#california-state-parks

#california-state-parks

"Wildflower growth depends on a delicate mix of weather factors, including rain and its timing, amount of sunlight, seasonal temperature patterns, and wind," State Parks wrote in its forecast. "Depending on the region and weather, the peak bloom season typically begins in mid-February onward." Currently, some colors have already been spotted in both the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, which is northeast of San Diego, and the Red Rock Canyon State Park, which sits north of Los Angeles.

Visitors can skip the entrance fees at California parks on Monday, part of a state effort to reduce barriers to accessing the outdoors. More than 200 California state parks are offering the free vehicle entry - including motorcycles - on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday to California residents and visitors.

Visitors can skip the entrance fees at California parks on Monday, part of a state effort to reduce barriers to accessing the outdoors. More than 200 California state parks are offering the free vehicle entry including motorcycles on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday to California residents and visitors. Entrance fees are typically around $10. The complete list of parks offering free entry on Monday can be found here.

Lawyers representing victims of the Palisades fire are seeking to depose Los Angeles firefighters to shed light on allegations that a California State Parks official restricted how the Los Angeles Fire Department handled an earlier blaze that reignited into the deadly firestorm that destroyed thousands of homes. The LAFD's handling of the Jan. 1 Lachman fire has come under increasing scrutiny after a federal investigation concluded firefighters failed to put the small brush fire out and it came roaring back to life on Jan. 7, killing 12 people and destroying more than 6,800 structures.

The new plan for Big Basin Redwoods focuses on relocating facilities out of the old-growth forest, ensuring the long-term preservation of the ancient redwoods.

The survey featured 10 categories, including best for dog-friendly adventures, best for birdwatching, most kid-friendly, best for camping and best for wildflowers.

"How lucky we are in California to have this coastline that's so protected and so accessible. It's really hard to make a best of beach list without naming an Orange County beach on it."