WawonaNews.com - April 2020
School On-line Meeting through Zoom
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualana Falls Road
Wawona, CA
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of March 10, 2020
3.3–Approve Payroll
3.4- Approve Warrants
3.5 -Accept Donations to YWECS
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualana 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 March 10, 2020
3.3–Approve Payroll
3.4- Approve Warrants
3.5 -Accept Donations to YWECS
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
- APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION #01 - RESPONSE TO COVID-19
- DISSCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE DECISION OF THE NPS TO BUILD A RESTROOM FACILITY ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE SCHOOL.
- DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER SCHEDULED AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR.
INFORMATION ITEMS
- STAFF REPORTS
- BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
- FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- NEXT BOARD MEETING
- CLOSED SESSION: Personnel/Negotiations/Litigation
- Personnel (Gov. Code 54957)
- RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION: Announce Closed Session Actions
- ADJOURNMENT
Concerns Regarding Homeowners Staying In Their Cabins During Park Closure
The Yosemite Visitor and Resource Protection Branch would like to share their concerns regarding homeowners staying in their cabins during the Park Closure.
We ask that you continue to abide by the CA State Stay-At-Home Order and remain at your primary residence. The more people that come to Yosemite, the more difficult it will be for Yosemite’s limited EMS, LE , and emergency response system to support the community when it is really needed. Traveling in between counties and communities is not advisable due to the increased possibility of COVID-19 transmission. Emergency response resources are already being taxed and will be more so if and when COVID-19 cases start developing in the park. It is also violation of the State stay-at-home order to leave a primary residence. Please see: https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/
Though highly discouraged, the Park Service is currently allowing property owners to enter the park to access their homes, but only with immediate family members. Homeowners may not bring guests, friends, handymen, etc. Relatives of homeowners must be accompanied by the homeowner of record, or have an "authorization to access property" letter from the owner with contact information. We also ask that if you are sick in any way, or are under self-imposed or physician-ordered quarantine or isolation, you refrain from traveling into the park.
Fully licensed and permitted construction contractors with a valid Mariposa County Building permit engaged in significant projects are being allowed into the park to work. Examples of allowable and permitted work include home construction, major remodel, or similar jobs. This is in accordance with the CA State allowable Critical Infrastructure Workers guidance. Contractors, helpers, cleaners, and similar individuals coming in for small jobs will not be allowed into the park.
Yosemite is a small community with limited resources. The adjacent rural counties are also struggling to plan and provide for the potential impacts of a COVID-19 outbreak. Your understanding and thoughtful consideration of accessing your property in the park is greatly appreciated in this unprecedented time.
Specific inquiries can be made by contacting [email protected]
On behalf of:
Yosemite COVID-19 Incident Management Team
Yosemite National Park
Thanks,
Chad Andrews
Supervisory U.S. Park Ranger
Yosemite National Park
(W) 209-375-9520
(C) 209-742-8269
Pine Tree Market Open 7 Days a Week Under New Ownership
The Pine Tree Market has reopened under the ownership of Michael Henderson, who is happy to be in Wawona. We are all just as happy that The Pine Tree Market is back, too! And we welcome Michael and his family to Wawona. The Pine Tree Market will be open 7 days a week from 8am to 11am and from 3pm to 6pm daily. A sign has been posted on the door with this same information.
You can follow The Pine Tree Market on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to get updates on hours, products, and pretty photos. @PineTreeMarket
South Entrance Closed At Night
Beginning March 31, South Entrance is closed to all entry from 10 pm to 6 am. The gate is staffed from 6 am to 10 pm and open during those hours to employees, residents, and property owners with proof of residence/employment. (P. Johnson)
Beginning March 31, South Entrance is closed to all entry from 10 pm to 6 am. The gate is staffed from 6 am to 10 pm and open during those hours to employees, residents, and property owners with proof of residence/employment. (P. Johnson)
Official: Property Owners WILL Be Allowed Into Their Wawona Homes
March 23 - 3:00 PM -There was conflicting information circulating today regarding Wawona property owners being able to enter the park if they were not permanent residents. Wawona District Ranger, Eric Scott, has clarified that after consultation with other park authorities, all Wawona property Owners, will be allowed into the park. Guests of owners will not be allowed into the park. Eric Scott has expressed his apologies for the misinformation but would also like to remind everyone, that once in the park, we should all strictly follow the guidelines of social distancing, no gatherings of any kind, washing hands, etc. Cars entering the park will be required to show their resident sticker.
March 23 - 3:00 PM -There was conflicting information circulating today regarding Wawona property owners being able to enter the park if they were not permanent residents. Wawona District Ranger, Eric Scott, has clarified that after consultation with other park authorities, all Wawona property Owners, will be allowed into the park. Guests of owners will not be allowed into the park. Eric Scott has expressed his apologies for the misinformation but would also like to remind everyone, that once in the park, we should all strictly follow the guidelines of social distancing, no gatherings of any kind, washing hands, etc. Cars entering the park will be required to show their resident sticker.
Change of Subject
For a little temporary distraction, we found this 102 year old ad in the Mariposa High School yearbook
For a little temporary distraction, we found this 102 year old ad in the Mariposa High School yearbook
Yosemite Closes To All Visitors
Wawona Store Hours
The Wawona Store will remain open from 8 to 6PM during the Park closure. We will be running minimum staff so if the front doors are locked, give us a minute and we will be back to the front soon.
We will only allow residents and employees in the Yosemite community able to shop the store. Day use guests will not be able to use our services at this time.
Amanda Kay Lee. General Manager Wawona Hotel
The Wawona Store will remain open from 8 to 6PM during the Park closure. We will be running minimum staff so if the front doors are locked, give us a minute and we will be back to the front soon.
We will only allow residents and employees in the Yosemite community able to shop the store. Day use guests will not be able to use our services at this time.
Amanda Kay Lee. General Manager Wawona Hotel
Yosemite National Park ‘Modifying’ Operations due to COVID-19
Posted by: SNO Staff March 17, 2020 - 6:26 pm
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK – Yosemite National Park officials announced “modifications” on Tuesday to park operations in order to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities promoting social distancing.
As of today (March 17), park visitor centers, the Yosemite Valley Theater, the Yosemite Museum and all restaurants and lodges inside the park are closed.
While roads inside the park and campsites remain open, park shuttles are not in operation and all ranger-guided programs also have been cancelled.
All of these closures will remain in effect through March 31, 2020.
“Where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance, Yosemite National Park’s entrances, hiking trails, and the outdoor spaces around the Yosemite Village will remain open,” said a release from the park. “In Yosemite Valley, the Village Store and Curry Village Gift & Grocery will remain open, along with the El Portal Market and the Wawona Store. Upper Pines Campground remains open for visitors with reservations. Camp 4 Campground also remains open. Gas stations located at Crane Flat, Wawona and El Portal remain open. Park visitors are asked to purchase their park passes online.”
Park officials are working on utilizing “alternative methods” to provide interpretive services and programming that adhere to the CDC guidelines, the release also stated. “Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the many digital tools already available to explore Yosemite National Park. Download the park’s free App and please continue to enjoy Yosemite National Park through the park’s webcams.”
“The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Yosemite National Park is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels. ”
Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus
Posted by: SNO Staff March 17, 2020 - 6:26 pm
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK – Yosemite National Park officials announced “modifications” on Tuesday to park operations in order to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities promoting social distancing.
As of today (March 17), park visitor centers, the Yosemite Valley Theater, the Yosemite Museum and all restaurants and lodges inside the park are closed.
While roads inside the park and campsites remain open, park shuttles are not in operation and all ranger-guided programs also have been cancelled.
All of these closures will remain in effect through March 31, 2020.
“Where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance, Yosemite National Park’s entrances, hiking trails, and the outdoor spaces around the Yosemite Village will remain open,” said a release from the park. “In Yosemite Valley, the Village Store and Curry Village Gift & Grocery will remain open, along with the El Portal Market and the Wawona Store. Upper Pines Campground remains open for visitors with reservations. Camp 4 Campground also remains open. Gas stations located at Crane Flat, Wawona and El Portal remain open. Park visitors are asked to purchase their park passes online.”
Park officials are working on utilizing “alternative methods” to provide interpretive services and programming that adhere to the CDC guidelines, the release also stated. “Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the many digital tools already available to explore Yosemite National Park. Download the park’s free App and please continue to enjoy Yosemite National Park through the park’s webcams.”
“The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Yosemite National Park is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels. ”
Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus
Yosemite National Park, Private Lodging Inside The Park, To Remain Open
Yosemite National Park will remain open to the public despite park-managed facilities being closed. Private lodging, such as Scenic Wonders, The Redwoods In Yosemite and others, will remain open.
Yosemite National Park will remain open to the public despite park-managed facilities being closed. Private lodging, such as Scenic Wonders, The Redwoods In Yosemite and others, will remain open.
Aramark Closing Lodging, Tours and Dining Facilities in Park Through March 31
UPDATED: March 16, 2020 @ 6:05 PM (PST)As a result of guidance provided by the National Park Service and public health officials, all lodging, tours and dining facilities in Yosemite National Park are temporarily closing as of tomorrow March 17, 2020. The temporary closure is prompted as a precaution due to coronavirus concerns. The closure is anticipated to last through March 31, 2020.
The health and safety of Yosemite National Park visitors and park employees is the park’s top priority. We are working closely with public health officials and the park will continue to review operations and reopen facilities when appropriate.
UPDATED: March 13, 2020 @ 12:05 PM (PST)Aramark takes the safety and security of our guests and employees very seriously and we want you to enjoy your vacation and time at our destination. We are carefully monitoring the evolving coronavirus situation and are in regular contact with health agencies for information and guidance. Aramark continues to implement preventive measures in line with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state and local health agencies.
Examples Include:
Additionally, Aramark has developed a comprehensive pandemic management plan. We are taking the steps necessary to handle the situation as it evolves. We appreciate your patience and are thankful for our loyal guests, employees and community.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Resources:CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
National Park Service Pubic Health Update webpage: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/public-health-update.htm
UPDATED: March 16, 2020 @ 6:05 PM (PST)As a result of guidance provided by the National Park Service and public health officials, all lodging, tours and dining facilities in Yosemite National Park are temporarily closing as of tomorrow March 17, 2020. The temporary closure is prompted as a precaution due to coronavirus concerns. The closure is anticipated to last through March 31, 2020.
The health and safety of Yosemite National Park visitors and park employees is the park’s top priority. We are working closely with public health officials and the park will continue to review operations and reopen facilities when appropriate.
UPDATED: March 13, 2020 @ 12:05 PM (PST)Aramark takes the safety and security of our guests and employees very seriously and we want you to enjoy your vacation and time at our destination. We are carefully monitoring the evolving coronavirus situation and are in regular contact with health agencies for information and guidance. Aramark continues to implement preventive measures in line with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state and local health agencies.
Examples Include:
- Placed additional hand sanitizers throughout our operations.
- Scheduling frequent cleaning and disinfection in high guest contact areas.
- Providing information about good hygiene practices and illness prevention to our guests and employees.
Additionally, Aramark has developed a comprehensive pandemic management plan. We are taking the steps necessary to handle the situation as it evolves. We appreciate your patience and are thankful for our loyal guests, employees and community.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Resources:CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
National Park Service Pubic Health Update webpage: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/public-health-update.htm
Wawona Community Conference Call - Monday, March 16, 2:00 PM
There will be a community conference call led by the Yosemite Leadership Team, park partner leadership, and subject matter experts on Monday, March 16th at 2:00 pm. This call is the beginning of regular community calls to keep everyone connected as regularly as possible to the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in the park. These calls are open to anyone in the Yosemite community. The line will be muted during this call. For general inquiries related to coronavirus, please contact the Mariposa County Health Department at [email protected]. You can find updates from Mariposa County at http://www.mariposacounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=484 and Tuolumne County at https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/250/Public-Health.
Call Line: 1-888-690-8543; code 8383894#
There will be a community conference call led by the Yosemite Leadership Team, park partner leadership, and subject matter experts on Monday, March 16th at 2:00 pm. This call is the beginning of regular community calls to keep everyone connected as regularly as possible to the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in the park. These calls are open to anyone in the Yosemite community. The line will be muted during this call. For general inquiries related to coronavirus, please contact the Mariposa County Health Department at [email protected]. You can find updates from Mariposa County at http://www.mariposacounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=484 and Tuolumne County at https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/250/Public-Health.
Call Line: 1-888-690-8543; code 8383894#
https://www.sierraclub.org/yosemite-conservation-heritage-center
https://yosemite.org/event/spring-gathering/
The WAPPOA April 4th Meeting has been canceled.
Our first concern is for the health and safety of our members and attendees.
-WAPPOA Board
Thank you so much!
Cheryl Kanaan
WAPPOA President
C[email protected]
559-974-0661 (cell)
Our first concern is for the health and safety of our members and attendees.
-WAPPOA Board
Thank you so much!
Cheryl Kanaan
WAPPOA President
C[email protected]
559-974-0661 (cell)
Wawona School Closing
The Yosemite-Wawona Elementary Charter School will be following Madera County Health Departments's directive for all schools to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
The Madera district says programs and schools will close on March 16, and plan to reopen Tuesday, April 14. The Yosemite-Wawona Elementary Charter School will be closed until further notice.
The Yosemite-Wawona Elementary Charter School will be following Madera County Health Departments's directive for all schools to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
The Madera district says programs and schools will close on March 16, and plan to reopen Tuesday, April 14. The Yosemite-Wawona Elementary Charter School will be closed until further notice.
