MARIPOSA — California has already experienced an unusually early start to fire season amidst an ongoing drought and historically low rainfall and reservoir levels. While wildfires are a natural part of California’s landscape, the fire season in California and across the west is starting earlier and ending later each year. Warmer spring and summer temperatures, reduced snowpack, and earlier spring ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES — Summer’s warm weather is coming, and Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) customers can benefit by participating in a variety of programs to prepare for the inevitable increase in air conditioning usage associated with hotter weather that typically drives up summer energy costs. To prepare eligible customers are encouraged to take advantage of income-qualified assistance programs including: ...

HOME & GARDEN — Designers from coast to coast are cooking up fresh ideas for kitchen upgrades. If you are planning a kitchen upgrade, take inspiration from these on-trend elements. 1. Unique Tile In recent years, backsplash tile has taken a more prominent role in kitchen design and has continued to grow in popularity to the point where tile is ...

BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY — Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, you can ensure you’re getting the most for your money with a little extra planning. These savvy shopping tips can help you score the most savings and added benefits while you’re at it. 1.  Time Your Purchase Before any big purchase, spend time researching the product and retailers to find potential ...

FOOD & DRINK — If you’ve ever taken a bite of something and the only word that came to mind was “Yum!” then you know what it’s like to experience this peanut butter dessert. It’s fluffy, sweet, perfectly crumbly and tastes delicious. It’s rich but light. It’s a dessert that will likely never go out of style. You can stop ...

FISH CAMP — The Fish Camp Fire Association is funding a free chipping program for Fish Camp residents that includes brush, limbs, and small trees. This program is designed to help you (or someone you’ve contracted) clear a 100′ space around your home (or to your property line). This includes fuel ladders and small trees. 2022 Chipping Dates for Fish ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES — Who has time to continuously care for that carpet-like, green grass almost everyone longs for? Nearly no one. Cultivating a lush, green lawn takes time, can be expensive and is a mainstay on weekend to-do lists spring through fall. Now that’s a serious commitment. Traditional turf lawns require a lot of maintenance. You must mow and remove ...

Recipe submitted by Ericka Sanchez. MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES — Busy calendars loaded with holidays, celebrations, parties and reunions make spring a perfect time for gathering with family and friends. Plus, springtime itself is worth celebrating thanks to warmer temperatures and longer days. Making the most of those joyous occasions calls for a menu filled with variety to keep everyone coming back ...

SACRAMENTO — The California Fire Safe Council (CFSC), California’s leader in community resiliency and community wildfire risk reduction, is hosting an official press conference during Wildfire Awareness Week on May 5 in Sacramento. Following California’s driest 1st quarter ever recorded, the organization will be presenting its key pillars to support and protect residents and their communities across California this wildfire ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES — California’s Wildfire Preparedness Week is May 1 – 7, 2022, and CAL FIRE and its partner agencies are spending the week raising awareness on what individuals and communities can do to help protect themselves against the threat of wildfires. Being proactive and prepared for wildfire is crucial for all Californians in making its communities more resilient to ...