WawonaNews.com - January 2023
Wawona Road Closed
1/9 5:15 PM
Wawona Rd (Hwy 41) closed from Wawona to Yosemite West overnight. Wawona access via South Entrance. Yosemite West access via Yosemite Valley.
1/9 5:15 PM
Wawona Rd (Hwy 41) closed from Wawona to Yosemite West overnight. Wawona access via South Entrance. Yosemite West access via Yosemite Valley.
Wawona Residents,
We are currently experiencing heavy rain, which is causing flooding in some areas. Though crews are doing their best to maintain the main roads, there is the possibility that C-Falls Road may wash out at some point. If you have the means to shelter in place for two to three days, please do so. If you do not have the means to do so, please consider leaving the park for the duration of this storm, which is expected to last into Wednesday before letting up for a day or two.
If you have short term renters, please encourage them to stay at their cabin, or to leave the park as soon as possible. You may also consider canceling any reservations that are arriving today or tomorrow.
Chad Andrews
Wawona District Ranger
We are currently experiencing heavy rain, which is causing flooding in some areas. Though crews are doing their best to maintain the main roads, there is the possibility that C-Falls Road may wash out at some point. If you have the means to shelter in place for two to three days, please do so. If you do not have the means to do so, please consider leaving the park for the duration of this storm, which is expected to last into Wednesday before letting up for a day or two.
If you have short term renters, please encourage them to stay at their cabin, or to leave the park as soon as possible. You may also consider canceling any reservations that are arriving today or tomorrow.
Chad Andrews
Wawona District Ranger
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2022
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, CA
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of Dec. 13
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2022
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, CA
- CALL TO ORDER
- ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
- CONSENT AGENDA
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of Dec. 13
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
- APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF A NEW YWECS BOARD MEMBER
- APPROVAL OF 2021-22 AUDIT FINDINGS REPORT AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
- APPROVAL OF THE REVISED FIRST INTERIM REPORT FOR THE 2022-23 YEAR
INFORMATION ITEMS
- STAFF REPORTS
- BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS PROJECTS UPDATE
- BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
- FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- NEXT BOARD MEETING
- ADJOURNMENT
YARTS Receives $3.6 Million In Federal Funding For Busses
Posted by: SNO Staff
MERCED – Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) will soon benefit from a $3.68 million federal award for replacing four buses. The funding is part of the fiscal year 2023 omnibus spending package signed by President Biden this week. It is one of several community projects in the region sponsored by Congressman Jim Costa (D-16) and funded in the bill.
The YARTS fleet is the only public transit system that runs service to and from Yosemite National Park. YARTS’ fleet of buses includes several vehicles approaching the end of their useful life, which will need to be replaced within the next three years. This federal award will replace four of these vehicles with clean-diesel, over-the-road coach buses that will operate within the YARTS service network along the four state highways into and within the Park from five surrounding counties.
“This investment represents a game-changing moment for YARTS,” said Stacie Guzman, YARTS Executive Director. “Thanks to the dogged support and commitment from Congressman Costa, YARTS can take a giant leap towards its goal of timely fleet replacement, which is critical to the service’s long-term sustainability. Having enough buses to provide service on all corridors is fundamental to providing equitable access to one of the most precious gems in the National Park system.”
For more information about YARTS schedules and routes or to book tickets, please visit www.yarts.com or call (877) 989-2787.
YARTS is a California Joint Powers Authority comprised of Merced, Mariposa, Tuolumne, Madera, and Mono Counties in partnership with Caltrans, the Federal Highway Administration, the National Park Service, and the United States Forest Service.
The Merced County Association of Governments provides administrative services and operational support for YARTS.
Posted by: SNO Staff
MERCED – Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) will soon benefit from a $3.68 million federal award for replacing four buses. The funding is part of the fiscal year 2023 omnibus spending package signed by President Biden this week. It is one of several community projects in the region sponsored by Congressman Jim Costa (D-16) and funded in the bill.
The YARTS fleet is the only public transit system that runs service to and from Yosemite National Park. YARTS’ fleet of buses includes several vehicles approaching the end of their useful life, which will need to be replaced within the next three years. This federal award will replace four of these vehicles with clean-diesel, over-the-road coach buses that will operate within the YARTS service network along the four state highways into and within the Park from five surrounding counties.
“This investment represents a game-changing moment for YARTS,” said Stacie Guzman, YARTS Executive Director. “Thanks to the dogged support and commitment from Congressman Costa, YARTS can take a giant leap towards its goal of timely fleet replacement, which is critical to the service’s long-term sustainability. Having enough buses to provide service on all corridors is fundamental to providing equitable access to one of the most precious gems in the National Park system.”
For more information about YARTS schedules and routes or to book tickets, please visit www.yarts.com or call (877) 989-2787.
YARTS is a California Joint Powers Authority comprised of Merced, Mariposa, Tuolumne, Madera, and Mono Counties in partnership with Caltrans, the Federal Highway Administration, the National Park Service, and the United States Forest Service.
The Merced County Association of Governments provides administrative services and operational support for YARTS.
YNP Planning Meeting/Park Congestion
Community Meeting Join Us
In December we launched the first phase of the planning process to address congestion in the park and evaluate solutions, including managed access strategies through a robust planning process. The planning team has been working hard to develop resources to learn about the project. We would encourage folks to view the story map (Yosemite National Park (arcgis.com)) to learn more about the project’s key issues and timeline.
As a part of our current civic engagement series, there will be a few opportunities for meetings we want to share with you.
Community Meeting (1/11): On Wednesday, January 11 from 3:00-5:00 pm we are hosting an information session for Yosemite community to come together to learn about the visitor access management planning process. This meeting will be held in the Yosemite Valley Auditorium
We hope you’ll join us to:
· become familiar with the frameworks we are using to guide our process,
· discuss the project framework and overall trajectory, and the role of this comment period
· Have your questions answered about this process and next steps
Virtual Public Meeting (1/17): On Tuesday, January 17 at 4:00 pm the planning team will be hosting a virtual public meeting about this planning process and what we are hoping to learn during the current opportunity for civic engagement. You can register for the meeting at: https://forms.office.com/g/NkeXqCwE1y .
REMINDER Public Comments are accepted through Feb 3. We would encourage folks to view the story map (Yosemite National Park (arcgis.com)) to learn more about the project’s key issues, timeline and how to comment. (K. Dunbar-Kari) Sent from my iPad
Community Meeting Join Us
In December we launched the first phase of the planning process to address congestion in the park and evaluate solutions, including managed access strategies through a robust planning process. The planning team has been working hard to develop resources to learn about the project. We would encourage folks to view the story map (Yosemite National Park (arcgis.com)) to learn more about the project’s key issues and timeline.
As a part of our current civic engagement series, there will be a few opportunities for meetings we want to share with you.
Community Meeting (1/11): On Wednesday, January 11 from 3:00-5:00 pm we are hosting an information session for Yosemite community to come together to learn about the visitor access management planning process. This meeting will be held in the Yosemite Valley Auditorium
We hope you’ll join us to:
· become familiar with the frameworks we are using to guide our process,
· discuss the project framework and overall trajectory, and the role of this comment period
· Have your questions answered about this process and next steps
Virtual Public Meeting (1/17): On Tuesday, January 17 at 4:00 pm the planning team will be hosting a virtual public meeting about this planning process and what we are hoping to learn during the current opportunity for civic engagement. You can register for the meeting at: https://forms.office.com/g/NkeXqCwE1y .
REMINDER Public Comments are accepted through Feb 3. We would encourage folks to view the story map (Yosemite National Park (arcgis.com)) to learn more about the project’s key issues, timeline and how to comment. (K. Dunbar-Kari) Sent from my iPad
Hwy-140 Reopened - Dec. 28, 4:0 PM
El Portal Road (continuation of Hwy 140 from El Portal to Yosemite Valley) has reopened. Call 209/372-0200 (then 1, 1) to check road conditions.
El Portal Road (continuation of Hwy 140 from El Portal to Yosemite Valley) has reopened. Call 209/372-0200 (then 1, 1) to check road conditions.
Hwy-140 Closed
December 27 - A significant rockfall occurred this morning at approximately 9:00 am this morning on the El Portal Road (Hwy-140) inside Yosemite National Park. Hwy-140 is closed from Park-line to the Big Oak Flat Road (Hwy-120) intersection with no access to Yosemite Valley via this route. Yosemite Valley is still accessible via the Big Oak Flat Road (Hwy-120) and the Wawona Road (Hwy-41). This section of Hwy-140 is expected to be closed for several days and the park will provide updates when available. For current Yosemite Road Conditions, dial 1-209-372-0200, then 1, then 1.
December 27 - A significant rockfall occurred this morning at approximately 9:00 am this morning on the El Portal Road (Hwy-140) inside Yosemite National Park. Hwy-140 is closed from Park-line to the Big Oak Flat Road (Hwy-120) intersection with no access to Yosemite Valley via this route. Yosemite Valley is still accessible via the Big Oak Flat Road (Hwy-120) and the Wawona Road (Hwy-41). This section of Hwy-140 is expected to be closed for several days and the park will provide updates when available. For current Yosemite Road Conditions, dial 1-209-372-0200, then 1, then 1.
Larry Duke Posters For Sale At The Library
Wawona Friends of the Library is offering these posters by former Wawona resident and renowned illustrator, Larry Duke, as a fundraising effort. Posters are unframed and $25 each. (Great Christmas presents). Stop by the library during business hours to snag one for yourself or as a gift! Cash or check (checks preferred), not able to accept card payments.
(click on each image to expand)
Wawona Friends of the Library is offering these posters by former Wawona resident and renowned illustrator, Larry Duke, as a fundraising effort. Posters are unframed and $25 each. (Great Christmas presents). Stop by the library during business hours to snag one for yourself or as a gift! Cash or check (checks preferred), not able to accept card payments.
(click on each image to expand)
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, CA
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of Nov. 15
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, CA
- CALL TO ORDER
- ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
- CONSENT AGENDA
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of Nov. 15
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
- APPROVAL OF 2021-22 FIRST INTERIM BUDGET REPORT
INFORMATION ITEMS
- STAFF REPORTS
- BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
- FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- NEXT BOARD MEETING
- ADJOURNMENT
Temporary Vehicle Reservations Required For The Final Three Weekends In February For The Natural Firefall
As announced by the Yosemite National Park Service today, Friday, December 9, Yosemite National Park will require Temporary Vehicle Reservations for the final three weekends in February for the Natural Firefall at Horsetail Fall event. Reservations will be required for visitors arriving February 10-12, 17-19 and 24-26. Reservations will not become available on Recreation.gov until January 13, 2023. Reservations will be valid for 7 days.
This is also expected to reduce demand for these weekends with the late release of reservations. Access to the park via YARTS, private tour companies will be options for visitors. Guests with reservations inside the boundaries of the Park will not require a temporary vehicle reservation permit.
Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau
As announced by the Yosemite National Park Service today, Friday, December 9, Yosemite National Park will require Temporary Vehicle Reservations for the final three weekends in February for the Natural Firefall at Horsetail Fall event. Reservations will be required for visitors arriving February 10-12, 17-19 and 24-26. Reservations will not become available on Recreation.gov until January 13, 2023. Reservations will be valid for 7 days.
This is also expected to reduce demand for these weekends with the late release of reservations. Access to the park via YARTS, private tour companies will be options for visitors. Guests with reservations inside the boundaries of the Park will not require a temporary vehicle reservation permit.
Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau
The Return of the Christmas Tree Lighting Event
Once again, Tom Bopp will lead the traditional Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the Wawona Hotel on Friday, December 16 at 5:00 PM. Always a fun event and a chance to mingle with many of our Wawona friends and neighbors.
Once again, Tom Bopp will lead the traditional Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the Wawona Hotel on Friday, December 16 at 5:00 PM. Always a fun event and a chance to mingle with many of our Wawona friends and neighbors.
