By Sal Maccarone Artists have been experimenting with animation for thousands of years. During the first century, China’s Imperial Dynasty developed a contraption that created the illusion of motion through a rapid succession of pictures. Later on, the Victorian era “Zoetrope”, a revolving cylinder viewed from the outside, was a big hit in the 1890’s. And, of course, there are ...

YOSEMITE — It’s been an extremely busy week in Yosemite due to massive damage caused  by powerful Mono Winds (reported gusts up to 80 mph) last Monday night.  Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The park has been closed to all visitors while repairs and cleanup work are being done.  Expected reopening is this coming Tuesday – for day-use only (8 ...

NORTH FORK – With the current storm and the winter season upon us the Red Cross has offered some preparedness tips for flood safety and general emergency situations. Turn around, don’t drown! Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and ...

By Bob Labozetta (UC Master Gardener, Mariposa) December through March is the time to plant fruit and nut trees. Bare root trees are less expensive, transport easily and acclimate best to native soils. Once you’ve chosen your variety of bare root tree, it’s time to plant. Choose a site that gets a minimum of six to eight hours of sunlight ...

MADERA – The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is issuing an evacuation warning for Road 225 between Cascadel Road, including the area within Sierra National Forest, due to an incoming storm with possible debris/mud flow concerns. The evacuation warning area includes Kinsman Flat Subdivision, Saginaw Creek Subdivision, and Cascadel Road at Cascadel Heights Drive (Cascadel Woods Subdivision). The National Weather Service ...

NORTH FORK – The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the Central Sierra Foothills including the cities of Coarsegold, Oakhurst, Squaw Valley, Auberry, North Fork, Mariposa, Devils Postpile, Florence Lake, Lake Thomas Edison, Bass Lake, Fish Camp, Wawona and Shaver Lake. The warning will remain in effect from 10 pm Jan 26, 2021 through 4 am Jan ...

Wind event update – PG&E crews continue to work on repairing damage from last weeks mono wind event. In some areas, they are essentially having to rebuild the infrastructure from scratch, particularly near Wawona and Fish Camp. Currently about 800 customers remain out of power. PG&E brought in temporary generation to restore many customers, and may install more in the ...

Hiking with the 1883 Topographic Map, I followed the old wagon and stagecoach roads above Nipinnawasee through 1880’s era homesteads as I tried to figure out the routes of travel, neighbor relationships and a few stories from back in the day. Distance: 13.12 Miles (but you can go shorter or longer)Difficulty: ModerateElevation Range: 3,417′ to 5,038′Date: December 24, 2020CALTOPO: Worman’s ...

When the weather is frightfully cold and you need something quick to warm you up, try this recipe for tomato-tortellini soup. With only four ingredients, you’ll be warm and cozy in no time!   Tomato-Tortellini Soup • Two 14-ounce cans reduced-sodium chicken broth • One 9-ounce package of refrigerated tortellini • One 8-ounce tub cream cheese spread with chive and ...

Hi, I am Stevie…..not a very girlish name, is it? I guess I should feel lucky I wasn’t named “Crook”  for my crooked tail! I am an indoor kitty, spayed, and I would say I am “mature”. I haven’t been counting so I am not sure how old I am in human years. Let’s just say I am an adult…not a crazy kid, not a senior citizen! If you are looking for a pretty, sweet girl-kitty, call for more information about me at 559-683-1266.