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 22, 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 

‘Outdoors for All:’ Dunes campground gets budget boost: The May revision of the 2026-27 state budget includes an increase of $3.6 million for operations of the Fort Ord Dunes Campground. The increase comes as part of the the Outdoors for All initiative, which aims to give equitable outdoor access to all Californians. 

Sean Tubo, East Bay Times, June 26, 2026 

California State Parks lifeguard runs over woman lying on Half Moon Bay beach: A 20-year-old woman was injured Wednesday afternoon when a California Department of Parks and Recreation lifeguard vehicle drove over her as she lay in the sand at Half Moon Bay State Beach, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office said. 
Aidin Vaziri, San Francisco Chronicle, June 25, 2026 

California State Parks Superintendent Accused of Secretly Recording OC Lifeguards: A former California State Parks superintendent has been accused of secretly recording Orange County lifeguards. 
Cooper Gegan, The Inertia, June 25, 2026 

California State Parks to implement new 'no-show' rules for campsites: For years, campers have complained about the abundance of reserved yet unused campsites throughout California's state parks. That could change on July 1, when the California Department of Parks and Recreation implements stricter rules and penalties for people who fail to cancel their reservation in a timely manner. 

Noe Padilla, USA Today, June 25, 2026 

‘Share your space’ in California State Parks summer photo contest: California State Parks invites summer visitors to the nation’s largest and most diverse state park system to “share your space” by entering the 2026 Photo Contest. 

Beverly Press, June 25, 2026 

Lifeguard vehicle drives over woman lying on Half Moon Bay beach, sheriff says: A 20-year-old woman was injured Wednesday afternoon when a California Department of Parks and Recreation lifeguard vehicle drove over her as she lay in the sand at Half Moon Bay State Beach, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office said. 
Aidin Vaziri, San Francisco Chronicle, June 25, 2026 

This Iconic Tahoe Campground Just Reopened. Here’s How to Make the Most of It: D.L. Bliss State Park, on Lake Tahoe’s eastern shore, just a few minutes from Emerald Bay, is one of the most scenic places to enjoy all the lake has to offer — serene views, adventurous hikes like the famous Rubicon Trail and relaxing beaches. 

Sarah Wright, KQED, June 25, 2026 

Major changes coming to California State Parks campsite reservation rules starting this July — here’s what you need to know: Major changes are hitting California’s state campgrounds. Beginning July 1, the California Department of Parks and Recreation is enforcing a stricter cancellation policy, higher fees, and a new penalty system. 

Jorge Lajo, Secret Los Angeles, June 25, 2026 

California’s Oldest State Park Is Being Reimagined, and a July Meeting Is Key: California State Parks confirmed that the State Park and Recreation Commission will hold its quarterly meeting in Scotts Valley on Thursday, July 2, where commissioners plan to review a supplemental environmental impact report and a general plan amendment for the park. 
Active NorCal, June 25, 2026 

At least 23 lifeguards secretly recorded in OC locker room, ex-State Parks boss charged, DA says: A former California State Parks superintendent in Orange County has been released on bond after being accused of secretly recording lifeguards in a men's locker room, authorities said. 

Bianca Buono, KABC-TV (ABC7 Los Angeles), June 24, 2026 

California historic parks beckon. How to get a free pass: In honor of the United States 250th anniversary and Juneteenth, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a special free annual pass to California’s state historic parks. The Historian Passport, as it is known, will offer free admission to 33 California historic state parks. 
Brenda Y. Vasquez, The Oaklandside, June 24, 2026 

Crescent City beach clean-up needs volunteers July 5: The event is a partnership between California State Parks, the National Park Service, Smith River Alliance, CalTrans, and the Del Norte Solid Waste Authority. Volunteers will help remove litter from local beaches and prevent debris from reaching the ocean. 
Ainsley Van Reusen, Action News Now, June 24, 2026 

Fourth of July Fireworks 2026: Shows, Parades and Events Around the Bay Area: Fourth of July this year will be a special one, as Americans across the country celebrate the country’s 250th birthday. 

Nisa Khan, Carly Severn, & Audrey Garces, KQED, June 24, 2026 

Jack London state park fees increasing by $5, first hike since 2012: Visitors to Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen will now pay $15 per vehicle to enter the park, up from $10, marking the first entrance fee increase since 2012. 

Ruchi Shahagadkar, The Sonoma Index-Tribune, June 23, 2026 

Students explore the West Shore at Sugar Pine Point State Park: As the school year came to a close, South Tahoe Environmental Education Coalition (STEEC) welcomed over 750 kindergarten through third-grade students from Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) to Sugar Pine Point State Park. 

South Tahoe Now, June 23, 2026 

Looking to Avoid Yosemite Crowds? Check Out These Alternate Hikes, Campsites and Destinations: We dig into the cause and impact of the changes at Yosemite and discuss where else in California you can find peak outdoor experiences. 

Lesley McClurg, KQED, June 22, 2026 

The Hidden History Behind Sacramento’s Most Controversial Gold Rush Place Name: Historians are trying to keep the story of Black gold miners in Folsom alive. 

Judy Farah, Comstock’s Magazine, June 22, 2026 

New lawsuit fuels battle over Oceano Dunes: Just months after the last lawsuit settled, another has taken its place and this lawsuit says State Parks still isn’t doing its part to conserve. 

Makayla Richardson, KSBY, June 19, 2026 

See which Sacramento-area state historic parks are free in new pass program: The program comes amid a state effort to evolve how history is taught at places such as Sutter’s Fort, according to John Fraser, the Capitol District superintendent for California State Parks. 

Graham Womack, Sacramento Bee, June 19, 2026 

Crystal Cove Conservancy Announces Summer 2026 Programs: This summer Crystal Cove Conservancy invites families, artists, nature lovers, and lifelong learners to experience a season of creativity, exploration, and connection through a dynamic lineup of free and low-cost programs at Crystal Cove State Park. 

Newport Beach Independent, June 19, 2026