Mountain Communities – In continued preparation for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) adoption of 988 as the new three-digit number to be used nationwide to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline, 11-digit dialing is being implemented. However, callers must continue to dial 1-800-273-TALK to reach the Mental Health Crisis Lifeline until July 16, 2022. For 988 ...

Message from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services: Mountain Communities – The Madera County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, in partnership with Madera County Public Works Road Department, will continue tree mortality project work. 1/5/22- Tree crews will continue work along Road 222, in the Bass Lake Annex area. Upon completion, they will move to Road 221. 1/4/22- ...

Yosemite – The January Quarterly meeting will be a conversation with public land managers from California State Parks, Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service as well a speaker/volunteer leader from Recreate Responsibly California Coalition. 9:30 a.m. – Community Open Mic Chat 10:00 a.m. – Main Meeting Topic 11:00 a.m. – Yosemite National Park Update The past 20 months through ...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The ushering in of a new year brings with it the anticipation of a fresh start, positive changes, and healthy resolutions.  What it should not bring are headlines of tragedies caused by drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. To encourage safe travel for those who are out on the road, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) ...

OAKHURST — It was the day after Christmas 12-26-21, and our area had been receiving some much-needed snow. Families were very excited for the chance to play in the snow together, even though officials had been recommending against travel into the Sierra Nevada Mountains for the week leading up to Christmas, as we reported here. I had spent the day ...

MADERA COUNTY — The Madera County Fire Department is the recipient of a $70,000 grant to purchase new extrication equipment referred to as “the jaws of life.” The grant funding was provided through the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Madera County Fire Department Assistant Chief Matthew Watson stated that “This new equipment will ...

BASS LAKE — On May 5, 2021, Mark Choe and Shahnaz Sodager Choe forged a life partnership with their wedding at Bass Lake’s Pines Resort, which Choe manages. Now they have created an additional partnership, Gold Stars Behavior Therapy, with a mission to teach confidence-building skills to children dealing with autism and their support parents. Shahnaz Choe heads the therapy ...

It’s the week before Christmas and some of you have been dreaming of a white Christmas, right? Looking back a couple of weeks, I mentioned that a white Christmas might be a possibility in an article I wrote. I can now say with a lot more certainty that you might get your wish. However, in my truest “hope for the ...

BASS LAKE– If you’re fixin’ to celebrate the entry of 2022 in style, the place to do it is The Pines Resort at Bass Lake.  There is plenty to choose from, for all ages. Whether noshing is your thing, to watching fireworks grace the Bass Lake night sky (possibly over a blanket of sparkling snow), it’s all happening at The ...

OAKHURST–After all the preparations, all the pre-holiday festivities, after the blessed rain and even a bit of snow in some places, it’s finally here! Christmas week itself. It’s a time for family, friends (and fruitcake?). Enjoy the holidays! TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21 Tuesday Morning & Evening Yoga Morning: 8:30 am – 9:30 am, Evening: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Oakhurst Community ...