SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.— Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced today that they have begun daily aerial fire detection patrols across hundreds of miles of their service area. The patrols are intended to assist the U.S. Forest Service, Cal Fire and local fire agencies with early fire detection and response this summer. PG&E says they are launching the patrols this ...

Written by Karen Bauer — OAKHURST — Pet adoptions, photos with your pet and discounted spay/neuter certificates courtesy of the Eastern Madera County SPCA and Friends of Madera Shelter (FMAS) will all be available along with a glass (or two!) of wine on Saturday, June 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Yosemite Wine Tails in Oakhurst. Collette Goga, ...

AHWAHNEE — The Sierra Shadow Casters motorcycle club is holding its very popular Sierra Memorial Poker Run through Yosemite on Saturday, June 24. Proceeds from the 8th annual event will go to local charities which benefit children’s causes. The ride begins in Ahwahnee at the Hitchin’ Post, with registration from 8 to 9:30 a.m., and kickstands up at 9:45. Riders ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — The National Weather Service in Hanford has upgraded the previously issued heat watch to an Excessive Heat Warning starting at noon on Sunday, June 18 to 11 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20. Meanwhile, in Yosemite, heat will cause snow to melt and waters to rise. The Excessive Heat Warning is for the San Joaquin Valley and Mariposa, Madera, ...

AHWAHNEE — Today was a celebration of our veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces, and also a recognition of what can be accomplished through the hard work and dedication of a group of veterans and local citizens. Hundreds gathered at the Ahwahnee Hills Regional Park this morning for the dedication of the Veterans’ Memorial — a ...

YOSEMITE — When Marcus Mazzaferri set off from Campo, California at the southern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) on April 1, his plan was to hike the all the way to the other end at Manning Park in British Columbia, Canada. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail is a long-distance hike closely aligned with the highest portion of the ...

By Mathew Sands — OAKHURST — This marks the fourth year for what has become one of the most highly regarded live music events in the Yosemite Area, as Sierra Tel presents 2017 Sounds of Solstice Music Festival on Saturday, June 17 at the Oakhurst Community Park. All proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst. Sounds of Solstice Music ...

BASS LAKE — Courteous drivers often use the wide spot at the top of Road 426 to pull over and let faster vehicles pass. That didn’t turn out too well today for a cyclist from Fresno. A 59-year-old male cyclist had just reached the top of the grade at the llama ranch near the 25-mile per hour curve and parked ...

YOSEMITE — At 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, Yosemite Fire and Aviation started ignition on the Soupbowl Prescribed Fire Unit between the South Entrance to Yosemite National Park and the community of Wawona. At 9 p.m., operations were shut down due to mixed rain and snow. Burn conditions were good leading up to the weather event, and 5-10 acres ...

On April 6, 2017, at the taxpayers expense, a conference was held in Bass Lake for Madera County politicians and employees. The Agenda covered “Strategic Conversation with Staff related to the achievements, vision, goals, initiatives and priorities of Madera County.” We have yet to determine what the cost was to the taxpayers, because that information has not been forthcoming from ...