WawonaNews.com - April 2024
Easter Sunday Party and Egg Hunt
Mar. 31st @10:30 AM at the Pine Tree Market
7995 Chilnualna Falls Road,Wawona
- Children's Drawing Contest
- Games
- Easter Egg Hunt
- Possible Visit from the Big Bunny Herself!
Coloring Contest! Submit entries to the Pine Tree Market by
10:30 AM on Easter Sunday for a chance to win a prize!
Name: __________________________________
Mar. 31st @10:30 AM at the Pine Tree Market
7995 Chilnualna Falls Road,Wawona
- Children's Drawing Contest
- Games
- Easter Egg Hunt
- Possible Visit from the Big Bunny Herself!
Coloring Contest! Submit entries to the Pine Tree Market by
10:30 AM on Easter Sunday for a chance to win a prize!
Name: __________________________________
Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System reservations for summer service tickets on Highway 120, 140 and 41 are available now. The majority of seats will require advance reservations. Only a fraction of seats will be available same day. This is a change from last year when Yosemite did not have a vehicle reservation system in place.
YARTS is always a great way to enter Yosemite. This is especially true when temporary vehicle reservations are required. YARTS and the Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau urge anyone planning to take YARTS into the park to make a reservation to enter and leave Yosemite to ensure they’ll have a seat on the bus. Not doing so could potentially put visitors at risk of not being able to enter Yosemite or not having a spot on the last bus out of the park. Making a reservation on YARTS will foster a stress-free experience for visitors using it.
YARTS is always a great way to enter Yosemite. This is especially true when temporary vehicle reservations are required. YARTS and the Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau urge anyone planning to take YARTS into the park to make a reservation to enter and leave Yosemite to ensure they’ll have a seat on the bus. Not doing so could potentially put visitors at risk of not being able to enter Yosemite or not having a spot on the last bus out of the park. Making a reservation on YARTS will foster a stress-free experience for visitors using it.
WTPAC meeting April 5, Water info from Rosemarie Smallcombe
Recognizing the importance of recent conversations about water service to the Wawona community and in preparation for the April 5, 2024 Wawona Town Planning Advisory Committee meeting, the County and the Park have been in contact with District 1 Planning Commissioner, Art Baggett, and through Art, with Sean Maguire, Professional Engineer (PE) and current member of the State Water Resources Control Board. The SWRCB issues the permits under which the NPS operates the Wawona water system. We’ve also spoken with Jim Stahl, Wawona property owner who is also a PE with years of experience managing water and wastewater systems in Los Angeles.
At the meeting on April 5th, we hope to lay out information on the framework within which the Wawona community, the County and the Park must find solutions to ensure continued water service. Sean Maguire has agreed to present information on the legal and regulatory framework in which the SWRCB works and in which the Park operates the Wawona system. As background to his presentation, we’re providing the following links to information on surface water. You’ll note for example in the SWRCB 90-08 that rivers covered by protections under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act are considered fully appropriated by the SWRCB.
Jim has analyzed Park Service documents and other information regarding Wawona water systems as well as the larger hydrogeological system within which Wawona exists, inclusive of information on ground water in the area. He will also attend the April 5th meeting and present a summary of his thoughts.
From there we hope to have a robust conversation with members of the WT PAC and other Wawona community members, to respond to questions and to identify next steps.
Here is some information on water rights permitting issues relative to Fully Appropriated Streams and Area of Origin Protections, including the State Water Board website that may help inform community members.
Delta Watermaster Report on Area of Origin Water Rights: The Role of the State Water Resources Control Board in Implementing the Delta Plan (ca.gov)
Fully Appropriated Streams State Board Webpage: Fully Appropriated Stream Systems | California State Water Resources Control Board
Water Right Order 98-08 - In the Matter of the Declaration of Fully Appropriated Stream Systems in California (Note this does briefly discuss applications claiming area of origin as well as wild and scenic river placement on the FAS list)
Information on Water Rights Permit Application Process: Water Rights Applications | California State Water Resources Control Board
Thanks for your time!
Rosemarie
Recognizing the importance of recent conversations about water service to the Wawona community and in preparation for the April 5, 2024 Wawona Town Planning Advisory Committee meeting, the County and the Park have been in contact with District 1 Planning Commissioner, Art Baggett, and through Art, with Sean Maguire, Professional Engineer (PE) and current member of the State Water Resources Control Board. The SWRCB issues the permits under which the NPS operates the Wawona water system. We’ve also spoken with Jim Stahl, Wawona property owner who is also a PE with years of experience managing water and wastewater systems in Los Angeles.
At the meeting on April 5th, we hope to lay out information on the framework within which the Wawona community, the County and the Park must find solutions to ensure continued water service. Sean Maguire has agreed to present information on the legal and regulatory framework in which the SWRCB works and in which the Park operates the Wawona system. As background to his presentation, we’re providing the following links to information on surface water. You’ll note for example in the SWRCB 90-08 that rivers covered by protections under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act are considered fully appropriated by the SWRCB.
Jim has analyzed Park Service documents and other information regarding Wawona water systems as well as the larger hydrogeological system within which Wawona exists, inclusive of information on ground water in the area. He will also attend the April 5th meeting and present a summary of his thoughts.
From there we hope to have a robust conversation with members of the WT PAC and other Wawona community members, to respond to questions and to identify next steps.
Here is some information on water rights permitting issues relative to Fully Appropriated Streams and Area of Origin Protections, including the State Water Board website that may help inform community members.
Delta Watermaster Report on Area of Origin Water Rights: The Role of the State Water Resources Control Board in Implementing the Delta Plan (ca.gov)
Fully Appropriated Streams State Board Webpage: Fully Appropriated Stream Systems | California State Water Resources Control Board
Water Right Order 98-08 - In the Matter of the Declaration of Fully Appropriated Stream Systems in California (Note this does briefly discuss applications claiming area of origin as well as wild and scenic river placement on the FAS list)
Information on Water Rights Permit Application Process: Water Rights Applications | California State Water Resources Control Board
Thanks for your time!
Rosemarie
Lot For Sale
1.35 Acres, 0 River St, $595,000, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389. Click here for more info.
1.35 Acres, 0 River St, $595,000, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389. Click here for more info.
AT&T Telephone Landlines
March 19 - There are 2 virtual meetings tomorrow discussing AT&T's request to withdraw landline service in Wawona. They are at 2pm and 6pm. 1-800-857-1917 or www.adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc with passcode 6032788#.
I attended an in-person meeting in Indio last week. These are public participation hearings that provide an opportunity for the public to communicate directly with the CPUC (California Public Utilities Commission) regarding AT&T applications to remove its obligations under California to provide voice services. Over 5000 people had already commented before the Indio meeting. 33 people spoke and of those only 10 support the withdrawal - they were mostly from more urban areas, and wanted to see expansion using the internet. The others were primarily from more rural areas like Wawona and cited the safety features of having landlines, during power outages and in emergencies. There were about 10 of those people who were technicians and long-term telecom employees. They did say that AT&T has not been putting any money into maintaining the copper wire, and they have to do "band-aid repairs all the time. They would like to see the request to withdraw, but also to have AT&T have to do more maintenance work.
Please see the Public Utilities Commission sheet on the meetings and the PUC fact sheet below. That has a very good explanation of what AT&T is trying to do. There will be a process after these meetings, where the Commission will discuss and decide what to do. It probably won't be decided until later this year.
Trish Peterson
March 19 - There are 2 virtual meetings tomorrow discussing AT&T's request to withdraw landline service in Wawona. They are at 2pm and 6pm. 1-800-857-1917 or www.adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc with passcode 6032788#.
I attended an in-person meeting in Indio last week. These are public participation hearings that provide an opportunity for the public to communicate directly with the CPUC (California Public Utilities Commission) regarding AT&T applications to remove its obligations under California to provide voice services. Over 5000 people had already commented before the Indio meeting. 33 people spoke and of those only 10 support the withdrawal - they were mostly from more urban areas, and wanted to see expansion using the internet. The others were primarily from more rural areas like Wawona and cited the safety features of having landlines, during power outages and in emergencies. There were about 10 of those people who were technicians and long-term telecom employees. They did say that AT&T has not been putting any money into maintaining the copper wire, and they have to do "band-aid repairs all the time. They would like to see the request to withdraw, but also to have AT&T have to do more maintenance work.
Please see the Public Utilities Commission sheet on the meetings and the PUC fact sheet below. That has a very good explanation of what AT&T is trying to do. There will be a process after these meetings, where the Commission will discuss and decide what to do. It probably won't be decided until later this year.
Trish Peterson
Short Term Rentals
The Board of Supervisors will discuss the Short Term Rental Study again on Tuesday March 19th at 2PM. It is a discussion and direction item, so the Board can only direct staff, it cannot take action. Here’s the link to the Board packet -- https://mariposacoca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/36/files/agenda/1176 The STR item starts on page 423 of the packet. Information on how to comment and join the meeting digitally are on the first page. Please do provide input if this matter is of interest to you.
Rosemarie Smallcombe
The Board of Supervisors will discuss the Short Term Rental Study again on Tuesday March 19th at 2PM. It is a discussion and direction item, so the Board can only direct staff, it cannot take action. Here’s the link to the Board packet -- https://mariposacoca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/36/files/agenda/1176 The STR item starts on page 423 of the packet. Information on how to comment and join the meeting digitally are on the first page. Please do provide input if this matter is of interest to you.
Rosemarie Smallcombe
WAWONA TOWN PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
APRIL 5, 2024, 9:00 AM Redwoods Community Room
Wawona property owners are urged to attend this upcoming meeting to receive County presentations on the MOU between Mariposa County (County) and Department of Interior, National Park Service (NPS) that expired in April of 2021. This meeting will focus on the Water and Sewer provisions. Changes to provision of local services impacts property values in Wawona. For almost four decades, the expired MOU and specialized companion agreements provided for the exercise of shared state and federal authority over Wawona land use, development, water, sewer, fire, emergency medical, public health and library services.
Terms and conditions of Wawona water, sewer, land use and emergency medical services were only provided in the MOU. On May 16 of 2023 the County incorporated Wawona emergency medical services into an umbrella agreement with NPS, on Consent Calendar. Cut and paste the link below into your browser for the Board of Supervisors Agenda Package on emergency medical services.
http://mariposacountyca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=3284&MediaPosition=244.755&ID=14025&CssClass=
APRIL 5, 2024, 9:00 AM Redwoods Community Room
Wawona property owners are urged to attend this upcoming meeting to receive County presentations on the MOU between Mariposa County (County) and Department of Interior, National Park Service (NPS) that expired in April of 2021. This meeting will focus on the Water and Sewer provisions. Changes to provision of local services impacts property values in Wawona. For almost four decades, the expired MOU and specialized companion agreements provided for the exercise of shared state and federal authority over Wawona land use, development, water, sewer, fire, emergency medical, public health and library services.
Terms and conditions of Wawona water, sewer, land use and emergency medical services were only provided in the MOU. On May 16 of 2023 the County incorporated Wawona emergency medical services into an umbrella agreement with NPS, on Consent Calendar. Cut and paste the link below into your browser for the Board of Supervisors Agenda Package on emergency medical services.
http://mariposacountyca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=3284&MediaPosition=244.755&ID=14025&CssClass=
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
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 February 13.
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
Second Interim Budget Report
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
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 February 13.
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
- APPROVAL OF 2023-24 INDEPENDENT AUDIT FIRM SELECTION
- APPROVAL OF THE 2nd INTERIM BUDGET REPORT
INFORMATION ITEMS
- STAFF REPORTS
- BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS PROJECTS UPDATE
- FUNDRAISING EFFORTS
- BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
- FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Second Interim Budget Report
- NEXT BOARD MEETING
- ADJOURNMENT
*Bringing a dish is not required! Come join us!
