WawonaNews.com - December 2020
Update on Wawona School Activities
Fall has kept Wawona students happily busy and back at school. Teachers, students and families were thrilled to have a hybrid plan approved by the county, allowing students to return in person 2 days a week. YWECS 14 students have been placed into two learning pods, 8 meeting Mondays & Tuesdays while the other 6 meet on Thursdays & Fridays. Students have been adapting well to the new class procedures which include mask wearing and lots of handwashing! They are fortunate to have such a large school where social distancing is easily maintained between work spaces. The school is very thankful to WAPPOA and the Wawona residents for their donations which have included air purifiers for the classrooms.
AmazonSmile is a fantastic way to help support our small community school. Just add Yosemite Wawona Elementary Charter school as your charity designation and we receive a percentage of each order placed. So far, AmazonSmile donations this year have totaled $550 which the school can use for classroom supplies. (Either go to your Amazon page and click on Account & Lists--->Your AmazonSmile--->Your Current Charity and select Yosemite-Wawona Elementary Charter School, or if you have the app, go to settings/ AmazonSmile/ turn it on and designate a charity) Every little bit helps!
AmazonSmile is a fantastic way to help support our small community school. Just add Yosemite Wawona Elementary Charter school as your charity designation and we receive a percentage of each order placed. So far, AmazonSmile donations this year have totaled $550 which the school can use for classroom supplies. (Either go to your Amazon page and click on Account & Lists--->Your AmazonSmile--->Your Current Charity and select Yosemite-Wawona Elementary Charter School, or if you have the app, go to settings/ AmazonSmile/ turn it on and designate a charity) Every little bit helps!
Secrets of Wawona: Into The Void - by Tom Bopp
PG&E Planned Power Outage December 1
On Tuesday, December 1, multiple buildings in Wawona will have planned commercial power outages in order to replace electrical poles. Outages are scheduled for 0800-1600. For more information contact Heather Gonzales, PG&E Planned Outage Coordinator, at 726-5588. (H. Bennett)
On Tuesday, December 1, multiple buildings in Wawona will have planned commercial power outages in order to replace electrical poles. Outages are scheduled for 0800-1600. For more information contact Heather Gonzales, PG&E Planned Outage Coordinator, at 726-5588. (H. Bennett)
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Badger Pass Closed For The Winter Season
Badger Pass Ski Area concessions, including downhill and Nordic rentals, will not be available during the 2020–2021 winter season. All facilities and services at Badger Pass will be closed; portable toilets will be available.
As conditions allow, Badger Pass Road will be open from approximately mid-December through March. Visitors with their own skis or snowshoes can drive to Badger Pass and go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Glacier Point Road will be groomed from Badger Pass to Bridalveil Creek Campground, but not all the way to Glacier Point.
Those planning overnight ski or snowshoe trips must get a self-registration wilderness permit on the porch of the Badger Pass Ranger Station. (Permits obtained at Badger Pass are only valid for Glacier Point Road trailheads.) Ski huts at Glacier Point, Ostrander, and Tuolumne Meadows will be closed.
Badger Pass Ski Area concessions, including downhill and Nordic rentals, will not be available during the 2020–2021 winter season. All facilities and services at Badger Pass will be closed; portable toilets will be available.
As conditions allow, Badger Pass Road will be open from approximately mid-December through March. Visitors with their own skis or snowshoes can drive to Badger Pass and go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Glacier Point Road will be groomed from Badger Pass to Bridalveil Creek Campground, but not all the way to Glacier Point.
Those planning overnight ski or snowshoe trips must get a self-registration wilderness permit on the porch of the Badger Pass Ranger Station. (Permits obtained at Badger Pass are only valid for Glacier Point Road trailheads.) Ski huts at Glacier Point, Ostrander, and Tuolumne Meadows will be closed.
Yosemite National Park Announces Glacier Point and Tioga Roads are Closed for the Season
Posted by: SNO Staff
Nov. 20, 2020 – Yosemite National Park announces Glacier Point and Tioga Roads are closed to all vehicular traffic for the winter season.
Glacier Point and Tioga Roads typically close each fall and remain closed through the winter season. These roads reopen each spring when weather and road conditions are safe for vehicular traffic.
Yosemite National Park is open year-round with snow removal on all other roads within the park. All motorists are required to carry tire chains in their vehicles while driving in the park during the winter months, even if their car is equipped with four-wheel drive.
Temporary road closures may go into effect at any time due to road and weather conditions.
For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite National Park, please call 209-372-0200and press 1. Updated information is also available on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/yose.
For information on public transportation to Yosemite National Park and current bus schedules, please visit the website for the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) at www.yarts.com.
Posted by: SNO Staff
Nov. 20, 2020 – Yosemite National Park announces Glacier Point and Tioga Roads are closed to all vehicular traffic for the winter season.
Glacier Point and Tioga Roads typically close each fall and remain closed through the winter season. These roads reopen each spring when weather and road conditions are safe for vehicular traffic.
Yosemite National Park is open year-round with snow removal on all other roads within the park. All motorists are required to carry tire chains in their vehicles while driving in the park during the winter months, even if their car is equipped with four-wheel drive.
Temporary road closures may go into effect at any time due to road and weather conditions.
For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Yosemite National Park, please call 209-372-0200and press 1. Updated information is also available on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/yose.
For information on public transportation to Yosemite National Park and current bus schedules, please visit the website for the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) at www.yarts.com.
PG&E Planned Power Outage December 1
On Tuesday, December 1, multiple buildings in Wawona will have planned commercial power outages in order to replace electrical poles. Outages are scheduled for 0800-1600. For more information contact Heather Gonzales, PG&E Planned Outage Coordinator, at 726-5588. (H. Bennett)
On Tuesday, December 1, multiple buildings in Wawona will have planned commercial power outages in order to replace electrical poles. Outages are scheduled for 0800-1600. For more information contact Heather Gonzales, PG&E Planned Outage Coordinator, at 726-5588. (H. Bennett)
Thanks - by Tom Bopp
Burn Suspension Lifted in Mariposa County
November 18, 2020 - Mariposa - Effective Monday, November 23, 2020 at 8:00 AM the burn suspension in Madera, Mariposa and Merced Counties will be lifted. CAL FIRE Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit Chief Mike van Loben Sels is formally cancelling the burn suspension and advises that those possessing current and valid residential burn permits can now resume burning on permissive burn days.
Burn permits will be required. While cooler temperatures have helped to diminish the threat of wildfire, we are still suffering the effects of an extended drought. Property owners and residents are asked to use caution while conducting debris burns, and follow all burning guidelines provided. Property Owners and residents must maintain control of the fire at all times. Individuals can be held civilly and/or criminally liable for allowing a fire to escape their control and/or burn onto neighboring property.
Residents wishing to burn MUST have a valid permit and verify it’s a permissive burn day prior to burning. Residents must adhere to the conditions of the permit. Burning outside the perimeters of the permit may result in a citation.
November 18, 2020 - Mariposa - Effective Monday, November 23, 2020 at 8:00 AM the burn suspension in Madera, Mariposa and Merced Counties will be lifted. CAL FIRE Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit Chief Mike van Loben Sels is formally cancelling the burn suspension and advises that those possessing current and valid residential burn permits can now resume burning on permissive burn days.
Burn permits will be required. While cooler temperatures have helped to diminish the threat of wildfire, we are still suffering the effects of an extended drought. Property owners and residents are asked to use caution while conducting debris burns, and follow all burning guidelines provided. Property Owners and residents must maintain control of the fire at all times. Individuals can be held civilly and/or criminally liable for allowing a fire to escape their control and/or burn onto neighboring property.
Residents wishing to burn MUST have a valid permit and verify it’s a permissive burn day prior to burning. Residents must adhere to the conditions of the permit. Burning outside the perimeters of the permit may result in a citation.
Fire Restrictions Rescinded November 13
A combination of recent rain, snow, and cooler temperatures has reduced the fire danger within Yosemite National Park, enabling the Superintendent to lift fire restrictions put in place earlier this year.
By order of the Superintendent of Yosemite National Park and under authority of Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 2.13(c):
Notice of this order will be posted and areas will be monitored to ensure compliance.
Yosemite Fire Restrictions Rescinded
-NPS-
A combination of recent rain, snow, and cooler temperatures has reduced the fire danger within Yosemite National Park, enabling the Superintendent to lift fire restrictions put in place earlier this year.
By order of the Superintendent of Yosemite National Park and under authority of Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 2.13(c):
- Stage 1 fire restrictions are hereby lifted, and all associated orders rescinded.
- Campfires are once again permitted in Yosemite Wilderness below 6,000 feet in elevation. Fires remain prohibited in some areas of the wilderness due to scarcity of wood and resource concerns. Where fires are permitted, existing campfire rings must be used.
- Campfires and cooking fires may be used in designated campgrounds, picnic areas, and residential areas in accordance with park regulations.
- Where permitted, only dead and down wood may be gathered.
- Extinguish cigarettes; filters must be properly disposed of in a trash receptacle.
Notice of this order will be posted and areas will be monitored to ensure compliance.
Yosemite Fire Restrictions Rescinded
-NPS-
- Fire Restrictions: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/firerestrictions.htm
- Air Quality: Yosemite Air Quality Page or airnow.gov or airnow.gov/fires
- Trail Closures: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
- National Weather Service Yosemite area forecast: www.weather.gov/hanford
- Sign-up for Alerts: go.nps.gov/alert
Update on Travel Advisories
Dear Lodging and Business Partners,
You may have already seen the news that California, Oregon and Washington released travel advisories ahead of the upcoming holidays as the COVID-19 Pandemic worsens around the nation.
If you haven’t seen the update, it requests that all out-of-state and out-of-country travelers quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival to California. It also asks in-state residents and travelers to stay local for their holiday plans. This news comes as a blow following what has already been a difficult year for Mariposa County’s lodging and businesses.
Also released today was a statement from Visit California’s CEO, Caroline Beteta, who notes that hotels remain open for leisure travel in the state. Many Californians that planned to leave the state may alter their travel plans to remain within the state and come to destinations like Mariposa County. It is more important than ever that our local tourism industry continues to promote safe travel practices that will keep our region open.
As Beteta states, “it will ultimately fall to front-line staff to ensure visitors from out of state are aware of all of California’s preventative guidelines, including the mask mandate, social distancing recommendations, and now the quarantine advice issued by the health department today.”
For the full press release from Governor Newsom on today’s new travel advisory, see below.
- Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau
California, Oregon & Washington Issue Travel Advisories
Published: Nov 13, 2020
In light of rising cases, West Coast states issue travel advisories recommending 14-day quarantines for inter-state and international travel; ask residents to stay local
SACRAMENTO – As COVID-19 cases continue to increase across the country, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Oregon Governor Kate Brown and Washington Governor Jay Inslee issued travel advisories today urging visitors entering their states or returning home from travel outside these states to self-quarantine to slow the spread of the virus. The travel advisories urge against non-essential out-of-state travel, ask people to self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving from another state or country and encourage residents to stay local.
“California just surpassed a sobering threshold – one million COVID-19 cases – with no signs of the virus slowing down,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom. “Increased cases are adding pressure on our hospital systems and threatening the lives of seniors, essential workers and vulnerable Californians. Travel increases the risk of spreading COVID-19, and we must all collectively increase our efforts at this time to keep the virus at bay and save lives.”
In addition to urging individuals arriving from other states or countries to self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival, the states’ travel advisories recommend individuals limit their interactions to their immediate household. The advisories define essential travel as travel for work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and supply chains, health, immediate medical care and safety and security.
“COVID-19 does not stop at state lines. As hospitals across the West are stretched to capacity, we must take steps to ensure travelers are not bringing this disease home with them,” said Oregon Governor Kate Brown. “If you do not need to travel, you shouldn’t. This will be hard, especially with Thanksgiving around the corner. But the best way to keep your family safe is to stay close to home.”
“COVID cases have doubled in Washington over the past two weeks. This puts our state in as dangerous a position today as we were in March,” said Washington Governor Jay Inslee. “Limiting and reducing travel is one way to reduce the further spread of the disease. I am happy to partner with California and Oregon in this effort to help protect lives up and down the West Coast.”
To learn more about the risk that travel itself poses for COVID-19 exposure, please visit the CDC page on travel risks.
Dear Lodging and Business Partners,
You may have already seen the news that California, Oregon and Washington released travel advisories ahead of the upcoming holidays as the COVID-19 Pandemic worsens around the nation.
If you haven’t seen the update, it requests that all out-of-state and out-of-country travelers quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival to California. It also asks in-state residents and travelers to stay local for their holiday plans. This news comes as a blow following what has already been a difficult year for Mariposa County’s lodging and businesses.
Also released today was a statement from Visit California’s CEO, Caroline Beteta, who notes that hotels remain open for leisure travel in the state. Many Californians that planned to leave the state may alter their travel plans to remain within the state and come to destinations like Mariposa County. It is more important than ever that our local tourism industry continues to promote safe travel practices that will keep our region open.
As Beteta states, “it will ultimately fall to front-line staff to ensure visitors from out of state are aware of all of California’s preventative guidelines, including the mask mandate, social distancing recommendations, and now the quarantine advice issued by the health department today.”
For the full press release from Governor Newsom on today’s new travel advisory, see below.
- Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau
California, Oregon & Washington Issue Travel Advisories
Published: Nov 13, 2020
In light of rising cases, West Coast states issue travel advisories recommending 14-day quarantines for inter-state and international travel; ask residents to stay local
SACRAMENTO – As COVID-19 cases continue to increase across the country, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Oregon Governor Kate Brown and Washington Governor Jay Inslee issued travel advisories today urging visitors entering their states or returning home from travel outside these states to self-quarantine to slow the spread of the virus. The travel advisories urge against non-essential out-of-state travel, ask people to self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving from another state or country and encourage residents to stay local.
“California just surpassed a sobering threshold – one million COVID-19 cases – with no signs of the virus slowing down,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom. “Increased cases are adding pressure on our hospital systems and threatening the lives of seniors, essential workers and vulnerable Californians. Travel increases the risk of spreading COVID-19, and we must all collectively increase our efforts at this time to keep the virus at bay and save lives.”
In addition to urging individuals arriving from other states or countries to self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival, the states’ travel advisories recommend individuals limit their interactions to their immediate household. The advisories define essential travel as travel for work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and supply chains, health, immediate medical care and safety and security.
“COVID-19 does not stop at state lines. As hospitals across the West are stretched to capacity, we must take steps to ensure travelers are not bringing this disease home with them,” said Oregon Governor Kate Brown. “If you do not need to travel, you shouldn’t. This will be hard, especially with Thanksgiving around the corner. But the best way to keep your family safe is to stay close to home.”
“COVID cases have doubled in Washington over the past two weeks. This puts our state in as dangerous a position today as we were in March,” said Washington Governor Jay Inslee. “Limiting and reducing travel is one way to reduce the further spread of the disease. I am happy to partner with California and Oregon in this effort to help protect lives up and down the West Coast.”
To learn more about the risk that travel itself poses for COVID-19 exposure, please visit the CDC page on travel risks.
First Snow, Last Leaves - By Tom Bopp
Prescribed burn at the Ahwahnee Meadow in 2016. NPS Photo.
Prescribed Fire and Fuels Projects Fall and Winter 2020-2021
Yosemite National Park has begun preparations for fall and winter prescribed fire and fuels projects. The fire program will send out formal announcements as ignition locations and dates are determined. Over 50 years of research has taught park managers that, in contrast to previous beliefs, total suppression of all fires does not prevent large severe wildfires. This tactic actually contributes to the proliferation of large severe wildfires, allowing unnatural levels of fuel to build up and burn unpredictably. Park managers now understand that fires are inevitable in our fire-adapted ecosystem, and working with fire is an effective way to protect our resources. Prescribed fire, pile burning, mechanical thinning, and other fuels reduction projects are important techniques used to reduce excessive vegetation build up on the landscape and reduce the potential for more severe fires.
Crane Flat Prescribed Fire
Crews are continuing preparation for a prescribed fire near Crane Flat lookout between the Tioga Road and Big Oak Flat Road. Crews will conduct pre-burn fuels treatments in this area to reduce the heavy accumulation of dead and down fuels prior to broadcast burning. The exact ignition date of this prescribed fire depends on a crucial mixture of weather, fuels moistures, and firefighter availability. Smoke impacts will be localized to the Crane Flat area during the day. However, transient smoke will likely drift down canyon during the evening hours. Planned treatment: 670 acres.
Valley Prescribed Fire
Planning is in place for burning to occur in units east of El Capitan Crossover and at Ahwahnee Meadow. The exact ignition dates of these prescribed fires depend on a crucial mixture of weather, fuel moisture, and firefighter availability. Crews will conduct pre-burn fuels treatments in this area to reduce heavy accumulation of dead and down fuels prior to burning. Smoke will be localized to Yosemite Valley. Planned treatment: 380 acres
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Fire managers are planning on continuing treatments in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Prescribed fire mimics natural ignition wildfires on the landscape and aids in the regeneration of giant sequoias, it also restores a more natural fire return interval keeping the ecosystem healthy and resilient. Crews may be observed conducting pre-burn vegetation treatments to reduce the heavy accumulation of dead and down fuels prior to broadcast burning. The exact ignition dates for sections in the grove are unknown. Smoke will be localized to the Mariposa Grove but may be observed from the community of Wawona. Planned treatment: 200 acres
Park Wide Pile Burning
Pile burning will continue throughout the park as conditions allow. Burning piles is an efficient and effective way to reduce excessive fuel build-up on the landscape. Mechanical thinning operations and landscape restoration projects produce burn piles throughout the park. Smoke from ignited piles will remain until each pile is completely consumed. Pile burning days will be announced in the Yosemite Daily Report. To sign up for these reports send an email to [email protected]
Fuels Projects
Mechanical fuels work will continue within park communities. These projects are on-going and will mainly consist of cutting dead and down vegetation with chainsaws then piling it for future burning. You may see fuels crews and heavy equipment near residences, please use caution around working fuels crews.
Smoke
Smoke will be present during prescribed fire operations. However, smoke produced during a prescribed fire is significantly less than if an unwanted wildfire occurs.
Yosemite National Park works closely with the park’s air quality specialists to calculate how much smoke may be produced based on the vegetation (fuel) type, number of acres, and meteorological conditions. Monitors are placed in areas that may see impacts from smoke. These monitors measure air quality levels in regard to public health. Managers will reduce ignitions or take appropriate action in response to unfavorable smoke impacts.
Fire managers work closely with local air pollution control districts to time the projects to coincide with favorable weather and smoke dispersion conditions. Smoke impacts are always a consideration in the decision to begin prescribed fire ignitions. A smoke management plan will be submitted, and a burn permit will be issued for each project.
Downloadable PDF: Prescribed Fire and Fuels Projects Fall and Winter 2020-2021
-NPS-
Yosemite National Park has begun preparations for fall and winter prescribed fire and fuels projects. The fire program will send out formal announcements as ignition locations and dates are determined. Over 50 years of research has taught park managers that, in contrast to previous beliefs, total suppression of all fires does not prevent large severe wildfires. This tactic actually contributes to the proliferation of large severe wildfires, allowing unnatural levels of fuel to build up and burn unpredictably. Park managers now understand that fires are inevitable in our fire-adapted ecosystem, and working with fire is an effective way to protect our resources. Prescribed fire, pile burning, mechanical thinning, and other fuels reduction projects are important techniques used to reduce excessive vegetation build up on the landscape and reduce the potential for more severe fires.
Crane Flat Prescribed Fire
Crews are continuing preparation for a prescribed fire near Crane Flat lookout between the Tioga Road and Big Oak Flat Road. Crews will conduct pre-burn fuels treatments in this area to reduce the heavy accumulation of dead and down fuels prior to broadcast burning. The exact ignition date of this prescribed fire depends on a crucial mixture of weather, fuels moistures, and firefighter availability. Smoke impacts will be localized to the Crane Flat area during the day. However, transient smoke will likely drift down canyon during the evening hours. Planned treatment: 670 acres.
Valley Prescribed Fire
Planning is in place for burning to occur in units east of El Capitan Crossover and at Ahwahnee Meadow. The exact ignition dates of these prescribed fires depend on a crucial mixture of weather, fuel moisture, and firefighter availability. Crews will conduct pre-burn fuels treatments in this area to reduce heavy accumulation of dead and down fuels prior to burning. Smoke will be localized to Yosemite Valley. Planned treatment: 380 acres
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Fire managers are planning on continuing treatments in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Prescribed fire mimics natural ignition wildfires on the landscape and aids in the regeneration of giant sequoias, it also restores a more natural fire return interval keeping the ecosystem healthy and resilient. Crews may be observed conducting pre-burn vegetation treatments to reduce the heavy accumulation of dead and down fuels prior to broadcast burning. The exact ignition dates for sections in the grove are unknown. Smoke will be localized to the Mariposa Grove but may be observed from the community of Wawona. Planned treatment: 200 acres
Park Wide Pile Burning
Pile burning will continue throughout the park as conditions allow. Burning piles is an efficient and effective way to reduce excessive fuel build-up on the landscape. Mechanical thinning operations and landscape restoration projects produce burn piles throughout the park. Smoke from ignited piles will remain until each pile is completely consumed. Pile burning days will be announced in the Yosemite Daily Report. To sign up for these reports send an email to [email protected]
Fuels Projects
Mechanical fuels work will continue within park communities. These projects are on-going and will mainly consist of cutting dead and down vegetation with chainsaws then piling it for future burning. You may see fuels crews and heavy equipment near residences, please use caution around working fuels crews.
Smoke
Smoke will be present during prescribed fire operations. However, smoke produced during a prescribed fire is significantly less than if an unwanted wildfire occurs.
Yosemite National Park works closely with the park’s air quality specialists to calculate how much smoke may be produced based on the vegetation (fuel) type, number of acres, and meteorological conditions. Monitors are placed in areas that may see impacts from smoke. These monitors measure air quality levels in regard to public health. Managers will reduce ignitions or take appropriate action in response to unfavorable smoke impacts.
Fire managers work closely with local air pollution control districts to time the projects to coincide with favorable weather and smoke dispersion conditions. Smoke impacts are always a consideration in the decision to begin prescribed fire ignitions. A smoke management plan will be submitted, and a burn permit will be issued for each project.
Downloadable PDF: Prescribed Fire and Fuels Projects Fall and Winter 2020-2021
-NPS-
- Air Quality: Yosemite Air Quality Page or airnow.gov or airnow.gov/fires
- Trail Closures: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
- Fire Restrictions: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/firerestrictions.htm
- National Weather Service Yosemite area forecast: www.weather.gov/hanford
- Sign-up for Alerts: go.nps.gov/alert
Emily Harrington becomes the first woman to free-climb El Capitan in under 24 hours
(CNN)Only three people -- all men -- had ever free-climbed El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in under 24 hours. But now a woman is the fourth.
Emily Harrington, 34, scaled the massive 3,000-foot granite face on Wednesday as the nation focused on developments in the presidential election.
Harrington became the first woman ever to complete the task in less than a day, scaling El Capitan in 21 hours and 13 minutes.
"I never believed I could actually free climb El Cap in a day when I first set the goal for myself," she said in an Instagram post."It didn't seem like a realistic objective for me," she said. "I didn't have the skills, fitness, or risk profile to move so quickly over such a large piece of stone. But I chose it exactly for that reason. Impossible dreams challenge us to rise above who we are now to see if we can become better versions of ourselves."
Harrington said she started climbing at 1:34 am on November 4. She shared some of the challenges she faced, including a slip that left her with a gash on her forehead. She later admitted it "almost took (her) resolve."
"I pulled on again," she said, "part of me not really wanting to stay on the wall, the other part gathering courage and flow. I kept thinking 'why am I still hanging on?'"
She successfully climbed past the spot where she failed a year before, when a nasty fall stopped her ascent."I cried at the belay - it could happen this time....The final 5 pitches felt scary in my current state but I pulled over the final lip at 10:30pm in disbelief," she said.
"There's a lot more to say but mostly I wanted to express my gratitude for the love and support from friends, family, and strangers. I feel the love so intensely right now. Thank you all," Harrington said.
(CNN)Only three people -- all men -- had ever free-climbed El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in under 24 hours. But now a woman is the fourth.
Emily Harrington, 34, scaled the massive 3,000-foot granite face on Wednesday as the nation focused on developments in the presidential election.
Harrington became the first woman ever to complete the task in less than a day, scaling El Capitan in 21 hours and 13 minutes.
"I never believed I could actually free climb El Cap in a day when I first set the goal for myself," she said in an Instagram post."It didn't seem like a realistic objective for me," she said. "I didn't have the skills, fitness, or risk profile to move so quickly over such a large piece of stone. But I chose it exactly for that reason. Impossible dreams challenge us to rise above who we are now to see if we can become better versions of ourselves."
Harrington said she started climbing at 1:34 am on November 4. She shared some of the challenges she faced, including a slip that left her with a gash on her forehead. She later admitted it "almost took (her) resolve."
"I pulled on again," she said, "part of me not really wanting to stay on the wall, the other part gathering courage and flow. I kept thinking 'why am I still hanging on?'"
She successfully climbed past the spot where she failed a year before, when a nasty fall stopped her ascent."I cried at the belay - it could happen this time....The final 5 pitches felt scary in my current state but I pulled over the final lip at 10:30pm in disbelief," she said.
"There's a lot more to say but mostly I wanted to express my gratitude for the love and support from friends, family, and strangers. I feel the love so intensely right now. Thank you all," Harrington said.
I never believed I could actually free climb El Cap in a day when I first set the goal for myself. It didn’t seem like a realistic objective for me. I didn’t have the skills, fitness, or risk profile to move so quickly over such a large piece of stone. But I chose it exactly for that reason. Impossible dreams challenge us to rise above who we are now to see if we can become better versions of ourselves.
On Nov 4 I started climbing with @alexhonnold at 1:34am, caught between my own internal drama of achieving a life goal and the more prevalent one of the elections - both unfolding in parallel ways in my brain. I knew I was in for a big day - but that’s exactly why I was there. I wanted to find my limit and exist in it and fight beyond it.
A nasty slip on the 13a Golden Desert pitch almost took my resolve - a deep gash on my forehead left me bloody and defeated. I pulled on again, part of me not really wanting to stay on the wall, the other part gathering courage and flow. I kept thinking “why am I still hanging on?”
The next pitch was the A5 traverse, where I failed last year. This time it was not my limit. I fought hard but with flawless movements in the dark. I cried at the belay - it could happen this time....The final 5 pitches felt scary in my current state but I pulled over the final lip at 10:30pm in disbelief.
There’s a lot more to say but mostly I wanted to express my gratitude for the love and support from friends, family, and strangers. I feel the love so intensely right now. Thank you all 🙏🏻
Massive thanks to @alexhonnold for climbing with me over these years, you’ve inspired me to think bigger and believe in myself in ways you cannot imagine. To @jonglassberg for your friendship, creativity, and ability to capture a story while at the same time keeping it light and always fun. And finally to my best friend, partner, lover, fave human of all time @adrianballinger - your support and love for me through the darkness and the light has never wavered. I love you endlessly ❤️❤️❤️
On Nov 4 I started climbing with @alexhonnold at 1:34am, caught between my own internal drama of achieving a life goal and the more prevalent one of the elections - both unfolding in parallel ways in my brain. I knew I was in for a big day - but that’s exactly why I was there. I wanted to find my limit and exist in it and fight beyond it.
A nasty slip on the 13a Golden Desert pitch almost took my resolve - a deep gash on my forehead left me bloody and defeated. I pulled on again, part of me not really wanting to stay on the wall, the other part gathering courage and flow. I kept thinking “why am I still hanging on?”
The next pitch was the A5 traverse, where I failed last year. This time it was not my limit. I fought hard but with flawless movements in the dark. I cried at the belay - it could happen this time....The final 5 pitches felt scary in my current state but I pulled over the final lip at 10:30pm in disbelief.
There’s a lot more to say but mostly I wanted to express my gratitude for the love and support from friends, family, and strangers. I feel the love so intensely right now. Thank you all 🙏🏻
Massive thanks to @alexhonnold for climbing with me over these years, you’ve inspired me to think bigger and believe in myself in ways you cannot imagine. To @jonglassberg for your friendship, creativity, and ability to capture a story while at the same time keeping it light and always fun. And finally to my best friend, partner, lover, fave human of all time @adrianballinger - your support and love for me through the darkness and the light has never wavered. I love you endlessly ❤️❤️❤️
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 10, 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
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 of October 13, 2020
3.3–Approve Payroll
3.4- Approve Warrants
3.5 -Accept Donations to YWECS
Northern Trust donation to YWECS in the amount of $3,375.38
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. There will be no Board discussion and no action will be taken unless listed on a subsequent agenda. Speakers will be limited to 3 minutes.
ACTION ITEMS
APROVAL HIRE FOR CUSTODIAL POSITION
Consideration and action on the hiring for the position of school custodian as was discussed at the October 13 meeting.
INFORMATION ITEMS
STAFF REPORTS
FUNDRAISER DISCUSSION
Staff will discuss fundraising plans for the school year.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Request that various items be placed on the next agenda for discussion and/or action.
First Interim Budget Report
LCFF Budget Overview for Parents
NEXT BOARD MEETING
Unless otherwise announced, the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors will be scheduled for Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. at the Wawona School.
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 closed session as required by law.
Personnel (Gov. Code 54957)
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION: Announce Closed Session Actions
ADJOURNMENT
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 10, 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
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 of October 13, 2020
3.3–Approve Payroll
3.4- Approve Warrants
3.5 -Accept Donations to YWECS
Northern Trust donation to YWECS in the amount of $3,375.38
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. There will be no Board discussion and no action will be taken unless listed on a subsequent agenda. Speakers will be limited to 3 minutes.
ACTION ITEMS
APROVAL HIRE FOR CUSTODIAL POSITION
Consideration and action on the hiring for the position of school custodian as was discussed at the October 13 meeting.
INFORMATION ITEMS
STAFF REPORTS
FUNDRAISER DISCUSSION
Staff will discuss fundraising plans for the school year.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Request that various items be placed on the next agenda for discussion and/or action.
First Interim Budget Report
LCFF Budget Overview for Parents
NEXT BOARD MEETING
Unless otherwise announced, the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors will be scheduled for Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. at the Wawona School.
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 closed session as required by law.
Personnel (Gov. Code 54957)
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION: Announce Closed Session Actions
ADJOURNMENT
Waiting for the Election Results- by Tom Bopp
California Department of Insurance Commissioner Protects More Than 2 Million Policyholders Affected by Wildfires from Policy Non-Renewal for One Year
- The mandatory one-year moratorium covers 2.1 million residential policies in ZIP codes located within or adjacent to recent wildfire disasters under the recently enacted Senate Bill 824 (Lara, Chapter 616, Statutes of 2018), also known as the Wildfire Safety and Recovery Act. While existing law prevents non-renewals and cancellations for those who suffer a total loss, the new law established protection for those living within or adjacent to a declared wildfire emergency who did not suffer a total loss—recognizing for the first time in law the disruption that non-renewals cause in communities following wildfire disasters.
- Consumers can go to the Department of Insurance website to find the Commissioner’s Bulletin to see if their ZIP code is included in the moratorium.
Parking Restrictions Approved for Fish Camp Snow Area
November 05 , 2020
By GREG LITTLE Editor
A major step has been taken to alleviate traffic congestion in a popular winter area in Fish Camp.
Last week, the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to begin the process of having no parking around the popular Goat Meadow/Snow Play area along Highway 41 in Fish Camp.
“I am happy we are finally here,” said Mariposa County Supervisor Miles Menetrey, who represents that area.
Menetrey said the request for the changes began with the advisory committee in Fish Camp and has since worked its way to the board of supervisors.
The ordinance will prohibit parking along Highway 41 from Jackson Road to the Big Creek Crossing.
Menetrey said when there is snow in that area, it becomes overrun with people — and their vehicles.
He referred to the “absolute craziness” that takes place in the area “when there is snow. The result is garbage and trash and human leftovers, if you will, and the folks are just tired of it.”
Mariposa County Public Works Director Mike Healy said the area “gets lined up with cars” and it “causes a mess from a safety perspective.”
The area is on United States Forest Service land but the ordinance involves Caltrans, which must approve having the signs placed along the road. Healy said the county will make and install the signs once final approval is given from Caltrans.
Healy said passing the amended ordinance gives the county the go-ahead to send the documents to Caltrans, which “will give us the final green light.”
Healy credited the California Highway Patrol, Caltrans District 6 and the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office for assisting in gathering the necessary information to show the ordinance needed to be amended.
“I know the folks are really going to be happy,” said Menetrey. “We’re well on our way with this.”
Healy said in the near future, he will be bringing a “companion ordinance” to the supervisors to restrict parking in residential areas adjacent to the snow area “so we don’t push traffic into those areas” with the newly passed ordinance amendment.
November 05 , 2020
By GREG LITTLE Editor
A major step has been taken to alleviate traffic congestion in a popular winter area in Fish Camp.
Last week, the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to begin the process of having no parking around the popular Goat Meadow/Snow Play area along Highway 41 in Fish Camp.
“I am happy we are finally here,” said Mariposa County Supervisor Miles Menetrey, who represents that area.
Menetrey said the request for the changes began with the advisory committee in Fish Camp and has since worked its way to the board of supervisors.
The ordinance will prohibit parking along Highway 41 from Jackson Road to the Big Creek Crossing.
Menetrey said when there is snow in that area, it becomes overrun with people — and their vehicles.
He referred to the “absolute craziness” that takes place in the area “when there is snow. The result is garbage and trash and human leftovers, if you will, and the folks are just tired of it.”
Mariposa County Public Works Director Mike Healy said the area “gets lined up with cars” and it “causes a mess from a safety perspective.”
The area is on United States Forest Service land but the ordinance involves Caltrans, which must approve having the signs placed along the road. Healy said the county will make and install the signs once final approval is given from Caltrans.
Healy said passing the amended ordinance gives the county the go-ahead to send the documents to Caltrans, which “will give us the final green light.”
Healy credited the California Highway Patrol, Caltrans District 6 and the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office for assisting in gathering the necessary information to show the ordinance needed to be amended.
“I know the folks are really going to be happy,” said Menetrey. “We’re well on our way with this.”
Healy said in the near future, he will be bringing a “companion ordinance” to the supervisors to restrict parking in residential areas adjacent to the snow area “so we don’t push traffic into those areas” with the newly passed ordinance amendment.
