Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks is a vital partner with California State Parks. Our local parks and beaches: thriving and available to all. Our local parks and beaches: thriving and available to all. Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks (Friends) is a vital partner with California State Parks, creatively working to ensure our cherished local parks and beaches are thriving and available to all. Friends’ innovative and collaborative community partnership provides support and investment for education, equity and inclusion, conservation, facilities improvements, historic preservation and cultural events.