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 March 16, 2026

Shark attack survivor speaks out after he was bitten in both legs surfing: A surfer who was bitten by a shark off the coast of Northern California spoke out from his hospital bed, sharing details of how he freed himself to get back to shore safely.
Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, March 20, 2026 

California Opens $2.5 Million in Waterway Safety Grants to Local Agencies: California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is now accepting grant applications to help local public entities enhance safety on California’s waterways and protect them from abandoned and unwanted vessels.
Redheaded Blackbelt, March 20, 2026

A Super Bloom Just Peaked in California, but There’s Still Time to See Other Spectacular Flowers: Following record rainfall in some areas throughout the fall and winter, wildflowers are growing across the state. Here’s where to see them.
Mac Hamilton & Bailey Berg, Afar, March 20, 2026

The state sues oil company, contending that the oil it moves through Gaviota State Park is 'trespassing': The State Parks Department filed a lawsuit against the company that restarted the pipeline, which ruptured in Santa Barbara County in 2015. They charge that the company is guilty of trespassing.
Lance Orozco, KCLU, March 19, 2026

Public urged to avoid swimming, surfing at some LA County beaches: The department of public health’s Ocean Water Use Warning applies to several local beaches, including Malibu’s Leo Carrillo State Beach and Topanga Canyon Beach.
Monica Garske, NBC Los Angeles, March 19, 2026

Deadly Bird Flu Spreads Across California Parks: Here’s What You Need to Know: Most people associate bird flu, or avian influenza, with spikes in egg prices, but the effects of the deadly disease also impact public lands. Multiple state and federal recreation areas have reported animal deaths from bird flu, and not just in birds.
Mary Andino, Gear Junkie, March 19, 2026 

Santa Barbara Groups Plan Thursday Vigil Opposing Sable Pipeline Restart as Legal Fights Escalate: Local students and community activists have announced a Thursday evening vigil in downtown Santa Barbara to protest the restart of the Santa Ynez Pipeline System by Sable Offshore Corp., an action the company says it undertook under a federal order.
Lauren Bray, Edhat, March 19, 2026

California Department of Parks and Recreation will Begin Construction on Pullman Ditch Culvert Replacement at Roosevelt Beach at Half Moon Bay State Beach on April 1st, 2026: On April 1, 2026, the California Department of Parks and Recreation will begin construction on the Pullman Ditch Culvert Replacement project at Roosevelt Beach at Half Moon Bay State Beach (VeniceBeach).
Coastside Buzz, March 19, 2026

Outside Fort Bragg Is A California State Park Offering A Lush Redwood Forest Getaway: Mendocino Woodlands is a lush state park where you'll encounter one of the most majestic sights in the Golden State: The mighty coast redwood.
Anahid Akkam, Islands, March 19, 2026 

The fight between Santa Barbara County and Sable oil: What happens next?: Thousands of barrels of oil a day are flowing through pipes across Santa Barbara County, coursing under the Gaviota Coast and streaming beneath Buellton before traveling to Bakersfield for the first time since a destructive 2015 spill at Refugio State Beach.
Tom Schultz, Santa Barbara News-Press, March 18, 2026 

Federal Plan Revives Mount Diablo Drilling Fight: A sweeping federal proposal now threatens to reshape one of the Bay Area’s most iconic landscapes, forcing a collision between energy policy and environmental protection at Mount Diablo State Park.
Angela Woodall, Patch, March 18, 2026 

Possible shark bite being investigated after surfer injured at NorCal beach: A man who was surfing off Big River Beach at Mendocino Headlands State Park suffered injuries to both of his legs on Wednesday and now officials are investigating to see if he was bitten by a shark.
KTVU, March 18, 2026 

State Parks offers $2.5 million in grants to support safe waterways: California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways is now accepting applications for up to $2.5 million in grant funding aimed at improving public safety on waterways and addressing the growing issue of abandoned and unwanted vessels across the state.
Folsom Times, March 18, 2026 

Residents urged to vote for favorite California state parks: California State Parks Foundation officials have announced that voting is now open for the 2026 “Best of California’s State Parks” poll.
Escalon Times, March 18, 2026

5 Places Across the U.S. Where You Can See Stunning Wildflowers in Full Bloom This Spring: Whether or not California has a super bloom depends on the rainfall, but if there has been a good amount of rain, you can expect to see wildflowers between February and May. Head to spots like the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to see beautiful blooms.
Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, March 18, 2026 

Grants available for mussel infestation prevention programs: California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways recently announced the availability of grant funding to help prevent the further spread of quagga and zebra mussels that threaten California’s waterways and cause negative impacts to recreational boating, fishing and the ecosystem.
Mountain Democrat, March 18, 2026 

California State Parks sues alarm company over Bidwell Mansion fire: California State Parks is suing a Sacramento County-based alarm company over the December 2024 fire that destroyed Chico's historic Bidwell Mansion.
Edie Lambert, KCRA-TV, March 17, 2026 

California pledges to open 7% of its land and waters to Indigenous tribes — a step toward healing a 175-year-old broken promise: The Natural Resources Agency estimates more than 1.7 million acres are already under the stewardship of tribes, including more than 100,000 through state land return programs, more than 700,000 held as reservations and trust lands for federally recognized tribes, and more than 900,000 acres through partnerships with California State Parks.
Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, March 17, 2026 

Sable restarts disputed California pipeline under Trump emergency order: Despite the pipeline's restart, California is still seeking ways to block the project. The state's Department of Parks and Recreation on Saturday demanded that Sable immediately remove a portion of its pipeline crossing Gaviota State Park in Santa Barbara County.
BIC Magazine/ Reuters, March 17, 2026 

Mount Diablo faces oil drilling threat as part of Trump administration's aggressive energy push: Mount Diablo State Park and other popular public spaces around the Bay Area and around California are being targeted as part of a proposal by the Trump administration to open up land for oil and gas drilling.
Sharon Song, KTVU News, March 17, 2026 

Once zoned for luxury homes, Bay Area park to soon triple in size: The donated land would add to the existing Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park, home to one of California’s tallest and oldest lighthouses.
Sam Mauhay-Moore, SFGATE, March 17, 2026 

Prescribed burn at Montaña de Oro paused due to high heat, wind: Prescribed burns, like a month-long burn in the works at Montaña de Oro, are done for multiple reasons, such as reducing fuel loads and managing forests before wildfire season, an effort that is conducted by various agencies.
Valentina Saldaña, KSBY-TV, March 17, 2026

Skip The Sierra: The "World's Smallest Mountain Range" Is California's Most Underrated Destination: Sutter Buttes State Park is located just 60 miles north of Sacramento, in the northern part of the Central Valley. While many of California's hotspots are on every visitor's radar, these charming peaks have remained a hidden gem of the region.
Jade Poleon, The Travel, March 17, 2026 

California State Parks sues for $38 million over failure to save mansion: Less than two years since an arsonist set fire to the Bidwell Mansion in Chico, California State Parks is continuing to seek restitution by filing a lawsuit against an alarm company for what State Parks said was a failure to monitor and protect the historic property. 
Silas Valentino, SFGATE, March 17, 2026

First responders warn of dangerous river conditions in Auburn: Warning signs reading “River deadly cold, stay out, stay alive” are prominently posted near the American River confluence at the Auburn State Recreation Area. 
Dennis Shanahan, FOX 40 News, March 17, 2026 

Oil flows through Santa Barbara coastal pipeline for first time in decade amid Trump’s fight with California: On Saturday, California’s Department of Parks and Recreation demanded that Sable “immediately remove the pipeline” from where it runs through Gaviota State Park, formally denying the company’s application to operate the line through that protected area.... Given Sable’s announcement Monday morning that it had restarted operating the pipelines, a spokesperson for State Parks said the agency will “be taking further action” but declined to detail those plans. 
Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, March 16, 2026 

Popular Bay Area oceanfront park to triple in size under proposed deal: (Subscription Required) Scenic coastal bluffs that stretch for more than a mile near one of the Bay Area’s most dramatic coastal landmarks, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, would be added to California’s state parks system under a proposed deal unveiled Monday.
Paul Rogers, The Mercury News/ Bay Area News Group, March 16, 2026 

San Bernardino seeks public input for off-road enforcement grant proposal: If awarded, the grant through the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division will fund increased patrols, equipment maintenance and enforcement efforts to reduce noise, property damage and environmental harm caused by unauthorized OHVs.
Hey SoCal, March 16, 2026 

Runners and Walkers Invited to Lace Up for Annual Prairie Creek Redwoods Fun Run: Time is running out to register for one of the most scenic fun runs in the country. Redwood Parks Conservancy (RPC), in partnership with California State Parks and the National Park Service, invites runners, walkers, and nature lovers to the 13th Annual Run in the Redwoods 5K Walk & Fun Run on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
Redheaded Blackbelt, March 16, 2026 

Mendocino National Forest Seeks Public Comments on $719K OHV Trail Maintenance Grant: Mendocino National Forest is applying for nearly $720,000 in state funding to maintain its motorized trail system — and the Forest Service wants public comments before the application is finalized.
Tom Rader, Off-Road, March 16, 2026

Exploring Spring in the USA: Top 7 Destinations for a Memorable Getaway: If a spring getaway has piqued your interest and you need a little non-beach vacation inspiration, read on for seven destinations that offer a memorable getaway in their own right this time of year.
Mia Taylor, Travel Pulse, March 16, 2026

State Parks to Sable Oil: Pick Up Your Pipeline and Walk: California Parks and Recreation department issued the Houston-based oil company a sternly written letter demanding Sable remove all four miles of its pipeline from Gaviota State Park.
Nick Welsh, The Santa Barbara Independent, March 15, 2026

  • MORE COVERAGE: Bloomberg (Subscription Required)

State Park and Recreation Commission tours Clear Lake State Park: On a bright and breezy March day, members of the California State Park and Recreation Commission, joined by community members, took a tour of Clear Lake State Park as part of the effort to create the park’s new general plan.
Elizabeth Larson, Lake County News, March 15, 2026

Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Columbia State Historic Park: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo where it all began—Columbia, California, the location of the first-ever Cinco de Mayo celebration in 1862! This annual celebration, set against the preserved Gold Rush-era backdrop of Columbia State Historic Park, brings history to life with vibrant storytelling, captivating folkloric dances, and lively sounds of mariachis.
Sunset Magazine, March 15, 2026 

This Is California’s Prettiest State Park—With Redwoods, Blue Water, and an 80-foot Waterfall Flowing into the Ocean: Unless you're a California native, you might not know that Big Sur has a secret. Rather than being a singular landmark, the region encompasses a variety of show-stopping vistas, close-knit communities, and state parks along Highway 1.
Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, March 15, 2206

California national parks set attendance record, despite controversy: Despite morale-sapping staff layoffs, bizarre executive orders and a 43-day federal government shutdown last fall, the grandeur and serenity of national parks in California remain irresistible to outdoors lovers looking to unwind.
Jack Dolan, LA Times, March 14, 2026

Malibu Parks Nominated in Statewide California Parks Poll: Malibu-area parks are on the ballot in this year’s statewide California parks poll, with Malibu Creek State Park, Malibu Lagoon State Beach and Leo Carrillo State Park all nominated across multiple categories.
Westside Current, March 14, 2026

Crystal Cove Conservancy to Host California Secretary for Natural Resources for Cove Talk on Climate Resilience and Conservation: Crystal Cove Conservancy will welcome California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, for a special Cove Talk focused on the future of conservation, climate resilience, and public stewardship across California.
Newport Beach Independent, March 13, 2026

It's Not Too Late to Catch a Superbloom. Here Are 5 Must-See Spots: Death Valley National Park isn't the only place to catch this year's rare botanical phenomenon. Here are five other sites worth visiting.
Emilee Coblentz, Outside (Subscription Required), March 13, 2026

CA State Parks sues alarm company hired to watch over doomed Bidwell Mansion: The historic Bidwell Mansion in Chico lost its contents in an early morning fire on Dec. 11, 2024, that is under investigation.
Darrell Smith, The Sacramento Bee, March 13, 2026