NEWS CLIPS

Weekly Digest: May 26, 2023

The Weekly Digest includes a collection of news articles related to the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The views expressed and opinions do not always reflect that of the department.

What should happen to 12,000 acres of Diablo Canyon lands? State reveals plan: After months of work on a plan for the future of 12,000 acres surrounding California’s last nuclear power plant, the state is outlining a vision for the land that mostly aligns with community members’ wishes. The California Natural Resources Agency released its land conservation and economic development plan for the property around Diablo Canyon Power Plant on Thursday — about one and a half months past the March 23 due date established by the California State Legislature under Senate Bill 846. MacKenzie Shuman, The Tribune, May 18, 2023

Reparations rush: The Saturday afternoon tour at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento is running a few minutes behind schedule. Docent George Palmer shakes hands with little visitors toddling into the room, which is a replica of a Sierra Nevada train tunnel. When the slight 84-year-old takes his position in front of a towering 1862 locomotive from the transcontinental railroad, the room grows quiet, and his voice echoes. Palmer’s 45-minute tour includes plenty of railroad history. But he also inserts stories of African American pioneers who helped make California what it is today. Mary Jackson, WORLD, May 18, 2023

L.A.’s best-kept secret: Where you can legally scatter someone’s ashes: Journalism is a death-adjacent industry. Journalists write obituaries and about murders, homicides, deaths of despair, COVID-19 death counts. Usually, we’re the ones asking questions. But working as a journalist gives you a patina of authority on some subjects, whether you’ve earned it or not. Death is one of them. You get used to getting questions from people who don’t know who else to ask. Jessica Roy, LA Times, May 19, 2023

New park space opens in San Francisco: Though fog obscured the ocean views from Merced Heights, spirits were high as nearly 100 neighbors and government officials gathered to celebrate the completion of the final phase of work on a popular neighborhood park. Maryann Jones Thompson, SF Standard, May 19, 2023

Increased rattlesnake danger this year due to higher water levels, rangers warn: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As the weather gets warmer, more people are staying active on the trails, but park rangers warn of a busier rattlesnake season following a wet winter. “As the water levels rise, there's more rattlesnakes,” said Sgt. Eric Dales, with the California State Department of Parks and Recreation. Bridgette Bjorlo, abc 10, May 19, 2023

Nation’s first wheelchair-accessible nature trail was built from Gold Rush-era flume: (KTXL) — Access to nature and natural spaces is easy for most people in Northern California, but Independence Trail in Nevada County is a trail truly accessible for all. When it was opened in the 1970s, Independence Trail was the first ADA-approved wheelchair-accessible nature trail in the United States, after naturalist John Olmsted fulfilled the wishes of his wheelchair-bound friend. Matthew Nobert, Fox 40, May 20, 2023

How did Montana de Oro become a state park? Fate was decided in bankruptcy court: Ever since European settlers displaced the Chumash and drew property lines on maps, competing interests have tried to wrest control of San Luis Obispo County’s scenic coast. The latest debate involves the future of 12,000 acres surrounding California’s last nuclear power plant. The California Natural Resources Agency recently released its plan for the land around Diablo Canyon Power Plant — a vision for the property near Avila Beach that involves conservation, tribal ownership and increased public access. David Middlecamp, The Tribune, May 20, 2023

Editorial: China Camp improvements part of true success story: Plans to improve access for all visitors at China Camp State Park is another of the strong commitments of the local nonprofit and volunteers who have been managing the San Rafael park. It wasn’t that long ago that the area was among the 70 state parks listed for closure due to the state’s deep budget crisis. But in 2012, the Friends of China Camp stepped forward and proposed that it take over management of the park. Marin Independent Journal, May 20, 2023

California agency paid a state worker six figures to stay home and not work, report says: A California state agency paid an employee six figures to spend nearly two years at home not working, according to a new report from the California state auditor. The audit, published Thursday, identified wasteful spending, poor oversight and unreported leave that resulted in misuse of taxpayer dollars. Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, May 20, 2023

Whitewater rafting safety and the best runs near Sacramento: (KTXL) — With the resurgence of California’s numerous rivers many people will be looking to test their skills on the state’s world-famous white waters, but there are a few things to know before you go. The California Department of Parks and Recreation, the Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service have a number of tips and advisements for those looking to head downriver. Matthew Nobert, Fox 40, May 20, 2023

Boating season is back: Head out on the water with these safety tips: SAN DIEGO — With summer right around the corner, boating season is back in full swing. But given the melt from this winter’s historic snowpack, the California Department of Parks and Recreation is kicking it off with a week dedicated to safety while out on the water. This week marks National Safe Boating Week, an awareness campaign by the state department in partnership with the National Safe Boating Council aimed at encouraging boat enthusiasts to brush up on safety skills and prepare for the upcoming season. Danielle Dawson, Fox 5, May 21, 2023

Green Diamond donates new equipment trailer to North Coast Junior Lifeguards: This spring, Green Diamond Resource Company’s President’s Fund awarded an $11,100 grant to the Redwood Parks Conservancy to purchase a new enclosed equipment trailer for the North Coast Junior Lifeguards (NCJL) program. The North Coast’s program is one of 21 programs offered statewide by California State Park’s Junior Lifeguard program. Fondly known to its alumni as “Junior Guards” or “JGs,” this program offers week-long summer sessions for kids ages eight to 17 to learn about beach and ocean recreational safety, physical fitness, and emergency skills, like CPR and first aid. Redheaded Blackbelt, May 21, 2023

5 archaeological site areas in San Diego with remnants of the past: SAN DIEGO — With over 6,500 recorded Native American and historic archaeological sites in San Diego, taking a look back at ancient civilizations is as easy as visiting a one of the many state parks in the region. According to the California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR), San Diego was home to various groups and tribes before later becoming the home of two Spanish Missions. From there, the region developed into homesteads and towns, leaving a trial of history behind. Amber Coakley, Fox 5, May 21, 2023

These California campsites among best in the Pacific US: The Dyrt: SAN DIEGO — Summer is almost here, meaning it’s time to explore the great outdoors, and there is no better place to do that in in California. With the most parkland in the country, there are plenty of opportunities for adventurers to experience the Golden State’s natural wonders — from coastal bluffs and desert badlands to mountain peaks and lush forests. Danielle Dawson, Fox 5, May 21, 2023

Body found a Folsom Lake near Rattlesnake Bar identified by sheriff’s office: The body that was found Friday at Folsom Lake near Rattlesnake Bar was identified Monday as 22-year-old Victor Nguyen by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office had received a call on April 29 about a young man who had been swept away into the American River at the confluence. Hilda Flores, KCRA 3, May 22, 2023

Search ongoing for boy, 4, after sister, 8, dies in California river closed after storms: SANGER, Calif. -- Rescuers who recovered the body of an 8-year-old girl Sunday were searching for her 4-year-old brother after the siblings were carried away by the current of a California river that was off limits because of high water levels, authorities said. abc News, May 22, 2023

Anthony Rauda trial: Closing arguments begin for 2018 murder of scientist killed at Malibu Creek State Park: Jurors are set to hear closing arguments Monday in the trial of a man charged with murdering a research scientist who was shot while camping with his two young daughters in a tent at Malibu Creek State Park nearly five years ago. Fox 11 LA, May 22, 2023

Tulare Lake now has more water than some California reservoirs. Efforts made to slow flow: About 160 square miles of the historic Tulare Lake basin are under water as a result of flooding from a combination of this winter’s atmospheric river storms and a record snowpack that continues to melt in the southern Sierra Nevada. Tim Sheehan, Sacramento Bee, May 22, 2023

Prescribed burn scheduled for Wednesday at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: FELTON, Calif. — Fire personnel from the California Department of Parks and Recreation are planning an 11-acre prescribed burn in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The burn will take place near the observation platform on Wednesday, May 24, with alternate dates of Thursday, May 25 or Friday, May 26. Kingston Rivera, KSBW Action News 8, May 22, 2023

Federal grant funding for land acquisition of areas near military installations to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities: California State Parks [May 18] announced a new competitive grant program that will provide up to $80 million nationwide to fund acquisition of land adjacent to military installations that will serve as an encroachment buffer and enhance public outdoor recreation opportunities. Redheaded Blackbelt, May 22, 2023

Update: Snowmelt tragedy on runoff-swollen Kings River; Body of missing 4-year-old recovered: SANGER — A search crew found the body of a 4-year-old boy in a surging California river on Monday, a day after his 8-year-old sister died when the siblings were swept away by the current, authorities said. Searchers in a boat spotted the boy's body caught against a tree in the Kings River about 1.75 miles downstream from where he and his sister went into the water, the Fresno County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. The river has been closed to recreational use because of high water levels. CBS Bay Area, May 23, 2023

Gold Rush California: How & where to pan for gold in the Golden State: The Golden State has everything, from Redwoods to Hollywood, from mountains to deserts, from wild natural experiences to coastal road vacations. Without some unexpected hidden wonder, tourists’ journeys would not be complete. They may have visited well-known tourist destinations and sites like Yosemite National Park, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the eerie Winchester Mystery House, but California has a lot more to offer. Maria Bou Ink, The Travel, May 23, 2023

Expect to see smoke in the Santa Cruz Mountains this week: SCOTTS VALLEY, CA — Firefighters from the California Department of Parks and Recreation (state parks) will conduct an 11-acre prescribed burn near the observation platform at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains this week. Patch, May 23, 2023

Prescribed burns encourage foul-smelling invaders: Though prescribed burns reduce wildfire threats and even improve habitat for some animals, new research shows these fires also spread stinknet, an aptly named weed currently invading superblooms across the Southwestern U.S. Jules Bernstein, UC Riverside News, May 23, 2023

Closing arguments expected to conclude Tuesday in case of father killed in Malibu Creek State Park: Following a prosecutor’s rebuttal in closing arguments, jurors Tuesday are expected to be handed the case against a man linked to a crime spree that included the killing of a research scientist shot while camping with his two young daughters in a tent at Malibu Creek State Park nearly five years ago. Abc 7 LA, May 23, 2023

4-year-old boy’s body found in surging California river, day after sister found dead: SANGER, Calif. — A search crew found the body of a 4-year-old boy in a surging California river on Monday, a day after his 8-year-old sister died when the siblings were swept away by the current, authorities said. Searchers in a boat spotted the boy’s body caught against a tree in the Kings River about 1.75 miles (2.8 kilometers) downstream from where he and his sister went into the water, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. The river has been closed to recreational use because of high water levels. The Reporter, May 23, 2023

San Joaquin River closed in Madera County as snowpack melts: FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The San Joaquin River will be closed starting Monday in Madera County as fast-moving currents continue to raise concerns. Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue announced the river will be closed from Millerton Lake and the Friant Dam to the Merced County Line. Vince Ybarra, abc 30 Action News, May 23, 2023

California State Parks planning to conduct prescribed burn at Henry Cowell State Park: FELTON, Calif. (KION-TV)- Fire personnel from the California Department of Parks and Recreation are planning to conduct an 11-acre prescribed burn near the observation platform at Henry Cowell State Park starting on Wednesday. State parks officials said that if the burn does not take place on Wednesday, then the alternate dates of the burn could be on Thursday and Friday. Derrick Ow, KION News 546, May 23, 2023

Heavy snowpack closes some Tahoe campgrounds through Memorial Day: RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - Memorial Day weekend is often considered the unofficial start to summer camping. But due to heavy snow over the winter, some California State Park campgrounds near Lake Tahoe have delayed openings. “This is my 18th winter here in Sierra District and it’s by far the heaviest I’ve seen in terms of total snowpack,” said Scott Elliott, the Sierra District Superintendent of California State Parks. Ashley Grams, KOLO News, May 23, 2023

River safety days at Nevada Union: Nevada Union wants students to be safe and stay out of the river, that’s the simple message for Water Safety Week. Today, Assistant Principal Luke Browning and School Resource Officer Paul McCallum partnered with California State Parks to raise awareness of the current dangerous river conditions. YubaNet.com, May 23, 2023

Reopening of Camp Roberts Rest Area delayed until July: The reopening of rest areas along Highway 101 has been delayed, which may cause some frustration for travelers who need to use the restroom and other amenities. Ashley Stevens, KSBY Central Coast, May 23, 2023

Homes likely won’t be built in hills near Diablo Canyon after SLO judge sides with PG&E: After a four-year court battle, a San Luis Obispo Superior Court judge has decided that the rights to 2,400 acres of nearly pristine coastal hills near Avila Beach do not belong to a home developer. The decision is a victory for PG&E and local conservation groups, which have no interest in seeing homes built on the scenic property that offers expansive views of the ocean. MacKenzie Shuman, The Tribune, May 23, 2023

Heading out for a hike? Follow these safety tips while on the trail: As the summer months get closer and more people hit the trails to take advantage of the warmer weather, hikers need to take some precautions to keep themselves safe. Earlier this month, Montecito Fire Protection District personnel rescued a woman who had been bitten by a rattlesnake while hiking on the Romero Canyon Trail above Montecito. After being hoisted by helicopter from the remote location, the hiker was taken to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Serena Guentz, Noozhawk, May 23, 2023

California State Parks offers free admission to veterans, active and reserve military on Memorial Day, 2023: May 24, 2023 - SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks is honoring the service of veterans, and active and reserve military members, by offering free admission to 130 participating state park units on Memorial Day – Monday, May 29, 2023. The list of participating park units can be found at parks.ca.gov/MemorialDay2023. Sierra Sun Times, May 24, 2023

Memorial Day Weekend 2023: 18 things to do in & around Petaluma: PETALUMA, CA — This Memorial Day, veterans and the fallen will be honored at ceremonies in Petaluma and several other Sonoma County cities. Large crowds are also expected at the 74^th annual Healdsburg Future Farmers Twilight Parade — traditionally held the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend — and at the Healdsburg Future Farmers Country Fair through Saturday night at Rec Park. Maggie Fusek, Patch, May 24, 2023

Spring is an active time for Tahoe bear cubs and yearlings: LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – As temperatures start to warm and snow begins to melt, a new crop of bear cubs are emerging from winter dens with their mothers. Yearlings, which were born last year, are also on the move. Some are still with their mother bears, some are solo after separating before denning, and some may be showing signs of disease. Paula, SouthTahoeNow.com, May 24, 2023

Public workshop for the Malibu Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project: California State Parks will be conducting a public workshop on the Malibu Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project on Tuesday, June 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA 90265 in the Senior Multipurpose Room. Judi Uthus, Patch, May 24, 2023

California Coastal Commission signs off on Pacifica surf camp plan: At its May meeting the California Coastal Commission approved an agreement with the city of Pacifica that revises permitting procedures for surf camps and schools at Linda Mar State Beach. The new policies make it easier for nonprofit surf schools to gain access to the beach with the goal of increasing opportunities for underserved populations that historically have not been able to utilize the shore. Peter Tokofsky, Half Moon Bay Review, May 24, 2023

This popular California beach to reopen this weekend. It’s driving distance from Modesto: A well-known Santa Cruz County beach will be reopening its day-use amenities Memorial Day weekend for the first time since severe winter storms caused catastrophic damage to the beach’s camping and recreation area and destroyed its iconic pier. Dominique Williams, Modesto Bee, May 24, 2023

Amtrak San Joaquins to run special trains to Allensworth State Historic Park for 2023 Juneteenth Festival, June 10: Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is holding its annual celebratory Juneteenth event on Saturday, June 10 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In partnership, Amtrak San Joaquins has scheduled a special stop at the park for multiple trains, bookable at a 50 percent discount rate to bring travelers to the historically significant Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. David Lipari, Contra Costa Herald, May 24, 2023

“I see the addiction”: First Partner and youth advocates demand big tech companies protect youth from harm on social media: SACRAMENTO — First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom unveiled a new report with the California Partners Project on Wednesday showing the consequences social media is having on the youth. She gathered on the steps of the State Capitol with Assemblymember Buffy Wicks and youth speakers from the Healthy Online Platforms for Everyone (HOPE) coalition to address the change they want to see. Tori Apodaca, CBS Sacramento, May 24, 2023

Your guide to summer recreation in Santa Maria is here, plan accordingly: Summer on the Central Coast is a busy time of family vacations, weekend excursions and active afternoon relaxation. With so many great things happening in the area, residents can miss the great community events happening down the street. But, there is no need to fear missing out on all of the great things happening in Santa Maria this summer. Santa Maria Times, May 24, 2023

‘You are the ones drowning.’ CA park official issues pointed warning to this specific group: With two potential drownings already this year in the Auburn State Recreation Area that he supervises, Mike Howard was blunt when he spoke at an event Wednesday about dangerous river conditions brought on by the melting record snow pack. Sacramento Bee, May 24, 2023

Stay Out, Stay Alive: South Yuba River Public Safety Cohort stresses unsafe conditions at the river: Every year, first responders receive several calls for service for visitors who have an accident at the South Yuba River due to slips and falls. Swift water rescues are performed many times through the summer months due to unsafe river conditions. Nevada County California, May 24, 2023

Placer County’s American River rescue demo highlights the extreme danger of the river: First responders from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, CAL FIRE/Placer County Fire Department and California State Parks held a demonstration of the power of the river and the challenges of river rescues at the American River confluence today in Auburn. “16-24 year-old males, I’m talking to you. You’re the ones drowning in these rivers at a far higher rate than anyone else.” Auburn State Recreation Area Sector Superintendent Mike Howard stated flatly. YubaNet.com, May 24, 2023

Safer alternatives to dangerous, swift-moving rivers for Memorial Day weekend: While officials are warning people to stay out of the rivers in Northern California because of dangerous conditions, there are other options for people hoping to cool off outside over the Memorial Day weekend. "If you’re going to be going down to the Lake Folsom State Recreation Area we have lifeguarded beaches at Granite Bay, Beal's Point, Black Miners Bar and Nimbus Flat," said Gold Fields District Superintendent Barry Smith with California State Parks. Lysee Mitri, KCRA 3, May 24, 2023

Spring controlled burn at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: FELTON, Calif. —
California State Parks carried out a controlled burn in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Saturday afternoon, following relentless winter rain that’s expected to heighten wildfire risk this summer and fall. Firefighters ignited 11 acres of chaparral habitat near the park’s observation deck. The purpose is to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires and help maintain the habitat, which includes the Bonny Doon manzanita, an endangered shrub. Christian Balderas, KSBW Action News 8, May 24, 2023

Marinas at Lake Oroville preparing for large crowds Memorial Day weekend amid high lake levels: OROVILLE, Calif. - Marinas at Lake Oroville are preparing for large crowds this Memorial Day weekend. This as the lake is up to over 891 feet, that's nearly 8 feet from full capacity. The lake will look a lot different this year compared to last year. Lake Oroville was at 776 feet exactly one year ago, that's down more than 100 feet compared to where it is this year. Ryan Ketcham, Action News Now, May 24, 2023

Officials say challenges to jump into American River 'often ends in tragedy': With Memorial Day weekend a few days away and hundreds of families expected to flock to the American River, first responders are demonstrating just howdangerous the water is.
ABC 10 News, May 24, 2023

Be River Wise: Placer agencies demonstrate dangers of American River: Ahead of the three-day Memorial Day weekend, Placer County public safety agencies conducted a rescue demonstration in the Confluence in Auburn on Wednesday to show the dangers of the American River and challenges during rescue efforts.
Gold Country Media, May 24, 2023

Peligro en ríos y lagos: autoridades en alerta ante el aumento de ahogamientos (VIDEO)
T33 Sacramento, May 24, 2023

"Más fríos y más fuertes": Alerta en California con los ríos y lagos durante el 'Memorial Weekend' (VIDEO)
Univision (Los Angeles), May 24, 2023

Free access to state parks for military on Memorial Day: California State Parks is offering free admission for veterans and active-duty members to 130 participating state parks on Memorial Day. The list of participating parks is at parks.ca.gov/MemorialDay2023. The Press, May 25, 2023

State your playground design preference for College Park: Lompoc city staff and project architects are seeking recommendations from community members on two design options for the playground portion of the College Park redesign. The redesign project is funded by $3.6 million as part of the California State Parks Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program. Noozhawk, May 25, 2023

Bear cubs emerging hungry from winter nap: As temperatures start to warm and snow begins to melt, a new crop of bear cubs are emerging from winter dens with their mothers. Yearlings, which were born last year, are also on the move. Some are still with their mother bears, some are solo after separating before denning, and some may be showing signs of disease. The Record-Courier, May 25, 2023

City of Malibu prepares for Memorial Day weekend and busy summer season: With the upcoming Memorial Day weekend signaling the start of the busy summer season, Malibu can expect large numbers of visitors, and the city is working with partner agencies to help keep Pacific Coast Highway, (PCH), canyon roads, beaches and trails safe and clean for all to enjoy. Samantha Bravo, Malibu Times, May 25, 2023

First Orange County Shake Shack to open Friday at Irvine Spectrum: Shake Shack, a popular New York-based burger chain, is finally making its way to Orange County. On Friday, May 26, Shake Shack will be opening its first Orange County location at the Irvine Spectrum right next to the Regal Edwards Theater. This is the 300th location to open domestically as well as the 40th location in California, with the most recent opening being in Rancho Cucamonga back in March. Annika Bahnsen, Orange County Register, May 25, 2023

Day-use access expanding at Seacliff State Beach for Memorial Day weekend: APTOS — Public-serving facilities at Seacliff State Beach previously shuttered by heavy winter storms are continuing to reopen and just in time for the holidays. California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks on Wednesday announced that the park’s full suite of day-use amenities and access will be reopening Memorial Day weekend, starting at 8 a.m. Saturday. PK Hattis, Mercury News, May 25, 2023

State Parks offers free admission to veterans, military on Memorial Day: California State Parks is honoring the service of veterans, and active and reserve military members, by offering free admission to 130 participating state park units on Memorial Day. The list of participating park units can be found at parks.ca.gov/MemorialDay2023.
Winters Express, May 25, 2023

How high California reservoir levels are posing a threat to holiday travelers: High water levels at California reservoirs and other waterways could pose a threat to outdoor recreation this Memorial Day weekend, prompting officials to warn against swimming or boating in rivers teeming from winter’s heavy rainfall.
Nora Mishanec, San Francisco Chronicle, May 25, 2023

Placer County highlights extreme river dangers during epic spring snowmelt: First responders from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, CAL FIRE/Placer County Fire Department and California State Parks held a demonstration of the power of the river and the challenges of river rescues at the American River confluence in Auburn.
Roseville Today, May 25, 2023

Several campsites and state parks in California closed for Memorial Day Weekend:Summer is nearly here and as many prepare to spend Memorial Day weekend outdoors, officials are warning about closures in the Sierra.
Maricela De La Cruz, KCRA 3 News, May 26, 2023

These storm-damaged California parks, trails, roads are closed Memorial Day weekend:You won’t be able to see the world’s largest tree this Memorial Day weekend — one of a number of California tourist draws, roads, campgrounds and trails that remain off-limits because of heavy winter storm damage.
Vanessa Arredondo, Los Angeles Times, May 26, 2023