What's the Word?
An NPS Employee Newsletter - September
I'm back! . . . a message from Deputy Superintendent Aaron Roth
Hi Team,
Our Superintendent Frank is off in Europe on a well-deserved break so I’m filling in for him on the newsletter. I’m back from my detail up in Seattle with the Pacific West Regional Office and it feels good! There are so many fantastic resources and people up in the Pacific Northwest it was a real pleasure to spend some time with them. My role with the Pacific West Region was Deputy Regional Director, in which I was assigned supervision of many park superintendents in the states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. I also supervised the Planning, Natural Resources and Cultural Resources programs for the region.
The detail assignment was a good experience for me on a number of levels. It was an excellent opportunity to see what other parks are doing, the issues they are working on and common struggles. I was able to build a better understanding for myself of the Regional Office and build relationships with its leadership and staff. Although the Golden Gate National Recreation Area has its unique challenges and resources, I found we have more in common with our fellow parks than not. Many of our parks throughout the region are stepping up to similar challenges of overwhelming visitation, climate change, constrained fiscal resources, increasing partnership opportunities and more complex community relationships. I definitely felt some piece of mind in knowing that we are not alone in our opportunities and our issues!
One of my objectives going on the assignment was to give myself a fresh perspective at my own role. After four years on the job as Deputy Superintendent, I wanted to take a step back and see how I can improve and what set of things would be important priorities for me as I head into the next stretch. I was also able to get some independent viewpoints from our Acting Deputy Superintendents Darla Sidles and Carey Feireabend on the strengths and weaknesses of our park operations. I’m still processing all that I have learned but some things I do know is that it has always been my goal to maximize my time in the field getting to know first-hand our resources, our team, and our challenges, but I’ll ned to re-double my efforts in that area. I’m also looking to continue and even increase my focus on being personally engaged in making Golden Gate a safe, inclusive and rewarding place to work.
In going away, some things stand out more clearly with contrast. I’m duly impressed, just as when I first arrived, with the quality of our leadership team and our staff, at every level, and the spectacular and layered resources of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It really is amazing to consider all the innovative and creative programs underway and the constant park building and transformation. I consider myself very fortunate to work here every day and be a part of such a dynamic and vital team. Thanks for welcoming me back and looking forward to our new fiscal year and upcoming preparation for our Centennial!
Sincerely,
Aaron Roth
Deputy Superintendent
Employee Appreciation Event- Picnic in the Park
~ Celebrate the good work done by all NPS and Parks Conservancy staff
~ Get to know your coworkers
~ Have some fun at the end of a long year
~ Recognize the achievements of your peers, including Employee of the Year and Bridge Awards
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2014, 11:30 AM
General's Residence, Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA, United States
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Of Interest
Hantavirus Detected at Rancho
NEW HROC 800 NUMBERS
Beginning August 25, 2014, the Human Resources Operations Center (HROC) has new 800 numbers to make it easier for employees to contacting the right Human Resources Office. Though there are several different offices in HROC, the one that employees use without having to go through their supervisor is for Benefits and Retirement. For example if you have health insurance questions, you call the Benefits Branch. For any other personnel questions start with your supervisor.
Employee Benefits & Retirement: 1-877-642-4743
Presidio's Officers' Club reOpens October 4
Touted as San Francisco’s most historic building, the Officers’ Club—once a social hub for U.S. Army officers and their families—has roots that go back to the earliest days of Spanish settlement, in the late 18th century.
The Presidio Trust’s planned October 4–5 reopening celebration culminates a three-year revitalization project.
There’s a lot to see and do there including a restaurant, new classrooms and event spaces. Not to be missed is the Presidio Heritage Gallery—
which tells the story of the Presidio through fascinating artifacts (including Brian O'Neill's ranger hat) and interactive exhibits. More than just a museum hall expounding dates, facts, and historical figures, the gallery is an opportunity for visitors to connect their own story and experiences with the Presidio.The Peoples Sunrise Gathering
This special event commemorates the Indians of All Tribes occupation of Alcatraz Island between 1969-1971. It is held on Indigenous People's Day (Columbus Day) Monday October 13th and again on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 27th. Indigenous People's Day will have three boats leaving pier 33 at 5:30 am, 5:45 am, and 6:00 am. The November 27th event will have more boats leaving pier 33 starting at am- 6:00 am every 15 minutes. The only places accessible will be the dock and the path to walk up to the parade ground; cell house, west road, rec yard, north end, and eagle plaza will be closed.
Staff will not have to pay to attend, but if your family would like to they would need to purchase a ticket. To arrange for a staff ticket please contact Owen Simncoe at Owen_Simcoe@nps.gov by the end of Wednesday, October 8.
Monday, Oct 13, 2014, 05:30 AM
Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, CA, United States
Big Project Milestones
We are pleased to celebrate the completion of the Pier 2 Shed rehabilitation by the Fort Mason Center. The project was constructed July 2013-August 2014, after several years of planning and design. Building on the rehabilitation of the pier structure by NPS (2005), this $20 million project has provided structural strengthening of the pier shed, hazardous materials remediation, repair of spalling concrete, windows and doors, new roofing and paint, and various systems upgrades. As part of the sustainable design of the project, Pier 2 now sports one of the largest photovoltaic arrays in San Francisco, and there is a new radiant heating system below the new concrete floor. There is also a viewing porthole to the historic railroads tracks which were exposed during construction (and are preserved beneath the new topping slab). The project is an exemplar of partnership projects, including efforts not only from GGNRA and FMC, but also the NPS Technical Preservation Services and State Historic Preservation Office (historic preservation tax credits), Dept. of Energy grants, and major philanthropic participation. Many thanks to all the participants, especially the support from GGNRA staff.
Pier 2 Entrance
View of the Exhibit Hall
Entrance to the Theater
Employee Spotlight
Nancy Caplan, Chosen as the Freeman Tilden Award for the Pacific West Region
This is the highest National Park Service award a field interpreter can receive. Nancy Caplan, Education Lead at Golden Gate National Recreation Area, has been chosen as the Pacific West Region 2014 Freeman Tilden Award recipient for her amazing work on the 2014 BioBlitz. Nancy will now represent the Pacific West Region in the National Freeman Tilden Award competition. The National Freeman Tilden Award winner will be announced by the National Park Service in mid-November.
The breadth and complexity of Nancy’s work on the 2014 BioBlitz is truly dazzling. She planned a staggering 89 expert-led biological inventories just for youth, ensuring that each included a trained field educator. Over 2,700 youth from eight public school districts participated- the highest number ever at one of these BioBlitz events. Nancy’s vision transformed the BioBlitz at GGNRA into A Call to Action to create a new generation of citizen scientists and future stewards of our parks.
Ranger Eric LaSalle received the Unsung Hero Award
Ranger LaSalle received the Unsung Hero Award for his work as the Physical Efficiency Battery Coordinator for the Visitor and Resource Protection Division. Ranger LaSalle works with each of 30 rangers twice a year, requiring a flexible schedule and extended hours in varying day and night shifts. He promotes a healthy lifestyle to his co-workers by advising them of proper nutrition, and encourages people to stay on top of their fitness and eating habits. Ranger LaSalle strives to improve the fitness of not only the VRP division but the whole park.
Katie Beltrano- Employee of the Month for July 2014
Katie was awarded Employee of the Month for her support and teamwork helping roll out a new permitting program for Commercial Dog Walking, which proved to be a challenging and rigorous project. During the past few months she assisted with the new permit process, organized new applications, and conducted outreach and engagement with the local dog walking communities to create a positive relationship between the commercial dog walkers and GGNRA. The positivity and enthusiasm in which she interacted with this user group has created a more open relationship with GGNRA and a new level of trust. The Park truly benefited from Katie’s initiative, positive attitude and invaluable contributions in completing the implementation of the Commercial Dog Walking permits.
Don't forget to participate in the Awards Program and nominate YOUR peers for their terrific work in the park. For information http://share.inside.nps.gov/sites/PWR/GOGA/awards/SitePages/Home.aspx
History Comes Alive with Juana Briones at El Polín Spring
Have you ever wanted to grind corn? Then what are you waiting for? Join me at El Polin Spring where we will experience a day in the life of Juana Briones, a legendary woman of the Presidio. We will start by grinding corn, and then continue with a short walk while listening to stories of the presidio’s past inhabitants. Space is limited, registration required. Meet ranger Fatima Colindres at El Polín Spring , end of MacArthur Avenue.
Reservations required; call (415) 561-4323.
Saturday, Oct 25, 2014, 01:00 PM
El Polin Spring, MacArthur Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States
Upcoming events from the Office of Special Park Uses:
Fleet Week with the Blue Angles is the largest event in the near future. An Incident Command Team has been pulled together to prepare for and work the event.
There are many events at this time of year. You can find a list of upcoming events anytime on the Sharepoint site:
http://share.inside.nps.gov/sites/PWR/GOGA/busman/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx
Look for the link that begins oOoOo. The list can be sorted by time or place and is updated every Friday.
travelandleisure.com Tells Us 20 Things You Didn't Know About National Parks
For the rest of the story click here.
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/20-things-you-didnt-know-about-national-parks/22
Shipwreck Survey at the Golden Gate
The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in association with the National Park Service, has announced a two-year project to better understand the “underwater cultural landscape” of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, and the adjacent waters of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
For one hundred years, from the California Gold Rush of 1849 to the great shipping mobilization of World War II, San Francisco was among the greatest seaports of the day. Into that port came the vessels of the world carrying the commerce of the world, and many of them came to grief because of the frequent fogs, swift currents, and rocky shores of the Golden Gate. It is estimated that over three hundred vessels, from Spanish galleons and clipper ships to tugboats and oil tankers have been lost in the waters of the Marine Sanctuary and National Park.
Read more here:
http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/The-search-begins-for-long-ago-shipwrecks-outside-5760083.php
Art Man of Alcatraz-- Ai Weiwei Takes His Work to a Prison
Learn more about the Ai Weiwei exhibit on Alcatraz from this New York Times article. The exhibit opens Sept. 27 and will remain on the island through April 26. Visitors will be able to see for themselves an ambitious installation by the Chinese activist-artist Ai Weiwei, featuring 176 portraits of prisoners of conscience and political exiles around the world — from the South African leader Nelson Mandela and the Tibetan pop singer Lolo to the American whistle-blower Edward Snowden — composed of 1.2 million Lego pieces. The work is called “@Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz,” organized by For-Site, a San Francisco producer of public art, in the prison hospital, A Block cells, dining hall and that former laundry building. For-Site is raising $3.5 million from mainly private sources to cover expenses. No government money was provided, but they worked closely on research and visitor logistics with the National Park Service, which oversees Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, a nonprofit group.
GGNRA Get-together-- A New Approach to Public Meetings
You are invited to drop by after work to learn about current and upcoming projects in the park. Come anytime between 4 and 7 p.m.
There will be a PRESENTATION about captive rearing of coho salmon beginning at 5:30 pm.
There will also be door prizes of cool park gear, and light refreshments will be provided.
A few of the projects that will be represented are listed below. A more detailed agenda and links to project information will be available approximately 2 weeks before the meeting.
- Ocean Beach Fire Revised Pilot Program
- Ocean Beach Update
- Fire Management Projects/Strategy
- Aquatic Park Promenade
Tuesday, Oct 28, 2014, 04:00 PM
1 Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA, United States
Snapshot of Visitor and Resourse Protection and US Park Police Activities
Two Men Rescued by NPS Lifeguards and San Francisco Fire Department
On September 24th, lifeguards received a report of a father and son in distress in the water at Ocean Beach. Surfers brought the young man into shore where NPS lifeguards began CPR. The father was brought to shore nearby and SF Fire started CPR. Both patients were taken to hospitals in the area. The father was pronounced dead shortly after arriving. The young man remains in critical condition.
Man and His Dog Rescued from Cliff- again
On Sunday, September 21st, 2014, a man and his dog were stuck on the cliffs at Fort Funston. San Francisco firefighters set-up a rope system and rescued the two from the cliff. This is one of more than 10 dogs and two humans who have needed assistance of the NPS and San Francisco Fire Department this year. Each year there is an average of 7 to 10 rescues of dogs from cliffs at Fort Funston.
Narcotics Case nets $23,100.00 in Illegal Substances and Results in an Arrest
US Park Police Officer Cole was conducting foot patrol at on Ocean Beach in the dunes for a subject who was involved in a recent rape case in the area. He observed a male subject with what appeared to be narcotics on a scale. When Officer Cole made contact with the subject, the subject attempted to conceal evidence. A search and field testing revealed the subject was in possession of the following narcotics: hash oil, methamphetamine's, mushrooms, cocaine, heroin, and over- the-counter medications. He also had $1322.00 in cash on him. The subject was arrested and charged with possession of felony narcotics for sale-meth and hash; possession of controlled substance-cocaine, heroin, and mushrooms; possession of drug paraphernalia - needle and scale.
A Few Seconds for Safety
Poison Ivy- “Leaves of three, let them be; Berries white, run in fright”
Poison ivy's leaves generally grow in bunches of three and, in the last summer and fall, there may also be tiny white berries growing in bunches from the stems. Here are some tips:
• The best way to avoid getting a rash from poison ivy is to stay away from the plants. The urushiol oil in the plants, which causes the rash, can only transfer to your skin by direct contact.
• If you are going to be hiking in a wooded area where these plants live, wear protective clothing (long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into your socks or boots and cloth or leather gloves).
• If you get the oil on your skin, wash as soon as possible with soap and lots of cool water. The sooner you wash, and the more water you use, the less likely you will be of getting a rash.
• If the rash covers more than 20 percent of your body, or develops in sensitive areas like the eyes, mouth or genitals, see a doctor immediately.
Send Your Feedback About this Newsletter!
Email: alexandra_picavet@nps.gov