By Ed Bailey — In 2018, members of the of Fresno Realtors Association Multiple Listing Services in the Yosemite Gateway Branch sold 554 mountain area homes (single family residential properties), compared to 639 in 2017, at a median price of $304,950, up 13 percent from $280,000 in 2017. Boundaries for the mountain area include Oakhurst, Ahwahnee, Coarsegold, North Fork, Wishon, ...

By Brian David —  This new year welcomes us into its vibrancy. Air, water; sand, clay and silt pulse with wiggling earthworms, dancing bacteria and exercising fungi. From the soil’s fertile womb our earth births seeds into plants and covers her modest bare ground with carpets green and brown. Three fourths of all plant roots interact in mutually beneficial relationships ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Don’t be fooled by any scant blue sky you see this morning — we have more weather on the way this afternoon. Driving may be difficult, trees limbs could take out power lines, and some roads may be closed as a result of the storm. The National Weather Service (NWS) says the Winter Weather Advisory in effect until ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — A Winter Storm Watch is in effect this weekend for the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon above 4,500 feet, as a storm brings rain and snow to the area. A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. The National Weather Service (NWS) says the Winter ...

Contributed by Len McKenzie, YAAS – MOUNTAIN AREA – The Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) continues this week, as intrepid observers in Oakhurst and Merced take to the field for one day to make a record of all the birds they see and hear. Organized by ornithologist Frank Chapman of the American Museum of Natural History in 1900 as an ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — While you’re snuggled on the couch New Year’s day, sporting new moose pajamas and fuzzy slippers, hot cuppa in hand and watching the Rose Parade on NBC or ABC at 8 a.m. — know that our local foothills are nicely represented by the efforts of a local service club, a group of students, and their chaperones. On ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — With trees already down throughout the region, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Wind Advisory for Yosemite National Park to Kings Canyon, including the Mariposa, Madera and Fresno County foothills, and the towns of North Fork, Oakhurst and Mariposa. The Wind Advisory is in effect through 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1. Winds are northeast ...

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 ...