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 July 13, 2026

Asilomar unveils center to preserve historic landmarks at state park: A new preservation center dedicated to restoring and safeguarding the historic architecture of Asilomar State Park and Conference Grounds was unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 15 in Pacific Grove.
Roseann Cattani, The Salinas Californian, July 17, 2026 (Subscription needed)

Historic Nude Beach to Become Part of California State Park System, Clothing No Longer Optional: A beloved slice of the San Mateo County coast is about to enter a brand-new era. On July 29, the privately owned San Gregorio Ranch will officially open to the public as a massive extension of San Gregorio State Beach. But when the gates open, visitors will have to adapt to a major change.
Unofficial Networks, July 17, 2026

California is Building Three New State Parks, and It Wants Your Input: California is building its first new state parks in decades, and for once the public gets a real say in what they become. State Parks has opened a survey asking Californians to help shape three parks taking root across the Central Valley, including one in the Sacramento Valley’s own backyard.
Active NorCal, July 17, 2026


Driver falls 150 feet and crashes on California state beach: Three men reportedly walked away from a crash Wednesday night in which the car drove off a cliff in Mendocino County... Emergency responders, State Parks and Cal Fire responded to the crash.
Olivia Harden, SFGATE, July 16, 2026


Man in custody after attempting to evade police in Pacific Ocean: An unusual scene unfolded at the beach in Los Angeles County on Thursday morning when a man who was wanted by police ran into the water and stayed in for over an hour in a futile attempt to escape, authorities said. The man swam into the ocean off Will Rogers State Beach and remained offshore for about 90 minutes, KTLA reported.
Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, July 16, 2026


Unusual Amount of Oil and Tar Reported on Beaches Across South Coast: U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Kesley Underwood said that her agency is working alongside the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Office of Spill Prevention to assess the tar on the beaches, and that CDFW teams took samples of oil off of Carpinteria State Beach this morning to verify where the tar is coming from.
Elaine Sanders, Santa Barbara Independent, July 16, 2026

Squatters at beloved California beach spark surfer revolt to ban parking: A popular surfing beach near San Francisco is seeing its parking lots filled not with surfers or tourists but with RVs — and nearby residents and beach visitors have had enough.
Titus Wu, California Post, July 16, 2026

Bomb Squad Responds To California Beach After 1950’s Super Bazooka Shell Washes Ashore: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad, the Sheriff’s Homeless Liaison Unit, and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit from Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu responded to assist State Parks Police and Life Guards after the 1950’s era military ordnance was discovered near Life Guard Tower 14.
Unofficial Networks, July 16, 2026

Huntington Beach venue operator finds her ‘SeaLegs’ after 10 years of good vibes: A decade can go by quickly, just ask Alicia Cox. Cox’s daughter Sahara was 5 years old when the entrepreneur’s first beach concessions, including SeaLegs at the Beach, opened at Bolsa Chica State Beach in 2016.
Matt Szabo, Daily Pilot, July 16, 2026

California State Parks Seeks Community Input in Shaping the Future of Three New State Parks Coming: Feather River Park in Yuba County, San Joaquin River Parkway in Fresno and Madera Counties, and Dust Bowl Camp in Kern County: Californians can now take the State Parks Forward survey to help shape the future of three new state parks coming to the Central Valley.
Sierra Sun Times, July 16, 2026

Felony Suspect Swims Into Ocean To Escape Police At Will Rogers Beach: Report: The man treaded water offshore for more than an hour as lifeguards and law enforcement boats surrounded him Thursday morning.
Chris Lindahl, Patch, July 16, 2026

Boating News Alert: DBW Opens Grant Applications to Promote Clean Boating Across California: Organizations can apply for up to $360,000 to educate recreational boaters about proper sewage disposal and pumpout use.
The Log, July 16, 2026

I’ve Visited California’s Central Coast for 20+ Years—This Is One of Its Most Beautiful Beaches: Sandwiched between Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, Asilomar State Beach encompasses five unique ecosystems across a little more than 100 acres.
Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, July 16, 2026

Big Basin Redwoods State Park to undergo $370 million restoration after wildfire: California State Parks has approved a $370 million plan to rebuild Big Basin Redwoods State Park, which was heavily damaged by the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire, with new facilities and wildfire mitigation efforts.
Michael Rosales, KSBW, July 15, 2026


Girl, 4, killed by RV in state park campground on Highway 1: A 4-year-old girl died after she was struck and pinned underneath a motor home on Sunday at a campground in Salt Point State Park, authorities said.
Aldo Toledo, SF Chronicle, July 15, 2026


Museums, parks in Southern California to visit when you want free fun: Stunning gardens, a lighthouse, and state park exploration. These are just some of the ways you can spend your afternoon in Southern California while keeping costs down this summer.
Paris Barraza, USA Today, July 15, 2026

California’s Most Beautiful State Park Has Redwoods, Ocean Views, and a Spectacular 80-foot Waterfall: Located on Highway 1 in California’s Big Sur region, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is home to McWay Falls, an 80-foot-tall waterfall that cascades onto the beach.
Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, July 15, 2026

Put your clothes back on! Beloved San Gregorio nude beach to become part of public state park: The land was purchased by the nonprofit Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) for $10 million in April and will be donated to California State Parks later this year.
Ruben Vives, LA Times, July 15, 2026


Mother and son rescued after getting lost at Tolowa Dunes State Park: A mother and son were safely rescued after getting lost while walking trails at Tolowa Dunes State Park near Crescent City.
Adam Robinson, KRCR, July 15, 2026

Man rescued after falling from cliff at Montaña de Oro: Multiple agencies responded to a rescue at Montaña de Oro State Park after a person reportedly fell off a cliff and sustained leg and head injuries.
Sadie Dittenber, The Tribune, July 15, 2026

Jack London Park to host ‘Howl at the Moon’ hike to ring in July’s full moon: Jack London State Historic Park is hosting a midweek hike to the Park Summit on Wednesday, July 29 to watch July’s full moon — also known as the “Buck Moon” — rise.
Ruchi Shahagadkar, Sonoma Index-Tribune, July 15, 2026

4-Year-Old Girl Dies After RV Backs Up Over Her At Campground: CHP said a 4-year-old was killed after an RV accidentally backed up over the child at a Sonoma County campsite in Salt Point State Park.
Angela Woodall, Patch, July 14, 2026


Historic San Mateo County Nude Beach to Become Part of New California State Park: San Gregorio Ranch State Beach is set to open to the public on July 29. Nudity, however, will no longer be allowed.
Sarah Wright, KQED, July 14, 2026


Oceanside police give update, timeline for missing woman Angelica Brophy: The Oceanside Police Department (OPD) on Tuesday evening held a briefing regarding the search for missing Oceanside woman Angelica Brophy, who was reportedly last seen July 6.
Sharisse Cohee, FOX 5, July 14, 2026


Nonprofit launches fundraising campaign to reopen popular Big Basin Redwoods State Park trail: Stewards of Big Basin Redwoods State Park are making a push to reopen a critical section of trail within the local landmark six years after it was destroyed by the CZU Lightning Complex fires.
PK Hattis, Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 14, 2026

Tahoma man named California State Parks district superintendent for Sierra District: California State Parks announced the selection of Rich Adams as the new district superintendent for the Sierra District. (Copy of Press Release)
Tahoe Daily Tribune, July 14, 2026


State Park Stays, Rustic Alternatives for Summer: Flights, rental cars, hotel fees, pet sitters, the existential toll of Highway 101—who needs them? Fortunately, the North Bay has a built-in escape hatch: several California State Parks close enough to reach painlessly and wild enough to make one feel far from the trappings of civilization.
Pacific Sun, July 14, 2026

New Donner Park film brings long-missing Washoe history to the screen: Donner Memorial State Park premiered a new 26-minute visitor center film Friday that recounts the story of the Donner Party and the region’s history.
Petra Molina, Sierra Sun, July 14, 2026

Search efforts ongoing for missing Oceanside mom and nurse, Angelica Brophy: Angelica Brophy was reported missing July 6, with her last known location being Harrah's Resort in Valley Center. Her car was found in Palomar Mountain State Park.
Madison Miller & Jenny Day, CBS 8, July 13, 2026


'Super bazooka' round discovered on Calif. state beach near Malibu: Point Mugu State Park and a neighboring stretch Pacific Coast Highway were briefly closed Sunday after lifeguards patrolling the beach discovered an unexploded bazooka round dating to the 1950s.
Gillian Mohney, SFGate, July 13, 2026


Stunning Bay Area coastal ranch with nude beach to become part of state park: California State Parks will expand its holdings along the San Mateo County coast with the acquisition of a rare half-mile stretch of undeveloped beach and bluffs, known as San Gregorio Ranch.
Kurtis Alexander, SF Chronicle, July 13, 2026

Beach season is here—just not for everyone: On the 50th anniversary of the California Coastal Act, which codified the public’s right to access and enjoy the state’s iconic coastline, the team led by researchers from the University of California, Santa Cruz, present new work that describes the different conditions across more and less affluent areas of the Central Coast.
Mike Peña, UCSC News, July 13, 2026


Two climbers rescued from Morro Rock: Two climbers were safely rescued from Morro Rock on Sunday afternoon after emergency crews responded to a reported cliff rescue in Morro Bay, according to multiple reports.
A-Town Daily News, July 13, 2026

Sheriff's, Navy bomb squads blow up ordnance found at Mugu Beach: Bomb squads detonated military ordnance found at Mugu Beach July 12, authorities said.
Stacie N. Galang, VC Star, July 12, 2026

Where are bonfires allowed at SLO County beaches? Know these rules: Before you stock up on firewood and buy ingredients for s’mores, learn where bonfires are permitted in the county. Subscription Required.
Alexiah Syrai Olsen, San Luis Obispo Tribune, July 11, 2026

SLO County has one of 5 ‘rattlesnake hotspots’ in California. Where is it?: Learn where you can expect to find rattlesnakes, and how to protect yourself. Subscription Required.
Alexiah Syrai Olsen, San Luis Obispo Tribune, July 11, 2026

Injured person rescued from popular Santa Cruz Mountains swimming hole: Emergency crews responded to a medical emergency at the swimming spot in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains, according to Cal Fire.
Sarah Ravani, San Francisco Chronicle, July 11, 2026

Search on for Oceanside woman missing since July 6: Authorities and loved ones are asking for the public’s help in finding an Oceanside woman who was supposed to pick up her daughter from a summer camp last week but never showed up.
Ava Kershner, ABC 10, July 11, 2026

Why pre-order passes are being rolled out at the Oceano Dunes: If you're heading to the Oceano Dunes for a drive on the sand, on busy event days, you won’t be able to buy a pass at the kiosk anymore; a new presale pass is highly encouraged.
Makayla Richardson, KSBY, July 10, 2026

Can I swim in Lake Natoma? What to know about E. coli in Sacramento-area waterways: Is Lake Natoma safe to swim in this summer? State officials are not yet certain.
Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, July 10, 2026

Oil Pipeline Owner Asks Trump Officials to Seize Miles of California Park, Other Land: Sable Offshore Corp. has reportedly asked the Trump administration to exercise eminent domain to condemn and seize miles of private and state-owned land in California, including part of a popular state park.
Edhat, July 10, 2026