YOSEMITE – The cables to the summit of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park will be reset this Friday, May 16. This opening date is a week earlier than previously scheduled due to the low snow pack. Hikers wishing to ascend the cables between May 16 and May 22 can apply online at: www.recreation.gov for a first-come, first-served, permit.

MADERA COUNTY – On Wednesday, May 14, at 11:30 a.m., Madera County will honor the Peace Officers who have died in the line of duty at the 7th annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony. The program will include a flyover and a reading of the names of those who died in the line of duty in 2013. There will also be ...

MADERA – “A Different Look at Yosemite’s Treasures” 150th Anniversary of Yosemite Land Grant Photography Exhibition is on display now at Circle Gallery in Madera. I would like to invite you to journey down to the Circle Gallery at 1653 Schnoor, Ste. 113, in Madera, to join me at the Reception on Saturday, May 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. ...

YOSEMITE – Four Yosemite National Park employees received Valor Awards at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, May 8. The rangers were recognized and honored for their valorous efforts on a complex and technical rescue on El Capitan in September 2011. The awards were given to two Yosemite National Park Rangers, Jeffrey Webb and David Pope, and two Yosemite ...

MADERA – The Madera County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday proclaimed the month of May as Mental Health Month, with various activities designed to help educate people about mental illness and raise awareness about mental health conditions. Students from Madera South High School presented a video they made to raise awareness about mental health and the challenge to overcome the ...

SACRAMENTO – Drought conditions have led to a significant increase in wildfire activity and to ensure Californians are ready, Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. has declared May 4 -10 as “Wildfire Awareness Week.” CAL FIRE is reminding residents during Wildfire Awareness Week of the dangers posed by wildfires and the simple steps that should be followed to prepare for and ...

MADERA COUNTY – After three months of testimony and five days of deliberation, the jury in the Kenneth Jackson/Alice Waterman arson and conspiracy trial has reached its verdict. Jackson was found guilty on 21 counts of arson, one count each of assault on a peace office and resisting arrest. Waterman was found guilty on 6 counts of arson. Both defendants ...

YOSEMITE – The Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park will open for the season on Friday, May 2, at noon for all vehicular traffic. The Tioga Road, bounded on both sides by State Highway 120, is the popular east-west crossing of the Sierra Nevada. Vault toilets are available in several locations along the road. Limited visitor services will be available ...

OAKHURST – Foothill residents who attended Matthew Matthiessen’s presentation on “Birds and Birding in Brazil” in Mariposa in December marveled at his captivating images of some of that country’s diverse birdlife. Known for his engaging manner, stunning photos and impressive command of his subject, Matthiessen will offer another visual treat at the May Yosemite Area Audubon Society (YAAS) program in ...

To the Editor: Our community is facing a momentous decision that will affect Fish Camp for many years to come, perhaps forever. The fate of our meadow, a virgin wetland, is in the hands of the Mariposa County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. They are being asked to extend old permits again by Palm Springs Village. This developer has ...