April is National Safe Digging Month, a Reminder to Homeowners and Contractors to Call 811 Before All Digging Projects SAN FRANCISCO —  With spring months upon us, many people will take advantage of the warmer weather to do work around their home that involves digging. Whether it’s planting a tree or shrub, gardening or landscaping, or repairing or replacing a fence ...

Forest Management Handbook For Small-Parcel Landowners Released MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES –  The California Department of Forest and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is pleased to announce the availability of the Forest Management Handbook for Small-Parcel Landowners in the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade Range. Family-owned forest lands make up about 20 percent, which is approximately 7 million acres, of California’s forests. Most ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will perform various operations on State Route 140 next week in Mariposa County. Route 140 • Moving closure of one lane from Old Yosemite Road to El Portal Road for sweeping operations beginning Monday, April 4, through Friday, April 8, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. • One-way traffic control ...

FISH CAMP — The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, located four miles from the south gate of Yosemite National Park, is back! This popular attraction railroad awakens from its annual winter slumber, thrilling riders (both young and old) once again. Beginning today, visitors can once again ride the open-air “Logger” steam train on a one-hour excursion through the Sierra Nevada. ...

Big rebates available when purchasing zero-emission electric lawn care equipment MADERA COUNTY – Spring has arrived and Madera County residents are encouraged to help improve air quality and quality of life by replacing gas-powered yard care equipment with zero-emission, electric alternatives through the Valley Air District’s Clean Green Yard Machines: Residential Program (CGYM). CGYM continues to grow, with funding widely ...

I have been a professional advocate for insurance consumers for nearly 40 years Editor, I have been a professional advocate for insurance consumers for nearly 40 years, working to prevent unfair sales and claim practices and improve disaster resilience and recovery. During that time I’ve met and worked with hundreds of elected officials. Among those who stand out as true ...

Lars Erik Thorson September 21, 1961 – March 13, 2022 Lars Erik Thorson, age 60, passed away on March 13, 2022, after a long battle with end stage renal disease. His kind-hearted and loyal soul will be deeply missed and his life and spirit will surely live on in those who loved him. Lars was born on September 21, 1961, ...

Chester (Larry) Mattox passed on at Sunset, March 25th 2022, at 78 years old. He will be greatly missed by his family, extended family, and his many friends. He served in the U.S. Army and later worked as a machinist until his medical retirement at age 52. He also was a volunteer in the Citizens on Patrol Program for the ...

Wallace Reid Martin February 6, 1944 – March 24, 2022 Wallace Reid Martin passed away at his home in Oakhurst after a lengthy illness at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Mary Lou; his sister Sandra, his eldest son Jacob and his wife Rachel; two grandsons Benjamin and James of Montana and his ...

Whether you’re celebrating a weekend meal with loved ones or simply looking for a way to bring your family to the table at the same time, seafood night can make dinnertime a special treat. Next time you plan to make fish the focus of your menu, it’s possible you’ll be enjoying the benefits of aquaculture, also known as seafood farming. ...