Welcome to The ParkBuzz, the portal for current Riverside County Regional Park & Open-Space District staff. Here you will find all district forms, documents, links and resources. This site is updated regularly, so check back often.
Our Mission
To preserve land with sensitive habitat or rich heritage within Riverside County and provide opportunities for the community to enjoy equitable access through recreation and education.
Our Vision
Serving our community through thoughtful and sustainable actions to inspire lifelong connections with RivCo parks, places, and programs.
A.C.T.I.O.N.S.
RivCoParks has adopted the following values which are demonstrated through our day-to-day actions:
Adaptable Community-Centric Teamwork Inclusion Outstanding Networking Stewardship
RivCoparks recognitions
Submit your nominations for Shining Star recognitions!
2025-2026 Monthly Shining Star Awards
April 2026
Employee of the Month
Alfredo Salazar
Mountain Parks
Adaptable
On March 25, 2026, PRS Salazar demonstrated exceptional adaptability and decisive action during a life threatening emergency at Hurkey Creek. After being notified by Camp Host Dualan that a guest was found unresponsive near a campsite, Salazar immediately prioritized the call and directed Dualan to contact 911.
Upon arriving on scene, PRS Salazar quickly assessed the situation, observed symptoms consistent with a diabetic emergency, and began chest compressions. He continued providing lifesaving care until EMS personnel arrived. Thanks to Salazar’s quick thinking, calm presence, and ability to adapt under pressure, emergency responders were able to revive the guest and restore consciousness.
Salazar’s actions directly contributed to saving a guest’s life, exemplifying dedication, professionalism, and outstanding service!
Volunteer of the Month
Kiana Dualan
Mountain Parks
Adaptable
On March 25, 2026, while patrolling Hurkey Creek at about 2:30 PM, Camp Host Dualan was alerted by a camper that an older male was passed out near a campsite. Dualan quickly responded and found the guest lying on his back in the roadway. After attempting to wake the individual by tapping his arm and calling out “hello,” the guest was breathing but remained unresponsive. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Dualan immediately contacted PRS Salazar for direction.
Dualan’s quick response, calm assessment, and decisive action helped initiate the emergency chain that ultimately contributed to saving the guest’s life. Her attentiveness and professionalism reflect the high standards of service expected at Hurkey Creek.
March 2026
Employee of the Month
Angel Gomez
Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park
Adaptable
As a temporary Park Attendant, Angel will jump in and do anything that needs to be done, even if it is outside his job description. Willing to learn everything and does a great job of it. He helps Roman with all aspects of maintenance as well. Thoroughly cleans the bathrooms in all campsites and both Day Use as well as the entire kiosk. No matter what it is, Angel is there to help.
Community-Centric
Angel is fantastic in regard to this! He has lived in the area, knows the area, and speaks Spanish with the guests fluently making them feel welcome. We are so grateful to have him on board and do not want to lose him.
Teamwork
He excels in Teamwork! Angel is always there to help before you ask. He handles things as he sees they need to be done to give others the ability to get more done. Once told to get something done, he continues to ensure it is taken care of.
Inclusion
Angel always is polite and correct. He allows everyone equal opportunity and gives assistance as needed. Everyone here respects Angel and enjoys working with him.
Outstanding
This says it all, "They are outstanding in all that they do. They do what they say they are going to do, striving to be the best and exceeding expectations." Angel is all this x2. He exceeds expectations!
Networking
He does the networking with everyone. Angel is a great asset knowing the area, the people, and being the person he is. A great asset to the team!
Stewardship
Angel definitely is a great steward of the park. He takes his temporary position here seriously. We need him to be a permanent employee due to his caring, responsibility to the land, and people of this area and his resources with this area. He is a wonderful steward to Lake Cahuilla.
Volunteer of the Month
Sandra Rowell
Lake Skinner Recreation Area
Outstanding
Lake Skinner's Ramp 1 opened up on January 31st and the park has been extremely busy. As our main opener in the kiosk 4 days of the week Sandra has taken this on with gusto. She's stayed positive, continued to create a great relationship with our returning regular fishermen and shown her awesome guest service skills regularly.
Employee of the Month
Francisco Guzman
MSHCP
Outstanding
Francisco always goes the extra mile. Where others might pack up for the day and head back to the shop, he stays to make sure the job gets done. He has an eye for perfection while working on fencing projects. He always takes the extra time to make the fencing look just right. His production of work in both quality and quantity is truly remarkable. He is one of the few people I know that gets sad when you tell him there is LESS work to be done! His hard work ethic and can-do attitude make working with him a true pleasure.
Stewardship
Francisco is currently the PMW with the most years under his belt here at MSHCP, and it shows! He knows the properties that need the most attention and always tends to them well. He always thinks about the safety of the people who may seek to enjoy our conserved properties. He makes sure there aren't sharp edges or dangerous tripping hazards on fencing jobs, and makes sure gates are built strong and installed securely. As with many tasks, he has a specific way he likes to do them to make sure that the projects come out prim and proper. Overall, his attentiveness to the needs of the land, eye for safety and attention to detail has had a significant impact on MSHCP conserved lands!
February 2026
Employees of the Month
Cameron Freese & Luke Pruitt
Hurkey Creek / Mountains
Teamwork
During the recent snow day weekend, they demonstrated exceptional collaboration, professionalism, and dedication while supporting operations at the IDY Nature Center. Staff shared how grateful they were for the steady, reliable help these two provided during a challenging and high stress period.
Even when faced with a few mean-spirited individuals, Luke and Cameron remained calm, courteous, and focused on solutions. Their teamwork kept traffic moving smoothly and safely, and their positive attitudes set an example for everyone around them. Their actions truly reflect the spirit of teamwork and the values we strive to uphold.
Luke and Cameron are outstanding representatives of what it means to support one another and serve the community, and they are highly deserving of this recognition.
Volunteer of the Month
Gary Magstadt
Rancho Jurupa Regional Park
Adaptable
Gary consistently demonstrates outstanding adaptability in supporting park operations beyond his primary responsibilities. He regularly assists rangers during evening shifts, helping manage disruptive guest situations through calm engagement and education. He provides hands-on assistance to guests by helping them locate campsites and assisting with campsite setup when needed. Gary seamlessly transitions between maintenance, guest services, and support roles, ensuring park operations remain smooth and guest-focused.
Teamwork
Gary exemplifies a team-first mindset. He is always willing to assist wherever needed, whether the task is large or small. From supporting ranger operations to maintaining equipment and assisting guests, Gary consistently demonstrates that no job is too big or too small.
His reliability, technical skill, and positive attitude strengthen both team morale and overall park operations. Gary’s dedication and versatility make him highly deserving of formal recognition.
Outstanding
Gary plays a critical role in maintaining 65 acres of park fields, ensuring they remain safe, functional, and visually appealing for visitors and special events. His work ethic and attention to detail are evident in the consistent condition of the park grounds.
His experience as a heavy equipment mechanic is invaluable to park operations. Gary is instrumental in maintaining all mowers and heavy equipment, keeping them in optimal working condition and minimizing downtime. His mechanical expertise directly supports operational efficiency and cost control.
Gary has also been mentioned by name in post-reservation surveys for his positive and helpful attitude, reflecting his commitment to customer service and professionalism.
January 2026
Employee of the Month
Christian Terry
Lake Skinner
Adaptable
Lake Skinner just had its grand re-opening of our Ramp 1 area and in celebration of this we had our first Bass Derby in 21 years. Christian, usually our closing shift working later in the day, was asked to come in at 0430 in the morning to assist us with processing boats. For those who have done this sort of thing, you know it's not easy, and Christian not only did it but had a smile on his face and was instrumental in getting our boaters processed quickly.
Teamwork
Christian is always thinking about the kiosk team at Skinner and does a great job on uniting the group. He listens to concerns and comments and works well with me in trying to find answers and better ways of doing things.
Outstanding
Christian is part of a small group of staff at Skinner spearheading our park level programs and not only attended training to give nature talks but has also developed several so he can present them this spring and summer. He's also included the interpretive department working with Jena at the School house.
December 2025
Employee of the Month
Teresita Collett
Headquarters/Crestmore Manor
Community-Centric
Teresita appreciates her role in wedding services and it is seen through all of her interactions, both with wedding guests and her coworkers. She is always brainstorming new ideas to promote and connect with her guests and give them the best possible experience.
Teresita consistently connects with and uplifts her coworkers as well, bringing positive energy to every interaction!
Networking
Teresita uses her time both in and out of the office to connect with guests and other wedding vendors. She successfully led her first large project, Crestmore Manor monthly Open Houses, and has since connected with various vendors in order to help promote both the Manor and the local business.
Employee of the Month
Rob Phillips
Open-Space
Adaptable
The Open Space team was out on a routine patrol in the river bottom when a Sheriff's helicopter began buzzing directly overhead. Soon after the team was joined by a dozen Sheriff deputies looking for a stolen skid steer tractor. They began searching the area in force but Ranger Phillips felt they were looking in all the wrong spots. On a hunch, he began looking in the opposite direction and to the astonishment of the deputies on site, he not only located the skid steer but was able to successfully drive it out and return it to the rightful owner.
November 2025
Employee of the Month
Peter Hediger
Headquarters/Planning
Teamwork
Peter shows Teamwork every day he is working with both his own internal team and the full RivCo team. He always tries to uplift others and bring people together by small gestures around the office. He constantly has a smile on his face and a cheerful greeting which boosts anyone's day who is around him.
Networking
Peter utilizes his positive attitude and hard work to not only get the job accomplished, but doing so to the best of his ability. With all the projects the Planning Team had this year, Peter was a wonderful addition to assist in any way, to lead efforts, and to create a network both with his team members and their projects.
Employee of the Month
Alex Kong
Open-Space
Outstanding
Kong maintains an Outstanding attitude. The list of tasks is always long and he consistently confronts those tasks one day at a time. Kong always follows through, especially when the task is daunting and the weeds seem to go on forever. That doesn't intimidate him one bit. Kong gets things done and he does them well! Just take a peek inside the HDV shop and you'll see his handiwork.
Networking
Kong is open and willing to collaborate with team members that have different knowledge. He maintains a humble teaching spirit on every occasion. Just because you don't know how to do something, doesn't mean you can't help! Kong is willing and able to teach it!
Stewardship
Kong preserves our team's resources wisely. You won't catch him losing tools or tossing them around carelessly. He keeps those tools in pristine condition and always knows exactly where to find the tool for any job! Did I mention he made the HDV shop look beautiful? It is well organized indeed!
October 2025
Employee of the Month
Tanya Sida
Headquarters
Outstanding
Since joining the RivCoParks team, Tanya has been nothing short of outstanding. Recently, she has supported the Events Team by registering new vendors and ensuring time-sensitive requirements are met. She has streamlined reviews and facilitated vendor approvals, allowing for quicker participation in our special events. In addition, Tanya has played a key role in identifying a new Point of Sale vendor. She has worked closely with multiple Parks departments and the RivCo Purchasing Department to explore a potential piggyback agreement, which could expedite the transition from our current system to a new one.
Employee of the Month
Alison Conner
Rancho Jurupa Regional Park
Adaptable
Ranger Alison Conner continually demonstrates exceptional adaptability in her role at Rancho Jurupa Park. Whether managing daily park operations, assisting with complex incidents, or supporting major community events, she consistently adjusts to evolving priorities and maintains composure under pressure. Her ability to think critically and adapt to changing circumstances ensures visitor safety, operational efficiency, and strong leadership support for both staff and guests.
Community-Centric
Alison is deeply community-centric, creating events that bring people together and foster a sense of belonging. She plays a key role in enhancing visitor experiences during events such as Boo-Rupa and Movies in the Park, ensuring that guests feel welcome and informed. She is routinely mentioned by guests for her kind, helpful, and warm demeanor, which embodies the District’s mission of providing safe, inclusive, and enjoyable park environments for all visitors.
Teamwork
Alison thrives in collaborative environments, working closely with staff, volunteers, and partners to transform a large-scale vision into a cohesive community experience. She values open communication and teamwork, ensuring everyone feels essential to the event’s success. Her teamwork and communication skills make her a vital bridge between departments, ensuring smooth coordination and event success.
Outstanding
Alison is an outstanding leader and artist whose dedication, craftsmanship, and storytelling elevate every project she touches. Her hand-painted props she created for this Halloween event, and attention to atmosphere set a standard of excellence in community events. Her professionalism, strong work ethic, and dedication to excellence make her stand out as a leader within the park. She takes pride in enforcing park regulations fairly and respectfully, maintaining safety and order while fostering positive relationships with visitors.
Networking
Alison has assisted with the procurement of donations and the gathering of local community support from area businesses, helping to enhance and sustain key events such as Boo-Rupa and Movies in the Park. Her professionalism and initiative strengthen the park’s relationships with community members, vendors, and sponsors, ensuring continued success and engagement for Rancho Jurupa Park’s programs and events.
Employee of the Month
Dayna Whitaker
Area Manager (CAH, SKN, MFL)
Adaptable
Dayna is flexible with all of us. She jumps in and fills in anywhere she is needed. She will clean bathrooms, pick up trash or help us learn new programs in the kiosk.
Teamwork
Dayna unites everyone! She has really filled in the gap with Shawna being out on maternity leave. She has answered questions, been the go-to person, and just brings joy whenever she’s around.
Outstanding
Running between all the parks can’t be easy but she does it with a smile. Never makes you feel like anything you need is an inconvenience. Always willing to help. We are very grateful she is over our park!
Volunteer of the Month
McKynna Murphy
Hidden Valley Nature Center/Headquarters
Adaptable
McKynna started volunteering with the HVNC team while we had temporarily relocated to headquarters. Before starting, we expressed she could begin volunteering when we return to our home site after construction. She expressed that it did not matter where she was helping, all that mattered to her was to help care and connect with our critters.
Since she began volunteering, she has rolled with the changes of having our animals moved 2.5 times across our headquarters campus. Each time we moved, she made herself available to provide support to staff and animals.
Community-Centric
McKynna has supported both HVNC and Idyllwild staff at the San Bernardino County Museum Arthro-palooza event. Engaging adults and children in nature and exposing them to insects they otherwise would not interact with.
On holiday off from high school, she has assisted in our nature education Knee High Naturalist program. Fostering engagement and curiosity with our young stewards.
Teamwork
She helped to work our recent Wonders of the Watershed event, stepping in when day-of hiccups happened and staff was pulled away to other concerns. Having her present to assist as needed was critical to the success of our event.
Stewardship
McKynna has a sincere love for our natural world. Parks is where she connects with our land and wildlife. Any time she comes to volunteer, you can find her taking our snakes or turtles out for a "walk", exposing them to natural light, exercise, and socializing. She keeps her eyes low, looking out for the small creatures that cross the road like Wooley beetles and picking up the mess others may leave behind.
September 2025
Employee of the Month
Raul Ramirez & Rene Sanchez (Mulch & Mud)
Crestmore Manor
Teamwork
Mulch & Mud (aka Raul and Rene) work together seamlessly to accomplish any task given throughout the week. They both work extremely well with their peers and never hesitate to help out when needed and with whomever requests their assistance. They are open to learning new skills and take on any task - big or small. They provide a playful and pleasant workplace environment all the while working very hard.
Outstanding
Mulch & Mud always have a good attitude and invite a friendly atmosphere for all. The work they have accomplished together at Headquarters/Crestmore Manor shows just how hard-working and dedicated they are to their job. Crestmore Manor's appearance is always improving and much more so since they have been here together. Mulch & Mud have exactly the kind of camaraderie we hope to have all around RivCoParks!
Employee of the Month
Adara Koivula
Parks Headquarters
Outstanding
Adara has done an outstanding job on the work plan, annual report, and basically everything she touches. She has a great attitude and is a friend to all. She strives to deliver the best every time. A word for Adara truly is Outstanding, and I am so glad to have her on this team!
Volunteers of the Month
Heather Evans & Amber Day
Lake Skinner Recreation Area
Teamwork
When a Camp Host had a medical emergency, Amber stayed with them and had the kiosk call 9-1-1. She also contacted the camp Host’s family to pick up their dog. Heather Evens rushed over to the Host site with aspirin that 9-1-1 had requested for the Host to chew. Both were quick and sure in their reactions!
August 2025
Employee of the Month
Blake Adam
Santa Rosa Plateau
Adaptable
Entering the Visitor Center after a rugged morning spent wrestling wayward branches, and then cutting and removing invasive plants, Blake pivots his energy into fixing a troublesome plumbing issue that just occurred. He moves forward with a new task with skill, patience, and good humor. Adaptability is the cornerstone of his work ethic
Teamwork
Blake encourages volunteer involvement and develops tasks so that they are completed as a team. He builds relationships with long-term and new volunteers while building a team of adaptable and hardworking crew members.
Inclusion
Blake brings ingenuity to the task of focusing volunteer skills for the task at hand. He adapts the response to a work project to include others help. From staff and volunteers, Blake draws a variety of skills to address the current needs. Blake blends various personalities and abilities in his daily work to the task accomplished as a team.
Outstanding
Blake produces a top-quality result for each task that is placed before him. Not only is his work dependable, he also covers each responsibility and solves challenges in a very timely manner.
Stewardship
Everyone can see the depth of Blake's commitment to caring for the Reserve, making it safe and enjoyable for the public to walk the trails. Trail pathways and Reserve dirt road trails are maintained safely and efficiently. The public often share their appreciation of his efforts when they return from the trails.
Volunteer of the Month
Ricci Boomer
Hurkey Creek Park
Adaptable
Ric is always there - with all the transition / changes (such as no employees) Ric is always there to offer his help and suggestions.
Teamwork
Hurkey Creek kiosk operations would have been much more difficult to manage without Ric. If a hole presented itself, he filled it. If someone was sick or couldn’t make it, he covered it. Ric is a remarkable man who loves to help regardless of the circumstance!
Volunteer of the Month
Madeline Garcia
Rancho Jurupa Regional Park
Teamwork
Host Madeline Garcia is an outstanding member of the Rancho Jurupa Park team who consistently demonstrates dedication and care for both staff and guests. As a kiosk attendant, she plays a vital role in daily operations by preparing and tracking lock codes for gates, restrooms, cabins, and laundry facilities. She also assembles and organizes all check-in packets and carefully monitors the inventory of marketing materials to ensure smooth guest service. Madeline is friendly and diligent, helping to create a welcoming and safe environment for all who visit the park. Recently, her attentiveness and quick action directly prevented the theft of an expensive e-bike. By noticing and immediately reporting a suspicious individual, she enabled the duty Ranger to respond quickly and recover the property before it was lost. Her commitment to guest service, attention to detail, and vigilance exemplify the highest standards of teamwork and hospitality.
July 2025
Employee of the Month
RivCoParks Hiking Group
Adaptable
All members are capable of rolling with changing priorities, different ideas, and shifting conditions in the field. They approach every situation with positivity and enthusiasm.
Teamwork
As the core planning team of the RivCoParks Hiking Group, they work together to coordinate logistics, schedule excursions, invite public participation, and take care of everyone out on the trail. Each of them is willing and able to fill in gaps and ensure that our group stays active and tries new things to encourage others to explore the great outdoors.
Outstanding
These Shining Stars can be counted on to deliver on their ideas and their commitment to all things RivCoParks. Their commitment cannot be questioned as they never shy away from a challenge or a chance to help their fellow colleagues.
Employee of the Month
Ashley Shucha
BusOps – Guest Services / Headquarters
Outstanding
Ashley was outstanding in handling all of the many moving parts regarding the TVBWF from the inception, through the development of the business plan, to the prep right before the event. She communicated well, she was on top of things, and listened to the many ideas/issues that were coming at her and finding solutions. During the festival she was on-site, got tickets to who needed them and continually communicated the whole time to the best of her ability. She was a big part in why the event went off smoothly from inception to completed product from the Districts perspective.
Volunteer of the Month
Tom Herring & Jenny Carrillo
Parks / Rancho Jurupa Regional Park
Stewardship
Tom Herring and Jenny Carrillo are an outstanding grounds maintenance team. As a husband-and-wife duo, Tom and Jenny consistently go above and beyond to ensure that the park grounds, especially the Cottonwood Campground area, are always in top-notch condition.
Their dedication extends beyond just landscaping. They maintain an exceptionally clean laundry room, restrooms, and campsites, and take great pride in policing the park’s common areas and staying on top of trash collection. Their efforts ensure that guests enjoy a spotless and welcoming environment during their stay.
Guests frequently mention Tom and Jenny by name in post-reservation surveys, highlighting not only the quality of their work but also their friendly and professional customer service.
Tom and Jenny are a vital part of the park's success and are highly deserving of this recognition for their hard work, commitment, and the pride they take in creating an outstanding guest experience.