Inside This Issue Advocacy Day Page 2 Castro Adobe “Buy a Brick” Campaign Page 4 Parkviews Meder House & Monarch Grove Updates Page 6

Quarterly Newsletter of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Spring 2008 Inside this Issue Advocacy Day page 2 Castro Adobe “Buy A Brick” Campaign page 4 ParkViews Meder House & Monarch Grove Updates page 6

Friends Board Members hike along Yellowbank Beach, North Coast Dairy Properties, as part of a familiarization tour led by Victor Roth of State Parks. Read more about Victor on page 3. Photo by Don Nielsen.

BOARD & STAFF OFFICERS Jim Brownson – Co-Chair Pat Clark Val Cole – Co-Chair Advocacy Thank Linda Hoff – Secretary Charlie Kieffer To all of our new Lani LeBlanc Together, we make the difference. Barney Levy members & Ed Newman Up to $49 Don Nielsen ECENTLY YOU, OUR MEMBERS, let Friends know in no uncertain terms that our role as Marji Macrury Jim Toney – Co-Chair Advocates on behalf of our local State Parks, and the State Parks system as a whole Alan & Linda Watson are a valuable part of our mission. We asked you to support our advocacy efforts, Bob Piwarzyk Chief Ranger Bonita Sebastian Kirk Lingenfelter – CAL and the response was overwhelming. Within the fi rst week following our letter to the Carol McCarthy membership, 81 people responded that they wanted their voices to be heard. Thank Cooper Young STAFF you for this clear directive. We’ve heard, and we’re working on it! Debbie Wilson Jan Cohen – Dorothy Kukla Interim Executive Director AsR an example of our efforts, on April 7, Friends Board Member Don Nielsen woke up in the Dottie Robinson Dotty Gibb Randy Widera – wee small hours of the morning to drive our van full of advocates to Sacramento. We’d like to Hannah S. Goldstein Director of Strategic thank Don for getting our folks up and back safely. Our advocates, representing the voices of our James & Nancy Costanza Development & Partnerships membership, joined our partners, the California State Parks Foundation, at their 6th Annual Park Jane Schwamberger Jearren Kenner Joe Sutton – Advocacy Day. More than 250 advocates stormed the Capitol, meeting with representatives from Offi ce Manager Jenni McGuire up and down the state to lobby for our State Parks. Thank you to all of our advocates who took the Joyce & George Medeiros Peg Danielson – time to make the trip. At noon, several speakers, including our own Randy Widera, took part in a Leticia Camacho Development & Lorna Shearer Communications Manager press conference attended by an estimated 350 people. The energy generated by these Park Lovers Louise W. Good was incredible, and carried the advocates into their afternoon meetings. Marge & Malcolm Fraser Annie MacHale – Nan & Thomas McDonnell Retail Manager We all know that there are many complex and diffi cult issues facing parks today, including draco- Nancy L. Thomas Dana Cramblet – nian budget cuts and seemingly endless threats to the parks themselves, and these messages were Natalia Camacho Bookkeeper Ofelia Garcia reinforced on Park Advocacy Day. Legacy Award Winning Senator Christine Kehoe announced Phyllis W. Stollenwerk Lily Geisler – that the California State Assembly Committee on Natural Resources will hold a hearing on May 13 Rose Gong & G. Ness Retail Assistant Sandra & Norman Porath to hear public testimony regarding the budget issue. Friends will be redoubling our advocacy efforts Amber West – Sandra L. Wadhams so that we can take a clear message to the legislature at that hearing. Please take a moment to sign Susan Brakenbury Retail Assistant the letter enclosed in this issue of ParkViews and return it to Friends. We will be glad to deliver it Winifred & David Heron Dave Johnson – Data Guru Alyce & Richard Prudden to the hearing on the 13th for you. Marianne Wyllie – Andria Bossard Ann & Richard Pinkham Graphic Artist In his remarks on Advocacy Day, Jack O’Connell, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, April Danley STATE PARK pointed out that the educational opportunities presented by State Parks are a tremendous educa- Betty Deleon tional value. He went so far as to say that State Parks and Education in California are “inextricably Brenda Flegal INTERPRETIVE STAFF Christine Delapp Jodi Apelt linked.” We here at Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks agree with him. In fact, the funding that Claire Sommargren Jeff Barnes Friends provides here in Santa Cruz County has created a network of education and interpretive Dart & Peggy Keech programs that is unrivaled in the state. We here at Friends feel that our work in education is critical Elizabeth Wrenn Jean Bernard Greg Beebe & Monique Vairo Barbara Cooksey for the next generation. Hannah Nielsen Harriet Talan Amanda Dall We need your help to continue our efforts. Please show your support by continuing to visit our Helen Cheney Cecelia de Giere parks, and enjoy our programs. Helen Schomberg John Goldberg James & Suzanne Ellmore In closing, Mr. O’Connell said that it was not enough merely to preserve the Parks for the current Jan & Jerry Finney Elizabeth Hammack and future generations; that the Parks must be enhanced for those future generations. We at Friends Jane & Pat Carey Roberta Haver Kate Clark of Santa Cruz State Parks couldn’t agree with him more. This is our mission, every day of the year. Keith Wood Linda Hitchcock Thank you for being with us, every step of the way. Together, we make the difference. Ken Sievers Jan Leppe Lee & Elizabeth Zalaznik Elise McFarland Linda Bennett Linda Locklin Martha Nitzberg Lois Meyer Julie Sidel Sunny Schacher

Leslie Swaha Celia & Peter Scott Eileen Attanasio Paul Thiltgen & Maureen Role Betty & Leo Gray Mark Hamersly & Ruth Updegraff Cynthia Mathews Fran Maupin Peter & Leona Burge Dart & Peggy Keech Wolfgang Rosenberg & David & Geri Lieby Harold Short Phyllis & David Albritton Emily’s Good Things to Eat Norma Del Gaudio David J. Berkland Jearren Kenner Rosemary Zarate-Crevello & Glenice Magee Kirsten Liske Diane & George Pettinger Lise Peterson & Don Peattie Albert Crevello Jana Baumann & Ed Richardson Andrea Woodworth & Barry Phillips Diane Crawford Marcella & Joe Hall Shelley Gravem Marcia & Robert F. Rider Anne G. Lynn Diane Robey Margaret C. Cole Sid Chapman & Jon Backstrom Richard & Diane Klein Anonymous Dick & Marion Vittitow Margaret Morales Stephen Jameson Bruce & Breta Holgers 2 Betty Deleon Don & Audrey Thompson Pat See Tonya Haro Cindy & Paul Geise Carole & Tom Beckett Dorothy M. Forster Patricia Stewart Vern Katz Daniel Davis & Terry-Lynn Winston nk You ew & renewing s & donors ow many people do you know who could say this: Maggie Dickson “I have never stayed awake at night, wondering Mark Alexander what I should be doing with my life.”? Mike Harrison Peter & Leona Burge ThisH is a quote from Victor Roth, longtime employee of Rich & Lynn Schmitt California Department of Parks and Recreation. Victor, who Robert S. & Minette B. Goldsmith Ruth Grant self-admittedly wears many hats in his position as a public land Salvatore & Constance Bertuca management specialist in the Santa Cruz District, has always Sue & Bruce Kissell had a passion for resource conservation. This must have been Suzanne & James Shaug Theresa Coyle the beacon that lighted the way in his life, through education, Zachariah Friend volunteerism, traveling, and ultimately career. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau John & Regina Kelbert Victor was born and raised in the East Bay. He attended the Virginia Bessone University of Oregon, receiving a B.A. in Social Sciences. He Birgit Weskamp Bonnie & Lee Tinder then joined the Peace Corps, spending two years in Venezuela, Charles Hall & Linda Burman-Hall assisting an Andes municipality with site location studies for Chris & Pat Cross Cynthia Chang & Thomas Yin projects like schools and health clinics. Fluent in Spanish, Victor DeAnne & Rich Hart traveled throughout South America for six months following Deena Lahn Peace Corps. Dick & Marion Vittitow Donna & Peter Thomas Upon his return to the U.S., Victor entered the graduate Ellen & Mark Jackson Genevieve C. Dean program in planning at the College of Environmental Design, George Bunch U.C. Berkeley. James & Joan Littlefi eld Jeanette & Paul Johnson Now is the point where all the training and the focus come Jenifer Lienau Thompson & together to manifest in a vocation of environmental stewardship. Jeremy Thompson Jennifer Gille Immediately upon completion of his Master’s degree, Victor Jo & Ron Olmstead Another huge aspect of Victor’s responsibilities includes land Kevin Klein & Amy Locks was hired to work for the California Coastal Commission in its pre-acquisition activities. “This is a very rewarding component Kirk & Kim Strong fi rst decade. Victor was on board with this agency for nine years of my job,” Victor comments. The recent purchase of Coast Kirk Smith and became actively familiar with the unique natural attributes Larry & Charleen Holcomb Dairies properties is an example. Leonard & Jan Foreman of our local coastline and the general vicinity. So when you feel Leslie Freund gratitude for our pristine, undeveloped coastline, think Victor. Victor’s job does not stop once the property is acquired, how- Mark Conover ever. Then he must deal with property management issues such Mark Nockleby Next Victor joined the California State Park System, where he as trespass, right-of-way, and easements, as well as the preserva- Mike Dalbey & Camille Scelfo-Dalbey has been employed for twenty years. During that time, his role Mike McConnell tion and protection of our unique environment. “This is a bio- Ofelia & Arnold Reyna evolved into being the man in the know for all land acquisi- logical hot spot,” comments Victor. “We have a large number Pamela & Herb Taylor tions for the State Parks in the Santa Cruz District. So when you Pat Emard & John Wiechman of rare and endangered plant and animal species that we are Peter & Christine Wang enjoy hiking or biking acres of Grey Whale Ranch and other serious about protecting.” Phyllis & David Albritton recent state park acquisitions, think Victor. Richard & Diane Klein In this role, Victor supervises a cadre of state park specialists, Robert & Beverly Montague Victor also works with the local farmers who lease state-owned including archaeologists to biologists. He greatly appreciates Sally Real & Bill Taggart land. The brussel sprout fi elds you see north of town are actually Sandra & Lloyd Rice their efforts, as well as associations like Friends and all the Suzanne Wengrin owned by State Parks. “It’s a little-known fact,” Victor remarks, volunteers. “It is the dedication of State Park professionals, William & Joan Dunn “that State Parks is the largest lessor of agricultural land in this the assistance of groups like Friends, and the efforts of citizen Nannette Benedict area. Agriculture is at the heart of the county and State Parks is volunteers that create a winning combination to support and Continues page 7 diligent in nurturing relationships with the farming community protect the environment of the Santa Cruz area. Without all to allow a way of life to continue. This is a real success story.” this help, State Parks could not function, especially now with decreased funding and ever-increasing challenges.” Victor describes himself as having “a well-developed sense of Emily M. Maloney Mike Morton & Nancy Lewis Dick Spencer & Shawn Gould values and goals coupled with dogged perseverance.” Obviously Grace Voss Pat & Ted Durkee Fred & Kate Chen J. Friedland & M. Koloski Rosalyn Hilbert Land Trust of Santa Cruz County those qualities have served him well over the years. Not only James Engelman & Claire Russell S. Rolfe Linda & Ted Hoff have they served him, they have served us, the population Witherspoon Seascape Resort Robert & Paula Quinn Jeanette & Paul Johnson Susan & Dave Sargent Rowland & Patricia Rebele which is so privileged to live among this incredible meeting of Jon & Jill Winston Andrew Jones & Kathryn Haar-Jones Toni Crossen shoreline and magnifi cent redwood forests. Thank you, Victor. Joseph & Layla Franks Birgit Weskamp Stu Branoff Lew Merrill Brewster & Deborah Smith William E. Ackerknecht ~Marianne Wylllie 3 Linda L. Hanson Cathy L. Richards June September 25 Wilder Ranch State Park Heritage Harvest Festival Santa Cruz Mission Seacliff State Beach 11:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M. 7 13 State Historic Park 15th Annual Festival at the Cement Ship Celebrate: the harvest is in! See tractor, drafthorse Mission Adobe Day 11:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M. and other living history demonstrations, listen to NOON TO 4:00 P.M. Celebrate the unique history of the WW1 Concrete music, do crafts, try your hand at harvest-time This adobe structure was built by Native American Ship Palo Alto, the natural wonders of Seacliff’s fossil activities. Food available for sale, or bring a picnic labor during the waning days of Mission Santa beds, and the many animals that call the Monterey lunch. The park is located 2 miles north of Santa Cruz’s existence. Designed as native worker “family Bay National Marine Sanctuary their home. Enjoy Cruz on the coast side of Highway 1. For more apartments,” it is the only original of its kind in music, fun and food. Experience the park’s history information, please call (831)426-0505. California today. This event specializes in sharing the through arts, crafts, games and stories. Make a kite native ways and new Spanish skills practiced at this to fl y on the beach. Visit educational booths to site, and include crafts, outdoor cooking, equipment learn about our animal friends. Find the perfect gift November demonstrations and living history activities. This free in our Park Store or at one of the vendors’ booths. admission event is just a block from downtown Santa Pigeon Point Light Station Seacliff State Beach is located of Highway 1 in Aptos. Cruz on School Street off of the Mission Plaza. For 15 State Historic Park From Santa Cruz, take Highway 1 south to the State more information, please call (831)425-5849. 136th Anniversary Celebration Park Drive exit. For more information, please call FESTIVITIES ALL DAY WITH LIGHTING (831)685-6444. FROM 6:00 P.M. TO 8:00 P.M. California State Parks, Pigeon Point Hostel, and the October United States Coast Guard will commemorate the July 12 Natural Bridges State Beach 136th Anniversary of the fi rst lighting of Pigeon Welcome Back Monarchs Day Point Lighthouse. This annual event features an 4 Wilder Ranch State Park open house in the historic fog signal building from 10:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M. Old-fashioned Independence Day Join us for this joyful, monarch-fi lled day and 10AM until 7PM. The highlight of the evening is 11:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M. welcome the monarchs back to this park, their over- from 6–8 PM when the historic lighthouse’s four-ton Visit Wilder Ranch’s historic cultural preserve and wintering habitat. Participate in numerous activities Fresnel Lens with its 1,008 prisms lights up the sky. take a step back in time 100 years ago as you partici- including arts & crafts, active games for kids, music New exhibits in the 1899 Fog Signal Building will pate in a 1908-style Independence Day celebration by the 5M’s (the mostly mediocre musical monarch feature lighthouse history, videos, marine mammals, including a noon family parade, games, children’s mariposas), hand-cranked “monarch” ice cream and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. crafts area, live big-band music, living history dem- (pumpkin), information and action booths as well Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park is onstrations, historic speeches and fl ag-raising. Food as more about monarch butterfl ies and how-to’s for located between San Francisco and Santa Cruz on and drink available for sale, or bring a picnic lunch. a butterfl y garden. The park is located at the end of Highway 1, about 50 miles south of San Francisco, or The park is located 2 miles north of Santa Cruz on West Cliff Drive at the north end of Santa Cruz. For 25 miles north of Santa Cruz. For more information, the coast side of Highway 1. For more information, more information, please call (831)423-4609. please call (650)879-2120 Fri.–Sun. please call (831)426-0505.

Member Hikes RSVP 831-429-1840 or [email protected] December Saturday May 10 9:30AM Saturday June 21 10A 13 Wilder Ranch State Park Wildﬂ ower Walk at Hike in The Forest of Nisene Marks Ranch Holiday Festival 11:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. Wilder Ranch State Park Two Choices: Easy 2-mile or Celebrate the winter holidays as folks did in 4.5 – 5 miles Moderate Hike 6.5 mile Moderately Strenuous Hike Californio, Victorian, and early 20th century Santa Join Santa Cruz Mountains naturalist Docents Ed Gilbert and Jim Brownson will Cruz with crafts to do, games to play, cookies to Randy Widera to learn about the many lead hikers on a choice of an easy 2-mile decorate, and more. wildﬂ owers in the hills of Wilder Ranch. loop in the woods or a moderately strenuous Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring 6.5-mile hike to Maple Falls. Hikers should The park is located 2 miles north of Santa Cruz on water, lunch, hat and sunscreen. Meet in wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. Bring water, the coast side of Highway 1. For more information, parking lot. lunch and snacks for your adventure in the please call (831)426-0505. forest. Meet in parking lot.

Ricardo de la Cruz & Kate Minott $250 to $499 $500 to $999 $1000 and up Monarch Grove Fund Stephanie Harlan Ed Gilbert Arthur Lorenzini Linda Lee Lester Bonnie & George Clark Victoria Nichols Herb Finkelman & Edda Tusinal Debbie & Louis Salkind Ronald Malik California State Parks Foundation Blake Russell Jack Bassett Ed Newman Robert Stephens & Julie Packard Brook Knoll School John & Robina Riccitiello Jim & Carol Toney Anonymous Grant Bryce & Julia Root Jon & Jill Winston Joan & Bob Murphy The Community Foundation City Picture Frame Lynne & Dan Alper Linda & Ted Hoff Farm Animal Project of Santa Cruz County Jennifer Handler Mike & Jeanne Williams Linda L. Melton George & Kathleen Fitzgerald Karen & Mark Weber William E. Ackerknecht Lise Peterson & Don Peattie William E. Ackerknecht Lauren Kennedy Diane Crawford Marion Slater Philip & Irene Sidel Steve Allen Robin Grifﬁ th Craig & Dusty Miller Daryl Dichek 7 Sky Lupin photo by Randy Widera

MISSION STATEMENT Because our quality of life depends on FRIENDS Member Beneﬁ ts Application page 7 the quality of our ✔ Members receive ✔ And 15% discount Bookshop at Henry State Parks…Friends quarterly ParkViews with these generous Cowell (831) 335-3174 of Santa Cruz State ✔ 15% discount in: businesses: mountainparks.org All Friends’ stores: Kayak Connection Spokesman Bicycles Parks supports New Brighton ~ Seacliff for kayak rentals (831) 429-6062 the preservation, ~ Wilder Ranch ~ Mission SC Harbor / Elkhorn Slough spokesmanbicycles.com Adobe ~ Natural Bridges (831) 479-1121 / 724-5692 knowledge, and York Gallery & Framing kayakconnection.com to frame Friends’ artwork awareness of our (831) 462-0313 natural and cultural yorkgallery.com resources through Quarterly Newsletter of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Spring 2008 funding projects and programs in cooperation with local California State Parks. ParkViews www.thatsmypark.org

icture yourself. It’s late at night. You’re home relaxing on the couch Pafter a long day’s ride on the trails at Wilder Ranch…or a hike at Nisene Marks. You suddenly realize that you forgot to swing into the park store and get yourself a new That’s My Park tee-shirt. Don’t despair—thanks to Friends of Santa Cruz State Park’s new online webstore, you can shop for any our beautiful That’s My Park merchandise 24 hours a day and have your purchase delivered straight to your door. That leaves you with more time for park adventures! Just visit www. ThatsMyPark.org for a link to the parkstore site, or see us at http://store. parks.ca.gov/ThatsMyPark. (Of course, the Park Stores are still stocked up with the wonderful variety of merchandise that you have come to expect, and we’ll be happy to see you there!)

ise Discounted!enter sitor C 5 All Park Merchand Vi Seacliff e 14 & 1P Jun A – 4 10 All Friends materials are printed on recycled paper. Printed by Community Printers, Santa Cruz, CA.