MOUNTAIN AREA — While you’re snuggled on the couch New Year’s day, sporting new moose pajamas and fuzzy slippers, hot cuppa in hand and watching the Rose Parade on NBC or ABC at 8 a.m. — know that our local foothills are nicely represented by the efforts of a local service club, a group of students, and their chaperones. On ...

CALIFORNIA — Here are a handful of the hundreds of laws that go into effect on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019: FAMILIES Employment: lactation accommodation AB 1976 Requires employers to make private space available for women who are breastfeeding at work, other than a bathroom. The law previously required space other than a toilet stall. FOOD Food facilities: single-use plastic straws AB ...

My Ooooby box has arrived and it is like opening a present, discovering the wonderful fruits and vegetables that I will be feasting on for the next week or so. I have been getting my box full of fresh organic vegetables and fruit for several years. It was first owned by T.D. Willey, then he sold his community supported agriculture ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Local nonprofits serving women and children for at least three years may be eligible for a share of $100,000, provided they qualify and apply for the funds by Jan. 11, 2019. The Board of Directors of the Central California Women’s Conference (CCWC) is seeking local community benefit organizations serving women and children to apply for a share ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team at American Pickers are coming back to California to film episodes of their hit series and casting producers are now looking for leads throughout the state. They’re specifically scouting for people with a combination of personality and interesting items — lots of them. Does that sound familiar? If it describes you ...

BASS LAKE — Revelers are welcome to ring in 2019 at The Pines Resort with a Glitz & Glam Party in the Lakeview Room on New Year’s Eve — Monday, Dec. 31, 2018. The $15 per person cover charge includes party favors, light snacks, photo booths, a champagne toast at midnight, and a front row view to the midnight fireworks ...

FISH CAMP — From first cocktail to last dance, Tenaya Lodge is planning a get-down-and-boogie New Year’s Eve bash. Beginning with an hors d’oeuvres and cocktail reception before progressing to a gourmet dinner with live entertainment, the evening will heat up with The Valley Cats taking the stage for a post-meal dance party. Midnight brings a champagne toast, hats and ...

Opening day at Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area (Badger Pass) and that meant that the nordic trails were open, groomed and begging us to dig our snowshoes out to feel the snow squeak and see the fabulous snow blanketed high country. Where: Yosemite National Park Distance: 7.49 Miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevational Range: 7,237′ to 7,380′ Date: December 20, 2018 Map: ...

OAKHURST — Students at Oak Creek Intermediate school brought in just shy of 500 canned and non-perishable food items to benefit Manna House, says Principal Brad Barcus. “Classrooms were challenged to bring in items as part of a class competition,” he explains. “Mrs. Duckworth’s class brought in the most items with 174. Mrs. Bodine’s Class brought in the highest percentage ...

NORTHERN HEMISPHERE — Winter Solstice this year will be enhanced by the presence of a full moon and the peaking of a major meteor shower. Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, with the longest night, marking the point during the year when the Northern Hemisphere is the most inclined away from the Sun. The day marks the ...