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 Nov. 3, 2025
LA County’s iconic Will Rogers State Historic Park will finally reopen this weekend: L.A. County is hitting another recovery milestone: Will Rogers State Historic Park is reopening this weekend for the first time since the January fires. Park officials will kick off the big day this Saturday with a slate of activities.
Cato Hernández, LAist, Nov. 7, 2025
Off-highway vehicle enthusiasts encouraged to ‘Ride to Ride Again’: California State Parks invites all off-roading enthusiasts, experienced and new, to participate in the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division’s OHV Safety Week, Nov. 15-23.
Mountain Democrat, Nov. 7, 2025
- Additional Coverage: Action News Now
4th Annual Danville Veterans Day Mt. Diablo Beacon Lighting Ceremony Nov. 11: The Beacon on Mount Diablo will be lit at sunset on Tuesday, November 11th, 2025, to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Military.
Contra Costa Herald, Nov. 7, 2025
8 Snake Infested State Parks In California: California is full of state-run parks that are home to some of the most snake-infested habitats in the western United States.
Brendan Cane, WorldAtlas, Nov. 7, 2025
California State Parks continues to expand use of beneficial prescribed burns to improve wildfire resiliency: California State Parks has been expanding its use of prescribed fire to enhance wildfire resilience across the state.
Will Anderson, Action News Now, Nov. 6, 2025
- Additional Coverage: Contra Costa Herald
California State Parks Foundation announces 2025 Photo Contest winners: The California State Parks Foundation announced the winners of its 2025 photo contest on Thursday.
Will Anderson, Action News Now, Nov. 6, 2025
Candlestick Point was a notorious dump. Now it’s S.F.'s underrated gem: A landfill south of Candlestick Park was leaking garbage into the San Francisco Bay, creating an unbearable rotten-egg stench that wafted toward gridlocked traffic on Highway 101. Now the space is the furthest thing from a blight: Candlestick Point State Recreation Area.
Peter Hartlaub, San Francisco Chronicle, Nov. 6, 2025
Morro Bay secures grant to remove abandoned boats from harbor: The 43-foot Triton sits in Morro Bay, slowly decaying, its hull worn and waterlogged, deemed “abandoned,” “unseaworthy,” and “a threat to pollute.”
Chloe Hodge, New Times, Nov. 6, 2025
Now Accepting Applications for the Sierra Gold Parks Foundation: Do you believe everyone should have access to nature, history, and the joy of the outdoors? The Sierra Gold Parks Foundation (SGPF) invites passionate community members to join our Board of Directors and help shape the future of Western Nevada County’s three beloved state parks.
Sierra Gold Parks Foundation, Nov. 6, 2025
Where and how to spot fall foliage around Los Angeles: I was in search of fall foliage near Los Angeles, and after a bit of research, I’d taken a chance by heading over to Big Santa Anita Canyon in Angeles National Forest to see if I’d get lucky. I am now here to help you, hopefully, find the same good fortune on your autumnal adventures.
Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, Nov. 6, 2025
Surfer pulled unconscious out of pounding surf in Santa Cruz County during storm: A surfer was rescued in Santa Cruz County Wednesday morning after being knocked unconscious in the pounding surf during a strong storm that was battering the region with rain, high winds, and dangerous tidal conditions, authorities said.
Carlos E. Castaneda, CBS News, Nov. 5, 2025
- Additional Sources: KSBW 8, Lookout, KION, Santa Cruz Sentinel
Army Ranger and local surfer honored in procession through OC: A nationally ranked junior surfer who grew up in Sherman Oaks and Newport Beach and later became a seasonal lifeguard at Huntington State Beach, Chandler applied the dedication and discipline he had for surfing to his goal of joining the Army and working in the special operations community.
Erika I. Richie, Orange County Register, Nov. 5, 2025
New roadblock for efforts to restart oil facilities shut down after spill in Santa Barbara County: Santa Barbara County Supervisors are moving to reject a controversial request to transfer ownership permits for the pipeline and other facilities to Sable Offshore Corporation.
Lance Orozco, KCLU, Nov. 5, 2025
Individual Rescued From Overturned Vehicle: On Sunday, November 2, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Malibu Search and Rescue Team announced that at 7:30 a.m. rescuers from LA County Fire, California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, McCormick Ambulance and California State Park Rangers responded to a vehicle over the side on Malibu Canyon.
Danny Jones, Canyon News, Nov. 5, 2025
California Winter Snowmobile Rules: Lake Tahoe to Mammoth Riders Urged to Prepare: With 200 U.S. snowmobile deaths reported each year, experts say early-season prep saves lives.
Country Herald, Nov. 5, 2025
High Wind Warning In California, US: Tourists Urged To Postpone Their Travel Plans!: The National Weather Service (NWS) Eureka has issued a High Wind Warning that will affect areas in Humboldt Interior, Del Norte Interior and Southwestern Humboldt.
Travel and Tour World, Nov. 5, 2025
Echoes of the Gold Rush live on in Bodie, California’s best-preserved ghost town: Welcome to Bodie, California’s best-preserved ghost town. It looks pretty much the same as it did when the last residents abandoned it nearly 50 years ago.
Alise Valdes and Sadie Chafe, KATU 2, Nov. 5, 2025
10 Most Hospitable Retirement Towns In California: Considering California for your retirement? You’re not alone. The Golden State continues to be one of the most appealing destinations for retirees, frequently topping the lists for those seeking an active, vibrant, and fulfilling lifestyle.
Joane Acar, WorldAtlas, Nov. 5, 2025
Lack of coordination led to evacuation delays and chaos during Palisades fire, LAPD report says: A lack of coordination between the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department contributed to evacuation delays and chaos during the Palisades fire, according to a new after-action report from the LAPD.
Sierra Van Der Brug, Los Angeles Daily News, Nov. 4, 2025
- Additional Coverage: KFI AM, LA Times, Daily Mail
Palisades arson trial delayed, accused asks to reconsider release on bail: Prosecutors and defense lawyers propose to delay trial until April, 2026; Jonathan Rinderknecht asks for court to reconsider decision to hold him in jail until trial.
Eric Leonard, NBC Los Angeles, Nov. 4, 2025
Santa Barbara County supervisors delay decision on controversial oil pipeline permit transfer: Environmental advocates oppose Sable Offshore's bid to operate the pipeline responsible for the 2015 Refugio spill.
Juliet Lemar, KSBY, Nov. 4, 2025
- Additional Coverage: KEYT
Free entry to 200 California parks for CalWORKs and SSI families: California is expanding free access to its state parks, benefiting residents on public assistance programs. The state has revamped the "Golden Bear Pass Program," which provides free vehicle day-use entry at more than 200 state parks.
Action News Now, Nov. 4, 2025
Lake Tahoe's 4 Best Beachy Camping Spots With Unparalleled Amenities And Beauty: From its calm, turquoise waters to its world-class recreation opportunities, Lake Tahoe boasts some of the best camping in the United States.
Michelle Polizzi, Islands, Nov. 4, 2025
The 11 Can't-Miss Towns In Northern California: Between salty sea, sweet wine, seaside stages, and niche museums, countless unique experiences await within Northern California’s small towns.
Kasey Rae, WorldAtlas, Nov. 4, 2025
Missing Man Texted Wife as His Phone Died While Hiking Mountain. He Was Found Safe in the Dark Hours Later: A hiker who went missing on Halloween night was safely located after losing his way on a 2,500-foot-high mountain in California.
Thomas Smith, Newsbreak, Nov. 4, 2025
West Contra Costa County Leads State in Marine Flare Hazardous Waste Reduction with Free Collection Event: West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority (WCCIWMA) / RecycleMore is taking the lead in protecting local communities and the environment by hosting a free expired marine flare collection event from October 29 to November 8, 2025.
Contra Costa News, Nov. 4, 2025
'Emerging threat': An invasive species is upending life in the Delta, with no help on the way: One year after the discovery that golden mussels had invaded the Delta, thick colonies coat boats and piers and threaten water supplies for cities and farms. Yet the state has no specific funding or plans to tackle harms in the heart of the invasion.
Rachel Becker, Cal Matters, Nov. 4, 2025
Golden Mussel inspections continue into fall, winter: A year after the golden mussel was discovered in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Oroville waterways appear to remain clear of the invasive species.
Jake Hutchison, Enterprise-Record, Nov. 4, 2025
California's Coastal Park Is A Breathtaking Escape With Glass Beaches And Whale Watching: If your ideal coastal trip involves shores of sea-tumbled glass and watching gray whales from a bluff, you might want to point your itinerary toward MacKerricher State Park.
Shaun Melady, Yahoo Life, Nov. 4, 2025
California named No. 1 state in the nation for adventure vacations. Here’s why: Can’t wait for your next outdoorsy adventure? California is the best state in the nation for an adventure vacation, according to a new study.
Brooke Baitinger, The Sacramento Bee, Nov. 4, 2025
Free state park entry for low-income families in California: While the federal government shutdown continues to disrupt access to national parks across the country, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced last week that California is expanding its Golden Bear Pass program — offering free entry to hundreds of state parks for families receiving public assistance.
Amber Coakley, KGET.com, Nov. 3, 2025
- Additional Sources: Unofficial Networks, Fox40
California gears up for prescribed burns during rare wildfire relief: As California experiences rare relief from massive wildfires, Cal Fire crews say they expect to ramp up controlled burns throughout the state soon.
Madilynne Medina, SF Gate, Nov. 3, 2025
The Queenies of Doheny bring the waves for a good cause: The first annual “Surf Queenie of Doheny,” an all girls surf competition and festival, made a splash at the Doheny State Beach in Dana Point on Oct. 25.
Christian Roberts, Lariat, Nov. 3, 2025
GVRD to host community meeting on proposed Franklin Recreation Center Park: The Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD) has scheduled a meeting next month to allow residents to receive information about the future of the Franklin Recreation Center Park, located at the former Franklin Middle School site, the district announced on Monday.
John Glidden, JohnGlidden.com, Nov 3. 2025
After 170 Years, the Future Is Uncertain for California’s Iconic Lighthouses: Few structures evoke such varied emotions as the sight of a weathered lighthouse standing firm against an incoming tide. Without these tall, circular towers set along the shore, California wouldn’t be what it is today.
Ian Rodney Lazarus, OB Rag, Nov. 3, 2025
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve partially closes for upgrades until February 2026: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego will be partially closed starting Monday for a construction project that is expected to last through February 2026, according to the reserve.
Molly Sheets, CBS8 (San Diego), Nov. 3, 2025
- Additional coverage: NBC 7
Santa Cruz Mission Historic SP: Multimedia Indigenous History Tour: This month, in recognition of Native American Heritage Month, The Santa Cruz Mission State Park is launching People Who Lived Here, a new multimedia tour through Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park that examines Spanish era history through the lens of individuals’ personal accounts of the Santa Cruz Mission.
SantaCruz.org, Nov. 3, 2025
Authenticity attracts travelers to Indigenous tourism: Pouring a cup of tea from her thermos, Indigenous guide Talaysay Campo explains the local ingredients and significance of the tea to her guests while they sit amongst the towering Douglas fir trees in Stanley Park.
Amanda Luhn, Seattle Times, Nov. 3, 2025
Newsom expands free access to California State Parks amid federal shutdown strain: While the federal government shutdown continues to disrupt access to national parks across the country, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced last week that California is expanding its Golden Bear Pass program — offering free entry to hundreds of state parks for families receiving public assistance.
Amber Coakley, FOX5 (San Diego), Nov. 2, 2025
State Revives Plans for Hollister Ranch Beach Access, Seeks Public Opinion: State officials are asking for public input on how to provide beach access through Hollister Ranch, reviving a decades-old planning effort for one of California’s most restricted stretches of coastline.
Nick Forselles, Noozhawk, Nov. 2, 2025
California to Weigh Historic Designation for Iconic Theaters, Surf Site, and Mill Valley Landmark: Several California landmarks, including two historic theaters, a Sacramento office designed by the city’s first African American architect, and Mill Valley’s City Hall and Fire Station, will be reviewed this week for possible historic designation, according to the California State Historical Resources Commission.
Newsbreak, Nov. 2, 2025
Volunteers sought to help with coastline restoration (subscription required): The Redwood Parks Conservancy, in partnership with California State Parks North Coast Redwoods District, invites the public to volunteer this month to help restore critical coastal and dune habitats across Northern California.
Times-Standard, Nov. 2, 2025
Scientists Rejoice Over New Species Discovery In California’s State Park System And Popular Coastal Destinations: Just when it seems like the world is out of surprises, a new species comes creeping out of the shadows to shake things up. While many new species are still being discovered in remote regions like the Amazon Rainforest of South America, such discoveries are less common in America's most populated state.
Nicole Hansen, The Travel, Nov. 2, 2025
State Parks to conduct prescribed fire operations at D.L. Bliss State Park: California State Parks, in collaboration with Cal Fire, will be conducting understory prescribed fire operations on a 40-acre plot (see photo above) located within D.L. Bliss State Park beginning November 3, 2025, or when conditions allow.
SouthTahoeNOW.com, Nov. 1, 2025
Mayor Bass calls for investigation into LAFD missteps before Palisades fire: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Friday requested a full investigation into revelations that firefighters were ordered to leave a smoldering burn site days before it reignited into the Palisades fire, calling the news “tremendously alarming.”
Alene Tchekmedyian and Paul Pringle, Los Angeles Times, Oct. 31, 2025
County Supervisors to Hold New Vote on Sable Permits Transfer: Nine months after a split decision, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors will again decide whether to transfer operating permits to Sable Offshore Corp. as the company pursues its goals of restarting oil production in the county.
Daniel Green, Noozhawk, Oct. 31, 2025
California’s Gaviota State Park Has Caught Fire — and Experts Issue Urgent Warning: Running for 33 miles along the west of Santa Barbara, the 2,700-acre Gaviota State Park is a collage of coastal bluffs, marine terraces, coastal sage scrubs, chaparral vegetative patches, coyote brush, and oak woodlands. In the patchwork of sawtooth goldenbrush and around the rims that encircle hot springs, mountain lions bask in the golden Sun.
Neha Bhatia, Green Matters, Oct. 31, 2025
One year after their discovery, State of California working to stop spread of invasive golden mussel: The State of California has been actively working to combat the spread of golden mussels since their discovery one year ago.The California Department of Water Resources, in partnership with California State Parks and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), has taken significant steps over the past year to address the issue.
Will Anderson, Action News Now, Oct. 31, 2025