MADERA COUNTY – It was just a regular Wednesday for Codee Cardoza and her young kids. They were driving back home from a doctor’s appointment, headed south on a little stretch of Highway 99 that’s under construction, around 3:15 in the afternoon. Baby Ethan, 2, was safely secured in his car seat, and Codee’s daughter Paiden, 9, was buckled up ...

MOUNTAIN AREA – You go for a walk in the forest hoping for a peaceful sojourn through tall trees, with picturesque pine-needle paths leading to a cedar-scented paradise where you contemplate the treasures of nature. Instead, you’re tripping over old tires, making your way through broken-down refrigerators, busted air conditioners, televisions, and “just about anything you can think of.” You’ve ...

OAKHURST – Seeing scarecrows everywhere? That’s the plan for this month: as a way to bring together the business community, get a little friendly competition going and “feed a fierce love of all things fall,” Branches Books & Gifts store owner Anne Driscoll has issued a fun challenge to Oakhurst Area businesses and schools. Throughout the month of October, Branches ...

We headed over to the east side of the Sierra to check out the fall color. I know, we did the same thing last week, but we went to different areas and found the most beautiful orange aspens to share with you. Distance: About 300 Miles Roundtrip Dificulty: Easy Elevational Range: 7,200′ to 9,960′ Date: September 28, 2015 We drove ...

YOSEMITE – Approximately 1500 people attended a ceremony in Yosemite Valley on Thursday, Oct. 1 to commemorate the park’s 125th Anniversary. The ceremony included remarks from Park Superintendent Don Neubacher, a living history portrayal of John Muir, a Native American blessing and songs, and 400 students from the Yosemite area and Central Valley. The special guest for the day was ...

Submitted by the BGC OAKHURST – The start of school brought a great rush of members to the Club this year both new and old, our daily attendance edging over 50 kids! The smoke from the wildfires kept everyone in for a few days where arts & crafts projects flourished, the kids making friendship bracelets, crochet, beading, drawing and coloring. ...

OAKHURST – In keeping with a local tradition that dates back about 30 years, Lutz Apple Farm will open again this season thanks to the efforts of Cheryl Lutz and John Lutz (rhymes with boots) over the last twelve months. Apples are being picked and sorted right now, the freezer is filling with cider, the children’s play area is ready ...

What do you do to celebrate the first day of Fall? Head to the east side of the Sierra to check out the early fall color at the higher elevations. We didn’t know what we would find but hoped we would find some Aspens turning their pretty fall colors. Distance: About 300 miles roundtrip Difficulty: Easy Elevation Range: 7,200′ to ...

OAKHURST – Students, teachers and community members got their Fall on Friday, Sept. 25 at Yosemite High School, as a large and festive group celebrated autumn with an all-school rally. About 700 classmates, their instructors, administration and special visitors attended the rally in the gym just before lunch. The event was planned and presented by ASB class, led by Rose ...

Submitted by Michael Vaughan O’NEALS – Want to play some soccer with friends without leaving the mountain area?  Join the co-ed mountain area soccer league.  Registration is open to all adults (18+).  Just go to Oakhurst Adult Soccer online and join one of six teams. Rules:  11 vs. 11.  30 minute halves.  Maximum 2 male and female players under 30 ...