By Brian David —  California’s Mediterranean climate of short, wet winters and long, dry summers sustains more diverse foliage than any other of the 49 states. For California’s commercial agriculture and home gardening, however, capturing water is crucial. We channel surface runoff from watersheds, diverting water into reservoirs and dams and direct the flow and delivery of water through aqueducts ...

OAKHURST — There’s a ball field, and there’s a team. Problem is, the team can’t navigate the field. Despite its popularity, our busy local Little League field has inadequate access for about 20 softball players with special needs, say parents — and organizers agree. From walkers to wheelchairs, it’s extremely difficult to get around the facility. Severe disrepair and a lack ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — It’s cold, wet, and snowy outside in some places and that’s not going to change much over the next two days — except the snow levels will drop again — as the National Weather Service (NWS) in Hanford has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Sierra Nevada and a Winter Weather Advisory for the foothills. Winter ...

MARIPOSA – The National Weather Service in Hanford has issued a Flash Flood Warning for northwestern Mariposa County and southwestern Tuolumne County until 1:30 p.m. At 11:59 a.m., Doppler radar indicated a line of thunderstorms providing very heavy rain across the warned area. Radar estimated half- to three-quarters of an inch per hour. Flash flooding is expected to begin shortly. ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY – As of 10 a.m. today, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has reopened State Route 140 in and near the Ferguson Fire burn scar. The preemptive closure was implemented at 3 p.m. yesterday and extended for approximately 17 miles from Bear Creek near Midpines to Foresta Road in El Portal. The highway remained closed for about 19 ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY – Once again, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is planning a preemptive closure of State Route 140 in and near the Ferguson Fire burn scar ahead of a major storm. The highway will be closed beginning at 3 p.m.on Wednesday, Feb. 13. “This closure is being prompted by an ongoing storm that could impact the roadway, and ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — After a short break in the weather has given some a chance to mop up and plow out, rain and snow return to the region, as the National Weather Service issues a flood watch and warnings for the foothills and a two-day storm warning for the mountains above 5,000 feet. Flash Flood Warning Flash Flood Warning For Parts ...

MARIPOSA – The Mariposa County Arts Council is pleased to continue the F/STOP photography program aimed at Mariposa residents 55 years of age and older. This program consists of a series of free, 5-week digital photography workshops focused on the artistic elements of photography and is designed to promote creativity and self-expression, and increase comfort with digital technology. Each workshop ...

MARIPOSA – The John C. Fremont Hospital Foundation invites the community to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, Mar. 16 from 6-10 p.m. at the Mariposa Fairgrounds. This gala bash will include a traditional Irish dinner with a vegetarian option, plus dancing, a raffle and auction, and no-host bar featuring Irish cocktails, beer and wine. Tickets are $25 for adults, ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — The National Weather Service (NWS) has upgraded the next storm system to a Winter Storm Warning, as rain and snow return to the area, and freezing overnight temps prevail. In the foothills above 2,500 feet, there’s a Winter Weather Advisory for snow — up to seven inches is expected, according to the NWS. Winter Weather Advisory for ...