OAKHURST — In a show of love and support for the family of Ruby Alvarez, a kid-friendly fundraiser is planned at Oakhurst Community Park on Saturday, July 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Everyone is invited to bring a blanket and enjoy an afternoon on the grass and playing on the swings, with live music and entertainment, food booths, a silent ...

OAKHURST — Local civic leaders have a message for residents and visitors alike, and it’s about staying fire-safe this summer. Rotary Clubs of Oakhurst in partnership with Eastern Madera County Chamber Alliance are supporting Sierra National Forest fire restrictions currently in effect by distributing ‘No Open Fires’ signs. The signs are available now at the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce ...

Written by Dave Hubbard — Tioga road lawsuits would smolder in court actions over many years before the issue of how this important route through Yosemite would be kept open. Traveling the road was definitely not for the faint of heart! An early traveler on the Old Tioga Road would remark… “The road is very rough in places, but is ...

YOSEMITE — Yosemite National Park anticipates a very busy Fourth of July weekend and visitors are urged to arrive at the park very early to avoid potential traffic congestion and difficulties with parking. Visitors should plan on arriving at the park entrances by 9 a.m. each day. Parking in Yosemite Valley is expected to be especially challenging and visitors should ...

YOSEMITE — Bears emerged from their dens in March this year and have been active throughout the park ever since. Recent observations have included bears grazing in roadside meadows and along hiking trails. Bear incidents this week have centered on activities by backpackers. Two incidents occurred in the Yosemite Valley Backpacker’s Campground when bears got into food left unattended in ...

CALIFORNIA — Over 5,200 firefighters are battling 9 large wildfires in California. Yesterday’s high temperatures combined with the low humidity led to an increase in wildfire conditions. Several large wildfires broke out burning hundreds of acres. Temperatures in many parts of California are expected to be 5-15 degrees above normal, and humidity will likely drop into the single digits in ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST — Anyone wishing to participate in the planning process is reminded that we are well into the 90-day public comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Draft Forest Plans for the Inyo, Sequoia and Sierra National Forests. During this time, the USFS is holding public meetings, tribal forums and a webinar to engage with ...

I had a rare treat to participate in a special tour of Bodie, with the local historian behind doors of old buildings that are closed to the general public. Where: Bodie State Historic Park Difficulty: Easy When: June 12, 2016 I spent the night in Bridgeport and headed south on Hwy 395 to Hwy 270, following the paved road and ...

Written by Dave Hubbard — Yosemite Comes Of Age The “Mather Tioga Road” is a story of inspiration and perseverance! Mather recognized  early on that the popularity of the automobile would be the key to bringing future visitors to the National Parks. In Yosemite, he quickly identified the  derelict Old Tioga Road as the perfect solution to his dilemma. As ...

CALIFORNIA — Over 5,000 firefighters are battling four large wildfires in California, while firefighters around the rest of the state battled dozens of new fires yesterday. Despite the higher temperatures and dry conditions, all the new fires yesterday were contained in their initial stages. Cal Fire crews were also able to contain the 210-acre Camanche Fire in Amador County that ...