First Partner Receives Golden Poppy Award
Jennifer Siebel Newsom was honored as a Golden State Parks Champion at a live-streamed event held at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in National Parks
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First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom received the Golden Poppy Award, the California State Parks Foundation's highest honor, as a Golden State Parks Champion. The presentation was live streamed on Wednesday from Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park in Napa Valley.
Why it matters
The award recognizes efforts to expand public access to state parks, including a program that gave fourth grade students free park admission. For Californians, it highlights ongoing state efforts to make parks more accessible across all 58 counties.
The California Adventure Parks Path has tracked 137,000 downloads for park access and provided 13 months of free admission to state parks in all 58 counties. The source does not state how many of those downloads resulted in completed park visits.
The players
Jennifer Siebel Newsom
Jennifer Siebel Newsom is a filmmaker and advocate who serves as First Partner of California and is married to Governor Gavin Newsom.
Rachel Norton
Rachel Norton is the executive director of the California State Parks Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the state park system.
Phil Ginsburg
Phil Ginsburg is president of the Resources Legacy Fund and chairs the California State Park and Recreation Commission, having previously led San Francisco's park system for more than 16 years.
The details
Jennifer Siebel Newsom, spouse of Governor Gavin Newsom, was honored as a Golden State Parks Champion during the presentation moderated by Rachel Norton, executive director of the California State Parks Foundation. Every Californian has free access to a state park through the library pass.
Timeline
1844: Bale Grist Mill's millstone was built, and its waterwheel drive remains operational today.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: The Golden Poppy Award presentation was live streamed.
Season Trajectory
The Golden Poppy Award, presented as the State Parks Foundation's highest honor, marks a recognition of park advocacy tied to the state's expanding park access efforts. The source does not indicate how this honor fits into broader trends in state park attendance.
Californians can access state parks for free through the library pass, which the source describes as available to every resident. The source does not describe specific booking steps or park reservation requirements.
The takeaway
Free and low-cost access programs can make state parks available to residents who might otherwise not visit. Checking whether your local library offers a state park pass is a practical first step for planning a visit.
Further reading
Explore more about National Parks in California and the state's park access programs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Lake County Record-Bee.
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