MOUNTAIN AREA — A Winter Storm Watch is in effect this weekend for the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon above 4,500 feet, as a storm brings rain and snow to the area. A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. The National Weather Service (NWS) says the Winter ...

YOSEMITE — Dozens of volunteers have willingly descended on trails and walkways in one of the country’s busiest national parks to make sure that Yosemite remains pristine and beautiful through the government shutdown. Park employees, residents and volunteers from around the area turned out in droves today to pick up trash all along the public areas, even as park officials announced ...

YOSEMITE – As the federal government shutdown drags on into the new year, Yosemite National Park remains open, however reports have been flooding in of people using the roadsides as bathrooms, discarding trash everywhere and endangering natural resources. Park officials announced today that there will now be limited access to the park along the Highway 41 corridor from the South ...

Contributed by Len McKenzie, YAAS – MOUNTAIN AREA – The Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) continues this week, as intrepid observers in Oakhurst and Merced take to the field for one day to make a record of all the birds they see and hear. Organized by ornithologist Frank Chapman of the American Museum of Natural History in 1900 as an ...

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 ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — With trees already down throughout the region, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Wind Advisory for Yosemite National Park to Kings Canyon, including the Mariposa, Madera and Fresno County foothills, and the towns of North Fork, Oakhurst and Mariposa. The Wind Advisory is in effect through 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1. Winds are northeast ...

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 ...

YOSEMITE – Yosemite National Park is open, however visitor services are limited due to the lapse in federal appropriations. During the government shutdown, national parks are working to remain as open and accessible to the American people as possible, say park officials. Unfortunately, Wawona Campground and Hodgdon Meadow Campground are closed due to impacts from human waste and public safety ...

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 ...

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 ...