Timber Fire Sparks Multi-Agency Response
Story from: Richard Fletcher, Monterey District
 Clockwise from left: The Timber Fire with a clear view of the rugged terrain where crews are battling the fire. Photo from Caleb Wilkins, Monterey District. Lead Resource Advisor Brooke Sheridan (left) and Supervising Ranger Rachel Tuttle plan out contingency lines. Photo from Mike Dippel, Monterey District. Over 1,400 personnel from various agencies have been called out to fight the fire and provide support. Photo from Rachel Tuttle, Monterey District.
The Timber Fire ignited in Los Padres National Forest, south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park on the evening of Aug. 8. Within the first day the fire grew to 400 acres and was being combatted by the U.S Forest Service, Big Sur Fire and CAL FIRE. Fighting the fire in the steep, rugged terrain that is the Southern Coast Range presents significant challenges, and by Aug. 21 the fire had grown to over 6,000 acres. Numerous other agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, Monterey County Sheriff’s Officer, and State Parks have been called in to aid the response.
All core programs in Monterey District and staff from headquarters and other districts have been involved in responding to the fire. Natural and cultural resources advisors and law enforcement are working within the incident command structure, interpretative staff are communicating with the critical updates, administrative staff are hard at work arranging for lodging, and maintenance staff is keeping all facilities running smoothly. All programs have been instrumental in providing critical support for crews holding the fire at bay.
All four state parks in the Big Sur area – Andrew Molera, Pfeiffer Big Sur and Julia Pfeiffer Burns state parks and Point Sur State Historic Park – remain closed until further notice. While CAL FIRE and allied agencies are making progress on containing the fire, both Andrew Molera and Pfeiffer Big Sur state parks are being used by allied agencies as an incident command post and for housing more than 2,000 firefighters and first responders.
Camping reservations have been canceled through Aug. 31 for Andrew Molera, Pfeiffer Big Sur and Julia Pfeiffer Burns state parks, but since the situation is fluid, that date could be extended. The safety of visitors and staff remains the top priority. State Parks continues to keep the public updated via its websites and social media platforms. For the latest updates on park closures, please visit . You can find more information about the Timber Fire, including evacuation areas and current containment, at the CAL FIRE website.
It's heartening to see all the agencies working together on this fire and Monterey District appreciates everyone’s commitment and hard work.
West Sacramento Breaks Ground on Transformative Bryte Park Project
Story from: Katie Beusch, Office of Grants and Legal Services
 Top photo, from left to right: Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) Policy and Operations Manager Natalie Bee, NPS and Competitive Programs Section Manager Xochi Prock, State Parks Director Armando Quintero, OGALS Chief Richard Rendón, NPS Section Project Officer Lydia Willit, Senior Environmental Planner (Specialist) Katherine Vallaire, NPS Section Project Officer Katie Beusch, Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist) Kristen Way, NPS Section Project Officer Katie Freehling and NPS Section Supervisor Kyle Bowlin attend the Bryte Park groundbreaking in West Sacramento. Bottom left: Director Quintero shares a few words with event attendees. Bottom right: the OGALS team, Director Quintero, and Deputy Director of Communications and Marketing Marty Greenstein participate in the groundbreaking ceremony. Photos from Angelica De La Peña, Communications and Marketing Division.
The City of West Sacramento broke ground on the Bryte Park Master Plan Implementation Project on Aug. 20. This project, funded in part by a transformative $15 million grant from the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP), includes the acquisition of almost 25 acres of park property that will be protected for public outdoor recreation use in perpetuity, as well as the construction of many new park features.
This far-reaching project will include a new aquatics facility with a pool, an all-weather soccer field with lighting, five natural turf soccer fields, locker rooms, restrooms, a nature-based splash pad, two shaded picnic areas, a dog park, a basketball court, walking paths with lighting, inclusive exercise stations with natural elements, an amphitheater, a parking lot, an all-gender restroom, a park maintenance building, perimeter lighting and new landscaping throughout.
The Bryte Park Project competed against a record-breaking 31 applications submitted to California State Parks in 2024 and advanced to the national competition under the National Park Service (NPS). This project was one of 15 projects from California that NPS selected to fund from a nationwide pool of applicants. In that round, California secured nearly $95 million of the $254 million awarded nationally.
Attendees at the groundbreaking included West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero, Congresswoman Doris Matsui, State Parks Director Armando Quintero, Yolo County Supervisor Mary Vixie Sandy, West Sacramento City Councilmember Norma Alcala, staff from the Office of Grants and Local Services’ National Park Service Unit, which promotes and supports applications to the ORLP, and community residents.
Director Quintero delivered a heartfelt speech on the impact parks have on the perception of one’s community. “California State Parks is proud to provide grant funding to help transform Bryte Park into a vibrant community gathering space for West Sacramento, which is in lockstep with the Newsom administration’s Outdoors for All initiative,” said the director. “This project is a perfect example of how State Parks continues to expand recreational opportunities and improve quality of life in thousands of communities across California through our Office of Grants and Local Services.”
Congress established the ORLP in 2014, and the program is administered by NPS under the authority of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act. Nationwide ORLP funding is available for urban areas within cities or towns of at least 25,000 people. Priority is given to projects located in economically disadvantaged areas that lack outdoor recreation opportunities. The ORLP supports urban parks in underserved communities across the country and is vital for low-income communities and communities of color that lack equal access to local parks.
Angeles District Partners with Community on Wildfire Resilience in Pacific Palisades
Story from: Angeles District
 Clockwise from top: Angeles District collaborates with community partners on wildfire resilience in Pacific Palisades; State Parks staff, Los Angeles Conservation Corps, volunteers and Paseo Miramar residents at morning briefing; planting yucca, a species of herbaceous vegetation that thrives in the hot and dry conditions of the Santa Monica Mountains. Photos from William Cruz, Angeles District.
California State Parks’ Angeles District continues to advance fuels management and wildfire resilience throughout the Santa Monica Mountains through partnerships with local communities and conservation organizations.
At the Paseo Miramar neighborhood, adjacent to Topanga State Park (SP) in Pacific Palisades, Angeles District partnered with the Los Angeles Conservation Corps (LACC) and neighborhood residents to complete fuels management and habitat restoration along the park boundary. LACC crews and community members removed dry non-native annual grasses and other fuels while working within State Parks’ natural resource management requirements.
Following the fuels reduction work, State Parks staff and neighborhood volunteers restored approximately 0.2 acres with regionally appropriate native trees and shrubs, replacing non-native vegetation. These actions support native habitat while decreasing fire behavior characteristics.
The project reflects the Angeles District’s ongoing commitment to pairing fuels management, natural resource stewardship and community partnership as the Santa Monica Mountains continue recovering from the Palisades Fire. More than 8,000 acres within Topanga SP and Will Rogers State Historic Park burned during the fire.
Training Section Hosts 'A Walk in the Parks' Premiere Screening With Red Carpet and Popcorn
Story from: Training Section
 Top: The Training Section's premiere screening received the popcorn and red carpet treatment. Bottom: Training Section Chief Elizabeth Parino (right) presents the creators of "A Walk in the Parks" with awards. From left to right: Training Specialist Bob Waller, who produced, directed and edited the movie; Senior Photographer Brian Baer, the project's videographer; and Assistant Training Chief Eric Marks, who narrated and served as host. Photos form Kathleen Ventura, Training Section.
The usually businesslike halls of the McClellan Statewide Support Section experienced a touch of movie glamour on Aug. 19, when the Training Section hosted a premiere screening of "A Walk in the Parks," the department's new orientation video. Dozens of employees from districts and divisions across the state attended the event — with State Parks Director Armando Quintero greeting the audience virtually from the airport. Attendees at McClellan were treated to a red-carpet entrance and, of course, plenty of popcorn.
“There’s a lot of excitement about this new course,” said Training Chief Elizabeth Parino. “People are saying they’ve never seen anything like it.”
"A Walk in the Parks" is the department's new interactive online onboarding course, designed to introduce employees to the history, mission, organization, people and extraordinary places. Analyst I Lizbeth Torres, who started her job with State Parks only three weeks ago, said that the film was entertaining as well as helpful for new employees like her.
"It really helped putting faces to email names and it was great to see the perspective on Parks from outside headquarters," she said.
Nearly four years in the making, the 78-minute course, produced by a team led by Training Specialist Bob Waller, takes employees on a journey through the California State Parks System. Its 10 chapters explore topics ranging from the department’s history and organizational structure to its diverse field divisions, career opportunities and vision for the future. Filming took place throughout the state, from North Coast Redwoods District parks to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, showcasing the remarkable variety and diversity of parks, programs and employees that make up the department.
“It’s essentially a high-end documentary that incorporates innovative learning techniques,” said host Eric Marks, assistant training chief. “We created it with new employees in mind, but any employee can take the course and learn something new about California State Parks.”
"A Walk in the Parks" is now available in FOCUS and is the first course listed in the course catalog.
State Historical Resources Commission Celebrates National History Day Winners
Story and photos from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division
 Members of the State Historical Resources Commission and staff from the Office of Historic Preservation pose with retiring State Parks Chief Counsel Tara Lynch, pictured in the front row at center. Lynch was honored for her long tenure with State Parks.
Last week’s meeting of the State Historical Resources Commission (Commission) was standing room only as 12 nominations were considered for the National Register of Historic Places and the Commission recognized three individuals with special proclamations.
As one her final duties, retiring State Parks Chief Counsel Tara Lynch participated in her last Commission meeting. In thanks for her many years of service, the Commission and State Historic Preservation Officer presented Lynch with a proclamation recognizing her tireless efforts on behalf of the Commission and the State Office of Historic Preservation.
The Commission also recognized students Ali Hasan and Nicholas Soo, each chosen for a California Historic Places Award, in recognition of their entries for the National History Day competition. This year’s theme was “Revolution, Reaction and Reform in History.” Hasan, a student at Ocean Grove Charter School in Santa Clara County, attended the meeting in person. His project, titled “Taking a Stand Against Injustice: The Sleepy Lagoon Case and the Zoot Suit Riots,” explored how injustice and prejudice affected people’s lives and how understanding history can provide for a better future. The project was entered into the junior division category.
Soo, who attends Irvine High School in Orange County, created a documentary titled, “Education Liberation: How the Black Panther Party’s Oakland Community School Revolutionized Education for Marginalized Students.” The film was entered in the senior division documentary category. In addition to their proclamations, both awardees also received a check for $100 from the California Preservation Foundation and a copy of the book “The History Preservation Movement in California” for their school libraries.
Three of the properties nominated for the National Register of Historic Places were located in Sacramento, including two public schools: Grant Union High School and El Dorado Elementary School. Kelvin Lee, president of the Grant Union High School Alumni Association, spoke on behalf of the organization, which submitted the nomination. Lee mentioned the school is the third oldest high school in the Sacramento area, after Sacramento and San Juan high schools, opening in 1932. The Commission approved all 12 of the nominations, which will be forwarded to the Keeper of the National Register, an office in the National Park Service.
A recording of the meeting, which highlights all the properties nominated, is available through CAL-SPAN. For information about past and future meetings, including properties nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, please visit the Office of Historic Preservation. For information about properties recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, click here.
 Clockwise from left: Lynch receives a proclamation from State Historical Resources Commission Chairman Adam Sriro honoring her work for State Parks; Kelvin Lee, president of the Grant Union High School Alumni Association, speaks on the high school’s nomination for the National Register of Historic Places; Ali Hasan receives a proclamation from Sriro and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Jody Brown.
Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds Celebrates 113th Birthday
Story from: Isabella Brown, Monterey District
 Snapshots from the second annual Asilomar Day on Aug. 8. Photos from Monterey District staff.
Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds celebrated 113 years of history, architecture and natural beauty during its second annual Asilomar Day on Aug. 8. The event marked the anniversary of the day Asilomar officially got its name on Aug. 7, 1913, during a pageant celebrating the work of the YWCA.
Visitors were transported into Asilomar’s YWCA era with activities chosen to bring its history alive. Vintage car rides through the grounds on pre-1916 vehicles were provided by the Salinas Valley Horseless Carriage Club and were a huge hit for children and adults alike. A swing dance workshop taught by Cannery Row Jump allowed visitors to learn the same dances that the YWCA campers danced back in the day.
Guided tours of buildings designed by legendary architect Julia Morgan informed visitors of the park’s amazing history, and a wildflower walk provided a calming experience through the park's restored sand dunes preserve. In addition, the band Ricketts Folly performed and played music from the 1920s and '30s. Visitors sang “Happy Birthday” and enjoyed complimentary cake and participated in crafts such as birthday hat-making and postcard activities.
As an exclusive treat, the Asilomar Sector’s curatorial team created a one-day popup exhibit of never-before-seen items that once belonged to Morgan, including a holiday card, book and embroidered towel. The exhibit offered a unique glance into the architect’s life.
We’d like to thank our partners for the event: Monterey State Historic Park Association, Cannery Row Jump, the Salinas Valley Horseless Carriage Club and our concessionaire, Aramark. Lastly, a huge thank you to the wonderful staff and volunteers who made this event possible!
Angeles District Looks to the Stars
Story and photos from: Kat Nuñez Williams, Angeles District
 Visitors gather for stargazing with the Los Angeles Astronomical Society at Will Rogers State Historic Park during the Come for the Trees, Stay for the Stars event.
This summer has been filled with sun-gazing, starlight and s’mores. Angeles District’s Community Engagement Team has been thrilled to bring the Los Angeles Astronomical Society (LAAS) to district parks. LAAS is a group of hobby astronomers touting telescopes of all sizes to help visitors peer into deep space and look at surrounding galaxies.
On July 24, over 200 community members had a chance to look at Venus and see gorgeous views of the moon while enjoying s'mores at Park After Dark, a community campfire at Los Angeles State Historic Park (SHP).Two days later, park staff hosted LAAS at Will Rogers SHP for Come for the Trees, Stay for the Stars – a free community event complete with a guided ecology hike on fire resiliency and recovery by TreePeople, as well as native plant and seed giveaways. After the sun went below the horizon, LAAS pointed their state-of-the-art telescopes to stun community members with close-up views of galaxies far, far away, including the Dumbbell Nebula and the Whirlpool Galaxy. Thanks to our partners at LAAS for giving us a chance to have a closer relationship to our night sky, from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Palisades!
The district’s next event with LAAS will be a bicentennial celebration: the 50th anniversary of Malibu Creek State Park (SP)! Stories under the Stars will be held on Sept. 26 and feature dozens of exhibitors hosting fun, family-friendly activities, shared stories of the past 50 years and pondering what the future holds for the next 50 years. Community members will gaze back in time at the stars and feel immersed in the beauty and nature of Malibu Creek SP. RSVP here!
 Clockwise from left: Senior Park Aide Kat Nuñez Williams (left) with Senior Maintenance Aide Miguel Lopez smile for a photo at Los Angeles SHP during Park After Dark; TreePeople hosted an ecology walk and native plant giveaway at Will Rogers SHP's event; a deep-space telescope image of the Orion Nebula.
  Submit your photos via this Weekly Digest Submission Form or send them to WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov with the subject line “Summer Starts Here Photo Contest.”
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
Civil Engineer – Coastal Resilience (Sacramento or San Diego) - Apply by Sept. 1: Help shape the future of California’s coastline as a Civil Engineer with California State Parks’ new Coastal Resilience (CORE) Team. In this role, you’ll support sea level rise adaptation, coastal access, resource stewardship, and climate resilience across coastal parks. You will develop plans and specifications for resiliency projects, conduct field assessments, and help create tools that strengthen the built and natural environments of the State Park System. If you’re ready to apply your coastal engineering expertise, work collaboratively, and support long-term resilience along California’s iconic coast, apply today! Click here to learn more.
Guide Trainee, Historical Monument (San Simeon) - Apply by Sept. 9: Share the stories of one of California’s most iconic historic landmarks! Join California State Parks as a Guide Trainee at Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, where you’ll lead engaging tours and connect visitors with the monument’s rich history, art, architecture, culture, and natural beauty. If you’re passionate about storytelling, public service, and preserving California’s treasured places for future generations, be sure to submit your application! Click here to learn more.
Associate State Archaeologist (Columbia) - Apply by Sept. 11: Serve as an Associate State Archaeologist with California State Parks’ Central Valley District, helping review, protect, and manage cultural resources across parks such as Columbia State Historic Park, Calaveras Big Trees, Indian Grinding Rock, and Dos Rios. You’ll carry out research and evaluations, prepare project reviews, support CEQA/AB 52 compliance, monitor archaeological sites, and collaborate with tribal representatives and multidisciplinary teams. If you’re interested in applying your archaeological skills to support cultural resource stewardship throughout the district, apply today! Click here to learn more.
Park Maintenance Assistant (Sept. 30): Looking for a hands-on job where you can work outdoors and support California’s natural spaces? As a Park Maintenance Assistant, you will help keep State Parks clean, safe, and beautiful by performing routine maintenance, cleaning facilities, maintaining trails, and supporting fire prevention. You may also lead seasonal crews, operate equipment, and assist with landscaping. Take the assessment today and start your path to a rewarding career in the great outdoors. Click here for more information.
Guide I, Historical Monument (Sept. 30): Are you passionate about history and storytelling? As a Guide I, Historical Monument, you'll lead engaging tours, interpret California’s rich historical heritage, and help preserve some of the state's most treasured landmarks. If you're ready for a role where each day offers a chance to bring the past to life, take the assessment and begin your journey as a historical guide. Apply to take the Guide I, Historical Monument assessment and start your career journey today! Click here for more information.
Discover exciting career opportunities with California State Parks at our upcoming virtual webinars! Learn everything you need to know about the application process, assessments, and state hiring, all while getting your questions answered by our expert recruiters. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and take the first step toward your dream job. Click here for dates and registration info.
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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