Sep-October 2006 - CSPRA

WaveNewsletterThe CSPRAVOLUME 6, NUMBER 5CALIFORNIA STATE PARK RANGERS ASSOCIATIONSEPT-OCT 2006LESHELLOS & LESNew Cadet class with their training officers (L to R): Michelle Gardner (CTO), Blake Bonham, Ian Hoehn,Michael Story, , Travis Lowry, , Derek Davis, John Conroyoy, , Duke Heberling, Connie Breakfield (CTO)GOODBYESYESJohnJohn Shelton, page 3Tony Look, page 10

CSPRAOFFICERSPRESIDENTAngy Nowicwickiki, Silverado(707) 538-8734 , angy@cspra.comPRESIDENT ELECTGail Sevrvrensens, No. Service Center(916) 445-8827, gail@cspra.comSECRETARARYRebecca Schenone, Plumas-Eureka(530) 836-2380, rebecca@cspra.comTREASURERNatalie Lohi, Mendocino(707)964-7462, natalie@cspra.comIMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTRon Breanean, Retired(541)547-3640, ron@cspra.comDIRECTORSBrett Mizeureur, Castle Crags(530)235-2684, brett@cspra.comSal Goshorn, Orange Coast(714)377-5691, sal@cspra.comJoe Mette, Retired(707) 875-9492, joemette@cspra.com_____________________________ADMINISTRATIONTIONLaura a Svendsgendsgaaraard,Executive ManagerP.O. Box 2132, Newport, OR 97365(800)749-8749 or (541) 547-3641laura@cspra.comPRESIDENTANGY NOWICKICSPRA PresidentThey say when it rains it pours; ….Inthis case, bring on the flood!The pendulum has swung in park’sbehalf again! All California StateParks will share $250 milliondollars deferred maintenance, anincrease from last year’s allocation of$66 million. We have 6 years tospend it, but don’t take your time!This budget windfall will helprebuild recreational and historic sitesin dire need of attention. It will repairroads, roofs and water system,reducing the current © 1992, Califor$906 ornia nia State millionte Pararksksmaintenance backlog that has beenpiling up for more than 20 years.The money will reduce some 10,000INTERNET COMMUNICATIONSpressing state-wide projects that areJefeff f Priceice, Webmastercurrently in the process of being(805)278-9201, webmaster@cspra.com prioritized and ranked.www.cspra.comAs if that wasn’t great enough, thatwindfall was accompanied by a jumpTheheCSPRA Wavein the general fund of $27 millionJanet Carlele, Editordollars. Much of that increase will be(760)647-6431, wave@cspra.comused to hire 50 NEW PY, all disciplines,but maintenance will get theTheheCSPRA Wavelion’s share. There is a rumor that(ISSN0087-9176)DPA has seen the error of their waysis published by CSPRA, P.O. Box 2132,and have considered giving parkNewport, OR 97365employees a raise including the muchArticles and letters are always welcome.All submissions become the property of underpaid seasonal staff. Keep thoseCSPRA and may be edited without notice. toes and fingers crossed. (Ed note:Union 7 raises have just beenannounced).In November, we will be asking foryour support on Proposition 84. Thisis the Water Quality, Safety and2The CSPRAWave, Sept-Oct 2006Supply, Flood Control, Natural ResourceProtection, & Park Improvements.The $5.4 billion bond measurewould provide critically needed fundsto ensure the availability of safedrinking water, improve local watersupply reliability, strengthen floodprotection, and preserve California’snatural landscapes, including parks,lakes, rivers, beaches, bays, ocean andcoastline. Keep your eye on thedevelopment of this bond and stand byfor “Talking Points” that will bepublished soon.I met with Ruth Coleman for the thirdtime this presidency just last week. Ms.Coleman is very supportive of CaliforniaState Park Rangers Association andour Mission. During this meeting wediscussed CSPRA’s meeting with BillHerms, DPR’s new Deputy Directorfor Legislation, the deferred maintenancefunding, new positions, trainingfunding for California Parks Conferencefor March of 2007 and the mostrecent issue of park employee housing.While in her office, she was continuallyputting out spot fires that erupt in yourparks. Rest assured she has the parksand employees best interests at heart.Enjoy the good time! As my predecessorRon Brean has said “Don’tscrew it up!”WELCOME NEW CSPRA“ACTIVE” and “SUPPORTING”MEMBERS As of 8/16/06Deanne Adams, NPSCharles BancroftBlake BonhamLiz CaldwellJohn ConroyMargo CowanDerek DavisTim GuardinoDuke HeberlingStan PaezLoren RexRobert SimoneauxMichael StoryRobert TolinRonald Walker, Jr.

A ANGEL WAVE GOODBYEISLAND SECTORREMEMBERINGJOHN SHELTON:1951-2006by Dick Troy, retiretirededOn July 25, friends and coworkersjoined Director RuthColeman at Folsom Lake to paytheir final respects to a greatpark person, John Shelton.After a two-year battle, Johnsuccumbed to liver cancer onJuly 12 th .As a native son, John lovedCalifornia, its parks and itspeople and he pursued thoseinterests in his life’s work.John grew up in San Diegowhere as a teen he enjoyedsurfing and backpacking. Hegraduated from San Diego StateUniversity with a degree inOutdoor Recreation and workedfor San Diego County Parksand the Youth ConservationCorps before joining StateParks in 1981.His career with CaliforniaState Parks spanned 25 yearsand included assignments atTorrey Pines, Salton Sea,Providence Mountains, CrystalCove, the Inland Empire District,(formerly Los Lagos) andSacramento Headquarters.During his career, he worked asa park ranger, superintendent,district planner, legislativeanalyst and office chief. And inall his assignments, he exhibiteda passion for parks andwork ethic that was envied andadmired by all.In 1998, John was appointedChief of the Concessions,Reservations and Fees Office.As Chief, John became renownfor his fairness, levelheadednessand integrity andgreatly improved the workingsof the office. John steadilyimproved the relationshipsbetween the department and itsmany and varied private concessionaires,calming troubledwaters and building trust andconfidence. He was the pointman on several large, controversialand sometimes contestedcontracts including hunker down and battle in theunder pressure, John couldHearst San Simeon, Asilomar toughest negotiations and laterand Old Town San Diego. emerge with a better deal forEach one was successfully State Parks and the people ofawarded and included improvedservice to the public and stepdaughter Caitlin and step-California. John’s wife Jackie,a fairer financial return to the son Matthew and others spokedepartment. In recognition of of his dedication to his family,his work in leading the ConcessionsOffice, the department always- friendly manner inhis willingness to listen and hishonored him in 2004 with the dealing with people.esteemed Newton Drury Award John left a legacy of integrityfor Professional Integrity. and dedication that will be longThe many speakers at the remembered in the State Parkmemorial remembered John’s System. His life and careerdedication to getting the job reminds all of us who remaindone. Many remembered him why our career choices areas being the first person with a important and how a personalsmile and the last person to commitment to public serviceleave work. Always steady can make such a difference.The CSPRAWave, Sept-Oct 2006 3

ANGEL ISLAND SECTORLEGISLATIVE COMMITTEETEESO TELL ME, GAIL,by Gail SevrensLegislative Committee ChairCSPRA is working hard in the Capitolto protect parks and park values.There are plenty of opportunities foryou to become involved as well—even some ways that take very little ofyour time.Legislative CommitteeCSPRA’s legislative committee isactively recruiting new members.Recently joining the committee areformer Deputy Director Dick Troyand Chief of Interpretation DonnaPozzi. Dick has been a leader in thefight against the proposed toll roadthrough San Onofre State Beach (seebelow for more details) and Donna ledthe successful campaign to save BodieState Historic Park. Both will be ableto provide valuable insight into thelegislative and political process forCSPRA membership and help toanalyze pending legislation.In addition to members of thelegislative committee, CSPRA islooking for members who would bewilling to meet locally with legislatorsto explain CSPRA goals and positions,or who could speak at publichearings that take place in variousplaces throughout the state, includingbut not limited to Sacramento. Timecommitments would be minimal andwe would provide you with backgroundinformation. Your job wouldbe to provide that vital first-personstory of what parks mean to you.Support for Legislation andProposalsI write this during the final franticdays of the 2005-2006 legislativesession. As CSPRA lobbyist MonicaMiller says, “anything can changeuntil that last gavel goes down.” [SeeMonica’s report, page 10]. Therefore,contents and status of bills are a4 CSPRA Wave, Sept-Oct, 2006WHAT T CAN I DO?moving target, but as of this writingCSPRA is supporting the followingbills:SB 1125 (Chesboro) Tidelands OilMoney for Parks. This bill supportsfunding for deferred maintenance forParks and highlighted on ParksAdvocacy Day 2006. At this writingit is on “suspense”, which means itmay not go to the floor.SB 153 (Chesboro) Support forProposition 84. Prop 84 is theinitiative to provide bond money forParks.AB 2497 (Laird) Study to look atacquisitions for parklands beingapproved by a mechanism otherthan the Public Works Board(PWB). This bill would considerother ways to approve acquisitions.Currently our acquisitions must beapproved by PWB, which approvesmost acquisitions of state land, wherewe must compete against nonresourcepriorities such as land forprisons, surplusing lands to get cashfor the state, etc. The PWB iscomposed of non-resource agenciessuch as the Department of GeneralServices and the Department ofFinance, which have been reluctant toapprove land acquisitions that don’thave operations funding attached. Analternative is the Wildlife ConservationBoard, which includes resourceorientedagencies such as Dept ofFish and Game. Currently, someagencies such as the State LandsCommission and the Dept. of WaterResources have acquisitions reviewedby the Wildlife Conservation Board(although the bill text erroneouslystates that all state acquisitions gothrough PWB). CSPRA stronglysupports acquisitions of parklands,even if current operations funding isnot available. CSPRA believes thatas California becomes more populatedand developed, opportunities forparkland acquisition will diminish andbecome far more costly. We believethe far-sighted option is to acquireland now for future generations.AB 2485 (Jones and Laird) SeaOtter protection measures.Sea ottermortality has increased and this billwould provide measures for protection,including education on how toproperly dispose of cat litter toprevent transmission of disease to seaotters.SB 168 would have ratified acompact to prevent construction ofa casino at the environmentallysensitive Big Lagoon, but the billdied. This was another bill featuredon Park Advocacy Day (PAD) 2006.CSPRA is signing on to a letter ofconceptual support for the compactgenerated by the California StateParks Foundation.Proposition 84 will be on theNovember ballot to provide bondfunding for resources, includingParks. CSPRA urges each of you totalk to your neighbors, family, andfriends and explain to them whyfunding for parks is key. While onduty in your park you are allowed toprovide visitors with factual informationabout Prop 84, although you maynot advocate for votes.CSPRA also actively supported thesuccessful allocation of deferredmaintenance funding for parks.Opposition to Legislation andProposalsCSPRA opposed AB 1708(DeVore), which requires the Directorof the Department of PersonnelAdministration and the directors ofstate agencies to determine the fairSee LEGISLATIONTION, page e 5

NORTH BAY DISTRICTLEGISLATIVE COMMITTEELEGISLATIONTION, from page e 4and reasonable value of housingprovided to employees. CSPRABoard Member Natalie Lohi wasinstrumental in spurring us to action.This bill was, however, signed in tolaw by the governor in July. Itremains unclear what the practicalimplications of this bill will be toemployees. The legislation does notsupersede existing Memorandums ofUnderstanding (MOUs) between thestate and employee unions.Proposed Toll Road at San OnofreState Beach. A broad coalition oforganizations including CSPRA, theCalifornia State Parks Foundation,and the Sierra Club are fighting thisproposal, which threatens a campground,sensitive species, culturalsites, and world-class surfing.CSPRA’s Dick Troy has been a leaderand spokesperson in this battle, whichwas also highlighted on PAD ’06. Wefear that in addition to the impacts toSan Onofre SB , this would set aprecedent encouraging agenciesacross the state to look to parklandsfor land for non-park projects.We are currently looking formembers who might be able to meetlocally in opposition to this proposal.Please contact me if you might be ableto provide assistance.Auburn Dam. CSPRA continues towarily watch this perennial proposal.Past-President Ron Brean heads thisissue and is interested in a proactiveapproach to strengthening AuburnState Recreation Area as a park.Check out Nature Noir, by retiredranger Jordan Fisher-Smith, forbackground on Auburn SRA.Working with DPRCSPRA feels fortunate that theDepartment leadership concurs withCSPRA’s positions on most of thepressing issues we face. PresidentAngy Nowicki met recently with newDPR Deputy Director for LegislationBill Herms, and Angy and I havebeen conducting quarterly meetingswith Director Ruth Coleman tocoordinate efforts and strategieswhere appropriate.So,Gail, What Can I Do?Your CSPRA dues support ouractivities, including lobbying. Thereare several other ways you candirectly help our efforts, with evenjust a little of your time.· --Join our email alert list. ManyCSPRA members joined before theadvent of email (remember thosedays?) and so we might not have youremail address. Send it either to me(gail@cspra.com) or ExecutiveManager Laura Svendsgaard(laura@cspra.com). We’ll let youknow about timely action you can takesuch as calling or emailing legislators,events, and pending hearings.--Put local legislators on yourpark’s mailing list. Lawmakersneed to know what is going onin their local parks and the serviceswe provide to constituents, such aseducation, interpretation, specialevents, conservation, and recreationopportunities. Find out who yourlocal legislator is (www.legislature.ca.gov/legislators and_districts legislators/your_legislator.html)and addthem to your mailing list. Extendpersonal invitations to special events.Make sure their staff is aware of whatwe do. Remember, many legislatorswill change after November elections.--Check out CSPRA’s CapitolWatch web page. Found atwww.cspra.com/legislation.html,webmaster Jeff Price posts the latestnews from the Legislative Committeeand more. You can also follow thestatus of bills at the website of ourlobbyist Governmental Advocates atwww.governmentaladvocates.com/clientaccess.php, passwordCSPRA1005.--Plan to attend Parks AdvocacyDay March 2007. Led by theCalifornia State Parks Foundation,which is joined by many partnersincluding CSPRA, the annual ParksAdvocacy Day provides lawmakersand their staff to meet the faces of theparks: you. There is nothing morepowerful than a park employeeexplaining firsthand the challenges weface out there and the great things thatwe do. The name California StatePark Rangers Association carries acachet with legislators and they listen.Orientation and training for ParkAdvocacy Day will be conductedaround the state prior to the event andat next year’s CA Parks ConferenceMarch 4-8, 2007 at Yosemite.CSPRAWave, Sept-Oct, 2006 5

ANGEL ISLAND SECTORRESOURCE PROTECTION/ENFORCEMENTProtecting Resourcesby Todd Swain, Special Agent,National Park Service6 CSPRA Wave, Sept-Oct, 2006by WororkingTogetherMost of us began our park careershoping to be outdoors and in theprocess, do something positive for theenvironment. As we progressed fromseasonal to permanent employee, fromranger trainee to supervisor,we were given moreadministrative duties. Staffmeetings, writing reportsand budgeting are but a fewof the everyday tasks thatnow seem to make up themajority of our jobs.It is important for all ofus to remember why weentered into our professionand to reaffirm our commitmentto protecting parkresources from those thatwould harm them. Fossils,insects, mining equipment,Native American artifacts,reptiles and wood are but a few of thepark resources plundered each year.Some of these are taken as “souvenirs”,but sizeable percentages aretaken by people who have specificknowledge about the resources theyseek.To stem the removaland degradation of parkresources, we mustwork together as ateam. To hold archeologicallooters accountablefor the destructionthey cause, lawenforcement must workwith archeologists.Botanists may noticethat a certain plantspecies is disappearing,but without an interdisciplinaryapproach, may not linkthe population reduction withcommercial trade. A maintenanceemployee may notice a car parked inthe same area of the park each day,but without consulting other parkstaff, may not realize that an endangeredspecies is living nearby.A crucial element to this interdisciplinaryapproach is informationsharing. There are parks whereresource staff will not provide rangerswith the locations of threatenedresources. This practice must bebrought to an end if we are to protectthose resources. This is not to say thatarcheological or endangered specieslocations should be broadcast for all tohear. It does mean that rangers, whoare typically the eyes and ears of thepark, must have an idea whatresources are where and whatresources are at risk.Another portion of theinformation-sharing matrixinvolves the Public InformationOfficer (PIO) and InterpretiveRangers. They should becontinually sending messagesto the public about the specialnature of parklands. Thisresource protection message isalso an important component ofcriminal prosecutions. Whenwe catch a looter or resourcethief and successfully prosecutethem, we must get the “biggest bangfor our buck” and publicize ourprotection efforts. These press releaseswill hopefully deter others fromengaging in similar illegal activitiesand make the public aware of ourprotection efforts.In an effort tostimulate communicationbetween cultural/natural resources staff,rangers and PIOs, thePacific West Region ofthe National ParkService developed theInter-DisciplinaryResource ProtectionTraining. Thisweeklong course isheld in San LuisObispo, CA and hasSee PROTECTIONTECTION, page e 7

RESOURCE PROTECTIONPROTECTIONTECTION, from page e 6been attended by staff of the CaliforniaState Park System. Participants aredivided into three teams consisting ofa PIO, rangers, archeologistand botanist/biologist. The first dayof the course coverslaws, legal issues, PIOstrategies, damageassessments and teambuilding exercises. Theteams then rotatethrough three all-dayresource crime scenarios.As a team theymust process crimescenes, interviewwitnesses and suspects,complete damageassessments, andprovide information tothe media. Thesescenarios provide an excellentopportunity for team members fromdifferent professions to witness theskills and strengths of their coworkers.Having successfullycompleted these scenarios, staffmembers are better prepared tohandle real resource crimes when theyencounter them in their home parks.Whether you have the opportunityto attend this type of inter-disciplinarytraining or not, it is incumbent uponall park staff to maximizeour protection efforts byworking closely withemployees in otherprofessions. Our jobswith the park system areto protect park resourcesfor future generations andwe must do this asefficiently as possible –the public is counting onus.Todd Swain is a SpecialAgent with the NationalPark Service in southernCalifornia. He hasconducted joint NPS/CSPS investigations and presentedtraining for CSPS staff and volunteers.New CSPRA membersLoren Rex: A Supervising Ranger inthe Monterey Sector of MontereyDistrict, Loren is actively involved inall aspects of being a field ranger. Heis an EMR, Firearms, and ScubaInstructor. He started his career as aPark Aid in 1995. After graduatingfrom Chico State with a GeosciencesMajor, he went through the RangerCadet program. He felt very lucky tocome to Monterey right from theAcademy. We feel at the MontereyDistrict that we were also lucky to getsuch an energetic, friendly, and parkorientedRanger working in ourdistrict. In his free time, Loren enjoysscuba diving, snowboarding, andwoodworking.Chuck Bancroft: Chuck started hiscareer with State Parks in 1977 as aSP Technician in Mendocino, thenworked as a Ranger at Will Rogers/Topanga for two years. Chuck is aMaster Interpreter and is beloved bythe local school children for his primarily employed in the field ofexcellent school presentations in the hazardous waste management.Monterey Dist. He also has assisted Why a park career? I have acountless Eagle Scout candidates to degree in Geog.-Natural .Resourcecomplete their Eagle Scout projects. Conservation from UCLA and haveHe has a Forestry Technician always wanted to protect our resourcescertificate from Santa Rosa JC and anfor future generations.Environmental Studies/Regional Ranger Tim Corliss was my housematePlanning degree from Sonoma State.in Half Moon Bay in 1999, so IHe has been married to his lovely was able to envision a career withwife for over 23 years.State Parks. I did have to make theHis passions are nature photography,diversion to Fiji first, however.wild mushrooms, good wine, old Where would you like go in yourmovies, 60s Rock and Roll, and career? My wife is still living inBritish Blues.Redondo Beach and working in theJohn Conroy (Oceano Dunes):South Bay. I hope to transfer to AngelesDistrict when the time comes. IfBackground: I was teaching scubaand working retail at Dive N’ Surf infate has it that I remain here atRedondo Beach since 2002. BeforeOceano, I will feel like a lucky man.that I was two years in Fiji running theOutside interests? Surfing &dive operation of a four star resort...Scuba. I remain in close contact withthat was sweet. I applied to Statemy friends in Fiji and work withParks shortly after returning from Fijistateside friends assisting Fijiansin 2002, so it has been a longthrough the Laloma Foundation.time waiting to get in. I lived inCheck it out atGuam for more than 5 years,http://www.lolomafoundation.org/The CSPRA Wave, /Sept-Oct 2006 7

BOARD MINUTES EXEC. MANAGERCSPRA Board Meeting – MinutesApril 10, 2006, One Capitol Mall.Sacramento, CACall to Order: President Angy Nowickicalled meeting to orderRoll Call, Present: Angy Nowicki,President; Gail Sevrens, President Elect;Natalie, Brett, Sal, Joe Mette, BoardMember; Ron Brean, Past President;Laura Svendsgaard, Executive Manager(later: Becky Schenone-Chase)Consideration of Minutes: Motion toapprove—Sal, second, Brett; approvedReport of PresidentMeeting with Ruth will be done on aquarterly basis. Ruth has expressedinterest in involving other groups, such asCalifornia State Park Foundation,CALPA, etc. Angy working on it.Monica Miller:Unable to attend, was unaware of PAD=Sal will do an assessment for the Legcommittee. Gail will provide assistance asneeded.Note: Later the roles were reversed; Salwill provide assistance for GailHistorian: We are currently looking for anew Historian to replace Kim Baker. Wehave 42 years of history. Angy is askingretirees (we have 180)AB 1924-bird bill to raise penalties.Angy will contact agencies and Monica toget more info.Glendale Rangers—asking for letter ofsupport against cutting two of their fourranger positions. Letter sent.Report of CommitteesAwards and Recognition—director’sawards will be 4/18/06, we will againcosponsor, providing money for printedprograms and an after reception. At leasttwo CSPRA members are receivingawards: Kim Baker and Terri Lopez.Directors award not to exceed $ 300.00Conference-final accounting on 5/15.Finance – Laura:-- Detailed finance reportsprovided and discussed.-- Bank statements will go goingdirectly to treasurer Natalie’s forreview then forward to Laura forreconciliation and filing.-- Insurance: Laura is pursuingliability for CSPRA and errors/omissions for its Board.-- CPC accounting is slow—2005still not available.8 CSPRA Wave, Sept-Oct, 2006Secretary / TreasurerBecky will take the Secretary position,and Natalie will take the position ofTreasurer.Conference 2007Yosemite—Tenaya lodgeSite visit Dana/Pam—conferencecommittee – May 15—conference callwill be availableHotel fee $ 84 to state parksMiscSeasonal bylaws re-write –Ron will send .Newsletter- over budget— we need tooffer fewer pages—suggestion on adifferent form. Included items likeScholarships, Leg committee info, face lifton membership form.Gail will write CHP- letter of condolencesfor officers lost in the line of dutyToll road issuesQuickest route is not thru a park- 73%polled opposed the toll road.Lawsuit was filed on behalf of Surf riders,SPF and morePark Advocacy DayWell attended and well organized —170volunteers showed up. Organized byTracy Verado with SPF (office in Sac)Interview Training—CSPRA lookinginto setting up Interview training, manycandidates are poorly prepared for theintervieweesNext Meeting—Conference call—May22 nd 10:00 A.M. 1 hourMeeting – Oct 1 st weekend 7,8 thMcConnell SPExciting Career OpportunityCSPRA’s Executive Manager positionwill soon be available. Thoseinterested in working for a wonderfulgroup of people and for a wonderfulcause should contact Laura at800.749.8749 or laura@cspra.comRETIREE’SRENDEZVOUS is coming!Oct. 6 & 7, McConnell SRAThis is an informal gathering of friendswho have a common tie through CA StateParks. There will be a potluck BBQ onFri. evening, & a breakfast and lunch onSat. A group campsite is avail. CSPRA’sBoard will be meeting at the event also.Letters with more detail will be arrivingsoon. Info: Kirk at 209-586-3209New & Renewing RetireeMembers of CSPRA- thanks!Laura a SvensgensgaaraardCSPRA Executive ManagerHonored ed Benefactoractors:s: Peggy WhiteheadMike Lynch, Elaine Price &Doug BryceMembers:s: R. Allen, B. Anderson, K.Angier, J. Ball, B. Beat, S. Bitting,D.Bosch, J. Bowdoin, R. Brean, R Brock,C. Buchter, C.Burke, J. Burke, DBuschke,J.Caldwell, K. Caldwell, R. Campbell, D& J. Carle, W. Cater, C.Chavez, H.Clark,L.Clark , B. Clark,D. Clement, P.Cloney,G.Cook, I. Cook, M. Curry, J. Davis,W.Dillinger, D. Doberneck,T. Domich, D.Donahue, C. Dooley, J. Doyle, C. Drake,D. Dungy, R. Elliston, R. Felty, L. Ferri,L. Fletcher, R. Freeman, G.Fregien, J.Geary, M. Gehr, M. Getty, D. Gotelli, D.Grant, M. Guiney, B. Hale, D. Hanson, J.Harbison, J. Hardcastle, L. Harter, G.Hayes, B. Heacox, R. Henry, S. Hill, D.Hoyle, H. Huenemann, R. Irwin, E.Itogawa, R. Jenkins, J. Jennings, B Jones,G. Jones, J. A Jones, JJ Jones, K. Jones,E. Junette, S. Kahn, M. Kania, B.Kennedy, T. Kishbaugh, J. Kolb, C. KraftW. Krumbein, M. Kutsch, D. Lakatos, RLawton, D. Lawyer, K. Leigh, F. LemleyD. Long, V. Long, C. Lonnecker, CLydenR. Macomber, W. Marshall, K. Martin,J. McCall, R. McCall, L. McCargo, R.McCullough, J. McCummins, D.McGrath, K. McKowen, C. Mehlert, J.Melvin, W. Miller, J. Mitchell, S. Moore,K. Morgan, T. Morgan, A. Morley, M.Muetz, J. Neal, D. Nelson, A. Oliver, B.Olson, F. Padilla, S. Paez, J. Peat, P.Pennington, P. Peterson, G. Picard, J.Price, R. Ray, N. Reid-Sandler, T.Reinhardt, W. Reinhardt, J. Ritter, K.Robinson, R. Robinson, J. Schlotter, C.Scimeca, R. Sermon, K. Smith, J. Snider,W. Stahlberg, M. Stephenson, S. Stewart,M. Stokes, J. Stowe, D. Stratton, C.Strickler, K. Sturm, T. Tanner, R. Todd, J.Tranmer, S. Treanor, R. Troy, M. Tubbs,J. Tucker, A. Ulm, D. Van Cleve, D.Verardo, G. Waggoner, S. Wagy, K.Wallace, P. Watkins, R. Westberg, M.Whitehead, K. Wilbur, C. Willard, R.Wohl, M. Woodward, T. Young.

BACK CK IN THE DAYby David Donahue, retiredSummer, 1956. I was parking cars atthe San Diego County Fair. Dayswere long ,12 to 14 hours, but thepay was good! I was making $2.11 anhour. Tom Miller asked what I wasgoing to do after the Fair. With allthat money, living at home beachbum. Want to come to the mountainsand haul garbage and cleanrestrooms? Sure. The Fair was closedSunday night and it was late when Igot home to Hillcrest in San Diego.No freeways.Monday at 8:01AM: Mom wokeme and said a Morrie Morgan was onthe phone. Dad drove me toCuyamaca Rancho State Park onWednesday. Part of the deal was Iwas to have the same days off as Tomand we would ride together. Levisand plaid shirt work clothes. Could Iget a khaki shirt? Sure. Some timelater would I sew a patch on theshirt? Oh boy, yes I would.Cleaning restrooms was dome witha sponge and cleanser, Ajax preferred.Monday they received acomplete washing. The tongue andgrove walls were washed and wipeddown with a sponge as were theshowers and laundry rooms.Hauling trash. 33 gallon trash canswere placed between campsites. Aton and a half stake side truck wasloaded with 55 gallon drums. Driverand two swappers hauled the trash.One rode in the bed and emptied thecan given to him by the other personwho rode on the running board andjumped off to pick up the can andput it on the side rack where it wastaken and dumped into one of the 55gallon drums. A 2x4 was used totamp the larger drums. This was inthe days of ice boxes and it seemedonce a run while tamping you wouldhit a carton of sour milk.Worked four seasons at Cuyamacathen went into the Navy for twoyears. Got out and was hired as aPark Aid at Silver Strand. While atthe Strand and on my summer NavalReserve Cruise, I received an offer fora Ranger I position at Bodie SHP.When you were 48 on a ranger list youtook any thing that was offered. Madearrangements to drive to Bodie where Iwas interviewed and accepted. Droveinto Bridgeport as there were nophones in Bodie. Stockton was calledand informed and I was to go toStockton the next day for an interview.Showed up in Stockton and was told Ihad to go to Sacramento. There was noResources Building at the time. Endedup in Leo Crawford’s office. I hadconfused things by accepting Bodie.They had a married ranger to send toBodie. Leo finally offered me BolsaChica SB. I said yes as I wanted a job.Jim Avant, the Bolsa supervisor,never got to interview me. Leo calledand told him that he had hired hisranger. Stopped in San Clemente onthe way home. Lydia Sleppy signedme on. Got to San Diego and went toAlbert’s Uniforms and bought my woolpants, wool long sleeved shirts and feltStetson. Bolsa was an independentunit. Staff was Jim Avant RII, HugoHoy and Ross Henry RI, T.J. Hicklin,George Stoker and George SegresonPark Attendants.I was lucky to get T.J. as my trainingofficer. T. J. was a retired MarineMaster Gunnery Sergeant. Bolsa waspatrolled in a Ford ¾ ton 4x4 pickup.At this time there were still railroadtracks on the beach. Our inlandboundary was marked by a row ofchemical toilets and trash cans. Weused to patrol along the top of theberm as we could see the beach andwater at the same time. The trackswere convenient when patrolling in theevening. You start out in low, pull outthe hand throttle and cruise down thebeach at a stately 3 mph and didn’thave to steer. Grunion night it was adifferent story.David Donahue retired in 1992 asManager of Technical Services atHearst Castle. He worked as a rangerDISTRICT REPORTColorado Desert District reportby CSPRA Rep Jeri ZemonCuyamaca Rancho State Park: TheLos Caballos Horse Camp has beenclosed since the Cedar Fire of Oct.2003. Archaeologists have beenconcerned over protecting alarge Kumeyaai burial site near theHorse Camp. This site is spirituallyimportant to the local tribe members.Unfortunately, the long time horsecampers are very unhappy about theclosure. So far a satisfactory locationfor a new Horse Camp has not beenagreed upon by the horse campers.A new land acquisition on the eastside of the Santa Rosa Mtns. mayeventually be administered by theOcotillo Wells SVRAand Anza-Borrego Desert SP staff. TheCahuilla property overlooks theSalton Sea and contains ancient fishtraps and other artifacts, as well assensitive plant species. Portions ofthis property have been used by offroadersfor years. About 2-and-1/2sections are owned by the Anza-Borrego Foundation. The patrolRanger reports that he has found 12roads that trespass into the ABFproperty from off-road activity. Thefate of the remainder of theCahuilla property remains to be seen.Finally, the 36th annual BighornSheep Count was a success. Thecount was the second highest ever at254 sheep. Dedicated volunteerscame to Anza Borrego from all overthe country to count the sheep overthe July 4th weekend.at Bolsa Chica and Mt. San Jacinto,Maintenance Supervisor at HuntingtonSB, Director of the Mott TrainingCenter, and Chief Ranger at RussianRiver District, among other assignmentsin his long career withCalifornia State Parks. He currentlyworks as a retired annuitant doingbackground checks.CSPRA Wave, Sept-Oct 2006 9

PROMOOMOTING PROFESSIONOFESSIONALISM INCALIFORNIA STATE TE PARKSMembershipTo join CSPRA, mail this applicationto: P.O. Box 2132Newport, OR 97365For all except “Active” memberpayroll deduction, please includecheck for 1 year’s dues.Name:AddressCity State ZipJob ClassificationSocial Security #Phone: WorkPhone: HomeEmail:District, Section, or Park:Membership type (Circle one):Active $8/monthActive Retired $36/yearSupporting $36/yearOrganization $50/yearBenefactor $1,000/lifeI hereby authorize the State Controller todeduct from my salary and transmit asdesignated an amount for membershipdues in the California State Park RangersAssociation. This authorization willremain in effect until cancelled by myselfor by the organization. I certify I am amember of the above organization andunderstand that termination of mymembership will cancel all deductionsmade under this organization.SignatureDateLOBBYIST REPORTThe End-of-Session Pushby Monica Miller, CSPRA LobbyistThe California Legislature is in fullswing as we wrap up this 2005-06legislative cycle which ends on August31, 2006. With term limits fully takingeffect we are running against sometight deadlines. One-third of thelegislature will not be returning, so thepressure is on to accomplish those longawaited legislative goals. Additionally,we are faced with the last minute “gutand amend” bills on issues that diedearlier in the year and now legislatorsare taking this opportunity to reintroducethose bills in the upcominglate night sessions. This is all part ofthe annual tradition of the end ofsession. Every year we seem to beable to get through several monthsworth of work in just a few weeks.CSPRA is working on severaldifferent pieces of legislation this yearto help keep the mission of state parks.Some of those include protecting BigLagoon, allowing state parks to receivefunds from oil revenues from tidelandsalong with other various issues.Additionally, we are happy to announcethat your Board has assembleda legislative team which is in full swingand ready to respond to last minutebills and positions. Once the legislatureadjourns, the Governor has untilthe end of September to sign or vetobills or they become law. His adminis-photo by Rod Searceceytration is facing over 900 bills in thenext month and a half that they haveto act on.Once the legislature has adjournedand the fall recess begins we are infull campaign mode. With thisNovember’s election looming. youshould be aware that the ballot isheavy with various infrastructurebonds and local sales tax measures.The legislature is overturning onethirdof its body and there is apotential of a new administration.The 2007-08 legislative cycle shouldbe interesting at best and will providea steep learning curve for thefreshman class. As the electionapproaches, take time to get to knowyour elected officials or ones thatpotentially may win. It is great tospend some time sharing the beautyof your state park with them andbuilding that relationship.Once we have completed thislegislative session we will provide afull report on all of the bills andissues that CSPRA took positions onand their outcomes. Look for thatreport in the October issue of Wave.In the meantime, go to the CSPRAwebsite and take a look at bills thatCSPRA is currently working on tohelp better protect the mission ofstate parks and your ability to dowhat you love in your park.Tonony y Look, 1917 - 2006“The he John Muir of Santa Cruz”Tony was CSPRA’s HonoraryRanger in 1973, executive directorof the Sempervirens Fund, and theprimary force behind theexpansion of Castle Rock,Butano, & Big Basin State Parks.10 CSPRAWave, Sept-Oct 2006Want ant a CSPRA scholarholarship?Go to www.cspra.com or emailscholarship@cspra.com

humor in unicornDistrict RepsMixed Metaphorsand Malapropsby y Jeff Price, retiredWhat a jerk.Hey, are you really serious orjust tickling my chain?Horses; Smorses.Don’t change boats midstream.Romantic business setting.Your workspace is dim; you needmore candle light in here.Treatment is the bomb.He was getting a mixture ofcancer drugs, a real Molotovcocktail.Curse of the tombstone.The crowd was screamingepitaphs in Farsi at the securityforce.GETCONNECTEDCSPRA Online:Catch upon CSPRA activities, contactyour District Reps, Board orOfficers, get latest informationwww.cspra.comDistrict Name Email AddressAngeles Frank Padilla fpadilla@parks.ca.govCapitol Mark Hada mhada@parks.ca.govCentral Valley Wayne Harrison wharr@parks.ca.govChannel Coast Tyson Butzke tbutzke@parks.ca.govColorado Jeri Zemon jzemon@parks.ca.govDiablo Vista Carl Nielson junctionrangers@earthlink.netAnn Meneguzziamene@parks.ca.govFour Rivers Greg Martin gmart@parks.ca.govGold Fields Matt Cardinet mcardinet@parks.ca.govKevin Pearcekpearce@parks.ca.govInland Empire Sue Neary sneary@parks.ca.govMonterey Pat Clark Gray pgray@parks.ca.govNorth Coast Redwoods Rick Sermon sermon@wave.netNorth Bay Karen Broderick karen@mcn.orgNorthern Buttes Val Nixon nixons@mchsi.comOrange Jenny Donovan roadkil151@aol.comRobert Simoneaux bob4q@cox.netSan Diego Fred Jee jeeology@yahoo.comSan Joaquin Sean Malis sean.malis@us.army.milSan Luis Obispo Nick Franco nfranco@hearstcastle.comRobert Latsonrrlatson@aol.comSanta Cruz Charles Edgemon charlesedgemon@earthlink.netLinda Hitchcock lhitchcock@parks.ca.govSierra Susan Grove susan@gbis.comAdministration Jann Bullock jbull@parks.ca.govOHV John Pelonio jpelonio@parks.ca.govRepresentatives are needed for:Mendocino District, Grants, Historic Preservation, Northern Service Ctr,Southern Service Ctr, Interpretation Div., Cultural Resources Div., NaturalResources Div., Planning Div., and Tech Services Div.GRAYBEARSAttention retired members!Want to keep in touch afteryou leave DPR? Join theGrayBears list server. It isFREE and EASY to use.Just send your name andemail address to:graybears@cspra.comDo you knowsomeonewho is retiretiring?ing?CSPRA provides a plaque foreach member when they retire.Contact us at (800) 749-8749,or email laura@CSPRA.com,or write to CSPRA, P.O. Box2132, Newport, OR 9736511The CSPRA Wave, Sept-Oct, 2006 11

California State Park Rangers AssociationP.O. Box 2132,Newport, OR 97365www.cspra.comPRESORTEDSTANDARDU.S. POSTAGEPAIDPERMIT NO.163, PASOROBLES, CACALIFORNIA STATE PARK RANGERS ASSOCIATIONMission StatementThe California State Park Rangers Association is anorganization of park professionals dedicated to advancementof the highest principles of public service, andestablished to support, protect, and defend the integrityof State Parks for present and future generations.Founded 1964