Lifeguards Recognized for Heroic Actions to Save Lives
Story from: Lindsey Phillips, Training Section, and Brian Staudenbaur, Orange Coast District
 State Parks lifeguards were recently recognized by the California Surf Lifesaving Association and United States Lifesaving Association for two rescues. Top (left to right): Lifeguard I Zoe Chait, Lifeguard IIs Masen Karsten, Sam Mueller, Maddie Gamette, Lifeguard I Steve Ayers and Lifeguard II Brandon Tran. Photos from Michelle Figueroa, Orange Coast District. Bottom: State Park Peace Officer (Lifeguard) Cadet Kailey Bayanat (right) receives her awards from State Parks Superintendent II - Aquatic Specialist Justin McHenry at Butte College during Basic Visitor Services Training. Photo from Lindsey Phillips, Training Section.
At the recent California Surf Lifesaving Association’s (CSLSA's) fall board of directors meeting, several California State Parks lifeguards were recognized with Heroic Act Awards for their extraordinary lifesaving efforts, both offshore and along the California coast.
The honorees — Steve Ayers, Maddie Gamette, Kailey Bayanat, Masen Karsten, Sam Mueller, Brandon Tran and Zoe Chait — demonstrated exceptional courage, professionalism and dedication to public safety during two separate incidents that showcased the skill and commitment of State Parks’ lifeguards.
Rescue: Catalina to Newport Outrigger Race
On Sept. 8, 2024, off-duty State Parks lifeguards Ayers, Gamette, Bayanat, Karsten, Mueller and Tran were serving as race safety for the historic Catalina to Newport outrigger canoe race when a 55-year-old Fijian paddler suffered a heart attack roughly 12 miles offshore.
Hearing the distress call over race communications, the lifeguards, spread across three safety boats, responded swiftly, locating the patient aboard his chase boat. They found him pulseless and not breathing. Acting immediately, all six boarded the vessel and began CPR and advanced life support with high-flow oxygen and an AED.
Amid rough ocean conditions, the team performed continuous compressions for over 35 minutes, timing each downstroke with the swells. Tran coordinated radio communications while the others rotated through CPR and airway support. Choosing to maintain patient care aboard the chase boat rather than risk a dangerous transfer, they navigated toward Newport, continuing resuscitation efforts throughout the journey.
After delivering more than 10 shocks, the team arrived at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department dock, where they regained a pulse and transferred the patient to Newport Beach Fire paramedics. The paddler ultimately made a full recovery and was later flown home to Fiji. Doctors credited the lifeguards’ quick action, endurance and skillful teamwork for saving his life.
The CSLSA and United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) jointly presented the six rescuers with the CSLSA Heroic Act Award and the USLA National Lifesaving Award for their bravery and lifesaving excellence in extreme conditions.
It should be noted that Banayat is a current state park peace officer (lifeguard) cadet and was unable to attend the ceremony in person due to her rigorous academy training as a member of Basic Visitor Services Training 52. She was recognized by Superintendent II-Aquatic Specialist Justin McHenry during firearms training at Wilbur Range in Oroville.
Rescue: Linda Mar Beach, Pacifica
On Nov. 21, 2024, a 911 call was made reporting a surfer in distress at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica. The reporting party indicated the surfer was waving his arms approximately 200 yards from shore and being steadily blown out to sea by strong offshore winds. The U.S. Coast Guard was contacted and launched a vessel from San Francisco Bay, as low clouds, rain and gusting winds made aerial support uncertain. Conditions were harsh, with an air temperature of 57 degrees a water temperature of 55 and south-southeast winds of 23–30 mph, with gusts up to 39 mph pushing directly offshore.
At the same time, Lifeguard I (Seasonal) Zoe Chait happened to be surfing off duty about a quarter mile north of the scene. She noticed emergency vehicles arriving with lights and sirens and initially assumed they were responding to a traffic collision, until she realized all were facing the ocean. Sensing a possible water emergency, Chait paddled to shore, ran to her vehicle, checked PulsePoint for active rescues and confirmed a water rescue at her location. She grabbed her rescue buoy and fins and sprinted roughly a quarter mile down the beach to check in with Fire Incident Command.
Introducing herself as an off-duty State Parks lifeguard, Chait was shown the victim’s position through binoculars by firefighters, who expressed concern about the worsening conditions and limited resources. They asked if she was confident that she could reach the victim. With characteristic calm and determination, Chait assured them she could manage.
Chait entered the water and fought through the heavy inshore surf toward the drifting surfer. By the time she reached him, the victim had been pushed approximately 800 yards from shore. She secured him with her rescue buoy, confirmed he was uninjured and began backstroking toward the beach. Midway through the return, another surfer attached his leash to Chait’s rescue tube and assisted in towing the victim. Near the surf zone, Chait detached from the assisting boards and swam the victim safely through the surf line. Once ashore, the victim, exhausted and hypothermic, was assisted by firefighters and later evaluated by paramedics in the parking lot.
For her quick response, decisive leadership and courageous solo rescue in dangerous weather and sea conditions, Chait was honored with the CSLSA Heroic Act Award.
These rescues exemplify the skill, readiness, and dedication of California’s ocean lifeguards — professionals who uphold the highest standards of lifesaving both on and off duty. The CSLSA and USLA proudly recognized these lifeguards for their heroic actions and unwavering commitment to the humanitarian mission of saving lives in the aquatic environment.
From Drivers to News to Galactic Views - Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area Hosts its 15th Annual Visitor Appreciation Day
Story from: Joleen Ossello, Gold Fields District
 State Parks staff and volunteers pose for a group photo during Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area's 15th Annual Visitors Appreciation Day. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
We asked off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders and drivers at Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area if they were ready to “level up their ride” last weekend at the park’s 15th Annual Visitor Appreciation Day. The event offered visitors a look into exploring their own OHV commitment, from nonprofit advocacy to hare scrambles to quarter midget karting and Ultra4 rock racing. Activities included two nights of camping; a campfire program; and OHV exhibitors such as advocates, racers and competition promoters. There was also a scavenger hunt designed to connect attendees with each exhibitor, a raffle, collage dream board craft, food truck and music.
Staff from State Parks headquarters came out to assist with smiles, alongside staff from Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (SRA), Auburn SRA and the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. A planetary star party with Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society was the final treat, with a 70x-magnified view of Saturn and the far, far away galaxy of Andromeda. The park even hit the spotlight on KCRA3’s Outdoor Explorer news segment.
 Clockwise from left: Horacio Porath and Zakary Adams during the campfire program. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division. Megan Grable, from State Parks' Audits Office, shows off her crafting skills. Amira Bontia, from the Audits Office, Simon Fong, from Information Technology, and friend during the event. Photos from Joleen Ossello, Gold Fields District.
Dos Rios Volunteers in Parks Program Sets the Bar After First Year
Story and photo from: Julian Moran, Central Valley District
 Volunteers remove invasive species at Dos Rios.
The Dos Rios Volunteers in Parks program officially launched on Oct. 5, 2024. One year later, 25 individuals were onboarded as long-term volunteers. Between all volunteers, long-term and short-term, a total of 564 service hours were recorded in the 12-month period. Forty-four percent (248 hours) supported Interpretive programming at Dos Rios, primarily leading and supporting guided walks for the public. Forty-two percent (237 hours) supported natural resources management within the park.
The Dos Rios Trail Stewards volunteers have made great efforts to remove over 600 gallons of invasive plant species (just during the summer months alone), including poison hemlock, puncture vine and milk thistle. Dozens of short-term volunteers from the community have also made contributions to the park, planting native plant species within the park.
In its second year, the program aims to recruit more volunteers and expand its efforts into other park units within the Rivers Sector. For more information about the Dos Rios Volunteer Program, and to complete a volunteer application, please visit the program webpage.
A Heartfelt Tribute to Mike Rominger, Bodie State Historic Park’s 'Lone Ranger'
Story and photos from: Matthew Green, retired chief ranger, Sierra District
 Mike Rominger is the Sierra District's "Swiss Army Knife" and the Lone Ranger at Bodie State Historic Park (top right). Bottom middle: Mike with Matt Green at Bodie.
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank and show my appreciation for my former colleague and friend, Retired Annuitant (RA) Supervising Ranger Mike Rominger. Mike is finishing up what could be his last year with State Parks on Oct. 25. He is currently working as an RA supervising ranger at Bodie State Historic Park (SHP). Mike has logged almost 40 years in state parks, having worked from Santa Cruz all the way to the Sierra District.
I have known Mike since my first days at the Sierra District in 2006 as the Sierra District Public Safety Officer and the Alpine Mono Sector Superintendent II. Mike was working in the Lake Sector, patrolling Lake Tahoe park units such as D.L. Bliss State Park (SP) and Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point SP, and Eagle Point.
As the years passed, Mike went on to work at Donner Memorial SP, supervise Plumas Eureka SP, and eventually supervise the North Sector of the Sierra District. I moved on to different superintendent positions inside and outside of the district but kept an eye on Mike as he skillfully took on every assignment, always keeping a mission-centric direction. I quickly realized that Mike was our “Swiss Army knife” and he could fix or build any operation.
Mike’s superpower is his ability to work as a generalist ranger without compromising his professional skills as a state peace officer. After Mike retired, I realized I needed his skill set to fill vacancies in parks, protect resources and maintain public safety. We utilized him everywhere from Plumas Eureka SP to the Lake Sector, and eventually to Bodie SHP and the Alpine Mono Sector. Mike wasn't just filling a position where there was adequate staffing to survive a summer; he went into operations that were at their bare minimum, making it challenging for any non-retired ranger.
Mike either worked with minimal staff at Bodie SHP or, as is the case today, as the "Lone Ranger" in the Alpine Mono Sector, along with a few dedicated seasonal park aides and maintenance staff. They work in the most extreme environments, from negative-degree temperatures, at 8,500 feet elevation, with a 13-mile drive off Highway 395, the last three miles on a dirt road. The altitude, distance from civilization and weather extremes and after-hours trespass throughout the night are some of the challenges at Bodie, for the staff living in the park and for the rangers who have to respond in all conditions, with assistance arriving on a good day in thirty minutes or, when traveling over snow, if they’re lucky, in three hours.
That is why I wanted to thank Mike for helping protect my favorite park and an irreplaceable part of our collective history. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work with what I believe were the finest rangers in the park system. Some are familiar names, like Scott Elliot, Don Schmidt and Barry Smith, while others might be unfamiliar, like Jim Burke, Tom Cline, Bob Hillis, Laura Itogawa, Jeanne Sisson and Jon Burgasser, to name just a few. I am sure everyone has their hall of fame list, and I was fortunate to work with so many who had greater talent than me and made my life easier. My apologies for the ones I missed, as there were too many to name.
I always knew Mike was going to be part of my hall of fame list because he was a prototype ranger’s ranger who could navigate the public service system, act as a valued public servant, while always being the consummate professional.
So, that’s why I say thank you, Mike Rominger, for everything you’ve done, and we’ll see you on the highway with our trailers.
A Raccoon Rescue by Ranger at Hearst Castle
Story and photos from: Carmen Aurrecoechea, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 A resident raccoon and a historic drainage grate combined for a ranger rescue at Hearst San Simeon State Historic Monument. Left and top right: the raccoon finds itself in a bit of a predicament. Bottom right: State Parks Peace Officer Kelly Hidle to the rescue.
William Randolph Hearst was an animal lover and advocate, holding particular fondness for his pet dachshunds and his private zoo animals on his San Simeon estate, now Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument (Hearst Castle). The natural scenery and wildlife that called it home were all a part of his childhood experience exploring Camp Hill, the future building site of Hearst Castle. This past week, State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) Kelly Hidle embodied the compassion for animals held dear by Mr. Hearst in a successful raccoon rescue.
In the morning hours, staff reporting for duty came across the endearing face peering out from between the steel rebar of a historic drain. After a short period of observation, it became clear that the raccoon was unable to free itself, prompting an alert to rangers. SPPO Hidle arrived, sprang into action and released the raccoon from its constraints using ingenuity and a little help from maintenance staff. It scurried away down the drainage after being released. Thank you, SPPO Hidle, for helping to protect wildlife in California's state parks!
  Jack Frost Has Been a Long-Serving Inspiration for State Parks' Staff and Visitors
Story from: Andreas Agocs, Communications and Marketing Division
 Guide I Jack Frost inside the "Temple of the Forest Beneath the Clouds" at Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park. Photo from Jack Frost.
Monument Guide I Jack Frost has one of the longest tenures in the Northern Buttes District; for more than 25 years, he “has shown exemplary dedication and professional service” to coworkers, visitors, the local community and the countless artifacts at the Weaverville Joss House. His supervisor calls Jack “an inspiration”—and everybody who has ever had the pleasure of taking a tour with him through the “Temple of the Forest Beneath the Clouds” will agree.
We asked Jack to tell us little bit more about himself:
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your role in the department.
A: I work at the Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park (SHP) which highlights the oldest continuously used Chinese Taoist Temple in the United States. I was born at Grand Canyon National Park, where my parents worked. My father transferred to Northern California in 1965 to become Chief of Maintenance at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. In 1966 my mother was hired as a park aide with California State Parks. In 1967 she was hired as the first female state park ranger I (PI) after passing the new civil service exam requirements for that title. My parents’ careers with both National and State Parks provided me with a desire to follow them in park service.
Q: How did you get started in your career field?
A: In 1974 I joined State Parks as a maintenance aide at Angel Island State Park. I worked for three summer seasons, going to college the rest of the year. After graduation from UC Davis, I started working for Pacific International Rice Co. in Sacramento. Their headquarters were just across the street from the West Sacramento State Parks offices. Always keeping my eyes on the parks department, I eventually accepted a position at Shasta SHP as a park interpretive specialist in 1984. I remained at Shasta for the next 16 years before accepting the position of guide I at the Weaverville Joss House SHP where I have worked for the last 25 years.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your role?
A: I have always enjoyed sharing the diverse cultural and natural resources of California with our park visitors. I especially enjoy working with the Chinese families, who still use the Taoist Temple, and the local members of the Cooperating Association presenting the annual Chinese cultural events like Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Last year, for the Year of the Snake, we lit 150,000 firecrackers as part of the traditional celebration. Chinese believe that the noise from the firecrackers drives off evil spirts and starts a new year with good luck. So far, our luck has been very good this year.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you at work?
A: There is never a “typical” day here at the park. One minute I might be presenting a tour with visitors from China or quests form other parts of the world, and the next I might be cutting the lawn or cleaning the restrooms or feeding the koi fish. Mixed in there might be a school group program scheduled for the day or an unscheduled tour bus group arriving for the temple tour.
Q: Can you share a project or accomplishment you're particularly proud of?
A: One of our greatest challenges here at the Weaverville Joss House is interpreting the Chinese written messages found inside the Taoist Temple. It has been an ongoing effort to provide accurate translations of these ancient messages. Working with the Chinese in Northwest America Research Committee, students from San Francisco State [University] Chinese language program and the Ching Chung Taoist Association of America, we have finally obtained an accurate translation of the temple writings. This effort has helped with the publication of several books specific to the Weaverville Joss House SHP. The “Three Chinese Temples In California” has been recognized as a primary source of information about the oldest surviving Chinese temples in California.
Q: Can you share a memorable or fun experience from your time with the department?
A: I have always treated all our park visitors the same. Even if I recognize a celebrity, they receive the same attention and service that everyone else would. Many years ago, while conducting a tour I did recognize a famous visitor. He was not recognized by the other park guests and did not announce who he was, but I did recognize him. I tried my best to include him in conversation along with the other visitors and he thanked me for a wonderful tour before he left. That park visitor was Merle Haggard.
Q: Do you have any advice for new employees or those looking to excel in their careers?
A: Once you commit to a career, stay with it. You may change locations and even job titles, but if you are fortunate to find a career in the field you most enjoy, stay with it and put in the years.
 Jack in front of the "Temple of the Forest Beneath the Clouds" in winter. Photo from Jack Frost.
Nominate An Exemplary Colleague
Do you know of an exceptional State Parks colleague in your field, division, or district, who goes above and beyond in their role? Nominate them for Employee Spotlight! In upcoming issues, the Weekly Digest team will spotlight outstanding employees, sharing insights into their journey, experiences, and wisdom gained during their career at State Parks.
- Specific reasons for why you are nominating them. This could be based on their outstanding achievements, dedication, teamwork, or any other qualities that make them stand out.
- The name of the nominee's supervisor (if you know who that is).
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