WawonaNews.com - March 2026
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, CA
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of Feb. 10
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, CA
- CALL TO ORDER
- ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
- CONSENT AGENDA
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of Feb. 10
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
- APPROVAL OF CONTRACT FOR AUDIT SERVICES WITH BORCHART, CORONA, FAETH AND ZAKARIAN FOR THE 2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR.
- APPROVE THE 2ND INTERIM BUDGET REPORT
INFORMATION ITEMS
- STAFF REPORTS
- BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS PROJECTS UPDATE
- DISCUSSION OF FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES
- BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
- FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- NEXT BOARD MEETING
- ADJOURNMENT
Mobile Zoo Visits Wawona School
The Nature of Wildworks, out of Coarsegold came to visit the Wawona School today. They are a rescue and sanctuary for a wide range of wildlife, from mountain lion to foxes to owls. Today they brought a macaw, a skunk, three ferrets, a hedgehog, and a boa constrictor for the students to all learn about and interact with each animal.
The Nature of Wildworks, out of Coarsegold came to visit the Wawona School today. They are a rescue and sanctuary for a wide range of wildlife, from mountain lion to foxes to owls. Today they brought a macaw, a skunk, three ferrets, a hedgehog, and a boa constrictor for the students to all learn about and interact with each animal.
images and description courtesy of M. Mariant.
Yosemite National Park Will Not Require Vehicle Reservations in 2026
February 18, 2026
Yosemite News Release
Media contact: Scott Gediman (209)742-3519, [email protected]
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. – Yosemite National Park today announced it will no longer use a timed reservation system in 2026. The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of traffic patterns, parking availability and visitor use during the 2025 season.
Park analysis found that most weekdays maintained available parking, stable traffic flow and visitation levels within the park’s operational capacity. These findings indicate that a season-wide reservation requirement is not the most effective approach for 2026.
“We are committed to visitor access, safety, and resource protection, and will continue active traffic management strategies to ensure a great visitor experience,” said Yosemite Superintendent Ray McPadden. “While reservation systems are one valuable management tool, our data demonstrates that a season-wide reservation requirement is not the most effective approach for the coming season.”
Without a reservation system in place, Yosemite will broaden its use of operational strategies that proved effective during the 2025 season. These include:
“Our goal is to help every visitor have a safe and enjoyable trip,” McPadden said. “Targeted management gives us the flexibility to address the busiest days while preserving open access on days the park is operating well within capacity.”
Visitors traveling in 2026 are encouraged to:
Planning resources, travel tips and current alerts are available at www.nps.gov/yose.
Please update your communications to guests and potential visitors as appropriate.
- The Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau
February 18, 2026
Yosemite News Release
Media contact: Scott Gediman (209)742-3519, [email protected]
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. – Yosemite National Park today announced it will no longer use a timed reservation system in 2026. The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of traffic patterns, parking availability and visitor use during the 2025 season.
Park analysis found that most weekdays maintained available parking, stable traffic flow and visitation levels within the park’s operational capacity. These findings indicate that a season-wide reservation requirement is not the most effective approach for 2026.
“We are committed to visitor access, safety, and resource protection, and will continue active traffic management strategies to ensure a great visitor experience,” said Yosemite Superintendent Ray McPadden. “While reservation systems are one valuable management tool, our data demonstrates that a season-wide reservation requirement is not the most effective approach for the coming season.”
Without a reservation system in place, Yosemite will broaden its use of operational strategies that proved effective during the 2025 season. These include:
- Real-time traffic monitoring to identify and respond quickly to congestion hotspots.
- Active parking management in Yosemite Valley to maximize available capacity.
- Additional staffing at key intersections and decision points during peak periods.
- Improved visitor information through road condition alerts, congestion warnings and trip-planning tools.
- Expanded guidance encouraging weekday visitation, when parking and traffic conditions are more favorable.
- Promoting recreation outside Yosemite Valley, including Tuolumne Meadows, Wawona, Hetch Hetchy and other high-quality destinations across the park.
“Our goal is to help every visitor have a safe and enjoyable trip,” McPadden said. “Targeted management gives us the flexibility to address the busiest days while preserving open access on days the park is operating well within capacity.”
Visitors traveling in 2026 are encouraged to:
- Plan visits early, especially for weekends and holiday periods.
- Consider weekday trips for lower congestion and greater parking availability.
- Explore options for hiking, sightseeing and recreation outside Yosemite Valley.
- Check the park website for real-time conditions, seasonal updates and trip-planning tools.
Planning resources, travel tips and current alerts are available at www.nps.gov/yose.
Please update your communications to guests and potential visitors as appropriate.
- The Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, CA
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of Jan. 13
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Request that various items be placed on the next agenda for discussion and/or action.
2nd Interim Budget Report
2025-26 Auditor selection
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, CA
- CALL TO ORDER
- ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
- CONSENT AGENDA
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of Jan. 13
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
- 2024-25 AUDIT REPORT CERTIFICATION, AUDIT FINDING CORRECTIVE ACTION AND AUDIT FINDING CERTIFICATION APPROVAL
- APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF A SCHOOL CELL PHONE
- APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH SIERRA OUTDOOR SCHOOL IN SONORA, CA.
INFORMATION ITEMS
- DISCUSS THE UPGRADE OF INTERNET SERVICES THROUGH STARLINK
- STAFF REPORTS
- BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS PROJECTS UPDATE
- DISCUSSION OF FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES
- BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Request that various items be placed on the next agenda for discussion and/or action.
2nd Interim Budget Report
2025-26 Auditor selection
- NEXT BOARD MEETING
- ADJOURNMENT
Pine Tree Market Potluck
Pine Tree crew are ready to party. Come join them this Friday (Feb. 6th) for a pot luck at 6ish!!
Pine Tree crew are ready to party. Come join them this Friday (Feb. 6th) for a pot luck at 6ish!!
To our readers:
If you would like to express your thoughts about Larry Duke we would be glad to post them on this page. Please send them to:
[email protected]
________________________
It was a blessing to know Larry, to share in his fun, to be his Spelt Road neighbor, and to just talk and laugh with him. Whether seeing Larry at the school helping with the recycling or seeing him share his love of art with others at the library or just enjoying a laugh at a party, Larry was a gem and a good friend. I know he is out there hiking the Cougar trail right now. RIP Larry and may your journey be safe and fun, always!
Mark and Laura Dowdle
_____________________________________________________________________________________
We are so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. He was an iconic figure in our very unique town of Wawona. It was always a pleasure to have him stop by the Pine Tree Market and chat with its denizens. It sure made some long days seem much shorter. We miss seeing him very much and will remember him fondly.
Paul DeSantis and Family
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Spelt Road isn’t the same without Larry! He was our Wawona Ambassador.
Larry was a special friend! He could often be found at our home in the morning for coffee and happy hour in the evening.
Larry was a valued member of our Wawona Friends of the Library, serving on the Board as well a being Secretary for a number of years. From the Wawona Bassett Memorial Library’s opening in 1997, he was our Art Chairman. In addition to having two shows displaying his own work, Larry could often be found assisting visiting artists hanging their work.
Unknown fact about Larry: He recorded all episodes of Gunsmoke which he enjoyed watching.
Dave and Pat Sischo
____________________________________________________________________________________
This is a big loss for all of us who knew and loved Larry. Larry was an amazing artist, hiker, guide, conversationalist, companion and, most importantly, genuine friend. He made himself close to our whole family and his Spelt Rd. community. Rest in peace dear friend.
Katy & Rick Jacobson
____________________________________________________________________________________
We will all miss Larry. We have lots of great memories. What an amazing person he was.
Sharon Granoff
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Such a loss for the Wawona community. He was a kind and creative man.
Christy Hurlburt
_____________________________________________________________________________________
His kindness and sense of humor will be missed. Thank you for posting this beautiful tribute.
Jeff Lahr
____________________________________________________________________________________
I’m glad we moved here in time to get to know Larry the bit that we did. His humor and character came through right away. Artists often have that glint of magic, and I think we’ll be hearing of Wawona adventures involving Larry reflecting that magic for many years.
Rich Apple
____________________________________________________________________________________
We shared many adventures with Larry. Laughter was most often the theme of the day.and at the end of the day, wine, cheese and dessert at the Sischo’s. And stories!
Jennifer Wuchner
_____________________________________________________________________________________
He was such a nice guy. A great sense of humor. I've missed him and MJ since they've left.
Joe Edgecomb
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Larry,
Thinking fondly back to the time I visited you in Portland two summers ago with my friend Sahara.
Your life as an artist and a man of the mountains has always been an inspiration to me, and I am thankful to have been your friend.
Shea Devlin
If you would like to express your thoughts about Larry Duke we would be glad to post them on this page. Please send them to:
[email protected]
________________________
It was a blessing to know Larry, to share in his fun, to be his Spelt Road neighbor, and to just talk and laugh with him. Whether seeing Larry at the school helping with the recycling or seeing him share his love of art with others at the library or just enjoying a laugh at a party, Larry was a gem and a good friend. I know he is out there hiking the Cougar trail right now. RIP Larry and may your journey be safe and fun, always!
Mark and Laura Dowdle
_____________________________________________________________________________________
We are so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. He was an iconic figure in our very unique town of Wawona. It was always a pleasure to have him stop by the Pine Tree Market and chat with its denizens. It sure made some long days seem much shorter. We miss seeing him very much and will remember him fondly.
Paul DeSantis and Family
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Spelt Road isn’t the same without Larry! He was our Wawona Ambassador.
Larry was a special friend! He could often be found at our home in the morning for coffee and happy hour in the evening.
Larry was a valued member of our Wawona Friends of the Library, serving on the Board as well a being Secretary for a number of years. From the Wawona Bassett Memorial Library’s opening in 1997, he was our Art Chairman. In addition to having two shows displaying his own work, Larry could often be found assisting visiting artists hanging their work.
Unknown fact about Larry: He recorded all episodes of Gunsmoke which he enjoyed watching.
Dave and Pat Sischo
____________________________________________________________________________________
This is a big loss for all of us who knew and loved Larry. Larry was an amazing artist, hiker, guide, conversationalist, companion and, most importantly, genuine friend. He made himself close to our whole family and his Spelt Rd. community. Rest in peace dear friend.
Katy & Rick Jacobson
____________________________________________________________________________________
We will all miss Larry. We have lots of great memories. What an amazing person he was.
Sharon Granoff
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Such a loss for the Wawona community. He was a kind and creative man.
Christy Hurlburt
_____________________________________________________________________________________
His kindness and sense of humor will be missed. Thank you for posting this beautiful tribute.
Jeff Lahr
____________________________________________________________________________________
I’m glad we moved here in time to get to know Larry the bit that we did. His humor and character came through right away. Artists often have that glint of magic, and I think we’ll be hearing of Wawona adventures involving Larry reflecting that magic for many years.
Rich Apple
____________________________________________________________________________________
We shared many adventures with Larry. Laughter was most often the theme of the day.and at the end of the day, wine, cheese and dessert at the Sischo’s. And stories!
Jennifer Wuchner
_____________________________________________________________________________________
He was such a nice guy. A great sense of humor. I've missed him and MJ since they've left.
Joe Edgecomb
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Larry,
Thinking fondly back to the time I visited you in Portland two summers ago with my friend Sahara.
Your life as an artist and a man of the mountains has always been an inspiration to me, and I am thankful to have been your friend.
Shea Devlin
