CALIFORNIA – Sept. 18, 2020 – We are saddened to report that yesterday a firefighter lost their life on the El Dorado Fire, bringing the total number of fatalities to 26. Over 18,500 firefighters remain on the frontlines of 27 major and one extended attack wildfires in California. Milder weather is helping the fire fight as crews continue to gain ...

MADERA COUNTY – Sept. 18, 2020 – Weather conditions for today will feature increasing humidity along with the chance for light showers in the region. This humidity will help reduce the volatility of spot fires, and slow progression of the fire in the north and northeastern sections of the fire. The favorable weather conditions continue to allow the Madera County ...

MADERA COUNTY MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES – Sept. 17, 2020 – District 5 Supervisor Tom Wheeler will hold the third of 5 scheduled Town Hall Meetings tonight at 6 pm. via Zoom. Supervisor Wheeler will have Cal Fire and County staff on hand to discuss the current Creek Fire situation as well as other community issues. Here is the link to the ...

MADERA COUNTY – Sept. 17, 2020 – Very dry air began moving into the region yesterday, along with increased winds and the weakening of the inversion that has kept the smoke from leaving. These factors have allowed for increased fire growth along the north and northeastern flanks of the Creek Fire. Containment lines on the west flank were extended north ...

YOSEMITE – Fires are inundating not only California, but most of the western United States, leaving both unprecedented smoky skies as well as widespread damage in their wake. Fire is an important part of the wilderness ecosystem, however. The National Park Service will let fires, such as this one just below the Tioga Road in Yosemite, burn naturally, allowing them ...

By Sal Maccarone The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences was the idea of Louis B. Mayer (1884-1957), head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM.) Mr. Mayer felt that the organization would lend respectability and status to the movie industry, the reputation of which had been tarnished during the Roaring Twenties. So on May 4, 1927, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts ...

NORTH FORK — Lisa Saroyan is the proud new owner of the Red Barn Coffee Co., a drive-though coffee stand located here in North Fork, CA. Lisa originally lived in Fresno but has always wanted to relocate to the area, so when she and her husband saw an opportunity to buy a house, they happily relocated to the area. Lisa ...

CALIFORNIA – September 9, 2020 – Yesterday, and overnight, wind conditions allowed many fires to grow significantly with extreme fire behavior. While containment on many of last month’s lightning fires grows closer, several new wildfires ignited and were fanned by strong gusty winds. Today approximately 14,000 firefighters are battling 28 major wildfires across California.  The newest fire, the Willow in Yuba County, ...

For the interactive 360° virtual reality experience, go to: https://www.virtualyosemite.org/virtual-tour/#node254 The hike to Lukens Lake is a relatively easy one by Yosemite standards, in spite of the 8,200′ elevation.  The trail extends about 0.8 miles from Tioga Road, and only climbs about 200 feet. This is a good trail for young kids (not too long and not too steep.) As ...

BAKERSFIELD — The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office has issued a temporary emergency closure of the San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Management Area in Fresno and Madera counties due to wildland fire danger. The closure is effective immediately and remains in effect until further notice. The Creek Fire is exhibiting extreme fire behavior and has burned nearly ...