Oct. 2, 2026

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Mount Tamalpais State Park

The harvest moon rising above the clouds and Mount Diablo, as seen from the Coast View Trail.

Photo from Hillary Conyer, Bay Area District

WHAT'S NEW

Our Promise Campaign Allows California State Employees to Give at Work

Story from: Communications and Marketing Division

Screenshot of the Our Promise walkthrough video guide, to be found by clicking on the image above or by clicking here.

Welcome to October! The annual Our Promise campaign began Oct. 1, where state employees rally to support important causes. Your donation goes directly to nonprofits that matter to you, as we collectively work to improve communities across California.

State employees can make their contribution through monthly payroll deductions or one-time donations. Visit Cal Employee Connect today to make your contribution. To find certified nonprofits, please visit here. 

To learn more about the campaign, please visit here.

Submit your photos via this Weekly Digest Submission Form or send them to WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov with the subject line "Fall in Frame Photo Contest.”

FIELD REPORT

And the 2026 State Parks Biodiversity BioBlitz Champion Is … 

Story from: Erika Delemarre, Interpretation and Education Division, and Leah Gardner and Dena Spatz, Natural Resources Division

Clockwise from top left: PORTScast viewers explored the rocky reef with State Parks divers and got to meet species like the ochre sea star and purple sea urchins; State Parks dive team interpreter Erika Delemarre brought more than 1,800 students and teachers underwater for a PORTScast at Refugio SB; Folsom Lake SRA event participants. Photos from Phil Hauck, Channel Coast District, and California State Parks.

Drumroll, please! After nine days of searching high, low and even under water for California’s incredible plants and animals, we have a winner. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (SP) took the top spot in this year’s friendly California Biodiversity Week Bioblitz competition, recording an impressive 390 unique species!

Hot on Prairie Creek’s heels was Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (SRA), with 353 species, followed by Año Nuevo SP with 321. Honorable mention goes to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, where observers documented 312 species on land and beneath the waves, including many photographed by scuba divers under water.

But those four parks were just the beginning! From Sept. 5–13, State Parks staff, volunteers and visitors joined forces for 55 BioBlitzes in park units across the state. Using the iNaturalist app, 751 observers documented an astounding 2,346 species. Observers recorded everything from black bears, elephant seals and great horned owls to Pacific giant salamanders, desert tarantulas and even dog vomit slime mold. Together, these discoveries captured a wonderfully weird snapshot of the remarkable biodiversity protected within California’s state parks.

The spirit of community science stretched far beyond state park boundaries. This year's Find 30 Species Challenge invited people to make their own observations anywhere in California throughout the week. A total of 440 observers rose to the challenge, collectively documenting 4,477 species. And what did all those biodiversity detectives keep finding? Two familiar California neighbors came out on top: coyote brush was the most observed plant, and the western fence lizard was the most observed animal across both projects.

BioBlitzes were only one part of an enormous statewide celebration. Across California, 210 California Biodiversity Week events invited people to explore and celebrate the remarkable variety of life found throughout the Golden State. State Parks hosted or cohosted more than 100 of them, offering more than half of all events planned statewide.

Park visitors searched for nighttime wonders during a biofluorescence walk at Folsom Lake SRA, explored tidepools at MacKerricher SP and learned about tarantulas at Bethany Reservoir SRA. Other events invited people to experience biodiversity through poetry, painting, birding, stargazing, hiking, habitat restoration and more. The original event lineup also included opportunities ranging from climate resilience work to exploring the rare pygmy forest at Van Damme SP.

The celebration also reached beyond park boundaries, with the PORTS® (Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students) program connecting 4,733 students across California with biodiversity through eight biodiversity-themed PORTScasts.

The three most-attended programs took students on very different virtual adventures. “Underwater at Refugio State Beach” plunged viewers beneath the ocean surface with scuba divers from the State Parks dive team to explore California’s marine biodiversity. “Beavers in Wetland Ecosystems” made a splash at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, introducing students to the important role beavers play in wetland ecosystems. And “Jellies: Sensational, Stinging Survivalists,” from San Elijo State Beach (SB), explored some of the ocean’s most fascinating and gelatinous residents.

California Biodiversity Week is part of a larger statewide celebration involving numerous agencies, organizations and community partners. California Biodiversity Day, observed annually on Sept. 7, was established in 2018 to celebrate and safeguard the state's natural heritage. But this year's numbers also tell a pretty remarkable State Parks story: more than 100 events, 55 park BioBlitzes, 751 BioBlitz observers, 2,346 species documented in those BioBlitzes and 4,733 students reached through PORTS programs.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who planned events, led programs, counted species, shared their expertise, supported their colleagues or helped a visitor discover something new.

We'll see you—and hopefully a few thousand more species—next September!

Screenshot of top parks for the California Biodiversity Week bioblitz challenge. Photo from Erika Delemarre, Interpretation and Marketing Division.

Angeles District Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Malibu Creek State Park

Story and photos from: Angeles District

Moments from the 50th anniversary celebration event at Malibu Creek State Park.

Last weekend, the Angeles District proudly celebrated 50 years of Malibu Creek State Park (SP) with a public event hosted in collaboration with the Santa Monica Mountains (SAMO) Fund. Visitors enjoyed live music, food, storytelling and stargazing on Sept. 26.

Centered around the theme "Stories Live Here", the event honored the rich cultural, natural and historic legacy of the park.

Additionally, visitors enjoyed live music, food and drinks while exploring hands-on activities, educational exhibits and partner booths. They examined fossils, learned about the park’s trees and natural resources, created nature-inspired art and connected with community partners.

Members of the “Apemania” group also made an appearance at the event in full special-effects makeup and costumes inspired by the 1968 Hollywood classic “Planet of the Apes,” portions of which were filmed at the park. Delighted event attendees lined up to take photos and interact with the group.

As evening fell, tribal members, scientists, historians and other storytellers shared stories about the people, wildlife and landscapes that have shaped Malibu Creek SP across generations. The celebration also featured anniversary cake and guided telescope viewing with the Los Angeles Astronomical Society, giving visitors a chance to explore the night sky.

To learn more about the park and its rich history, read our press release. 

Angeles District staff, members from partner organization SAMO Fund and others who worked on the event pose for photos.

Sierra District Hosts 2026 Tahoe Bear Fest

Story from: Sarinah Simons, Sierra District

Sierra District Bear Management Specialist Sarinah Simons (left) appears with KTVU reporter and host of 2 Plus You Nevada Sarah Johns in a promotion for Tahoe Bear Fest 2026. Photo from Sarinah Simons. 

The Tahoe Bear Fest 2026 welcomed 400 visitors to Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park (SP) for a day focused on bears, coexistence and the behind-the-scenes work happening every day across the Tahoe Basin.

In addition to visitors, the event brought together 17 agencies and organizations, including State Parks, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Nevada Department of Wildlife, the U.S. Forest Service, Nevada State Parks, the Washoe Tribe Environmental Department, Keep Tahoe Blue, Placer County Library and many other partners. Visitors connected with staff from across the region working to help people coexist with bears, asked bear experts questions and took part in activities celebrating bears and the places we share with them.

Bear management depends on collaboration, and the festival was a wonderful example of that work in action. The Donner Memorial SP interpretation and natural resources teams supported bilingual guided hikes and even enjoyed seeing a bear visitor along the way. Lake Sector maintenance crews moved picnic tables and kept trash cans serviced throughout the event. Sierra District rangers helped keep visitors safe and connected with the public, while the special events team assisted with planning and tabling. Park aides and the Lake Sector interpretation team answered questions and led arts and activities. And Supervising Ranger Brad Cheshire even volunteered to grill hot dogs on his day off.

Thanks to every partner, volunteer and staff member who helped make Tahoe Bear Fest possible. It was a memorable day of food, fun and, of course, a whole lot of bears. We look forward to doing it again next year.

Clockwise from top left: Visitors of all ages engaged in activities at Tahoe Bear Fest 2026; Supervising Ranger Brad Cheshire took on grill duties during his day off; State Park Peace Officers (left to right) Trever Meier, Gibson Elkins and Brooke Fellers.

Santa Barbara Sector Lifeguard Completes Swim from Anacapa Island to the Mainland

Story from: James Bray, Channel Coast District

Lifeguard II Siena Cherry (center) after finishing a 12.2-mile swim from Anacapa Island to Oxnard, poses with fellow State Parks lifeguards and friends Emily Cunningham (left) and Georgia Tomasik. Both paddled alongside Cherry during the entire crossing, providing safety and moral support. Photo from Payton Lassahn, Channel Coast District.

Channel Coast District Lifeguard II (Seasonal) Siena Cherry completed an almost 12.5-mile swim from Anacapa Island to Silver Strand Beach in Oxnard on Sept. 19. The grueling open-water swim began at sunrise and took just over eight hours to complete.

Siena encountered near-perfect ocean and weather conditions throughout the crossing, but the challenging swim was not without obstacles. She endured frequent jellyfish stings — at times, being stung every five strokes — as well as the physical and mental demands of swimming the distance without a wetsuit, a requirement by the Santa Barbara Channel Swimming Association. She also had to contend with the knowledge that she was swimming through an area known for its high concentration of great white sharks.

A fourth-year lifeguard and avid ocean swimmer, Siena said she had wanted to complete a swim of this nature since she was a child. Earlier this summer, she committed to making the channel crossing a reality.

One of the highlights of the swim was having her family and friends alongside her throughout the journey. Siena's father paddled next to her in a kayak, providing food, tips and encouragement at regular intervals. She described one particularly memorable moment when she would take a breath on her left side and see her dad paddling alongside her. Then, just three strokes later, she took a breath on her right side and saw her friends and fellow lifeguards Emily Cunningham and Georgia Tomasik paddling nearby to provide safety and moral support.

The swim was sanctioned by the Santa Barbara Channel Swimming Association and represents an extraordinary achievement accomplished by only a small number of individuals. Well done, Siena! Your Santa Barbara Sector team is incredibly proud of you.

Left: While everyone geared up for a long day on the water, Cherry was covered in diaper rash cream for a long day in the water - a common way endurance swimmers protect their skin from the UV, salt water and chafe. Photo from Emily Cunningham, Channel Coast District. Right: Cherry's GPS device tracked her during the 12.2-mile swim from Anacapa Island to Silver Strand Beach in Oxnard. Screenshot from Sienna Cherry, Channel Coast District. 

Long Awaited Black Oystercatcher Nesting Success at Asilomar State Beach

Story from: Sophie Bozone, Monterey District

Black oystercatcher fledglings exploring their new world with a parent. Photo from Stephanie Edenholm, Monterey Audubon Society. 

Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds celebrated a wonderful milestone in September with the successful fledging of three wild black oystercatcher chicks. Asilomar’s coastline is home to the territory of a black oystercatcher pair with the monitoring codes MP1. Every summer, we anxiously await news of egg sightings from this couple.

Since 2011, the Monterey Audubon Society has been monitoring the nesting activity of many pairs between San Mateo County and the Monterey Peninsula. Their team keeps a watchful eye and maintains a diligent record of nesting activity. Unfortunately, though MP1 have nested 11 times in the past eight years, their last successful nesting season was in 2018.

When Monterey Audubon Society volunteer Stephanie Edenholm contacted us about a nest in MP1’s territory in early June, the natural resources crew was quick to put out signage on the beach to provide a buffer between the hopeful parents and human-caused stressors. Black oystercatchers are very territorial and easily disturbed by potential threats in their space, like larger birds, predators, humans, dogs, kites or drones. Increased stress may cause parents to abandon a nest.

A few days after the nest sighting, Stephanie broke the news that MP1 lost their nest. On June 12, all the eggs were broken. The cause was unclear. On June 29, we got another call: MP1 renested! We redoubled our efforts with more signs on our beach and nearby beach access trails. After a nail-biting two weeks, three healthy chicks were spotted. Over the next 40 days, both parents worked diligently to raise the chicks by protecting them from predators, feeding them tide pool creatures like mussels and teaching the chicks how to forage for food themselves.

From the natural resources crew to interpreters to rangers and historians, our team enjoyed many trips down to the observation point to watch the chicks grow up. We all spent time scanning the rocks for the fluffy black chicks and telling the public about these special birds. We owe a huge thanks to Monterey Audubon Society volunteers who survey these nests multiple times a week to log important data on black oystercatcher breeding activity. We are proud to steward this unique rocky shoreline habitat, and we hope our combined efforts contributed to the family’s success this year.

Clockwise from top left: Two of the three chicks; a first walk to the shoreline as fledglings; a fully grown fledgling takes flight from its parents and siblings. Photos from Stephanie Edenholm, Monterey Audubon Society.

Unravel a Halloween Mystery at Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park

Story from: Angelica De La Peña, Communications and Marketing Division

Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park decorated for Halloween last year. Photo from California State Parks.

Get into the Halloween spirit with a spooky tour of Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park in Sacramento Oct. 22-31, 1-8 p.m. “The Curse of the Gold Miner’s Necklace” invites visitors to explore frightfully decorated rooms, uncover dark tales of history and mystery, and help break a mysterious curse. After the tour, stop by the courtyard for fun photo opportunities.

Daytime tours are also available Oct. 26–28, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tours are free, but reservations on ReserveCalifornia are required. The tour may be too haunting for children under 10.

Read the full news release for more information and reservation details.

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park Celebrates the Fall Season with Spooky Fun Harvest Haunt and Skeleton Starlight Train Rides

Story from: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park

In proud partnership with the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown is thrilled to offer a variety of frightfully fun events and spirited train rides this fall season. Upcoming events include Harvest Haunt excursion train rides with fun weekly themes, Skeleton Starlight evening excursion train rides and a “Track-or-Treat” celebration on Halloween evening.

• Harvest Haunt Excursion Train Rides (Oct. 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31)
  It’s all aboard for young visitors and rail enthusiasts in-the-making, many of whom will be excited to dress up for Halloween to enjoy a special excursion train ride through the scenic Mother Lode countryside. Suggested themes change each weekend and young guests (including accompanying adults who are young-at-heart) can get into the spirit with fun costume themes.
  
  
• Skeleton Starlight Excursion Train Rides (Oct. 17, 24, 31)
  Taking place on three Saturdays in October, Skeleton Starlight Halloween-themed evening train rides offer a special experience perfect for the whole family. Staffed by a skeleton crew, train riders travel to a spooky Western ghost town where resident witches brew up mischief before boarding the train with their cauldron of candy, adding to the festive fun.
  
  
• Railtown’s “Track-or-Treat” (Oct. 31)
  On Halloween night, families are invited to Railtown’s "Track-or-Treat" through the historic park from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Costumed young visitors — and accompanying adults who are young-at-heart — can collect treats and enjoy the park’s festive Halloween spirit. 

For more information on the events, times and pricing, visit railtown1897.org.

Submit your photos via this Weekly Digest Submission Form or send them to WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov with the subject line "Fall in Frame Photo Contest.”

State Parks Chief Counsel Retires after 32 Years of State Service

Story from: Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division

Top row (left to right): Tara with her father, Robert Lynch, at the 50-year celebration of Bodie State Historic Park (SHP). Tara at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. Tara with State Park and Recreation Commissioner Christina Jaromay at Crystal Cove State Park (SP) during a commission tour. Middle row (left to right): Tara with Senior Counsel Emma Siverson on Halloween as the Big Bad Wolf in grandma's clothes and Little Red Riding Hood. Tara during the Monterey Bay Half Marathon that ran through Asilomar State Beach. Tara during the California International Marathon that ran by Sutter's Fort SHP. Tara with Talent Acquisition Branch Chief Brandon Littlejohn at Wildwood Canyon SP during a commission tour. Bottom row (left to right): Tara at Clear Lake SP, Locke Boarding House and the Adamson House during commission tours. Tara with fiancé Bruce Crane at the State Capitol celebrating 175 years of California Statehood in September 2025. Photos from Tara Lynch.

After 32 years of state service, 27 of those with California State Parks, Chief Counsel Tara Lynch officially retired on Sept. 1. During her retirement party on Sept. 29 at the Stanford Gallery in Old Sacramento State Historic Park, Tara said she was “lucky” to have worked for State Parks. More on that in a bit, but first…

Tara began her state service during her senior year of high school, working as a student assistant for Governor George Deukmejian in 1986 in the mailroom. It was her first real paid job, and yes, she opened the Governor’s mail!

She graduated from Hiram Johnson High School, where she found her love for theater. She went on to get a bachelor of arts degree in theater arts and a minor in philosophy from California State Univeristy, Chico, in 1990. Go Wildcats! At that point, she considered either law school or medical school. Thank goodness for State Parks — Tara chose law. She graduated from McGeorge School of Law in 1998 with distinction, Order of the Coif, which means she was in the top 10% of her class. Tara says she fell in love with law and her favorite class at McGeorge was contracts.

After being admitted to the California state bar in December 1998, she started her career with State Parks as a staff counsel in May 1999. Quite fitting, since Tara’s father, Robert, was a state park ranger. Governor Jerry Brown appointed Tara as chief counsel in December 2013, and she was reappointed by Governor Gavin Newsom in March 2023.

When asked what some of her highlights during her time with State Parks were, Tara says that’s a tough question to answer because there were so many highlights, whether it was executing a contract, awarding a grant, building a park or touring state parks with the Commissions. Tara says receiving a Director’s Recognition Award, Special Commendation in 2012, was very meaningful because her colleagues in the Legal Office nominated her for leading their office.

During her retirement speech, Tara says her time at Parks was a “frolic” in the sense of happiness. She will miss “being a part of the daily heartbeat of California State Parks and all the people she worked with, the best people in the world.” More than 60 people, including Tara’s mother, Christina, attended her farewell bash, and the feeling was mutual. Everyone spoke about not only the guidance and legal expertise that Tara provided, but her kind spirit and how she treated everyone with the same respect and care. Tears were shed and many hugs given. So, in reality, State Parks was “lucky” to have Tara for 27 years, helping our department navigate through many challenges and leaving a legacy behind.

What’s next in retirement? Well, Tara isn’t slowing down yet. She’s running the Marathon to Athens, the original marathon, on Nov. 8! 26.2 miles, and it’s one of her bucket list goals.   

Congratulations Tara! Thank you for everything you’ve done for State Parks. You will be greatly missed as a leader, colleague and friend.

Here’s a personal message from Tara:

There are no words that can describe my love for California State Parks.  I am so fortunate that I was hired to be an attorney for State Parks and, for the last 13 years, to serve as Chief Counsel. I learned so much from all of you, my colleagues, over the many years, up until my last day. The State Parks team is a dream team.  All of you are professional, thoughtful, smart, supportive, and, most importantly, fun. The State Parks team is what made my time at State Parks a dream job. As we faced challenges together, it was always a good day at work.

My Dad was a California State Park Ranger, Badge Number 357. I am honored I was able to continue his legacy and work for California State Parks, preserving and sharing California’s natural and cultural resources and history for the benefit of the people of California and the world. 

Thank you, all, for your support. California State Parks forever!

Sincerely,

Tara

Left: Tara with Senior Counsel Katy Cotter and Assistant Chief Counsel Jennifer Comilang at Hearst Castle for the bus service project/contract in October 2022. Top right: The Legal Office during the 150th Commemoration of State Parks in 2014. Bottom right: Members of the Legal Office, current and former, during Tara's retirement party on Sept. 29. Photos from Tara Lynch and Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division.

A big showing for Tara's retirement party at the Stanford Gallery on Sept. 29. Photos from Adeline Yee and Jorge Moreno, Communications and Marketing Division.

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

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:

• scuba: all lowercase
• space after period: Use a single space — not a double space — after a period at the end of a sentence. 
• up-to-date/up to date: Hyphenate "up-to-date" as a compound modifier before a noun (Example: She will let you know the most up-to-date information.). Otherwise, do not hyphenate (Examples: Bring me up to date on the project status. My schedule is up to date).

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. 

Submit your photos via this Weekly Digest Submission Form or send them to WeeklyDigest@parks.ca.gov with the subject line “Fall in Frame Photo Contest.”

POSTCARDS

Sacramento

Left: Information Technology (IT) Specialist I Kelly Thorn retired on Sept. 30 after 24 years with State Parks and 28 years of state service. Top right (left to right): Information Officer II Jorge Moreno, IT Supervisor II Oscar Vasquez, Information Officer II Adeline Yee and IT Specialist I Blake Clark. Bottom right: Close up of one of Kelly's retirement gifts. In her near future, Kelly plans to enjoy retirement in her fifth wheel by visiting parks across the western United States. Congratulations Kelly! 

Photos from Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division

Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park

The park's volunteers hosted an outreach booth at the Tehachapi Heritage League Museum Kids Day in September. Pictured (from left to right) Cara Hutchison, Thomas McMullen, Miriam Shane, John Hasselbrink, Bernice Romo, Jim Knox and Dave Romo. Thank you for all you do!

Photo from Lori Wear, Great Basin District

San Onofre State Beach

The gatekeepers: Park Maintenance Chief I Stephen Gant and park maintenance workers Eric Roberts and Damen Miller conducting repairs. 

Photo from Morgan Gora, Orange Coast District

Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area

The first annual SKILLZ Day event was held at the park in the 4-wheel-drive practice area Sept. 12. This event designed for new off-roaders provided the opportunity for 120 off-highway recreation enthusiasts to learn new skills, build their confidence, and learn safety and recovery with skilled instructors. The event was presented by Metal Cloak, American Offroad and the Friends of Hungry Valley.

Photo from Lori Wear, Great Basin District

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

A zone-tailed hawk flying above the park. Environmental Scientist John Lovio told me he has seen maybe five of these hawks in San Diego County during his time here. It's a cool sighting!

Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

A mysterious looking male phainopepla.

Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

A great horned owl perched in a tree.

Photo from Nicholle Jigarjian, Monterey District

Richardson Grove State Park

Mergansers at the park share their favorite resting spot with a great blue heron on the south fork of the Eel River.

Photo from Ann Hagerman, North Coast Redwoods District

Fort Tejon State Historic Park

Oh, deer! I spotted these bucks foraging beneath the oaks and peeking through the branches, nearly blending right into the woodland.

Photo from Steven Ptomey, Great Basin District

Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve

Sun rays stream from the trees while doing an afternoon patrol in the park.

Photo from Matthew Richards, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District

Red Rock Canyon State Park

Rocks set aglow by the rising sun.

Photo from Matthew Richards, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District

Point Dume State Beach

Where the land meets the sea.

Photo from Matthew Richards, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area

Harvest moon rising over the hills.

Photo from Jenni Shaw, Diablo Range District

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park

Great Basin District maintenance staff and Heavy Equipment Operator Mike Biglay have been busy getting the park ready for its 50th anniversary celebration during the annual rededication on Oct. 10. Staff replaced and painted the visitor center siding and rebuilt the deck used as a stage for special events, while Mike improved the area adjacent to the Amtrak Gold Runner whistle stop. Pictured above are highlights of some of their work in progress. This hardworking team is setting the stage for a great celebration!

Photos from Great Basin District

Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area

The park's 4x4 playground gets used by East Bay Regional Park District Law Enforcement and staff for 4x4 training.

Photo from Jenni Shaw, Diablo Range District

Mount Tamalpais State Park

A glowing sunset.

Photo from Hillary Colyer, Bay Area District

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

1. Railtown Goes Pink — Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, Saturday, Oct. 3, and Sunday, Oct. 4, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Event Fee: Park Day-Use Fee: $5 | Cash accepted. Railtown Goes Pink is an annual event at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park held in October to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Staff and crew wear pink and local community groups like Adventist Health help provide health information and support. Sierra No. 3® is scheduled to be the steam locomotive power this weekend. For more information or if you have any questions please contact: daniel.lewis@parks.ca.gov.
2. Rancho Days — Pío Pico State Historic Park, Saturday, Oct. 3, noon–2 p.m.: Event Fee: Park Day-Use Fee: See event details for information on fees. Join us at Pío Pico State Historic Park for Rancho Days the first Saturday of the month! Learn about Pío Pico's beloved El Ranchito, play old-fashioned games, listen to music in the Sala, explore the Adobe, or have a picnic in the Zanja. All ages welcome! For more information or if you have any questions, please contact: 562-695-1217.
3. Coloma Gold Rush Live — Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Friday, Oct. 9, through Sunday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m.–3 a.m. Event Fee: $10 | Cash, Check, Card accepted. Park Day-Use Fee: $10 | Cash, Card accepted. Step back into 1850 as our park transforms into a gold rush era mining camp. Docents will show you their demonstrations of how to do laundry, make a barrel, Dutch oven cooking, blacksmithing, rope making, sewing and weaving, mining for gold and much more. There will be carriage rides, kids games and activities, candle dipping, a puppet show and a parade to celebrate America's 250 birthday. There is a $10 parking fee and a $10.00 event fee per vehicle. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact: 530-622-3470.

Please also note the following CNRA-sponsored events for Latino Heritage Month. Find a full list of events here.

• EcoAlebrijes Art Sculpture Workshop — Calipatria, Saturday, Oct. 3, TBD. In partnership with Imperial Valley Equity and Justice, the Salton Sea Program Team will offer a hands-on sculpture‑making workshop to create coalebrijes inspired by the diverse species that call the Salton Sea home. This community art event celebrates Latino Heritage Month by uplifting a tradition that blends imagination, environmental awareness and cultural pride. By joining us, community members will not only learn creative techniques for building eco-friendly alebrijes but also help shape a collective art piece that reflects the vibrant spirit of the Imperial Valley. Your participation strengthens community connections, encourages cultural expression, and provides a space for families, youth and neighbors to come together in celebration of shared heritage. Registration: TBD.
• Raíces and Resources: Careers in Natural Resources — Virtual event, Tuesday, Oct. 6, noon–1 p.m. We are helping shape California by making sure the Latino voice is heard in the workplace, including in the Natural Resources Agency. Join us for a career panel to learn how Latinos’ experience and knowledge is adding perspective to different agencies within CNRA. Register here.
• 2026 Happy Hour Mixer for Latino Heritage Month — Lola’s Lounge 2424 16th St, Sacramento, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 5–7 p.m. Enjoy a vibrant and joyous atmosphere at Lola’s Lounge, a Puerto Rican-owned restaurant committed to good times and great food. Sip on a custom cocktail or their signature sangria while sharing comforting Puerto Rican specialties like mofongo and pernil with colleagues and friends as you celebrate Latin Heritage Month. Come for the food, stay for the connections!

THANK YOU NOTES

"A Very Enjoyable Evening"

The Angeles District received this very sweet note from a visitor who attended the 50th anniversary celebration at Malibu Creek State Park last weekend.

NEWS RELEASES

Sept. 30, 2026

• Guided Tours Return This October at Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park

Oct. 1, 2026

• Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Hosts Día de los Muertos Celebration from Oct. 31–Nov. 2
  
  
• Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park Celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the United States at Coloma Gold Rush Live!
  
  
• Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park Invites Visitors to Unravel ‘The Curse of the Gold Miner’s Necklace’
  
  
• California State Parks Awards Emergency Contract for Malibu Pier Repairs

Oct. 2, 2026

• Malibu Creek State Park Celebrates 50 Years with Evening of Music, Food, Storytelling and Stars

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:

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• 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.