As summer approaches, tourism in the U.S. faces an unsettling predicament, influenced by a series of plane crashes and inconsistent federal policies that include border issues and procedural detentions.
In California, particularly, there is an alarming forecast predicting a 9.2% decline in international visits throughout the year, resulting in a 4.2% decrease in international spending, according to Visit California and Tourism Economics.
This spring witnessed significant turmoil in the Coachella Valley, once a favored retreat for Canadian visitors, as many abandoned travel plans following President Trump’s strained relationship with Canada. As a result, some Canadian citizens canceled flights, withdrew hotel and Airbnb bookings, and even decided to sell their second homes in the U.S. due to the perceived aggression from the Trump administration.
With the summer season nearing, insights from experts such as Michael Wilner underscore the disruptions affecting travel, stirring concerns over the economic outcomes of a sluggish summer.
One of the major issues derives from cuts in national park staffing, which could degrade visitor experiences this summer.
At the beginning of the year, the National Park Service faced a staffing dilemma when many seasonal workers were told they would not be hired for the spring season. Although this decision was reversed after public criticism, over 700 park service employees opted for buyouts, resulting in fewer staff members available to manage entrance fees, clean facilities, or assist in emergencies.
Cassidy Jones, senior visitation program manager at the National Parks Conservation Association, highlighted the tangible impacts of staff reductions that will likely affect visitor experiences in the months to come.
“There may be fewer entrance gates open,” Jones warned.
Visitors are encouraged to prepare adequately for their trips.
“Plan ahead and remember to be helpful park visitors. Take the optional shuttle, and bring your supplies, as some facilities may be closed at unexpected hours due to lack of staff,” she advised.
Moreover, some park facilities may not be ready for summer due to delays in preparing them for the season, leaving toilets in colder areas potentially unfunctional until necessary.
This comes in the wake of an April order from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum that mandated national parks remain “open and accessible” for the summer, as staffing cuts threatened to compromise the typical park experience.
While federal cuts and hiring freezes have created disruptions in seasonal hiring and training for park rangers, which traditionally initiates around Christmas, the effects are now manifesting as summer nears.
Travelers should also brace for flight disruptions this summer as cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) take their toll.
Under Trump’s administration, the Department of Government Efficiency eliminated numerous positions within NOAA, including the National Weather Service, proposing significant budget cuts in the process.
Rick Spinrad, who was NOAA’s administrator under President Biden, cautioned travelers about the likely consequences of these cuts.
“This summer, with more people traveling longer distances, we may see a degradation of services,” Spinrad noted, predicting increased delays and weather-related flight impacts.
The cuts could soon ripple down to local levels, affecting emergency managers, public transportation departments, and public health institutions that rely on accurate forecasts to inform their operations.
Despite these challenges, it is essential to note that California’s tourism economy still has resilience.
Although the state is currently seeing reduced traffic from international visitors, Visit California points out that its 40 million residents are crucial to the overall tourism economy.
This situation presents an opportunity for residents of California to explore local attractions and tourism offerings within their state.
As the season unfolds, Californians are encouraged to take advantage of various local experiences and travel opportunities.
In other news affecting California, two people tragically lost their lives in a Baldwin Park shootout, which involved a young police officer and a civilian.
The identities of those involved are yet to be released, but it’s understood that there was also an injured suspect in stable condition following the incident.
Additionally, in a remarkable moment at the California Interscholastic Federation’s State Track and Field Championships, AB Hernandez, a transgender track athlete, secured gold despite facing public scrutiny and challenges from Trump.
Amid high temperatures, Hernandez’s victory became a highlight of the events, demonstrating resilience and determination against external pressures.
Moreover, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has come under scrutiny due to equipment issues during the Palisades fire, where broken fire engines hampered the department’s ability to send adequate personnel to vulnerable fire-prone regions before the outbreak.
A review highlighted that many fire engines had been out of service for extended periods, exacerbating challenges in response operations.
In broader educational initiatives, California is looking to tackle its reading crisis, with a new bill poised to introduce phonics as a core teaching strategy amid deeply troubling literacy rates.
With Governor Gavin Newsom supporting this new direction and earmarking $200 million to train teachers accordingly, there is hope for improvement in reading test scores, which have remained below the national average.
Current assessments indicate that as of 2024, only 29% of California’s fourth-graders achieved “proficient” status in reading, highlighting a pressing need for reform.
In the realm of public health, the U.S. has made sweeping changes to its COVID vaccine recommendations, prompting many to reassess implications for their personal health strategies.
At the same time, California Democrats are grappling with strategies to regain a foothold in national elections, a necessary step for rebuilding influence.
California legislators may also see significant changes as they prepare to overhaul a landmark environmental law that has been in place for half a century.
In local community news, the Wayfarers Chapel may be relocating to a new site in Rancho Palos Verdes, although further details are still pending.
Additionally, the entertainment world has lost Loretta Swit, renowned for portraying Maj. “Hot Lips” Houlihan on “MASH,” who passed away at the age of 87.
On a brighter note, San Francisco is observing a glimmer of hope for its office space market, suggesting a potential rebound as conditions evolve.
In media, Lester Holt’s parting remarks before handing over NBC Nightly News to Tom Llamas offer insight into the dynamics of broadcasting.
Culture critic Mary McNamara critiques Trump’s cultural agenda, arguing it threatens America’s unique identity.
Meanwhile, columnist Steve Lopez raises pressing ethical questions about the future of eldercare in California amidst potential deportation issues affecting caregivers.
In another reflection on the current political climate, columnist Jackie Calmes addresses the consequences of Trump’s perception of law and order, with implications for the judiciary and community safety.
Amid these challenges and narratives unfolding, a story of transformation emerges as Cesar Galan, once involved in a violent gang in Los Angeles, found a path to faith and forgiveness following a life-altering shooting.
This deeply personal journey offers hope against the backdrop of violence.
In lighter news, some neighbors have surprisingly turned to utilizing goats to clear fire-prone areas, despite the unconventional challenges associated with the endeavor.
For culinary enthusiasts, our food writers have highlighted the best dining experiences available this month.
In theater offerings, Patrick Ball transitions from “The Pitt” to a unique rendition of “Hamlet,” bringing new interpretations to the stage.
And for those preferring to spend their downtime at home, a selection of ten must-read books for June spans diverse genres, bringing together inspired stories and reflections.
For those looking to enhance their gardens, we provide tips on thirteen vibrant native plants ideal for creating a colorful landscape.
Switching on the screens, we recommend five dystopian television series showcasing incredibly crafted narratives of dark futures.
And for a culinary treat, we include an appetizing recipe for sesame-crusted feta, promising to delight taste buds.
For some light entertainment, do not miss our daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, and other engaging arcade games.
In closing, we share an impressive photograph from Times intern Luke Johnson, who captured the excitement at an Angel Stadium Savannah Bananas game.
This ongoing narrative of summer in California represents a blend of challenges and resilience, as the state anticipates its tourism revival and navigates complex social issues.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/california/newsletter/2025-06-02/trump-policies-impact-travel-around-california-and-the-u-s
