California and Tribal Leaders Celebrate Opening of First Phase of California Indian Heritage Center
Story from: Communications and Marketing Division
 The site of the California Indian Heritage Center in West Sacramento. Photo from Governor's Office.
California State Parks was joined by the Newsom administration, tribal leaders and members of the public to celebrate the official opening of Phase 1 of the California Indian Heritage Center (CIHC) on Nov. 6. Once completed, the center will serve as a statewide hub for cultural preservation, education and exchange.
Located on a 51-acre property at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers in West Sacramento, the welcome center is the project's first publicly accessible phase and features a large interpretive shade structure, seating areas, gathering spaces, trails, walkways, and interpretive exhibits.
“Almost eight years ago, this same land was the site of the first formal apology to tribes on behalf of the state, and since then, we have ensured that apology went deeper than just words,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “This ribbon cutting marks a significant chapter in the long relationship between the state and California Native peoples — and the next chapter promises to keep building on the strong partnership we’ve built together.”
“Today marks a historic milestone in California’s commitment to honor tribal sovereignty, history, and culture,” said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “The California Indian Heritage Center is a place for tribes, by tribes, where Native peoples can celebrate, share stories, and pass on traditions to future generations. Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, we’re returning ancestral lands, supporting tribal stewardship, and strengthening partnerships with Tribes to build a future where we all thrive together.”
“Opening the first phase of the California Indian Heritage Center (CIHC) is literally a welcoming act to what will be a place for the indigenous people of California to tell the stories of the first nations of what we know today as California,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “It will be a gateway to the ancient cultures who are still with us today and provide a deeper connection and belonging for all who visit the CIHC.”
The CIHC welcome center parking area will be open to visitors Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for California tribal members is free, and public parking is $6.
To view the press release, visit this link.
For updates on the project, visit caindianheritagecenter.org/.
California State Railroad Museum to Host Navajo Cultural Performances and Lecture on Tribal Treaties
Story from: California State Railroad Museum
 “War Maker – Peace Maker” illustrates Lieutenant General William T. Sherman’s military career and his role on the Indian Peace Commission of 1867–1868. Graphic from Shawn Price, Dine’ Tah Navajo Cultural Program.
In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, the California State Railroad Museum will host an afternoon of Navajo cultural performances and a lecture on Tribal Treaties in the West on Sunday, Nov. 8. Guest lecturer Shawn Price, director of the Dine’ Tah Navajo Cultural Program, will explore the history and significance of the Peace Commission of 1867 and 1868 and its role in establishing eight tribal treaties in the West. Following the lecture, visitors can enjoy traditional Navajo dances and songs performed by the Dine’ Tah Navajo Dance Troupe.
The program is free with museum admission and appropriate for all ages. The lecture begins at 1:30 p.m., followed by performances at 2:45 p.m.
For more information, visit californiarailroad.museum.
The Curse is Broken: Another Successful Halloween at the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park
Story and photos from: Megan Stanley, Capital District
 The Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park got a spooky makeover for its fourth annual Halloween celebration.
The curse is broken! The necklace has been returned. And the fourth annual Halloween event at the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park (SHP) has come to an end!
We can now reveal that the spooky storyline was created for your enjoyment, although the various ways the characters met their demise are rooted in history, including Sacramento’s past. We had a blast bringing the story to life and sharing it with visitors. A huge thank you goes out to all the staff and volunteers who helped make this year’s event a success.
Planning began early — in fact, staff began developing ideas shortly after last year’s celebration. A team of guides from the State Capitol and mansion — Jolene Kitchens, Cindy York, Ryan Sazima and Arthur Vassar — developed the concepts and storylines, drawing on historical research to explore Victorian-era customs and beliefs surrounding death, funerals, séances and more.
Heartstoppers Haunted returned to transform the mansion with macabre decorations and eerie lighting, and, as always, did an amazing job setting the scene. Volunteers from the State Capitol also brought extra spirit(s) to the programs, adding to the excitement and atmosphere.
Two evenings also featured special appearances from other district parks. Staff from Sutter’s Fort SHP shared information about Día de los Muertos, while the team from the California State Railroad Museum introduced visitors to the history of the telegraph.
It was another memorable and successful Halloween season at the Leland Stanford Mansion. Thank you to everyone who helped bring the spooky fun to life!
Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park Assesses the Condition of Its Rock Art
Story from: Peggy Ronning and Steven Ptomey, Great Basin District
 Left to right: Museum Curator III Peggy Ronning, Kern Valley Indian Community Tribal Monitor Brandi Kendrick, rock art specialist Dr. Jannie Loubser and park volunteer David Whitley pose for a group photo during the Creation Cave rock art condition assessment. Photo from Steven Ptomey, Great Basin District.
Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park (SHP) honors the Nuwä people, who inhabited the region that is now Tehachapi, Lake Isabella and the northwestern Mojave Desert. The Nuwä are represented by the Kern Valley Indian Community (KVIC), and the Creation Cave rock art site within the park is one of KVIC’s sacred sites.
In 2025, park staff noticed that dust or other mineral deposits were accumulating on the paintings, causing them to fade or become less visible. The Great Basin District’s cultural resources team consulted with KVIC to determine whether the deterioration was part of the paintings’ natural life cycle and should be allowed to continue, or if KVIC wished to use a traditional cultural practice to preserve them. The team also asked whether KVIC wanted an assessment to determine if the deterioration could be stopped or reversed through conservation treatment.
KVIC decided to pursue a conservation assessment to better understand the condition of the paintings. The cultural resources team applied for and received funding for the project. After reviewing numerous proposals and consultants, the contract was awarded to Dr. Jannie Loubser of Stratum Unlimited, a renowned rock art specialist with more than four decades of rock art conservation experience.
Dr. Loubser conducted the condition assessment at Creation Cave Sept. 14-18. Brandi Kendrick represented KVIC as the tribal monitor. Park volunteer Dave Whitley, a retired local archaeologist, and Museum Curator III Peggy Ronning also provided assistance.
Dr. Loubser observed that while some paintings had been damaged by water and mineral deposits, 11 areas were affected by loose dust. He determined that the dust could be removed with a soft brush. After consulting with KVIC Chairman Bob Robinson, the team proceeded with this treatment method. Following training from Dr. Loubser, Kendrick removed the dust from all affected paintings, revealing a striking difference. With the dust removed, the rock art was noticeably “brighter.”
Kendrick will train other tribal members, and brushing will become part of KVIC’s regular practices to care for Creation Cave.
Clear Lake State Park Staff and Visitors Team Up to Rescue Great Horned Owl
Story and photo from: Tyler Lindberg, Northern Buttes District
 Senior Maintenance Aides Shayla Bustamantez and Aaron Flores paddle back to shore with their rescue, a great horned owl, perched on the front of their kayak.
Recently, a great horned owl badly tangled in a fishing line got a ride to safety thanks to observant visitors and the resourceful staff at Clear Lake State Park (SP). After park visitors reported the distressed bird, Senior Maintenance Aides Shayla Bustamantez and Aaron Flores set out by kayak to help. They paddled through invasive creeping primrose to reach the owl, then carefully cut the line holding it captive and set off back to shore with the unusual visitor perched on the front of their kayak.
The rescue continued on land, where Maintenance Aide Chad Love and Park Maintenance Worker Christopher Linkous wrapped the owl in a blanket and carefully removed the remaining line from around its wings. The owl was in shock and was taken to a bird rescue organization in Santa Rosa for further treatment.
Thank you to the visitors who spoke up and to the Clear Lake SP team whose quick response, patience and care gave this owl a fighting chance.
Mike and Patricia McCoy Receive California State Parks Rangers Association Honorary Ranger Award
Story from: Rich Rojas and Ron Krueper, State Parks superintendents (retired)
 Retired State Parks superintendents Rich Rojas (left) and Ron Krueper (right) flank Patricia and Mike McCoy after the McCoys became honorary rangers during the California State Parks Rangers Association awards ceremony held at the First Theatre at Monterey State Historic Park. Photo from Monterey District.
Earlier this year, the California State Park Rangers Association (CSPRA) Board of Directors unanimously voted to approve the nomination of State Parks volunteers Mike and Patricia McCoy to receive the 2026 CSPRA Honorary Ranger Award. For more than 50 years, the McCoys have dedicated their lives to protecting California’s coastal wetlands and wildlife habitats. Often at significant personal sacrifice and risk, they have worked to preserve natural resources, educate the public and advocate for the importance of urban conservation areas.
Their impact extends well beyond California. Working closely with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, they helped develop the framework for a nationwide system of estuarine preserves, including two in California. Their efforts were instrumental in the establishment of the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve at Border Field State Park, an area once proposed for development as a marina.
Mike’s dedication to conservation extended beyond the coast. For more than 20 years, he volunteered with the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (SP) sheep count, undertaking one of the most challenging assignments among more than 60 volunteers. Hiking five miles into Rattlesnake Spring and camping for multiple days in temperatures exceeding 110 degrees, Mike became legendary among fellow volunteers for his endurance and commitment.
“His dedication and stamina became legendary among his fellow counters and our staff,” said former Anza-Borrego Desert SP Superintendent Mark Jorgensen. “These traits were always with him, whether he was volunteering for the sheep count or fighting to save an estuary.”
Even now, they continue their work in restoration, conservation and climate resilience.
As Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez wrote in an article about the McCoys earlier this year, “In the long history of conservation in California, few have worked as long or as hard as the McCoys.”
Pancakes and Cornholes at the Gold Fields District All-Hands Meeting
Story from: Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division
 The Gold Fields District gave the Barry Smith thumbs-up at their all-hands meeting on Nov. 4 at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Photo from Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division
On a crisp, beautiful fall morning, the Gold Fields District held an all-hands meeting at the Granite Bay Activity Center at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (SRA). Gold Fields District Superintendent Steve Hilton kicked off the morning by thanking his team for all the hard work they do daily and wanted to make sure they knew how much they are appreciated. The management team made fresh pancakes and bacon, and everyone chipped in to bring their favorite breakfast item.
Chief Ranger Barry Smith was put on the spot for an impromptu speech to talk about his upcoming retirement. Barry says he’s worked in the Gold Fields District for 25 years and has seen how far this district has come and the many challenges it has overcome. He says he’s especially proud of the maintenance team, along with the natural, cultural and interpretative teams. Barry says he cares for all of his colleagues and will miss them greatly. But this isn’t his official goodbye yet. More on that in the coming months.
The morning then moved on to the cornhole tournament, and there were some tough teams. The finalists were Forestry Aides Horacio Flores and Frankie Vasquez, and State Park Peace Officers Brendan Daum and Derek Poirier. After four rounds, Daum and Poirier were crowned the Gold Fields District Cornhole champions. The rest of us will be practicing and getting ready for next year’s tournament. Until then … enjoy your victory!
 Top row: Folsom Lake SRA Superintendent Mike Howard, Gold Fields District Superintendent Steve Hilton and Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area Sector Manager Peter Jones whip up some delicious pancakes. Middle left: Chief Ranger Barry Smith speaking to the team. Middle center: Cornhole finalists (left to right) Horacio Flores, Frankie Vasquez, Brendan Daum and Derek Poirier. Middle right: Cornhole champs Daum and Poirier. Bottom left: Auburn SRA Superintendent Lauren Shoemaker competing in the tournament. Bottom middle: Other cornhole competitors. Bottom right: The cornhole tournament prizes. Photos from Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division and Mike Howard, Gold Fields District.
Northern Buttes District Staff Bond at Team-Building BioBlitz
Story from: Shelley Eades, Northern Buttes District
 Northern Buttes District staff hiking, exploring and identifying different species during their trip to Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park over the summer. Photos from Northern Buttes District.
Over the summer, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park (SP) Ranger James Morris organized a team-building BioBlitz trip to Ahjumawi Lava Springs SP for visitor services staff from Castle Crags and McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial state parks. As October rolled on and the park aides begin to part ways for winter, the BioBlitz team-building trip remained a standout experience in the 2026 season.
“It was a good chance for the Castle Crags and the Burney Falls park aides to get to know each other. Even though we work in the same sector, we're over an hour away, and we never see each other,” said Morris. “Because a lot of our park aides are nature enthusiasts, I thought they would enjoy it.”
The 10 participants were instructed to bring plenty of water, a sack lunch, hiking gear and to download iNaturalist if they weren’t already familiar with the mobile app. To add some friendly competition, the person who captured the most research grade observations would win the BioBlitz.
By the day’s end, Morris and the team of 10 made 308 observations, 139 of which were research grade, with observations including two great horned owls, a gray fox, black bear tracks, a river otter skull, tall evening primrose, stream orchids, leopard lilies, flame skimmers and California gall wasps to name a few. Research grade observations enable others to use the data for things like Ph.D. dissertations and scientific studies.
Castle Crags SP Park Aide Madelyn Robertson came in first with a whopping 64 research grade observations and enjoyed the camaraderie of the BioBlitz experience.
“I've mostly used iNaturalist on my own, so the bonus of meeting some Burney Falls folks and getting to explore Ahjumawi with coworkers, old and new, was a nice change. It was neat to hear about staff at a different park and to spend the day with people who all seem to share a similar appreciation for our jobs and the cool places we get to work.”
"Overall, it was a success; friendships were made, people learned stuff and it was just a great day in nature,” said Morris. “When you're an employee here, you spend most of your time working. But for that day, we all got to just be tourists, which was really fun. It was cool to get them out to areas they hadn't seen before in their own workplace. Now they have firsthand knowledge to share with visitors who ask questions about the parks in the Northern Buttes District."
On the drive back to McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial SP, a cinnamon bear and two cubs ran across the forested highway. Although the bears were too fast to capture on camera, it was the highlight of the trip for those who caught a glimpse.
Clear Lake State Park Takes First Place at Kelseyville Pear Festival Parade for Second Year in a Row
Story from: Tyler Lindberg, Northern Buttes District
 Clockwise from top left: Clear Lake State Park's first prize-winning float for the 32nd Annual Kelseyville Pear Festival's Grande Pear Parade; Park Interpretive Specialist (PIS) Tyler Lindberg poses as the Pear Bear; staff and volunteers included (left to right) Park Maintenance Worker (PMW) Christopher Linkous, Lindberg, Supervising Ranger Chris Glenn, PIS Andrew Carpenter, PMW Aaron Flores, volunteer Ferdous Kamfer, PMWs Kevin Maddux, Rodney Bray and Chad Love and volunteer India Mendonca. Photos from Northern Buttes District.
For the second year in a row, Clear Lake State Park (SP) took home the First Place win at the 32nd Annual Kelseyville Pear Festival's Grande Pear Parade. As one of Lake County’s most beloved annual traditions, the festival welcomes thousands of visitors to Kelseyville each September to celebrate the area’s rich pear-growing heritage.
The event offers something for everyone, from live entertainment and food and craft vendors to a farm-to-table dinner and fun-filled competitions, including a pear-baking contest and pear pie-eating contest. A highlight of the festivities is the Grande Pear Parade, which brings Main Street to life with colorful floats, school athletic teams, community organizations and classic vehicles, all met with enthusiasm from spectators lining the route.
Following up on last year's theme, Clear Lake SP's "Return of the Pear Bear" float featured me as the namesake "Pear Bear" making off with the park's pears, donning a bear onesie and sitting in a canoe filled with pears on top of a pickup truck decorated to resemble the lake and driven by Park Maintenance Worker Kevin Maddux. I attempted to evade capture from park staff and volunteers from the Clear Lake State Park Interpretive Association (CLSPIA), who chased after me in the park's one-ton flatbed truck driven by Supervising Ranger Chris Glenn, towing the state park’s patrol boat.
Each vehicle was decorated in the spirit of the event, with fake pears, balloons and bunting dangling from the sides and hundreds of colored napkins stuffed into chicken wire spelling out "RETURN OF THE PEAR BEAR." The revelry was accompanied by park staff and CLSPIA volunteers chanting demands for the return of their pears and the patrol boat's lights and sirens grabbing the attention of the crowd.
Many park staff members and CLSPIA volunteers donated their time and resources putting together the float and attending the festival. The First Place trophy would not be possible without their help. Will the Pear Bear's thieving ways return again next year? Will he finally be caught and brought to justice? Only time will tell!
Boating and Waterways Commission Meets in Newport Beach, Engage Public at Marine Recreation Association Convention
Story from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division
 A new video outlining the programs and responsibilities of the Division of Boating and Waterways made its debut during the California Boating and Waterways Commission meeting in Newport Beach earlier this week. Video from California State Parks.
The California Boating and Waterways Commission, along with staff from the Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW), met in Newport Beach earlier this week during the Marine Recreation Association’s annual conference. The event provided commissioners and DBW staff the opportunity to participate in seminars and interact with the public.
During her opening comments, DBW Deputy Director Ramona Fernandez described recent updates to division grant programs and their funding sources. Fernandez also provided an update on the future of a state boating and waterways economic impact study after $2 million in funding was provided by the department. The study was a key recommendation from recent stakeholder engagement by DBW. Fernandez also provided an update to changes in recent regulations, including a new mussel fee structure formulated to combat golden mussels. Fernandez also shared a new video from DBW outlining the programs and responsibilities of DBW.
Additional reports were provided to the Commission by Deputy Director for Legislative Affairs Marivel Barajas and Deputy Director for Communications and Marketing Division Marty Greenstein. Publications Specialist Kim Milruya, also from the Communications and Marketing Division, provided information about changes in the department’s brochure program and how DBW programs may be integrated into future in-house design and printing. The Commission also received reports from DBW staff on boat launching facility grants, shoreline erosion control and public beach restoration programs.
Newport Beach Deputy Harbormaster Matthew Cosylion provided an overview of the State Lands Commission Report on the city’s public trust lands management of tidelands and submerged lands in Newport Harbor. Cosvlion also provided a list of the number of abandoned vessels that have been removed from the harbor in recent years thanks to DBW’s Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange grant program.
Commission Chairman Tom Pier announced the meeting would be his last as a member. Pier has served as a commissioner since he was appointed by Governor Newsom in 2020. Kathryn Tobias, who has served as the Commission’s legal counsel for the last several years, also announced the meeting would be her last as she will be retiring at the end of the year.
A video recording of the meeting is available at CAL-SPAN. For more information about the Division of Boating and Waterways, and its various grant and safety programs, please visit dbw.parks.ca.gov.
Ten Properties to be Considered at State Historical Resources Commission Meeting Nov. 12
Story from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division
 Properties nominated to the National Register of Historic Places include (clockwise, from left): The Breakers Hotel in Long Beach. Photo courtesy of Tara Hamacher. The Woolworth Building in Bakersfield. Photo courtesy of Page and Turnbull. George Washington High School in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Christopher VerPlanck.
Ten historic properties, including a former Woolworth store in Bakersfield, George Washington High School in San Francisco, and the Breakers Hotel in Long Beach, are among the properties being considered for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. On Thursday, Nov. 12, the State Historical Resources Commission will review nominations beginning at 9 a.m. in Sacramento, inside the East Theater of the California State Railroad Museum.
The retail store inside the Woolworth Building in Bakersfield, constructed in 1950, served the public until 1994 when the business closed. The building was rehabilitated under the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program from 2022 to 2025 into a mixed-use building with a live music venue and variety of commercial and office tenant uses. The building remains an excellent example of a purpose-built Woolworth retail building, with a rare intact lunch counter.
The Breakers Hotel in Long Beach is a 14-story building designed by the architecture firm Walker & Eisen in the Spanish Colonial Revival style and completed in 1926. The hotel was considered the most ambitious and luxurious resort hotel of its era and location.
George Washington High School, in San Francisco’s Outer Richmond District, is significant for its Works Progress Administration Moderne architecture, as designed by Miller & Pflueger. It is also known as a significant trove of New Deal artwork and muralism created by artists including Victor Arnautoff, Lucian Labaudt, Ralph Stacokpole, Gordon Langon, Nelson Poole, Sargent Johnson and Robert Boardman Howard. In 1974, artist Dewey Crumpler painted a series of "Response" murals, in response to earlier student protests against the Life of George Washington murals on the site, rendered by Victor Arnautoff, as a counternarrative.
Nominations approved by the Commission will be forwarded to the National Park Service for final consideration. Full details of all properties nominated may be found on the pending nominations webpage. Visit the National Register of Historic Places website or the California Historical Resources website for properties currently listed.
Participants may attend the meeting in person or virtually. Visit State Parks’ Public Notices for meeting details, including how to register in advance. State Parks supports equal access. If you need a reasonable modification or special accommodation at the meeting or in accessing the agendas or submitting comments, please contact the Office of Historic Preservation at 916-445-7000 or email calshpo.shrc@parks.ca.gov.
Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission to Meet in Palm Desert, Tour Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area
Story from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division
 The California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Commission will tour Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Area (SVRA) before hosting its final meeting of 2026 in Palm Desert. The public is invited to participate in the tour, which begins at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18. The tour is expected to last eight hours, highlighting changes to the park’s general plan, its 50th year anniversary, and Off-Highway Vehicle Safety Week (Nov. 14-22). The public is also invited to attend the Commission meeting, beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Hotel Paseo in Palm Desert. Commissioners will hear staff reports on planning, legislation and communications and marketing.
Participants for the tour are asked to arrive 15 minutes early to ensure a timely departure. Please call 916-902-8598 no later than Friday, Nov. 13, to RSVP for the tour. A barbecue lunch will be available for purchase at the Front Street Pavilion for $20 per person. Please RSVP for lunch as well if you plan on participating or need to inquire about menu items.
Full details of the tour and the meeting are available on State Parks’ public notices webpage. Members of the public unable to attend the Commission meeting in person may watch it broadcast live at CAL-SPAN.org. For information about the OHMVR Division, including a list of SVRAs and available grant programs, visit ohv.parks.ca.gov. California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact 916-324-4442.
  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.”
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