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 May 18, 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 

Big Basin shuttles return for summer weekends: California State Parks officials have announced the return of the shuttle program at Big Basin Redwoods State Park for summer weekends and holidays beginning Saturday, May 23, ahead of Memorial Day weekend. 

Press Banner, May 22, 2026 

California State Parks Honors the Service of Veterans, and Active and Reserve Military Members, By Offering Free Admission to 147 Participating State Parks on Memorial Day: As the unofficial start of summer kicks off, California State Parks invites Californians and visitors from around the world to enjoy Memorial Day weekend safely and responsibly.  

Sierra Sun Times, May 22, 2026 

Angel Island Immigration Station named among America’s Most Endangered Historic Places: This is the second time the site has made the endangered list. After it was included on the list in 1999, Angel Island State Park and the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation partnered to restore the detention barracks and hospital building and opened new areas to the public.  

Ruth Dusseault, Bay City News/ Local News Matters, May 21, 2026 

6 Bay Area beaches land on California's worst beaches list: As the weather warms up, plenty of Californians will flee the summer heat to seek relief on the state’s beaches. But not all beaches are as clean as others, with polluted water stemming from challenges like climate change, wastewater infrastructure and trash dumping.  

Tessa McLean, SFGATE, May 21, 2026 

The Story Behind California's Highway 1: For nearly 100 miles, Monterey County's Highway 1 winds its way on the edge of one of the country’s most dramatic coastlines to connect the towns of Carmel-by-the-Sea in the north to San Simeon in the south. 
Stuart Thornton, SeeMonterey.com, May 21, 2026 

Oceano Dunes reopens after April closure: Off-roading and camping are available once again at the Oceano Dunes. As of 9 a.m. Thursday, California State Parks reopened the area south of Arroyo Grande Creek. 
Karson Wells, KSBY-TV, May 21, 2026 

Who’s allowed to operate a boat in California? State Parks just updated rules: People operating boats on California waterways are now required to have state-issued boater cards, according to California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways, unless they qualify for an exemption. 

Alexiah Syrai Olsen, San Luis Obispo Tribune, May 21, 2026 

Redwood National and State Parks Open Call for Fall 2026 Artist-in-Residence Applications: Redwood National and State Parks is pleased to announce the opening of the submission window for the Fall 2026 Artist-in-Residence Program, inviting artists of all disciplines to apply for a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring landscapes of the ancient redwood forest.   

Redheaded Blackbelt, May 21, 2026 

May 25: State Parks Offer Free Admission to Veterans, Military Members: California State Parks is honoring the service of veterans and active duty and reserve military members by offering free admission to 145 participating state parks on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. 

SCVNews.com, May 21, 2026 

How polluted is your favorite California beach? New report shows this year’s cleanest, dirtiest: California is home to some of the most pristine beaches in America – if not the world – but some rank better than others when it comes to pollution.  

Will Conybeare, KTLA-TV, May 20, 2026 

6 Perfect Beaches for Your Memorial Day Getaway: Just under five hours south of San Francisco and four north of Los Angeles, Pismo State Beach stretches across roughly 17 miles of uninterrupted sand on California’s central coast. (Subscription required to access this article online) 

Gabe Castro-Root, The New York Times, May 20, 2026 

 

State parks officials remind boaters, water goers: Safety first: Now that the warm temperatures are officially here, California State Parks officials are reminding the community to always make safety a top priority as they head to the lake and other bodies of water. 

Gold Mountain California News Media, May 20, 2026 

Burney Falls Releases Reservation System to See the Popular Waterfall this Summer: If you are planning a weekend trip to Burney Falls this summer, you now need a reservation to get in. 

Active NorCal, May 20, 2026 

California man falls 500 feet off major highway in horror death: A 58-year-old man died on Monday after swerving on California's iconic coastal highway and launching off a cliff above a 500-foot drop, according to authorities. 

Peter Rubinstein, Irish Star, May 20, 2026 

Folsom kicks off new ‘Paddling Capital of the West’ brand on Lake Natoma: Paddleboarders and kayakers took to the calm waters Tuesday as tourism leaders, elected officials and recreation partners officially launched Folsom’s new “Paddling Capital of the West” destination campaign at Black Miners Bar. 

Folsom Times, May 19, 2026 

Sacramento's Abandoned Military Outpost Is Now A Historic State Park And The West's Oldest Restored Fort: Within the heart of the state capital of Sacramento lies Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, once a bustling military outpost. 

Kelley Dukat, Islands, May 19, 2026 

Smokey skies expected locally due to midweek Prairie City prescribed burn: Residents around Folsom, El Dorado Hills and surrounding portions of eastern Sacramento County will likely notice smoke in the skies Wednesday. 

Bill Sullivan, Folsom Times, May 19, 2026 

Military get free admission to CA State Parks Memorial Day: California State Parks are offering free admission to Veterans, Active Duty and Reserve Military Members on Memorial Day, Monday May 25. 

Allison Edmonds, KGET, May 19, 2026 

Redwood National Park Flagged 9 Books About Tribal History for Possible Removal Under a Federal Order: Staff at Redwood National and State Parks in Humboldt County flagged nine books about local tribal histories for possible removal from visitor center shelves, following a Trump administration directive that is drawing sharp criticism from tribal leaders and educators. 

Active NorCal, May 19, 2026 

High tide traps 8 people in cave at Santa Cruz County beach, all safely rescued: The responding agencies were Cal Fire, Santa Cruz County Fire, U.S. Coast Guard, a single lifeguard from the city of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Harbor Patrol and California State Parks. 
PK Hattis, The Mercury News/ Santa Cruz Sentinel, May 19, 2026 

Man dies after car plunges 500 feet off Highway 1 cliff onto beach: Two California State Parks lifeguards swam from Greyhound State Beach to the pocket beach where the crash site and administered CPR to the driver, according to Cal Fire. 
Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, May 19, 2026 

Blooms return as poppy reserve celebrates 50th: The anniversary celebration, at the Jane S. Pinheiro Interpretive Center, featured California State Parks officials, representatives from organizations that have supported the park, delegates for state and local officials and people with long and deep connections to the park.  

Alan Hendry, Antelope Valley Press, May 19, 2026 

Redwood National and State Parks open call for Fall 2026 Artist-in-Residence applications: Redwood National and State Parks is pleased to announce the opening of the submission window for the Fall 2026 Artist-in-Residence Program, inviting artists of all disciplines to apply for a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring landscapes of the ancient redwood forest. 

The Mendocino Beacon, May 19, 2026 

Humbug Day living history festival at Malakoff Diggins SHP: This annual “hometown homecoming” celebration brings North Bloomfield’s history to life, with volunteers in period costume interpreting the buildings and cultural heritage of the gold rush semi-ghost town that was first called Humbug. 

The Union, May 19, 2026 

This mesmerizing California state park feels like stepping into another world entirely: Tucked away in the forests of Northern California near the small town of Burney, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is the kind of place that makes you stop and stare in pure amazement.  

Evan Cook, Fast Food Club, May 18, 2026 

Draft Bidwell Mansion Post-Fire Structural Assessment released to help guide site's future: A draft of the Bidwell Mansion’s Post-Fire Structural Assessment has been released, which will assist California State Parks officials with future planning for the site, integrating input from stakeholders and the community. 
Hannah Gutierrez, KRCR-TV, May 18, 2026 

One rescued from South Yuba River on Monday: Members of the North San Juan Fire Department as well as California State Parks, Nevada County Consolidated, Nevada County Sheriff's Office and the California Highway Patrol were dispatched as part of a river rescue operation. 

The Union, May 18, 2026 

Montgomery Woods expands by more than 400 acres: The nonprofit Save the Redwoods League announced that it has completed the transfer of its 453-acre Atkins Place property to California State Parks as a new addition to Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve. 

Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice, May 18, 2026 

Emerald Bay Shuttle returns for summer 2026 with expanded season: With summer right around the corner, Tahoe Transportation District (TTD), in partnership with public transit provider Via, is bringing back the Emerald Bay Shuttle for an expanded second season. 
Tahoe Daily Tribune, May 18, 2026 

Border Report: The Dead Birds of Friendship Park: California State Parks said that it monitors wildlife conditions at the beach there weekly. “Wildlife mortality can occur for a variety of natural and environmental reasons and is not necessarily cause for concern,” it said in an emailed statement. 

Kate Morrissey, Voice of San Diego, May 18, 2026 

This tiny California town hides one of the West Coast’s most breathtaking natural wonders: Tucked along the foggy Northern California coastline, Orick is a small town of just over 300 people that most drivers pass right through without a second glance. But hidden behind its quiet streets and towering trees is something truly spectacular — Redwood National and State Parks, home to some of the tallest living things on Earth. 

Evan Cook, Fast Food Club, May 18, 2026 

Did you see a shark near South Carlsbad State Beach over the weekend?: California State Parks officials say they received a report Saturday morning of a possible shark sighting near South Carlsbad State Beach, but staff were unable to locate the marine animal. 

Amber Coakley, FOX 5, May 17, 2026 

8 rescued from cave near Santa Cruz beach amid rising water: Eight people were rescued Sunday from a Santa Cruz County beach after they became trapped in a cave as the seawater rose, according to Cal Fire. 

SFGate, May 17, 2026 

Should a high-voltage power line run through California’s largest state park? Critics are furious: The proposed 140-mile, 500-kilovolt Golden Pacific Powerlink from San Diego Gas & Electric would cut through California’s largest state park, Anza-Borrego. 

Hayley Smith, LA Times, May 17, 2026 

Golden mussels still a threat to California waterways. Here’s what to know: As the summer boating season gets underway with Memorial Day weekend, golden mussels continue to pose a threat to California’s waterways, officials said. 

Don Sweeney, The Sacramento Bee, May 17, 2026  

Anderson Marsh’s historic ranch house again welcomes the public after 10-year closure: After a closure that went into effect a decade ago due to concerns about wildland fires, the ranch house at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is once again open to the public.  

Elizabeth Larson, Lake County News, May 17, 2026 

California's Abandoned Military Fort Is Now A Coastal State Park For Camping, Fishing, And Birding: Founded in 1812, Fort Ross was a former Russian fur trading outpost along the North Pacific, considered the southernmost settlement in Russia's eastward colonization of America. 

Nola Sarkisian-Miller, Islands, May 17, 2026 

Voted California’s best state park ‘hidden gem,’ this 2,729-foot mountain landscape is just 1.5 hours from San Francisco with a 25-foot seasonal waterfall: Kenwood's Sugarloaf Ridge State Park hides a 25-foot waterfall and tons of trails for hiking and horseback riding. 

Jamie Ferrell, Secret San Francisco, May 16, 2026 

Man's body found floating in ocean along Big Sur coastline: The body of a Marina man was found in the ocean in Big Sur where he was said to have been fishing off the rocks amid hazardous surf on Saturday. 

SFGate, May 16, 2026 

Military to get in free to Ide Adobe State Park on Memorial Day: State Parks across California will offer free admission for veterans and active military members on Memorial Day, including Red Bluff's William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park. Subscription Required. 

Heather Taylor, Red Bluff Daily News, May 16, 2026 

Palisades Fire attorneys want independent extraction of state text messages: Attorneys representing Palisades Fire victims asked a judge to order an independent forensic expert to extract all text messages from state parks employees’ cell phones, saying they have caught California hiding incriminating evidence for the third time in five months. 

Rich McHugh, News Nation Now, May 16, 2026 

Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe: Inside California’s Hidden Fjord: Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe near South Lake Tahoe, USA, feels like a secret Norwegian fjord dropped into the Sierra Nevada. Discover its history, hikes, and how to experience Emerald Bay without the crowds. 

Laura McAllister, Ad Hoc News, May 16, 2026 

California’s ‘crown jewel’ has officially been named America’s #1 must-visit destination this summer — famous for its adorable sea otters and kelp forests: A new study ranking the top travel destinations for summer 2026 has named this iconic California state park as the overall winner. 

Sofia Delpueche, Secret Los Angeles, May 16, 2026 

This fascinating California state park is a hidden gem most people never hear about: Tucked away in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Blairsden, California, Plumas-Eureka State Park is the kind of place that makes you wonder why more people don’t know about it. 

Emma Larkin, Fast Food Club, May 15, 2026 

Two-week-long prescribed burns planned for Henry Cowell area: California State Parks, in partnership with Cal Fire, is planning to conduct prescribed burns in the sandhills area of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park beginning next week. 

Ashley Palma-Jimenez, Lookout Santa Cruz, May 15, 2026 

California parks to test reservation-only pilot systems to curb massive weekend crowds: Two of California’s most visited natural attractions are heading in opposite directions on crowd control, and the results are already sparking debate. 

Daniel Farr, California Post, May 15, 2026