OAKHURST – Early fall at the Boys at Girls Club (BGC) kicked off with happy, energetic kids, and a fresh crispness floating on the air. Members started crafting and drawing for the season early on, eagerly awaiting many exciting events at our Club.

We were very curious what those fall colors were up to in Yosemite Valley, so we took a little drive to see how they were shaping up. It was also worth taking that little hike to explore along the Merced River where we were rewarded with gorgeous reflections in the river. Parking at the Ahwahnee Hotel, we hiked up the ...

OAKHURST – Animal lovers are a distinctive breed, and with pet ownership in the United States having more than tripled since the 1970s, the most recent estimates suggest that about 164 million households in the U.S. currently have pets. If you’re live in one of those households in the foothill area, you’ll be happy to know that the Bateman family ...

NIPINNAWASEE – For two years now, with ninety stories and counting, outdoor enthusiast Candace Gregory has been deftly guiding SNO readers through the Sierra and beyond, writing about her escapades as she hikes, fishes and meanders with trusty canine companion, Sally. The author likes to think of her work as “an exploration in progress.”

SACRAMENTO – This morning Cal Fire announced that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has advised their department that no structural failures or aging aircraft issues were found in their investigation of the Tanker 81 accident that took the life of pilot Geoffrey “Craig” Hunt, on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the Dog Rock Fire in Yosemite National Park. “In light ...

Well now I’m photographing dog shows, air shows, concerts, plays, etc. instead of mountains and wildlife. The Oakmont News often sends me out on assignments. They put the photos up on their web site and in the bimonthly newspaper. No pay of course but I’ve been meeting interesting folks this way, like a friend who has published 22 books, mostly ...

OAKHURST – Friday evening at Miller’s landing was a testament to the way the community pulls together, as hundreds of people gathered to share and to support their neighbors after the disaster of the Courtney Fire. Saturday morning was when the dirty work really got underway in the burn area along Road 426, and once again, the community was there.

OAKHURST – It’s one of those “where were you when…” moments: where were you when the Courtney Fire started? In the midst of a dreamy nap on Sunday, Sept. 14, a phone call came alerting us to a fire that would ultimately destroy 30 homes and leave hundreds of residents displaced. The Courtney Fire tore through neighborhoods with destructive force, ...

POT LUCK DINNER Neighbors helping neighbors: Shannon Cole and others are organizing a potluck dinner for Courtney Fire area residents and responders on Sunday, Sept. 21, starting at 5 p.m. at the Oakhurst Elks Lodge, located at 42484 Road 41 in Oakhurst. The Elks have donated the facility, explains Shannon.

OAKHURST – Local photographer Virginia Lazar has a tendency to capture the bigness of small moments. With trademark emotional awareness in the capture of images, and sharp-eyed clarity while editing, the frequent Sierra News Online contributer recently entered a number of her favorite pictures into a series of categories at the Mariposa County Fair.