Newsroom

November 29, 2022
Help the Kids2Parks program expand access to Santa Cruz State Park field trips
November 10, 2022
Project to commemorate the history of Seacliff State Beach
November 7, 2022
Press Release: Community fundraising effort launches for Castle Beach Project at Seabright State Beach
October 6, 2022
My Scotts Valley: Teamwork, Ingenuity Helps Mend Literal Fences at Big Basin Redwoods State Park
September 28, 2022
Press Release: Teamwork, Ingenuity helps mend literal fences at Big Basin Redwoods State Park
August 25, 2022
My Scotts Valley: Big Basin redwood used to repair Wilder barn doors
August 25, 2022
Event Santa Cruz: Wilder Barn Doors Restored
August 25, 2022
Press Release: Wilder barn doors restored with redwood recovered from Big Basin
August 10, 2022
KTVU: Two years later, Big Basin Redwoods State Park bounces back from CZU fire
August 2, 2022
My Scotts Valley: Big Basin Redwoods State Park Reopens; Reservations Required
July 31, 2022
Lookout: Big Basin is back, and redwoods deliver a tonic for our times
July 21, 2022
Bay Nature: In the Wake of Wildfire, Big Basin Redwoods State Park Partially Reopens to the Public
June 30, 2022
Press Release: Big Basin Redwoods State Park Reopens July 22 with Reservation-Only Day-Use Access
June 6, 2022
Good Times: Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe Gets a New Roof
June 6, 2022
Press Release: Castro Adobe State Historic Park Gets New Roof, One Step Closer To Restoration
May 27, 2022
Lookout: Reimagining Big Basin: Following CZU fire devastation, what should the park become?
May 26, 2022
KRON: New plans for Big Basin Redwoods State Park in Boulder Creek
May 26, 2022
KPIX: Nature battles back in fire-scarred Big Basin Redwoods State Park
May 26, 2022
KSBW: Big Basin Redwood State Park is getting ready to reopen to visitors this summer
May 26, 2022
SF Chronicle: Fire-ravaged Big Basin Redwoods State Park to reopen this summer
May 26, 2022
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Reopening planned for Big Basin Redwoods State Park
April 29, 2022
My Scotts Valley: Ten Years Later: Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park Thrives, Community Saved The Park From Closure
April 28, 2022
My Scotts Valley: Popular Gerbera-N-Go Flower Sale Fundraiser Returns
April 28, 2022
Press Release: Ten Years Later: Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park Thrives, Community Saved The Park From Closure
April 26, 2022
Press Release: Popular ‘Gerbera-n-Go’ Daisy Sale Returns; Flower Preorders Begin May 6
April 26, 2022
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Coast Line: Gerbera Festival flower sale set for May
March 28, 2022
My Scotts Valley: Registration Opens April 1 for Kids2Parks Free School Field Trip Program
March 28, 2022
Press Release: Registration opens April 1 for Kids2Parks free school field trip program in local state parks
March 2, 2022
Good Times: The Rebirth of Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe
February 9, 2022
Half Moon Bay Review: 'Tribute Tables' available for local parks
February 2, 2022
My Scotts Valley: Custom Tribute Tables Available to be Placed in State Parks to Honor Loved Ones
January 27, 2022
Lookout: Why a Boulder Creek land purchase has conservationists so excited
January 3, 2022
Patch: Santa Cruz Sees Lowest Tides Of 2022
December 15, 2021
Aptos Times: Wilder Ranch Lemon Prints
December 1, 2021
Aptos Times: Annual Holiday Sale
November 23, 2021
My Scotts Valley: Annual ParkStore Holiday Sale to be held Online and at Four Local State Parks and Beaches in December
November 23, 2021
Press Release: Annual ParkStore Holiday Sale to be held Online and at Four Local State Parks and Beaches in December
November 7, 2021
SLV Post: Big Basin — You must never forget this story
October 3, 2021
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Big Basin: Lost History of the Lost Redwoods
September 18, 2021
Lookout: Untold story of the original effort to preserve Big Basin shared in new book
September 9, 2021
My Scotts Valley: New Book Chronicles Untold Story of the Effort to Preserve Big Basin Redwoods State Park
September 6, 2021
Half Moon Bay Review: Book details history, future of Big Basin Redwoods
August 31, 2021
Press Release: New Book Chronicles Untold Story of the Effort to Preserve Big Basin Redwoods State Park
August 25, 2021
GoodTimes: Opinion: Tracking Preservation Efforts in Santa Cruz County
August 24, 2021
Lookout: New documentary explores fire impacts, recovery process at Big Basin
August 23, 2021
Patch: 'Reimagining Big Basin': Timeline Released For Park Recovery
August 18, 2021
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Coastlines: Film and 3D tours offer a view of Big Basin
August 17, 2021
Press Release: Big Basin video documentary and 3-D virtual tour provide first immersive look at the park on one-year anniversary of CZU lightning complex fire
July 9, 2021
Press Release: Celebrate the paperback release of 'Vesper Flights,' an essay collection about our relationship with the natural world
July 8, 2021
My Scotts Valley: Celebrate the Paperback Release of ‘Vesper Flights’ with Free, Virtual Book Talk
June 25, 2021
Pajaronian: Castro Adobe to reopen after two-year closure
June 24, 2021
Press Release: Iconic 'That's My Park' Art Series Marks 15 Years
June 3, 2021
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Home & Garden Digest
May 27, 2021
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Home & Garden Digest
May 20, 2021
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Home & Garden Digest
May 19, 2021
Good Times: Opinion: Don Letts’ Role in Iconic Culture of the Last 40 years
May 13, 2021
My Scotts Valley: Gerbera Daisy Sale Benefits State Parks — Begins Friday, May 14
May 10, 2021
Press Release: Reimagined Gerbera Festival planned for June 19; Flower preorders begin May 14
April 14, 2021
Good Times: Opinion: Honoring the Original Intentions of Earth Day
April 6, 2021
My Scotts Valley: Online Registration Now Open for Kids2Parks Field Trips
April 5, 2021
Press Release: Registration opens for Kids2Parks field trips
March 9, 2021
Patch.com: 8 Santa Cruz County State Beaches Now Have Beach Wheelchairs
March 8, 2021
My Scotts Valley: Beach Wheelchair Availability Doubles at Local State Beaches, Thanks to Grant Funding
March 5, 2021
KSBW: Santa Cruz unveils new beach wheelchairs
March 4, 2021
KION: Five new beach wheelchairs added at Santa Cruz County beaches
March 4, 2021
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Santa Cruz state beaches double available wheelchair inventory
March 4, 2021
Press Release: Beach wheelchair availability doubles at local state beaches, thanks to grant funding
October 28, 2020
KSBW: Regrowth and mudslide protection a priority at Big Basin Redwoods State Park
September 11, 2020
Mercury News: Big Basin: How California’s oldest state park might rebuild after devastating fire
September 10, 2020
KSBW: Update on Big Basin Redwoods State Park and the Friends Fire Fund
September 4, 2020
Santa Cruz Sentinel: State Parks group starts ‘Friends Fire Fund’
September 2, 2020
Press Release: ‘Friends Fire Fund’ created to support State Parks in aftermath of CZU Lightning Complex Fire
August 9, 2020
Aptos Times: Tribute Tables Available at State Parks, Beaches
June 5, 2020
Press Release: New Tribute Tables program announced in State Parks
May 4, 2020
Press Release: Local Parks and Beaches benefit from purchases at reopened ParkStore Online
April 7, 2020
Press Release: Registration opens April 20 for Kids2Parks 20/21 school year
March 12, 2020
KSBW: Luck o’ the Castros open house at Castro Adobe State Historic Park
August 29, 2019
Press Release: 7th annual Mole & Mariachi Festival on September 7 features all-day line-up of music, food & fun.
August 2, 2019
San Francisco Chronicle: Castle Rock offers a new answer to car-parking crush
July 16, 2019
Press release: Favorite chefs, bands return for annual Mole & Mariachi Festival on September 7th
June 7, 2019
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Free tours offered of local greenhouses
May 29, 2019
Press Release: Enjoy Tacos on the Terraza as Popup Picnic Thursdays Return to Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park This Summer
May 23, 2019
Press Release: Find Yourself Among the Flowers at the 10th Annual Kitayama Brothers Farms Gerbera Festival on June 8
May 6, 2019
Visit Santa Cruz County: History Hidden in Plain View: Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
March 21, 2019
Press Release: Registration opens April 1 for Kids2Parks, a Field Trip Program Partnership Between Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks
January 6, 2019
Visit Santa Cruz County: Five Historical Points of Interest to Check Out in Santa Cruz County
November 22, 2018
Visit Santa Cruz County: Holiday Gift Guide
November 21, 2018
My Scotts Valley: Annual ParkStore Holiday Sale benefits State Parks
November 20, 2018
Press Release: Annual Parkstore Holiday Sale To Be Held at Four Local State Parks and Beaches Nov 30 & Dec 1-2
November 13, 2018
Aptos Community News: History Sharing Day at Castro Adobe
November 12, 2018
Register Pajaronian: History-sharing day planned at Castro Adobe
October 26, 2018
Press Release: Calling All History Buffs — Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Hosts History-Sharing Day at Castro Adobe State Historic Park
August 31, 2018
Register-Pajaronian: ‘Pennies for Parks’ program launched
August 20, 2018
Press Release: Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Launches New "Pennies For Parks" Program
August 16, 2018
Press Release: Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks’ Free Community Celebration Features Mole Tasting Competition, Mariachi Bands, Folkloric Dancers, Kids Activities & More
June 15, 2018
Aptos Times: 'Libro Castro' Benefit
June 7, 2018
Press Release: "Libro Castro" Benefit Celebrates Launch of Updated Castro Adobe Book
May 1, 2018
Register Pajaronian: State parks' advocates to fund school field trips
April 30, 2018
Aptos Times: Friends Launches Kids2Parks
March 30, 2018
Bay Nature: The New California State Parks
March 29, 2018
Press Release: Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Launches Kids2Parks, A New Field Trip Program in Partnership with California State Parks
February 15, 2018
Capitola-Soquel Times: California State Parks Awards
January 31, 2018
Aptos Times: Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks & Local California State Park Staff Honored with Awards
November 30, 2017
KCBS Radio: Bear and Bull Fight Ring Discovered
November 22, 2017
Press Release: Annual ParkStore Holiday Sale to be Held at Four Local State Parks and Beach Dec. 1-3
September 9, 2017
Latin Bay Area: Mole & Mariachi Festival
September 5, 2017
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Mole & Mariachi Festival celebrates fifth year at Santa Cruz Mission
August 22, 2017
NBC Bay Area: Mole & Mariachi Festival: Santa Cruz Celebration
August 9, 2017
Press Release: Mole & Mariachi Festival features mole tasting competition, authentic Mexican food, mariachi music, folkorico dancing, kids activities & more
June 29, 2017
Press Release: Public Invited to Explore Pacific Migrations Visitor Center at New Brighton State Beach
June 10, 2017
Hilltromper: Boho Castro
June 7, 2017
Santa Cruz Sentinel: 'Boho Castro' celebrates the Jowers family and Santa Cruz's cultural past
June 6, 2017
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Lunch at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
June 3, 2017
Press Release: Food Vendors Announced for Summer 'PopUp Picnics in the Park' at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
May 31, 2017
Press Release: Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks announces Public Archaeology Day on June 3 at Castro Adobe State Historic Park
May 23, 2017
Press Release: 'Boho Castro,' a Bohemian-themed party, celebrates the artistic roots of South County's Castro Adobe
May 17, 2017
Press Release: State Parks annual passes now available online from Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
May 10, 2017
Press Release: Kick off summer special events with 'Movie at the Mission'
April 13, 2017
Register Pajaronian: History comes alive; Castro Adobe event to highlight Vaquero tradition
April 11, 2017
Aptos Community News: Vaqueros on the Rancho
April 10, 2017
Press Release: Vaqueros on the Rancho event highlights ranching heritage at Castro Adobe State Historic Park
March 29, 2017
Press Release: Food vendors sought for summer 'Popup Picnics in the Park'
March 27, 2017
Santa Cruz Style: California Vaqueros' Home on the Range
March 9, 2017
Press Release: Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks develops bilingual curriculum for Castro Adobe State Historic Park
March 2, 2017
Press Release: Volunteers sought for Moore Creek restoration day at Natural Bridges State Beach
November 26, 2016
Hilltromper: 2016 Friends Holiday Sale
November 21, 2016
Press Release: Annual Holiday ParkStore Sale to be hosted at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
September 10, 2016
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Mole & Mariachi Festival brings flavor to Santa Cruz park
September 7, 2016
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Mole meets mariachi at Santa Cruz food/music festival
September 6, 2016
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Mole and Mariachi Festival: Enjoy the tastes, sounds of Mexico at Santa Cruz Mission
September 6, 2016
Edible Monterey Bay: Mole & Mariachi Fest Offers Spicy Good Time
September 2, 2016
Hilltromper: 4th Mole & Mariachi Festival
August 31, 2016
Press Release: Ten Mole Chefs to Compete at Mole & Mariachi Festival
August 29, 2016
Santa Cruz Life: 4th Annual Mole & Mariachi Festival: Sept. 10, 2016
August 17, 2016
NBC Bay Area: Mole & Mariachi Fest: A Park-Nice Fundraiser
August 12, 2016
Press Release: Mole & Mariachi Festival returns for fourth year with authentic Mexican food, mariachi music, dancing and more
July 18, 2016
Press Release: Castro-Coastal Connections Shares Pajaro Valley History
June 9, 2016
Santa Cruz student-designed public mural commemorates park anniversary
June 9, 2016
Press Release: Save the Date for the 2016 Mole & Mariachi Festival
May 17, 2016
Press Release: Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park Marks 25th Anniversary with Showcase of Student Mission Projects & Mural Installation
May 6, 2016
Press Release: Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park Mural Contest Winners Announced
March 18, 2016
Hilltromper: Someone Please Help This Wall!
March 14, 2016
Press Release: Mural Design Contest Announced for Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
January 28, 2016
Aptos Community News: Castro Adobe 2016 Open House Dates Announced
January 26, 2016
Press Release: Castro Adobe 2016 Open House Dates Announced
January 25, 2016
Press Release: Naturalist-Led Backpacking Tours to be Offered
December 17, 2015
Press Release: Peet's Coffee to collect donations for Friends through Christmas Eve
December 6, 2015
Aptos Community News: Castro Adobe State Historic Park
December 6, 2015
Hilltromper: The 2015 Friends Holiday Sale
November 30, 2015
My Scotts Valley: Annual ParkStore Holiday Sale is this weekend!
November 30, 2015
Press Release: Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Hosts Annual ParkStore Holiday Sale at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
October 28, 2015
Aptos Times: Open House at Castro Adobe
October 6, 2015
Press Release: Fall Open House Days offered at Castro Adobe State Historic Park
October 1, 2015
Press Release: From Military Service to Green Service: Veterans Conservation Corps for Cotoni-Coast Dairies
September 19, 2015
Santa Cruz Waves: The 3rd Annual Mole & Mariachi Festival
September 19, 2015
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Santa Cruz Mole and Mariachi Fest continues to see growth
September 19, 2015
Hilltromper: Mole & Mariachi Festival
September 15, 2015
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Secret Sauce: Mole festival, contest celebrate the historic roots of a classic dish
September 11, 2015
Examiner: Santa Cruz hosts family-friendly Mole & Mariachi festival
September 7, 2015
Mercury News: La Victoria expands taqueria empire; Fremont gets two food-truck festivals
September 3, 2015
My Scotts Valley: Chefs and Judges Announced for Third-Annual Mole & Mariachi Festival
September 3, 2015
Press Release: Mole Competitors Announced for 3rd Annual Mole & Mariachi Festival
August 13, 2015
NBC Bay Area: Santa Cruz Fun: Mole & Mariachi Festival
August 13, 2015
Press Release: 3rd annual Mole & Mariachi Festival Features Mariachi Bands, Baile Folklórico, Authentic Food and Mole Tasting Competition
July 28, 2015
Hilltromper: Castro Adobe Receives Grant
July 19, 2015
Santa Cruz Sentinel: State Parks continues free concerts at New Brighton Beach; Friends wins grant for Castro Adobe
July 17, 2015
Aptos Community News: Castro Adobe Receives $100,000 Grant
July 16, 2015
Press Release: Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Receives $100K Grant From the Monterey Peninsula Foundation for Ongoing Restoration of Castro Adobe
June 15, 2015
Press Release: Stop and Smell the Daisies at the Sixth Annual Kitayama Brothers Farms Gerbera Festival on June 20
June 7, 2015
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Coastlines: Castro Adobe Open House Dates Announced
June 1, 2015
Press Release: Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks to Host Open House Days at Castro Adobe State Historic Park
May 26, 2015
Hilltromper: Mylo Jenkins at The Mission Adobe
May 6, 2015
Hilltromper: State Park Nonprofits Hope To Dust Bust Fire Road
May 2, 2015
Aptos Community News: Help Dust Off the Nisene Marks Fire Road
April 29, 2015
Press Release: Who You Gonna Call? Dust Busters!
April 22, 2015
Santa Cruz Life: Music, Art, Movies and Mole Sauce: Free Summer Series at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
April 13, 2015
Hilltromper: Music, Mole and Mini Fashion Moguls
April 9, 2015
Santa Cruz Waves: Music, Art, Movies and Mole Sauce
April 7, 2015
Press Release: Music, Art, Movies and Mole Sauce: the Free Summer Series Starts May 1 at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
April 13, 2015
Hilltromper: Misson Adobe Gets Its Virtual Closeup
March 21, 2015
Santa Cruz Tech Beat: Mission Adobe Digitally Preserved Using 3D Scanning
March 18, 2015
Press Release: Mission Adobe at Santa Cruz State Historic Park to be Digitally Preserved Using 3D Scanning by Oakland-Based CyArk, University of San Francisco
January 22, 2015
Press Release: State Parks Annual Passes Available at Santa Cruz Mission Adobe State Historic Park
December 3, 2014
Hilltromper: The 2014 Friends Holiday Sale
December 3, 2014
Hilltromper: Help Paint the Wilder Victorian
December 1, 2014
Press Release: Santa Cruz Mission Adobe State Historic Park Expands Hours, Hosts ParkStore Holiday Sale
November 26, 2014
Hilltromper: Meet Augie Ceballos
October 20, 2014
Hilltromper: Wilder Ranch 40th Birthday
October 19, 2014
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Wilder Ranch State Park to celebrate 40th anniversary
October 14, 2014
KSBW: Beautiful monarch butterflies return to Santa Cruz (video)
October 13, 2014
Press Release: Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Wilder Ranch State Park at the annual Heritage Harvest Festival
September 20, 2014
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Mole and Mariachi Fest a hit in Santa Cruz
September 17, 2014
Good Times: Olé Mole
September 16, 2014
KION: Santa Cruz Mission hosts 2nd annual Mole and Mariachi Festival Saturday
September 15, 2014
SantaCruzLife.com: Mole & Mariachi Festival at the Mission Santa Cruz
September 10, 2014
SanJose.Com: Mole & Mariachi Festival Slated for Santa Cruz
September 10, 2014
Hilltromper: The Return of Mole & Mariachis
September 8, 2014
NBC Bay Area: Santa Cruz Celebration: Mariachis, Mole, and Mojigangas
August 27, 2014
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Quick Bites: Mole Festival seeks masters of mole
August 27, 2014
Good Times: Outdoor Feasts
August 27, 2014
Patch: Live music, 'mojiganga' puppets, dancing on tap for second annual Mole Mariachi Festival
August 26, 2014
July 21, 2014
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Panel wants overhaul of state's parks system
July 2, 2014
Santa Cruz Sentinel: The encyclopedia of Wilder Ranch
July 1, 2014
Press Release: Mole & Mariachi Festival Returns to Santa Cruz Mission Adobe State Historic Park in September
June 2, 2014
Hilltromper: 10 Reasons to Love The Castro Adobe
May 30, 2014
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Progress on historic Castro Adobe restoration celebrated
May 29, 2014
Press Release: Castro Adobe Welcomes Visitors for Open House
May 23, 2014
Hilltromper: Friends of SC State Parks Honored
May 2, 2014
Hilltromper: Sweet Summertime at the Mission Adobe
March 18, 2014
Hilltromper: Teaching Kids About Science via PORTS,
March 14, 2014
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Virtually a classroom: Seacliff program beams interactive video conference presentations throughout state
March 13, 2014
Press Release: Friends-funded State Parks Virtual Classroom Program Honored with Excellence in Museum Education Award
January 31, 2014
Hilltromper: A Migration Festival for the Books
November 14, 2013
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Not just any old map will do for Santa Cruz County
November 8, 2013
Santa Cruz Sentinel: National Geographic creates new Santa Cruz area trail map
November 6, 2013
Press Release: National Geographic’s New Santa Cruz “Trails Illustrated” Map to be Celebrated at Release Party, Presented by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and Hilltromper
October 14, 2013
Hilltromper: Mmm-mmm Mole
October 4, 2013
Good Times: Festive Times – Mole & Mariachi Festival
September 30, 2013
Hilltromper: Mole & Mariachis
September 11, 2013
Hilltromper: For State Parks, A Whole New Direction
September 9, 2013
Remarks by Bonny Hawley, Exec. Dir. of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Parks Forward Workshop, Santa Cruz
June 25, 2013
Bay Nature: Who can resist a California state park when dinner and dancing is involved?
May 9, 2013
Press Release: Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Announces 2013 Mission Adobe Summer Series of Community Events
February 22, 2013
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Once near closing, Santa Cruz Mission now a hive of activity
February 22, 2013
Press Release: Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Announces Key Improvements to Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
January 10, 2013
City on a Hill Press: Painting an Awareness of Nature
October 30, 2012
Santa Cruz Sentinel: Advocates hope to safeguard lifeguards
October 30, 2012
Press Release: State Beach Lifeguards to be Eliminated if Prop 30 Fails
October 15, 2012
Patch: A Colorful History: Bear-Bull Fights, 'Zip Horses' and Fandangos