WawonaNews.com - April 2015
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL MEETING
Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday April 15, 2015, 6:30 PM
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, California
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
3. CONSENT AGENDA
NOTE: The Board will be asked to approve all of the following items by a single vote, unless any member of the Board or of the public asks that an item be removed from the consent agenda and considered and discussed separately.
3.1. Approval of agenda
3.2. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting, March 25, 2015
4. Financial reports
4.1. Monthly approval of warrants (Action needed)
4.2. Financial Report
5. HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
The public may address the Board on any matter pertaining to the school that is not on the agenda. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, each person is limited to five (5) minutes. There will be no Board discussion and no action will be taken unless listed on a subsequent agenda.
ACTION ITEMS
6.
INFORMATION ITEMS
7. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
7.1. Silent Auction
8. STAFF REPORTS
8.1. LCAP
9. NEXT MEETING DATE
10. CLOSED SESSION Personnel/Negotiations/Litigation
NOTE: The Board will consider and may act upon any of the following items in closed session. Any action taken will be reported publicly at the end of the closed session as required by law.
10.1.Employee Negotiations (Gov. Code 54957.6)
10.2.Personnel (Gov. Code 54957)
11. RECOVENE IN OPEN SESSION: ANNOUNCE CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS
12. ADJOURNMENT
Wednesday April 15, 2015, 6:30 PM
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, California
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
3. CONSENT AGENDA
NOTE: The Board will be asked to approve all of the following items by a single vote, unless any member of the Board or of the public asks that an item be removed from the consent agenda and considered and discussed separately.
3.1. Approval of agenda
3.2. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting, March 25, 2015
4. Financial reports
4.1. Monthly approval of warrants (Action needed)
4.2. Financial Report
5. HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
The public may address the Board on any matter pertaining to the school that is not on the agenda. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, each person is limited to five (5) minutes. There will be no Board discussion and no action will be taken unless listed on a subsequent agenda.
ACTION ITEMS
6.
INFORMATION ITEMS
7. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
7.1. Silent Auction
8. STAFF REPORTS
8.1. LCAP
9. NEXT MEETING DATE
10. CLOSED SESSION Personnel/Negotiations/Litigation
NOTE: The Board will consider and may act upon any of the following items in closed session. Any action taken will be reported publicly at the end of the closed session as required by law.
10.1.Employee Negotiations (Gov. Code 54957.6)
10.2.Personnel (Gov. Code 54957)
11. RECOVENE IN OPEN SESSION: ANNOUNCE CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS
12. ADJOURNMENT
Paper Shredding to Benefit the Boys and Girls Club
PAPER SHREDDING: OAKHURST, CA
BENEFIT THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
First 2 boxes free, $3 donation per box after that
Paper Shredding
Date: April 18, 2015
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location:
Sierra Star Building
49165 Road 426
Oakhurst, CA 93644
PAPER SHREDDING: MARIPOSA, CA
BENEFIT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
(Proceeds go to the church’s children and youth programs)
Community Shredding
Suggested $5 donation per standard file sized box.
Time: 10 AM-1 PM
Day: April 25, 2015
Location:
United Methodist Church 6th St & Bullion
Mariposa, CA
BENEFIT THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
First 2 boxes free, $3 donation per box after that
Paper Shredding
Date: April 18, 2015
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location:
Sierra Star Building
49165 Road 426
Oakhurst, CA 93644
PAPER SHREDDING: MARIPOSA, CA
BENEFIT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
(Proceeds go to the church’s children and youth programs)
Community Shredding
Suggested $5 donation per standard file sized box.
Time: 10 AM-1 PM
Day: April 25, 2015
Location:
United Methodist Church 6th St & Bullion
Mariposa, CA
Delays On Highway 41 North Of Four Corners
Written by Kellie Flanagan
MADERA COUNTY - Commuters on Highway 41 traveling between Highway 145 and Oakhurst may experience some delays due to ongoing construction related to the Madera Quarry Project on Road 209.
Shimmick Construction is constructing road improvements on Highway 41, between State Route 145 and 22 Mile House, in order to facilitate traffic to and from the quarry, according to Madera County Public Works Director Johannes J. Hoevertsz. SR 145 is sometimes referred to as Four Corners. Additional road work is also taking place on Road 209. As a result, says Hoevertsz, drivers may see delays of 20 - 30 minutes in that area.
The construction related to the Madera Quarry Project is expected to continue for about 6-8 months. Hoevertsz adds that delays could occasionally be longer than 30 minutes, perhaps lasting up to 45 minutes, only when crews are blasting. This construction is unrelated to Caltrans and Madera County plans for later this year, to add a passing lane on Highway 41 north of 22 Mile House.
The Madera Quarry Project was originally approved by the Madera County Board of Supervisors in 2006. Opposed by neighbors due to concerns about the potential for groundwater problems, noise and traffic, the project went through the courts. Issues were addressed, and the Madera Quarry Project was finally approved by the Supervisors in 2010.
MADERA COUNTY - Commuters on Highway 41 traveling between Highway 145 and Oakhurst may experience some delays due to ongoing construction related to the Madera Quarry Project on Road 209.
Shimmick Construction is constructing road improvements on Highway 41, between State Route 145 and 22 Mile House, in order to facilitate traffic to and from the quarry, according to Madera County Public Works Director Johannes J. Hoevertsz. SR 145 is sometimes referred to as Four Corners. Additional road work is also taking place on Road 209. As a result, says Hoevertsz, drivers may see delays of 20 - 30 minutes in that area.
The construction related to the Madera Quarry Project is expected to continue for about 6-8 months. Hoevertsz adds that delays could occasionally be longer than 30 minutes, perhaps lasting up to 45 minutes, only when crews are blasting. This construction is unrelated to Caltrans and Madera County plans for later this year, to add a passing lane on Highway 41 north of 22 Mile House.
The Madera Quarry Project was originally approved by the Madera County Board of Supervisors in 2006. Opposed by neighbors due to concerns about the potential for groundwater problems, noise and traffic, the project went through the courts. Issues were addressed, and the Madera Quarry Project was finally approved by the Supervisors in 2010.
Wawona Elementary School Silent Auction & BBQ Lunch Fundraiser April 11
Come and enjoy Wawona Elementary School’s Annual Silent Auction and BBQ Lunch Fundraiser on April 11, 2015, from 11:30–2:30 at the Wawona Elementary School in Yosemite. All event proceeds will help support the Yosemite-Wawona Elementary Charter School. A full Wawona Hotel style BBQ lunch with all the fixin’s for just $8 adults and $5 kids! While enjoying your meal, bid on dozens of items in the Silent Auction. You’ll find items from businesses local and statewide alike. Take home items or gift cards for restaurants, hardware and grocery stores, hair salons, entertainment venues, hotel packages, gift baskets, sporting equipment, and more! The Yosemite-Wawona Elementary Charter School is a California public charter school. Visit us at yosemitewawonacharter.org, and come support us! For more information, call 209-375-6383. (C. Andrews)
Closure of Mariposa Grove and Shuttle to Glacier Point
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Two major activities going on this summer in the Wawona District are the Mariposa Grove Restoration Project and a Shuttle Bus operation at Badger Pass going to Glacier Point. The Mariposa Grove is scheduled to close to the public on July 6th. This closure will be in effect throughout the rest of 2015, and likely most of 2016. This closure will involve all areas of the Mariposa Grove, as well as all hiking trails in the Grove. The only public access will be the Outer Loop Trail. This trail circles the perimeter of the Mariposa Grove. It starts across from the Wawona Hotel, following the Meadow Loop Trail for a mile or so, then crosses Hwy. 41 near the Studhorse pullout and continues towards the Outer Loop Trail.
Because the Mariposa Grove will be closed after July 6th, the NPS is expecting higher than normal visitor use at Glacier Point. In order to reduce traffic congestion and impacts to the resources at Glacier Point, there will be a shuttle bus system in place to help mitigate these and other issues. DNC and Park management met this winter to work out logistics for this new shuttle bus route. Visitors will be directed into the Badger Pass parking areas, catch a DNC shuttle bus there, and ride the shuttle to Glacier Point. This shuttle system will continue until the end of the summer season. It is important to note that this shuttle route will be for the 2015 summer season only.
Wawona Events Schedule for the Season
March 27: Wawona Hotel reopens for the season
April 10—12: Redwoods scheduled owners’ meetings and dinner. See your Home owners’ Newsletter for scheduled times.
April 11: WAPOA Wawona Community Center 9 a.m.
April 11: Wawona School Fundraiser Silent Auction and BBQ 11:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m.
June 5: WTPAC Wawona Community Center 1 p.m.
June 6:: WAPOA Wawona Community Center 9 a.m
June 8—12 Wawona Needle Pickup by Mariposa County Public Works
July 1 : Wawona Friends of the Library Annual Membership Board meeting 10 a.m.
July 4: Square Dance at the Gray Barn 8-10 p.m.
July 18: Square Dance Gray Barn 8 – 10 p.m.
August 1: Square Dance Gray Barn 8 – 10 p.m.
August 8: Square Dance Gray Barn 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
August 15: Square Dance Gray Barn 8 – 10 p.m.
September 5: Wawona Friends of the Library Annual Book/Bake/Craft Sale:
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Library parking lot ~ Rain moves the sale to the Wawona Community Center
September 5: Square Dance Gray Barn 8 – 10 p.m.
September 12 : WAPOA Wawona Community Center 9 a.m.
September 12: Large item pickup Wawona Maintenance Yard
April 10—12: Redwoods scheduled owners’ meetings and dinner. See your Home owners’ Newsletter for scheduled times.
April 11: WAPOA Wawona Community Center 9 a.m.
April 11: Wawona School Fundraiser Silent Auction and BBQ 11:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m.
June 5: WTPAC Wawona Community Center 1 p.m.
June 6:: WAPOA Wawona Community Center 9 a.m
June 8—12 Wawona Needle Pickup by Mariposa County Public Works
July 1 : Wawona Friends of the Library Annual Membership Board meeting 10 a.m.
July 4: Square Dance at the Gray Barn 8-10 p.m.
July 18: Square Dance Gray Barn 8 – 10 p.m.
August 1: Square Dance Gray Barn 8 – 10 p.m.
August 8: Square Dance Gray Barn 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
August 15: Square Dance Gray Barn 8 – 10 p.m.
September 5: Wawona Friends of the Library Annual Book/Bake/Craft Sale:
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Library parking lot ~ Rain moves the sale to the Wawona Community Center
September 5: Square Dance Gray Barn 8 – 10 p.m.
September 12 : WAPOA Wawona Community Center 9 a.m.
September 12: Large item pickup Wawona Maintenance Yard
The Fire Next Time
In this 13-minute film, filmmakers Stephen Most and Kevin White examine how failed policies, fuel build-up, and climate change have endangered America's forests. When the Rim Fire burned 256,000 acres of the Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park in 2013, it exposed the impacts that high intensity wildfires are having on watersheds, wildlife, and carbon storage. It also forged a coalition of environmentalists, loggers, scientists, officials, and land managers who are responding to this megafire and recognize the need to forestall the next one.
“The Fire Next Time" is a precursor to Filmmakers Collaborative's feaure-length work-in-progress, "MEGAFIRE at the Rim of the World."
For more information, visit megafirefilm.org.
“The Fire Next Time" is a precursor to Filmmakers Collaborative's feaure-length work-in-progress, "MEGAFIRE at the Rim of the World."
For more information, visit megafirefilm.org.
Glacier Point Road opens on Saturday, March 28
Friday, March 27, 2015 - 11:30 a.m. - In another drought sign, Yosemite's Glacier Point Road is set for an unusually-early opening on Saturday, March 28, Park officials said today.
The Park issued the following information about the opening.
"All visitor services at Glacier Point will be fully operational. The Bridalveil Creek Campground will open within the next several weeks.
"Visitors are urged to drive slowly and with caution, as wildlife may be present on or near the roadway.
"The Tioga Road, the popular east-west crossing of the Sierra Nevada in the northern portion of Yosemite, remains closed at this time. Currently, there is no anticipated opening date for the Tioga Road."
The Park issued the following information about the opening.
"All visitor services at Glacier Point will be fully operational. The Bridalveil Creek Campground will open within the next several weeks.
"Visitors are urged to drive slowly and with caution, as wildlife may be present on or near the roadway.
"The Tioga Road, the popular east-west crossing of the Sierra Nevada in the northern portion of Yosemite, remains closed at this time. Currently, there is no anticipated opening date for the Tioga Road."
Death by a Thousand Bites
Click on image above for clearer picture
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, California
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
3. CONSENT AGENDA
NOTE: The Board will be asked to approve all of the following items by a single vote, unless any member of the Board or of the public asks that an item be removed from the consent agenda and considered and discussed separately.
3.1. Approval of agenda
3.2. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting, ****
4. Financial reports
4.1. Monthly approval of warrants (Action needed)
4.2. Financial Report
5. HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
The public may address the Board on any matter pertaining to the school that is not on the agenda. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, each person is limited to five (5) minutes. There will be no Board discussion and no action will be taken unless listed on a subsequent agenda.
ACTION ITEMS
6. CRMA playground inspection and report. Prepare a long range facility plan.
INFORMATION ITEMS
7. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
7.1. Terminate the services of Savage & Company public accountant
8. STAFF REPORTS
9. NEXT MEETING DATE
10. CLOSED SESSION Personnel/Negotiations/Litigation
NOTE: The Board will consider and may act upon any of the following items in closed session. Any action taken will be reported publicly at the end of the closed session as required by law.
10.1.Employee Negotiations (Gov. Code 54957.6)
10.2.Personnel (Gov. Code 54957)
11. RECOVENE IN OPEN SESSION: ANNOUNCE CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS
12. ADJOURNMENT
Five pictures of Yosemite's Half Dome that capture California's historic drought
By Phillip Reese - Sacramento Bee [email protected] 03/19/2015 2:16 PM
Snow in California's Sierra Nevada range typically reaches its greatest depths in late March, covering peaks like Yosemite's famed Half Dome.
But this is the fourth consecutive year of drought in California. Earlier this month, state officials reported that the Sierra snowpack, which much of California relies on for water, is just five percent of its normal depth.
At Yosemite, Half Dome is generally quilted with snow by this time of year. The iconic peak stands roughly 9,000 feet tall -- and is today virtually snow free, with no big snow storms in the forecast for the remainder of the month.
These images, taken by a Yosemite Conservancy webcam, show Half Dome on March 19 of each year from 2011 to 2015.
March 19, 2011 - Before Drought:
Snow in California's Sierra Nevada range typically reaches its greatest depths in late March, covering peaks like Yosemite's famed Half Dome.
But this is the fourth consecutive year of drought in California. Earlier this month, state officials reported that the Sierra snowpack, which much of California relies on for water, is just five percent of its normal depth.
At Yosemite, Half Dome is generally quilted with snow by this time of year. The iconic peak stands roughly 9,000 feet tall -- and is today virtually snow free, with no big snow storms in the forecast for the remainder of the month.
These images, taken by a Yosemite Conservancy webcam, show Half Dome on March 19 of each year from 2011 to 2015.
March 19, 2011 - Before Drought:
March 19, 2012 - First Year of Drought:
March 19, 2013 - Second Year of Drought:
March 17, 2014 - Third Year of Drought:
March 19, 2015 - Fourth Year of Drought:
Note: The Yosemite Conservancy uses donations to maintain this and other webcams. Go here to donate to the Conservancy. | To see time lapse movies of Half Dome going back nearly a decade, check out HalfDome.net. | March 17th photo used for 2014 due to lack of image for March 19 of that year.
Second Phase of Wawona Burn to Start Thursday
3/18/15 - The park will continue the second phase of a prescribed fire in the Wawona area, near the South Entrance, Thursday, March 19. The prescribed fire will include 111 acres of a 533 acre project. The first 60 acres were burned at the end of February. During active burning, smoke may be present along the Wawona Road and in the community of Wawona. One way traffic control will be implemented through the entirety of the burn, which is expected to be complete by Monday, March 23. Park employees and visitors are urged to drive slowly and with caution as there may be fire equipment and personnel on the roadways.
The New Redwoods in Yosemite
The Redwoods in Yosemite is getting ready to celebrate its newly remodeled building to coincide with its annual shareholders and homeowners meeting on the weekend of April 11. The beautiful new events center and adjoining deck is getting its finishing touches for the upcoming inauguration. Click on the images below to see a larger version of each.
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Photography by Nancy Robbins, of RobbinsPhotography.com
