WawonaNews.com - January 2021
Former Wawona Resident Featured in Weather Channel
Can you imagine being stranded in Yosemite National Park with no cell service, no supplies, a shattered vertebrae, and seriously injured leg? Hear the incredible true story of survivor Jessica Garcia, a former Wawona Hotel employee, on a new episode of Could You Survive? with Creek Stewart this Saturday, Jan 23 at 9 PM on The Weather Channel.
Wawona Residents: COMMUNITY MEETING.
There will be a community meeting tomorrow, January 23, at 10:00 am at the Wawona Community Center hosted by the NPS. Community members are encouraged to attend to get first-hand information on the status of the situation in Wawona and what progress is being made. This meeting will be held outside in a COVID-safe environment. There is a slight chance of snow at that time, so please dress accordingly.
There will be a community meeting tomorrow, January 23, at 10:00 am at the Wawona Community Center hosted by the NPS. Community members are encouraged to attend to get first-hand information on the status of the situation in Wawona and what progress is being made. This meeting will be held outside in a COVID-safe environment. There is a slight chance of snow at that time, so please dress accordingly.
Access to Wawona Only for a Few Owners
Wawona Property Owners: ACCESS UPDATE. Effective immediately property owners with property or homes in Wawona will be allowed to access their property to assess damage and make repairs. Because hazardous conditions still exist throughout the community, property owners are asked to stay on their property except for essential travel or needs. Property owners who do not have an immediate need to access their property are asked to refrain from traveling to the area.
Please be aware that there are electrical hazards and extreme caution should be taken around power lines. For more information on powerline safety, visit Safety near power lines (pge.com).
Chad Andrews
Supervisory U.S. Park Ranger
Yosemite National Park
(W) 209-375-9520
(C) 209-742-8269
Wawona Property Owners: ACCESS UPDATE. Effective immediately property owners with property or homes in Wawona will be allowed to access their property to assess damage and make repairs. Because hazardous conditions still exist throughout the community, property owners are asked to stay on their property except for essential travel or needs. Property owners who do not have an immediate need to access their property are asked to refrain from traveling to the area.
Please be aware that there are electrical hazards and extreme caution should be taken around power lines. For more information on powerline safety, visit Safety near power lines (pge.com).
Chad Andrews
Supervisory U.S. Park Ranger
Yosemite National Park
(W) 209-375-9520
(C) 209-742-8269
Yosemite Closure Extended Due to Wind Damage, Park Will Reopen Tuesday
Owners who have property damage are being allowed in at the Hwy 41 entrance, to get to their cabin and secure it or make repairs needed before the bad weather comes in!
Owners who have property damage are being allowed in at the Hwy 41 entrance, to get to their cabin and secure it or make repairs needed before the bad weather comes in!
FRESNO, Calif. -- The closure of Yosemite National Park has been extended until early next week, park officials told ABC30 on Thursday. It will reopen next Tuesday.
The park was shut down due to heavy damage caused by this week's wind storm. The storm uprooted trees, damaged buildings and caused Caltrans to block Highway 41 on the way to the park due to dangerous conditions.
RELATED: Howling winds topple trees, causing power outages and closing Yosemite
Officials said on Thursday they had discovered more damage in the southern part of the park than anticipated and that cleanup efforts will take more time.
Photos shared by the park show scenes from the aftermath of the Mono wind storm - massive sequoia, cedar and ponderosa trees uprooted and fallen completely through boardwalks, restrooms and buildings inside the park.
When the park reopens, visitors will be able to enter the park using El Portal Road (Highway 140), Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120 from the west), and Hetch Hetchy Road. Areas south of Yosemite Valley (including Badger Pass, Wawona, Mariposa Grove, South Entrance, and Wawona Road) will remain closed until further notice
The park was shut down due to heavy damage caused by this week's wind storm. The storm uprooted trees, damaged buildings and caused Caltrans to block Highway 41 on the way to the park due to dangerous conditions.
RELATED: Howling winds topple trees, causing power outages and closing Yosemite
Officials said on Thursday they had discovered more damage in the southern part of the park than anticipated and that cleanup efforts will take more time.
Photos shared by the park show scenes from the aftermath of the Mono wind storm - massive sequoia, cedar and ponderosa trees uprooted and fallen completely through boardwalks, restrooms and buildings inside the park.
When the park reopens, visitors will be able to enter the park using El Portal Road (Highway 140), Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120 from the west), and Hetch Hetchy Road. Areas south of Yosemite Valley (including Badger Pass, Wawona, Mariposa Grove, South Entrance, and Wawona Road) will remain closed until further notice
MONO WIND EVENT INFORMATION
For information regarding power, please visit- https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outages/map/
Or call 1-800-743-5002 for questions regarding power restoration.
PG&E Information
PGE has set up a Customer Resource Center for those out of power at the following locations: (These are NOT overnight shelters)
Mariposa County Senior Center- 5246 Spriggs Ln, Mariposa, CA 95338 will be an outside center 12pm – 9:30pm
New Life Christian Fellowship-5089 Cole Road, Mariposa, CA 95338 will be an inside center open from 0800-2130 hours
Yosemite High School- 50200 High School Road, Oakhurst, CA 93644 will be an outside center from 0800-2130 hours
- All locations will be requesting each person check in to create a list of participants in case there ends up being a need for Covid -19 contact tracing. This practice will be a change from past CRC protocols for use of the centers.
For information regarding power, please visit- https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outages/map/
Or call 1-800-743-5002 for questions regarding power restoration.
PG&E Information
PGE has set up a Customer Resource Center for those out of power at the following locations: (These are NOT overnight shelters)
Mariposa County Senior Center- 5246 Spriggs Ln, Mariposa, CA 95338 will be an outside center 12pm – 9:30pm
New Life Christian Fellowship-5089 Cole Road, Mariposa, CA 95338 will be an inside center open from 0800-2130 hours
Yosemite High School- 50200 High School Road, Oakhurst, CA 93644 will be an outside center from 0800-2130 hours
- All locations will be requesting each person check in to create a list of participants in case there ends up being a need for Covid -19 contact tracing. This practice will be a change from past CRC protocols for use of the centers.
Assistance Available
If you need housing assistance from Red Cross do to damage caused from this wind event please call 1-800-733-2767 you will then need to press 4
Additional Assistance is available to those in need by calling 1-833-423-0816
FREE SPOILED FOOD DISPOSAL
When in doubt throw it out!
FREE- spoiled food disposal!
January 20th -January 23rd
8am-4pm
Mariposa County Solid Waste Located at:
5593 CA-49, Mariposa, CA 95338
Household bagged trash only. Advise Solid Waste staff you have spoiled food and they will direct you to the proper location.
Weather
The National Weather Service is forecasting several large winter storms to impact Mariposa County this weekend. The first of three storms is expected Friday at approximately 11am, currently forecast for rain based with possible light snows or dustings above 2,500 feet. The second storm is forecasted to arrive Sunday with possible snow down to 1,500 feet Sunday night into Monday. Weather can change quickly so stay updated by visiting https://www.weather.gov/hnx/ or by watching your local news.
Please share this information with your friends and neighbors!
If you need housing assistance from Red Cross do to damage caused from this wind event please call 1-800-733-2767 you will then need to press 4
Additional Assistance is available to those in need by calling 1-833-423-0816
FREE SPOILED FOOD DISPOSAL
When in doubt throw it out!
FREE- spoiled food disposal!
January 20th -January 23rd
8am-4pm
Mariposa County Solid Waste Located at:
5593 CA-49, Mariposa, CA 95338
Household bagged trash only. Advise Solid Waste staff you have spoiled food and they will direct you to the proper location.
Weather
The National Weather Service is forecasting several large winter storms to impact Mariposa County this weekend. The first of three storms is expected Friday at approximately 11am, currently forecast for rain based with possible light snows or dustings above 2,500 feet. The second storm is forecasted to arrive Sunday with possible snow down to 1,500 feet Sunday night into Monday. Weather can change quickly so stay updated by visiting https://www.weather.gov/hnx/ or by watching your local news.
Please share this information with your friends and neighbors!
Road Conditions Update
Jan. 20 - Wawona and Yosemite West Residents: ROAD UPDATE. NPS and Caltrans crews have roughly cleared the Wawona Road and Highway 41 south to Oakhurst. Beginning at 1130 am today (1/20/2021), unrestricted road access will be granted for residents, essential employees, and essential delivery services only (gas/propane/water) as conditions remain hazardous. Non-resident property owners will not yet be granted access into Wawona. Identification required.
The Park Gate will be closed and locked from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am daily until further notice.
Crews are still working along the road. Conditions remain hazardous with a potential for falling trees. Use caution while driving.
Jan. 20 - Wawona and Yosemite West Residents: ROAD UPDATE. NPS and Caltrans crews have roughly cleared the Wawona Road and Highway 41 south to Oakhurst. Beginning at 1130 am today (1/20/2021), unrestricted road access will be granted for residents, essential employees, and essential delivery services only (gas/propane/water) as conditions remain hazardous. Non-resident property owners will not yet be granted access into Wawona. Identification required.
The Park Gate will be closed and locked from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am daily until further notice.
Crews are still working along the road. Conditions remain hazardous with a potential for falling trees. Use caution while driving.
Updated Message from Yosemite National Park
Wawona and Yosemite West Residents: REMAIN SHELTERED IN PLACE. Continued hazardous conditions, downed power lines, and downed and weakened trees make it unsafe to be outside. Residents should stay on their property. Crews are working to clear the Wawona Road south of Wawona. Residents will be notified as soon as it is safe to allow travel out of and into the Park. This is anticipated to happen sometime today. Access will be granted for essential services and needs such as propane delivery and employee and contractor access. The park remains closed to the public.
Wawona and Yosemite West Residents: REMAIN SHELTERED IN PLACE. Continued hazardous conditions, downed power lines, and downed and weakened trees make it unsafe to be outside. Residents should stay on their property. Crews are working to clear the Wawona Road south of Wawona. Residents will be notified as soon as it is safe to allow travel out of and into the Park. This is anticipated to happen sometime today. Access will be granted for essential services and needs such as propane delivery and employee and contractor access. The park remains closed to the public.
Message from Yosemite National Park.
Jan. 19 - Wawona and Yosemite West Residents: REMAIN SHELTERED IN PLACE.
Continued hazardous wind conditions, downed power lines, downed and
weakened trees make it unsafe to be outside. There will be no access in or out of these communities for at least the next 24-48 hours.
Jan. 19 - Wawona and Yosemite West Residents: REMAIN SHELTERED IN PLACE.
Continued hazardous wind conditions, downed power lines, downed and
weakened trees make it unsafe to be outside. There will be no access in or out of these communities for at least the next 24-48 hours.
Mono Winds Cause Widespread Damage in Wawona
Photos courtesy of Pat Sischo, Warren Alford and Sharon Granoff
All Roads in Yosemite Closed
Jan. 19 - Due to high winds, fallen trees, and downed power lines, ALL roads within Yosemite National Park are closed.
Employees and residents are to "shelter in place" until further notice.
Check for road and weather updates at 209-372-0200 (then 1, 1)
Jan. 19 - Due to high winds, fallen trees, and downed power lines, ALL roads within Yosemite National Park are closed.
Employees and residents are to "shelter in place" until further notice.
Check for road and weather updates at 209-372-0200 (then 1, 1)
Yosemite Officials Need Help Finding Missing Hiker
by: Paul Schlesinger, Nexstar Media Wire
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) Jan. 17 — Officials in Yosemite National Park on Saturday are seeking the public’s help in finding a missing hiker from China that last seen heading toward the Upper Yosemite Falls overlook.
“Alice” Yu Xie, 41, was believed to have gone on a day hike on Thursday or Friday morning and has not been seen since.
Anyone who was on the trail to the top of Yosemite Falls during that time period, even if you did not see Xie, or have any information regarding her, is urged to call 209-372-0216 during business hours or the Yosemite Communications Center at 209-379-1992 after hours.
Xie is described as an Asian female that is less than 5 feet tall, weighs less that 100 pounds and has neck-length black hair, the National Park Service said. No clothing description was available, but she was hiking with a small green backpack.
Officials reported that she traveled to Yosemite from Mariposa on the YARTS bus on Thursday and is a Chinese national living in the U.S.
by: Paul Schlesinger, Nexstar Media Wire
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) Jan. 17 — Officials in Yosemite National Park on Saturday are seeking the public’s help in finding a missing hiker from China that last seen heading toward the Upper Yosemite Falls overlook.
“Alice” Yu Xie, 41, was believed to have gone on a day hike on Thursday or Friday morning and has not been seen since.
Anyone who was on the trail to the top of Yosemite Falls during that time period, even if you did not see Xie, or have any information regarding her, is urged to call 209-372-0216 during business hours or the Yosemite Communications Center at 209-379-1992 after hours.
Xie is described as an Asian female that is less than 5 feet tall, weighs less that 100 pounds and has neck-length black hair, the National Park Service said. No clothing description was available, but she was hiking with a small green backpack.
Officials reported that she traveled to Yosemite from Mariposa on the YARTS bus on Thursday and is a Chinese national living in the U.S.
Nordic Recreation and Snow Play at Badger Pass
The Badger Pass Trailhead is open for nordic recreation and snow play daily from 8am-5pm. When the Badger Pass parking lot fills (approximately 100 cars) the uphill gate on the Glacier Point Road at Chinquapin will be swung blocking uphill travel. Five cars will be allowed entry after five cars have left the area. At around 4pm daily Law Enforcement patrols will begin to encourage visitors to leave the Badger Pass area, ensuring compliance with the 5PM park closure.
These actions are necessary to preserve wilderness conditions & protect natural resources.
The Badger Pass Trailhead is open for nordic recreation and snow play daily from 8am-5pm. When the Badger Pass parking lot fills (approximately 100 cars) the uphill gate on the Glacier Point Road at Chinquapin will be swung blocking uphill travel. Five cars will be allowed entry after five cars have left the area. At around 4pm daily Law Enforcement patrols will begin to encourage visitors to leave the Badger Pass area, ensuring compliance with the 5PM park closure.
These actions are necessary to preserve wilderness conditions & protect natural resources.
All Alone / Yes Sir, That's My Baby - By Tom Bopp
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualana Falls Road
Wawona, CA
Topic: YWECS School Board meeting
Time: Jan 12, 2021 05:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75757832442?pwd=TUdPNmYvWkRwaEsxVlJMWkY2Nk45UT09
Meeting ID: 757 5783 2442
Passcode: WawonaSBM
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of December 8, 2020
3.3–Approve Payroll
3.4- Approve Warrants for July through November
3.5 -Accept Donations to YWECS
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualana Falls Road
Wawona, CA
Topic: YWECS School Board meeting
Time: Jan 12, 2021 05:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75757832442?pwd=TUdPNmYvWkRwaEsxVlJMWkY2Nk45UT09
Meeting ID: 757 5783 2442
Passcode: WawonaSBM
- CALL TO ORDER
- ROLL CALL
- CONSENT AGENDA
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of December 8, 2020
3.3–Approve Payroll
3.4- Approve Warrants for July through November
3.5 -Accept Donations to YWECS
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
- APPROVAL OF 2019-20 AUDIT REPORT
- APPROVAL OF COVID 19 PREVENTION PLAN (CCP)
- APPROVAL OF P-1 ATTENDANCE REPORT
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
The National Anthem - by Tom Bopp
Click on image above to access form
Yosemite Received Its First Round of Vaccines
Dear Yosemite Partners and Community,
Happy holidays! We’ve crossed the solstice, and as our sunlight begins to lengthen, we have some brightness to share as well. With all of the media coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine, we want to take a moment to bring some of that attention home to our own Yosemite community, and fill you in on how vaccine distribution is playing out here. We also have an action item for all park employees and residents to get us ready and keep us moving through the four phases of vaccine distribution.
Yosemite received its first round of vaccines last week and was able to begin Phase 1A distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to health care providers, following California and Mariposa County guidelines. In the park, this included medical providers as well as EMS credentialed rangers and staff. The park is requesting additional doses from the county to complete participation in 1A. With the nationwide distribution of vaccines from both Pfizer and Moderna still in its beginning stages, we don’t yet know how many doses will be heading to the county, or what the allotment will be for our Yosemite community. We will share as we learn more, but vaccines are limited globally.
Once Phase 1A is completed, Yosemite will follow state guidelines to identify the appropriate individuals for Phase 1B dispersal of the COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that in Phase 1B, COVID-19 vaccinations should be offered to persons aged greater than 75 years and non–health care frontline essential workers. The ACIP has classified the following non–health care essential workers as frontline workers (those with highest risk of work-related exposure to the virus because their work duties must be performed on-site and involve being in close proximity (<6 feet) to the public or to coworkers):
· first responders (e.g., firefighters and police officers),
· corrections officers,
· food and agricultural workers,
· U.S. Postal Service workers,
· manufacturing workers,
· grocery store workers,
· public transit workers, and
· those who work in the education sector (teachers and support staff members) as well as child care workers.
In preparation for Phase 1B, we are asking all partner employees and community residents to fill out this form, even if your job may not fall into Phase 1B. While these general guidelines exist, there are still some specifics being discussed as some jobs may not clearly fall into the categories listed above. The responses of this form will only be seen by Yosemite medical providers for scheduling of vaccinations.
COVID-19 vaccines for phase 1B- Park partner responses form
You can resubmit your answers at any time to change your answers or update information. Supervisors, please encourage your employees to complete the form, and give them the time to do so. If you know people who don’t normally check internet or email, please help spread this message. This form can be filled out on behalf of other people, if they need computer assistance. Lastly, you may call or go to the clinic if you need support.
This form seeks to identify all partner employees and residents interested in the vaccine, their age brackets, and their work groups. Participation is completely voluntary, though the clinic hopes to receive feedback from as many employees as possible. The vaccine, when made available to you, will be free of charge; the Yosemite clinic will take insurance but there is no copay. Answering that you’re not interested in receiving the vaccine is an option on the form. Participation in this form does not guarantee a vaccine.
Information and guidelines continue to change as more information becomes available. For an update on what is currently recommended in each phase, please see the following:
Phase
Groups recommended to receive COVID-19 vaccine
1a: Health care personnel, Long-term care facility residents
1b: Frontline essential workers, Persons aged ≥75 years
1c: Persons aged 65–74 years, Persons aged 16–64 years with high-risk medical conditions, Essential workers not recommended for vaccination in Phase 1b
2: All persons aged ≥16 years not previously recommended for vaccination
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ Updated Interim Recommendation for Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine, December 2020
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/pdfs/mm695152e2-H.pdf
Dear Yosemite Partners and Community,
Happy holidays! We’ve crossed the solstice, and as our sunlight begins to lengthen, we have some brightness to share as well. With all of the media coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine, we want to take a moment to bring some of that attention home to our own Yosemite community, and fill you in on how vaccine distribution is playing out here. We also have an action item for all park employees and residents to get us ready and keep us moving through the four phases of vaccine distribution.
Yosemite received its first round of vaccines last week and was able to begin Phase 1A distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to health care providers, following California and Mariposa County guidelines. In the park, this included medical providers as well as EMS credentialed rangers and staff. The park is requesting additional doses from the county to complete participation in 1A. With the nationwide distribution of vaccines from both Pfizer and Moderna still in its beginning stages, we don’t yet know how many doses will be heading to the county, or what the allotment will be for our Yosemite community. We will share as we learn more, but vaccines are limited globally.
Once Phase 1A is completed, Yosemite will follow state guidelines to identify the appropriate individuals for Phase 1B dispersal of the COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that in Phase 1B, COVID-19 vaccinations should be offered to persons aged greater than 75 years and non–health care frontline essential workers. The ACIP has classified the following non–health care essential workers as frontline workers (those with highest risk of work-related exposure to the virus because their work duties must be performed on-site and involve being in close proximity (<6 feet) to the public or to coworkers):
· first responders (e.g., firefighters and police officers),
· corrections officers,
· food and agricultural workers,
· U.S. Postal Service workers,
· manufacturing workers,
· grocery store workers,
· public transit workers, and
· those who work in the education sector (teachers and support staff members) as well as child care workers.
In preparation for Phase 1B, we are asking all partner employees and community residents to fill out this form, even if your job may not fall into Phase 1B. While these general guidelines exist, there are still some specifics being discussed as some jobs may not clearly fall into the categories listed above. The responses of this form will only be seen by Yosemite medical providers for scheduling of vaccinations.
COVID-19 vaccines for phase 1B- Park partner responses form
You can resubmit your answers at any time to change your answers or update information. Supervisors, please encourage your employees to complete the form, and give them the time to do so. If you know people who don’t normally check internet or email, please help spread this message. This form can be filled out on behalf of other people, if they need computer assistance. Lastly, you may call or go to the clinic if you need support.
This form seeks to identify all partner employees and residents interested in the vaccine, their age brackets, and their work groups. Participation is completely voluntary, though the clinic hopes to receive feedback from as many employees as possible. The vaccine, when made available to you, will be free of charge; the Yosemite clinic will take insurance but there is no copay. Answering that you’re not interested in receiving the vaccine is an option on the form. Participation in this form does not guarantee a vaccine.
Information and guidelines continue to change as more information becomes available. For an update on what is currently recommended in each phase, please see the following:
Phase
Groups recommended to receive COVID-19 vaccine
1a: Health care personnel, Long-term care facility residents
1b: Frontline essential workers, Persons aged ≥75 years
1c: Persons aged 65–74 years, Persons aged 16–64 years with high-risk medical conditions, Essential workers not recommended for vaccination in Phase 1b
2: All persons aged ≥16 years not previously recommended for vaccination
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ Updated Interim Recommendation for Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine, December 2020
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/pdfs/mm695152e2-H.pdf
Auld Lang Syne - By Tom Bopp
Badger Pass Nordic Skiing Opening Thursday, Dec. 31st
As of 9:00am on Thursday, December 31, the Badger Pass area will be accessible for winter recreation and Nordic skiing use. All Yosemite Hospitality services will be closed. The Glacier Point Road will be accessible for Nordic use as usual, but grooming will be intermittent and rough. Temporary restrooms and trash disposal is available in the parking lot. Please recreate safely and responsibly. (C. Andrews)
As of 9:00am on Thursday, December 31, the Badger Pass area will be accessible for winter recreation and Nordic skiing use. All Yosemite Hospitality services will be closed. The Glacier Point Road will be accessible for Nordic use as usual, but grooming will be intermittent and rough. Temporary restrooms and trash disposal is available in the parking lot. Please recreate safely and responsibly. (C. Andrews)
Sweet Dreams - by Tom Bopp
Yule Log - by Tom Bopp
Yosemite's Ahwahnee Hotel, where employees are required to wear masks but guests are not.
Albert Grose/Getty Images/500px
As Yosemite's Ahwahnee hosted massive Thanksgiving feast. Unmasked guests had workers appalled.
Ashley Harrell - SFGATE
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and California officials were urging Americans not to travel — and to keep celebrations small — over Thanksgiving, plans for a colossal feast were under way in Yosemite National Park.
“Prepare to be delighted with a Thanksgiving feast set in the historic Ahwahnee dining room,” reads an ad for the event on the Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau website. “Located in Yosemite Valley, the high ceiling and chandeliers create the perfect backdrop for a special occasion.”
The menu included a touchless buffet, along with Cinder Brined Diestel Turkey and a Dijon-Herbed Filet of Wild Salmon. Advance reservations were highly recommended, according to the ad, due to “limited seating capacity.” The feast cost $103 per adult and $52 per child between the ages of 6 and 12; it was free for kids 5 and under.
According to hotel employees, the Ahwahnee was fully booked all week and hundreds of guests showed up for the dinner’s multiple seatings indoors from 2-8 p.m. Face coverings were, in theory, required, but there was no enforcement. While the limited seating and take-away options were meant to keep guests socially distanced, the bar area got extremely crowded, employees say, and social distancing fell by the wayside.
“Basically, everyone just did whatever they wanted, as if there was no pandemic,” says Lianne* Saylor, an Ahwahnee roomskeeper who was working during the event.
The hotel employees work for Yosemite Hospitality, a subsidiary of Aramark Management Services that’s contracted to provide hospitality services within the park. David Freireich, Aramark’s vice president of corporate communications, wrote in an email that he didn't "have the exact seating info at my fingertips," but that he knew the company was "below the mandates for reduced seating/capacity restrictions that were in place at the time."
"The dinner itself was a touchless buffet, where staff, working behind plexiglass, plated the food for guests and handed it to them at the end of the line," Freireich wrote. "For the health and wellbeing of everyone, we strongly encourage hotel guests to wear their masks and we provide social cues inside the hotels about the importance of wearing masks. To best of my knowledge, guests have been very respectful and wearing masks while inside."
Ashley Harrell - SFGATE
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and California officials were urging Americans not to travel — and to keep celebrations small — over Thanksgiving, plans for a colossal feast were under way in Yosemite National Park.
“Prepare to be delighted with a Thanksgiving feast set in the historic Ahwahnee dining room,” reads an ad for the event on the Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau website. “Located in Yosemite Valley, the high ceiling and chandeliers create the perfect backdrop for a special occasion.”
The menu included a touchless buffet, along with Cinder Brined Diestel Turkey and a Dijon-Herbed Filet of Wild Salmon. Advance reservations were highly recommended, according to the ad, due to “limited seating capacity.” The feast cost $103 per adult and $52 per child between the ages of 6 and 12; it was free for kids 5 and under.
According to hotel employees, the Ahwahnee was fully booked all week and hundreds of guests showed up for the dinner’s multiple seatings indoors from 2-8 p.m. Face coverings were, in theory, required, but there was no enforcement. While the limited seating and take-away options were meant to keep guests socially distanced, the bar area got extremely crowded, employees say, and social distancing fell by the wayside.
“Basically, everyone just did whatever they wanted, as if there was no pandemic,” says Lianne* Saylor, an Ahwahnee roomskeeper who was working during the event.
The hotel employees work for Yosemite Hospitality, a subsidiary of Aramark Management Services that’s contracted to provide hospitality services within the park. David Freireich, Aramark’s vice president of corporate communications, wrote in an email that he didn't "have the exact seating info at my fingertips," but that he knew the company was "below the mandates for reduced seating/capacity restrictions that were in place at the time."
"The dinner itself was a touchless buffet, where staff, working behind plexiglass, plated the food for guests and handed it to them at the end of the line," Freireich wrote. "For the health and wellbeing of everyone, we strongly encourage hotel guests to wear their masks and we provide social cues inside the hotels about the importance of wearing masks. To best of my knowledge, guests have been very respectful and wearing masks while inside."
The menu from the Ahwahnee Hotel's 2020 Thanksgiving feast.
With COVID-19 cases exploding in California, employees say the Thanksgiving feast had them scared for their health, and for the vulnerable populations and health care workers living in neighboring communities. It was the culmination of what the park’s indoor service workers describe as an utter disregard for their safety, from both incautious visitors and their employer. Workers say they were incredibly relieved when the park reduced its hours and shut down accommodations and dining last week in response to California’s regional stay-at-home order.
Officials for the San Joaquin Valley region, where the park is located, launched a shutdown after ICU capacity fell below 15%; it dropped to zero percent over the weekend and has since remained precariously low.
Yosemite will keep its 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule as long as the regional stay-at-home order is in effect, according to the park’s website. But after three weeks, if the San Joaquin Valley region were to increase its ICU capacity above 15%, accommodations and indoor dining could be reinstated in the park. Employees fear they could be placed back in harm’s way until President-elect Joe Biden, who has promised to initiate a mask mandate on federal property, is sworn in.
“We needed a federal mandate months ago,” Saylor wrote in a text message. “Thank God Biden will be making tourists wear one. Going to work and seeing all the tourists not wearing masks in crowds, indoors, has been extremely stressful and unsafe.”
Several of Saylor’s colleagues interviewed for this story expressed concern that speaking out would put their jobs at risk, and Saylor requested that we use her middle and last names. Beyond that, she isn’t holding back: “Thanksgiving was a f—ing s—show,” Saylor wrote in a text, referring to the number of unmasked guests. “It was awful … every bellman, bartender, server and roomskeeper … all were very concerned about possibly being exposed [to the virus].”
“I called the health department in Mariposa,” says another Ahwahnee employee who has worked several jobs in the hotel over the past decade. The employee spoke to SFGATE on condition of anonymity, because she did not want to jeopardize future employment.
The employee says management had her make preparations for 300 to 400 guests for the indoor Thanksgiving event. She tried to stay away from the guests, she says, because she was afraid of catching the virus.
Mariposa County’s Health & Human Services Agency “did hear about Aramark and Thanksgiving,” says Eric Sergienko, Mariposa County’s public health officer. And in a situation like this, the agency passes the information on to the park’s internal public health specialist, Sergienko says, who reminds the National Park Service of its responsibilities.
“Where [the park] can align with state guidance and health orders, they do that,” Sergienko says. But in some cases — for instance, with masks — the National Park Service must follow directives coming down from the U.S. Department of the Interior. Because the park is on federal land, and there has been no mandate for mask-wearing on federal property, visitors cannot be required — only encouraged — to wear them in Yosemite.
"We require, but cannot enforce mask wearing among [Ahwahnee] guests," Freireich added.
Although park officials declined to respond to questions regarding what was being done to protect indoor workers, Public Information Officer Jamie Richards confirmed that “Yosemite does not require masks, but they are strongly encouraged.” By contrast, over at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, "masks or other face coverings are required to be worn inside all indoor and public spaces ... this applies to both guests and employees," according to the official website for the parks' lodgings.
The inconsistency between national parks and vendors is a reflection of how the nation's response to the pandemic has been fractured. Some national parks and vendors require and enforce masks, while others do not, depending on state and local ordinances.
Certainly there are other measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among Yosemite's workers. Steve Wilensky, the founder of a nonprofit called CHIPS that connects people seeking employment with forestry jobs, has a couple of teams working in Yosemite. His workers, many of whom hail from the area’s indigenous communities, have their temperatures taken every day. They wear masks at all times. They keep distanced from one another and guests, though that’s easier to do while working outdoors.
Physical distancing signs are placed throughout Yosemite National Park, here at Yosemite Falls, on Thursday, June 11, 2020.Chris Kaufman / Special to The Chronicle
“Of my 18 people who have been working in the park for the last month and a half, not a single person has tested positive,” Wilensky says. “And everybody has been tested a couple of times.”
How many park employees have had the virus and whether anyone was infected over Thanksgiving is not known. Park officials have been tight-lipped about the number of employees who have contracted the virus, citing HIPPA laws and privacy laws.
There is, however, another way of quantifying the level of risk people faced in the park over the holiday: sewage testing.
Back in May, Mariposa County teamed up with Biobot Analytics to monitor Yosemite’s wastewater for traces of the genetic material from Sars-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Over the week of Thanksgiving, samples were collected from the El Portal and Wawona wastewater treatment facilities, which treat the park's sewage in the western and southern areas of the park.
Sewage test results, which are measured in copies of the virus’s genetic material per liter of sewage, allow scientists to estimate how many infected people used the restrooms that feed the treatment plants. Over Thanksgiving week, multiple people with coronavirus — likely somewhere between seven and 35 — are estimated to have been in the park.
Here’s where the Ahwahnee employees lucked out: All of those infected people were seemingly staying (or at least using the restrooms) down south near the Wawona plant. Nearly an hour's drive away, the El Portal plant — which handles all the wastewater from Yosemite Valley — showed a relatively low virus concentration that indicated less than one COVID-19 case per day. The Wawona sample, one other hand, showed a higher virus concentration than 93% of all samples submitted to Biobot for testing over the week of Thanksgiving and the five weeks prior, accounting for all seven to 35 suspected cases in the park.
“The people not wearing masks at the Ahwahnee were not infectious,” Sergienko hypothesizes. And down in Wawona, the accommodations are mostly condos and cabins that allow groups to isolate from each other, he adds.
Health officials aren’t permitted to share locations of COVID-19 patients, so we don’t know where transmissions around Thanksgiving occurred or if visitors were the culprits. But Sergienko did say that the county has seen infections inside of Yosemite that appear to have come from contagious visitors. Thanks to a highly successful contact-tracing program, which Mariposa collaborates on with the park, those cases have not seen onward transmission, Sergienko says.
“If we get a positive lab, we’ll find the person before 8 a.m. and be done with contact tracing by noon,” he says. “It was our biggest concern throughout the summer and into the fall: the introduction of COVID from visitors. It’s a careful balance. Our economy is dependent on tourism.”
At the hospital closest to Yosemite, John C. Fremont, administrators have scrambled to reconfigure the layout to maximize safety while creating additional space. There are now 16 beds for COVID-19 patients, according to a Facebook live presentation last week from Kenneth Smith, the chief of staff and chief medical officer, but the bottleneck is the number of available nurses to care for them.
As of Wednesday, one of those beds was in use. Of Mariposa County’s 181 cases since the beginning of the pandemic, 11 remain active. Four people have died, which is high in comparison with the national average. Health officials say this reflects the region's older population, which exhibits more risk factors.
That's one of the main things that worries Katy Imogene, who lives in El Portal and works in hospitality at Yosemite Cedar Lodge and Yosemite View Lodge. Both lodges were at or very near full capacity over the week of Thanksgiving, Imogene told SFGATE.
“It’s been ridiculous, the amount of guests from everywhere who are putting me, my family, and community at risk, so they can go on vacation,” she wrote in a comment in early December on Yosemite National Park’s Facebook page in response to a disturbing thread of comments downplaying the risks of the virus, the safety of the park’s employees and the importance of wearing masks. “Yosemite will survive the pandemic, it’s the people, especially the indigenous people, who make up Yosemite that need to be protected now.”
On Thanksgiving, there were signs at the hotel entrances asking people to wear masks while indoors, but “it wasn’t always happening,” Imogene says. She was working as a cashier that night, having “a constant stream of interactions with people from everywhere.” Rather than argue with the maskless, she adopted an approach of simply trying to get them “ordered and out of the way” as quickly as possible.
“Some people weren’t being considerate of each other,” she says. “It was distressing.”
Then there were the others, of course, who wore masks and empathized with the workers.
Los Angeles realtor Lisa Gild traveled from Los Angeles to Yosemite over Thanksgiving with her parents, her sister, her sister’s family and a man she’s dating. The group took COVID-19 tests before combining their bubbles, Gild said, and they maintained social distance with outsiders and wore masks. Still, they knew they were taking a bit of a gamble, particularly when they arrived in Yosemite Valley.
“The trails were pretty crowded,” she says. “I was there with my parents and they’re in their 70s. It was a little concerning.”
The group ordered food for takeaway at Degnan’s Kitchen and everybody was masked up in there, Gild recalls. But when they continued to the Ahwahnee for drinks, there were unmasked guests in the common indoor spaces, and the management wasn’t doing anything about it, Gild says. She expressed concern for the hotel employees.
“These poor people are risking their lives,” she says, “and they’re there to just make a living.”
How many park employees have had the virus and whether anyone was infected over Thanksgiving is not known. Park officials have been tight-lipped about the number of employees who have contracted the virus, citing HIPPA laws and privacy laws.
There is, however, another way of quantifying the level of risk people faced in the park over the holiday: sewage testing.
Back in May, Mariposa County teamed up with Biobot Analytics to monitor Yosemite’s wastewater for traces of the genetic material from Sars-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Over the week of Thanksgiving, samples were collected from the El Portal and Wawona wastewater treatment facilities, which treat the park's sewage in the western and southern areas of the park.
Sewage test results, which are measured in copies of the virus’s genetic material per liter of sewage, allow scientists to estimate how many infected people used the restrooms that feed the treatment plants. Over Thanksgiving week, multiple people with coronavirus — likely somewhere between seven and 35 — are estimated to have been in the park.
Here’s where the Ahwahnee employees lucked out: All of those infected people were seemingly staying (or at least using the restrooms) down south near the Wawona plant. Nearly an hour's drive away, the El Portal plant — which handles all the wastewater from Yosemite Valley — showed a relatively low virus concentration that indicated less than one COVID-19 case per day. The Wawona sample, one other hand, showed a higher virus concentration than 93% of all samples submitted to Biobot for testing over the week of Thanksgiving and the five weeks prior, accounting for all seven to 35 suspected cases in the park.
“The people not wearing masks at the Ahwahnee were not infectious,” Sergienko hypothesizes. And down in Wawona, the accommodations are mostly condos and cabins that allow groups to isolate from each other, he adds.
Health officials aren’t permitted to share locations of COVID-19 patients, so we don’t know where transmissions around Thanksgiving occurred or if visitors were the culprits. But Sergienko did say that the county has seen infections inside of Yosemite that appear to have come from contagious visitors. Thanks to a highly successful contact-tracing program, which Mariposa collaborates on with the park, those cases have not seen onward transmission, Sergienko says.
“If we get a positive lab, we’ll find the person before 8 a.m. and be done with contact tracing by noon,” he says. “It was our biggest concern throughout the summer and into the fall: the introduction of COVID from visitors. It’s a careful balance. Our economy is dependent on tourism.”
At the hospital closest to Yosemite, John C. Fremont, administrators have scrambled to reconfigure the layout to maximize safety while creating additional space. There are now 16 beds for COVID-19 patients, according to a Facebook live presentation last week from Kenneth Smith, the chief of staff and chief medical officer, but the bottleneck is the number of available nurses to care for them.
As of Wednesday, one of those beds was in use. Of Mariposa County’s 181 cases since the beginning of the pandemic, 11 remain active. Four people have died, which is high in comparison with the national average. Health officials say this reflects the region's older population, which exhibits more risk factors.
That's one of the main things that worries Katy Imogene, who lives in El Portal and works in hospitality at Yosemite Cedar Lodge and Yosemite View Lodge. Both lodges were at or very near full capacity over the week of Thanksgiving, Imogene told SFGATE.
“It’s been ridiculous, the amount of guests from everywhere who are putting me, my family, and community at risk, so they can go on vacation,” she wrote in a comment in early December on Yosemite National Park’s Facebook page in response to a disturbing thread of comments downplaying the risks of the virus, the safety of the park’s employees and the importance of wearing masks. “Yosemite will survive the pandemic, it’s the people, especially the indigenous people, who make up Yosemite that need to be protected now.”
On Thanksgiving, there were signs at the hotel entrances asking people to wear masks while indoors, but “it wasn’t always happening,” Imogene says. She was working as a cashier that night, having “a constant stream of interactions with people from everywhere.” Rather than argue with the maskless, she adopted an approach of simply trying to get them “ordered and out of the way” as quickly as possible.
“Some people weren’t being considerate of each other,” she says. “It was distressing.”
Then there were the others, of course, who wore masks and empathized with the workers.
Los Angeles realtor Lisa Gild traveled from Los Angeles to Yosemite over Thanksgiving with her parents, her sister, her sister’s family and a man she’s dating. The group took COVID-19 tests before combining their bubbles, Gild said, and they maintained social distance with outsiders and wore masks. Still, they knew they were taking a bit of a gamble, particularly when they arrived in Yosemite Valley.
“The trails were pretty crowded,” she says. “I was there with my parents and they’re in their 70s. It was a little concerning.”
The group ordered food for takeaway at Degnan’s Kitchen and everybody was masked up in there, Gild recalls. But when they continued to the Ahwahnee for drinks, there were unmasked guests in the common indoor spaces, and the management wasn’t doing anything about it, Gild says. She expressed concern for the hotel employees.
“These poor people are risking their lives,” she says, “and they’re there to just make a living.”
Tree Lighting - by Tom Bopp
Winter Recreation Around Badger Pass
Like everything in this world, winter recreation will look different in 2020-2021 around Badger Pass.
- Wilderness access for trails and area along Glacier Point Road will open and self-registration for permits will occur outside the A-frame.
- Access will open when sufficient snow has covered meadows sensitive to trampling.
- Glacier Point Road will be regularly plowed to Badger Pass and the parking lot will be maintained for access.
- The ski lodge and all concession facilities will be inaccessible this year. Limited snow play will be available.
- Portable toilets will be available for restroom use.
- There will be minimal maintenance of the Glacier Point Road beyond Badger Pass. Expect rugged conditions.
Think snow! snow! snow! (E. Kretsch)
Like everything in this world, winter recreation will look different in 2020-2021 around Badger Pass.
- Wilderness access for trails and area along Glacier Point Road will open and self-registration for permits will occur outside the A-frame.
- Access will open when sufficient snow has covered meadows sensitive to trampling.
- Glacier Point Road will be regularly plowed to Badger Pass and the parking lot will be maintained for access.
- The ski lodge and all concession facilities will be inaccessible this year. Limited snow play will be available.
- Portable toilets will be available for restroom use.
- There will be minimal maintenance of the Glacier Point Road beyond Badger Pass. Expect rugged conditions.
Think snow! snow! snow! (E. Kretsch)
Wawona Road Delays Update December 3
Daytime Monday - Friday
12/3/20 thru 12/31/20 = Up to 30 Minute Delays (7AM to 6PM)
Nighttime Sunday - Thursday
12/3/20 thru 12/31/20 = Up to 30 Minute Delays (6PM to 6AM)
No weekend delays at this time. (M. Pieper)
Daytime Monday - Friday
12/3/20 thru 12/31/20 = Up to 30 Minute Delays (7AM to 6PM)
Nighttime Sunday - Thursday
12/3/20 thru 12/31/20 = Up to 30 Minute Delays (6PM to 6AM)
No weekend delays at this time. (M. Pieper)
Update on Park Closure
As of now, the park will Not be closing and locking the gate at the park boundary. We will have signage up that the park is open to Day Use Only for park visitors with no overnight accommodations. Park visitors must leave the park by 5pm.
There are no restrictions for park residents, employees, property owners.
As of now, the park will Not be closing and locking the gate at the park boundary. We will have signage up that the park is open to Day Use Only for park visitors with no overnight accommodations. Park visitors must leave the park by 5pm.
There are no restrictions for park residents, employees, property owners.
PSPS Outage Cancelation
Forecasted weather conditions have improved and we are NOT planning to turn off power for public safety in Wawona on Monday, December 7th
For more information visit pge.com/pspsupdates or call 1‑800‑743‑5002.
Thank you,
PG&E Customer Service
PSPS Outage Cancelation
Forecasted weather conditions have improved and we are NOT planning to turn off power for public safety at: OFF FIR ST, WAWONA, CA, MARIPOSA County on Monday, December 7th
Forecasted weather conditions have improved and we are NOT planning to turn off power for public safety in Wawona on Monday, December 7th
For more information visit pge.com/pspsupdates or call 1‑800‑743‑5002.
Thank you,
PG&E Customer Service
PSPS Outage Cancelation
Forecasted weather conditions have improved and we are NOT planning to turn off power for public safety at: OFF FIR ST, WAWONA, CA, MARIPOSA County on Monday, December 7th
Power Outage
Due to current weather forecasts, Wawona is currently under a Watch for a Public Safety Power Shutoff.
Current weather forecasts, including high winds and dry conditions, may require us to turn off your power to help prevent a wildfire
ESTIMATED SHUTOFF START (RECENTLY UPDATED):
Monday, December 7th
1:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Shutoff times may be delayed if winds arrive later than forecast.
We expect weather to improve by
6:00 AM on Tuesday, December 8th
After weather has improved, we will inspect equipment before restoring power.
ESTIMATED RESTORATION:
Tuesday, December 8th by 10:00 PM
Restoration time may change depending on weather and equipment damage.
We recommend all customers plan for an extended outage. We will provide daily updates until the weather risk has passed or power has been restored. This will include a Warning alert if we have determined it is necessary to turn off your power. Weather forecasts change frequently. Shutoff forecasts will be most accurate the day of the potential outage.
For more information visit pge.com/pspsupdates or call 1‑800‑743‑5002.
Resources to help you prepare
•If you rely on power to operate life-sustaining medical devices or have access and functional needs, additional support may be available. For more information, visit pge.com/disabilityandaging.
•To view city/county level information, visit pge.com/pspsupdates.
•To look up additional addresses that may be affected, visit pge.com/addresslookup.
•To view a general area map of the potential outage area, visit pge.com/pspsmaps.
•Get outage tips and a sample emergency plan at pge.com/outageprep.
•For generator safety tips, visit pge.com/generatorsafety.
•To learn more about Public Safety Power Shutoffs, including the criteria used to turn off power, visit pge.com/psps.
•For a 7-day Public Safety Power Shutoff forecast, visit pge.com/pspsweather.
•If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and extremely dangerous, and report it immediately by calling 911.
Thank you,
PG&E Customer Service
Due to current weather forecasts, Wawona is currently under a Watch for a Public Safety Power Shutoff.
Current weather forecasts, including high winds and dry conditions, may require us to turn off your power to help prevent a wildfire
ESTIMATED SHUTOFF START (RECENTLY UPDATED):
Monday, December 7th
1:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Shutoff times may be delayed if winds arrive later than forecast.
We expect weather to improve by
6:00 AM on Tuesday, December 8th
After weather has improved, we will inspect equipment before restoring power.
ESTIMATED RESTORATION:
Tuesday, December 8th by 10:00 PM
Restoration time may change depending on weather and equipment damage.
We recommend all customers plan for an extended outage. We will provide daily updates until the weather risk has passed or power has been restored. This will include a Warning alert if we have determined it is necessary to turn off your power. Weather forecasts change frequently. Shutoff forecasts will be most accurate the day of the potential outage.
For more information visit pge.com/pspsupdates or call 1‑800‑743‑5002.
Resources to help you prepare
•If you rely on power to operate life-sustaining medical devices or have access and functional needs, additional support may be available. For more information, visit pge.com/disabilityandaging.
•To view city/county level information, visit pge.com/pspsupdates.
•To look up additional addresses that may be affected, visit pge.com/addresslookup.
•To view a general area map of the potential outage area, visit pge.com/pspsmaps.
•Get outage tips and a sample emergency plan at pge.com/outageprep.
•For generator safety tips, visit pge.com/generatorsafety.
•To learn more about Public Safety Power Shutoffs, including the criteria used to turn off power, visit pge.com/psps.
•For a 7-day Public Safety Power Shutoff forecast, visit pge.com/pspsweather.
•If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and extremely dangerous, and report it immediately by calling 911.
Thank you,
PG&E Customer Service
Park Open for Day-Use Activities Only Beginning Monday, Dec. 7
In support of the California Regional Stay-at- Home order in the San Joaquin Valley region, beginning at noon on Monday, December 7, 2020, Yosemite National Park is open 8 am to 5 pm for day-use activities only. Lodging and campgrounds are currently closed. Some services and facilities are limited, and shuttles are not operating. Consistent with the state’s regional stay at home order, day use limits will be in place until local conditions change. Please refer to California’s regional Stay-at-Home order (https://covid19.ca.gov/stay- home-except-for-essential- needs/) for the current timeline of these restrictions.
Yosemite National Park will be closed daily to all visitors from 5 pm to 8 am and park gates will be locked overnight.
All in-park overnight lodging will be closed for incoming arrivals beginning on Monday, December 7, 2020 and will remain closed until further notice. All overnight camping within Yosemite National Park will be prohibited beginning on Monday, December 7, 2020 until further notice. This includes all park campgrounds, wilderness camping, and overnight use along climbing routes. Overnight backpacking trips into Yosemite’s wilderness will also be prohibited.
All visitors planning trips to Yosemite are asked to be our partner in recreating responsibly. Yosemite National Park conducts thousands of search and rescue missions each year, many of which could be avoided with visitors planning and making responsible decisions. During the ongoing health crisis, it’s critical that we make wise choices to keep our park rangers and volunteers who serve as emergency responders out of harm’s way.
Please follow these #RecreateResponsibly tips:
-Adopt social distancing practices and stay at least 6 feet from people
outside your household unit
-Wear a face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained.
-Stay on the trail, for your safety and the safety of others
-Stay within your limits. Yosemite is a great place to find outdoor adventure, but please don’t push your self beyond your physical limits.
Visit https://go.nps.gov/covid for more information.
In support of the California Regional Stay-at- Home order in the San Joaquin Valley region, beginning at noon on Monday, December 7, 2020, Yosemite National Park is open 8 am to 5 pm for day-use activities only. Lodging and campgrounds are currently closed. Some services and facilities are limited, and shuttles are not operating. Consistent with the state’s regional stay at home order, day use limits will be in place until local conditions change. Please refer to California’s regional Stay-at-Home order (https://covid19.ca.gov/stay- home-except-for-essential- needs/) for the current timeline of these restrictions.
Yosemite National Park will be closed daily to all visitors from 5 pm to 8 am and park gates will be locked overnight.
All in-park overnight lodging will be closed for incoming arrivals beginning on Monday, December 7, 2020 and will remain closed until further notice. All overnight camping within Yosemite National Park will be prohibited beginning on Monday, December 7, 2020 until further notice. This includes all park campgrounds, wilderness camping, and overnight use along climbing routes. Overnight backpacking trips into Yosemite’s wilderness will also be prohibited.
All visitors planning trips to Yosemite are asked to be our partner in recreating responsibly. Yosemite National Park conducts thousands of search and rescue missions each year, many of which could be avoided with visitors planning and making responsible decisions. During the ongoing health crisis, it’s critical that we make wise choices to keep our park rangers and volunteers who serve as emergency responders out of harm’s way.
Please follow these #RecreateResponsibly tips:
-Adopt social distancing practices and stay at least 6 feet from people
outside your household unit
-Wear a face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained.
-Stay on the trail, for your safety and the safety of others
-Stay within your limits. Yosemite is a great place to find outdoor adventure, but please don’t push your self beyond your physical limits.
Visit https://go.nps.gov/covid for more information.
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, December 8, 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 November 10, 2020
3.3–Approve Payroll
3.4- Approve Warrants
3.5 -Accept Donations to YWECS
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
APPROVAL OF FIRST INTERIOM BUDGET REPORT
Consideration and action on the approval of the First Interim Budget Report
APPROVAL OF LCFF BUDGET OVERVIEW FOR PARENTS
Consideration and action on the approval of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) Budget Overview for parents.
INFORMATION ITEMS
STAFF REPORTS
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Request that various items be placed on the next agenda for discussion and/or action.
NEXT BOARD MEETING
Unless otherwise announced, the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors will be scheduled for Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 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, December 8, 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 November 10, 2020
3.3–Approve Payroll
3.4- Approve Warrants
3.5 -Accept Donations to YWECS
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
APPROVAL OF FIRST INTERIOM BUDGET REPORT
Consideration and action on the approval of the First Interim Budget Report
APPROVAL OF LCFF BUDGET OVERVIEW FOR PARENTS
Consideration and action on the approval of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) Budget Overview for parents.
INFORMATION ITEMS
STAFF REPORTS
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Request that various items be placed on the next agenda for discussion and/or action.
NEXT BOARD MEETING
Unless otherwise announced, the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors will be scheduled for Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 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
Scottish Sing-Along - by Tom Bopp
