CALIFORNIA – The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) invites all Californians to celebrate summer by fishing this Saturday. July 5 is the first of two Free Fishing Days in 2014, when people can try their hand at fishing without having to buy a sport fishing license. Free Fishing Days are also a great opportunity for licensed anglers to ...

CLOVIS – The Sierra National Forest will be implementing forest-wide fire restrictions. Higher fuel temperature, dry fuel conditions, severe drought, and an increase in fire activity on the forest and nationwide has led to this decision. Restrictions are in place in all areas on the Sierra National Forest, including the wilderness. Campfires and barbecues are only allowed in developed campgrounds ...

SACRAMENTO – California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Director Ken Pimlott has issued an order to suspend open burning across 31 million acres of State Responsibility Area (SRA) in California. The suspended burning order is part of CAL FIRE’s continued efforts to mitigate the increased threat of wildfire due to the state’s drought emergency. “The increase in ...

MADERA COUNTY – An Oxnard man found himself in jail after challenging a Coarsegold resident to a fight, then showing up for the confrontation with a knife and stabbing the other combatant, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Lance Sinklier, Jr, 19, is charged with attempted murder for reportedly stabbing an unidentified Coarsegold man during a fight over a girl.

CALIFORNIA – With current drought conditions and everyone on high alert, attention to wildland firefighting has been heightened for many residents in the foothills and mountain area. We all see the engines, water tenders and crews rolling in to fight these fires, but perhaps the most spectacular sight from the vantage point most of us have, is the work of ...

CALIFORNIA – The last thing you want to do while working to protect your home from wildfire is to cause one, or to be fined or even arrested. During the dry fire-prone months, Californians are extra diligent in keeping the dry weeds cut and under control in an effort to protect their property from potential wildfire. But experts warn that ...

SACRAMENTO – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will accept applications in July from individuals interested in a career as a CHP officer. The CHP is looking to hire cadets from a pool of applicants to fill vacant officer positions throughout the state.

WASHINGTON – In the face of what is shaping up to be a catastrophic fire season in the Southwest, the U.S. Forest Service is adding four additional aircraft to its next-generation firefighting fleet, bringing the total amount of aircraft to 21 large airtankers (with opportunities to add additional aircraft, if needed) and more than 100 helicopters. The new aircraft will ...

I took a little outing to an old mill in the forest near Sebastopol today. It only operates about three times a year, by old timer volunteers. I just glanced at the names on this photo list and did a nostalgia trip. So many old friends I haven’t seen in such a long time

CALIFORNIA — Historic and beautiful Hearst Castle is now offering new tours for a limited time, so interested visitors may want to book a trip now. Along with six tours already available, two have been added specifically for the spring season: a guided tour of the gardens, as well as a semi-private, special focus tour entitled “Hearst and Hollywood.” The ...