COARSEGOLD– Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino has been honored with the prestigious Best Hotel/Casino Dining title at the 2024 Best of the Valley Restaurant Awards. Organized by the California Restaurant Association Fresno Chapter, these awards recognize culinary excellence in the region across 40 categories. The accolade is a testament to Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional ...

MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES—University of California, Cooperative Extension’s Livestock & Natural Resources Advisor for Mariposa and Merced Counties, Fadzayi Mashiri, is hosting a workshop for local ranchers on Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The workshop is in collaboration with The California-Pacific Section of the Society for Range Management. The theme of the workshop is “Conservation Ranching: Practices, ...

BASS LAKE—Organizers throw a total of 1,000 tagged fish into the lake in preparation for the annual Bass Lake Fishing Derby, so you’ve got a good chance of catching one. Up to $55,000 in prize money is available to lucky fisher folks. Register for the 43rd Annual Bass Lake Fishing Derby to be eligible to win prizes ranging from the ...

MARIPOSA COUNTY–The Mariposa County Arts Council (Arts Council) and Sierra Foothill Conservancy (SFC) have the pleasure of presenting their 2024 Art + Environmental Education Summer Day Camp! This day camp receives support from the Mariposa County Unified School District’s Expanded Learning Opportunity program. Tailored for TK-6th grade students in Mariposa County, this place-based, outdoor education program is a collaborative effort. ...

AHWAHNEE—Hi, we’re Claudia and Dodger, a mix-and-match set of twins who will worm our way into your heart and home in no time at all. Do you have a place for a couple of lively pups who just want the best out of life? We’re Australian Kelpie and German Shepherd mixed breed, which we think is pretty special. We’re only ...

Mother’s Day this year takes place on Sunday, May 12, and the mountain/foothill communities have tons to offer. You don’t even have to wait till Sunday to start celebrating. There’s a whole raft of activities starting on Friday and continuing clear through Sunday evening. Work your way from wineries in Madera up to dinner in Fish Camp. There’s literally something ...

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–Yosemite officials have announced that on April 15, a large rockfall occurred from the slope above the John Muir Trail. The rockfall happened between Clark Point and the top of Nevada Fall, sending hundreds of boulders onto the trail. In the current state of the trail, boulders, trees, and other debris, spanning approximately 1,000 feet, obstruct the trail. ...

AHWAHNEE—You know what “they” always say. “April Showers Bring May Flowers.” In our world, April Showers bring Meowers. There are a bunch of us currently residing at the EMCSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center who are ready to shower you with lots of love. Only four of us are shown in the feature photo, but there are more of us ready ...

OAKHURST–The tradition continues as Oakhurst Sunrise Rotary sponsors its 29th Annual Cajun Fest. This year attendees can anticipate mouthwatering “All-U-Can-Eat Shrimp, Ribs, Dirty Rice, and Cajun Corn.” Bring your appetite. Add to that a scrumptious homemade dessert from Bee’s Bakery and Cafe. Cajun Fest features a no-host bar with a full variety of beverages. Be on the lookout, as well, ...

AHWAHNEE—Hi, I’m Max. I have some exciting news for you. As you may know, I usually stay with my foster family, but this week I am staying at this luxurious spa called the EMC SPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center. You can easily come meet me anytime the spa is open (that’s Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm). ...