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 April 27, 2026
The opinions and views expressed in the news stories of interest do not always reflect those of the California Department of Parks and Recreation
Between Los Angeles And Bakersfield Is California's Abandoned Military Fort That's Now A Scenic State Park: One place where visitors can learn about the Californian frontier — and stroll beneath 300-year-old grandmother oaks – is Fort Tejon State Historic Park.
Eva Johnstone, Islands, May 1, 2026
Historic Dust Bowl camp near Arvin that inspired 'The Grapes of Wrath' to become a state park: The Weedpatch Camp near Arvin, which opened in 1936 and inspired John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, is being proposed as one of three new Central Valley state parks.
Karla Sosa, ABC 23, Apr. 30, 2026
- Additional Coverage: KGET
Dead gray whale washes ashore at Wilder Ranch State Park: A dead gray whale carcass washed up on the shore of Wilder Ranch State Park in mid-April, signaling a broader shift in gray whale migration patterns due to climate change.
Gabrielle Gillette, Santa Cruz Sentinel, Apr. 30, 2026
Monterey Park Secures $6 Million Grant to Rehabilitate Barnes Park Aquatic Center: Monterey Park has been awarded $6 million through the California State Parks Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program to support a major rehabilitation of the Barnes Park Aquatic Center, city officials announced.
Melanie Hooks, Colorado Boulevard Newspaper, April 30, 2026
VIDEO: Deadline extended: More time to weigh in on 4 options for Bidwell Mansion's future after fire
Action News Now, April 30, 2026
Local organizations adopt coastal beaches: The Little River Inn is managing Van Damme State Park’s beach. Mendocino Unified School District is managing Big River beach. Community First Credit Union is managing Jug Handle State Park beach and Flockworks is managing Hare Creek.
Carole Brodsky, The Ukiah Daily Journal, April 30, 2026
(NOTE: This article requires a subscription to access)
San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors Proclaims Local Emergency Over Invasive Golden Mussel Threat: The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors proclaimed a local emergency in response to the growing threat posed by the invasive golden mussel in the San Joaquin Delta, urgently calling for strengthened State partnership, additional resources, and coordinated action to protect one of California’s most vital waterways.
Contra Costa News, April 30, 2026
Pigeon Point State Park triples in size with land donation, lighthouse restoration continues: Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park is now three times larger after Peninsula Open Space Trust donated 132 acres to the park, an estimated $5 million gift.
Ashton J. Hacke, Half Moon Bay Review, April 30, 2026
Save Mount Diablo Secures Extra Protections for Curry Canyon Ranch: California State Parks supported Save Mount Diablo’s collaboration with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy and the California Wildlife Conservation Board on this project because it was understood as a step in the direction of eventually getting some of the Curry Canyon Ranch lands added to Mount Diablo State Park and securing more protections for this ranch, which is rich in natural and cultural resources.
Contra Costa News, April 30, 2026
Spring weather gets hungry bears moving: “What puts bears at greatest risk isn’t a lack of natural food, it’s access to ours. Encouraging close interactions, allowing bears to den under homes, or feeding bears (intentionally or unintentionally) leads to dangerous outcomes for both bears and people,” said Sarinah Simons, a bear management specialist with California State Parks.
Mammoth Times, April 30, 2026
The 9 Dreamiest Beach Camping Escapes Across the U.S.: Pismo State Beach runs 17 miles along the Central Coast from Pismo Beach to Grover Beach to Oceano in San Luis Obispo County and offers ample opportunity for outdoor rec. With beautiful weather year-round, Pismo is a perfect spot for camping, hiking, surfing, fishing, and bird-watching.
Emilee Coblentz, Outside Magazine, April 30, 2026
(NOTE: This article requires a subscription to access)
Greenfield park project recommended for $6M grant by California State Parks: California State Parks is advancing $42.6 million in grants for land and water conservation projects. There are 18 recommended projects aimed at improving outdoor recreation in California communities.
Alicia Alvarez, KSBW-TV, April 29, 2026
Save Mount Diablo makes secures environmental protections for more than 300 acres: The effort to prevent oil drilling in Mount Diablo State Park progressed further Wednesday, when over 300 acres of land were granted conservation protections. The state park in Contra Costa County is one of several popular public spaces around California that are being targeted as part of a proposal by the Trump Administration to open land for oil and gas drilling.
Ian Bradley, KTVU-TV, April 29, 2026
VIDEO: Family of 'Rambunctious' Gray Foxes Strike Poses for Trail Camera: A family of energetic gray foxes was spotted by a trail camera at Providence Mountains, in California, last month, CA State Parks said. Footage here, released by CA State Parks, shows the three foxes elegantly filling the frame, and one of them, described as “rambunctious,” climbing a tree.
The Australian, April 29, 2026
The Most Beautiful California Beaches You Shouldn’t Miss This Year: La Jolla Cove remains one of Southern California’s standout summer swim spots, Crystal Cove State Park still offers one of Orange County’s most attractive natural shorelines, Coronado Beach delivers the classic wide-beach fantasy, Pfeiffer Beach feels especially relevant now that Highway 1 is connected again through Big Sur, and Natural Bridges State Beach gives Northern California a coastal stop that looks distinctive the moment you see it.
Vasilija Mrakovic, AOL, April 29, 2026
California's biggest state park expansion in decades spotlights Central Valley: The state parks expansion touches the redwoods, the Sierra Nevada, the Pacific Coast and the Central Valley.
Julie Brown Davis, SF Gate, Apr. 29, 2026
- Additional Coverage: LA Times, Cap Radio, Woodall’s Campground Magazine
This Coastal State Park 1 Hour From SF Has Tripled In Size — It’s Home To The Tallest Lighthouse On The West Coast: Pigeon Point is adding another 133 acres from the Cloverdale Bluffs, per Newsom's State Parks Forward initiative.
Jamie Ferrell, Secret San Francisco, Apr. 29, 2026
Shark Warning Issued in Southern California After Whale Found Floating Off Coast: A bloated whale carcass floated to the surface just offshore near San Elijo campgrounds at Cardiff State Beach in Encinitas, California Monday.
Juan Hernandez, The Inertia, Apr. 28, 2026
- Additional Coverage: People
Bear encounters could increase as temperatures rise, California officials say: As temperatures rise across the region, California officials are warning that bear sightings could become more common.
Brett Stover, FOX 40, Apr. 28, 2026
These Are the 5 Best Lake Camping Spots in California According to Online Reviews: These spots stood out for scenery, amenities, and overwhelmingly positive feedback from campers who have stayed there.
Zach O’Brien, Active NorCal, Apr. 28, 2026
Sonoma County Rock Climber Rescued By Helicopter After 15-Foot Fall At Coastal Park: The incident happened on Sunday at Salt Point State Park, about 17 miles northwest of Jenner and seven miles northwest of Timber Cove. The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said in a social media post that the Timber Cove Fire Department requested the Sheriff's helicopter unit for a rescue operation involving an injured rock climber.
Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS San Francisco, April 28, 2026
This spectacular state park rivals any national park but lacks the crowds: In Southern California, not too far from San Diego, there’s a spectacular state park that’s larger than many national parks and, except for a handful of spots at certain times of the year, is virtually empty of human presence. Welcome to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park!
Karen Kelly, Yahoo Creators, April 28, 2026
Spring Weather Brings Hungry Bears to Lake Tahoe Region: “What puts bears at greatest risk isn’t a lack of natural food, it’s access to ours. Encouraging close interactions, allowing bears to den under homes, or feeding bears (intentionally or unintentionally) leads to dangerous outcomes for both bears and people,” explains Bear Management Specialist, Sarinah Simons with California State Parks.
Sierra Sun Times, April 27, 2026
California's Once-Thriving Military Base Is Now A Peaceful Escape Brimming With Trails And Stunning Scenery: Rolling sand dunes along an adjacent 4-mile stretch of Monterey Bay shoreline are preserved within Fort Ord Dunes State Park, considered the monument's "coastal complement."
Rebecca High, Islands, April 27, 2026
RADIO: New CA State Parks: California is already home to the most state parks in the country, but few can be found in the Central Valley. That will change this year with the addition of three new state parks, including one along the Feather River in Yuba County. State Parks Director Armando Quintero and Rachel Abbott, Public Information Officer for Yuba County, join us today to explain more about what’s to come.
KXJZ (Cap Radio), April 27, 2026
Shark Sighted, Beached Whale Towed Offshore Near San Elijo State Beach: A beached whale was confirmed dead Monday, and at least one shark was sighted in the area, at San Elijo State Beach in Encinitas. Early Monday, a team of Encinitas lifeguards was dispatched to tow the carcass out to sea, along with California State Parks personnel, according to the city of Encinitas.
Ashley Ludwig, Patch, April 27, 2026
- MORE COVERAGE: North Coast Current, CBS San Diego
Agencies discuss what to cut as state deals with $35B deficit: In the face of California’s $35 billion-a-year budget deficit starting in the 2026-27 fiscal year, lawmakers and state agency heads are continuing discussions about budget cuts. The California Department of Parks and Recreation wrote to The Center Square on Friday to say that the department’s budget cut proposal involves eliminating currently vacant positions.
Madeline Shannon, The Center Square, April 27, 2026
Volunteers needed for elephant seal field trips in San Simeon: Hearst San Simeon State Park is seeking volunteers to serve as school group docents for field trips at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. Applications for the volunteer positions must be submitted by June 10.
Paso Robles Daily News, April 27, 2026
A historic California state park that remains a hidden gem in the country: Tucked away in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Tuolumne County, Columbia State Historic Park is one of California’s best-kept secrets. This remarkably preserved Gold Rush town looks almost exactly as it did in the 1850s, complete with original brick buildings, costumed reenactors, and streets free of modern traffic.
Evan Cook, Fast Food Club, April 27, 2026
California State Parks That Offer National Park Beauty Without the Crowds: California is home to some of the most jaw-dropping scenery on the planet, but popular national parks like Yosemite and Joshua Tree can feel more like a theme park than a wilderness escape. Luckily, the state’s park system is packed with hidden gems that deliver the same stunning landscapes with far fewer visitors.
Evan Cook, Fast Food Club, April 26, 2026
Feather River site to become one of California’s newest state parks: A 2,000-acre site along the Feather River is set to become one of California’s newest state parks and the first in Yuba County as part of a major statewide expansion announced this week by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Ainsley Van Reusen, Action News Now, April 25, 2026
- MORE COVERAGE: RV Travel
13 marathons in 13 days: how one runner is raising money for California State Parks: Seth Wilmoth is the center of Project: Gold Rush | 13×13 where he will run 13 marathon distances in 13 days to raise money for the California State Parks Foundation.
Eli Ramos, Tahoe Daily Tribune, April 24, 2026
5 San Diego Spots I Always Take Friends And Family To When They Visit: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, known as the "Birthplace of California" because it's the site of its first European settlement. Walking around the grounds, through the Visitor Center, and among various other mini-museums is a free activity I take my guests to for a unique living-history experience.
Kelley Dukat, Islands, April 24, 2026