SAN FRANCISCO — As woody debris piles up from dead trees killed by drought and bark beetle infestation, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has launched an expanded debris management program to support its customers in 10 counties severely impacted by California’s growing tree mortality emergency. PG&E is offering the expanded debris removal program to customers in Kern, Tulare, Fresno, Madera, ...

CENTRAL SIERRA — Smoke from the Soberanes Fire burning in Monterey County is affecting air quality in locations throughout the San Joaquin Valley and the Central Sierra, warns the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. Unusually high particulate matter and ozone levels throughout the area are prompting Air District officials to issue a health cautionary statement Valley-wide. The wildfires ...

Written by Jennifer Moss —  MOUNTAIN AREA — Yes, it’s a fad, but it’s all the rage, and many businesses are taking advantage of this crazy craze! First off, let’s define Pokémon Go: Pokémon Go is a video game played on a cell phone that places the fictional game in and around the real world, so players have to find ...

OAKHURST — The State Center Community College District-wide Extreme Registration event is a one-stop shop to assist students in completing registration for the upcoming Fall 2016 semester. All new and returning students are encouraged to take advantage of the services offered. Extreme Registration will be held on Friday, July 29, from 2 to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, July 30, ...

MARIPOSA — Music on the Green continues into the 2016 season, presenting live, in concert, B. Natural on Friday, July 29, and The Skylights on Saturday, July 30. Based in Mariposa, B. Natural makes their debut on the Art Park Stage, playing an eclectic and wide-ranging mix of well-loved covers and original songs in the genres of contemporary folk, pop, ...

SACRAMENTO — Just when you thought the world couldn’t get any weirder, the California Attorney General today issued a consumer alert advising citizens to use care when playing location-based virtual games, such as the Pokémon Go treasure hunt app. Just released this month, Pokémon Go is an augmented reality application that generates a virtual treasure hunt taking place in the real ...

CALIFORNIA —  Removing dead and dying trees has become part of every property owner’s reality, and there are important things you need to know before proceeding with any tree removal project. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has issued these guidelines and answers questions about what you need to know before you remove — or hire ...

MARIPOSA — Music on the Green continues its 25th season with free concert performances by The Trespassers on Friday July 22, and The GrassKickers on Saturday, July 23, at the Mariposa County Arts Park Stage. Hometown heroes, The Trespassers write and cover songs influenced by old-time and gypsy jazz and have been an anticipated favorite at Mariposa Evenings every season, ...

Written by Ronnie Sweeting — MARIPOSA — Music on the Green – the free summer concert series brought to you by The Mariposa County Arts Council and its many fine sponsors – continues into the 2016 season, presenting live, in concert, Cottonwood Creek — featuring Maggie Watkins and Scott Patrick Little — on Friday, July 15, and Deja Blues on ...

OAKHURST – The Oakhurst Office of the California Highway Patrol invites the community to be part of “National Night Out,” an annual event meant to bring together law enforcement officers, first responders, and the communities they serve in an informal setting. The festivities will take place in the parking lot of the old Blockbuster store in the Old Mill Shopping ...