Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Monday, April 21, 2008
Weather
Yosemite: TODAY...SUNNY...BREEZY. HIGHS 51 TO 61 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...32 TO
42 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
TONIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 26 TO 36 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...16 TO 26 IN THE
HIGH COUNTRY.
TUESDAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS 55 TO 65 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...37 TO 47 IN
THE HIGH COUNTRY.
TUESDAY NIGHT...CLOUDY WITH A 50 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW AND RAIN. SNOW
LEVEL 6000 FEET. LOWS 28 TO 38 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...19 TO 27 IN THE HIGH
COUNTRY.
WEDNESDAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW AND RAIN. WINDY.
SNOW LEVEL 5000 FEET. HIGHS 47 TO 57 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...29 TO 39 IN THE
HIGH COUNTRY. GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH OVER THE CREST IN THE AFTERNOON.
El Portal: Today: Sunny, with a high near 64. West southwest wind between 9
and 13 mph.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. West southwest wind between 6
and 9 mph becoming calm.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming southwest
between 8 and 11 mph.
Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 35.
Southwest wind between 4 and 7 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 60. East southeast wind 6 to 10
mph becoming west.
Happening Today/This Week (Check the Community News section for other
events)
Yosemite News Release
April 21, 2008
For Immediate Release
El Portal Market Burns in Yosemite National Park
Historic building a park fixture since 1934
The El Portal Market, one of El Portal’s oldest buildings burned to the
ground today in a blaze which was reported by El Portal residents at
approximately 5am. Firefighters from the National Park Service, DNC Parks
and Resorts at Yosemite, Inc., and Mariposa County responded to the fire.
The market has been closed for renovations since late March.
The El Portal Market, built around 1934, originally served park visitors
travelling to Yosemite by railroad. The market was operated between 1966
and March, 2008 under the general partnership of Vaughn, Vaughn, and
Carter. The current operator was scheduled to open the market in late
spring, 2008, when renovations were complete. The market has served El
Portal residents and park visitors since the mid-1930’s as both a general
merchandise store and a community meeting place.
Mike Tollefson, Yosemite Park Superintendent, said this morning: “It is
impossible to imagine the loss that this is for the community of El Portal
and the park as a whole.”
Yosemite park managers are meeting immediately this morning to consider
options for replacing the building.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. (-NPS-)
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The bike trial from the Lower Yosemite Falls Shuttle Bus Stop to the Camp
Six Intersection will be scheduled to be paved starting 4/21 to 5/9. 4/21
- 4/22 Segment of bike path between Camp 6 and Bank 3-way will be closed. A
detour will be available and marked. The operation will include temporary
trail closures/signed re-route detours and a temporary shuttle bus closure
in front of the Visitor Center/Administration Building (with signed
detours) to allow the hot asphalt to cool and cure. (D. Tucker - 4/21/08)
Earth Day 2008 Schedule of Events
Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008 –Earth Day, 2008!
9:00am – 11:00am Stewardship Project, Join Yosemite Resources Management
and Science staff for an Earth Day work party. Assist in the restoration
of the majestic meadows and open spaces of Yosemite Valley by removing
non-native Himalayan blackberry to allow native plants and animals to
reclaim the areas. Meet in front of the Visitor Center and we’ll provide
all tools and gloves. Closed-toe shoes required.
2:00pm – 5:00pm Pedal, Play and Protect Bike Ride, Join Park staff for this
fun and educational scavenger hunt by bike to Valley sites to learn about
earth-friendly projects and initiatives in Yosemite. Cost is $5/person,
which includes bike rental (participants may also use their own bike).
Advance reservations required. Info/tickets at any tour desk.
7:00-9:00p EarthDance Film Festival, Presented by the Oakland Museum of
California, EarthDance is the largest collection of environmental shorts in
the United States. Join us for films recounting personal stories that
invite you to celebrate and explore your multifaceted relationship to the
natural world. Donations will be accepted as admission; Visitor Center
Theatre, Stop #9 (J. Graves - 4/17/08)
New Today
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)
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Adrienne Freeman accepts position as GS-9 Fire Information Education
Specialist - It's with great pleasure to inform you that Adrienne Freeman
has accepted a position in Fire Management as our GS-9 Fire Information and
Education Specialist. Her Enter On Duty date is pending her final
completion of her Masters degree in Resource Interpretation from Stephen F.
Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas
Adrienne started her career as a seasonal in 2003 then accepted a Student
Career position with the Media Relations Office in 2005.
I am please to have Adrienne join our team and I am very grateful for her
background and experience in Media Relations to assist us with our complex
program. Her skills gained working with Media Relations Branch Chief Scott
Gediman will greatly enhance our ability to integrate the fire information
and media relations program here in Yosemite National Park.
Please help me congratulate Adrienne and welcome her aboard!! (K. Martin -
4/21/08)
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The Research Library will be closed April 24th - 30th. In case of a
research emergency, contact the Museum staff (372-0282 or 0297). (L. Eade -
4/21/08)
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April 20th-April26th, YNP and Yosemite Institute will be hosting this fine
group:
Blue Oak School, Napa, 3th grade
Katherine D. Burke School, San Francisco, 6th grade
Santa Barbara Montessori, Goleta, 4th-6th grades
Sierra Oaks Elementary, Sacramento, 6th grade
St. Alban’s School, Roseville, 8th grade
Family School, Los Olivos, 4th-5th grades
West Side School, Healdsburg, 6th grade
Woodside Elementary School, Woodside, 7th grade
Bridgemont High School, San Francisco, 9th-12thgrades
St. Finn Barr School San Francisco, San Francisco, 7thgrade
Pilgrim School, Los Angeles, 6th grade
Wonderland School, Los Angeles, 5th 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 - 4/21/08)
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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Yosemite Creek Pedestrian Bridge is now open. Check it out. (M. Pieper -
4/18/08)
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North and Southside Drive Rehabilitation
Southside Drive between Sentinel Bridge and the west end of Housekeeping is
now open. Northside Drive between Yosemite Lodge and El Capitan Crossover
remains closed. (M. Pieper - 4/18/08)
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Big Oak Flat Road Slide Repair
*April 14th - 18th Placement of soil berm, placement of soil erosion
fabric, & cleanup.
Big Oak Flat Road Seal Project
*April 14th-25th 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.(M. Pieper -
4/15/08)
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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
TUOLUMNE MEADOWS - WINTER CONDITIONS UPDATE
April 16, 2008
Weather: (April 9 to April 15)
High temp: 60° (April 13 and 14)
Low temp: 8° (April 10)
New Snow: 0”
Total settled snow depth: 31” as of April 16
Ski Conditions and Weather: Spring has finally arrived at Tuolumne. We had
a warm and sunny week, with afternoon highs near 60 every day and overnight
lows in the teens to twenties. The ice has gone off the Tuolumne River, the
snowpack is quickly melting, and birds are singing everywhere. We even saw
our first wildflowers of the year today over by Parson’s Lodge, where the
ground is quickly opening up. The snow has been very firm the past few
mornings, but by early afternoon conditions get pretty sloppy. The latest
snow conditions report from the east side is that the Tioga road (Highway
120) has been plowed from the road closure gate outside of Lee Vining up to
the east end of Ellery Lake, so skiers coming in from the east side should
be prepared to walk the first 4-5 miles of road above the gate before you
reach the snow. Skiers coming up the Snow Creek trail from the west side
report that the snow line begins just above the summer trail bridge, which
is about 1/2 mile 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 Mallard, Common Merganser,
Killdeer, Northern Flicker, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker,
Black-backed Woodpecker, Violet-green Swallow, Steller’s Jay, Clark’s
Nutcracker, Common Raven, Mountain Chickadee, Brown Creeper, White-breasted
Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Townsend’s Solitaire, American Robin,
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Dark-eyed Junco, White-crowned Sparrow, and Brewer’s
Blackbird. 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 up here 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)
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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The Introduction to Park Program Management Course which was to be held May
12 through 16th has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for late fall or
early winter. (T. Pimentel - 4/17/08)
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YARTS voucher pickup: This is to let you know that I will be on leave April
21-25. I will be back at work around noon on Monday, April 28th. If you
need your voucher, Wendy Malone will have them during that period. (S. Grin
- 4/17/08)
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BID ANNOUNCEMENT - EMPLOYEE HOUSING
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK - NATIONAL PARK SERVICE - GOVERNMENT HOUSING
EL PORTAL HOUSING AREA
HOUSE #874 - 9742 ELDERBERRY LANE
3 Bedrooms – 2 Bathrooms - 1843 Sq. Ft. – Built in 1996 - $479.64 bi-weekly
– utilities not included.
DEADLINE FOR BID SUBMISSION
APRIL 30, 2008 (Close of Business)
Eligible Employees must be NPS Permanent, Term, or SCEP (Student Career
Experience Program)
Please contact the Housing Management Office for bid forms and/or
additional information. 379-1839 or 379-1879 (Y. Radanovich - 4/16/08)
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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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Campgroung Opening: Lower Pines Campground will open for the season on
Friday, April 11. (M. Carter - 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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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: 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
Yosemite National Park
Current Vacancy Announcements
UPDATED: April 16, 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 -- 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
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
Salary: From 29,726.00 to 33,135.00 USD per year
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
Salary: From 40,779.00 to 53,012.00 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 - 4/17/08)
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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Wanted - a room to rent, or house to share. A new employee (non-smoking
female) coming to the park on a term appointment is seeking a place to
stay. Would prefer to be within commuting distance from El Portal.
Contact at 216-731-1056, laura_elze@yahoo.com (T. Croissant - 4/15/08)
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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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Two new FREE Dance Classes will be offered beginning this week, through the
Mariposa Adult School!
The Wednesday night class in El Portal will continue on the same schedule
for another 6 weeks. 6 pm Level I, & 7 pm Level II. Location: El Portal
School. First class - 4/16.
The same series, with the same schedule will be offered at Mariposa High
School - in the Gym - for 6 weeks on Thursday nights. First class - 4/17.
This Introduction To Swing series, focuses on East Coast Swing, also known
as the Jitterbug. Lori Landrin lives in Oakhurst, and has been teaching in
Oakhurst, North Fork, & Mariposa, for over two years. This will be her
second series in El Portal.
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!!! Though the school system is offering the class
for free, they would like to see a class of at lest 14 students.
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 call Lori at (559) 658-8541. (L.
Landrin - 4/15/08)
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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:
April 25-26. LARS AND THE REAL GIRL. (T. Arfsten - 4/16/08)
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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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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)
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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)
*************************************************
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)
*************************************************
Argentine Tango Dance Class!! Taught by visiting instructors from
Argentina:Marcelo Molina y Carolina Vazquez
Sunday May 4th, 3:30-5:30pm, El Portal School Multi-Purpose Room
$25/person, 2 hour class, including a Dance Performance by the instructors
Bring: dance shoes with slippery soles (slippery socks work too!)
*No Partner Needed*
Sponsored by YEA and Balanced Rock Foundation - Questions? Call Myra
379-2540 (M. McKenney - 4/15/08)
*************************************************
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)
Acting Designation
I will be on Annual Leave through April 30. Please contact Deron Mills -
Acting Fire Chief at 209-379-1902 in my absence. (K. Martin - 4/21/08)
*************************************************
Laura Kirn (379-1314) will be Acting Chief of Resources Management and
Science on April 21-22. (N. Nicholas - 4/21/08)
*************************************************Sueann Brown (379-1222) will be acting Branch Chief for History,
Architecture & Landscapes on Monday, April 21st. (D. Humphrey - 4/21/08)
*************************************************
Mark Jones will be Acting Supervisor, Valley Buildings and Grounds, for the
week of April 21, 2008, while Kieth Stowell is out of the office. Mark can
be reached at 209-372-0545. (T. Ford - 4/18/08)
*************************************************
Starting tomorrow, the following will be acting Branch Chief of Wildlife
Management
Tori Seher: Friday, Apr. 18 - Wednesday, Apr. 23 - Fridayt Apr. 25
Sarah Stock: Monday, Apr. 21 - Tuesday, Apr. 22 - Thursday, Apr. 25
Location willing, I will be available by cell phone. (S. Thompson -
4/18/08)
*************************************************
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)
*************************************************
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)
_______________________________
