Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Monday, May 5, 2008
Weather
Yosemite: TODAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY. ISOLATED SHOWERS...THUNDERSTORMS AND SNOW
SHOWERS IN THE AFTERNOON. CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION 20 PERCENT. SNOW LEVEL
ABOVE 8000 FEET. HIGHS 64 TO 74 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...47 TO 57 IN THE HIGH
COUNTRY.
TONIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY. ISOLATED SHOWERS...THUNDERSTORMS AND SNOW SHOWERS
IN THE EVENING. CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION 20 PERCENT. SNOW LEVEL ABOVE 8000
FEET. LOWS 34 TO 44 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...26 TO 36 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
TUESDAY...SUNNY. HIGHS 67 TO 77 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...47 TO 57 IN THE HIGH
COUNTRY.
TUESDAY NIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 33 TO 43 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY... 24 TO 34
IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
WEDNESDAY...MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS 63 TO 73 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...44 TO 54 IN
THE HIGH COUNTRY.
El Portal: Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. East wind 5 to 10 mph
becoming west southwest.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. West southwest wind 5 to 10
mph becoming northeast.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming west southwest
between 10 and 13 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. West southwest wind
between 10 and 13 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. East southeast wind at 11 mph
becoming west northwest.
Happening Today/This Week (Check the Community News section for other
events)
National Be Bear Aware and Wildlife Stewardship Month
Red Bear Dead Bear
Did you notice the Red Bear Dead Bear signs on your way to work this
morning? These signs have been placed where bears have been killed by
motor vehicles in past years. An average of 15 bears are hit by vehicles
each year in the park and several are killed on impact. While most bears
are able to run off the road, it’s unknown how many die later from their
injuries. The Red Bear Dead Bear signs are a reminder for motorists to
slow down, obey the posted speed limits, and to be aware of wildlife along
roadsides.
Did you know?
Black bears have excellent navigation skills and have been known to return
over 150 miles to their home range after being relocated.
Today!
Wawona Community Center, Noon – 2 p.m. Come meet the Bear Team and learn
about Yosemite bear management! We’ll be showing the movie, “Bears of
Sequoia”, a fantastic 22-minute film on the biology and management of black
bears in the Sierra. We will also have a booth set up with plenty of fun
stuff for kids! (T. Seher - 5/5/08)
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Valley School Cinco de Mayo - Please join us in front of the Valley
VisitorCenter on the 5th of May in celebrating the Cinco de Mayo with the
Yosemite Valley School. We will be serving a Mexican Lunch from 11:30 A.M
to l: 30 P.M, and the Valley School kids will be performing authentic
Mexican Dance. We will be raffling off some great Yosemite Art. All
proceeds will go to benefit the Yosemite Valley School. (W. Fontana -
4/22/08)
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Yosemite Vegetation Map Presentation, May 6 - After 10 years and 2 million
dollars the Yosemite Vegetation Map is complete. The project was an
enormous one and was supported by a number of partners including the
national NPS Inventory and Monitoring Program, Fire Pro, the Yosemite Fund,
the City and County of San Francisco, and USGS. We will be having a
presentation of the final product this coming Tuesday, May 6 in the
Resources Management and Science Conference Room in El Portal. There
will be a one hour project overview from 9 to 10 am and a more in-depth
review of the project from 10am to 3 pm. If you or any of your staff
would like to attend, just RSVP to Mitzi Thornley (mitzi_thornley@nps.gov
or 379-1301) before 5 pm on Monday. (N. Nicholas - 5/5/08)
New Today
Reminder: Utility meter replacement will be occuring this week in Wawona;
Wednesday 5/7, Thrusday 5/8 and Friday 5/9. For any questions, please
contact Katie Bablitch at 379-1055 or Paul Laymon at 379-1077. (K. Bablitch
- 5/5/08)
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POSTPONED: Merced River Plan - May, 10, 2008 - Public Planning Workshop
To all parties interested in the Merced River Comprehensive Management Plan
The new Merced River Plan public planning workshop scheduled for Saturday,
May 10, 2008, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm in Yosemite Valley has been
POSTPONED. Park management continues to consult with the National Park
Service Pacific West Regional Director, Interior Department attorneys, and
the Department of Justice on the implications of the 9th Circuit Court of
Appeals ruling on the 2005 Revised Merced River Plan. In order to honor the
time, energy and costs borne by participants, park management wants to have
clear direction on the scope, process, and substance of the next version of
the plan before convening another workshop. The park is working hard to
stay on schedule and will have more information to the public soon.
Please check our web site for updates:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/newmrp.htm
Information will be distributed once a new date for the next public
planning workshop has been determined. Thank you for your understanding. If
you have any questions, please feel free to contact Elexis Mayer, Project
Manager by phone at 209-379-1377, or by email at elexis_mayer@nps.gov, or
Linda Dahl, Yosemite National Park Chief of Planning via email at
linda_dahl@nps.gov.
The aforementioned ruling can be found at:
http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/ca9/newopinions.nsf/BCABDF4F5FB5568488257
80082FA48/$file/0715124.pdf?openelement
and on the Yosemite National Park website at:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/litigation.htm (E. Mayer - 5/5/08)
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The Glacier Point Road is open to the public. The Glacier Point Gift Shop
opened on Friday, May 2. The trailhead parking areas have been cleared but
all trails along the Glacier Point Road still have a lot of snow on them.
As a reminder, the speed limit on the Glacier Point Road is 35 mph. Bears
and other wildlife are becoming more active. Please drive carefully. (M.
Dowdle - 5/5/08)
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Annual wildland fire refresher - A wildland fire refresher will be held on
May 30th at the Crane Flat Yosemite Institute from 930 to 1800. This
refresher is intended for Mather district personnel, but all are welcome.
Please bring your blue sheet (red card information sheet), line gear and
apparel for shelter deployment drills. Please call or email me to reserve
a spot, I have room for 25 people. (K. Krause - 5/5/08)
Construction News
Swinging Bridge Accessibility Improvements Project
Construction for accessibility improvements at the Swinging Bridge Picnic
area will be the week of April 28, 2008. This projects is part of a larger
project effort to improve accessibility at five day-use areas throughout
the park. The contractor will fence off the areas to be improved including
several parking spaces for vehicle and material staging. Construction will
continue for the next two weeks. (J. Chisum - 4/28/08)
Hodgdon Meadow Duplex Installation - The contractor has completed work on
the concrete foundation. Framing and utility crews will being doing layout
work beginning the week of April 28, 2008 with construction beginning
sometime the following week. Construction is scheduled to continue through
the spring and summer and be completed in September. (J. Chisum - 04/29/08)
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Reconstruct El Portal Road at the "Narrows" (a 1/4 mile section of road
upstream of the Big Oak Flat Road (with connections to Highway 120)/El
Portal Road intersection) Please note the following update on the
contractor's construction schedule for the El Portal Road reconstruction at
the "narrows":
The following schedule is in effect:
Monday through Saturday - 30 minute delays from 6 am until 10 pm
Sunday through Thursday nights - closure from 10 pm until 6 am with one
opening at 11 pm
Call 372-0200.1.1.2 for last minute updates on the status of the
closure/opening of this road.(G. Rothell - 3/11/08)
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North and Southside Drive Rehabilitation
*April 24th thru May 23rd---Southside Drive---There will be intermittent
one lane traffic control on Southside Drive between Housekeeping and Pohono
Bridge as crews are surveying and placing rock/headwall work (Less than
15-minute delays).
*April 24th thru May 23rd--Northside Drive---Crews are completing a test
section of paving and placing stone headwalls on Northside Drive this week.
If the test section of paving goes well this week they will begin paving
next week on Northside Drive, therefore once paving starts there will be
many trucks coming into the park via Big Oak Flat Road, so please be
patient.
Big Oak Flat Road Seal Project
*April 24th-May 2nd there will be intermittent 1-lane traffic control while
crews complete some additional pothole/shoulder repairs. (up to 15-minute
delays--will coordinate with the El Portal Road traffic control to minimize
the overall road delays)
*May 5th to May 23rd>>Crews are planning to work nights placing a seal coat
on the remaining Big Oak Flat Road segment between Foresta Road
Intersection and the Tioga Road Intersection (Crane Flat). The work is
scheduled over a 2-3 week period beginning the week of May 5th or the week
of May 12th>> depending upon the weather and temperatures.(M. Pieper -
4/15/08)
Bike Trail Repair Between Camp 6 Intersection and Yosemite Falls Bus Stop
*April 21st thru May 22nd crews will be repairing the existing
pedestrian/bike trail between Camp 6 intersection and the Yosemite Falls
Bus Stop. There will be intermittent trail delays and detours while
completing this work.
Wawona Tunnel Ventilation Repairs
*Design work is continuing. (M. Pieper - 4/24/08)
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Sanitary Sewer Capital Improvements (CIP 2)
The second phase of the relocation of the sewer service for Ansel Adams
Gallery, along the walking path, may continue into the week of May 5.
Begin replacement of the lateral at Res 9005 next week.
Begin replacement of lateral at Backpackers Camp next week.
Replace Gas Chlorination Systems at 5 Utility Plants
Minor items to complete the Hodgdon wastewater plant will occur next
week.
Hodgdon Meadow Generator
Work will resume the week of May 5ht.
The expected completion date is July 18, 2008. (G. Rothell - 5/2/08)
Park News
Thursday, May 01, 2008. As a result of the April 21 fire that destroyed
the El Portal Market, Yosemite National Park will be moving the store
operation to the El Portal Motor Inn (currently known as the Special Park
Uses Office) for the duration of the concessionaire’s six year contract.
The Park plans to have the building ready to open as a store in nine months
time.
Yosemite National Park Superintendent Michael Tollefson announced today
that the park is starting the process to put a temporary office structure
at the site of former El Portal Market, pending the outcome of
environmental compliance analysis and after the site is cleared of any
hazardous materials. The temporary office structure is necessary because
a number of park staff are being displaced by the move of the store
function into the Special Park Uses Office building. The former El Portal
Market site, at the corner of 140 and El Portal Road, is a good choice for
a temporary office structure because it already has water lines, electric
service, a lift station already in place, sufficient parking, is not in a
residential area, and has high visibility to the public.
Park staff who currently work in the Special Park Uses Office will be moved
into various office locations throughout the park at the end of next week.
There is no date yet estimated for the completion of the temporary office
building in El Portal. (N. Nicholas - 5/2/08)
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Tioga Road Opening Status update
May 1: Ending location 34.5 miles from crane flat in the ghost forest area.
Average snow depth: 5 feet.
The avalanche team wanted all crews west of Olmsted by 1 PM.
Gates will be placed at walker party on Friday to allow visitor access to
this point for the week end, after a hazard tree assessment is completed.
Glacier Point Opening May 2, 2008
The road is open.
Lower Mariposa Grove Road open as of Saturday April 25, 2008 ( With weight
restrictions on road).
No shuttles allowed on Mariposa Grove road at this time. (T. Brochini -
5/2/08)
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Comprehensive Interpretive Plan. These will explore two main topics: on
May 1st, we will look at the stories and issues that connect people to
Yosemite that we should focus on in interpretation; and on May 20, at how
this information gets distributed, both in the park and by outside
purveyors. All are welcome, and anyone involved in tourism -- from tour
operators to visitor centers to museums and others -- is especially
encouraged to attend, to help us all form a more coordinated network of
visitor engagement.
If you are interested in attending or have any questions, please contact
Tom Medema ASAP at the email address above or at (209) 372-0642.
If you are unable to attend we still welcome your ideas and comments, and
will be posting our progress on the web at
http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/cip.htm. (J. Nersesian - 4/29/08)
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2008 Barry Hance Memorial Award
Who can submit a nomination?
Any NPS employee or group may make a nomination, with the approval of
the nominee’s supervisor.
How do I nominate someone?
Complete an Award Nomination Form (attached).
Send the completed form in a blue “confidential” envelope to any Awards
Committee member.
Nominations must be submitted no later than June 2, 2008.
What are the criteria for nomination? The employee…
worked in Yosemite National Park in 2007.
exemplifies the highest ideals of the NPS mission – protecting and
preserving America’s natural and cultural resources, while providing for
visitor enjoyment for the benefit of future generations.
is cheerful and projects a positive attitude.
communicates well with his or her supervisor (supervisor must support
the nomination).
works as a team member and extends a helping hand.
Barry Hance was an NPS maintenance employee who lost his life in a 1995
avalanche while clearing the Tioga Road.
An award was established in his honor to recognize an NPS employee who
exemplifies Barry’s concern for others and dedication to the goals and
ideals of Yosemite National Park.
Please use the attached nomination form and return it in a sealed blue
envelope to any awards committee member by June 2, 2008. The selection
committee, composed of past Barry Hance Award recipients, will then review
the nominations and make their recommendation to the Superintendent. See
Cyndi Mattiuzzi's message for form. (C. Mattiuzzi - 4/21/08)
Announcements
The Hetch Hetchy Day Use hours are 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. (C. Flores - 5/2/08)
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Drop in program: Come join the Habitat Protectors of Yosemite (HaPY)
program! Program runs Fridays from May2- October 31st. Work with park
staff to remove invasive plants and learn basic ecological principles. All
volunteers are required to wear pants and closed-toe shoes. Long sleeves,
sunscreen, water, and snacks are recommended. Meet in front of Yosemite
Valley Visitor Center at 9am. Bring a lunch and join us! (M. DeBree -
5/1/08)
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Effective April 29, Camp 4 will be staffed daily by a ranger. As a
reminder, no day-use parking is allowed in the Camp 4 parking lot (cars
must be registered in Camp 4). (M. Carter - 4/29/08)
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Training Announcement
Date: May 6th or 7th
Time: 13:00 (1pm) – 16:30
Location: Large Break Room, El Portal complex
Topics and intended audience:
Hanta Virus Awareness* 13:00 – 13:30
All Yose employees should receive hanta virus awareness training, employees
required to assess or open seasonal buildings need this class and
respiratory protection to be properly qualified, see hanta virus policy for
specific details.
http://www.yose.nps.gov/yosenet/safety/Critical_Programs/08_Hanta_Policy...
Respiratory Protection Training* 13:30 – 15:00
All personnel exposed to respiratory hazards above the OSHA permissible
exposure limit (PEL) or employees exposed to unknown levels of respiratory
hazards need respiratory training, a medical clearance, and a fit test.
Prerequisite: Respiratory Questionnaire forms are here:
http://www.yose.nps.gov/yosenet/safety/forms.htm
Hearing Conservation Program Training* 15:15 – 16:30
All employees exposed to noise levels above the OSHA permissible exposure
limit (PEL). Affected Branches include Fire, LE, B&G, R&T, Utilities,
Vegetation, and Archeology. Includes a baseline audiogram and annual
audiograms to assess program effectiveness.
Call Claudine Ronay at 379-1072 to register for training on the 6th or 7th,
only 30 training slots available each day.
*See Guide to Safety Management for policy and applicability. (R. Farmer -
4/28/08)
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Annual Wildland Fire Refresher Training
The Fire Management Office will be holding the following Annual Wildland
Fire Refresher Training Sessions. This training is required by all of
those employees that are "Red Carded" for fireline duties. If you need
this training, please try to make one of these sessions.
May 23 0800-1700 Cedar Lodge Contact Bernard
Spielman 379-1903
June 10 0800-1700 Valley Fire Station Contact Jeff
Panetta 375-9515
Please bring you're line gear. We are exchanging all shelters to the new
style with reinforced top.
PACK Testing will begin in May. More information will follow.
If you need further information contact Deron Mills 379-1902 or Bernard
Spielman 379-1903. (D. Mills - 4/23/08)
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PLEASE JOIN US IN BIDDING FAREWELL TO
Joella Domingues
Joella will be leaving us after 35 years of service. Please join us as we
celebrate and remember her career in Yosemite!
We will be at the East Auditorium in Yosemite Valley on May 15th from
12:00pm to 2:00pm.
There will be cake and coffee provided by the PCO Staff. Please bring your
favorite dessert or beverage to share, as we share our memories with each
other!!!
For more information you may contact Alan Hawksley at 379-1278 or Dan
Benitag at 372-0533. (T. Hawksley - 4/4/08)
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We are pleased to be offering a Resource Advisor Course here at Yosemite
May 6th and 7th, 2008!
DESCRIPTION: This course is intended to provide employees with the
background to serve as Resource Advisors (READ) during fire management
actions. Resource Advisors generally work with fire managers to convey
concerns about natural, cultural and wilderness resources. The course will
focus on issues and challenges of the Central Sierra region, but will
provide participants with strategies and tools that can be applied
anywhere. Information will be presented in sufficient detail to serve as a
refresher for present resource advisors and general enough to be useful for
those who have never served in this capacity.
PARTICIPANTS: Employees that frequently serve as resource advisors include
fire managers, botanists, ecologists, biologists, hydrologists, geologists,
foresters, GIS specialists and cultural resource specialists. The local
Fire Management Officer (FMO) will determine qualifications for the
resource advisor position. A fireline-qualified Resource Advisor however,
will hold a valid Red Card and pass the physical test at the arduous level.
The local FMO will authorize the inclusion of "READ" as a qualification on
the Red Card. Completion of these tasks is not required prior to
participating in this course. The course is also valuable for those
managing resources on public lands, but with no interest in serving as
resource advisors, to become familiar with fire management organization and
the types and formats of resources data that benefit the resource advisor
during the course of his or her duties.
While the course has no tuition fee, the participant's home unit(s) must
cover travel expenses.
COURSE DATES AND LOCATION: The course will be held from May 6th and 7th,
2008, in El Portal, California, near Yosemite National Park.
APPLICATION: All interested persons should e-mail Jun Kinoshita,
(jun_r_kinoshita@nps.gov), or 209.379.1317 or Kent van Wagtendonk
(kent_van_wagtendonk@nps.gov) at 209.379.1046. (J. Kinoshita - 12/12/07)
*************************************************
Reminder: For all Maintenance repair requests in Yosemite, please contact
the Customer Service Center. Maintenance repair requests include: Park
Housing, Buildings, Grounds, Utilities, Roads, Trails and Forestry issues.
It is especially important to remember to contact the Customer Service
Center before any requests for Sign Shop fabrications. You may do so by
phone, e-mail or fax.
Please note that the Customer Service Center staff phone numbers have
changed:
Phone:
Sunshine Good Morning................379-1065
Katie Brown........................................379-1058
E-Mail:
YOSE_FMD_Customer_Service_Center@nps.gov
Fax:
(209) 379-1066 (S. Goodmorning - 4/1/08)
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Leave Share Participants
Currently, YOSE leave share participants are:
Shari Baudoux
Kevin Bowman
Kimberly Cunningham-Summerfield
You can find leave share participants Servicewide on InsideNPS at:
http://insidenps.gov/index.cfm?handler=leaveshare
If you are interested in contributing annual leave, please do so by
completing a Request to Donate Annual Leave to Leave Recipient (Within
Agency) Under the Leave Transfer Program, OPM Form 630-A. A fillable PDF
version of the OPM 630-A may be found at:
http://opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/opm630a.pdf (T. Hawkins - 1/31/07)
HR Corner
DETAIL / TEMPORARY PROMOTION OPPORTUNITY
The Project Management Division, Environmental Planning and Compliance
Branch is offering an opportunity for a 120 day detail / temporary
promotion (if qualified) to Environmental Compliance Specialist, GS-09/11.
This opportunity will provide the opportunity to learn about the practices
and procedures used nationally by the NPS to conduct and facilitate
planning and compliance activities. The position would allow an employee to
gain experience in elements of both the National Environmental Policy Act
and the National Historic Preservation Act.
This opportunity is open to permanent career/career-conditional employees
of Yosemite National Park. This is an interdisciplinary position that can
be filled by: Geographer, GS-150, Ecologist, GS-0408 or Resource Management
Specialist, GS-0401.
If interested, please obtain your supervisor's approval, and submit a
resume to Irma Keheley, Human Resource Office, El Portal, no later than May
12, 2008. (I. Keheley - 4/30/08)
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Yosemite National Park
Current Vacancy Announcements
UPDATED: April 30, 2008
The following is a summary of current vacancy announcements at Yosemite
National Park. Most vacancy announcements will be posted on
http://www.usajobs.gov. This website is the Office of Personnel
Management's USAJOBS internet site. If you have any questions or cannot
find the announcement on USAJOBS, please call the Park’s Human Resources
Office at (209) 379-1805.
PERMANENT – NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CAREER OR CAREER-CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES
Human Resources Specialist
Vacancy Ann.#: PWRSEA-2008-45
Who May Apply: Agency Employees Only
Pay Plan: GS-0201-05/07/09/11
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 4/24/2008
Closing Date: 5/8/2008
PERMANENT – GOVERNMENTWIDE ALL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES
Lead Forestry Technician
Vacancy Ann.#: YP 183954 WRB 08
Who May Apply: Status Candidates
Pay Plan: GS-0462-05/06
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 4/16/2008
Closing Date: 5/7/2008
Supervisory Forestry Technician
Vacancy Ann.#: YP183955 NMH-08
Who May Apply: Status Candidates
Pay Plan: GS-0462-08
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 4/16/2008
Closing Date: 5/7/2008
Engineering Equipment Operator
Vacancy Ann.#: YP 173531DR
Who May Apply: Status Candidates
Pay Plan: WG-5716-08
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 4/28/2008
Closing Date: 5/19/2008
PERMANENT -- STATUS NOT REQUIRED – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Lead Forestry Technician
Vacancy Ann.#: YP-183953-AY FY08
Who May Apply: Public
Pay Plan: GS-0462-05/06
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 4/16/2008
Closing Date: 5/7/2008 (H. Whitman - 5/1/08)
Community News
New Summer YARTS runs to start May 19, 2008
The 2008 summer schedules for YARTS have been published and are available
online. There are a number of changes on both the Hwy 140 schedule and the
Hwy 120 schedule that should be noted by NPS staff, whether using the
system to commute or answering questions for visitors.
On the Hwy 140 schedule, two round trip runs have been added. The new runs
should help relieve some of the capacity problems that YARTS has faced
since the rockslide detour opened. Run 2A is aimed to provide added
seating for workers going to El Portal with an 8 AM work-start time. It
should also provide some seats for those hearty early visitors. Run 5A
allows YARTS to move Run 5 back to an earlier departure time, like it was
before, and leave on time whether the Amtrak train in on time or not. 5A
should help deal with the late trains. Run 5 has been a problem, not only
with late trains, but also overcrowding.
Outbound, Run 9 is moved to an earlier departure to try to assure Amtrak
and Greyhound riders timely connections in Merced. With the connecting
riders on Run 9, the new 9A should provide better capacity for the
employees getting off at 4 PM. Run 12A is intended to give visitors and
employees a later stay in the park without having to wait for the last bus
at 8:20 PM.
On the Hwy 120 schedule, a new stop at the Mammoth Lakes Park and Ride on
Old Mammoth Road has been added and the stop at the Mammoth RV Park has
been eliminated. The Stop on Demand (SOD) stop at the Cathedral Trail Head
in Tuolumne Meadows has been eliminated in favor of hikers using the
Tuolumne Meadows shuttle. Crane Flat Gas Station is now SOD in both
directions.
The Hwy 140 schedule starts on May 19. You can view the new schedule at
www.yarts.com/schedule/2008/summer140.pdf. The Hwy 120 schedule will start
on June 1st, or as soon thereafter as the Tioga Pass Road is open for use.
You can view that schedule at www.yarts.com/schedule/2008/summer120.pdf.
(D. Whittington\W. Malone - 4/28/08)
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Wednesday's Lions Club Blood Drive yielded 51 pints of the Gift of Life!
There were many new donors to the Central California Blood Bank, including
several spontaneous donations from Yosemite visitors. The Lions Eyemobile
gave 15 free eye exams, including a screening test for glaucoma. Thanks
again, Yosemite community, for sharing with those in need. We look forward
to seeing you in October for the Fall Blood Drive in El Portal! (D. Stewart
- 5/2/08)
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Lisa Domingues: Many of you may know Lisa, she has worked at the Yosemite
Valley day care for nearly 20-years. She is raising her 10-year old son
and currently lives in Midpines. Lisa was born and raised in Yosemite, has
many relatives and friends who love and appreciate her kind spirit,
gorgeous smile, and for taking excellent care of our children from diapers
through the grade school years. Lisa has recently been diagnosed with
terminal cancer (which has yet to slow her down or stop her from smiling).
She is, however, preparing for her son's future. A bank account has been
set up in her son's name at the Yosemite Bank in Mariposa. All donations
are appreciated and Lisa thanks you in advance for your kindness.
Donations can be made to: Chaska Colvin, Yosemite Bank Account number
#307005140. Contact Charity at the Yosemite Day care center for ways to
assist, 372-4819. (V. McMichael - 5/2/08)
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Attention High School Seniors
The Yosemite Scholarship Commission would like to announce the availability
of three schlarships for seniors graduating in June 2008. The Yosemite
Community Scholarships are sponsored by the Yosemite Employees Association,
the Yosemite Rotary Club, the Yosemite Lions Club, and the Yosemite Winter
Club. Two of the scholarships are for $2,000 over two years for attending a
four-year college or university. The third scholarship is $1,000 over two
years at a community college. In existence since 1934, the Yosemite
Scholarship Commission is supported by the Yosemite and El Portal
communities. Only one application is necessary to apply for all three
scholarships.
Students eligible for the scholarships are any high school graduating
senior whose parent or guardian is employed on a year round basis in
Yosemite National Park or the El Portal Administrative Site. Employment
must be for no less than six months per calendar year and for at least one
year prior to the time application is made. More than just an academic
scholarship, the following items are taken into account in making the
selection: scholastic ability, financial need, leadership ability,
community participation, and general apptitude. There is no particular
significance in the order nor does one qualification have any special
weight.
Further information and applications may be obtained from Mariposa County
High School, Yosemite High School, Tioga High School, or from Jan van
Wagtendonk, or Linda Eade. Applicants must attach a copy of their current
high school transcripts to their application and send the application and
the transcripts to the Yosemite Scholarship Commission at PO Box 313, El
Portal, CA 95318. Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2008.
Jan van Wagtendonk (209) 379-2668
Linda Eade (209) 372-0280 (L. Eade - 4/23/08)
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6th STREET CINEMA is a non-profit theater located in downtown Mariposa,
atop the historic Masonic Lodge on 6th Street. It is the presentation arm
of the Rural Media Arts and Education Project, a 501(c)(3) corporation,
and is supported by the California Arts Council, SierraTel, the James
Irvine
Foundation, Mariposa County, and the Geoff and Josie Fox Family
Foundation, a Donor Advised fund of the Silicon Valley Community
Foundation. We are also generously supported by Iron Mountain Systems and
Stonecutter.com. The views expressed by the films, in print materials, or
by discussion facilitators are not necessarily those of these funders.
This activity is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state
agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a national agency. Monthly
membership is $12, allowing film entry for $3 each; non-members pay $7, and
non-member students pay only $5. Film/theater information: (209) 966-1333
or http://www.sixthstreetcinema.org Staff: 209 742-6666.
E-mail us: sixthstreetcinema@sti.net
There will be no films this coming weekend, May 2-3.
Saturday, May 10, 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. PANGEA DAY. (FREE
ADMISSION).Pangea was the super continent that existed about 250 million
years ago, before each of the component continents were separated, and
drifted into their current configuration.
In a world where people are often divided by borders, difference, and
conflict, it's easy to lose sight of what we all have in common. Pangea Day
is a global event to bring the world together through film. Pangea Dayseeks to help people see themselves in others – through the power of film.
Locations in Cairo, Kigali, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai, and Rio de
Janeiro will be linked for a live program of powerful films, live music,
and visionary speakers. The entire program will be broadcast – in seven
languages – to millions of people worldwide through the internet,
television, and mobile phones. The 24 short films to be featured have been
selected based on their ability to inspire, transform, and allow us see
the world through another person's eyes. For more information, go to the
official Pangea Day site: http://www.pangeaday.org/ (T. Arfsten - 4/29/08)
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Free Presentation - El Portal Community Hall - May 6th @ 7:00 pm:
"A one word solution to all the problems the world is facing today is
compassion" Amma
Amma, sometimes called "the hugging saint", has embraced 27 million people
from every part of the world. Her loving compassion, inspired
wisdom, and charitable works have brought her global recognition as an
extraordinary interfaith leader, and one of the greatest humanitarians
of our time.
On Tuesday, May 6th at 7pm we will be showing the film Embracing the World,
which gives an introduction to Amma, her charitable activities,
and current interactions in the worldwide forum. Afterward we will have a
Q&A with two people who spend time at her ashram in South
India. (S. Goodmorning - 4/30/08)
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YOSEMITE VALLEY SCHOOL HAMBURGER LUNCH
On May 10th, 2008 from 11:30-2:00 Yosemite Valley School will be putting on
a hamburger lunch to fund the 6th-7th grade trip to Scotland this summer.
The cost is $6.00 for a burger, salad, and chips. Veggie burgers will also
be available. This will be near the Visitors Center in the Valley. If you
are in the area please stop by have lunch. Thank you for your continued
support of our school! (S. Pence - 5/1/08)
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Need some extra cash? The Yosemite Association is looking for an outside
contractor to clean the Art and Education Center once a week on Sundays
between 10:00am and 3:00pm. The job shouldn’t take more than an hour, and
we will pay $30 per cleaning. Please contact Carolyn King, Administrative
Coordinator, for information at 379-2646. (C.King – YA, 04/30/08)
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Do you like working with people? Do you possess exceptional customer
service skills? The Yosemite Association needs you! We are now hiring for
seasonal Sales Information Assistants for work in Yosemite Valley from May
thru October. Duties include retail sales, store maintenance, and
information assistance. At least one year of related experience, and a H.S.
diploma required. Some college preferred. Candidates must have excellent
customer service skills, be able to work flexible hours, and be able to
work both independently and with a team. Valid CA Driver’s license
required. Strong computer skills essential. Knowledge of and interest in
Yosemite National Park preferred. Salary range is $9.00 to $13.00 DOE. Send
a resume and application to Administrative Coordinator, Yosemite
Association, PO Box 230, El Portal, CA 95318, or by email to
cking@yosemite.org. Request an application by phone at (209) 379-2646, or
on our website at www.yosemite.org/aboutya/yajobs.htm. (C. King- 4/23/08)
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House for rent: Nice 1 bedroom cabin on Usona Ridge Road on four acres.
Perfect for single or couple. Beautiful sunset views. $600.00 monthly
with cleaning deposit and first month required. Contact Mary at 742-7895.
.....K Neogy (M. Christiansen - 4/17/08)
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Rental: available now, 1 bdr. trailer for 1 person. Bootjack area.
$370./month Call Autrey: 966-3231 (4/28/08)
Acting Designation
Katy Warner will be the Acting Branch Chief for Physical Science and GIS on
Monday, May 5. Katy can be reached at 379-1421. (J. Meyer - 5/5/08)
*************************************************
Katy Warner will be acting RMS Division Liaison/Mgt Asst. May 5-9, she can
be reached at 379-1421 (C. Knipper - 5/5/08)
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HR Specialist Charlotte Randolph will be out of the park from May 2 through
May 19, 2008. If you have any employee relations, classification, or
employee development issues or questions, please contact Heather Whitman
in her absence. (H. Whitman - 5/2/08)
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John Barton is acting Roads & Trails Branch Chief on May 5th. He can be
reached @ 379-1052 or leave a message with Beth Benitag @ 379-1057. (B.
Benitag - 5/2/08)
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For the month of May, Mike and Kevin have asked me to backfill for Kevin
while he is on leave. I will continue my duties as AO from the Valley and
you can contact me there as needed. However, there will be times when I
may not be available to address some issues in Admin. During those times
please feel free to contact the following administration branch chiefs for
assistance. They have authority to make decisions and adjust
administration resources to meet your needs when I'm not available.
May 5th - 9th Dayna Jackson 379-1874
May 12th - 15th Dan Sohn 379-1173
May 18th - 22nd Lorene Schafer 379-1873
May 26th - 30th Skip Sheets 379-1195 (L. Harris - 5/1/08)
*************************************************
Ansley Rothell will be the Acting Emergency Communications Center Manager
May 1-9. (N. Bissmeyer - 4/30/08)
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Dave Miller is acting Supervisor for El Portal Roads & Solid Waste until
July 5th. Dave can be reached at 379-1120 or leave a message with Beth
Benitag @ 379-1057. (B.Benitag - 4//14/08)
