CALIFORNIA — As the warm weather returns, humans are not the only species coming out to enjoy the sun. Snakes, too, can be found basking in the sun’s rays. Although most snakes in the state are harmless, the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) reminds the public to steer clear of the venomous rattlesnake and know what to do if ...

COARSEGOLD – Sally Moreno, candidate for Madera County District Attorney, will host a meet and greet on Tuesday, Apr. 24, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at Yosemite Lakes Park Club House. Sally is an Army veteran, former police officer, and successfully prosecuted the YLP arson case in 2014. On the schedule for the evening is an update on proposed legislation ...

NORTH FORK – Interest in the 2018 election is running high, as was evidenced by the packed house at the North Fork Town Hall debate last Friday between the candidates for Madera County District Attorney and District 5 Supervisor. North Fork Citizen of the Year Tom Burdette moderated the debate, which was hosted by Sierra News Online and the North ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — Hazardous weather conditions are in the forecast for the foothills and mountains in our region, as heavy rainfall and a threat of flooding is likely over parts of the central California interior this week. While the atmospheric river forecast is considered strong for any time of year, the fact that it’s coming in April is highly unusual. ...

FISH CAMP — Springtime has never been more of a larger-than-life experience at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. The season promises the long-awaited re-opening of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, fun new open-air adventure tours by jeep, luxury buses and motorcycles, and the opportunity to savor the flavors of the High Sierra at a special craft beer event. What’s more, ...

MOUNTAIN AREA – Communities are on alert this afternoon as rain continues to bear down on the foothills, and the possibility of flash floods remain present, particularly in areas with burn scars. The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office has issued the following alert: The National Weather Service is forecasting significant weather between 1 and 6 p.m. this afternoon, with current models ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning in effect from 5 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 20 through 11 p.m. Thursday. The Storm Warning is for the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon and Tulare County Mountains above 8,000-feet, and takes the place of a previously issued Storm Watch. The Flash Flood warning remains in ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the high country above 8,000-feet midweek, and a Flood Watch for areas in elevations below 8,000-feet, particularly areas with burn scars. Winter Storm Watch The Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon and Tulare County Mountains, for the ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Mariposa, Madera, Fresno and Tulare County Foothills from 11 p.m. on Friday, Mar. 2 through 10 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 3 above 3,000 feet. Snow is expected with total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches, and localized amounts up to 6 inches around 4,000 feet, ...

OAKHURST – Sierra National Forest officials continue to implement the winter/spring burning program within the Bass Lake Ranger District. Projects will consist of two activities: pile burning, and understory burning. Prescribed fire is used to remove fuels created during tree mortality, timber harvest, and reforestation. The removal of these fuels provides a benefit by reducing the potential of a wildfire ...