WawonaNews.com - March 2019
Caltrans Culvert Repair On Highway 41 Postponed For Weather
Posted by: Kellie Flanagan March 1, 2019
OAKHURST — Caltrans has postponed construction on Highway 41 in the Oakhurst area that was scheduled to begin on Monday, Mar. 4. The work is now set to start a week later, on Monday, Mar. 11, and otorists should be prepared for traffic delays at that time as construction work gets underway.
Caltrans, in cooperation with Agee Construction, says one-way traffic control on the north end of town will last for about two weeks, weather permitting, as part of a culvert repair project.
Traffic control will be in place on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday, Mar. 11, to Friday, Mar. 22, near Empty Creek Road.
Delays of up to 15 minutes are possible. Closures may continue for longer periods due to delays caused by weather or uncontrollable events during construction.
Construction crews will be conducting one-way traffic control with flagging personnel through the work zone. Commuters are reminded to obey flagging personnel and pay close attention to road construction vehicles and personnel.
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Special Meeting
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
11:00 A.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualana Falls Road
Wawona, CA
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEM
Board of Directors Special Meeting
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
11:00 A.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualana Falls Road
Wawona, CA
- CALL TO ORDER
- ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
- APPROVE THE HIRING OF STACY BOYDSTUN AS A TEACHER FOR YWECS FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR.
- APPROVE A SALARY/BENEFIT PACKAGE FOR THE NEW TEACHER HIRE.
- APPROVE THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR AN AIDE FOR THE 2019-20 SCHOOL YEAR
INFORMATION ITEM
- UPDATE ON EMPLOYEE HOUSING OFFER BY NPS.
- 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
STATE ROUTE 41 ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL STARTING MARCH 4th IN MADERA COUNTY
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in cooperation with Agee Construction announces one-way traffic control on State Route 41 near the community of Oakhurst in Madera County for two weeks as part of a culvert repair project.
The following day-time one-way traffic control will be in effect, weather permitting:
Closures may continue for longer periods of time each day if necessary, due to delays caused by weather or uncontrollable events that may occur during construction.
Construction crews will be conducting one-way traffic control during this time with the use of flagging personnel through the work zone. Commuters are reminded to obey flagging personnel and pay close attention to road construction vehicles and personnel.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in cooperation with Agee Construction announces one-way traffic control on State Route 41 near the community of Oakhurst in Madera County for two weeks as part of a culvert repair project.
The following day-time one-way traffic control will be in effect, weather permitting:
- Beginning Monday, March 4 through Friday, March 15, one-way traffic control will be in effect on State Route 41 in Madera County near Empty Creek Road. This closure will be in effect Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily. Delays of up to 15 minutes at a time are possible while crews work on a dilapidated culvert in the area.
Closures may continue for longer periods of time each day if necessary, due to delays caused by weather or uncontrollable events that may occur during construction.
Construction crews will be conducting one-way traffic control during this time with the use of flagging personnel through the work zone. Commuters are reminded to obey flagging personnel and pay close attention to road construction vehicles and personnel.
February 'Firefall' is Back and Glowing
(
(CNN) — The natural phenomenon that makes it appear that lava is flowing over a cliff at Yosemite National Park is back, but only for a few days.
"Firefall" is the name for the natural magic trick that creates the illusion at the park in California. It comes to life when the setting sun causes light to hit the waterfall at just the right angle.
You can only see "Firefall" for a short time in February, and it draws hundreds of visitors each night. How it looks varies from year to year, and relies on how much water is flowing in Horsetail Fall.
Vaché Geyoghlian, a photographer from Fresno, California, captured some Instagram-worthy images Monday night. It was his first time photographing the phenomenon.
"My reaction was complete amazement," he told CNN. "I was overwhelmed with excitement to finally get to see it in person AND get some good shots of it too."
"My friend and I got to that specific spot at about 2:00-2:30 p.m. and we were the first ones there," Geyoghlian said. "That didn't last long as the entire area filled with hundreds of people looking to witness/photograph the 'Firefall.'"
If you want to capture the yearly spectacle, you have until this weekend before it dissipates. Reservations are not needed, but you should get there early before the park gets crowded.
"We have a designated parking area at Yosemite Lodge and visitors walk from there to the viewing areas," said National Park Service spokesman Scott Gediman.
Gediman also cautions that weather has played a factor into viewing this year's "Firefall."
"With the snow and storm activity recently, it has been hit or miss."
The park does have a 24-hour hotline with information on road and weather conditions: 209-372-0200.
(
(CNN) — The natural phenomenon that makes it appear that lava is flowing over a cliff at Yosemite National Park is back, but only for a few days.
"Firefall" is the name for the natural magic trick that creates the illusion at the park in California. It comes to life when the setting sun causes light to hit the waterfall at just the right angle.
You can only see "Firefall" for a short time in February, and it draws hundreds of visitors each night. How it looks varies from year to year, and relies on how much water is flowing in Horsetail Fall.
Vaché Geyoghlian, a photographer from Fresno, California, captured some Instagram-worthy images Monday night. It was his first time photographing the phenomenon.
"My reaction was complete amazement," he told CNN. "I was overwhelmed with excitement to finally get to see it in person AND get some good shots of it too."
"My friend and I got to that specific spot at about 2:00-2:30 p.m. and we were the first ones there," Geyoghlian said. "That didn't last long as the entire area filled with hundreds of people looking to witness/photograph the 'Firefall.'"
If you want to capture the yearly spectacle, you have until this weekend before it dissipates. Reservations are not needed, but you should get there early before the park gets crowded.
"We have a designated parking area at Yosemite Lodge and visitors walk from there to the viewing areas," said National Park Service spokesman Scott Gediman.
Gediman also cautions that weather has played a factor into viewing this year's "Firefall."
"With the snow and storm activity recently, it has been hit or miss."
The park does have a 24-hour hotline with information on road and weather conditions: 209-372-0200.
Record Snow Level at Yosemite Ski and Snow Board Area (Badger Pass)
As of Sunday (2/17), there were 111 inches of snow on the stake at the A-Frame. According to park records, that is a historical snow depth record for this date! The Yosemite Snow and Snowboard Area is currently open. (C. Andrews)
As of Sunday (2/17), there were 111 inches of snow on the stake at the A-Frame. According to park records, that is a historical snow depth record for this date! The Yosemite Snow and Snowboard Area is currently open. (C. Andrews)
Obituary of Charles Sanford Cushman, Part-Time Wawona Resident and Land Rights Advocate
Charles (Chuck) Sanford Cushman was born on August 2,1943 at Loma Linda Hospital in San Bernardino, California. He passed away at the age of 75 on December 27, 2018 due to complications from congestive heart failure at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington.
After college, Chuck started a career in sales including his time as a Peanut Vender at Dodger Stadium, and then as an Insurance Broker at Mutual of New York. He later discovered a passion for land rights while helping to protect property rights in the community of Wawona, a small town inside Yosemite National Park, where he owned a cabin and had many close friends. This was the launching pad for his life’s work, and how he later became known to many as the “Father of Land Rights". In 1983 he was appointed to the National Parks Advisory Board by Ronald Reagan. Chuck Cushman was the Founder and Executive Director of American Land Rights Association (ALRA), a politically successful association of private property owners, ranchers, miners, foresters, inholders, outdoor recreation users, and people concerned about environmental issues in all 50 states. ALRA collaborated to protect their way of life from continuing efforts by environmental special interest groups to impose new land use controls, land acquisition programs, and ever expanding excessive environmental regulation.
Chuck Cushman enjoyed bluegrass and folk music. He played the autoharp and organized many folk festivals. He also loved learning about history and was an avid reader. He dedicated many of his last days to writing about his life’s work in a soon to be published biography authored by Ron Arnold.
Chuck Cushman was a very loving Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather.
He is survived by his Mother: Ruth Strong Johnson; Children: Charles William Cushman, Natashia Ann Ash, and Melissa Sara Pack; Step-children: Jason Franklin Ingram and Ryan Tyler Ingram; Grandchildren: Jessica Marie Johnston, Joshua Charles Cushman, Alan Jordan Ash, Emily Ann Ash, Eli Jacob Ash. Great Grandchildren: Malachi Johnston, Scout Johnston, Oakley Johnston, Haven Johnston, Eowyn Cushman, Estelle Cushman; Brothers: William Strong Cushman and Thomas Dwight Cushman; Girlfriend: Rose Marie Dickinson; and many other dear and life long friends.
He was preceded in Death by his Father: Dwight Sanford Cushman and Daughter: Deborah Jeanne Cushman.
Charles (Chuck) Sanford Cushman was born on August 2,1943 at Loma Linda Hospital in San Bernardino, California. He passed away at the age of 75 on December 27, 2018 due to complications from congestive heart failure at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington.
After college, Chuck started a career in sales including his time as a Peanut Vender at Dodger Stadium, and then as an Insurance Broker at Mutual of New York. He later discovered a passion for land rights while helping to protect property rights in the community of Wawona, a small town inside Yosemite National Park, where he owned a cabin and had many close friends. This was the launching pad for his life’s work, and how he later became known to many as the “Father of Land Rights". In 1983 he was appointed to the National Parks Advisory Board by Ronald Reagan. Chuck Cushman was the Founder and Executive Director of American Land Rights Association (ALRA), a politically successful association of private property owners, ranchers, miners, foresters, inholders, outdoor recreation users, and people concerned about environmental issues in all 50 states. ALRA collaborated to protect their way of life from continuing efforts by environmental special interest groups to impose new land use controls, land acquisition programs, and ever expanding excessive environmental regulation.
Chuck Cushman enjoyed bluegrass and folk music. He played the autoharp and organized many folk festivals. He also loved learning about history and was an avid reader. He dedicated many of his last days to writing about his life’s work in a soon to be published biography authored by Ron Arnold.
Chuck Cushman was a very loving Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather.
He is survived by his Mother: Ruth Strong Johnson; Children: Charles William Cushman, Natashia Ann Ash, and Melissa Sara Pack; Step-children: Jason Franklin Ingram and Ryan Tyler Ingram; Grandchildren: Jessica Marie Johnston, Joshua Charles Cushman, Alan Jordan Ash, Emily Ann Ash, Eli Jacob Ash. Great Grandchildren: Malachi Johnston, Scout Johnston, Oakley Johnston, Haven Johnston, Eowyn Cushman, Estelle Cushman; Brothers: William Strong Cushman and Thomas Dwight Cushman; Girlfriend: Rose Marie Dickinson; and many other dear and life long friends.
He was preceded in Death by his Father: Dwight Sanford Cushman and Daughter: Deborah Jeanne Cushman.
Rte. 41 Reopened
[IN THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA AREA]
CHAINS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT 4-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES WITH SNOW TIRES ON ALL 4 WHEELS FROM 2 MI NORTH OF BIG CEDAR SPRINGS (MADERA CO) TO 0.5 MI SOUTH OF YOSEMITE NAT'L PARK (MARIPOSA CO)
PLEASE RESEARCH CHAIN CONTROL LOCATIONS AS CALTRANS IS CURRENTLY WORKING TO UPDATE CHAIN CONTROL DESCRIPTIONS FOR CONSISTENCY WITH INTERNET MAPPING, LIKE GOOGLE MAPS & MAPQUEST.
[YOSEMITE NAT'L PARK]
FOR YOSEMITE NAT'L PARK ROAD INFORMATION CALL 209-372-0200
[IN THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA AREA]
CHAINS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT 4-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES WITH SNOW TIRES ON ALL 4 WHEELS FROM 2 MI NORTH OF BIG CEDAR SPRINGS (MADERA CO) TO 0.5 MI SOUTH OF YOSEMITE NAT'L PARK (MARIPOSA CO)
PLEASE RESEARCH CHAIN CONTROL LOCATIONS AS CALTRANS IS CURRENTLY WORKING TO UPDATE CHAIN CONTROL DESCRIPTIONS FOR CONSISTENCY WITH INTERNET MAPPING, LIKE GOOGLE MAPS & MAPQUEST.
[YOSEMITE NAT'L PARK]
FOR YOSEMITE NAT'L PARK ROAD INFORMATION CALL 209-372-0200
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Friday, February 14, 2019
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualana Falls Road
Wawona, CA
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of January 23, 2019
3.3- Accept the resignation of Elise Bevington from the Board of Directors
3.7–Approve Payroll
3.8- Approve Warrants
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Friday, February 14, 2019
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
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of January 23, 2019
3.3- Accept the resignation of Elise Bevington from the Board of Directors
3.7–Approve Payroll
3.8- Approve Warrants
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
- APPROVAL OF FORM 990
- APPROVAL FOR NATURE BRIDGE TO HAVE TEMPORARY ACESS TO SCHOOL BUILDINGS
INFORMATION ITEMS
- REPORT FROM THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON “SUPPORT OF THE SCHOOL”
- REPORT ON THE STATUS OF THE SCHOOL BUS
- 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
Heavy Snow Closes Highways 41 and 120 Inside Yosemite
Posted by: gina clugston February 10, 2019 - 7:37 am
YOSEMITE – Due to heavy snow accumulation, Highways 41 and 120 are closed within Yosemite National Park.
This is a hard closure and will remain in effect until conditions change allowing for safe opening, say park officials.
For all current road conditions within the park, call 209-372-0200 (dial 1, then 1 again).
For current information on highways near Yosemite, click here and type in your highway number.
Posted by: gina clugston February 10, 2019 - 7:37 am
YOSEMITE – Due to heavy snow accumulation, Highways 41 and 120 are closed within Yosemite National Park.
This is a hard closure and will remain in effect until conditions change allowing for safe opening, say park officials.
For all current road conditions within the park, call 209-372-0200 (dial 1, then 1 again).
For current information on highways near Yosemite, click here and type in your highway number.
Cancelled!
Due to complications from weather, Mr. Weamer's talk will be rescheduled to another date, TBD.
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45 Winters in the Backcountry - The Ostrander Hut & Ski Touring in Yosemite Howard Weamer, Ostrander Hut Keeper Thursday, February 7, 2019, Wawona Community Center Cancelled In 1935 Badger Pass was to be the "Switzerland of the West". Part of that dream was a hut and trail system, with huts at Ostrander Lake and beyond. Come join Howard Weamer as he explores what remains of that dream for winter backcountry access. A skier of many routes, Mr. Weamer is the author of The Perfect Art: The Ostrander Hut and Ski Touring in Yosemite. Mr. Weamer has also served as the caretaker of Ostrander Ski Hut for 45 years. So, if you've ever wondered why would anyone go back there, or if you want to be reminded, come hear what he has to say! |
Finally! Some Real Snow in Wawona Again!
Feb. 5 - But, unfortunately, along with the snow came the usual power outage. As of Tuesday night (Feb. 5), Wawona was still with no power. Worse, still, several trees are being reported down. With all the dead trees in the area, more are likely to fall, too. (Photos courtesy of Wawona residents, Gary Wuchner, Nancy Robbins, Chad Andrews, Amanda Lee, Yuli Gotsev, Christy Hurlburt and Wayne Heringer. As always, we welcome photos from our readers.)
