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 August 24, 2026

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

Judge allows controversial oil company to continue pumping, strips California of oversight (Subscription needed): A federal judge ruled that Texas-based Sable Offshore Corp. can continue pumping oil off Santa Barbara County’s coast under a Trump administration emergency order, over the objections of California officials and regulators.
Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, Aug. 20, 2026

California Condors to be released into Yurok territory this month: The Yurok Tribe is reintroducing a group of seven condors into Northern California.
Natalie Sirna, NBC 52, Aug. 20, 2026

Eyes everywhere: ALPR cameras spark privacy debate in Tuolumne County: Automated license plate reader cameras and their potential to track and share information about people, their locations, and their vehicles are among the most controversial new technologies being embraced, criticized, and, in some cases, rejected by communities across the nation. There are real automated license plate readers — ALPRs — in Sonora, Columbia Historic State Park, and elsewhere in Tuolumne County.
Guy McCarthy, The Union Democrat, Aug. 21, 2026

7 Amazing Facts About Monarchs As Fall Migration Begins In CA: There are several spots in the Golden State to witness the glorious migration of Monarch butterflies.
Miranda Ceja, Patch, Aug. 21, 2026

Fundraiser Underway for Full Renovation of Children’s Park in Isla Vista: New Playgrounds, Barbecue and Picnic Area Are Funded, but $1 Million Still Needed for Other Park Features on Chopping Block
Christina McDermott, Santa Barbara Independent, Aug. 21, 2026

Big Sur hotels, restaurants reopen as Timber Fire threat eases: Highway 1 remains closed but in smaller areas as evacuation orders are lifted
Paul Rogers, Mercury News, Aug. 21, 2026

Peek inside Sacramento’s historic Railyards shop buildings as roof repairs begin: Sacramento’s most well-known holiday train wasn’t due to run for three months, but Robert Smith was busy doing an electrical upgrade for it.
Graham Womack, The Sacramento Bee, Aug. 22, 2026

Heritage Day at China Camp: Lion Dancers with the Marin Chinese Cultural Association perform during the Heritage Day Festival at China Camp Village at China Camp State Park in San Rafael, Calif. 
Marin Independent Journal, Aug. 22, 2026

Search continues for missing Roseville man in Auburn State Recreation Area: Search and rescue crews are looking for 24-year-old Ian Roberts after his vehicle was found near a skate park in Auburn.
Nala Wallace, ABC 10, Aug. 22, 2026

Seacliff State Beach recovery effort seeks input in community meeting: The long rebuilding process from storm damage for Seacliff and New Brighton state beaches will continue Tuesday with a community meeting.
Caroline Hemphill, Santa Cruz Sentinel, Aug. 22, 2026

10 free U.S. national parks with big scenery for fall trips: No entrance fees, no passes required. These are the parks that deliver the full experience without charging at the gate.
Adrienne Barlie, Yahoo Creators, Aug. 23, 2026

Ocean and open water lifeguards in California should be considered first responders, lawmakers say: The legislature acknowledges lifeguards' role in emergency response, public safety and drowning prevention. Advocates hope that will soon translate into law
Laylan Connelly, The Orange County Register, Aug. 24, 2026

10 a.m. rule Controversial firefighting strategy could be back: A century-old policy of extinguishing every fire by 10 a.m. shaped forests — and it may be making a comeback.
Laist, Aug. 24, 2026

Submit your pics to the California State Parks Foundation's 2026 Photo Contest: The California State Parks Foundation is now accepting submissions for its 2026 Photo Contest. Take a picture at one of California's 280 state parks and submit it online at CalParks.org.
Katherine Worsham, KSBY News, Aug. 24, 2026

California parks expect Labor Day crowds. Here's when to go: As Labor Day approaches, California's most iconic parks are bracing for another surge of visitors. From Yosemite's towering granite cliffs to the ancient redwoods of Northern California, late-summer crowds can mean packed parking lots, long entrance lines, and busy trails.
James Ward, Desert Sun, Aug. 24, 2026

Hot weather dampens search efforts for missing Roseville hiker: Day 3 of the search for a missing hiker in Auburn ended early because of high temperatures, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office said. Ian Roberts was last seen on Friday morning leaving his Roseville home but never returned, prompting the Roseville Police Department to report him missing early Saturday morning.
Katie Chavez, FOX40 News, Aug. 24, 2026

Missing hiker in Placer County found dead after days-long search: A hiker in Placer County who had been missing for days was found dead Tuesday after hundreds of search-and-rescue personnel worked through challenging terrain to locate him, authorities said. Ian Roberts, 24, was found dead Aug. 25 in the Auburn State Recreation Area, the Placer County Sheriff's Office said.
Carlos E. Castaneda & Richard Ramos, CBS News, Aug. 25, 2026

Skip the crowds: California’s ‘crown jewel’ of state parks hides a protected cove that’s one of the state’s top scuba diving spots: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is considered the “crown jewel” of California’s State Park system, offering scenic hiking trails and dramatic ocean views. Thanks to its well-protected cove, Point Lobos is also frequently listed as one of California’s best scuba diving destinations.
Jamie Ferrell, Secret San Francisco, Aug. 25, 2026

Founded in 1859, this California mining town once had 2,000 buildings and 8,000 people. This ‘ghost town’ still preserves abandoned beds, toys, books and vintage supplies: Some places simply take you back right to the past. If you are also someone who is fond of exploring forgotten destinations, then California’s Bodie Historic District must be on your bucket list.
Trisha Dey, The Economic Times, Aug. 26, 2026

California Fourth Graders Just Scored Free Entry to 54 State Parks for a Full Year: California State Parks announced that its Free Fourth Grade Pass is now available for the 2026-27 school year, with a new name and an earlier sign up window. Any fourth grader attending a California public school qualifies, and parents or guardians can download the pass instantly at ReserveCalifornia.com with a free account.
Active Norcal, Aug. 26, 2026

3-day search for missing hiker ends after body found:  A three-day search and rescue mission ended when a missing hiker was found dead, according to a Wednesday, Aug. 26, El Dorado County Search and Rescue Facebook post.
Brenna O’Boyle, Kolo 8, Aug. 26, 2026

Going Camping During Fire Season? Here’s What to Know: As fires threaten the state and region, campers should know about escape routes and air quality.
Sarah Wright, KQED, Aug. 26, 2026 

Palisades Fire Victims Move Toward Settlement as City, LADWP Agree to Mediate Lawsuits: Palisades fire victims are getting their first shot at a settlement with the city and LADWP — but not the state. 
Westside Current, Aug. 26, 2026

Video of rattlesnake at Crystal Cove beach goes viral; reminder about snakes on sand and in sea: Nicky Paris felt a tickle on his foot while wading in the water at Crystal Cove State Beach. Then moments later, he saw a rattlesnake slither up from the sea and onto the sand at Crystal Cove State Beach.
Laylan Connelly, The Orange County Register, Aug. 26, 2026

7 California Hikes With Yosemite-Level Scenery And No Permit Lottery: The Golden State is packed with incredible alternatives that deliver the same jaw-dropping scale and high-alpine majesty, without requiring you to win a lucky draw.
Justin Fenwick, The Travel, Aug. 26, 2026

The Timber Fire Just Grew by 3,400 Acres in a Single Day in Big Sur: The Big Sur blaze now stands at 16,368 acres with 27 percent containment, and new evacuation orders and warnings went out to Monterey County residents as flames pushed deeper into the backcountry.
Active NorCal, Aug. 27, 2026

Lifeguards save lives. California is only now recognizing them as first responders: California lawmakers will formally recognize lifeguards as first responders, a classification that supporters say is long overdue.
Times of San Diego, Aug. 27, 2026

California Lost 125 of Its Tallest Redwoods to Weather Whiplash: New research shows that the violent swing from years of drought to a barrage of atmospheric river storms knocked 125 redwoods out of the exclusive 100-meter club in Redwood National and State Parks.
Active NorCal, Aug. 27, 2026

California Parks Are Bracing for a Massive Labor Day. Here’s How to Beat the Crowds: Parks across the state are bracing for heavy holiday traffic, packed trails, and long entrance lines, but travelers can dodge the worst of it with a little strategy. 
Active NorCal, Aug. 27, 2026

Highway 1 Closes Again as Big Sur Wildfires Grow, Tourists Urged to Stay Away: Tourists are once more being urged to stay away from Big Sur as Highway 1 closed Thursday afternoon amid the Timber Fire — now the third-largest in the state this year. 
Sarah Wright, Carly Severn, KQED Radio, Aug. 27, 2026

Plaskett Fire explodes to 1,700 acres, continues moving toward Highway 1: The Plaskett Fire near Gorda has grown to approximately 1,700 acres and remains at zero containment, according to the latest update from CAL FIRE.
Ricardo Tovar, KSBW 8, Aug. 27, 2026

Rattlesnake sightings on the rise in Southern California. What's behind the trend?: In the midst of an extended heat wave, Southern Californians have reported multiple rattlesnake sightings in recent weeks, including encounters in Newport Beach and Irvine.
Rob McMillan, ABC7 News, Aug. 27, 2026 

California’s first Social Health Council launched to strengthen community connection: A new state effort is taking on the loneliness epidemic. On Thursday, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced the launch of the first-ever California Social Health Council, bringing together leaders from across the state to advance social connection and address loneliness as a public health priority.
Lake County News, Aug. 28, 2026