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 Feb. 9, 2026

Parks service says federal control of local beaches could spur new, protections, conservation efforts and economic activity: The National Park Service is conducting a congressionally mandated study on designating coastal areas from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance Beach as part of the national park system. The study examines if the area meets criteria for national significance, suitability, and feasibility.
Maaz Alin, Smdp, Feb. 13, 2026

  • Additional Sources: LAist

Santa Cruz Surfers Hailed for Rescuing Family of Six After Boat Capsizes at Steamer Lane: A family of six, including four children, was pulled from the surf off West Cliff Drive on Feb. 7 after their small fishing boat capsized near Steamer Lane, thanks to a swift rescue by local surfers and the Santa Cruz Fire Department.
Edhat, Feb. 12, 2026

Even Minor Boating Accidents Can Require a State Report: Most boaters know to exchange insurance information after an incident on the water, but far fewer realize that even minor boating accidents in California often require a formal report to the state. What many consider a routine mishap — a hard bump into a dock, a scraped hull, a bent rail — can easily cross the legal reporting threshold, and failing to report it can carry misdemeanor penalties.
Katherine Clements, The Log, Feb. 12, 2026

Group wants to ban vehicles on beach leading to Oceano Dunes. Here’s where: Surfrider wants to limit driving on the beach in Oceano, so on Wednesday, the nonprofit launched a new campaign to do just that.
Stephanie Zappelli, The Tribune, Feb. 12, 2026

California Trails Survey gathers public input to guide future recreational access in the state: Most people don’t view their daily dog-walking route or preferred trail for running as valuable input that could directly impact the future of outdoor spaces.
Angie Stevens, Sun, Feb. 12, 2026

Superbloom? Death Valley may soon be filled with flowers: The state's Death Valley National Park is one of the hottest, driest places in North America, but under the right conditions, the brown desert floor can transform from bare to fields of yellow, purple and pink, a rare event known as a superbloom, AccuWeather said. And 2026 may be shaping up as one of those standout years.
Doyle Rice, USA Today, Feb. 12, 2026

Run in the Redwoods 5K Returns to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park on April 4th: Join Redwood Parks Conservancy (RPC), California State Parks, and the National Park Service for the 13th Annual Run in the Redwoods 5K Walk & Fun Run on Saturday, April 4th, 2026, in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
Redheaded Blackbelt, Feb. 12, 2026

3 desert hikes near L.A. to try before winter’s end: I hope you enjoy the three trails below. I had one of the best days Friday that I’ve ever had hiking in Southern California. 
Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, Feb. 12, 2026

Two rescued after being swept into ocean by strong rip current on Monterey County beach: Two people were rescued from the ocean near Marina on Sunday after being swept into the water by a rip current near 8th Street and Beach Range Road.
Kyarra Harris, The Mercury News, Feb. 12, 2026

Today’s Sarafornia Treasure – Calistoga, Part 1: After exploring downtown Napa last month for our story on the Cedar Gables Inn, the sister-house to Alameda’s Girls Inc. building, my interest in the history of the Napa Valley was piqued enough that I planned another trip north, this time to the famous hot springs resort town of Calistoga.
Steve Gorman, Alameda Post, Feb. 12, 2026

Bay Area beach fence fight escalates as ‘Lucky Luke’ associate files lawsuit to halt removal: An associate of the convicted fraudster who ordered the building of a fence restricting public access to Thornton State Beach has filed a lawsuit trying to keep Daly City from tearing it down as soon as next week.
Brooke Park, The San Francisco Chronicle, Feb. 11, 2026

Assemblymember Hart introduces bill to secure future of library parks pass program: California State Assemblymember Gregg Hart introduced legislation aimed at ensuring the long-term future of the popular California State Library Parks Pass program, which allows library card holders to check out free day-use passes to more than 200 state parks.
CoastalView.com, Feb. 11, 2026

L.A. County beaches could be managed by the federal government: While most environmental exchanges between California and the federal government these days are adversarial, one process has been quietly underway for two decades and is just now ripening: an examination of whether the federal government should manage Los Angeles County coastal areas.
Susanne Rust, The Los Angeles Times, Feb. 11, 2026

Nominate your favorite state park in California: California State Parks Foundation announced on Feb. 2, it is accepting nominations for the 2026 “Best of California’s State Parks” poll. Californians are invited to share their favorite state parks across 12 categories, including the best parks for camping, hiking, birdwatching and family-friendly adventures.
Banning Record Gazette, Feb. 11, 2026

Does all this rain mean we're in for a wildflower superbloom? We asked an expert: This on-and-off rain is looking like good news ... for wildflower lovers. We talked to Katie Tilford, our go-to wildflowers expert at the Theodore Payne Foundation here in L.A., which is dedicated to native plants and wildflowers in Southern California.
Rene Lynch, LAist, Feb. 11, 2026

Is California Heading for Another Superbloom? Here’s Where the Flowers Are Starting to Pop (subscription only): Hikers may get to enjoy California’s spring flowers a little early this year. The state’s late season showers and subsequent drought prepared the state for a wildflower season that’s just starting to bloom.
Mary Beth “Mouse” Skylis, Backpacker Magazine, Feb. 11, 2026

Nestled Between San Jose And The Pacific Ocean Is A Redwood State Park With Camping And Hiking: Northern California is known for its mystical redwood groves, whether it's Sonoma County's wildly underrated Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve or Sue-meg State Park's dramatic cliffs.
Anahid Akkam, Islands, Feb. 11, 2026

Reclaiming Nature: State Agencies Partner with Black-Led Groups Aiming to Expand Access, Belonging: For generations, Black Americans have been written out of the story of the outdoors, say Black nature enthusiasts and leaders of Black conservation and environmental organizations. They point out: It’s as if hiking trails, fishing lines, campsites, and open skies were someone else’s inheritance.
Edward Henderson, The Observer, Feb. 11, 2026

New bill would help ensure the future of California State Parks Pass program: California State Parks Foundation applauded the introduction of new legislation that would help ensure the future of the incredibly popular California State Library Parks Pass. The California State Library Parks Pass gives library card holders free vehicle day-use entry to over 200 participating state parks.
Turlock Journal, Feb. 10, 2026

Judge clears way for mega lawsuit blaming LA and California for deadly Palisades Fire: A blockbuster lawsuit alleging California and the City of Los Angeles failed to properly extinguish the Lachman Fire, which led to the Palisades Fire, causing 12 deaths and billions of dollars in damages, is officially allowed to move forward.
Benjamin Brown, New York Post, Feb. 10, 2026

9-year-old boy in critical condition after getting caught in Central Coast waves: Rescuers had to pluck another person, this one a child, from Central Coat waters after they were swept off the shore by strong waves near Point Lobos on Sunday. The juvenile patient was brought to safety by lifeguards from the state parks district in Monterey, supervising ranger Mike Dippel told The Tribune on Tuesday.
Kathe Turner, The Tribune, Feb. 10, 2026

2 swept into ocean in Marina rescued by State Parks, Coast Guard and police: California State Parks and the U.S. Coast Guard were dispatched to a water rescue after two people were swept into the ocean on Sunday. The Marina Police Department was notified at 4:40 p.m. and assisted in the rescue near Eighth Street and Beach Range Road in Marina.
Tracy Escobedo, KSBW, Feb. 10, 2026

1,500-Acre Park In Riverside County Gets $4.3 Million Renovation: A $4.3 million modernization project at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Riverside is now complete, and the facility — set on 1,500 acres — has reopened. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and "Wonders of the Watershed" event were held Saturday, Feb. 7, to celebrate the reopening.
Toni McAllister, Patch, Feb. 10, 2026

This Underrated California Wine Country State Park Has Challenging Hikes And Incredible Views: California is a go-to destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. You can find some fantastic hikes in California's famed Yosemite or visit one of the state's impressive 280 parks. One of the lesser known of California's state parks is Robert Louis Stevenson State Park.
Kristin Conard, Islands, Feb. 10, 2026

California opens $2.5M in grants to reimagining State Parks through art and culture: Looking to literally bridge the gap between nature and the diverse communities of the state, California State Parks and the nonprofit Parks California are opening two major grant programs.
East County News Service, Feb. 10, 2026

National Park Service to hold public meeting on potential LA coastal park: The National Park Service will hold a virtual public meeting this week to gather input on a federal study evaluating whether portions of the Los Angeles coastline — potentially stretching to Santa Monica — should be designated as a new unit of the national park system.
Maaz Alin, Santa Monica Daily Press, Feb. 10, 2026

This Spring's Superbloom Could Be One of California's Best—Here Are the Top Parks to Visit: Winter showers will bring spring flowers for several state parks in California, and it may be easier than ever to see the superblooms. State officials have predicted moderate to strong wildflower blooms across California this year following widespread rainfall during the fall and winter, according to California State Parks.
Michael Cappetta, Travel+Leisure, Feb. 10, 2026                                                                                                

The rise, fall and afterlife of California's giant orange stands: Pulling over for a cold glass of orange juice and a hot dog at a roadside stand was once as ubiquitous in California as opting for a drive-thru Double Double and a shake is today. In the 1920s and ’30s, cars lacked air conditioning, and the robust, interconnected freeway system was still far off, so most long car trips required stopping for a cold drink and a meal.
Tessa McLean, SFGATE, Feb. 10, 2026

Nominate your favorite state park for recognition: This week, California State Parks Foundation announced it is accepting nominations for the 2026 “Best of California’s State Parks” poll. Californians are invited to share their favorite state parks across 12 categories, including the best parks for camping, hiking, birdwatching, family-friendly adventures, and more.
Riverbank News, Feb. 10, 2026

San Diego Museum Month Offers Half-Off Admission At Over 70 Sites: San Diego Museum Month is underway, offering half-off admission through February at more than 70 museums and attractions across San Diego County and Tijuana.
Kristina Houck, Patch, Feb. 9, 2026

Motorcyclist being pursued by state parks officer dies in Descanso crash (subscription only): A motorcyclist being pursued by a California state parks peace officer died Sunday night when he crashed in the Descanso area, officials said. The crash occurred around 9 p.m. after the parks officer attempted a traffic stop in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and the rider took off instead, said state parks spokesperson Jorge Moreno.
Karen Kucher, The San Diego Union-Tribune, Feb. 9, 2026

Motorcycle rider chased by state parks officers killed in Descanso crash: A motorcycle rider who was being pursued by law enforcement died in a crash in the Descanso community in southeastern San Diego County, authorities said Monday.
Times of San Diego, Feb. 9, 2026

Californians invited to nominate their favorite state park for hiking, camping, and more: California State Parks Foundation announced it is accepting nominations for the 2026 “Best of California’s State Parks” poll.
Tahoe Daily Tribune, Feb. 9, 2026

Celebrate local olympic history with a free ski and snowshoe day at Sugar Pine Point State Park: The Sierra State Parks Foundation, in partnership with California State Parks, invites the public to celebrate local Olympic heritage and winter recreation at the 7th Annual Free Ski and Snowshoe Day on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sugar Pine Point State Park.
Sierra Sun, Feb. 9, 2026 

State Wants Public Input on General Plan for El Capitán, Refugio, Gaviota Parks: California State Parks is working on an update to the general plan for three state parks on Santa Barbara County‘s Gaviota Coast and is asking the public to help shape the process.
Nick Forselles, Noozhawk, Feb. 8, 2026

California’s Desert Parks Are About to Pop With Wildflowers: How to See the Superbloom: California’s deserts are gearing up for one of their rarest, most gorgeous tricks. After months of steady rain, the desert is approaching the part of spring that turns empty stretches of highway into parking lots. The superbloom.
Ashley Fike, Vice, Feb. 8, 2026

The 7 Best Places to See Wildflowers in California This Spring—With Lupines, Primroses and Poppies: Every spring, California’s hills, mountains, and even deserts transform in a whirlwind of brilliant colors. Vibrant pinks, purples, blues, and, of course, the iconic oranges of California poppies cascade over the state’s landscapes, from San Diego to San Francisco and beyond.
Cu Fleshman, Travel & Leisure, Feb. 8, 2026

Abandoned ghost town once home to 10,000 people – rusted cars still lining streets: Abandoned, rusted cars and machinery can be found across the ghost town, heightening the eerie atmosphere of a once vibrant settlement fallen silent.
Chris Samuel & Emily Wright, Express, Feb. 8, 2026

Virtual visit to the California State Railroad Museum set for February 11: On Wednesday, February 11, 2026 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, join the Menlo Park Library on a live, virtual visit to the California State Railroad Museum.
InMenlo, Feb. 8, 2026

9 Overlooked Towns on the Pacific Coast Worth Visiting: The Pacific Coast offers visitors, and even those passing through on their way to another destination, a chance to experience wild America.
Estelle Thurthle, WorldAtlas, Feb. 8, 2026

Should some L.A. beaches be a national park? It’s being studied. Here’s how you can weigh in: The National Park Service is embarking on the Los Angeles Coastal Area Special Resource Study, which focuses on the coastline and adjacent areas along Santa Monica Bay from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance Beach, including areas around Ballona Creek, as well as San Pedro
Ian James, LA Times, Feb. 7, 2026

  • Additional Coverage: SFGate

Is a superbloom coming? Why San Diego’s desert wildflowers won’t be rushed: After wetter-than-usual weather and early bursts of color across Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, a familiar question is blooming alongside the wildflowers: Is San Diego County headed for a full-blown superbloom?
Elizabeth Ireland, The Times of San Diego, Feb. 7, 2026

Plumas National Forest seeks public input on OHV grants: The Plumas National Forest announces it is welcoming public input to develop grant applications for California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division Grant Program recreation funds.
The Plumas Sun, Feb. 7, 2026

Gold Runner to Run Special Trains to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park: In honor of Black History Month, Gold Runner will run special trains to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park for its 2026 Black History Month Festival.
Contra Costa News, Feb. 7, 2026

State Parks announces 2026 Anderson Marsh nature walk schedule: The California State Parks Clear Lake Sector has announced that guided nature walks at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park will be held on the second Saturday of each month in 2026, except for December.
Lake County News, Feb. 7, 2026

LA asks court to spread liability for Palisades fire if victims' lawsuits succeed: The City filed a 'cross-complaint' days before a judge may rule on whether Palisades fire victims may proceed with lawsuits.
Eric Leonard, NBC Los Angeles, Feb. 6, 2026

End Of An Era For City Hotel Restaurant And What Cheer Saloon: The Columbia City Hotel Cooperative Corporation has made the difficult decision to cease operations of the City Hotel Restaurant and What Cheer Saloon.
B.J. Hansen, MyMotherLode.com, Feb. 6, 2026

This California Gold Rush Site Holds a Hidden Chapter of Black History: In its name, Black Miners Bar (known as Negro Bar during the 19th century), a sandbar at the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, preserves the memory of a settlement of Black miners who came to California at the very beginnings of the Gold Rush and found wealth in the American River, working in the area until roughly 1856.
Erika Mailman, Afar, Feb. 6, 2026

Central Coast State Parks Association is celebrating its 50th anniversary: June will mark CCSPA’s official 50th anniversary, which the nonprofit plans to commemorate with a festive donor appreciation event. The same month, CCSPA will also host its annual sandcastle building competition at Pismo Beach.
Caleb Wiseblood, New Times, Feb. 6, 2026

Woman ticketed on suspicion of abalone poaching at Van Damme State Park: A woman was ticketed last weekend on suspicion of poaching red abalone from the waters along Van Damme State Park south of Mendocino, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said Thursday.
Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice, Feb. 6, 2026