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 ...

WORLD — Ants in your pants? Here’s a solution — try a tech-check on jolly old Santa Claus as he and his crew of reindeer make their way around the world. The NORAD Tracks Santa website features Santa’s North Pole Village, including a holiday countdown, games, activities, and more. Kids of all ages can check out NORAD Headquarters in the North Pole ...

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: ...

YOSEMITE – With the federal government shut down, you will still be able to visit Yosemite National Park, but there will be some areas and services that are not available. Visitor services in the park may be diminished or areas may be closed due to environmental, public safety, or other unknown factors. Also, road and weather information will not be ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — We’ll have some rain in the foothills and snow in the higher country around Christmastime, as a storm moves into the area by Monday afternoon and grows stronger into the night. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from Yosemite National Park to Kings Canyon from 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24 to 10 a.m. ...

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 ...

This is my favorite time of year to hike up to Chilnualna Falls, when a little snow has fallen and the creek is decorated with ice. The hike has a lot of “up” in it, one reason that I like to pick a cool day to do it. After reaching Chilnualna Falls, we headed upstream a bit to a very ...

With so many special events and activities taking place over the next few weeks, we thought it would be helpful to compile a timely list of all the entertainment-related and community-oriented holiday happenings in the mountain area between now and December 25. If we missed anything, let us know and we’ll gladly add it to the Big Local List of ...

YOSEMITE — It’s time for winter’s fun activities — Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area, formerly Badger Pass, is scheduled to open on Thursday, Dec. 20. This includes the Nordic Center. The Day Lodge, rentals and food service will all open at 8:30 a.m. Lifts are open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. A courtesy shuttle is offered daily to and from Yosemite ...