WawonaNews.com - May 2022
Are You Fire Ready?
May is Wildfire Awareness Month and a good time to start preparing for defensible space inspections that will occur in the local Yosemite communities mid-June. Defensible space is the buffer you create between building(s) on your property and the surrounding vegetation (grass, trees, shrubs).
Creating and maintaining defensible space is essential to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and can help protect your home from catching fire. It is also important for the safety of firefighters who may be in the area during a wildland fire. Help keep the community safer from fire spread by ensuring your home meets the recommendations, visit www.readyforwildfire.org for more information.
May is Wildfire Awareness Month and a good time to start preparing for defensible space inspections that will occur in the local Yosemite communities mid-June. Defensible space is the buffer you create between building(s) on your property and the surrounding vegetation (grass, trees, shrubs).
Creating and maintaining defensible space is essential to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and can help protect your home from catching fire. It is also important for the safety of firefighters who may be in the area during a wildland fire. Help keep the community safer from fire spread by ensuring your home meets the recommendations, visit www.readyforwildfire.org for more information.
Park Visitor Reservations System For 2022
For peak hours reservation system this summer no form is needed. Reservation holders of a vacation rental property in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta do not receive a form from the landowner or property mgmt. We only did a form letter in 2020. The property owners/managers fill out a spreadsheet of all of their paying guests that is imported every night and populates our reservation database. This allows us to look up the reservation holder's name at the gates. All vacation rental owners should have received a unique link for their guests.
For the guest showing up at the gate, they will need to:
For non-paying guests, write or email them a note with the owner’s name and local address, the name(s) of the guests and the dates they would be staying with you.
Parker Davis
For peak hours reservation system this summer no form is needed. Reservation holders of a vacation rental property in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta do not receive a form from the landowner or property mgmt. We only did a form letter in 2020. The property owners/managers fill out a spreadsheet of all of their paying guests that is imported every night and populates our reservation database. This allows us to look up the reservation holder's name at the gates. All vacation rental owners should have received a unique link for their guests.
For the guest showing up at the gate, they will need to:
- show the ID (or copy of ID) of the reservation holder
- have some proof of their reservation (typically an email)
- be sure to print or take a screenshot prior to arriving at the gate since there will likely be no cell service
For non-paying guests, write or email them a note with the owner’s name and local address, the name(s) of the guests and the dates they would be staying with you.
Parker Davis
Wawona Hotel Brochure From the 1930s
Yosemite Valley Pile Burning
Fire crews will be burning piles in Yosemite Valley on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. There are approximately 20 piles located along Southside Drive west of Swinging Bridge Picnic Area. There are no anticipated trail closures. Smoke will linger in the area for a few days, but should not have an impact to the road. Please drive carefully and watch for firefighters and equipment in the area.
Fire crews will be burning piles in Yosemite Valley on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. There are approximately 20 piles located along Southside Drive west of Swinging Bridge Picnic Area. There are no anticipated trail closures. Smoke will linger in the area for a few days, but should not have an impact to the road. Please drive carefully and watch for firefighters and equipment in the area.
Wawona Chinese Laundry on the Today Show
Chowchilla Mountain Road
Chowchilla Mountain Road has opened for the season. The road is not recommended for low-clearance vehicles. Deep ruts and rocks are present. Please travel with caution. (H. Edgecomb)
Chowchilla Mountain Road has opened for the season. The road is not recommended for low-clearance vehicles. Deep ruts and rocks are present. Please travel with caution. (H. Edgecomb)
Mariposa County Tourism Spending Rebounded by $105 million in 2021
Visitation to Mariposa County increased in 2021, bringing with it a boost to the tourism-based economy as pandemic restrictions eased.
In total, $361.6 million was spent by visitors to the county, a huge increase over the $255.3 million spent in 2020 according to The Economic Impact of Travel in California, a report published this week by Visit California and prepared by Dean Runyan Associates. Even more encouraging news, the 41.6% increase in spending in the county brought back 550 more tourism-based jobs – a total of 4,230 jobs, an increase of 14% from 2020’s total and the highest number of tourism-based jobs in the county since 2017.
Mariposa County’s workforce expansion in the tourism sector was twice the national average in 2021, which is not a surprise, as tourism historically accounts for nearly 50% of the County’s total work force.
“Through hard work and persistence, our county showed its resiliency in 2021, and that tourism will be a viable economic leader for years to come,” said Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau CEO and Executive Director, Jonathan Farrington. “During the pandemic, people dreamed of being outdoors, and Mariposa County and Yosemite provides natural comfort during difficult times. We still have challenges to overcome in 2022 and beyond, but also things to be optimistic about. YMCTB is already working to ensure that Mariposa County’s economic growth continues this year through our destination marketing and promotion.”
Visitor spending to Mariposa County increased in nearly all categories including accommodations, food service, retail sales and arts, entertainment and recreation. Most notably, accommodation spending was up 47.2% to $161 million. The leader in accommodation spending was private home or vacation rental spending which was up 211% to $10.9 million from $3.5 million in 2020, illustrating the desire to travel and stay in “family bubbles” while concerns over the pandemic were prevalent.
Income from tourists visiting Mariposa County via taxable receipts was up 37.9% in 2022 with $21.6 million dollars. This spending by tourists goes to support county finances and services for fire protection, road maintenance, county staffing and supports the Mariposa County Sheriff Department.
Few counties in California bring in more visitor spending per capita than our own. Mariposa County was tied with Alpine County for the highest percent of visitor-generated taxable sales at 36.1%. Mariposa County’s tax income per household of $4,627 is the third highest in the state only behind Alpine and Mono Counties.
The local tourism economy turned a corner in 2021, but there is still more room for recovery in coming years. Destination spending was still down by more than $100 million from 2019’s pre-pandemic levels. However, international visitation is expected to return to normal levels by 2024 or 2025 as pandemic concerns are overcome & international travel restrictions ease and lift. Added international visitation will be further supported by improved domestic travel sentiment as concerns over COVID-19 ease.
To ensure that international visitors will choose Mariposa County as a destination to visit, the Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau is adding advertising to international markets in the United Kingdom, Germany, Scandinavia, and Australia to keep the county front of mind for those planning their bucket list trip after saving for two to three years. It will be a competitive market once international travel returns and with proper funding, the Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau can be well-situated to support a return to pre-pandemic taxable incomes levels from tourism.
Challenges to the long-term viability of Mariposa County’s tourism industry do still exist such as the Yosemite Temporary Peak Hours Reservation System and economic concerns related to inflation. The Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau stands poised to navigate a still uncertain future by promoting Mariposa County as a family-friendly destination that is accessible to all budgets, age groups and interests.
Visitation to Mariposa County increased in 2021, bringing with it a boost to the tourism-based economy as pandemic restrictions eased.
In total, $361.6 million was spent by visitors to the county, a huge increase over the $255.3 million spent in 2020 according to The Economic Impact of Travel in California, a report published this week by Visit California and prepared by Dean Runyan Associates. Even more encouraging news, the 41.6% increase in spending in the county brought back 550 more tourism-based jobs – a total of 4,230 jobs, an increase of 14% from 2020’s total and the highest number of tourism-based jobs in the county since 2017.
Mariposa County’s workforce expansion in the tourism sector was twice the national average in 2021, which is not a surprise, as tourism historically accounts for nearly 50% of the County’s total work force.
“Through hard work and persistence, our county showed its resiliency in 2021, and that tourism will be a viable economic leader for years to come,” said Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau CEO and Executive Director, Jonathan Farrington. “During the pandemic, people dreamed of being outdoors, and Mariposa County and Yosemite provides natural comfort during difficult times. We still have challenges to overcome in 2022 and beyond, but also things to be optimistic about. YMCTB is already working to ensure that Mariposa County’s economic growth continues this year through our destination marketing and promotion.”
Visitor spending to Mariposa County increased in nearly all categories including accommodations, food service, retail sales and arts, entertainment and recreation. Most notably, accommodation spending was up 47.2% to $161 million. The leader in accommodation spending was private home or vacation rental spending which was up 211% to $10.9 million from $3.5 million in 2020, illustrating the desire to travel and stay in “family bubbles” while concerns over the pandemic were prevalent.
Income from tourists visiting Mariposa County via taxable receipts was up 37.9% in 2022 with $21.6 million dollars. This spending by tourists goes to support county finances and services for fire protection, road maintenance, county staffing and supports the Mariposa County Sheriff Department.
Few counties in California bring in more visitor spending per capita than our own. Mariposa County was tied with Alpine County for the highest percent of visitor-generated taxable sales at 36.1%. Mariposa County’s tax income per household of $4,627 is the third highest in the state only behind Alpine and Mono Counties.
The local tourism economy turned a corner in 2021, but there is still more room for recovery in coming years. Destination spending was still down by more than $100 million from 2019’s pre-pandemic levels. However, international visitation is expected to return to normal levels by 2024 or 2025 as pandemic concerns are overcome & international travel restrictions ease and lift. Added international visitation will be further supported by improved domestic travel sentiment as concerns over COVID-19 ease.
To ensure that international visitors will choose Mariposa County as a destination to visit, the Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau is adding advertising to international markets in the United Kingdom, Germany, Scandinavia, and Australia to keep the county front of mind for those planning their bucket list trip after saving for two to three years. It will be a competitive market once international travel returns and with proper funding, the Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau can be well-situated to support a return to pre-pandemic taxable incomes levels from tourism.
Challenges to the long-term viability of Mariposa County’s tourism industry do still exist such as the Yosemite Temporary Peak Hours Reservation System and economic concerns related to inflation. The Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau stands poised to navigate a still uncertain future by promoting Mariposa County as a family-friendly destination that is accessible to all budgets, age groups and interests.
Glacier Point Road Closed
Glacier Point Road is closed to bicycle, pedestrian, and public vehicle traffic for the rest of the year due to road construction. (C. Andrews)
Glacier Point Road is closed to bicycle, pedestrian, and public vehicle traffic for the rest of the year due to road construction. (C. Andrews)
New Wawona Listing
$1,999,999, 4 bd 2 ba, 2,606 sqft, 8100 Chilnualna Falls Rd, Wawona, CA 95389. Click here or on the image for more information.
$1,999,999, 4 bd 2 ba, 2,606 sqft, 8100 Chilnualna Falls Rd, Wawona, CA 95389. Click here or on the image for more information.
Pile Burning Near Valley School Field
Fire Management plans on burning the piles near the Yosemite Elementary school next week, May 3-6. Burn days will be determined by the best smoke dispersion and weather parameters. The piles were constructed by the Calaveras Healthy Impact Product Solutions (CHIPS) crew composed of local tribal members in an effort to restore California black oak groves in Yosemite Valley. Black oak is a cultural keystone species for the park's seven affiliated tribes: North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California, Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians, Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, Kutzadika’a Mono Lake Indian Community, Bridgeport Paiute Indian Colony, Bishop Paiute Tribe and the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation. Groves in Yosemite Valley were planted, tended, burned, and harvested by tribal members for centuries. Tribal members have been invited to help burn the piles. Email Kelly_ Singer@nps.gov for additional information.
Kelly Singer
Deputy Fire Management Officer
Yosemite National Park
209-372-0414 office
Fire Management plans on burning the piles near the Yosemite Elementary school next week, May 3-6. Burn days will be determined by the best smoke dispersion and weather parameters. The piles were constructed by the Calaveras Healthy Impact Product Solutions (CHIPS) crew composed of local tribal members in an effort to restore California black oak groves in Yosemite Valley. Black oak is a cultural keystone species for the park's seven affiliated tribes: North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California, Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians, Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, Kutzadika’a Mono Lake Indian Community, Bridgeport Paiute Indian Colony, Bishop Paiute Tribe and the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation. Groves in Yosemite Valley were planted, tended, burned, and harvested by tribal members for centuries. Tribal members have been invited to help burn the piles. Email Kelly_ Singer@nps.gov for additional information.
Kelly Singer
Deputy Fire Management Officer
Yosemite National Park
209-372-0414 office
Raise The Roof Fundraiser Update
The Wawona School would like to thank everyone who participated in the Raise the Roof Fundraiser on April 9th! We had a wonderful BBQ lunch and raffle. We auctioned off a very cool firepit made by members of our local fire and roads crews! We listened to live jazz performed by members of the Yosemite Jazz Band with Wawona's own Lochlann Henderson on drums and friend Elva Gurule on trumpet and vocals. We raised over $12,000 in one day and we are very grateful and humbled by the support of the community. So far we have raised approximately $66,000 toward our $100,000 goal. If we can get to $100,000 by the end of June we will strive to make the necessary repairs to the school over the summer break. We are hoping to stabilize the building for the next decade by putting on a new roof and making other repairs. This would buy time to research and rectify the longer term funding and maintenance agreements with the Park and County. Our next event will be selling school t-shirts and other swag at the Library Book Sale coming up soon. Tax deductible donations can be sent directly to the Raise the Roof for Wawona School Campaign at
Yosemite Wawona Elementary Charter School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Rd, Yosemite Natl Pk, CA 95389
A GOFUNDME page has been set up at
https://gofund.me/9348340e
Thanks!
Katherine Henderson
The Wawona School would like to thank everyone who participated in the Raise the Roof Fundraiser on April 9th! We had a wonderful BBQ lunch and raffle. We auctioned off a very cool firepit made by members of our local fire and roads crews! We listened to live jazz performed by members of the Yosemite Jazz Band with Wawona's own Lochlann Henderson on drums and friend Elva Gurule on trumpet and vocals. We raised over $12,000 in one day and we are very grateful and humbled by the support of the community. So far we have raised approximately $66,000 toward our $100,000 goal. If we can get to $100,000 by the end of June we will strive to make the necessary repairs to the school over the summer break. We are hoping to stabilize the building for the next decade by putting on a new roof and making other repairs. This would buy time to research and rectify the longer term funding and maintenance agreements with the Park and County. Our next event will be selling school t-shirts and other swag at the Library Book Sale coming up soon. Tax deductible donations can be sent directly to the Raise the Roof for Wawona School Campaign at
Yosemite Wawona Elementary Charter School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Rd, Yosemite Natl Pk, CA 95389
A GOFUNDME page has been set up at
https://gofund.me/9348340e
Thanks!
Katherine Henderson
Yosemite Conservancy education grant makes field trips possible for YWECS students
Wawona students were able to experience the Gold Rush route first hand thanks to the generous annual grants which are available to support student learning. 4th-6th graders spent 4 days exploring stops along the 49. Stops at places such as Sutter's Mill, Angel's Camp and Hornitos helped give them a better understanding of California's history. The April trip was topped off with time in Sacramento. Students toured the capital, met their Assemblyman Bigelow as well as George Radanovich, visited Old Town, the zoo, Crocker Art Museum and Fort Sutter, and the California Car museum. Also Black Chasm Caverns which were discovered during the Gold Rush. It was a great trip that should stay with them for a lifetime. The school is also using this year's grant to fund a trip to the Grand Canyon in May.
Just Like Old Times
On Friday, Wawona had the privilege of hearing Tom Bopp at the hotel parlor, once again after almost three years. Tom had arranged a single night of music at the hotel to celebrate the visit from ex Wawona resident and renowned illustrator, Larry Duke. Several of his Wawona friends were there to enjoy another evening of wonderful music by Tom, who has entertained our community for decades now.
No Barn Dances in 2022
Wawona Barn Dances will not be taking place at the Gray Barn during Summer 2022. Due to emergent and evolving issues in Wawona Interpretation, we are unable to take on this program this summer. I deeply appreciate the support of the Wawona community for these fun events in years' past. I hope we will have the operational certainty to offer these amazing community events in 2023.
Thank you for your understanding.
Adam Ramsey
Supervisory Park Ranger
Wawona District Interpretation
Yosemite National Park
Work Cell: (209) 347-9122
Wawona Barn Dances will not be taking place at the Gray Barn during Summer 2022. Due to emergent and evolving issues in Wawona Interpretation, we are unable to take on this program this summer. I deeply appreciate the support of the Wawona community for these fun events in years' past. I hope we will have the operational certainty to offer these amazing community events in 2023.
Thank you for your understanding.
Adam Ramsey
Supervisory Park Ranger
Wawona District Interpretation
Yosemite National Park
Work Cell: (209) 347-9122
Residential burning information
Local residents,
If you are taking the opportunity to conduct safe residential pile burning, please refer to the attached guidance related to timing and notifications of your burn. We know this is a great way to reduce fire hazards around your home and want to ensure you have the best information on hand.
For more details regarding residential burning or other fire safety tips, please visit www.readyforwildfire.org
Local residents,
If you are taking the opportunity to conduct safe residential pile burning, please refer to the attached guidance related to timing and notifications of your burn. We know this is a great way to reduce fire hazards around your home and want to ensure you have the best information on hand.
For more details regarding residential burning or other fire safety tips, please visit www.readyforwildfire.org
Mariposa Grove Road
The Mariposa Grove Road is still closed to all vehicles, including those displaying a disability placard. The only access to the Mariposa Grove is the four-mile round-trip hike (with 500 feet of elevation change) from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza (near South Entrance). Pets and bicycles are not allowed on the Mariposa Grove Road or the Washburn Trail.
Access to the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area for vehicles displaying a disability placard is expected to resume later this month. Shuttle service is scheduled to resume on Memorial Day weekend. (C. Andrews)
The Mariposa Grove Road is still closed to all vehicles, including those displaying a disability placard. The only access to the Mariposa Grove is the four-mile round-trip hike (with 500 feet of elevation change) from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza (near South Entrance). Pets and bicycles are not allowed on the Mariposa Grove Road or the Washburn Trail.
Access to the Mariposa Grove Arrival Area for vehicles displaying a disability placard is expected to resume later this month. Shuttle service is scheduled to resume on Memorial Day weekend. (C. Andrews)
Tom Bopp Returns To The Wawona Hotel
We’re happy to announce that after two-year’s hiatus, I’ve just signed back on with Yosemite Hospitality to perform at the Wawona Hotel.
Here's the current version of my schedule. My incredible wife, Diane, has worked tirelessly (okay, sometimes tiredly) to make this happen, planning, strategizing, and securing cabin rentals. It's doing wonders for our morale to return to this semblance of our pre-pandemic lives!
April 5 - 9 (Tu - Sa), 12 - 14 (Tu - Th)
May 3 - 7 (Tu - Sa), 10 - 14 (Tu - Sa)
July 1 - 2 (Fr - Sa), 4 - 9 (Mo - Sa), 12 - 16 (Tu - Sa), 19 - 23 (Tu - Sa), 26 - 30 (Tu - Sa)
August 2 - 6 (Tu - Sa)
October 4 - 8 (Tu - Sa), 11 - 15 (Tu - Sa)
As you may know, last year Diane and I moved four hours away from Wawona.* Due to the scarcity of employee housing and seasonal rentals in the Wawona area, I'll be staying in vacation rental cabins at The Redwoods In Yosemite; they've given us great deals, but since the rental costs significantly exceed my earnings, we're seeking alternative housing to make my continued appearances at the Wawona Hotel sustainable.
We’ll keep you posted. It’s so good to be back.
Best wishes to you and yours,
Tom & Diane Bopp
*For the backstory on our move, scroll down on my Schedule site, or see our 2021 Year End Letter
We’re happy to announce that after two-year’s hiatus, I’ve just signed back on with Yosemite Hospitality to perform at the Wawona Hotel.
Here's the current version of my schedule. My incredible wife, Diane, has worked tirelessly (okay, sometimes tiredly) to make this happen, planning, strategizing, and securing cabin rentals. It's doing wonders for our morale to return to this semblance of our pre-pandemic lives!
April 5 - 9 (Tu - Sa), 12 - 14 (Tu - Th)
May 3 - 7 (Tu - Sa), 10 - 14 (Tu - Sa)
July 1 - 2 (Fr - Sa), 4 - 9 (Mo - Sa), 12 - 16 (Tu - Sa), 19 - 23 (Tu - Sa), 26 - 30 (Tu - Sa)
August 2 - 6 (Tu - Sa)
October 4 - 8 (Tu - Sa), 11 - 15 (Tu - Sa)
As you may know, last year Diane and I moved four hours away from Wawona.* Due to the scarcity of employee housing and seasonal rentals in the Wawona area, I'll be staying in vacation rental cabins at The Redwoods In Yosemite; they've given us great deals, but since the rental costs significantly exceed my earnings, we're seeking alternative housing to make my continued appearances at the Wawona Hotel sustainable.
We’ll keep you posted. It’s so good to be back.
Best wishes to you and yours,
Tom & Diane Bopp
*For the backstory on our move, scroll down on my Schedule site, or see our 2021 Year End Letter
No Gasoline in Wawona Chevron on Tuesday 4/12 and Wednesday 4/13 until Noon
Below is scheduled for next week. This will be part of the contract to upgrade Wawona gas pumps. Please distribute to the community.
For the Gas station: Banks & Co. will be performing the next equipment upgrade on Monday 4/11/22. They will be starting at 9am and will have 1 gasoline and 1 diesel pump available Monday.
There will be NO FUEL on Tuesday 4/12/22 and until 12pm on Wednesday 4/13/22.
Thank you
Thomas Goodreau
Yosemite Hospitality General Manager
Below is scheduled for next week. This will be part of the contract to upgrade Wawona gas pumps. Please distribute to the community.
For the Gas station: Banks & Co. will be performing the next equipment upgrade on Monday 4/11/22. They will be starting at 9am and will have 1 gasoline and 1 diesel pump available Monday.
There will be NO FUEL on Tuesday 4/12/22 and until 12pm on Wednesday 4/13/22.
Thank you
Thomas Goodreau
Yosemite Hospitality General Manager
WAPPOA Meeting April 9, 9AM, Community Center, Probably Outside
Hi all,
We will try to have the meeting outside tomorrow (masks optional). The forecast for 9am is 59 degrees, but we can be mostly in the sun, and it will warm up fairly quickly. So bring jackets! We will have coffee and doughnuts inside, so you can go there for a while if you need to warm up.
We have a busy agenda with speakers from the NPS, Mariposa County, Aramark, Redwoods, Field Station, and the School. Katie Henderson will be there talking about the school fundraising for a new roof and there will be a BBQ lunch and raffle at the Pine Tree at noon. After the speakers we will have a brief meeting with updates from WAPPOA.
Yuli Gotsev, from the Redwoods will set up a GoPro on a tripod and record the meeting. He will download it to my Google Drive. If you would like a link to that recording, you can email me at WAPPOAT1@gmail.com, and I will send you the link.
Looking forward to seeing you all !
Trish
Hi all,
We will try to have the meeting outside tomorrow (masks optional). The forecast for 9am is 59 degrees, but we can be mostly in the sun, and it will warm up fairly quickly. So bring jackets! We will have coffee and doughnuts inside, so you can go there for a while if you need to warm up.
We have a busy agenda with speakers from the NPS, Mariposa County, Aramark, Redwoods, Field Station, and the School. Katie Henderson will be there talking about the school fundraising for a new roof and there will be a BBQ lunch and raffle at the Pine Tree at noon. After the speakers we will have a brief meeting with updates from WAPPOA.
Yuli Gotsev, from the Redwoods will set up a GoPro on a tripod and record the meeting. He will download it to my Google Drive. If you would like a link to that recording, you can email me at WAPPOAT1@gmail.com, and I will send you the link.
Looking forward to seeing you all !
Trish
