthouse Museum.

Saturday, Oct. 11

• Colonel Allensworth Rededication Celebration: Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park (SHP) will celebrate its Annual Rededication on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s event is part of California State Parks’ yearlong celebration of the Golden State’s 175th anniversary of statehood and will be co-sponsored by the California State Parks Foundation. Visitors will be able to enjoy a day of history and culture with live music, dancing, historical reenactments and speakers. The event will also host a variety of food vendors and merchandise available for purchase. This year, visitors will also have a special travel option: Amtrak San Joaquins is adding a stop at the park, making it easier than ever to join the celebration. Read more here.

Also note these upcoming CNRA-sponsored event celebrating Latino Heritage Month:

• Saturday, Oct. 4, 8:30–11 a.m.: Vamos al Salton Sea! Celebrando Cultura y Naturaleza. Location: Salton Sea. Species Conservation Habitat (SCH) Project, 6098 Poe Road, Brawley. he California Salton Sea Management Program team is excited to invite you to explore an active restoration project at the Salton Sea. Join us to tour the Species Conservation Habitat (SCH) Project, at the south end of the Sea, to learn more details about the project, view the wildlife and habitat features, get more insight about the project infrastructure, and hear more about the future project expansion.
• Monday, Oct. 6, Secretary Speaker Series: Honoring Latino Heritage Through Nature, Outdoor Recreation, and Community Engagement — Virtual Event, noon–1 p.m.: Join us for a powerful webinar celebrating the leadership, stories and contributions of Latino trailblazers and visionaries who are shaping meaningful connections to nature and the outdoors. At a time when federal immigration actions have left many Latinos feeling fearful and uncertain about enjoying outdoor spaces, this conversation offers hope, resilience and inspiration. We will uplift leaders who are honoring heritage, breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities for nature, recreation and community connection. Together, we will explore how Latino heritage is deeply and beautifully tied to land, and how these traditions continue to guide us toward a healthier, more inclusive future outdoors. Registration

• Wednesday, Oct. 8, 6–4 p.m.: Art Moving Forward: Heritage, Hues, and Heart. Location: 230 Blair St, Calexico. The Salton Sea Management Program is partnering with Imperial Valley Equity and Justice Coalition to host a family‑friendly arts gathering. Immerse yourself in colorful exhibits by talented local artists from the Imperial Valley. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and celebrate this region’s artistry.

• Thursday, Oct. 9, check-in at 6 p.m., movie starts at 7 p.m.: Movie Night featuring “Coco.” Location: Old Sacramento State Historic Park, 1000 Front Street, Sacramento. Join us under the stars for a magical outdoor screening of the Academy Award winning animated feature “Coco” about the celebration of family, music and memory. Downtown Sacramento Partnership organizes Movies Under the Stars series at Old Sacramento State Historic Park.

NEWS RELEASES

Oct. 1, 2025

• Top Unforgettable California State Parks to Visit During Fall

Oct. 3, 2025

• State Agencies Highlight New Measures to Combat Golden Mussels Following Detection at San Luis Reservoir

NEWS CLIPS

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 500 words. Articles may be edited for space.

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.