WawonaNews.com - July 2013
Website to honor 150th anniversary of Yosemite Grant Act
National Park Service Yosemite National Park has launched a new website to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite Grant Act. The website, which can be found at www.nps.gov/yose/anniversary, provides an innovative way for community members, Yosemite staff, and interested parties to easily participate in the celebrations surrounding the anniversary that will take place starting September 2013 and last throughout 2014. The website offers a timeline of anniversary projects, events, and commemorations that will take place from now until December 2014 in the park and gateway communities. Additionally, visitors to the site will be provided opportunities to share their Yosemite stories; read a timeline of Yosemite’s rich history; and learn how to host and/or organize a Yosemite Grant 150th anniversary activity. Yosemite National Park, along with surrounding communities, are organizing dozens of activities and programs to commemorate the anniversary of the Yosemite Grant Act in 2014. The Yosemite Grant is a bill that was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on June 30, 1864. The Bill enacted the protection and preservation of Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and is credited for ushering in the national park idea. This milestone act was the first time a federal government set aside a piece of land purely for preservation for the people.
Mariposa County Board Meeting Highlights (June 19)
2013-14 State Budget: RCRC staff provided a summary of the 2013-14 State Budget Package (Budget) adopted by the Legislature on June 15, 2013. Staff is pleased that the Budget was adopted on time, as this will provide counties with more certainty regarding their own budgets. Highlights include:
ACA Implementation: Staff explained that once federal health care reform goes into full effect on January 1, 2014, a large portion of the population currently served by counties will become eligible for Medi-Cal, and will no longer be a county cost. However, the Budget package creates a system by which the state will recoup these cost-savings from counties. RCRC staff laid out the two different formulas that will be utilized to determine the amount that is “taken” from counties as a result of these savings. Staff spoke specifically to the CMSP formula as that is the formula that most RCRC-member counties will utilize. CMSP member counties will continue paying only what they currently pay to CMSP. , Three RCRC member counties are not part of CMSP (Placer, Merced and Yolo counties. These counties have a different process to determine their formula under the ACA.
AB 97 Restorations: Staff reported that the Budget does not include restoration of the Medi-Cal provider rate cuts which were made in the 2011-12 Budget. Once in effect, these lower reimbursement rates will have a devastating impact on rural health care providers (doctors, hospitals). . Staff explained that the Legislature has indicated it may attempt to revisit the issue during the final weeks of the 2013 Session through Legislative action, rather than through the Budget process.
Corrections Issues/Courts: The Budget package provided an increase in funding for county probation departments to assist with reducing recidivism and encourage alternatives to incarceration. Also, the Budget provides additional funding to local trial courts, which will also result in a number of courthouse construction projects moving forward.
Resources: Staff reported that, unfortunately, the Budget package continues to rely on the collection of SRA fees. The Budget does not contain the reimbursement to counties for state PILT or provide funding for local fairs. The Budget does not restore Williamson Act subventions, and relies on loaning Cap-and-Trade auction proceeds to the State General Fund.
Amendment to the Policy Principles regarding Agricultural Land Mitigation: The RCRC Board approved the addition of a new policy principle to the 2013-14 Policy Principles dealing with Agricultural Land Mitigation. The new policy principles are related to conversion of agricultural land to habitat, easements, feasible mitigation, local land use authority, and mitigation lands.
Speaker: Professor Brian E. Gray, Professor of Law, University California, Hastings College of the Law: Professor Gray provided the Board an overview of California’s Water Policy – including infrastructure, water rights, and current issues.
Delta Stewardship Council’s Delta Plan: Staff informed the Board that the Delta Stewardship Council made several changes to the Delta Plan and implementing regulations relating to the DSC’s authority as proposed in RCRC’s comments. Staff also reported that seven lawsuits have been filed in response to the adoption of the Delta Plan, EIR, and regulations.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Staff reported recent Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) related activities by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Of particular interest was the listing of the Sierra Nevada Yellow-Legged Frog/Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog/Yosemite Toad, and the designation of critical habitat for these species. There are currently seventeen counties affected (all but one are member counties) by the listings. RCRC will be submitting joint comments to the USFWS along with the CA Farm Bureau and the CA Cattlemen’s Association opposing the listing and designation of critical habitat. A number of counties indicated that they have or intend to submit comments. Several counties have requested an extension of the comment deadline, and that field hearings be held in their county.
State Water Quality Control Board Fee Increases: The State Water Quality Control Board (Water Board) recently announced the proposed 2014 fee increases for its water quality programs, and fees are being raised substantially across the board to fill the gap created by the loss of General Fund support starting in the 2011-12 state Budget. Water Board Staff plan to bring the proposed fee increases before their Board in September 2013. RCRC staff will notify member counties when the new fee schedule is released for formal comment.
SB 741: Update on California’s Fairs: Staff provided an update on the status of California’s fairs and legislative efforts to help assure their continued viability, and presented SB 741 (Cannella), requesting the Board adopt a “support” position. The 2013-14 Budget continues to provide no funding for local fairs, placing several fairs in jeopardy of closure and threatening the entire network of fairs. RCRC Staff, along with CSAC, has been working with the Western Fairs Association (WFA) in exploring ways to secure monies for fairs. In the meantime, WFA has sponsored SB 741, which provides flexibility at the local level in regard to the operation/oversight of the network of fairs. Several member county fairs support this legislation, and the Board adopted a “support” position.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Legislation: Staff reviewed the current status of RCRC opposed CEQA bills with the Board. Two bills are dead, and several more are now two-year bills. Bills still active this year include AB 543 (Campos), relating to translation of CEQA documents, and SB 731 (Steinberg). SB 731 is viewed as the primary vehicle for any changes to CEQA. Staff requested member counties to review SB 731 and RCRC’s letter on the bill, and to provide staff with comments.
Secure Rural Schools Update: Staff discussed the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program. Reauthorization remains unknown despite the efforts of RCRC and others. The Farm Bill or an Immigration Reform bill could likely serve as the vehicle to help reauthorize SRS. The USDA and the Forest Service attempted to sequester 5% of this SRS and federal Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) monies. It is expected the sequestration amounts for SRS will be withheld from Title II payments.
HR 1823 (Heck) regarding Quaggas: Staff reviewed RCRC supported HR 1823, which would add Quagga Mussels to the national list of invasive species. These mussels pose a threat to water related infrastructure and recreation. Staff requested that member counties contact their Congressional representatives and encourage them to add on as a co-sponsor of HR 1823.
HR 1836 (Miller) Sunshine on Conflicts: Staff reviewed RCRC supported HR 1836 which would replace the current 10% income rule with a conflict of interest for individuals serving on a regional water quality control board. Because general permits and NPDES permits now cover the vast majority of local governments, the current 10% requirement prevents many qualified local government candidates from serving. RCRC Staff encouraged member counties to support HR 1836, and send a letter to their congressional representative to urge their co-sponsorship of this bill.
ACA Implementation: Staff explained that once federal health care reform goes into full effect on January 1, 2014, a large portion of the population currently served by counties will become eligible for Medi-Cal, and will no longer be a county cost. However, the Budget package creates a system by which the state will recoup these cost-savings from counties. RCRC staff laid out the two different formulas that will be utilized to determine the amount that is “taken” from counties as a result of these savings. Staff spoke specifically to the CMSP formula as that is the formula that most RCRC-member counties will utilize. CMSP member counties will continue paying only what they currently pay to CMSP. , Three RCRC member counties are not part of CMSP (Placer, Merced and Yolo counties. These counties have a different process to determine their formula under the ACA.
AB 97 Restorations: Staff reported that the Budget does not include restoration of the Medi-Cal provider rate cuts which were made in the 2011-12 Budget. Once in effect, these lower reimbursement rates will have a devastating impact on rural health care providers (doctors, hospitals). . Staff explained that the Legislature has indicated it may attempt to revisit the issue during the final weeks of the 2013 Session through Legislative action, rather than through the Budget process.
Corrections Issues/Courts: The Budget package provided an increase in funding for county probation departments to assist with reducing recidivism and encourage alternatives to incarceration. Also, the Budget provides additional funding to local trial courts, which will also result in a number of courthouse construction projects moving forward.
Resources: Staff reported that, unfortunately, the Budget package continues to rely on the collection of SRA fees. The Budget does not contain the reimbursement to counties for state PILT or provide funding for local fairs. The Budget does not restore Williamson Act subventions, and relies on loaning Cap-and-Trade auction proceeds to the State General Fund.
Amendment to the Policy Principles regarding Agricultural Land Mitigation: The RCRC Board approved the addition of a new policy principle to the 2013-14 Policy Principles dealing with Agricultural Land Mitigation. The new policy principles are related to conversion of agricultural land to habitat, easements, feasible mitigation, local land use authority, and mitigation lands.
Speaker: Professor Brian E. Gray, Professor of Law, University California, Hastings College of the Law: Professor Gray provided the Board an overview of California’s Water Policy – including infrastructure, water rights, and current issues.
Delta Stewardship Council’s Delta Plan: Staff informed the Board that the Delta Stewardship Council made several changes to the Delta Plan and implementing regulations relating to the DSC’s authority as proposed in RCRC’s comments. Staff also reported that seven lawsuits have been filed in response to the adoption of the Delta Plan, EIR, and regulations.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Staff reported recent Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) related activities by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Of particular interest was the listing of the Sierra Nevada Yellow-Legged Frog/Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog/Yosemite Toad, and the designation of critical habitat for these species. There are currently seventeen counties affected (all but one are member counties) by the listings. RCRC will be submitting joint comments to the USFWS along with the CA Farm Bureau and the CA Cattlemen’s Association opposing the listing and designation of critical habitat. A number of counties indicated that they have or intend to submit comments. Several counties have requested an extension of the comment deadline, and that field hearings be held in their county.
State Water Quality Control Board Fee Increases: The State Water Quality Control Board (Water Board) recently announced the proposed 2014 fee increases for its water quality programs, and fees are being raised substantially across the board to fill the gap created by the loss of General Fund support starting in the 2011-12 state Budget. Water Board Staff plan to bring the proposed fee increases before their Board in September 2013. RCRC staff will notify member counties when the new fee schedule is released for formal comment.
SB 741: Update on California’s Fairs: Staff provided an update on the status of California’s fairs and legislative efforts to help assure their continued viability, and presented SB 741 (Cannella), requesting the Board adopt a “support” position. The 2013-14 Budget continues to provide no funding for local fairs, placing several fairs in jeopardy of closure and threatening the entire network of fairs. RCRC Staff, along with CSAC, has been working with the Western Fairs Association (WFA) in exploring ways to secure monies for fairs. In the meantime, WFA has sponsored SB 741, which provides flexibility at the local level in regard to the operation/oversight of the network of fairs. Several member county fairs support this legislation, and the Board adopted a “support” position.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Legislation: Staff reviewed the current status of RCRC opposed CEQA bills with the Board. Two bills are dead, and several more are now two-year bills. Bills still active this year include AB 543 (Campos), relating to translation of CEQA documents, and SB 731 (Steinberg). SB 731 is viewed as the primary vehicle for any changes to CEQA. Staff requested member counties to review SB 731 and RCRC’s letter on the bill, and to provide staff with comments.
Secure Rural Schools Update: Staff discussed the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program. Reauthorization remains unknown despite the efforts of RCRC and others. The Farm Bill or an Immigration Reform bill could likely serve as the vehicle to help reauthorize SRS. The USDA and the Forest Service attempted to sequester 5% of this SRS and federal Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) monies. It is expected the sequestration amounts for SRS will be withheld from Title II payments.
HR 1823 (Heck) regarding Quaggas: Staff reviewed RCRC supported HR 1823, which would add Quagga Mussels to the national list of invasive species. These mussels pose a threat to water related infrastructure and recreation. Staff requested that member counties contact their Congressional representatives and encourage them to add on as a co-sponsor of HR 1823.
HR 1836 (Miller) Sunshine on Conflicts: Staff reviewed RCRC supported HR 1836 which would replace the current 10% income rule with a conflict of interest for individuals serving on a regional water quality control board. Because general permits and NPDES permits now cover the vast majority of local governments, the current 10% requirement prevents many qualified local government candidates from serving. RCRC Staff encouraged member counties to support HR 1836, and send a letter to their congressional representative to urge their co-sponsorship of this bill.
Carstens Fire roads scheduled for re-entry
The following areas are scheduled for re-entry:
Beginning at 4:00 PM this afternoon, Thursday, June 20th, 2013 the Carter Road and Buckingham Mountain Road areas will open to residents only.
***Forest Service Roads leading to and around the Carstens Fire will remain closed.
Be sure to bring some form of identification to the entry point that shows proof of residency as non-residents are not being allowed into the area at this time.
Domestic livestock and Pets:
Domestic livestock and/or pets that are housed at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds can be retrieved between 9:00 AM and 11:00 PM.
Animals housed at the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Animal Control Facility can be retrieved between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. If assistance is required please telephone 209-742-4300.
Public Safety Officials would like to thank all of those who were impacted during this fire emergency for their ongoing interest, cooperation and patience.
Beginning at 4:00 PM this afternoon, Thursday, June 20th, 2013 the Carter Road and Buckingham Mountain Road areas will open to residents only.
***Forest Service Roads leading to and around the Carstens Fire will remain closed.
Be sure to bring some form of identification to the entry point that shows proof of residency as non-residents are not being allowed into the area at this time.
Domestic livestock and Pets:
Domestic livestock and/or pets that are housed at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds can be retrieved between 9:00 AM and 11:00 PM.
Animals housed at the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Animal Control Facility can be retrieved between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. If assistance is required please telephone 209-742-4300.
Public Safety Officials would like to thank all of those who were impacted during this fire emergency for their ongoing interest, cooperation and patience.
Carstens Fire Update
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Carstens Fire Location: Mariposa County, one mile east of Midpines and Highway 140
Acres Burned: 1,660 Structures Threatened: 50 Containment: 60% Structures Destroyed: 0 Fire Started: June 16, 2013 Injuries: 1 Cause: Human Caused Total personnel assigned to the Fire: 1,663 Summary §The Carstens Fire started June 16, 2013, at approximately 2 p.m. at the bottom of Plumbar Creek in Mariposa County. § The fire has been determined to be human caused. An unattended campfire was not fully extinguished. Continued vigilance and fire safety during dry forest conditions is required. |
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§ Please be aware of large fire equipment on local roads – slow down when passing fire crews.
Fire Update
§ Yesterday’s burnout operation in the area of Buckhingham Mountain Rd. and US 4S10 continue to be
successful.
§Unburned vegetation interior to constructed containment lines will continue to burn. Smoke may be visible
due to continued operations.
§ Cooperating Agencies include: The US Forest Service; CALFIRE; California Highway Patrol, National Park
Service, Mariposa County, Mariposa County Fire and Mariposa County Sheriff.
Road Closures: Carter Rd.; Buckingham Mtn. Rd.; Triangle Rd., from HWY 140 to Darrah, open to residents only.
Evacuations:
§ Evacuation orders remain for the areas of: Carter Rd., Buckingham Mtn. Rd.
Re-Entry Information: The Jerseydale area & Triangle Rd., between S/R140 & Darrah Rd. is open to
residents only. (I.D. is required).
§ (Prior re-entry information) Darrah Rd. to Valley View Rd, including Nickel Plate Rd.
Triangle Rd – from Darrah Rd. to East Westfall Rd.
Lushmeadows sub-division.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service is available to assist private landowners with rehabilitating property affected by the fire. Fore more information, contact: 209-966-3431, or: www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov.
Fire Update
§ Yesterday’s burnout operation in the area of Buckhingham Mountain Rd. and US 4S10 continue to be
successful.
§Unburned vegetation interior to constructed containment lines will continue to burn. Smoke may be visible
due to continued operations.
§ Cooperating Agencies include: The US Forest Service; CALFIRE; California Highway Patrol, National Park
Service, Mariposa County, Mariposa County Fire and Mariposa County Sheriff.
Road Closures: Carter Rd.; Buckingham Mtn. Rd.; Triangle Rd., from HWY 140 to Darrah, open to residents only.
Evacuations:
§ Evacuation orders remain for the areas of: Carter Rd., Buckingham Mtn. Rd.
Re-Entry Information: The Jerseydale area & Triangle Rd., between S/R140 & Darrah Rd. is open to
residents only. (I.D. is required).
§ (Prior re-entry information) Darrah Rd. to Valley View Rd, including Nickel Plate Rd.
Triangle Rd – from Darrah Rd. to East Westfall Rd.
Lushmeadows sub-division.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service is available to assist private landowners with rehabilitating property affected by the fire. Fore more information, contact: 209-966-3431, or: www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov.
PUBLIC HEARING to Approve Annual Rate Increases
Mariposa Board of Supervisors June 25, 2013
PUBLIC HEARING June 25 to Approve Annual Rate Increases for Solid Waste Removal Services in the Wawona County Service Area (CSA) 2-W Beginning July 1, 2013 and Ending June 30, 2018
Other News Sources for the Area
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Carstens Fire in Mariposa County
Up-date 7:40 A.M. - Rolling Fire off Hwy 41 & Road 145, northwest of Friant (Madera County) is now 482 acres & 80% contained.
Important Contact Names and Numbers for Mariposa County
Contact Names and Numbers
Sheltering
2nd Shift June 17th 7:30am -7:30pm
Shelter Manager – Cindy Thomas as of 11 am 559-285-0303 CELL
Shelter Workers/ Logistics – Tom Thomas 559-284-8744 CELL
Shelter Feeding – Trena Johnson- 209-819-0679 CELL
Health Services- Debby Daily 559-970-7476 CELL over seeing Student Nurses in the PM and Mariposa Social Services sending in a RN during the day
1st Shift June 16th 7:30pm – 7:30 am
Shelter MGR/Sandy Morehouse – 209-769-6693 CELL
Shelter Worker/Logistics/Feeding- Dennis Fitzgerald- 559-760-8259 CELL
Shelter RN/ Gina Bustamante- 559-360-2671 CELL (PM Nurse)
Feeding/ ERV
6/16-6/17- ERV Driver – Chris Theile – 559-321-1745 CELL
6/16-6/17- ERV Driver – John Ortiz- 559-706-9911 CELL
Staffing
6/16- 6/17 - DSHR/DROMIS Robin Nichols- 559-905-3482 CELL
6/16-6/17 - NSS Data/ F5266 Form Base- Bob Wortman- 559-515-3603 CELL
Disaster Assessment
Incident Command/ Disaster Assessment/ Govt. Liaison - Katrina Poitras – 559-515-3974 CELL/ 559-790-7625 2nd CELL
Public Affairs Officer
Primary PIO at Regional Office- Ellen Knapp- 559-455-1000 Office Number/ 559-284-7269 CELL
Secondary PIO at Shelter Location- Alex Villa -559-709-5323 CELL
Fundraising
Primary - Jane Fortune 559-213-4226 CELL
Secondary – Anya Goosev- 559-708-0447 CELL
Government Partners
County
· Mariposa OES- Don Florence – 209-966-4330 Office / 415-987-2377 CELL/209-742-2415 Pager
· Mariposa County Elementary School Principal – Garrett- 209-722-8933 HOME/ 209-742-0340 ext. 333 SCHOOL OFFICE
· Public Health – Dana Tofoya- 209-742-8433 CELL / 209-966-3689 Office
· Human Services- Angela Phillips- 209-966-3689
· Mariposa Sheriff- Doug Binnewies- 209-966-3615 Sheriff’s Office Physical Address: 5099 Old Hwy Mariposa, Ca.
· Community Services – Terry and Rick Pearson- 209-777-8930 CELL/559-676-6729 (Bus Transportation for seniors and Functional Needs)
Mutual Aid Partners
County
· Madera County Sheriff Search and Rescue unit- Sgt. Jim Bernardi- 559-232-8751 CELL ( 50 person Cot and Blanket Trailer, and Bronco SUV to pull the trailer, Car need to be returned to the Oakhurst Sub Station by 8am Monday Morning )
State Partners
· Cal EMA – Kevin Nagata 916-719-9557
Community Partners
· RACES HAM Operators- Fresno Operator – Glen 559-999-7590
· RACES HAM Operators- Mariposa Operator- TBA by 7am Monday Morning
· ARRL- HAM Operators- Dan Pruitt 559-779-2974- CELL
· CCADT- Naomi Flam – 559-269-7685 CELL
· Pioneer Market – 209-966-8484 Store
Sheltering
2nd Shift June 17th 7:30am -7:30pm
Shelter Manager – Cindy Thomas as of 11 am 559-285-0303 CELL
Shelter Workers/ Logistics – Tom Thomas 559-284-8744 CELL
Shelter Feeding – Trena Johnson- 209-819-0679 CELL
Health Services- Debby Daily 559-970-7476 CELL over seeing Student Nurses in the PM and Mariposa Social Services sending in a RN during the day
1st Shift June 16th 7:30pm – 7:30 am
Shelter MGR/Sandy Morehouse – 209-769-6693 CELL
Shelter Worker/Logistics/Feeding- Dennis Fitzgerald- 559-760-8259 CELL
Shelter RN/ Gina Bustamante- 559-360-2671 CELL (PM Nurse)
Feeding/ ERV
6/16-6/17- ERV Driver – Chris Theile – 559-321-1745 CELL
6/16-6/17- ERV Driver – John Ortiz- 559-706-9911 CELL
Staffing
6/16- 6/17 - DSHR/DROMIS Robin Nichols- 559-905-3482 CELL
6/16-6/17 - NSS Data/ F5266 Form Base- Bob Wortman- 559-515-3603 CELL
Disaster Assessment
Incident Command/ Disaster Assessment/ Govt. Liaison - Katrina Poitras – 559-515-3974 CELL/ 559-790-7625 2nd CELL
Public Affairs Officer
Primary PIO at Regional Office- Ellen Knapp- 559-455-1000 Office Number/ 559-284-7269 CELL
Secondary PIO at Shelter Location- Alex Villa -559-709-5323 CELL
Fundraising
Primary - Jane Fortune 559-213-4226 CELL
Secondary – Anya Goosev- 559-708-0447 CELL
Government Partners
County
· Mariposa OES- Don Florence – 209-966-4330 Office / 415-987-2377 CELL/209-742-2415 Pager
· Mariposa County Elementary School Principal – Garrett- 209-722-8933 HOME/ 209-742-0340 ext. 333 SCHOOL OFFICE
· Public Health – Dana Tofoya- 209-742-8433 CELL / 209-966-3689 Office
· Human Services- Angela Phillips- 209-966-3689
· Mariposa Sheriff- Doug Binnewies- 209-966-3615 Sheriff’s Office Physical Address: 5099 Old Hwy Mariposa, Ca.
· Community Services – Terry and Rick Pearson- 209-777-8930 CELL/559-676-6729 (Bus Transportation for seniors and Functional Needs)
Mutual Aid Partners
County
· Madera County Sheriff Search and Rescue unit- Sgt. Jim Bernardi- 559-232-8751 CELL ( 50 person Cot and Blanket Trailer, and Bronco SUV to pull the trailer, Car need to be returned to the Oakhurst Sub Station by 8am Monday Morning )
State Partners
· Cal EMA – Kevin Nagata 916-719-9557
Community Partners
· RACES HAM Operators- Fresno Operator – Glen 559-999-7590
· RACES HAM Operators- Mariposa Operator- TBA by 7am Monday Morning
· ARRL- HAM Operators- Dan Pruitt 559-779-2974- CELL
· CCADT- Naomi Flam – 559-269-7685 CELL
· Pioneer Market – 209-966-8484 Store
