Summer 2015 - California State Parks Foundation

A publication of the California State Parks Foundation
california
parklands
2015 SUMMER
In This Issue
Earth Day Successes
Advocates in Sacramento
Grants Support Parks
Earth Day Restoration and Cleanup at
Lighthouse Field State Beach ©Tim Clinton Photography
Photos of the Month
The California State Parks Foundation gratefully acknowledges the
time and expertise of our Board of Trustees and Advisory Trustees
FOUNDER
William Penn Mott, Jr., (1909-1992)
OFFICERS
David Mandelkern
Chairman
Catherine M. Fisher
Vice Chair
Elizabeth A. Lake
Secretary
Seth Teich
Treasurer
Elizabeth Goldstein
President
Donald J. Robinson
Chairman Emeritus
Shirley Bogardus
Trustee Emeritus
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Michael U. Alvarez
President and COO
First Wind Holdings, LLC
Douglas Beebe
Corporate Manager,
Real Estate and Facilities
Toyota Motor North America
Lee Black
Executive Managing Director,
Principal, DTZ
Donald E. Cooley
Ranch Properties
Carolyn DeVinny
Commute/Trip Reduction Consultant
The DeVinny Group
William G. Doolittle
Partner, retired
Doolittle & Ganos Investment Counsel
Diana Lu Evans
Senior Quality Analytics Specialist
The Capital Group Companies, Inc.
William H. Fain, Jr., FAIA
Partner, Johnson Fain
Catherine M. Fisher
Principal, Fisher Kong LLP
Manuel G. Grace
Associate General Counsel
The Walt Disney Company
John Harrington
Certified Public Accountant
Sanford L. Hartman
VP and Managing Director, Law
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Wendy James
CEO, The Better World Group
Stephen A. Johnson
Director, Gnarus Advisors LLC
Gail E. Kautz
Former Member, California Park &
Recreation Commission
Vice President, Ironstone Vineyards
Virginia Chang Kiraly
Commissioner, California Commission
For Economic Development
Elizabeth A. Lake
Partner, Holland & Knight LLP
Patrick Lee
Vice President, Major Project Controls
Sempra Energy
2
David Mandelkern
Silicon Valley Entrepreneur
Rosalind Nieman
Educator and Child Specialist
John O’Connor
President & Chief Investment Officer
Rincon Advisors, LLC
Maidie E. Oliveau
Counsel, Arent Fox LLP
Larry Palmer, CFP
Managing Director, Private Wealth
Advisor, Morgan Stanley Private
Wealth Management
Robert E. Patterson
Partner, Peninsula Ventures
Patricia Pérez
Owner, VPE Tradigital Communications
Michael J. Pinto, Ph.D
Advisory Board Chair, Institute for
Nonprofit Education and Research,
School of Leadership Education and
Science, University of San Diego
Donald J. Robinson
Senior Vice President, retired
Bank of the West
Roger M. Schrimp
Partner, Damrell Nelson Schrimp
W. James Scilacci
EVP, CFO and Treasurer
Edison International
Seth Teich, CFA
Financial Analyst
Spring Point Capital
Peter H. Weiner
Partner, Paul Hastings LLP
ADVISORY TRUSTEES
Michael J. Brill
Partner, retired
McGuire Woods LLP
Kathleen Cochran
General Manager
Bacara Resort & Spa
William T. Duff
Executive, retired
Toyota Motor Sales, Inc.
Rhonda Glasscock
Philanthropy Manager, National
Education & Environment Programs
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
William Randolph Hearst, III
Partner Emeritus
Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers
Connie Lurie
CBL Foundation
Mark Manguera
Founder & CEO
Kogi BBQ
Chego
Paradigm Group
Gary Polakovic
President, Make Over Earth, Inc.
Alexander M. Power
Principal
Real Estate Development & Investments
Stuart N. Senator
Partner, Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Things Are Beginning to Look Different
T
his may be the summer of water.
Or perhaps, I should say, the lack of water. I don’t
know about you, but I am doing all those things
I am supposed to be doing about conserving water:
shorter showers, saving kitchen water for the garden,
and planting with drought tolerant plants. However,
it still does feel like a drop in the bucket, if you will
forgive the phrase. I know there are those who have
their hands on the big policy aspects of the water
shortages. But that doesn’t stop my dismay over the
obvious stress that our parks and landscapes are under.
I drove the coast road up to Point Arena from San
Francisco recently and you can’t help but notice trees
are looking thirsty, water bodies are low and many
creeks are dry. It would be a dry time of year anyway,
but we are having unusually summer-like weather in
the Bay Area. There is very little of that forgiving fog
that normally keeps our north coast a little hydrated.
Don’t get me wrong—I like sitting in my small
backyard in the evening as much as the next person,
but it feels weird to be able to do so in the long
light of summer. Normally there would be a strong
wind blowing down the canyon and at least some
precipitation!
Things are looking different for parks in other
ways, as well. Last fall, Resources Secretary
John Laird appointed a Transformation Team
to implement the recommendations of the Parks
Forward Commission over a two-year period. They are
working on everything from service-based budgeting
to partnerships to the relevancy of the state parks
system for all Californians. The Transformation
Team is presently deep into research, discussions, and
development of recommendations.
The Transformation Team has four strategic goals:
1. Develop Excellent Management Systems
2. Maintain High Quality Operations and
Public Service
3. Create Meaningful Connections and
Relevancy to People
4. Protect and Enhance Natural and
Cultural Resources
These goals have been organized into 31 initiatives
that are being managed by eight committees. You
can find more information about the initiatives the
Transformation Team will be working on at
parks.ca.gov/transformationteam. Note the starred
items which indicate the top 10 priorities on the
itemized list of team initiatives. This is really where
the rubber will meet the road.
The Transformation Team was initially made up
of DPR employees, with the exception of a consultant
from the Resources Legacy Fund. In recent months,
the Transformation Team has sought outside members
for its eight committees, especially those committees
whose tasks are more externally focused, such as the
Partnership Committee and the Relevancy Committee.
CSPF’s Vice President of Government Affairs
Traci Verardo-Torres is sitting on the Partnership
Committee and is meeting with the committee one half
day a week. In addition, I am a member of the overall
Transformation Team Advisory Committee which is
meeting once a month. We will keep you posted on the
progress that the Transformation Team is making as
their work continues in the coming months.
In the pages of this issue of Parklands you will
see many articles about the recent work that CSPF
has been pursuing. We couldn’t be more excited about
what we have collectively achieved with the Summer
Enrichment Program, the Technical Assistance Center
and Park Champions.
In the meantime, I hope that you are enjoying our
beautiful state parks. We are so appreciative of all your
support. Thanks for entrusting us to be YOUR VOICE
FOR PARKS!
- Elizabeth Goldstein
President
Mount Tamalpais State Park ©Vincent James
3
CONNECTING TO OUR NATURAL WORLD
Summer Enrichment Program Enters Seventh Year
Field trips to the state Capitol in Sacramento,
exploration of William B. Ide Adobe State Historic
Park to learn about California pioneers in the mid19th century, “earth snorkeling” hikes at Baldwin
Hills Scenic Overlook, and overnight camping trips at
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area. These are just
a few of the activities planned for this year’s Packard
Summer Enrichment program. The program brings
urban youth ages 8 to 14 to park sites in Los Angeles,
Sacramento, San Bernardino and Glenn counties. The
popular program takes place June through August and is
celebrating its seventh year!
First Birds Nest on Yosemite Slough’s New Bird Island
Working with the California State Parks
Foundation in 2012, WRA Environmental Consultants
designed a nesting bird island that was incorporated
into the major restoration project at Candlestick Point
State Recreation Area’s Yosemite Slough. The park is
located just north of the San Francisco county line on
the western shore of San Francisco Bay, next to the
Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood. Approximately
three years after the first phase of restoration was
completed, American avocets built five nests on the
island this spring!
4
The sand island was designed to provide nesting
habitat for a variety of summer nesting shorebirds,
including American avocets. Isolation of the island
from the mainland by tidal channels provides
protection from feral animals and human disturbance.
Adjacent restored tidal marsh vegetation and mud flats
let the birds feed in their own front yard.
The project plan included restoring seven acres
of historic bay fill to a functioning tidal marsh in an
industrial area. In addition to the marsh restoration
and the bird island, design elements included nursery
areas for fish and bottom dwelling organisms and a new
portion of the San Francisco Bay Trail. The project
also addressed soil contaminant issues left over from
previous fill activities and industrial land use.
Future work at the 34-acre site includes the
integration of public use areas with an environmental
interpretive center, and proposed transitional and
upland areas to buffer sensitive habitats.
New nests on the island is truly exciting, and
are a successful example of the integration of both
restoration and public use in an urban context,
balancing wildlife needs and human access.
- Giselle Goulette, Landscape Architect, WRA
VOLUNTEER IMPACT IN STATE PARKS
Park Champions Restore Dune Habitat at Silver Strand
S
ince 2011, the Park Champions Program has
been assisting park staff to restore habitat at
San Diego’s Silver Strand State
Beach by monitoring and removing
invasive plants and replacing them
with natives. Core Leader Dan Doran
has been leading the charge since
our second workday at the park,
when he helped with a geo-mapping
project to document the extent of
ice plant coverage. He has witnessed
the successful removal of invasive
plants in the bay-side portions of the
park in preparation for the planned
resurgence of native plants including
the beach evening primrose.
Core Leader Dan Doran
Dan had never volunteered in
parks prior to responding to an email invitation for
a Silver Strand Park Champions workday. He had
recently graduated from the University of California,
Santa Barbara with a degree in geography and a focus
on habitat restoration and ecology when he joined
CSPF as a member. After moving home to San Diego,
he was fortunate to find a job working in IT for the U.S.
Navy on Coronado Island, but he was also hoping for
an opportunity to get his hands dirty working outside
and to use the skills he learned in college. He found it at
Silver Strand with Park Champions.
The Park Champions program has made significant
strides at Silver Strand. After the discovery of a rare
California native plant, Brand’s Phacelia (Phacelia
stellaris), growing in the dunes of Silver Strand and
other state beaches, state parks received funding
from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and State Parks
Proposition 84 to restore habitat and conduct studies
in conjunction with the U.S. Navy. A portion of this
funding has been used to pay the salaries of three park
staff who work to protect the plant while
maintaining recreation opportunities for
park visitors, and also lead and monitor Park
Champions workdays and overall progress.
Removing invasive plants allows space for
native plants to reestablish themselves, and
native butterflies, bees, lizards, and birds
are adapted to eat and find shelter in native
plants.
Environmental Science Intern Mark
Miller believes that the habitat restoration
progress at Silver Strand would have taken
twice the time without the help of the Park
Champions Program.
“Park Champions removed invasive
ice plant over four years, rented dumpsters, bought
tools, and installed drip irrigation and fencing to
protect young native plants from rabbits,” said Miller.
Effectively removing an invasive plant species usually
takes five to six years of well-organized and constant
effort; plants need to be removed every year before they
seed. “As soon as you pull up the ice plant, there is a
seed bank (ready to sprout) underneath. Seeds of some
plant species are viable for years.”
Dan would like to invite first-time volunteers to
join his team at Silver Strand. “You can’t go wrong
being right next to the ocean,” he said. “It’s a beautiful
view while you’re working, even when you work in the
rain, and usually we have nice weather.” He is also
actively looking for an additional Core Leader or two to
help him plan workdays and cheer on other volunteers.
Find out more at calparks.org/volunteer.
CSPF’s Park Champions program coordinates volunteer projects at state parks throughout the
year. To date, the program has held 481 workdays across California. 3,571 volunteers have
worked 6,798 shifts equaling 27,785 hours making state parks more beautiful and safe.
Silver Strand State Beach ©Dan Doran
5
EARTH DAY 2015
Volunteers Help at 27 Parks
F
ort Ross State Historic Park’s Environmental
Living Garden has been restored. Millerton Lake
State Recreation Area has new lifejacket loan
stations and interpretive display cases. Chino Hills State
Park has a new horse-hike-bike trail and cable fencing
around its parking lot. And Standish-Hickey State
Recreation Area has new picnic tables at its campsites.
These improvements and many more were made
possible thanks to 1,673 hard-working volunteers who
participated in our 17th Earth Day Restoration and
Cleanup presented by Pacific Gas and Electric Company
on April 18. Statewide volunteers planted 1,235 native
trees and plants, removed 630 cubic yards of non-native
plants, collected 453 bags plus 56 cubic yards of trash
and 37 bags of recycling, installed fences, refurbished
picnic areas and campgrounds, restored trails, removed
graffiti, painted buildings, and learned about the
importance of caring for our state’s natural treasures.
This program would not be possible without our
presenting sponsor PG&E, who provided a $200,000
grant plus 630 employee volunteers, family and friends
at 11 project sites on event day. Valued contributions
were also made by our associate sponsors Edison
International, Chevron, and Oracle, as well as our inkind donors Subway, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Larabar, Togo’s
and Starbucks Coffee. The support and outreach made
by our media sponsors were also instrumental.
On behalf of all of our state park project sites,
thank you for contributing to the beauty and enjoyment
of our parklands.
2015 PRESENTING SPONSOR
2015 MEDIA SPONSORS
Auburn Journal | BIG 103.7FM | CBS2 and
KCAL9 | Chino Hills Champion | COAST
101.3FM | Dana Point Times | Half Moon Bay
Review | KAHI AM 950 | KCBS 740 AM |
KHITS 101.5 | KSCO AM | L.A. Daily News
| Folsom Telegraph | KTVU-TV Channel 2 |
Los Angeles Daily News | Marin Independent
Journal | Oroville Mercury Register | San
Clemente Times | San Luis Obispo Tribune |
Santa Cruz Sentinel | Soft Rock 98.9/ Fresno
Clear Channel | Sonoma Index-Tribune | The
Capistrano Dispatch | TV36 | World Journal
6
STATE PARKS ARE GREAT PLACES
Members Share Great Places Through Photo Challenge
Thank you, photographers! Over 300 photos were
submitted during the Great Places for You & Me
Photo Challenge that CSPF hosted on Facebook this
past March and April. The photos helped us to create
an inspiring gallery of images on our Facebook page,
where over 5,400 people visited during the Photo
Challenge. These photos above earned the most votes
during the Challenge.
Many of the great images we received were used in
the panels we displayed in front of the state Capitol as
part of our 13th Annual Park Advocacy Day. It was so
hard to choose among so many great submissions, so
we created a short video montage featuring even more
photos from the Great Places Photo Challenge. Check
out the video at calparks.org/greatplaces—we know
you’ll see lots of reasons to agree that state parks are
Great Places for You & Me!
Exploring the Ways Parks Are Great Places for You & Me
One of the best parts of the Great Places campaign
is the wonderful stories we’ve heard from people across
the state about how parks are an important part of
their lifestyle, identity, family, career, and more. To
help share some of those stories, CSPF interviewed
dozens of Californians about their experiences in state
parks and created feature profiles for the campaign. We
highlighted several individuals as part of the display
at Park Advocacy Day and are sharing more profiles
through our webpage and Facebook. Follow us on
Facebook or check out calparks.org/greatplaces to see
more stories.
7
YOUR VOICE FOR PARKS
Advocacy Updates from the Capitol in Sacramento
STATE BUDGET UPDATE
On June 24, Governor Brown signed the state’s
$167 billion state budget. While the budget for the
Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) did not
contain any surprises or increases, DPR did receive
authority for a modest, one-time infusion of State
Park and Recreation Fund dollars to maintain current
operations. The budget also included funding to open
the new museum at Donner Memorial State Park and
to re-open Los Angeles State Historic Park, which has
been undergoing construction over the last year. CSPF
is particularly pleased that the budget dedicated $10
million toward outdoor environmental and recreation
programs, consistent with the intent of Assembly Bill
988. (See more below.)
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
On July 6, Governor Brown signed Assembly
Bill (AB) 327 by Assemblymember Richard Gordon
(D-Menlo Park). AB 327 continues an exemption from
prevailing wage for volunteers who perform public
works-type projects. Current law already provides
such an exemption until 2017. AB 327 extends that
exemption for another 7 years, to 2024. Volunteers
complete projects that are important but underresourced with public funds and staff. They provide
immense value to park maintenance staff who are
stretched thin. CSPF is pleased Governor Brown
continued this important support for volunteerism.
AB 988 by Assemblymember Mark Stone
(D-Scotts Valley) and Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins
(D-San Diego) continues to advance in the legislative
process and is strongly supported by CSPF. The
bill, which requires DPR to develop a new Outdoor
Environmental Education and Recreation Grants
Program, recognizes the value and benefits of
increasing youth access to the outdoors. The bill has
been enjoying broad support in the legislature and
with the $10 million in the budget for such purposes,
we believe that’s a great boost as this bill continues its
path to the governor.
Senate Bill 317 by Senate President pro Tem
Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) establishes the
framework for a park bond that would go on the
November 2016 ballot. The bill, which contains $200
million for capital-related state park funding and
$50 million for the State Park Enterprise Fund, is
currently on the Senate Floor and, as of the writing
of this newsletter, has not yet come up for a vote.
8
Assembly Bill 549 by Assembly Water, Parks
& Wildlife Chair Mark Levine (D-San Rafael) and
Senate Bill 204 by Senator Fran Pavely (D-Agoura
Hills) contain various changes that are intended
to implement ideas related to the February 2015
Parks Forward Report findings. Among other
things, AB 549 encourages DPR to develop more
overnight accommodations in state parks and allows
them to partner with nonprofits to operate such
accommodations. AB 549 also requires DPR to draft
a statewide fee policy to bring transparency to the
process of setting and establishing fees in the state
park system. SB 204 acknowledges the important
role of nonprofit organizations and removes a 2017
sunset on DPR’s authority to enter into operating
agreements with nonprofits to keep parks available
and enjoyable to the public. The bill also requires
DPR to identify its top 10 projects that have potential
to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and could be
funded with the state’s cap-and-trade revenues.
HELPING NONPROFITS EXCEL
On March 30, we held CSPF’s fourth annual
Technical Assistance Center (TAC) Convening in
Sacramento. TAC is CSPF’s program to provide
tactical and professional support needed by the
nonprofits that are supporting state parks in various
capacities. About 30 representatives from 19 nonprofit
park partner organizations throughout the state
joined us, including Anza-Borrego Foundation,
Stewards of the Coast & Redwoods, Mountain Parks
Foundation, and Shasta Historical Society. Also in
attendance were all five of TAC’s consultants, CSPF
staff, and Steve McCormick.
Randy Widera, TAC’s operations consultant,
kicked off the day with an informative and thoughtful
presentation on TAC’s Organizational Assessment/
Nonprofit Study. Following Randy’s presentation,
Steve McCormick, who is chairing the Partnership
Committee for the Transformation Team, talked about
the Transformation Team’s efforts, the transition
process, and the role of nonprofits. In the afternoon,
Leslie Robin and Belinda Teitel from the Center
for Nonprofit Management, TAC’s organizational
management consultants, led a dynamic and
interactive session on effectively aligning your
organization’s work to your mission. We are pleased to
continue running TAC to provide capacity building for
our partner organizations.
Top L to R: Assemblymember Richard Gordon addresses advocates, Expo on the Capitol lawn, advocates listen to the morning session
Bottom L to R: Great Places display along Capitol walkway, visitors stop by an Expo display, Assemblymembers Olsen and Rendon receive awards
Over 200 Advocates Lobby Together at Park Advocacy Day
T
his year’s Park Advocacy Day (PAD) was a
great success! On May 5, over 160 advocates
visited every sitting legislator’s office and
lobbied on bills relating to outdoor education and
youth recreation, promoting volunteerism, and
a potential park and conservation bond for the
November 2016 ballot. As part of the morning’s
program, Assemblymember Rich Gordon addressed
PAD attendees regarding his Assembly
Bill 327 and about the value of park
advocacy. Assemblymember Marc Levine,
the new Assembly Water, Parks and
Wildlife Committee Chair, spoke about
transformation at the Department of Parks
and Recreation, the need for a statewide fees
policy for state parks, and his dedication to
state parks.
As part of the day, CSPF held its 2nd
Annual Park Expo on the Capitol lawn, featuring
more than 20 park partners from across the state.
The Expo was a great hit, with hands-on activities
ranging from sampling freshly churned butter as part
of historic demonstrations from Benicia State Historic
Park, examining water and plankton samples through
microscopes from Amigos de Bolsa Chica, tasting
mole from the Mole and Mariachi Festival at Santa
Cruz Mission State Historic Park, exploring mobile
education centers from the Point Lobos Foundation
and Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, and much
more. Thank you to all the partner organizations who
made the Expo fun and engaging!
PAD 2015 ended with CSPF’s Legacy Award
Reception honoring Assembly Republican Leader
Kristin Olsen (R-Modesto) and Assemblymember
Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood). CSPF was pleased
to present awards to these distinguished legislators,
who have had significant impact promoting
and advocating for state parks. Assembly
Republican Leader Olsen helped raise
visibility of the state parks system’s 150th
anniversary in 2014 and passed legislation
in 2013 to increase access to state parks
for veterans and active military members.
Assemblymember Rendon brought leadership
to parks issues in his previous position as
Chair of the Assembly Water, Parks, and
Wildlife Committee during a critical period of
rebuilding confidence and capacity in California’s state
parks system. Rendon authored legislation in 2013 to
encourage and further enable the state to enter into
operating agreements with nonprofit organizations. In
2014, he pushed for a specific emphasis on facilitating,
promoting, and enhancing access and relevancy of
state parks for underserved communities.
Thank you again to everyone who made PAD 2015
a great success. See you next year!
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YOUR GENEROSITY MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Go Solar for State Parks and Save $750 on Your System
Would you like to save money and do something
good for the earth? Here’s an easy way: California State
Parks Foundation has partnered with Sungevity to help
you go solar and support state parks at the same time.
By making the switch to solar, you’ll not only
control your energy costs and protect the environment,
but also advance CSPF’s mission. That’s because
when you purchase a solar system and mention CSPF,
Sungevity will donate $750 to CSPF, and give you a
discount of $750 on your purchase as well.
Sungevity makes the process simple: their solar
experts will remotely design a system for your residence
and give you the information you need to weigh your
solar options. If you move forward, Sungevity will
manage every aspect of installation. You can enjoy
peace of mind that your system will perform as
guaranteed and even monitor your solar production
with Sungevity’s mobile app anywhere, anytime.
Start by getting a free online quote at sungevity.
org/calparks. It’s good for you, good for the planet, and
good for parks!
Safeguarding Our State Parks for Future Generations
“I LOVE BEING OUTDOORS”
That is what Shirley Bogardus expressed when she
decided to include California State Parks Foundation
in her will. “I’ve always been impressed with CSPF.
They have a wonderful scope of knowledge and are
addressing challenges I hadn’t even heard about—and
I’ve been at this a long time!”
At 22, Shirley left the Midwest to move to
California, where she roomed with graduates of the
University of Colorado who shared her love of nature.
Her commitment grew once she met
her husband, Peter. The couple settled
in Mill Valley to raise their family. In
1968, they moved abroad and camped
throughout Europe for 14 months
before returning to California.
Shirley served on the California
State Parks Foundation board for
many years and was a docent at
Audubon Canyon Ranch. Now a
widow, she still lives in Mill Valley and
hikes Mount Tamalpais State Park
once a week. We are deeply grateful to
Shirley for safeguarding our beloved
parks for future generations.
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WHY WE’D LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT
YOUR LEGACY GIFT NOW
Have you already made a provision for California
State Parks Foundation in your estate plans and not
told us? Every so often we receive a legacy gift from a
supporter whose generous decision comes as a surprise.
While we’re very grateful, we would love to
celebrate while you are still among us. We’ll honor your
commitment by inviting you to join our William Penn
Mott, Jr. Legacy Society.
Your example, like Shirley’s,
encourages others to step forward
whether they know you or not. Of
course, you have the option to remain
anonymous. Any gift, large or small, will
make a huge difference in our mission
to protect, enhance, and advocate for
California’s state parks—and may offer
you and your loved ones significant tax
savings as well.
So please consider sharing your plans
with us. For information about joining
the Mott Society, contact Ziba Marashi at
(415) 262-4433 or legacy@calparks.org.
2015 Golden Poppy Gala was a Celebration of Parks
W
e are grateful to all of our sponsors and
supporters who participated in our 9th
Golden Poppy Awards Gala on June 6,
presented by PG&E and Toyota. Together they raised
significant funds to help us protect California’s greatest
treasures—our state parks!
With nearly 300 guests in attendance, Golden
Poppy Awards were given to this year’s worthy
honorees in recognition of their extraordinary
leadership in ensuring that state parks remain healthy
and accessible for all: Jennifer Peck for Partnership for
Children and Youth (above left), Justina Acevedo-Cross
for the David and Lucile Packard Foundation (middle),
and Caroline Beteta, president of Visit California
(right). Their efforts directly benefit local communities
throughout the state and the millions of Californians
and other visitors who rely on state parks each year
for recreation, adventure, education, and inspiration.
Congratulations to our awardees.
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors
PG&E
Toyota
Iceland Poppy Sponsors
Don and Diane Cooley
Connie and Robert Lurie
Martin Resorts
Sandy and Heloise Power
Jesse and Mindy Rogers
Celandine Poppy Sponsors
Michael and Nancy Alvarez
Anchor Brewing Company
Balyasny Asset Management L.P.
The Better World Group, Inc.
Capital Group
Chapman Cubine Adams + Hussey
The Walt Disney Company
Edison International
Facebook
Elizabeth Goldstein and Stephen Rees
Jewelry by Gauthier
Kenneth and Virginia Chang Kiraly
The Nieman and Emmett Families
OneHope Wine
Paul Hastings, LLC
Roger and Delsie Schrimp and
Damrell Nelson Schrimp Pallios Pacher and Silva
SF Event Venues
Southern California Gas Company
Swinerton Management and Consulting
11
CSPF GRANTS IMPROVE STATE PARKS
Achieving Excellence by Welcoming Visitors
T
hrough Park Partnership Grants, CSPF provides
direct support to nonprofits and governmental
organizations that are working to improve state
parks. CSPF has awarded over $1 million since 2012 to
partners that are keeping our parks open or directly
improving and enhancing our parks. These grants
have not only kept parks accessible in the immediate
term, but have also looked beyond the crisis of
keeping parks open to define a new future for our state
parks system.
CSPF is pleased to highlight two partners
that received Park Partnership Grants for their
tireless efforts to welcome visitors: Mendocino Area
Parks Association and Plumas Eureka State Park
Association. Their work has led to the restoration
of park facilities, restroom improvements, and
interpretive programs. Both organizations have also
directly contributed to campground improvements, so
that visitors can enjoy places to camp and sleep under
the stars.
These grants were made possible by generous
funding from S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, the
Thomas J. Long Foundation, Marisla Foundation, and
others.
Plumas-Eureka State Park
Plumas-Eureka State Park showcases California’s
unique Gold Rush history. You can tour historic
buildings, see mining relics, meet park docents in
period attire, go on a nature walk, learn about life as a
miner at a visitor’s museum in a former bunkhouse, or
try your luck at striking it rich at Jamison Creek.
The grant awarded to Plumas Eureka State Park
Association supported bathroom repairs that directly
led to the reopening of group site Camp Lisa. Camp
Lisa, located along the Campground Museum Trail,
can accommodate up to 50 people and is wheelchair
accessible. The grant also helped improve interpretive
programs, hire additional park staff in the summer,
and increase overnight visitation.
Plumas-Eureka State Park ©Rick Cooper via Flickr
Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
Located among towering redwood trees in
Northern California, Standish-Hickey State
Recreation Area delights visitors with hiking trails
through redwood groves, picnic areas, and swimming
access along the South Fork of the Eel River that
snakes through the park.
The grant awarded to Mendocino Area Parks
Association enabled them to make significant
improvements to the park. They upgraded the Hickey
Loop restrooms, updated six ADA campsites, and
installed new picnic tables and fire rings. They also
launched new interpretive programs and improved
organizational capacity. These improvements led to a
30 percent increase in visitation.
Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area ©Bjorn via Flickr
12
Announcing June 2015 Park Enrichment Grant Recipients
CSPF is pleased to announce a new round of
17 Park Enrichment Grants has just been awarded.
Funded projects include transportation for school
field trips, wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration,
organizational capacity building for nonprofit park
partners, coastal cleanup days and much more.
Congratulations to our recent grantees.
Park Enrichment Grants are awarded three times a
year in a competitive process that supports projects or
Amigos de Bolsa Chica
$2,400 for native plant garden
upgrades with water efficient and
native plants
State Park: Bolsa Chica State Beach
Angel Island Immigration Station
Foundation
$6,000 for teacher training of the
Immigration Station module of the
PORTS program
State Park: Angel Island State Park
Anza-Borrego Foundation
$5,000 for Camp Borrego 5th grade
environmental education curriculum
upgrade
State Park: Anza-Borrego Desert State
Park
California Department of Parks
and Recreation
$5,000 for the identification
of protected plant species and
development of an inventory of plant
types and locations
State Park: Mount Diablo State Park
Central Coast State Parks
Association
$5,000 for an interpretive trailer ADA
deck and ramp
State Parks: Morro Strand State Beach
and Morro Bay State Park
Citizens for East Shore Parks
$4,000 for wildlife monitoring project
at Albany Bulb
State Park: McLaughlin Eastshore State
Park
programs that embody CSPF’s Park Excellence Project
vision elements: Celebrate Our Enduring Heritage,
Welcome Visitors, Teach Californians, Safeguard
Resources, and Connect Individuals, Organizations, and
Partners. Funding for these grants is made possible by
the ongoing and generous support of CSPF members,
donors, and funding partners.
The deadline to apply for the next round of Park
Enrichment Grants is September 18.
Clockshop
$7,500 for park field trips for Los
Angeles Unified School District high
school students
State Park: Rio de Los Angeles State
Park State (Bowtie Parcel)
Elkhorn Slough Foundation
$3,500 for educational and
interpretive public events and
restoration of habitat with school and
community groups
State Park: Moss Landing State Beach
Fort Ross Conservancy
$5,000 for organizational capacity
building for a sustainable funding plan
State Parks: Fort Ross State Historic
Park and Salt Point State Park
Friends of China Camp
$4,000 for organizational capacity
building through website upgrades
State Park: China Camp State Park
Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive
Association
$5,000 for the Needle Rock Visitor
Center restroom facility upgrades
State Park: Sinkyone Wilderness State
Park
Hunters Point Family
$3,500 for youth field trip to Colonel
Allensworth State Historic Park for
the park’s Juneteenth park celebration
and urban agriculture workshops and
activities
State Park: Colonel Allensworth State
Historic Park
Jack London Park Partners
$5,000 for the development of a Park
Prescriptive program
State Parks: Jack London State Historic
Park, Sonoma County state parks
Orange County Coastkeeper
$5,000 for the Orange County
coastal cleanup day
State Parks: Huntington State Beach,
Bolsa Chica State Beach, Crystal
Cove State Park, Doheny State Beach,
Corona del Mar State Beach, San
Clemente State Beach
Portola and Castle Rock
Foundation
$3,500 for organizational capacity
building to increase membership
State Parks: Castle Rock State Park
and Portola Redwoods State Park
Save Our Shores
$5,000 for bus transportation to parks
for underprivileged students
State Park: Santa Cruz area state
parks
University Corporation at Monterey
Bay on behalf of Return of the
Natives Restoration Education
Project
$4,000 for restoration of dune habitat
and propagation and planting of
native plants in collaboration with
underprivileged students
State Park: Fort Ord Dunes State Park
13
PARKS INSPIRE US ALL
CSPF Honors State Fair Youth Art and Design Contestants
C
SPF is proud to support
the California State
Fair’s Annual Youth
Art Competition each year.
The Fair’s art competition
recognizes the best of young
California artists, ages 5 to 18
years old. This year the Fair
received a record-breaking
number of entries. CSPF was
pleased to present our Youth Art Award to six artists for
their outstanding art pieces inspired by California’s state
parks and the natural environment on July 13 at the
Golden Bear Youth Art Ceremony in Sacramento.
Eighteen-year-old Kylie McClernon’s inspiration for
her “Great Outdoors” 3D piece was her passion for the
outdoors and the wild. It is such a unique and detailed
piece, and clearly was a labor of love for Kylie. “I love
spending time in nature, and so I wanted to do a theme
for nature,” Kylie said. “I really enjoy the redwoods up
in Eureka. I hope to get to travel there more often. But
the state park I visit the most is Folsom Lake.”
Seven-year-old Thomas Lepage (pictured) has been
oil painting since he was 5 years old.
His family visits Calaveras Big Trees
State Park every summer, which was
the inspiration for his state fair entry.
Thomas loves to hike and explore the
park. During his visits to the state
park he takes part in Creek Critters
at Beaver Creek where he learns all
about what goes on under the water’s
surface. “It was incredibly special
for Thomas to receive the award,” his mother said. “He
won’t take off the CSPF hat he was given and even
tries to wear it to bed. Thank you for giving him this
wonderful opportunity.”
Thank you to all the young artists who are drawing
inspiration from state parks and sharing it with all
of us! The creative art work of the six artists was
displayed at this year’s Golden Bear Art Exhibit. Each
artist was awarded a prize package which included a
CSPF tote bag, water bottle, writing journal and CSPF
membership. We are hopeful that visitors to this year’s
State Fair Art Exhibit were inspired by these young
artists to visit California’s marvelous state parks!
2015 State Fair Youth Art Award Winners
Thomas Lepage, Elk Grove – “Big Trees State Park” painting – Age Category: 5 to 9 (below, left)
Alexandra Rossi, Piedmont – “Point Lobos” painting – Age Category: 5 to 9
Lyna Jiang, Woodland – “The Sunrise” pastel and charcoal – Age Category: 10 to 12
Amy Dimas, Sacramento – “Albatross” mixed media – Age Category: 13 to 15 (background)
Kylie McClernon, Citrus Heights – “Great Outdoors” vase – Age Category: 16 to 18 (below, middle)
Desmond Bague, Stockton – “San Francisco Shoreline” mixed media – Age Category: 16 to 18 (below, right)
14
STATE PARK PHOTO CONTEST
E
ach month, photographers who participate
in our monthly state parks photo contest
submit amazing images from state parks across
California. From beach scenes to boat crashes, these
photos give a glimpse of the wide range of experiences
you can have year-round in California state parks. That
is part of what makes this photo contest so great!
The online contest is open to anyone, so if you
aren’t already participating, join today. It is a free,
statewide contest located on our website. Photo
submissions should be taken in California state parks.
Once a month
a photograph is
chosen as the Photo
of the Month, and the photographer receives a variety
of prizes, including a free CSPF membership and a
Lowepro camera bag.
For more information on how to participate or
to register for the contest, please visit our website
calparks.org/gallery.
Thank you to our generous contest sponsor
Lowepro and all our wonderful participants.
RECENT PHOTO OF THE MONTH WINNERS
February 2015
March 2015
April 2015
May 2015
Schooner Gulch State Beach ©Lance Kuehne
Sonoma Coast State Beach ©Mike Shoys
Natural Bridges State Beach ©Vincent James
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area ©Steph Gabler
June 2015
Montaña de Oro State Park ©Frank Huang
15
READ PARKLANDS ONLINE
To view this or previous issues of Parklands
online, please visit calparks.org/Parklands-Online.
parklands
california
50 Francisco Street, Suite 110
San Francisco, CA 94133
STAY CONNECTED
Go to our website and sign up for our monthly
e-newsletter and online action alerts to stay
current with our work on behalf of state parks.
You can also connect with us on Facebook,
Twitter, YouTube or blog calparks.wordpress.com.
CALIFORNIA PARKLANDS
Summer 2015, Volume 32, Number 2
(ISSN: 0892-0095) is published
by the California State Parks
Foundation, Copyright ©2015
CSPF. All rights reserved.
EDITOR: Alexis Trivisonno
CSPF WEBSITE calparks.org
STAFF MEMBERS
Mike Bankert, Gloria Castillo, Cecille Caterson,
Debbie Chong, Beverly Clark, Brian Dill, Rebecca
Eiseman, Jerry Emory, Linsey Fredenburg-Humes,
Elizabeth Goldstein, Nicole Gutierrez, Travis
Hattori, Hilda Hollis, Kate Litzky, Ziba Marashi,
Jennifer McLin-Ramirez, Erin McNerney, Phoebe
Oelheim, Gabrielle Ohayon, Bella Podolsky, Jonah
Punzal, Eleanor Robertson, Erland Sanborn,
Georgia Smith, Ashley Tittle, Alexis Trivisonno,
Margie Shurgot, Morgan Stewart, Traci VerardoTorres, Robin Woodland
CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS FOUNDATION
50 Francisco Street, Suite 110
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 262-4400 or 1-(800) 963-7275
members@calparks.org
CSPF SACRAMENTO
1510 J Street, Suite 220
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 442-2119
CSPF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
448 South Hill Street, Suite 601
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 542-2450
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chlorine-free paper using soy ink. By using this recycled paper we
are saving 46 trees, 32,680,800 BTU’s of energy, 4,270 pounds net
greenhouse gasses, 19,599 gallons of wastewater flow, 2,168 pounds
of solid waste, and 133 pounds of water-bourne waste.
16
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Nonprofit Org
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Parks Foundation