OAKHURST — Less than two years after originally opening her signature shop, Back 2 Basics, longtime area resident Lisa Weddle is pleased to invite the community to the ribbon cutting to celebrate the store’s convenient new location. Once tucked in back behind McDonalds in Oakhurst, Back 2 Basics has now opened its doors in the shopping center where Raley’s is, ...

CALIFORNIA — The lack of resources and the limited air power on the Railroad Fire is frustrating. However, communities across the state are in the same situation as 19 large wildfires, and countless smaller ones, demand response. Adding to the challenges is the near record-breaking heat, and humidity levels dipping down into the single digits. In the northern part of ...

We headed off trail to check out the country above the Mono Pass Trail. We never know what we will find and that is part of the excitement. The wildflowers were going crazy up there! Those beautiful high lakes were mighty pretty also. Where: Yosemite National Park Distance: About 10 Miles Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous Elevation Range: 9,596′ – 11,328′ ...

FISH CAMP — The Railroad Fire started just across the road from the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. Hence the name. It burned to the north, past the Narrow Gauge Inn which is just feet away, then crossed the road to the east and destroyed several homes. But the railroad was spared. That was day one. On day two, erratic ...

YOSEMITE — While the threat to the community of Wawona from the South Fork Fire has been mitigated, residents and visitors are being told to make pre-evacuation plans in case the Railroad Fire continues its march north. The South Fork Fire is now estimated at 5,191 acres with 44 percent containment. There are currently 101 personnel assigned to the incident. ...

Six days of camping at beautiful Saddlebag Lake gave Sally and myself plenty of time to wander by the high lakes in the area and get some fishing in! Where: Hoover Wilderness, Inyo National Forest Distance: About 10 Miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Range: 10,090′ – 10,359′ Date: August 17, 2017 Maps: Falls Ridge and June Lake Topogs Dog Hike? Yes ...

The world darkens around you. As the last rays of sunshine ripple through the air, the temperature begins to plummet. The birdsong stops as the sun ceases to be visible. Night — at 10 a.m. This is the power of a total solar eclipse. A solar eclipse is caused when the path of the Moon’s orbit leads it directly between ...

NORTH FORK — Just after 3 p.m. this afternoon, crews responded to a vegetation fire reported near Manzanita Lake. A full wildland dispatch was called up, including Cal Fire, Madera County Fire, Sierra National Forest and Helicopter 520. The first engine at scene at 3:23 p.m. reported the fire at about one-quarter acre on Shinn Cabin Lane near the Siderman ...

YOSEMITE — Crews continue to make good progress on the South Fork Fire near Wawona. The fire is now estimated at 4,330 acres with 44 percent containment. There are currently 304 personnel assigned to the incident, as more crews are demobilized to return to their home units. The mandatory evacuation order for Wawona has been completely lifted for residents and ...

YOSEMITE — After the Tioga Pass Resort suffered massive damage from the record snowfall this past winter, the owners have been evaluating their situation over the summer months. After realizing they couldn’t possibly open this summer, sadly, it has become apparent that the damage is too extensive to even anticipate opening for the 2018 season. Resort staff posted this message ...