Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Weather
Yosemite: TODAY...SUNNY...BREEZY. HIGHS 55 TO 65 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...37 TO
47 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
TONIGHT...CLEAR. LOWS 27 TO 37 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...17 TO 27 IN THE HIGH
COUNTRY.
FRIDAY...SUNNY. NOT AS COOL. HIGHS 64 TO 74 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY... 45 TO 55
IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
FRIDAY NIGHT...CLEAR. LOWS 31 TO 41 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...24 TO 34 IN THE
HIGH COUNTRY.
SATURDAY...SUNNY. HIGHS 67 TO 77 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...48 TO 58 IN THE HIGH
COUNTRY.
El Portal: Today: Sunny, with a high near 68. North northwest wind around
10 mph.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 34. Northwest wind between 3 and 11 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming west between 7 and
10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Northwest wind between 6
and 10 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 81. East northeast wind at 11 mph
becoming west northwest.
Happening Today/This Week (Check the Community News section for other
events)
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. 4/24
- Segment of bike path between Camp 6 and Lower Yosemite Falls Shuttle Stop
will be paved. A detour will be available and marked. 4/25 and 4/28 - 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. Bikes and pedestrians will be detoured around the
Administration Building via Oak Drive and back towards the NPS Maintenance
Facility. Cedar Court will also be closed both days. (D. Tucker - 4/24/08)
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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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FYI: Per the communities request, a web page has been created for
information regarding the El Portal Market. Postings will be made as they
are received at: http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/epm.htm
New Today
The Vernal Fall water system and comfort station will open for the season
on Friday, April 25. (K. Kirk - 4/24/08)
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Update on Tioga road Opening 4/24/08.
Tioga Road opening operations continued yesterday.
Tioga Road progress for April 23, 2008:
Starting Location: 11.3 miles from Crane Flat Gate
Ending Location:15 miles from Crane Flat Gate (Mc Swain Summit)
Distance plowed today: 3.7miles
Average Snow depth: 6 ft.
Update on Glacier Point Road 4/24/08
Glacier Point Road is open to Administrative Traffic only.
The road is very icy due to current spring temperatures and is not
sanded.
Wawona Road crews will be performing shoulder and road repairs as needed
from Chinquapin to Glacier Point.
The gate at Chinquapin will be closed for administrative traffic only. (
Contact 460 before Admin. traffic enters roadway).
Forestry crews are presently removing hazard trees on the Glacier Point
road starting at Chinquapin to Glacier Point.
Please watch out for Road crews, Sign Shop and Forestry crews on roadway
drive slow and drive defensively. (T. Brochini - 4/24/08)
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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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April 27th-May 3rd, YNP and Yosemite Institute will be hosting this fine
group:
Arcade Fundamental Middle School, Sacramento, 8th grade
Cambria Grammar School, Cambria, 5th grade
Kenwood Elementary School, Kenwood, 6th grade
Mission Avenue Open School, Carmichael, 4th grade
Saklan Valley School, Moraga, 6th grade
St. Joachim’s School, Madera, 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 - 4/24/08)
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Hwy. 140 to get replacement bridges
Temporary structures along route to Yosemite National Park will bypass rock
slide.
By Mark Grossi / The Fresno Bee
The California Department of Transportation soon will replace emergency
bridges with $8 million temporary bridges around a massive rock slide on
Highway 140, along the western route to Yosemite National Park.
The temporary bridges are expected to be finished in the next couple of
months, though there is no specific timetable, said Caltrans spokeswoman
Lisa Balcom.
Traffic will continue during construction, using emergency bridges that
were installed in 2006 after the rock slide.
The new bridges will be able to accommodate 45-foot buses, she said. The
current bridges can only handle vehicles up to 28 feet.
The new bridges will function the same way as the old ones. Signals will
allow east-west traffic to alternate using the one-way bridges, which
bypass the rock slide by moving vehicles across the Merced River for a
short distance.
About 70,000 tons of rock and debris block the highway about 12 miles west
of the Yosemite entrance. State officials are in the process of deciding on
a permanent bypass, which might cost up to $62 million.
Mariposa businesses lost money in 2006, but they recovered somewhat in
2007, officials said. Business owners are anxious to know when the
permanent fix will be completed. Caltrans had estimated as early as 2012.
Public meetings on environmental documents for the permanent fix are
expected in El Portal and Mariposa this summer, Balcom said. Caltrans wants
to complete the documentation by August, she said.
Announcements
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.
April 28 0800-1700 Valley SAR Training Room Contact Aaron
Woods 372-0416
April 30 0800-1700 El Portal Community Hall Contact Bernard
Spielman 379-1903 THIS CLASS IS FULL
May 1-2 Hours TBD Crane Flat Helibase Contact Eric
Small/Jeff Pirog 379-1911/372-0414
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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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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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
Glacier National Park is currently advertising for a Park Ranger
(Protection), GL-0025-07 target GL-09. Position is open to the public.
Permanent less than full-time working full-time a minimum of 13 pay periods
and a maximum of 25 pay periods. The announcement is currently on USAJOBS:
Announcement Number: CK183634BB Closing: Friday, April 25, 2008 (I.
Keheley - 4/22/08)
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Yosemite National Park
Current Vacancy Announcements
UPDATED: April 24, 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
PERMANENT -- STATUS NOT REQUIRED – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Budget Clerk (Typing)
Vacancy Ann.#: YP174252-08-PS
Who May Apply: Public
Pay Plan: GS-0561-04
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 4/23/2008
Closing: 04/28/2008
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
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 (H. Whitman - 4/24/08)
Community News
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
This week's programs:
Friday - Saturday April 25 - 26, 7:30p.m. LARS AND THE REAL GIRL. (PG-13,
106 mins.)
Lars (Ryan Gosling) is an awkwardly shy young man in a small northern town
who finally brings home the girl of his dreams to his brother and
sister-in-law's home. The only problem is that she's not real - she's a
life-size doll Lars ordered off the internet. His sister-in-law is worried
for him, his brother thinks he's nuts, but eventually the entire town goes
along with his delusion in support of this sweet natured boy that they've
always loved. In its humor, our humanity shines through. Be sure to see
this one!
UPCOMING FILMS (at 7:30 unless otherwise noted):
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, May 9-10
Pangea Day, May 10, 11-2 FREE ADMISSION
I’m Not There, May 16-17
Bamako, May 23-24
TED, May 31, FREE ADMISSION (T. Arfsten - 4/22/08)
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Open Mic Night at Sal's: Come hear a variety of community musicians and
artists perform at an open mic event this Thursday, April 24, at the El
Portal Community Hall - hosted by The Adam Burns Band. Advance sign-ups
have almost filled the schedule, but there is still a little bit of room to
squeeze in last-minute performers. Music begins at 6:30, and The Adam
Burns Band will play a set starting at 9pm to close the evening. Proceeds
from the tip jar will be donated to No More Victims, a non-profit
organization who arrange medical care for Iraqi children injured in the
war. (nomorevictims.org). We hope to see you there! Thanks so much! (V.
McMichael - 4/22/08)
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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)
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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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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)
Acting Designation
April 21-26 Eric Gabriel will be the acting Deputy Chief Ranger he can be
reached at 379-1896. (C. Cuvelier - 4/22/08)
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Kristin Ramsey will be the acting Branch Chief for Interpretive Support
Services from April 22-30. (M. Kline - 4/22/08)
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Bill Kuhn will be the Acting Branch Chief for Physical Science and GIS from
April 21-25. Bill can be reached at 379-1157. (J. Meyer - 4/22/08)
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Sue Beatty (379-3290) will be acting branch chief for Vegetation and
Ecological Restoration April 22-25. (J. Weaser - 4/22/08)
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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)
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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)
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Starting tomorrow, the following will be acting Branch Chief of Wildlife
Management
Tori Seher: Wednesday, Apr. 23 - Friday Apr. 25
Sarah Stock: Monday, Apr. 21 - Tuesday, Apr. 22 - Thursday, Apr. 24
Location willing, I will be available by cell phone. (S. Thompson -
4/18/08)
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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)
_______________________________
The Monday and online editions of The Daily Report continue as the long
version. The Tuesday - Friday email version will be shortened to include
only new and "happening today" information. Please plan your submittals
accordingly. To view the long version please visit
http://www.yose.nps.gov/yosenet/intp/daily.htm (intranet) or
http://www.nps.gov/yose/parknews/upload/daily.pdf (internet).
We cut and paste submissions and generally do not correct submitted copy.
Entries must be in by 7:00am the day of publication. There are no weekend
or holiday editions. Submissions: email yose_daily_report@nps.gov
