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 Dec. 12, 2025
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 Silver Strand State Beach
A "super cold moon" rises above San Diego Bay.
Photo from Victoria Bok, San Diego Coast District
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CA 175 Photo Contest: Meet the Five Grand Prize Winners!
Story from: Kai Levato, Communications and Marketing Division
 As part of the celebration of California’s 175th anniversary of statehood, California State Parks held a special photo contest to honor the timeless beauty, natural wonder, and the people who care for California’s 280 state parks. For six weeks starting on Sept. 9, the date of the 175th anniversary, hundreds of Californians submitted their top photos from a state park for the CA 175 photo contest. (Editor's note: this is different from our quarterly Weekly Digest photo contest, and State Parks staff were not eligible for this contest). After carefully reviewing the submissions, State Parks selected the winning photos and shared them on our social media platforms! Each photo tells a unique story, draws you in with detail, and leaves you in awe with the power of nature.
These photos highlight the many different people, places, plants, and animals that call California home. Out of the hundreds of submissions, a panel of judges selected five grand prize winners in the following categories: Landscapes and Legacy, Living Wonders, A Space for All, A Wild Ride and Heroes and Helpers.
Read about what the grand prize winners said about their photos and check out the people's choice winners in our blog post.
  Find nomination forms and program guidelines here.
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ADVENTURE OF THE MONTH
Chino Hills State Park: The 'Island' That Became a Connector
Story from: Andreas Agocs, Communications and Marketing Division
 Chino Hills State Park's grasslands and oak trees are protected by ridgelines from busy freeways enveloping it. Photo from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
Surrounded by freeways at the junction of four of California’s most populous counties — Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernadino and Riverside — the rolling grasslands and woodlands of Chino Hills State Park (SP) can seem like an island of tranquility amid the urban sea of Southern California. Yet Chino Hills SP's transformation from an "island" to a corridor plays a pioneering role in State Parks history.
Chino Hills SP was established through the grassroots efforts by Hills for Everyone, a local conservation group, often against the backdrop of land-use battles to fend off development including an international airport, freeway expansions, a sewage treatment plant and lucrative housing developments proposed along its ridgelines. Incremental acquisitions since 1986 linked Chino Hills SP to the 31-mile-long Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. However, the park was still an “island,” isolating its wildlife from larger habitat, leading to inbreeding and a decline of top-level predators such as mountain lions. The ripple effect threatened the very biodiversity Chino Hills was created to preserve.
Following the recommendations of a groundbreaking biological study, the nonprofit Wildlands Conservancy and other entities raised millions of dollars in funds to purchase two undeveloped but expensive, privately-owned parcels of land to link the corridor to the Santa Ana Mountains at Coal Canyon, separated by the Riverside Freeway (State Route 91). It was the first time a State Parks property was purchased not for its intrinsic qualities but for its value as connecting habitat. In another first, Caltrans removed its Coal Canyon off-ramps for the benefit of wildlife. The decommissioned underpass under the freeway now links the protected lands — and wildlife gene pools — in the 40,000-acre Puente-Chino Hills and the 472,000 acres of the Cleveland National Forest in the Santa Ana Mountains.
Read the full story on the State Parks blog.
 Top: The establishment of the Coal Canyon Biological Corridor linked the habitats of the Puente-Chino Hills with the much larger area of the Cleveland National Forest in the Santa Ana Mountains. Bottom left: An exhibit in the park's Discovery Center. Bottom right: The decommissioned freeway underpass is now used by wildlife. Photos from Kimberley Milruya, Communications and Marketing Division.
 A mountain lion (top left), bobcat (top right), a gray fox (bottom left) and a family of California quail (bottom right) are captured on the Coal Canyon Trail camera. Photos from Kenneth Gordon, Inland Empire District.
State Parks Marks One Year Since Devastating Bidwell Mansion Arson Fire
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
 State Parks Director Armando Quintero and first responders and investigators from multiple agencies including State Parks marked the anniversary in a solemn ceremony. Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
One year after an arson fire severely damaged the Bidwell Mansion on Dec. 11, 2024, the Northern Buttes District held a recognition ceremony at Chico State University this past Thursday. Director Armando Quintero was there to recognize a multi-agency investigative team comprising of State Parks, CAL FIRE, Chico Police Department, Chico Fire Department, University Police Department at Chico State, the Sacramento Sierra Regional Arson Task Force and the Butte County District Attorney’s Office. The work of these first responders and the thousands of hours into the investigation led to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist earlier this year.
The Northern Buttes District temporarily opened the visitor center and gift shop at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park from Dec. 11-13 to commemorate this solemn anniversary and to allow the public to learn about the effort that began in September.
The planning effort will continue through next year and result in a vision plan that will integrate extensive community, tribal and stakeholder engagement with technical feasibility and existing conditions studies to identify the best path forward for the park. Please visit for the latest updates.
Vegetation Management Project Helps Reduce Wildfire Risk at Mount Diablo State Park
Story from: Aurora Cartagena, Diablo Range District
 Photos of an area in Mount Diablo State Park before (left) and after a remote mastication operation. Photos from Cameron Morrison, Diablo Range District.
With funding from the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, vegetation management company BurnBot completed remote mastication work on 20 acres of dense shrubland along Knobcone Road and Blackhawk Ridge Road at Mount Diablo State Park in October. Using robotic equipment, crews reduced hazardous vegetation to support multiple goals: improving habitat for the Alameda whipsnake, preparing the area for future prescribed fire efforts approved under the California Vegetation Treatment Program, and slowing potential wildfire spread.
The work focused on reducing ladder fuels and removing dead and dying vegetation, while intentionally leaving behind living “green” shrub islands to help break up fire pathways and maintain habitat value. This project was especially complex. The area is both culturally and ecologically sensitive, with documented Native American history, rare plant species, challenging terrain and protected wildlife present. Through close coordination among dedicated staff, partner agencies and tribal stakeholders, the project was carefully scoped, planned and successfully completed in just 10 weeks.
Thank you to all the partners who made this work possible:
- BurnBot, Inc.
- Confederated Villages of Lisjan Nation
- Northern Valley Yokut Ohlone Tribe
- San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District
- Sequoia Ecological Consulting, Inc.
- Wilton Rancheria
- XyloPlan
Forklift Operator Certification Training Strengthens Safety and Compliance in the San Diego Coast District
Story and photos from: John McCaull, San Diego Coast District
 Clockwise from top: State Parks Safety Officer Lance Chi leads a safety briefing with participating San Diego Coast District staff before beginning their hands-on forklift evaluations. A participant drives a forklift through a cone-marked course while Chi observes and evaluates operational technique. A San Diego Coast District employee operates a forklift to load stacked pallets into the bed of a pickup truck while another staff member stands nearby providing guidance.
This month, the San Diego Coast District hosted a hands-on forklift operator certification training, which served as the second phase of a two-part program designed to help staff meet Cal/OSHA requirements and operate forklifts safely and confidently. The training was led by State Parks Safety Officer Lance Chi, with support from Park Maintenance Chief III Jodi Whelchel. The program continues to expand districtwide access to hands-on technical and safety trainings.
The first session, held virtually, introduced participants to essential standards, operating procedures and best practices. The in-person follow-up brought those lessons into the field, allowing staff to complete their required operational evaluations. Four employees from the San Diego Coast District participated in the onsite assessments, each demonstrating safe handling, precision maneuvering and a strong understanding of workplace safety protocols.
"Forklift certification is a major priority for Cal/OSHA, but more importantly it is about keeping our employees safe," said Chi. "This training ensures that our staff not only meet regulatory expectations but also feel confident operating heavy equipment the right way."
Chi spent the week providing safety trainings in Orange Coast District before concluding his trip in San Diego for the forklift evaluations.
Forklift operators play a critical role in supporting maintenance operations throughout California State Parks, from material transport to facility management, making proper certification essential for both employee safety and workplace efficiency.
This training reflects the San Diego Coast District’s ongoing commitment to strengthening in-house expertise and ensuring a safe working environment for all staff. Additional safety and compliance training opportunities continue to be planned. Stay tuned for updates.
A video from the certification training can be viewed here.
Angeles District Partners with Pepperdine University Students on Real-World Advertising Campaigns
Story and photos from: Angeles District
 Clockwise from top: A group photo of Pepperdine University students, Professor Anastasia Triviza and judges, who participated in a class collaboration with Angeles District. A thank-you note received by California State Parks staff from the participants. One of the campaign proposals presented during the class.
Pepperdine University’s course offer "ADV 385: Advertising Creative" provides students with an immersive, agency-style experience, one that became even more meaningful this semester through collaboration with State Parks' Angeles District. In this advanced course, students craft persuasive copy, design compelling visuals and build fully developed advertising campaigns that mirror professional creative work.
This year’s highlight was a real-world collaboration with the Angeles District team, who served as the official client for the class. Students were challenged to explore the unique identity, recreational opportunities and stewardship priorities of the district parks, developing campaigns aimed at inspiring broader public engagement. Working in teams, they tackled genuine communication goals and audience needs specific to the Angeles District.
The semester culminated in a formal pitch session, where students presented their campaigns to a panel of judges, including representatives from State Parks. The panel offered constructive, agency-style feedback, giving students a true taste of the creative review process while providing us with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
This collaboration not only enriched academic learning but also strengthened the connection between State Parks and the next generation of creative professionals. The Angeles District is proud to support educational partnerships like this, efforts that spark creative thinking, deepen community engagement and help champion the value of our state parks.
What’s in a Name? State Park and Recreation Commission to Consider Name and Classification for Wildwood Canyon Park Property
Story from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division
 The public is invited to join the California State Park and Recreation Commission on a tour of state park sites in the Inland Empire District on Tuesday, Dec. 16. The tour will include the Wildwood Canyon Park Property, which the Commission is expected to formally name and classify, and Lake Perris State Recreation Area and its Ya'i Heki' Regional Indian Museum. The tour will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Wildwood Canyon Park Property. While a reservation is not required for the tour, members of the public are asked to RSVP.
The final Commission meeting of 2025 will follow on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 9 a.m. in Loma Linda. In addition to hearing several reports and updates from State Parks staff, the Commission is also expected to approve a formal name and classification for the Wildwood Canyon Park Property in Yucaipa. The classification will inform park planning for the property, including recreation, cultural and natural resource management. Learn more by viewing the property’s classification and naming report. Additionally, the Commission will announce the winners of the Golden Bear awards. The awards are presented annually and celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations to California State Parks. Learn more about this program here.
Further information, including agendas for both the tour and meeting and how to join the meeting in person or virtually through Zoom or CAL-SPAN, is available at parks.ca.gov/PublicNotices. For more information about the Commission, visit its webpage. California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact 916-902-8651.
 PARTNER NEWS
Save the Redwoods League Shares Latest Redwoods Rising Video
Story and video from: Save the Redwoods League
Healthy forests are vital for countless species that depend on them. In California’s Coast Redwood forests, over 95% of old-growth trees were lost during the industrial logging era, leaving fragile ecosystems at risk.
Through Redwoods Rising, a collaboration between Save the Redwoods League, California State Parks and the National Park Service, we are working to restore thousands of acres of forest, remove failing logging roads and repair streams. Using non-invasive tools like Automated Recording Units, we monitor elusive wildlife — especially northern spotted owls — while addressing threats from invasive barred owls. These efforts help maintain ecological balance and ensure future generations experience thriving redwood forests.
Join us as we explore the Mill Creek watershed and show how science and restoration are shaping a healthier future for these iconic landscapes by clicking the video button above.
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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
Park Maintenance Chief I (Gorman) — Apply by Dec. 16: Join our team at Hungry Valley SVRA as a Park Maintenance Chief I, where you will lead and manage the park’s comprehensive maintenance program, including facility care, grounds upkeep, equipment administration, and daily operations. This role provides an opportunity to supervise staff, coordinate training, and maintain strong partnerships with community, state, and federal entities to support the mission of California State Parks. It’s a key leadership position that ensures effective program oversight, clear communication with District management, and responsible use of OHV Trust Funds to support transparency and compliance. Click here to learn more.
Park Maintenance Supervisor (Gorman) — Apply by Dec. 16: Join our team at Hungry Valley SVRA, where you’ll take on a leadership role overseeing maintenance operations and supervising the facility and housekeeping crew. This position manages key functions including budgeting, project oversight, fleet and equipment administration, safety coordination, and compliance with OHV Trust Fund accountability standards. It’s a dynamic opportunity for a skilled leader to support safe, efficient, and transparent operations within one of California’s premier State Vehicular Recreation Areas. Click here to learn more.
Associate State Archeologist (Sacramento) — Apply by Jan. 2: Join our team as an Associate State Archeologist and play a key role in supporting cultural resource management across California’s state parks. In this professional and highly specialized role, you will evaluate and protect archaeological and historic resources, guide compliance with cultural resource laws, manage permitting and emergency response efforts, and provide expert support to park districts statewide. This position offers a meaningful opportunity to help preserve California’s heritage through fieldwork, technical review, and strategic program coordination. Click here to learn more.
Laborer — March 31: Looking to work outdoors and make a hands-on impact in California’s beautiful state parks? As a State Park Laborer, you will support park operations by performing a wide range of physical tasks, from clearing trails and cleaning facilities to assisting with maintenance and landscaping. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys active, outdoor work and takes pride in keeping park spaces safe, clean, and welcoming for all visitors. Apply to take the assessment today! Click here for more information.
Park Maintenance Worker I — Dec. 31: 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 this assessment! Click here for more information.
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 session will be a Coffee Chat session on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 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!
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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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Fowl vs. Foul: A fowl is a bird, especially the larger domestic birds used as food, such as chickens, ducks, turkeys. Foul means offensive, out of line.
- Boat vs. Ship: A boat is a watercraft of any size but generally is used to indicate a small craft. A ship is a large, seagoing vessel. The word boat is used, however, in some words that apply to large craft, for example, ferryboat, PT boat.
- youth, youths: Applicable from age 13 until 18th birthday. Use man or woman for people 18 and older.
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 . For all questions that aren't addressed in our style guide, we follow the Associated Press style and .
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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 Lompoc
Staff from La Purísima Mission State Historic Park participated in the annual Lompoc Children's Christmas Parade, along with Cali Quail, who joined the festivities!
Top: Maintenance Park Aide Michael Poquette. Bottom right (left to right): Poquette, Interpreter I Kristen McNally and a participating state park peace officer with the Channel Coast District (name withheld at request). Bottom left: Interpreter I Elizabeth Sinclair donned the costume of the iconic Cali Quail.
Photos from Kristen McNally, Channel Coast District
 Frazier Park
At the Festival of Lights Parade in the Kern County town on Dec. 6, the Great Basin District showcased its parks with its vehicles festively decorated and a booth featuring native wildlife education, a kids craft corner and stocking-stuffer giveaways like stickers and free maps.
Photos from Callista Turner, Great Basin District
 Monterey State Historic Park
Guide Trainee Alexa Runas raises the colors at the Custom House.
Photo from Jake Williams, Monterey District
 Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Volunteers with the California State Parks Foundation planted over 800 native dune plants in the campground mitigation site on Dec. 6.
Photo from Sam Winter, Monterey District
 Locke Boarding House Museum Point of Interest
Left: Senior park aides Max Ulman and Logan Currin tell us about the history of the Locke Boarding House that is a part of the Locke Historic District, a Chinese-American community established in 1915 and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1990.
Right: Logan and Max with Diablo Range District Interpreter I Tracy Kosinski outside the museum.
Photos from Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division
 Delta Meadows Park Property
The Diablo Range District gave some members of the Communications and Marketing Division a tour of the meadows and even spotted some birds along the hike.
Photo from Tracy Kosinski, Diablo Range District
 Donner Memorial State Park
Research Data Analyst II Carla Cruz Medina, with Research Data Specialist II Daniel Walsh in the background, operates a drone to collect data on the Sierra District's work to restore Cold Creek.
Photo from Andreas Agocs, Communications and Marketing Division
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
A mule deer buck giving me the stink eye.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Heber Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
This park is known for its narrow, sandy trails that wind through 343 acres of parkland just three miles north of the Mexican border. It is an island of open space surrounded by active farmland. On a warm December day this year, staff spotted the area’s no-horned sheep wandering on the farm adjacent to the park’s western boundary. Only a smooth three-strand wire fence stood between the sheep and the park, keeping them at bay.
Photos from Enrique Arroyo, Ocotillo Wells District
 San Elijo State Beach
An octopus crawls between tide pools during last week's King Tides in San Diego.
Photo from Jeanie Huebner, San Diego Coast District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Fallen black oak leaves.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
A beautiful double rainbow in convective showers looking west from Torrey Pines Golf Course.
Photo from Henry Hager, San Diego Coast District
 Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Early season rains provided a rain-swept horizon looking north from the maintenance shop.
Photo from Henry Hager, San Diego Coast District
 Donner Memorial State Park
The sun is setting over Cold Creek, a more remote site of the popular park. At Cold Creek, the Sierra District has restored much of the riparian habitat that had been impaired by the historic railroad construction over the Sierras.
Photo from Andreas Agocs, Communications and Marketing Division
 Huntington State Beach
A gorgeous sunrise on the beach.
Photo from Carl Ulrich, Orange Coast District
 Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
As the afternoon sun dipped low in late November, the native oaks glowed around the sacred hun'ge (roundhouse) at Chaw'se.
Photo from Bethann Watson, Capital District
 Fort Tejon State Historic Park
Fort Tejon’s 31-starred flag, covered by tule fog, gliding up the mountain from the Central Valley. The photos were taken five minutes apart.
Photos from Callista Turner, Great Basin District
 Monterey State Historic Park
This wonderful holiday decoration is set up to greet visitors to Fisherman's Wharf.
Photo from Leah Gardner, Natural Resources Division
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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.
Friday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 13
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Christmas in the Adobes — Monterey State Historic Park, 5–9 p.m.: Monterey State Historic Park Association (MSHPA) and California State Parks present the 41st Annual Christmas in the Adobes. Return to the days of Alta California during Monterey’s premier holiday event, Christmas in the Adobes. This early evening walking tour of Monterey’s historic adobes adorned in holiday décor surprises and delights visitors with welcoming, brightly lit luminarias leading the way to each building’s entrance. Enjoy festive music and a variety of entertainment, as you explore over a dozen magical, historic adobes on the tour. Hear the stories of Monterey’s earliest buildings and savor the warm spirit of the community of this annual event that has become a family favorite during the holidays. Purchase tickets here.
Saturday, Dec. 13
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Holidays on the Homestead at William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.: California State Parks and its partner, Ide Adobe Interpretive Association, invite you to get in the holiday spirit with Holidays on the Homestead at William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park. The park’s 46th annual festive winter tradition will be celebrated. The public is invited to join us for a day of festivities, music and making ornaments and gifts. Holidays on the Homestead is fun for families and friends of all ages. Admission for adults is $6, children 3 years and older is $3, and children under 3 are free. Families (up to 5 guests) are $15.
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Las Posadas — Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, 5–7 p.m.: Join the Old Town San Diego community in celebrating the 67th Annual Las Posadas. This year’s posada will be held within the main plaza of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and will be presented by the Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce and Mormon Battalion Historic Site. Bundle up and gather as we recreate the timeless story of Mary and Joseph’s journey, complete with a joyful community procession, beautiful holiday choirs filling the plaza with festive sound. After the main event, warm up next to the bonfire in the plaza and enjoy hot cocoa and s'mores provided by Fiesta de Reyes. Make a commemorative tin ornament at our hands-on art activity station and explore La Casa de Machado y Silvas adobe.
Saturday, Dec 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14
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Christmas in Coloma — Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.: Enjoy traditional Christmas activities including vendors, games for the kids, warming fires, holiday music and a tour of historic buildings during Christmas in Coloma. $15 per vehicle day use fee.
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Dec. 7, 2025
Dec. 11, 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 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.
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