Sally and I had escaped the Ferguson Fire smoke by heading over to the east side of the Sierra. We spent the night in Lone Pine, then headed up Hwy 395 to the White Mountains. I hoped that by getting up over 10,000′ elevation, we would experience smoke-free air plus I had never been to ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and ...

By Barbara Eicker —  OAKHURST — It’s been an amazing journey, but Stephen Stavast, owner of Stavast Studio/Gallery, will be closing his doors in Oakhurst after more than 26 years in business. In 1992, Stavast opened his fine art gallery on Highway 41 — the second gallery to open in what is now known as Gallery Row. During that time, ...

NORTH FORK — The super fun, free family event formerly known as Hot August Night is now the North Fork Car Show & Street Party, hosted by the North Fork Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. It’s happening on Saturday, Aug. 18 with the same great vibes in downtown North Fork, and everyone is invited — from 3 to 8 ...

MARIPOSA — Looking for something fantastic to do with the family this weekend? Check out the Mariposa Anime-Comic Con on Sunday, Aug. 19. Billed as a kiddo-friendly event, there’s no charge for children 12 and under. The event takes place at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Best of all? At the heart of this con is ...

By Karen Bauer —  COUNTY — Looking for that perfect four-legged addition to your family? Want unconditional love from someone who is always excited to greet you at the door?  We can recommend a small cuddle-bun for your lap, or maybe a big (slightly!) slobbery lug you can take on long walks. Friends of Madera Animal Shelter (FMAS) is participating ...

OAKHURST – With the reopening of Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Yosemite Gateway communities have come together with #YosemiteNOW campaign on social media, to show the world Yosemite’s icons remain unharmed from the fire and to encourage visitation that is vital to the region’s economic recovery. After thirty days of challenging fire and unhealthy air quality, Yosemite ...

MARIPOSA — The free summer concert series Music on the Green — brought to you by The Mariposa County Arts Council and its many fine sponsors — presents the second-to-last weekend of the 2018 season, featuring great live music from Cloudship on Friday, Aug. 17, and on Saturday, August 18, the debut of the young, local jam band Soul Captives. ...

YOSEMITE – Firefighters continue their efforts to contain the last remaining active fire, burning near the entrance to Yosemite Valley between Highways 41 and 140. The Ferguson Fire is now estimated at 96,457 acres and is 86 percent contained The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and Wawona reopen today at 9 a.m. (see details below). Yosemite Valley is scheduled to ...

Sally and I had reached a threshold where we just had to get out of the smoke and heat but with Hwy 41, 140, 120 and then 108 all closed to the eastern side, it was time get serious about our escape. So, we drove south down Hwy 99 to Bakersfield across Tehachapi and up 395. Smoke was following us ...

When summer eating and drinking is out of control, it can take most of the fall to get back on track. You don’t have to deprive yourself this summer, but you can negotiate summer dining and parties without completely going off the rails. The barbecues, family vacations, and reunions — as well as all the other summer rituals that get us ...