Always call ahead to make sure events have not changed

Will Rogers Birthday Party and Essay Contest, Will Rogers SHP, 1501 Will Rogers Park Road, Pacific Palisades
November 1, 2008

Help us celebrate with live music from the Musical Melodians and entertainment by Will Rogers impersonator, Chuck Kovacic. In conjunction with the event, the Will Rogers Ranch Foundation is sponsoring an “Essay Contest.” Youth (8-12 years old), teenagers (13-17 years old) and adults (18 and older) can pick their favorite Will Rogers’ quote and submit an essay on “how it relates to your life today.” Prizes for each age group will be awarded at the event. Essays can between anywhere from 50 to 500 words, however, the deadline for submitting your essay is October 20, 2008. You can email your essay (in Microsoft Word format) to Michael Allen at mallen@parks.ca.gov or you can mail a copy your essay to: Will Rogers Essay Contest Will Rogers State Historic Park 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 For more information on the Will Rogers Birthday Party or how you can enter the essay contest call (310) 454-8212. 12:30am-2:30pm

Founding Day, La Purísima Mission SHP, 3 miles Northeast of Lompoc on Purísima Rd
November 1, 2008 - November 30, 2008

On December 8 400 luminaries lead the way to a musical evening celebrating the anniversary of the founding of La Purísima Mission in 1787. Tickets are available November 1 for this free event. Space is limited. (805) 733-3713.

Dragoon Era Program, Fort Tejon SHP, 37 miles South of Bakersfield on I-5
November 1, 2008

Come and take a step back in time and see California as it was in 1856. You can witness life at this U.S. Army post of the far west. You’re invited to view the living history demonstrations of everyday life of the common soldier and civilian men, women and children at this mountain outpost. Bring a picnic lunch and relax under the magnificent Valley Oaks. 10am-3pm. Call for details. (661) 248-6692 or visit www.forttejon.org.

Butterfly Trees, Pismo State Beach, located in Oceano off Hwy 1,
November 1, 2008 - November 30, 2008

The "Butterfly Trees" of Pismo Beach are one of our most beloved attractions. Docents are on hand everyday from 10am-4pm and docent talks are given every day at 11am and 2pm. Learn the Monarch's life cycle and its incredible migration story. (800) 443-7778 or (805) 773-4382

Victorian Christmas Open House, Camp Reynolds/Angel Island SP
November 8, 2008

Help us kick off the holiday season by joining us for the Victorian Christmas Open House. Ferry service is available from San Francisco, Tiburon, Oakland/Alameda and Vallejo. Ferry ticket includes park fee. Call for more details. (415) 435-1915 or visit www.angelisland.org.

19th Desert Cleanup, Ocotillo Wells SVRA, via Hwy 78, approx. 35 miles East of Julian/20 miles west of Hwy 86
November 9, 2008

Come join the fun!!! Breakfast and sign-up at the Ranger Station will begin at 7:30am followed by the actual cleanup between 8am and noon. During the afternoon enjoy and BBQ and interpretive exhibits. If you have been a volunteer before and have become a “Foster Parent” to any of the plants given out at other events….please bring them with you. Call for more details. (760) 767-5391x3

Living History Day, Pio Pico SHP, 6003 Pioneer Blvd, Whittier
November 15, 2008

Come for a fun, free day of activities for children, guided tours of the park and historic adobe home of Pio Pico. There will be bread making demonstrations and an opportunity to learn more about California’s history. (562) 695-1217 x 102. 11:00am-3:00pm

Living History and Evening Candlelight Tour, Sutter's Fort SHP, Sacramento
November 15, 2008

During the day enjoy docents in period dress and various spinners, weavers, blacksmiths and mountain men. In the evening become a ghost from the future observing the past. Join escorts for a candle-lit peek into the night life of the Fort in 1846. Sutter’s Fort SHP is located at 2701 “L” Street in downtown Sacramento. Call for more information. (916) 445-4422. For reservations: (916) 375-5966)

135th Anniversary, Pigeon Point Light Station SHP, 7 miles south of Pescadero, 27 miles south of Half Moon Bay
November 15, 2008

California State Parks, Pigeon Point Hostel, and the United States Coast Guard will commemorate the 135th Anniversary of the first lighting of Pigeon Point Lighthouse. This annual event features an open house in the historic fog signal building from 10am until 7pm. The highlight of the evening is from 6-8pm when the historic lighthouse’s Fresnel Lens lights up the sky. Exhibits in the 1899 Fog Signal Building will feature lighthouse history, videos, marine mammals, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Call for further details. Be sure to bring a flashlight and dress warmly. (650) 879-2120. 6pm-8pm.

Shopping at Railtown, Railtown 1897 SHP, Jamestown, corner of 5th and Reservoir
November 22, 2008 - December 14, 2008

For four weekends starting the Friday after Thanksgiving, browse through a unique selection of handmade seasonal items at the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park Holiday Boutique. Created by Park volunteers, proceeds from sales of the many items benefit the Park directly. November 22-December 14

Thanks to the Ocean Beach Cleanup, Del Obispo/Dana Harbor Drive, approximately one mile north of I-5 and about three miles from San Juan Capistrano Mission.
November 22, 2008

Come and give thanks to the ocean with this last beach cleanup of the year at Doheny State Beach. Meet at the San Juan Creek river mouth (Lifeguard Station #30). Please join us anytime between 9am and noon and don’t forget your work gloves. For more information contact Vicki Wiker at (949) 496-2704 or visit www.dohenystatebeach.org 9am-noon

Santa Visits Railtown, Railtown 1897 SHP, Jamestown, corner of 5th and Reservoir
November 28, 2008 - November 30, 2008

Santa visits Railtown the weekend after Thanksgiving! Climb aboard our steam-powered excursion train, departing on the hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and ride along with the Jolly Gentleman! Free hot chocolate and cookies in the Carriage Room. Regular ticket prices apply. 11am-3pm. Thanksgiving Weekend!

Train Time for Santa! , California State Railroad Museum, Old Town Sacramento
November 28, 2008 - November 30, 2008

Train Time for Santa takes place at the California State Railroad Museum! Bring the whole family and enjoy a variety of operating model train and toy train layouts on display Friday through Sunday inside the Museum. It’s a great place to take friends and family over the holiday weekend! Regular Museum admission fees apply, OR take a train ride with Santa AND visit the Museum too—all for one special price. Throughout Old Sacramento starting Thanksgiving Weekend and continuing through Christmas Eve, special Heritage Holidays activities will be in full swing with streets and buildings decorated for the season. For more information about all of the activities throughout Old Sacramento, visit www.oldsacramento.com. Thanksgiving Weekend.

Arts and Crafts Christmas Fair, California State Indian Museum, Sacramento
November 28, 2008 - November 29, 2008

Highly skilled and respected Indian artisans come from all over the state to demonstrate and sell their artistic crafts during this just-in-time-for-Christmas-shopping show. You can see works in progress: basket weaving, pottery, soapstone carving, hand painted gourds and beadwork. Wheelchair accessible. Regular museum admission fee. (916) 324-0971. 10am-5pm

Holiday Open House, Empire Mine SHP, Grass Valley
November 29, 2008 - November 30, 2008

You’re invited for a special tour through the beautiful Bourn Cottage and Clubhouse. Holiday adornment and volunteers in period dress provide a warm glimpse of Christmas yesteryears. Visit Santa and his helpers at the Clubhouse. Delight in the spectacular fall colors as you stroll the picturesque grounds and gardens. (530) 273-8522.