FRESNO – As wildfire season approaches, residents need to be aware of and prepared for the possibility that their power will be shut off – sometimes for several days – as a safety precaution. California’s three largest energy companies have announced a coordinated wildfire safety and awareness campaign to prepare Californians for the threat of extreme weather and power outages ...

SACRAMENTO – Once again California’s wet winter created a sizable crop of new grass growth, but don’t let the wet weather fool you as the abundant grass dries. It is fuel for wildfires. Now is the time to act to prevent wildfires. Governor Gavin Newsom declared May 5-11 “Wildfire Preparedness Week” to urge homeowners that “California Wildfires Have Changed, Together ...

YOSEMITE – Federally threatened California red-legged frogs are showing signs of a return to Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park after a 50-year absence, say park officials. The return of the frogs follows their reintroduction as part of a collaborative effort by the National Park Service, Yosemite Conservancy, the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, California ...

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is alerting consumers to reported waves of “One Ring” or “Wangiri” scam robocalls targeting specific area codes in bursts, often calling multiple times in the middle of the night. These calls are likely trying to prompt consumers to call the number back, often resulting in per minute toll charges similar to a 900 ...

YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park announces that a new pilot lottery program for Camp 4 Campground will launch on Tuesday, May 21. This daily lottery system will be operated through Recreation.gov and is intended to help improve the visitor experience at Camp 4. Camp 4 Campground is a walk-in campground and the only first-come, first-served campground in Yosemite Valley. Visitor ...

MARIPOSA – Recent rains and warm sunshine has fueled recent vegetation growth. The fire season is fast approaching and if vegetation is not managed it can create hazardous conditions for wildfire. Cal Fire’s Defensible Space Inspectors (DSI) are visiting homes within the State Responsibility Area (SRA) to enforce the Defensible Space code, Public Resource Code (PRC) 4291. It requires residents ...

YOSEMITE — The Mariposa Grove Road will reopen to automobiles on Friday, Apr. 12, officials in Yosemite National Park announced today. The free visitor shuttle to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias will also resume service for the busy summer season on the same day. When the shuttles are running, visitors should park at the South Entrance parking area and ...

YOSEMITE – Yosemite Conservancy is providing $15.3 million in support to Yosemite National Park in 2019. Among nearly 50 programs and grants the Conservancy is backing this year are the protection of the rare Sierra Nevada red fox, revitalizing wetlands, and funding volunteer programs. “With four million visitors each year, Yosemite needs to be nurtured to remain a national treasure,” ...

SACRAMENTO – The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today conducted the fourth Phillips Station snow survey of 2019. The manual survey recorded 106.5 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent (SWE) of 51 inches, which is 200 percent of average for this location. Statewide, the Sierra Nevada snowpack is 162 percent of average. California has experienced more than ...

FRESNO — Over the next few days, residents of Madera, Mariposa and Fresno counties may see helicopters overhead as Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) contract crews work to conduct accelerated wildfire safety inspections of substations. “The helicopter inspections will complement and further enhance visual inspections by gathering information from the substations by capturing LiDAR data and photographs to determine ...