CALIFORNIA — Over 4,700 firefighters are battling 6 active wildfires in California. Last week alone firefighters responded to over 250 new wildfires across the State. Since Jan. 1, Cal Fire and local and federal firefighters have responded to nearly 2,100 wildfires that have charred over 32,000 acres. Extreme temperatures this week, along with low humidity and gusty winds in many ...

YOSEMITE — Yosemite National Park anticipates an extremely busy weekend, as record visitation continues and the park prepares for President Obama’s historic visit to Yosemite June 17 – 19. The White House announced last week that the President and First Family will celebrate Father’s Day weekend with a family trip to Carlsbad Caverns and Yosemite National Parks. “We are honored ...

CALIFORNIA — The minimum age of sale for tobacco products in California increased from 18 to 21, effective June 9, 2016. And for the first time, e-cigarettes are now included in the existing definition of tobacco products statewide. California is the second state in the nation, following Hawaii, to raise the minimum age for tobacco sales to 21. “Today marks ...

YOSEMITE — California red-legged frogs and Western pond turtles will be restored to Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park after a 50 year absence. The reintroduction is part of a collaborative effort by the National Park Service, the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, Yosemite Conservancy, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish & Wildlife and NatureBridge. The federally ...

YOSEMITE — As folks head for Yosemite National Park this weekend, they’re wanting to know about road closures, so we made the call. As of 10 p.m. on Thursday evening, May 26, we can report that all roads in the park are open without restrictions, according to the NPS website, with the exception of the Mariposa Grove Road, which is ...

SACRAMENTO – Cal Fire is increasing its firefighting staffing as windy conditions are predicted to elevate fire danger across many areas of California. With many Californians planning to recreate outdoors for the Memorial Day weekend, Cal Fire is asking the public to take steps to prevent sparking a new wildfire. According to the National Weather Service many parts of California ...

SACRAMENTO — Memorial Day weekend, one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, is the traditional start of summer and a time when more travelers and especially families will be on the go. When California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers take to the roads over the Memorial Day weekend, they will be working to save lives through seat belt education ...

TUOLOMNE COUNTY — For those who love the adventure of a road trip up and over Sonora Pass on Highway 108, pack up the car — summer is here! The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has removed the winter snow, cleared the debris and made the necessary repairs to open State Route 108 over Sonora Pass at noon today, Wednesday, ...

CALIFORNIA – The U.S. Forest Service and other federal agencies will be joining Cal Fire for a series of events across the state to celebrate Wildfire Awareness Week, May 1-7. Despite near-normal rain and snowpack in some areas, long term drought conditions continue to affect large parts of the state, including many of California’s 18 national forests. Jeanne Wade Evans, ...

SACRAMENTO – After a destructive fire season in 2015, conditions in California are already drying out prompting Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. to declare May 1-7, 2016 as “Wildfire Awareness Week.” During Wildfire Awareness Week, Cal Fire is stressing the critical role all Californians play in preparing for fire season now. “The rain we received this winter and spring has ...