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 Nov. 13, 2026
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 California Indian Heritage Center
A gorgeous sunset over the California Indian Heritage Center, located on a 51-acre property in West Sacramento, during the Phase 1 ribbon-cutting ceremony held Nov. 6. To learn more, view this press release.
Photo from Lisa Jaycox, Administrative Services Division
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  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.”
  WHAT'S NEW
High Surf Conditions for California Coasts, Residents and Visitors Urged to Take Precautions
Story from: Adeline Yee, Communications and Marketing Division
 High surf at Carmel River State Beach. Photo from Mike Dippel, Monterey District.
California State Parks and allied public safety agencies are urging residents and visitors to use caution and avoid hazardous coastal areas this weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a high surf warning from Friday evening to Sunday morning for the Northern and Central California coasts due to dangerous surf conditions. Large breaking waves of 25 to 35 feet are expected, with occasional sets of 40 to 50-foot waves. Southern California beaches are also expected to see dangerous surf conditions, rip tides and coastal flooding. Some coastal units, including Crystal Cove State Park (SP) and San Onofre State Beach (SB) are already seeing significant beach erosion and flooding.
In addition, some coastal units will be closed, including Carmel River SB, Garrapata SP, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Asilomar SB, Seacliff SB, Rio Del Mar Beach and Waddell Beach. Before heading out, be sure to check ahead on park closures and surf conditions.
Here are some key safety tips:
- Stay well back from the water, rocky shorelines and exposed coastal areas.
- Do not climb or scale shoreline rocks.
- Stay off cliffs and recreational trails along the immediate coastline.
- Never turn your back on the ocean.
- Keep children and pets away from hazardous coastal areas.
- Respect posted warnings, closures and instructions from emergency personnel.
- Do not enter the water to attempt a rescue. Call 911 if someone is in danger.
For more safety tips, visit parks.ca.gov/safetytips. For the latest on park closures, visit parks.ca.gov/incidents.
 ADVENTURE OF THE MONTH
Desert and River Make for a Unique Park Experience at Picacho State Recreation Area
Story from: Andreas Agocs, Communications and Marketing Division
 Top: The western side of Picacho State Recreation Area borders the serene Colorado River for several miles. Bottom row: The park's boat-in campgrounds and hiking trails through rugged terrain. Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
California’s southeastern corner, where the Golden State bumps against Arizona and Mexico, and where the Colorado River cuts through vast desert, is a remote area. No surprise then that California’s southeasternmost park is not easy to reach: Only six miles of the 24-mile-long road from Winterhaven to Picacho State Recreation Area (SRA) are paved. The last 18 miles of dirt road are passable for cars and vehicles with trailers and motorhomes, but flash flooding can make the road temporarily impassable even for four-wheel-drive (4WD) or off-highway vehicles (OHVs).
For visitors though who make the necessary preparations and precautions for desert conditions, Picacho SRA is a hidden gem defined by the contrast of desert and river. The park offers dramatic landscapes, historic sites and countless recreational opportunities for those who seek to get away from highways and crowds.
“Picacho is a special place,” said Interpreter III Taylour Unzicker, State Parks’ OHV outreach and education coordinator. “The history here and the remote location make you feel like you’re stepping back in time. The modern distractions pass away when you explore the park.”
Read the full story on the official State Parks blog.
 Top left: A California barrel cactus. Top and bottom right: The park invites visitors to explore the Colorado River by canoe, boat or kayak. Bottom left: The miners' cemetery is among the park's historic sites. Photos from Brian Baer, Communications and Marketing Division.
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'Ride to Ride Again’ During Fifth Annual OHV Safety Week
Story from: Kevin Murphy, Communications and Marketing Division, and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division
 Off-roading in Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. Photo from California State Parks.
November 14 marks the beginning of the fifth annual Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Safety Week. Through Nov. 22, free ATV, side-by-side and motorcycle safety classes will be offered at state vehicular recreation areas (SVRAs) and other locations statewide in collaboration with RideOHV.com. The week will culminate by celebrating Ocotillo Wells SVRA’s 50th anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 21.
The theme of OHV Safety Week is “Ride to Ride Again,” which emphasizes the importance of riding responsibly and respectfully. California’s SVRAs will offer OHV safety-focused programming, such as junior ranger programs, informational pop-ups and a poker ride at Prairie City SVRA. The “Ride to Ride Again” Poker Run includes educational stops to instruct riders about the aspects of pre- and post-mechanical inspections and other safety principles. Riders can score points for prizes and will receive a commemorative patch at the end of the run.
For further information about these and other scheduled events and free safety classes during OHV Safety Week, check out this link to State Parks’ recent press release or visit the OHV Safety Week webpage.
State Parks Lifeguard Places 13th at Bodysurfing World Tour Finals
Story from: Brad Mechling, Channel Coast District
 State Park Peace Officer Lifeguard Darren Moody recently competed in the Bodysurfing World Tour Finals in Anglet, France. Photos from Darren Moody, Channel Coast District.
State Park Peace Officer Lifeguard Darren Moody of the Channel Coast District’s Santa Barbara Sector recently traveled to Anglet, France, to compete in the Bodysurfing World Tour Finals. Darren qualified for the finals after placing second overall in North America. The competition featured the top eight men and top four women from each of five regional areas: North America, Latin America (Central and South America), Polynesia (Hawaii and Tahiti), Europe/Africa, and Australia/Asia.
The competition took place at a surf break known as “Le Club” in Anglet. Organizers had a 10-day waiting period to select the four best days for competition, allowing athletes to compete in optimal conditions. Waves ranged from four to 10 feet throughout the event.
Darren advanced through the first two rounds, earning a win in the second round in a highly competitive heat. His performance produced one of the highest heat scores of the day. He was eliminated in the third round, finishing 13th in the world.
Darren described the experience as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, noting that the competition had an atmosphere similar to the Olympic Games. He is also in a strong position in the current rankings to qualify for the next World Tour Finals, scheduled to take place in Brazil in 2027.
  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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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
Audio Visual Specialist (Technical) (PI) (McClellan) – Apply by Nov. 16: This position will work under the direct supervision of an Information Officer II and also the deputy director of Communications and Marketing Division. This position is in the Communications and Marketing Division, but the incumbent will be working on projects throughout all the districts and divisions statewide as required. The incumbent is responsible for developing and editing video and digital content for the Communications and Marketing Division and content needed statewide. Click here to learn more.
Staff Park and Recreation Specialist (Petaluma) — Apply by Nov. 16: Ready to build partnerships that bring parks to life? Join California State Parks as a Staff Park and Recreation Specialist and help grow innovative programs, strengthen community connections, and increase visitation across our Bay Area District parks. If you are a strategic thinker, a natural relationship builder, and passionate about making a difference in California’s parks, we welcome you to apply Click here to learn more.
Skilled Laborer (Sacramento) — Apply by Nov. 18: Join our team and help shape the future of California State Parks! As part of our statewide facilities inventory team, you will travel to parks across California, explore unique locations, and help assess the facilities that keep our parks thriving. If you are adaptable, motivated, and ready for an exciting field-based opportunity, this could be the perfect adventure for you! Click here to learn more.
Guide I, Historical Monument (PI) (San Simeon) — Apply by Nov. 26: Love history, meeting new people, and sharing amazing stories? Come be part of the magic at Hearst Castle! California State Parks is looking for an enthusiastic team member to bring Hearst Castle’s history to life by leading tours, engaging visitors, and helping protect this incredible landmark. If you enjoy staying active and working with the public, apply today! Click here to learn more.
State Archaeologist Classification Series (Nov. 30): The State Archaeologist series includes roles focused on the discovery, evaluation, and preservation of California’s archaeological and cultural resources. These exciting roles may involve field surveys, excavations, research, policy development, and collaboration with other agencies to manage and protect cultural sites and materials. Take the assessment to help safeguard California’s heritage and support meaningful cultural resource management. 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.
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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Style time! Here are this week's tips to help spread the word about our departmentwide style guidelines:
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Fall and Winter: Lowercase the names of seasons unless they’re part of a formal name (e.g., Fall Festival, Winter Ball etc.)
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November Dates: Abbreviate November when paired with a specific date (e.g., "Nov. 13," etc.). Spell it out when used alone or with only a year (e.g., "in November", "November 2026," etc.).
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OHV: Stands for “off-highway vehicle.” Spell out at first reference and use lowercase for all words.
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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 California Indian Heritage Center
Moments from the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the official opening of Phase 1 of the center on Nov. 6. Director Armando Quintero (bottom right) and California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot (bottom left) were among the leaders and members of the public at the ceremony. Once completed, the center, located on a 51-acre property in West Sacramento, will serve as a statewide hub for cultural preservation, education and exchange.
Photos from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
 Asilomar State Beach and Conference Ground
Last week was the Fourth Annual Asilomar Sector Bake-Off. This year's competition included a stout cake, chai madelines, pumpkin cornbread, curry hand pies and more.
Clockwise from top left: Asilomar Sector Manager Jenifer Lienau-Thompson puts the finishing touches on her apple cider tiramisu; the coveted "Wooden Spoon" trophy, awarded to the best overall dish; our winners (left to right) Park Interpretive Specialist Skylar Ritter tied for best presentation, Guide I Julia Madden-Fulk tied for best savory, Interpreter I Aaron Gilmartin tied for best presentation and Environmental Scientist Sophie Bozone won for best sweet and best overall. Not pictured: Guide Trainee Elizabeth Henning, who tied for best savory.
Photos from Sophia Rose, Monterey District
 Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument (Hearst Castle)
Sambar deer overlooking the towers and palm trees of Hearst Castle.
Photo from Benjamin Ellis, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Hearst San Simeon State Park
An elephant seal covers itself in sand at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery.
Photo from John Morgan, San Luis Obispo Coast District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
A western gray squirrel. They are so speedy.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
A red-tailed hawk looking regal.
Photo from Michele Hernandez, Colorado Desert District
 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
New growth after the rains. From left to right: creosote, chinchweed and ocotillo.
From left to right: creosote, chinchweed and ocotillo.
Photos from Kamia Val Cleve, Colorado Desert District
 Saddleback Butte State Park
Heavy rain-spent storm clouds drift over Saddleback Butte's vast Mojave horizon catching a soft touch of pink in the quiet aftermath of the day's rare rain.
Photos from Kady Sandström, Great Basin District
 Dos Rios
Fall colors are happening at Dos Rios.
Photos from Keith Griggs, Central Valley District
 Castle Crags State Park
A fall view from an Indian Springs spur trail, on the way up to Castle Dome.
Photo from Madelyn Robertson, Northern Buttes District
 Castle Crags State Park
Another view from an Indian Springs spur trail.
Photo from Madelyn Robertson, Northern Buttes District
 Old Sacramento State Historic Park
Fall in Old Sacramento, caught on 35mm film.
Photo from Zachary Briscoe-Smith, Capital District
 MacKerricher State Park
Morning sunrise. Giving back to the community that I was born and raised in, Mendocino County. Best job in the world!
Photo from Luke Stone, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District
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Discover events happening in parks near you! Explore our interactive event calendar and map at parks.ca.gov/events. Here is a small selection of the hundreds of park events happening statewide (the numbers on the map indicate the location of the events below):
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California Basket Weavers' Day — State Indian Museum (State Historic Park), Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Event Fee: $5 | Cash, Card accepted. Park Day-Use Fee: See event details for information on fees. California basketry thrives today because of the work of Native elders, whose dedication to sharing and teaching time-honored traditions and skills has ensured the survival of California Native cultures. Join California State Parks and the California Indian Heritage Center Foundation (CIHCF) as we host Dixie and Claudette Rogers (Karuk) and other celebrated weavers to learn more about this important and time-honored tradition. In addition to ongoing demonstrations by weavers throughout the day, visitors will also have the chance to make their own twined pipe-cleaner baskets and/or gift a basket art piece to an elder in the community. If you need to request special accommodations, please reach out to: Kyle Floyd / floyd@parks.ca.gov. This event is part of Native American Heritage Month at California State Parks.
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Off-Highway Vehicle Safety Week — Eastern Kern County, Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Event Fee: Free. Park Day-Use Fee: We’re excited to have a booth at Jawbone Canyon near restroom RM2 for Safety Week! Stop by and say hello, grab some safety tips, and learn how we can all do our part to make the trails safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Whether you ride a dirt bike, side-by-side, ATV or another off-highway vehicle, trail safety starts with all of us. If you need to request special accommodations please reach out to: 442-247-5160. This event is part of Off Highway Vehicle Safety Week at California State Parks.
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Ride to Ride Again! OHV Safety Week Poker Run — Prairie City SVRA, Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Event Fee: Park Day-Use Fee: $5 | Cash. Check, Card accepted. Bring your motorcycle (MC) or four-wheeler (ATV) and your family on a fun run with State Parks and your OHV community. This poker run follows a marked course along an easy two-mile route following the main dirt and gravel roads through Zone’s 2 & 3 of the park. There are five educational stops along the route In addition, riders draw poker chips at each stop to score points for prizes awarded at the end of the run. All riders who finish the run will receive a commemorative finisher patch. If you need to request special accommodations please reach out to: Prairie City SVRA/916-985-1093/Prairie.City@parks.ca.gov. This event is part of Off Highway Vehicle Safety Week at California State Parks.
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Archaeology Day — Malibu Creek State Park, Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.: Event Fee: Park Day-Use Fee: See event details for information on fees. Come join us for Archeology Day at King Gilette Ranch! Learn from local Indigenous cultural leaders and interact with historic artifacts. November is National Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the living cultures and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples. Archeology plays a vital role in this observance, helping us understand, protect and uplift Indigenous stories that continue to shape our parks today. If you need to request special accommodations please reach out to: infoangeles@parks.ca.gov. This event is part of Archeology Month at California State Parks.
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OHV Safety Week — Oceano Dunes SVRA, Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Event Fee: Park Day-Use Fee: $5 | Cash, Card accepted. Join California State Parks staff at Oceano Dunes SVRA for OHV Safety Week! Stop by our OHV safety booth at Restroom D near the old SAR base to talk riding safety and responsible OHV recreation. Learn about the importance of preparing for your ride and get helpful safety information and resources for riding in the dunes. We’ll have fun children’s activities, giveaways, and an opportunity to put your safety skills to the test with our mock T-CLOC inspection. Visitors can work individually or in small groups with State Parks staff to complete a hands-on inspection of a mock OHV and learn how to identify common safety and maintenance issues before heading out to ride. If you need to request special accommodations please reach out to: John.McCaull@parks.ca.gov. This event is part of Off Highway Vehicle Safety Week at California State Parks.
Find a list of CNRA-sponsored events for Native American Heritage Month here.
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Nov. 9, 2026
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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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