YOSEMITE — Yosemite Valley will reopen for day-use visitors tomorrow morning, Jan.10, at 8 a.m., say park officials. There is no access to Yosemite Valley via the El Portal Road (Highway 140) due to a rockfall that occurred early this morning. There is no estimated day or time for the road to reopen. The Hetch Hetchy Road is also closed ...

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA – With a series of wet storms hitting Northern and Central California, now is the time to sign up for emergency alerts from the Sheriff’s Office. Residents are advised to do so now — it only takes a minute. In Madera County, MCAlert is used in the event of emergencies or natural disasters such as floods and severe weather, and ...

YOSEMITE — A mandatory evacuation notice has been issued for all non-essential personnel for the Yosemite Valley as of 4 p.m. today, according to a notice issued by the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office. “This decision was made based on high projected water levels and the high likelihood of utility system failures,” states the notice. “The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office is ...

YOSEMITE — All roads leading into Yosemite Valley will close today at 5 p.m. in anticipation of a significant winter storm moving into the region early tomorrow morning, Saturday, Jan. 7. There will be no visitor services available throughout the storm. Visitors intending to visit Yosemite National Park are highly encouraged to monitor weather reports and check road conditions before ...

YOSEMITE — Yosemite National Park is making preparations for visitor and employee safety in response to weather reports predicting significant precipitation, and possible flooding, over the next several days and through the weekend. The predictions for significant rainfall in Yosemite Valley, well above flood stage on the Merced River, could prompt the park to be closed in the next few ...

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA — A flash flood watch remains in effect from this afternoon through Thursday afternoon in the Mariposa, Madera and Fresno County Foothills from Yosemite to Kings Canyon, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Hanford. Heavy rainfall is expected during this period resulting in rapid rises along small streams and rivers and the threat of flash flooding. Rainfall ...

CALIFORNIA — We’ve covered laws from the DMV including those pertaining to use of wireless electronic devices, child car safety seats, motorcycle lane-splitting and related others in an earlier report that’s available for review at this link. Governor Jerry Brown signed over 800 California laws in 2016. Here are a handful that go into effect Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, unless otherwise noted: ...

SACRAMENTO – Senator Tom Berryhill (R-Twain Harte) has been nominated to serve on a handful of Senate Committees for the 2017-2018 Legislative Session, including Agriculture, Insurance, and the Senate Rules Committees. In addition, the Senator’s responsibilities will include serving as Vice Chair of the Governmental Organization Committee as well as the Human Services Committee. “Families and businesses in rural California face ...

SACRAMENTO — Assemblyman Frank Bigelow (R-O’Neals) was named Assistant Republican Leader by Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes. “I’m honored to be named an Assistant Republican Leader for the 2017-2018 legislative session,” says the lifelong local rancher. “The Leadership Team shows the diversity of California and highlights our members’ real-world experience. We look forward to tackling tough issues and working to ...

YOSEMITE — Good news if you want to head down into the valley for some truly classic wintertime activity. The Half Dome Village Ice Rink is now open for the 2016-17 season. The new seasonal ice rink is located on the eastern section of Half Dome Village in the main parking area, with stunning views of Half Dome. According to ...