Category Archives: State Parks

State Parks

Nothing says opulence and Hearst Castle quite like a porta potty

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Hearst Castle Visitor Center to Close Public Restrooms in July for Water Conservation

Chemical toilets with hand sanitizer stations will be made available

According to a press release from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, starting on Monday July 7, 2014, the Hearst Castle Visitor Center will begin implementing water conservation measures to reduce water usage and comply with Governor Brown’s Executive Order to redouble drought actions across the State. All day-use restrooms will be closed and chemical toilets (or porta-potties) with exterior hand sanitizer stations will be placed at the Visitor Center. Thirty standard chemical restrooms plus eight Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible chemical restrooms will be available to accommodate all visitors. At least six hand sanitizer stations will also be available.

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State Parks

Free tickets for the Palm Springs Aerial tram!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Okay, you knew there’d be a catch.  But it’s a good catch!

The California State Parks Foundation sponsors the Park Champions Program, which – from their website – “…holds volunteer work days in state parks across California. This program was created in response to the unprecedented budget cuts that California State Parks face right now. In partnership with California State Parks, Park Champions provide consistent, sustainable volunteer support in the areas of park maintenance and beautification.

Park Champions projects improve the quality, safety and preservation of our state parks. Projects in the past year have included trail repair, invasive plant removal, habitat restoration, the rehabilitation of an historic orchard, fence construction, bridge construction, and re-painting park structures. If you enjoy volunteering outdoors, want to work with a fun group of people, and you want to make a difference in our state parks, then become a Park Champion and join us for the next work day happening near you!”

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State Parks

California State Park’s 150th Anniversary

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Monday, June 30 is the 150th anniversary of California’s state parks system.  Rather than celebrating this incredible achievement in California state park history at one of the hundreds of venues available throughout the state, the California State Parks Foundation and Gavin Newsom will be at Yosemite National Park.  Because, y’know, it’s a national park, not a state park.

Whatever.

Our California State Parks have been under attack for so many years – from hidden money to threatened closures to this latest snub by the government of the state – that it’s amazing that we’ve reached this milestone.  But don’t let that stop you from getting out and visiting our beautiful state and the state parks; there’s something for everyone!

Find a California state park near you HERE.

The California State Parks Foundation sent out this notice:

On Monday, members of the California State Assembly are expected to vote on a resolution by Assembly member Olsen (R-Modesto) that recognizes the 150th anniversary of the California state parks system and urges Californians to join in celebrating this important anniversary.
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State Parks

California State Historical Resources Commission To Consider Twelve Properties for Action

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Next week, the California State Historical Resources Commission will consider six nominations for federal historic designation, and six nominations for state historic designation. Nominations and photographs of properties under consideration are available at http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24368.

The Commission will meet next Tuesday, April 22 at 9:00 a.m. in the Kiln Room at Asilomar Conference Center, 800 Asilomar Avenue in Pacific Grove, California.

National Register of Historic Places nominations scheduled for action include:

Century 21 Theater San Jose Santa Clara County

An early and and notable example of a Cinerama-type theater designed by noted Bay Area architect Vincent G. Raney. The Century 21 Theater embodies the distinctive characteristics of the mid-century modernist style and suburban roadside architecture popular during the 1960s. This modernist landmark in San Jose is one of the best surviving examples of the freestanding dome type theater remaining in California. Continue reading →

State Parks

California State Parks Seeks Public Input Regarding Equestrian Lessons and Trail Riding Concession at Will Rogers SHP

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

California State Parks will accept public comment regarding the future equestrian lessons and trail riding concession operations at Will Rogers State Historic Park (SHP) on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rotunda of the Main Stables at Will Rogers SHP, 1501 Will Rogers Park Road, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. Will Rogers SHP is located in the Pacific Palisades community within the City of Los Angeles.

The current equestrian services at Will Rogers SHP are provided by a private concessionaire through an expired concession contract on holdover status. The purpose of this meeting is to solicit public input and ideas for the development of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new contract. The RFP will attract bids from operators who will continue the equestrian lessons and trail rides a new contract. The RFP will satisfy California statutory requirements for concession contracts to be subject to a competitive bid process.

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