It’s in Our Nature – To Vote

Hi Friends-
 
Between the global pandemic, the rise for racial equity movements and the wildfires, it’s hard not to reflect on the issues that matter most to each of us. As we become increasingly aware of the fundamental right to vote, it’s important to rise and make our values heard. 

From protecting our communities to preserving our natural resources, we have the opportunity to shape what is important to us by casting our ballot. It’s in our nature to use our voices and our votes to build stronger, thriving communities where everyone has access to resources – including our parks. 

As we approach early November, I’d like to invite you to register to vote in the upcoming election. For those of us in California, the deadline to register online and by mail is October 19, so make sure you take action this week if you haven’t already.  

Here are a few more of my favorite civic engagement resources right now:  

✅ Check here to for voter registration information
✅ Check your voter status in California by visiting MyVoterStatus.com
✅ Get voting information outside of California at Vote.gov
✅ Stay in touch with your elected officials with this USAGov tool
✅ Complete the census and make your voice count at My2020Census.gov

I’m hopeful all of us will partake in this opportunity to stand up for what we believe in and protect what matters to us because, well… it’s in our nature. 

Wishing you and yours well, 

Kindley

One-On-One Conversation
with Director Quintero

Just last week, we sat down (virtually) with Armando M. Quintero, California State Parks new director, to talk one-on-one about his vision and how we can work together to inspire all people to experience our extraordinary state parks. Some of you even shared questions on social media that we had the opportunity to ask him directly. Enjoy the inspiring interview for yourself here. 
 
“We’ll be working closely in the coming months and years to strengthen parks and to inspire all people like you to visit these extraordinary places” – Director Armando Quintero 

Thank You Belinda Faustinos

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Belinda Faustinos, our former board treasurer, for her energy, passion, and dedication to ensuring equitable access to nature for all communities and bringing so many of us together to find innovative solutions. Thank you for believing in Parks California and for your board service. Your Parks California family wishes you the very best in your future endeavors. 

Join Us in Anza Borrego Desert State Park®

Last month, we went on our second ParkSpeak series adventure with a visit to La Purisima Mission State Historic Park. Greg Martin, Channel Coast District Superintendent, Ann Boggess, La Purisima Mission State Historic Park Interpreter, and Sandi Montealegre-White, from Prelado de los Tesoros, guided us to learn about the history of this special place. If you missed it, you’re in luck! You can check it out here. 

We invite you to join us for our next guided tour – complete with the behind-the-scenes anecdotes, people and little-known facts. You can RSVP for the upcoming ParkSpeak event here, which will be held in Anza Borrego Desert State Park® on Thursday, October 15 at 5 p.m.

Bringing the Joy of Our Parks to More People

Thank you Cox Communications! The generous gift of in-kind airtime will help us reach more people and highlight our vibrant, healthy and inspiring state parks. Be one of the first to see our newly produced video here. If you’re inspired by what you see, join us in strengthening and preserving our parks with a donation today. 

Join Our Growing Team of Park Lovers

Calling all California State Parks lovers – we’re looking for the newest member of the Parks California team! Now seeking a Director of Development to build relationships that will increase the organization’s development capacity and fund Parks California’s programs that make natural places more accessible for all people and more resilient for future generations. 

Check out the full job description here, and if you’re interested in working on a team dedicated to helping our state parks thrive, please apply today. 

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