Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Monday, April 14, 2008
Weather
Yosemite: TODAY...SUNNY. VERY WINDY. HIGHS 66 TO 76 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY.. 47
TO 57 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY. GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH OVER THE CREST INCREASING TO
60 MPH OVER THE CREST IN THE AFTERNOON.
TONIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY. VERY WINDY. COLDER. LOWS 28 TO 38 IN YOSEMITE
VALLEY...17 TO 27 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
TUESDAY...MOSTLY SUNNY. BREEZY...COLDER. HIGHS 50 TO 60 IN YOSEMITE
VALLEY...30 TO 40 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
TUESDAY NIGHT...MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS 24 TO 34 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY... 12 TO 22
IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
WEDNESDAY...SUNNY. NOT AS COOL. HIGHS 55 TO 65 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY... 41 TO
51 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
El Portal: Today: Sunny, with a high near 85. South southwest wind between
5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Southwest wind between 10 and
13 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Calm wind becoming west between
12 and 15 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 29. North wind between 6 and
10 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 72. North northeast wind between 7 and 9
mph.
Happening Today/This Week (Check the Community News section for other
events)
Wawona Prescribed Fire: Firefighters from the National Park Service and
U.S. Forest Service made good progress over the weekend on the large
prescribed fire adjacent to the community of Wawona. The heaviest smoke
impacts will be for the next two or three nights (Mon-Wed) as crews bring
the fire down to the Wawona Road near the UC Merced Research Station and
then turn the corner, progressing up the Wawona Road toward Mosquito Creek.
Motorists should expect traffic delays, one-way traffic control and are
advised to proceed slowly through smoke with lights on. Smoke
concentrations in the Wawona Campground for the next two to three nights
will be very unhealthful and anyone hoping to camp there should reconsider.
This project protects the community of Wawona from a wildfire moving up the
South Fork of the Merced and is funded under the National Fire Plan.
Wawona is a Federally-listed community at high risk from wildfires. (M.
Beasley - 4/14/08)
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Croaking Toad Returns on Thursday, April 17 - After a three month hiatus,
the Croaking Toad is back. Spring has sprung and the Toad has returned
for the rest of the year. The next Croaking Toad will be on "The numbers
game: integrated transportation and user capacity research in Yosemite
National Park" on Thursday, April 17 from 8 to 9 am in the El Portal Large
Breakroom in the Administrative and Maintenance Complex.
Join Steve Lawson, Assistant Professor at Virginia Polytechnic Institute,
and Bret Meldrum, RMS Branch Chief for the Visitor Use and Social Sciences,
for an overview of the integrated transportation studies that have taken
place in Yosemite since 1999. Results have yielded social standards of
quality for crowding, pedestrian and vehicular models, and strong
predictive correlations between vehicular arrivals at entrance stations to
conditions at key attraction sites in Yosemite Valley.
Everyone is welcome. (N. Nicholas - 4/14/08)
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Valley Shuttle: Due to the closure of Southside Drive, Shuttle Stop #12 (Le
Conte Memorial/Housekeeping Camp) will be closed and guests and patrons are
directed to Stop 13A (Curry Village). Effective 4/7 - 4/17. (G. Rosenfeld
- 4/8/08)
New Today
The Mist Trail is open for the season. The John Muir Trail, from Clark
Point to the Panorama Trail, remains closed. (M. Fincher - 4/14/08)
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The Glacier Point Road is now closed to public vehicle traffic to allow for
plowing operations to begin on Monday, April 14. Administrative travel to
Badger Pass is allowed as needed. Please drive carefully. (M. Dowdle -
4/14/08)
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April 13th-April19th, YNP and Yosemite Institute will be hosting this fine
group:
Presentation School, Sacramento, 6th grade
Pueblo Vista Alternative School, Napa, 5th grade
Sherman Oaks Community Charter, San Jose, 6th grade
Standley Middle School, San Diego, 7th grade
Venetia Valley K-8 School, San Rafael, 8th grade
Katherine D. Burke School, san Francisco, 7th grade
Brook Haven Creative Art Magnet, Santa Rosa, 8th grade
Richland School District, Shafter, 3th-6th grade
Black Pine Circle School, Berkeley, 8th grade
If you are a graduate of any of this school or have any other connection to
the school or neighborhood, and you have any interest in speaking
informally with students from one of these schools, please contact John
DiDiego at 379-9514 ext 12, or jdidiego@yni.org to arrange a time and
place. (C. Hastings - 4/14/08)
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Car Wash Fundraiser
Sunday, April 20, 2008 - 1:00- 4:30 PM - El Portal School
Donation
Yosemite Institute educator, Kim Taylor, is raising funds to build a home
for a family struggling with AIDS in Bagamoyo, Tanzania. This summer, she
will be volunteering for The Baobab Home, an NGO which strives to "improve
the health and future of orphaned babies in Tanzania." Kim's volunteer
work will be part of a larger journey exploring The Great Migration, Maasai
culture, and traditional African music and has been made possible by the
Matt Baxter Award. Special thanks to the El Portal School and Yosemite
Institute for assisting in this fundraiser. For more information, please
contact Kim at 379-9514 x51. (K. Taylor - 4/14/08)
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Open Mic Night: On Thursday, April 24 an open mic session will be hosted
at the El Portal Community Hall starting at 6:30 pm (Adam Burns - Master of
Ceremony). All types of performances are welcome; music, poetry, comedy,
and more. If you are interested in performing, contact Kristin Ramsey at
379-2589 for the details. The purpose of the event is to celebrate our the
local talent and to raise funds for No More Victims, a non-profit
organization committed to providing medical assistance to victims of the
war. Sals Taco will be onsite and other goodies available for purchase.
We also need an audience - come enjoy and dance to the sounds our
community. (V. McMichael - 4/14/08)
Construction News
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
*Reminder>>ROAD CLOSURE APRIL 7th THRU APRIL 17th>>Southside Drive will be
closed between Sentinel Bridge and the west end of Housekeeping. (Access
to Housekeeping, Leconte Memorial, Curry Village, and Campgrounds will be
via Northside Drive.) Northside Drive between Camp-6 Intersection and Curry
Village will become 2-way traffic during this 10-day detour. Also,
Southside Drive will be limited to administrative/residential use between
Curry Village and Housekeeping with 2-way traffic. During this closure
crews will be placing culverts on this segment of Southside Drive.
Big Oak Flat Road Slide Repair
*April 7th - 11th backfilling, placement of soil erosion fabric, & removal
of traffic lights, barricades and signs.
Big Oak Flat Road Seal Project
*April 9th-18th there will be intermittent 1-lane traffic control while
crews complete some additional pothole 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-week period beginning the week of May 5th or the week of
May 12th>> depending upon the weather and temperatures.
Yosemite Creek Pedestrian Bridge
*April 7th thru 17th rebuilding of approaches and paving (Weather
Permitting).
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. (M. Pieper - 4/7/08)
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Hodgdon Meadow Duplex Installation - The contractor has completed work on
the concrete foundation footings. Work on the foundation stem wall is
scheduled to be completed by the end of this week. Installation of the
perimeter drain and backfilling of the foundation wall will occur the
following week. Framing and utility crews will mobilize the week following
foundations completion. Construction is scheduled to continue through the
spring and summer and be completed in September. (J. Chisum - 04/01/08)
Park News
Yosemite News Release
April 10, 2008
For Immediate Release
Yosemite National Park to be Featured on New Travel Channel Show
“Yosemite- America’s Treasure” will debut on the Travel Channel this
Sunday, April 13 at 7:00 p.m. (ET/PT). The one- hour program, produced in
the summer and fall of 2007, features the beauty, cultural and natural
history, and landmark features of Yosemite National Park.
The show, produced by Bellvue Entertainment Inc. of Chicago, Illinois, was
shot in high-definition and gives viewers unique perspectives of icons in
the park such as Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and El Capitan. Interviews with
several Yosemite park rangers were also a part of the production.
“They were a great crew to work with and we are all excited to see the
result. We last did a Travel Channel show over 10 years ago so we are
especially excited about this new, state of the art program”, said Scott
Gediman, Chief of Media Relations for Yosemite National Park.
The Travel Channel is seen in over 90 million homes across the United
States. In addition to Sunday’s debut, the show will be broadcast on
Thursday, April 17 at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT) and on Friday, April 18 at 4:00
p.m. (ET/PT). (-NPS-)
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Yosemite News Release
April 7, 2008
For Immediate Release
El Portal Market Concessions Contract Awarded in Yosemite National Park
The National Park Service has awarded a concession contact for year-round
operation and management of the El Portal Market, a grocery and general
merchandise store located within the El Portal Administrative Site adjacent
to Yosemite National Park. The contract, which carries a term of six
years, was awarded to Kirstie Dunbar-Kari, d.b.a Kari & Sons, of El Portal,
California. Operations will commence following refurbishments to the
building which are currently being undertaken by the National Park Service.
The El Portal Market has been a fixture in the small community of El
Portal, California for as long as locals can remember. The market was
previously operated by Vaughn, Vaughn and Carter, LLP, and particularly its
principal, Hugh Carter, under concession contracts issued by the National
Park Service since 1966. (-NPS-)
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TUOLUMNE MEADOWS WINTER CONDITIONS UPDATE
April 9, 2008
Weather: (April 2 to April 9)
High temp: 49° (April 3)
Low temp: 5° (April 9)
New Snow: 1” (April 8)
Total settled snow depth: 40” as of April 9
Ski Conditions and Weather: It has been another cool, windy, and cloudy
week at Tuolumne, with afternoon highs in the forties and overnight lows in
the teens and single digits. We have had a couple weak storm systems blow
through the area, leaving behind a dusting of snow. The overall snowpack
depth has not changed much in the past week, so spring runoff is still on
hold. The latest conditions report from the east side is that the Tioga
road (Highway 120) has melted out from the road closure gate outside of Lee
Vining up to the Warren Fork of Lee Vining Creek, with patches of snow from
Warren Fork up to Ellery Lake. Skiers coming in from the east side should
be prepared to walk the first 4-5 miles of road above the gate before you
hit the good snow near Ellery Lake. Skiers coming up the Snow Creek trail
from the west side report that the snow line begins just above the top of
the switchbacks; everything below that level has melted out.
Avalanche and Snowpack Conditions: For the latest avalanche advisory for
this area go to www.esavalanche.org for the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
and click on advisory. The ESAC site is updated several times a week and
more often during weather events.
Wildlife: Birds seen in the past week include the Common Raven, Mountain
Chickadee, Brown Creeper, White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nuthatch,
American Robin, Brewer’s Blackbird, Townsend’s Solitaire, Clark’s
Nutcracker, Stellar’s Jay, Northern Flicker, Black-backed Woodpecker, and
Hairy Woodpecker. We are still seeing quite a few Painted Lady butterflies
migrating through the meadows during the afternoons. Animal tracks seen in
the past week include Coyote, Pine Marten, Chickaree, Mice/Vole, and Hare.
No sign of any bears yet.
Questions: If you have any ski related or weather questions feel free to
call 209-372-0450 between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm. If we are out skiing, leave
a message and a phone number so we can return your call. Please don’t call
us with questions about road conditions, as we live 20 miles from the
nearest plowed road and don’t do any driving this time of year. For current
park road conditions call 209-372-0200. (Jeff and Kathi, the Tuolumne
winter rangers - 4/10/08)
Employee Awards for March
Employee of the Month
Jennifer Morrell…your adaptability, hard work, and sense of humor during
your detail to the Superintendent's Office
Excellence In Service
Rhonda Soden., Kevin Keheley, Tom Williams, Dave Muench, Glenn Taylor, Ray
Redding, Mark Pearman, Woody Crane, Matt Brocchini, Trish Williford, Dean
Glenn, Rachel McKeehan, Richard Schoonover Kieth Stowell, Tolley Gorham,
Michael Jordan, David Thorpe, Ed Bellenger…your significant contribution to
the completion of the El Portal Fitness Center. This included lay-out,
design, planning, selection and procurement of fitness equipment, fence,
concrete walkway, floor prep, electrical upgrades, installation of keypad Y
locking system, TV, and video surveillance cameras
April Stowel, Wendy Malone…your commitment to the Board of Survey…
Gary Wilcox, Chad Thomas, Tim Messick, Rick Mooneyham , Jason Sherrell,
Shawn Zumbrunnen, Tom Darcy, Barry Hance Jr.…volunteering to take classes
in back flow prevention
Shelton Johnson, Lorene Schafer, Bret Meldrum, Ron Watson, Ann Roberts,
Mark Husbands, Joe Meyer, Dennis Mattiuzzi, Tom Medema, Roger Farmer…going
above and beyond in your participation on the work group that guided the
development of the membership policy & procedures for the El Portal Fitness
Center
Marie White, Eric Abbott, Harley Green Vera Newitt…your invaluable
assistance ensuring that performance appraisals were filed and processed
timely
Dave Crockett…creating awesome excel spreadsheets for the Entrance Station
supervisors
Safety Award
Joe Meno, Brian Ward, Ed Canapary, Steve Lynds, John Ray, Ed Corona, Erin
Anders…no lost time accidents for the calendar year 2007
STAR Award
Jost Zweibel…your above and beyond efforts as the lead seasonal ranger at
White Wolf…
Time Off Award
Chad Thomas, Jeremy Jacobs, Ian Taylor, Jim Radmacher, Gary Wilcox, John
Wallblom, Tim Messick, Willie Livingston, Barry Hance Jr,.Greg Schmaus,
John Heth, Sean Bittle, Shawn Zumbrunnen, Dave Mathews, Dave Weseman, Chuck
Burcham, Stuart Foster, Susan Krause, Ron Parkey, Rod Raines, Mike Robarge,
Jim Fredle, Shawnessy Snyder, Bonnie Foster, Randy Rust, Rick Mooneyham,
Korwin Kirk, George Harders…no lost time accidents for the calendar year
2007 (C. Mattiuzzi - 4/7/08)
Announcements
It has come to our notice that announcements are being posted at the
Midpines Post Office on behalf of "the management" of Yosemite National
Park. These did not come from Yosemite's management team and should be
disregarded. (M. Tollefson - 4/10/08)
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Campgroung Opening: Lower Pines Campground will open for the season on
Friday, April 11. (M. Carter - 4/11/08)
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GSA Auction: The General Services Administration will be conducting an
internet auction of Yosemite personal property, consisting of a Chevrolet
Caprice sedan, Homelite chainsaws, a Polaris snow mobile, and a Hawkeye
double snow mobile trailer. The auction opens on Thursday, 04/10/08, and
closes on Thursday 04/17/08. The sale is number 91QSCI08086, items
#326-329. These items are located in the yard adjacent to the warehouse in
El Portal for inspection, and are marked with yellow item number cards.
Park employees are allowed to participate in the sale, with the exception
of any employee with unfair (nonpublic) detailed knowledge or prior use of
an item offered for sale. Such employees are prohibited from bidding on
that item, and the prohibition includes their immediate family as well.
Employees must view the items and bid on their own time. For further
information regarding the sale items or to register to bid, visit the
website gsaauctions.gov. (K. Kolbeck - 4/11/08)
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El Capitan Shuttle: The El Capitan Shuttle has begun limited service from
the Visitor's Center and Camp 4 to the El Cap Picnic Area. Service
operates daily every thirty minutes from 9:00 to 6:00. After the
construction is completed along Northside Drive, the Shuttle will expand to
include the remaining stops at the cross-over and the four mile trail head.
(G. Rosenfeld - 4/8/08)
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Introduction to NPS Operations: NPS FUNDAMENTALS II
Held at Horace M. Albright Training Center Grand Canyon, Arizona
Space still available:
June 10 – 19
July 15 – 24
July 29 – August 7
August 12 - 21
This training is fully funded by Servicewide Training and Development
No travel or tuition expenses to your benefiting account
Designed for new employees, experienced NPS employees accepted if space
available
Fundamentals website: www.nps.gov/training/fund/index.htm
Register at DOILearn (https://doilearn.doi.gov)
Supervisors: approve employee applications through DOILearn
Questions? Contact Mark Harner at 928-638-7983 or mark_harner@nps.gov (H.
Whitman - 4/9/08)
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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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Wildland Fire Refresher: There will be a wildland fire refresher in El
portal on April 30, at 0800 to 1700 at the Clark Community hall. please
call 379-1903 or e-mail Bernad_Spielman@NPS.GOV to reserve a slot, space is
limited.
There will also be a refresher on May 23 at Cedar Lodge in El Portal. This
will be the Fire family refresher and space here is limited as well.
Please contact Bernard Spielman for a slot. (B. Spielman - 4/7/08)
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The Yosemite Training Center has scheduled 1st Aid and CPR classes through
the first week of June. Sign up by calling The Clinic at 372-4637. If your
unit has a lot of seasonal workers or full time employees who need training
before the summer, call us and let's schedule a class at your workplace.
After the first week of June classes will be difficult to arrange unless
you hike to May Lake H.S.C. (B. Shoor - 3/19/08)
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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)
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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
Background Investigations for Non-Federal Staff
Volunteers, SCA employees, interns, park partners, contractors and others
must have at least an Advanced Fingerprint Report completed if the answer
to either (or both) of the following questions is yes:
Will he/she require access to Federally controlled information systems
(i.e., the NPS LAN, Lotus Notes, etc.)?
Will the individual require unsupervised access on a regular basis to
Federally controlled space that is not open to the general public or to
Federally controlled records?
If the answer to both questions is “no” then no background investigation is
required.
If the answer to either question is "yes" then please send the individual's
name, current physical address, and e-mail address to Lynette Jackson and
Tami Barton so we can initiate a background investigation for these
non-Federal staff. Also, please tell Lynette and Tami if the individual
will be handling government funds. The background investigation paperwork
for these individuals is slightly different than that we use for Federal
staff, so the Human Resources Office will be responsible for mailing out
the forms and other documents and notifying you when adjudicated. This is
effective immediately.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please
contact me. (H. Whitman - 4/10/08)
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Yosemite National Park
Current Vacancy Announcements
UPDATED: April 8, 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.
TERM PROMOTION –YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK – PERM EMPLOYEES
PARK RANGER (LAW ENFORCEMENT- JAIL), SUPERVISORY
Vacancy Ann.#: YP 184294
Who May Apply: Status Candidates
Pay Plan: GS-0025-11
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 4/7/2008
Closing Date: 4/14/2008
Salary: From 54,494.00 to 70,843.00 USD per
year
TERM -- STATUS NOT REQUIRED -- OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Architect (Historical)
This announcement has been extended. If you previously applied to YP164173
with a complete application package, including copies of your college
transcripts, you need not re-apply.
Vacancy Ann.#: YP164173 ext NH
Who May Apply: Public
Pay Plan: GS-0808-09/11
Appointment Term: Term
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 4/8/2008
Closing Date: 4/29/2008
Salary: From 51,738.00 to 69,013.00 USD
per year
TEMPORARY – STATUS NOT REQUIRED – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Wildland Firefighter (Range or Forestry Aid/Technician)
Vacancy Ann.#: DOI-FIRE-2008-006
Who May Apply: Public
Pay Plan: GS-0455,0462-02/05
Appointment Term: Temporary
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 11/30/2007
Closing Date: 4/30/2008
Salary: From 10.09 to 16.37 USD per hour (H. Whitman - 4/9/08)
Community News
Summer Housing Needed - Two summer law clerks [paid positions] are looking
for rooms to rent in the local community. Tom and Scott will be working
for Protection in the Legal Office and are second year law students at
Hastings and San Joaquin. If you would be willing to rent a room or know
of a rental call Beth at the Legal Office. 372-0243. (B. Waldow - 4/11/08)
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YOSEMITE RENAISSANCE XXIII ART EXHIBIT open at the Yosemite Museum Gallery
through May 4, 2008, Fridays through Mondays, 10 - Noon and 1 - 4 PM.
TAKE SOME ART HOME! Most of the works of art are available for sale, with
one-quarter of the proceeds going to support the Renaissance non-profit
arts organization, and the rest to the artist.
This year, from a near-record number of 465 entries, 38 paintings,
photographs, sculptures and drawings by 34 artists from across the country
were selected, and six prize-winners were named and received $4000 in cash
awards. This year's exhibit is unquestionably one of the best and includes
a broad range of works from the representational to the abstract to the
conceptual. Local artists in the exhibit include: Linda R. Abbott, Susan
Bolen, Elizabeth Carmel, Michael Frye, Marian Gault, Peggy Hansen, Mark
Heliger, William Neill, Penny Otwell, Jon Shiu, and Carol Rae Shockley. (J.
Bayless & B. Beroza - 3/26/08)
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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
UPCOMING FILMS:
Deliver Us From Evil, April 17 FREE ADMISSION
Juno, April 18-19
Lars and the Real Girl, April 25-26 (T. Arfsten - 4/8/08)
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FREE FREE FREE - 2 NEW SWING DANCE CLASSES: Introduction to Swing
Two Locations:
El Portal School continues Wednesday night classes, with a new series
beginning April 16
Mariposa High School (Gym) begins a new Thursday night series April 17
TIME: Both locations will offer Level I at 6 pm, & Level II at 7 pm.
This is a 6 week series.
The Level I class will focus on East Coast Swing, also known as Jitterbug.
We will dance to Big Band Music of the 1930s & 40s! Level II will be a
continuation of what the class already knows, and might include some basic
ballroom if time permits, and the class would like it.
he Mariposa Adult Education Department is sponsoring these classes, and is
offering them free to the community! All ages are welcome from 14 years
old thru Senior Citizens!
If you are interested, be sure to show up at the first class. Wear
comfortable clothes - and smooth soled shoes (if you have them) - no flip
flops or backless shoes, please. (socks are great too!)
For more information: mountaindancer@sti.net or cal Lori at (559) 658-8541
(L. Landrin - 4/9/08)
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Wawona School Silent Auction/Barbecue Fundraiser
Care to bid on great merchandise and services while helping to support
Wawona School?
Want to enjoy a delicious barbecued chicken luncheon before or after you
peruse the tables full of auction items?
Please join us on Saturday, April 19, 2008 for Wawona School’s annual
Silent Auction and Barbecue Fundraiser. A variety of local and regional
hotels, restaurants, shops, businesses and artisans have donated fantastic
merchandise and gift certificates.
Doors open for bidding at 11:30 and close at 2:30, with special bidding
incentives provided in the last half hour.
A complete lunch prepared by the Wawona Hotel, including barbecued chicken,
corn, salad, bread, and dessert, will be served at a cost of $8.00 for
adults and $6.00 for children.
Auction results will be ready at 3:30, and the doors will reopen at that
time for payment and pickup.
For more information, please call the school at (209) 375-6383. We hope
you can participate! (Wawona School - 4/10/08)
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Earthdance Film Festival Returns - Presented by the National Park Service,
Yosemite Association, and EarthDance, the EarthDance Short Attention Span
Environmental Film Festival heralds sustainability with its juried
compilation of short comedies, documentaries, mockumentaries, animations,
thrillers, and family-friendly films that invite you to celebrate your
relationship to the natural world. Last year's event was standing room
only, so arrive early as the event will sell out. No advance ticket sales.
$5/person, children 12 and under are free. Join us Earth Day, Tuesday,
April 22, Doors open at 6:30, films begin at 7:00pm, Yosemite Valley
Visitor Center Theater. (T. Medema - 4/10/08)
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The Groveland Rotary is holding a fundraiser. On Thursday April 24 we will
be holding our 'Nite at the Races' fundraising event. This wonderful event
will be held in the Groveland Community Hall, where everyone can enjoy
betting on the horses, other people's company, food and drinks.
The night's programs is:
5:00 pm No-host cocktails
6:00 pm Races start
Each $25 admission ticket includes:
* $20 funny money to bet on races (bets are $2)
* 1 ticket for prize drawing
* 2 tickets for food
* 1 ticket for beer or wine
The event is Sponsored by Groveland Rotary Club. Proceeds benefit Rotary
projects. (C. Day - 4/11/08)
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The 6th Annual El Portal Spring Fling and 3rd Annual El Portal Spring Run
-off will be held Saturday April 26, 2008. This awesome community event
will begin at 7 am with a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Yosemite
Lion's club. A 1 mile fun run, 5K and 10K races starting at 9 am. The
festivities will continue with a fun filled day with artisans, excellent
local food vendors and an exciting evening of music sponsored by El Portal
Live and beverages provided by YEA. Come on out and enjoy spring with all
of your friends and neighbors. For more information about the spring
run-off contact Claudine Ronay 379-2967. For spring fling info contact
Rosemary MacCallum 379-2665. (C. Ronay - 3/27/08)
*************************************************
Bicycle for Alternative Transportation (BAT) will be tabling at Spring
Fling April 26! We will be offering flat tire repairs from 12-4 and leading
a mountain bike ride up Foresta Rd at 9:30. To learn more about BAT, stop
by our table at Spring Fling or contact Suzanne at 209.769.2353 or
bat.suzanne@gmail.com. (S. Thomas - 4/10/08)
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Recycle Your E-Waste - Free electronic waste drop off at the Mariposa
County Fairgrounds. May 2 -3, from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Recycle your
old TV, monitors, computer towers, keyboards, LCD screen, laptop, printers,
copiers, faxes, calculators, speakers, cell phones, telephones, stereo
systems, DVD players, VCRs. Please no batteries, light bulbs, or household
hazardous waste. For more Information please contact the Mariposa County
Fairgrounds 209.966.2432 (C. Baker - 3/28/08)
*************************************************
DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite
Yosemite Club Card
Effective December 3, 2007
Purpose:
To allow visitors of Yosemite National Park the opportunity to take
advantage of discounts in select retail and recreation facilities operated
by DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite.
Procedure:
Guests may make payment for the Yosemite Club Card at DNC P&R Cash
Operations located in Yosemite Village during normal business hours. The
Guest may then take receipt to the Learning Center (in the General Offices
building) to get their photo discount card. The cost of the card is $30.
Terms and conditions of use:
Yosemite Club Card is good for 10% DNC P&R Retail Locations.
Yosemite Club Card is good for 50% Ice Rink sessions and rentals.
Yosemite Club Card allows free admission to the Yosemite Lodge Pool.
Yosemite Club Card expires on the last day of the 12th month after
purchase.
Yosemite Club Card is non transferable.
No discounts on tobacco, alcohol, and/or other specialty items which may be
designated by DNC P&R at Yosemite.
Discounts are subject to change.
Yosemite Club Card must be presented at time of purchase to receive
discount.
An individual found to be in violation of these terms and conditions may
have their discount privileges revoked at the discretion of DNC Parks &
Resorts.
Program subject to change.
Questions:
Questions about this program may be directed to the Retail Office or Human
Resources.
Retail: 372-1227
Human Resources: 372-1234 (J. Nelson - 4/8/08)
*************************************************
Employment Opportunity - Field Science Project Manager
Yosemite Institute, Yosemite National Park
This is a full time position with Yosemite Institute, a campus of the
Yosemite National Institutes (YNI).
The Field Science Project Manager is responsible for developing and
managing Yosemite Institute's (YI) field research and monitoring
projects in conjunction with the goals of YI and the needs of Yosemite
National Park(YNP). These projects provide YI students with
inquiry-based learning opportunities while often meeting monitoring needs
of YNP. The Field Science Project Manager also coordinates
summer field research courses in the Yosemite National Park.
The ideal candidate is a self-starter who is equally comfortable working
collaboratively or independently, who can demonstrate the
following:
• Master's or higher degree in education or environmental/ natural sciences
• Three to four years of education/research experience;
• Knowledge of backpacking practices and ability to lead students safely in
wilderness or remote locations
• Knowledge of National Park system and experience of working as a park
partner preferred.
• Current Wilderness First Responder
Compensation:
Commensurate with experience. YNI provides a comprehensive compensation
package, including competitive salary, medical and dental
benefits, generous vacation and the opportunity to work in spectacular
locations.
If you meet these requirements and are interested in applying, please
contact John DiDiego at jdidiego@yni.org for more information. (J. DiDiego
- 3/27/08)
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FOR RENT – Lushmeadows area. Quiet 3 bdr/2ba home with attached garage and
extra storage building on 2 acres. Living room, dining room, den and
kitchen share open floor plan. Large master bedroom has two walk-in
closets. New stove & refrigerator, carpet, tile and heater/air conditioner.
Propane heat and pellet burning stove. Use of two private lakes. No Pets
(may consider cat). $1000 per month plus utilities – to move in $1,000
security deposit and $1,000 first month rent. Available now. If
interested, call Cindy Whitten at: 742-5673 after 6:00 pm (C. Whitten -
3/28/08)
Acting Designation
Dave Miller is acting Supervisor for El Portal Roads & Solid Waste. Dave
can be reached at 379-1120 or leave a message with Beth Benitag @ 379-1057.
(B.Benitag - 4//14/08)
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Jonathan Bayless will be acting Chief of I&E April 14-17. (T. Medema -
4/14/08)
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Jeanette Simons will be Acting Branch Chief of Environmental Planning and
Compliance April 14th, 15th, and 16th. You may phone Jeannette at 379-1372
in her El Portal Office. You may also leave a message with Doyle Harrison
at 379-1202. (D.Harrison - 4/11/08)
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During my absence the week of April 14, the following people are acting
Branch Chief for Anthropology and Archeology:
4/14 - 4/15 Sonny Montague
4/16 - 4/18 Epi Suafoa (L. Kirn - 4/11/08)
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Katy Warner acting RMS Management Assistant April 10-18th . She can be
reasched at 379-1421 (C. Knipper - 4/10/08)
*************************************************
While David Thorpe is out of the office, Nancy Bissmeyer will be the acting
Communications Branch Chief and Tolleman Gorham will be the Telecom
Supervisor. (N. Bissmeyer - 4/8/08)
*************************************************
Lee Tarnay will be the Acting Branch Chief for Physical Science and GIS
from April 14-17. Lee can be reached at 379-1420. (J. Meyer - 4/8/08)
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