NEWS CLIPS

 The opinions and views expressed in the news stories of interest do not always reflect those of the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

News Stories of Interest
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Week of June 15, 2026

1 dead, 1 in critical condition after being swept out near Panther Beach: One woman is dead and another is in critical condition following a water rescue near Panther Beach, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office told the Sentinel Friday.
Caroline Hemphill, Santa Cruz Sentinel, June 12

  • More Coverage: KTLA

Make the most of your California State Park adventure: (subscription only) More than 150 activities across California's state parks are taking place now through June 14 for the fifth annual California State Park Week. 
Roseann Cattani, Desert Sun, June 12, 2026

Officials urge life jackets and sober drivers as crowds head to Millerton Lake: Warm weather is drawing more people to Millerton Lake, and officials are urging visitors to take extra precautions as boaters and swimmers share increasingly crowded waters.
Madison Wilber, KMPH, June 13, 2026

Visit the Hidden Gem Small Town Right Next Door to Morro Bay State Park: Just minutes from Morro Bay State Park, this laid-back coastal town pairs estuary views and outdoor adventure with a walkable waterfront, fresh seafood, and the iconic silhouette of Morro Rock rising above the bay.
Kate Orlando, Only in California, June 13, 2026

12 California State Parks Worth Planning A Trip Around, According To Travel Experts: California’s state park system already protects about 1.65 million acres across 280 sites, including beaches, redwoods, deserts, lakes, historic sites and recreation areas. That scale means choosing the best California state parks is about matching the right park to the right trip, whether it is a camping stay, a road trip or a beach vacation.
Emese Maczko, Forbes, June 14

Dangerous conditions continue as heavy surf and high tides cause damage to SoCal beaches: Heavy surf, high tides and rip currents have done some damage to the Southern California coast, with potentially dangerous conditions expected to last at least until Thursday.
Erin Stone, LAist, June 15, 2026

Celebrating 50 years of Humbug Day (PHOTO GALLERY):
Elias Funez, The Union, June 16, 2026

New West Sacramento cultural center aims to honor Native tribes ‘on their own terms’: California has the largest Native American population in the country, with more than 700,000 people and over a hundred federally-recognized tribes calling the Golden State home. And for decades, efforts have been underway to develop a new space to highlight the experience and culture of Native people on their own terms.
Sarit Laschinsky, CapRadio, June 16, 2026

Santa Cruz County surf sparks 10 rescues as lifeguards warn swimmers and boaters: Hazardous surf conditions across Santa Cruz County have kept lifeguards busy and led to warnings for swimmers and boaters to exercise caution.
Jazmon DeJarnette, KSBW Santa Cruz, June 16, 2026

Adventure Everywhere in San Diego, California: The Pacific Ocean is the obvious draw, but San Diego goes beyond its SoCal-cool image and delivers a community that’s full of culture and surrounded by adventure. Adventure Everywhere with a vehicle that elevates every drive, whether you’re heading to Pearl Street to shop or traveling to a state park.
Graham Averill, Outside, June 16, 2026

Beaumont’s Stewart Park gets $2.5 M grant for Phase II: The city of Beaumont has received official clearance from the California State Parks Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) to move forward with the Stewart Park revitalization project, marking a significant milestone in one of the city’s most transformative community investments.
Record Gazzette, June 16, 2026

Beaumont’s Stewart Park gets $2.5M grant for Phase II: The city of Beaumont has received official clearance from the California State Parks Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) to move forward with the Stewart Park revitalization project.
Record Gazette, June 16, 2026

Free passes to California state parks mark Juneteenth, 250th anniversary of US: A free pass to more than 30 California state historic parks will be offered through July 6 to honor Juneteenth and the 250th anniversary of the United States, state officials said.
Don Sweeney, The Sacramento Bee, June 17, 2026

King tides flood Malibu campground, prompting emergency response: King tides flooded portions of Thornhill Broome Campground in Malibu overnight, prompting an emergency response as ocean water pushed into campsites.
Mario Ramirez, FOX Los Angeles, June 17, 2026

Southern California coast faces deaths and high surf amid king tides hitting the beaches: Weather officials have issued coastal flood and high surf warnings from Northern California to Malibu as a volatile mix of heavy ocean swells and peak seasonal tides continues to batter the Southern California shoreline.
Westsidetoday.com, June 17, 2026

State park on San Joaquin River adds floodplain. Public can offer recreation ideas: Another 250 acres of floodplain have been restored along the lower San Joaquin River, this time on the Merced County stretch. The $3.5 million project is in the 2,800-acre Great Valley Grasslands State Park.
John Holland, The Modesto Bee, June 17, 2026

Now you can visit dozens of state historic parks for free through 2026. Here’s how: From now through July 6, residents and tourists alike can download the California State Parks Historian Passport for free, allowing them access to more than 30 state historic parks across the state through the end of 2026.
Jaclyn Cosgrove, LA Times, June 17, 2026

Point Mugu State Park Experiences Flooding At ThornHill Broome Campground: On Wednesday, June 17, the Point Mugu State Park experienced King Tide flooding at their Thornhill Broome Campground in the morning.
Megan Hanson, Canyon News, June 18, 2026

Hendy Woods State Park gets nationally recognized for its beauty and biodiversity: The Hendy Woods Discovery Trail was nationally recognized for its beauty and biodiversity by being formally inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network during a ceremony sponsored by Save The Redwoods League at the trailhead on June 14, 2026.
The Mendocino Beacon, June 18, 2026

‘Rekindle your curiosity with history’: California offering free access to state parks: In honor of Juneteenth and America’s 250th birthday, through July 6, Californians can download a historian passport for free. Each pass allows up to four people unlimited access to more than 30 state parks across California at no cost.
Sierra Krug, FOX40, June 18, 2026

Juneteenth festival returns to Black Miners Bar: A festive Juneteenth event is scheduled for Saturday, June 27 at Black Miners Bar in the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. The festival will happen between 11 am to 7 pm and is organized in partnership with California State Parks and Stafford Consulting Group.
Gold Mountain California News Media, June 18, 2026

Bidwell Mansion's future takes shape 18 months after fire: The future of Bidwell Mansion is starting to take shape 18 months after fire destroyed the Chico landmark. California Department of Parks and Recreation is still looking for public input on the options.
Emilio Del Carpio, Action News Now, June 18, 2026

Visiting L.A. for FIFA World Cup 2026? These 3 California State Parks deserve a spot on your itinerary: The FIFA World Cup 2026 is bringing an incredible wave of energy to Los Angeles, with fans from around the globe filling stadiums, restaurants, and streets across the city. But between match days and sightseeing adventures, there’s another side of L.A. worth discovering – the gorgeous California state parks.
Sarah Nash, SECRET LOS ANGELES, June 18, 2026

California State Parks Enforce Strict Access: How the Burney Falls Reservation System Travel Impact Transforms Northern California Waterfall Tourism and Road Trip Itineraries: New Travel Alert: A sudden shift in park rules has shocked tourists as the Burney Falls reservation system travel impact alters spontaneous road trips through Shasta County on June 18, 2026.
Raushan Kumar, Nomad Lawyer, June 18, 2026

A guide to Humboldt County, home of the world's tallest trees - Los Angeles Times: (subscription only) I’ve been intrigued by the Northern California area of Humboldt County ever since the fourth grade. That’s when my teacher told us the story of the Gold Rush town of Eureka: In the 1850s, when prospectors struck gold, they would yell “Eureka!” which is Greek for “I have found it!” What a funny word, I thought.
Edwin Goei, Los Angeles Times, June 19, 2026

Doheny Surf & Art Festival Returns to Doheny State Beach June 27- 28: The Doheny Surf & Art Festival will return to Doheny State Beach on June 27-28, filling the park with surf contests, live music, local art and food vendors.
Hayze Law, Dana Point Times, June 19, 2026

Railtown 1897 Hopes To Resume Train Rides Next Week: California State Parks has provided an update on the temporary pause to train rides at Railtown 1897 in Jamestown. Officials say it was done proactively by State Parks and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation to evaluate operating records to ensure they are meeting all necessary requirements to maintain passenger and crew safety.
B.J. Hansen, myMotherLode.com, June 19, 2026