CALIFORNIA — Here are a handful of the hundreds of laws that go into effect on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019: FAMILIES Employment: lactation accommodation AB 1976 Requires employers to make private space available for women who are breastfeeding at work, other than a bathroom. The law previously required space other than a toilet stall. FOOD Food facilities: single-use plastic straws AB ...

The Animal Compassion Team (ACT) foster and adoption Dog of the Week for SNO is a two-fer, potentially. Meet an adorable duo of tiny Chihuahuas, Itsy and Bitsy. These sweet girls do not have to be adopted out together (since they’ll love any dog, cat or person they meet) but they did both come into the shelter together. Itsy is ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Local nonprofits serving women and children for at least three years may be eligible for a share of $100,000, provided they qualify and apply for the funds by Jan. 11, 2019. The Board of Directors of the Central California Women’s Conference (CCWC) is seeking local community benefit organizations serving women and children to apply for a share ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team at American Pickers are coming back to California to film episodes of their hit series and casting producers are now looking for leads throughout the state. They’re specifically scouting for people with a combination of personality and interesting items — lots of them. Does that sound familiar? If it describes you ...

WORLD — Ants in your pants? Here’s a solution — try a tech-check on jolly old Santa Claus as he and his crew of reindeer make their way around the world. The NORAD Tracks Santa website features Santa’s North Pole Village, including a holiday countdown, games, activities, and more. Kids of all ages can check out NORAD Headquarters in the North Pole ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — We’ll have some rain in the foothills and snow in the higher country around Christmastime, as a storm moves into the area by Monday afternoon and grows stronger into the night. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from Yosemite National Park to Kings Canyon from 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24 to 10 a.m. ...

The Animal Compassion Team (ACT) foster and adoption Dog of the Week for SNO is a sweet and loyal senior dog named Bertha. “I’m Bertha, a Terrier mix. My foster mom says I’m such a kind, loyal, and fun girl! What can I say? I agree. “I’ve been with ACT for four-and-a-half years. I do have lots of love to ...

NORTHERN HEMISPHERE — Winter Solstice this year will be enhanced by the presence of a full moon and the peaking of a major meteor shower. Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, with the longest night, marking the point during the year when the Northern Hemisphere is the most inclined away from the Sun. The day marks the ...

OAKHURST — The spirit of giving was predominant as teachers and school representatives convened by request to celebrate one of the year’s highlights: Sierra Oakhurst Kiwanis Mini-Grants for education. Local Kiwanis and others gathered on Tuesday, Dec. 18 at El Cid Mexican Restaurant to give and receive money in support of projects and products that help mountain area students. Eighteen ...

OAKHURST – The staff at Sierra Tel was joined by many of our first responders today as they unveiled their 2019 telephone directory at the Mariposa County Courthouse and at their Headquarters Office in Oakhurst. Sierra Tel serves both Eastern Madera and Mariposa Counties. The 392-page directory pays tribute to, and shows appreciation for, the first responders in our local ...