A massive Steller sea lion hauled out at Pier 39 Friday, dwarfing the usual California sea lions and drawing crowds. Experts say keep your distance and watch via the webcam.

An Oakland nonprofit sank roughly $3 million into a proposed 37‑acre Castro Valley nature camp. County panels denied permits after neighbors raised wildfire, water and traffic concerns; the nonprofit has appealed.

California State Parks bought the 153‑acre NoraBella tract for $2.415M, expanding Big Basin to protect watersheds and anchor a Saddle Mountain welcome area.

A Bolinas citizens group filed an alternative petition to protect Duxbury Reef that emphasizes education, signage and adaptive management instead of a full fishing ban. State staff will review competing filings ahead of regional hearings this spring.

Yosemite is not requiring reservations for the Horsetail Fall “firefall” during the Feb. 10–26, 2026 window. Park staff are deploying traffic controls and urging winter-ready gear and patience.

Gray whales have been seen in San Francisco Bay weeks earlier than usual; researchers are tracking the visitors and training mariners to reduce ship strikes.

San Pablo Reservoir reopens limited launches after a yearlong golden mussel closure. Inspections and 30‑day quarantines will determine which boats can launch.

A mountain lion wandered into Pacific Heights; animal-control teams worked overnight to capture and re-release the cat, and no injuries were reported.

A draft parks strategy would add 87 acres but carries a roughly $1.2 billion price tag, forcing Mountain View leaders to choose between major land buys and neighborhood fixes.

A coyote was filmed swimming to Alcatraz, a rare occurrence noted by experts and city cruisers with concerns for its wellbeing and survival prospects.

San Francisco invites residents to submit park improvement ideas, funded by the 2020 Health and Recovery Bond, with $6 million available via the Community Opportunity Fund.

The Sierra Club sued the Interior Department, saying it withheld FOIA records about Secretarial Order 3431 and a QR-code review that led to removed park signage. The case could force disclosure of internal emails and visitor comments.

Researchers warn H5N1 that ravaged seals abroad could threaten northern elephant seals on California beaches as teams ramp up testing, surveillance and small vaccine trials. Local parks urge visitors to keep their distance.