WawonaNews.com - November 2022
FIREWISE MEETING
Join your neighbors on November 10th, 2022, at 5:30 PM to learn about the voluntary community Firewise program and work together to fire harden your homes and increase the ignition resistance of your neighborhood.
Want to print the flyer? Click here for the PDF version.
Below is a link to the National Fire Protection Association’s website to learn more on becoming Firewise recognized!
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Firewise-USA/Become-a-Firewise-USA-site
To join the meeting use the below information:
Topic: Firewise Mariposa
Time: Nov 10, 2022, 05:30 – 700 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87484508607?pwd=WnA0WXY1SkVsdHUzc01SSUk2OTM2QT09
Meeting ID: 874 8450 8607
Passcode: 317586
Dial by your location
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 669 444 9171 US
Meeting ID: 874 8450 8607
Passcode: 317586
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keng5oreXw
Join your neighbors on November 10th, 2022, at 5:30 PM to learn about the voluntary community Firewise program and work together to fire harden your homes and increase the ignition resistance of your neighborhood.
Want to print the flyer? Click here for the PDF version.
Below is a link to the National Fire Protection Association’s website to learn more on becoming Firewise recognized!
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Firewise-USA/Become-a-Firewise-USA-site
To join the meeting use the below information:
Topic: Firewise Mariposa
Time: Nov 10, 2022, 05:30 – 700 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87484508607?pwd=WnA0WXY1SkVsdHUzc01SSUk2OTM2QT09
Meeting ID: 874 8450 8607
Passcode: 317586
Dial by your location
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 669 444 9171 US
Meeting ID: 874 8450 8607
Passcode: 317586
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keng5oreXw
Prescribed Burning In Wawona
Nov. 1
We are planning to take advantage of the predicted rain, cooler temperatures, and lower humidity to begin work on some much-needed prescribed burning projects this week. Locations initially include El Portal, Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Foresta woodlots. Burning may extend to piles in Yosemite Valley around El Capitan Crossover and in Wawona around the Studhorse area. There are no anticipated trail or road closures with the pile burning. Please watch for firefighters and equipment near the roadways.
Prescribed burning projects like these decrease excessive fuel build up which has many benefits including improved wildlife habitats, protection of infrastructure and natural resources, and a reduction to future fire intensity and smoke impacts. Impacts from smoke are always a consideration and burning will only be conducted under favorable dispersal conditions.
Air quality information can be found HERE
The Yosemite public information map is located HERE
Thank you for your continued support
Yosemite Fire Information
[email protected]
go.nps.gov/yosefire
Facebook @YosemiteFire
Twitter @YosemiteFire
Instagram @YosemiteFire
Nov. 1
We are planning to take advantage of the predicted rain, cooler temperatures, and lower humidity to begin work on some much-needed prescribed burning projects this week. Locations initially include El Portal, Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and Foresta woodlots. Burning may extend to piles in Yosemite Valley around El Capitan Crossover and in Wawona around the Studhorse area. There are no anticipated trail or road closures with the pile burning. Please watch for firefighters and equipment near the roadways.
Prescribed burning projects like these decrease excessive fuel build up which has many benefits including improved wildlife habitats, protection of infrastructure and natural resources, and a reduction to future fire intensity and smoke impacts. Impacts from smoke are always a consideration and burning will only be conducted under favorable dispersal conditions.
Air quality information can be found HERE
The Yosemite public information map is located HERE
Thank you for your continued support
Yosemite Fire Information
[email protected]
go.nps.gov/yosefire
Facebook @YosemiteFire
Twitter @YosemiteFire
Instagram @YosemiteFire
Potential Prescribed Burning Next Week - Yosemite Valley
With the prediction of slight rain over the weekend, we are preparing to conduct prescribed burning operations along Southside Drive in Yosemite Valley next week. There are multiple piles located near El Capitan Crossover that, if conditions allow, burning may occur there first. Depending on continued permissible conditions, burning may extend from El Cap Crossover toward Sentinel Beach (units 11 and 16) please reference the attached map for detailed information. If burning operations do extend into those units, a one lane traffic closure may occur as well as a temporary trail closure on the Yosemite Valley Loop in that area. Burning operations will be evaluated and monitored to ensure a high potential of success and safety.
Burning under favorable conditions helps to create a healthier forest and lowers the risk of more dangerous fires in the future. Native plants benefit and invasive ones are more controlled.
Smoke will be present during and after burning operations. Thank you in advance for driving carefully and watching for firefighters and equipment near the road.
With the prediction of slight rain over the weekend, we are preparing to conduct prescribed burning operations along Southside Drive in Yosemite Valley next week. There are multiple piles located near El Capitan Crossover that, if conditions allow, burning may occur there first. Depending on continued permissible conditions, burning may extend from El Cap Crossover toward Sentinel Beach (units 11 and 16) please reference the attached map for detailed information. If burning operations do extend into those units, a one lane traffic closure may occur as well as a temporary trail closure on the Yosemite Valley Loop in that area. Burning operations will be evaluated and monitored to ensure a high potential of success and safety.
Burning under favorable conditions helps to create a healthier forest and lowers the risk of more dangerous fires in the future. Native plants benefit and invasive ones are more controlled.
Smoke will be present during and after burning operations. Thank you in advance for driving carefully and watching for firefighters and equipment near the road.
Vacation Rental Permit Moratorium Removed From County Board's Agenda For Now
Wawona School's Trip to Joshua Tree National Park
Courtesy of Michael Henderson
Additional Information on Vacation Rental Permit Moratorium
From Trish Peterson - WAPPOA
Rosemarie Smallcomb pointed out to me that at the end of my last email I said "Item G 1 is the discussion and final rental prohibition ordinance".
I was reading that right off of the agenda for the Oct. 18th meeting
"G. Regular Agenda Items
1. Waive the First Reading....
a. Vacation Rental Ordinance Summary
b. CEQA Notice of exemption
c. Vacation Rental Prohibition Ordinance (FINAL)"
Let me make this clearer. The County has proposed a temporary moratorium on new applications for short term rentals. That was the draft from the Oct. 4th meeting. At the Oct 18th meeting, they will discuss the issue and if they vote to accept this "final" ordinance, it will go into effect approximately 30 days from the time it is issued. It will be in effect until the Board rescinds it. It is their plan to appoint a committee to study the issue and give a report - probably by next April. At that time the Board will decide what to do on a more permanent basis.
You can still email comments as I wrote before.
Send an email to [email protected]
In the subject line put "Public Comment Item # G1, Oct 18 meeting"
write your comments on the issue - pro or con
From Trish Peterson - WAPPOA
Rosemarie Smallcomb pointed out to me that at the end of my last email I said "Item G 1 is the discussion and final rental prohibition ordinance".
I was reading that right off of the agenda for the Oct. 18th meeting
"G. Regular Agenda Items
1. Waive the First Reading....
a. Vacation Rental Ordinance Summary
b. CEQA Notice of exemption
c. Vacation Rental Prohibition Ordinance (FINAL)"
Let me make this clearer. The County has proposed a temporary moratorium on new applications for short term rentals. That was the draft from the Oct. 4th meeting. At the Oct 18th meeting, they will discuss the issue and if they vote to accept this "final" ordinance, it will go into effect approximately 30 days from the time it is issued. It will be in effect until the Board rescinds it. It is their plan to appoint a committee to study the issue and give a report - probably by next April. At that time the Board will decide what to do on a more permanent basis.
You can still email comments as I wrote before.
Send an email to [email protected]
In the subject line put "Public Comment Item # G1, Oct 18 meeting"
write your comments on the issue - pro or con
Mariposa County To Prohibit the Acceptance and Processing of New Applications for Vacation Rentals
A. There shall be no new applications accepted and processed for vacation rentals. There shall be no transient occupancy tax certificates issued for vacation rentals for any existing dwelling or for any newly constructed dwelling, except as allowed by Section III.B of this ordinance.
B. Applications for vacation rentals which have been accepted as complete for processing as of the effective date of this Ordinance, shall continue to be processed and may be issued a transient occupancy tax certificate pursuant to County Code Title 17, Section 17.108.180 and County Code Title 3, Section 3.36.060.
C. If a property that has an active transient occupancy tax certificate (or certificates) for a vacation rental(s) is transferred to a new owner, the new property owner is eligible to apply for a vacation rental and transient occupancy tax certificate(s) under the current application process to replace the number of certificates that existed on the property before title was transferred. The application must be submitted within three (3) months of the transfer.
Click here to read all the details (Refer to pages 46-54)
A. There shall be no new applications accepted and processed for vacation rentals. There shall be no transient occupancy tax certificates issued for vacation rentals for any existing dwelling or for any newly constructed dwelling, except as allowed by Section III.B of this ordinance.
B. Applications for vacation rentals which have been accepted as complete for processing as of the effective date of this Ordinance, shall continue to be processed and may be issued a transient occupancy tax certificate pursuant to County Code Title 17, Section 17.108.180 and County Code Title 3, Section 3.36.060.
C. If a property that has an active transient occupancy tax certificate (or certificates) for a vacation rental(s) is transferred to a new owner, the new property owner is eligible to apply for a vacation rental and transient occupancy tax certificate(s) under the current application process to replace the number of certificates that existed on the property before title was transferred. The application must be submitted within three (3) months of the transfer.
Click here to read all the details (Refer to pages 46-54)
Looking For Ski Patrol Candidates
The Badger Pass ski area in Yosemite National Park is actively seeking six ski patrol people for this year.
They would need EMT, climbing experience preferred, housing available, ski or snowboard.
The Badger Pass ski area in Yosemite National Park is actively seeking six ski patrol people for this year.
They would need EMT, climbing experience preferred, housing available, ski or snowboard.
Yosemite’s Ahwahnee Hotel will close for two months to undergo $31.6 million in seismic upgrades
Joel Umanzor
Oct. 11, 2022- SF Chronicle
The famous 95-year-old Ahwahnee Hotel at Yosemite National Park will be closed for 8 weeks at the beginning of 2023 for seismic upgrades, according to the park.
The $31.6 million project — funded by the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020 — consists of a major seismic upgrade throughout the hotel as well as a kitchen renovation, according to a Yosemite National Park press release. Kitchen project work is currently underway and the seismic safety upgrade will begin near the end of the year.
"The Ahwahnee is a crown jewel of national park lodges” said Cicely Muldoon, Yosemite National Park superintendent. “This much-needed work will ensure the Ahwahnee is seismically safe for present and future generations of Yosemite visitors.”
The seismic support upgrade will focus on bracing the chimneys and support walls, replacing window frames and dining room glass in high use visitor areas, the release added. The current central cooling system will also be updated along with improvements to the fireplace.
The Ahwahnee — which opened in 1927, contains 97 guest rooms and 24 cottages — will be closed for reservations from Jan. 2 till March 2 and will not be accepting reservations during that time due to the construction.
Famous visitors to the historic park have included presidents and international dignitaries such as John F. Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth II.
Joel Umanzor (he/him) is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: [email protected]
Joel Umanzor
Oct. 11, 2022- SF Chronicle
The famous 95-year-old Ahwahnee Hotel at Yosemite National Park will be closed for 8 weeks at the beginning of 2023 for seismic upgrades, according to the park.
The $31.6 million project — funded by the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020 — consists of a major seismic upgrade throughout the hotel as well as a kitchen renovation, according to a Yosemite National Park press release. Kitchen project work is currently underway and the seismic safety upgrade will begin near the end of the year.
"The Ahwahnee is a crown jewel of national park lodges” said Cicely Muldoon, Yosemite National Park superintendent. “This much-needed work will ensure the Ahwahnee is seismically safe for present and future generations of Yosemite visitors.”
The seismic support upgrade will focus on bracing the chimneys and support walls, replacing window frames and dining room glass in high use visitor areas, the release added. The current central cooling system will also be updated along with improvements to the fireplace.
The Ahwahnee — which opened in 1927, contains 97 guest rooms and 24 cottages — will be closed for reservations from Jan. 2 till March 2 and will not be accepting reservations during that time due to the construction.
Famous visitors to the historic park have included presidents and international dignitaries such as John F. Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth II.
Joel Umanzor (he/him) is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: [email protected]
WAPPOA General Meeting and Annual Community Picnic
BABY QUILT RAFFLE
At the conclusion of the WAPPOA annual community picnic, Tom Bopp drew the winning raffle ticket for the beautiful handmade baby quilt that was donated to the Wawona Friends of the Library. We will have a full size quilt to raffle off next year for another fund raiser for the Wawona Friends of the Library. The winner of the baby quilt was Rick Hutchinson. Congratulations, Rick and Sharon!
At the conclusion of the WAPPOA annual community picnic, Tom Bopp drew the winning raffle ticket for the beautiful handmade baby quilt that was donated to the Wawona Friends of the Library. We will have a full size quilt to raffle off next year for another fund raiser for the Wawona Friends of the Library. The winner of the baby quilt was Rick Hutchinson. Congratulations, Rick and Sharon!
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Wednesday, October 11, 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 Sept. 13
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
ACTION ITEMS
Consideration and action on the approval of a contract with Esme McCarthy for financial/ accounting services for the 2022–23 school year.
INFORMATION ITEMS
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Wednesday, October 11, 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 Sept. 13
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
- APPROVAL OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR FOR FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR.
Consideration and action on the approval of a contract with Esme McCarthy for financial/ accounting services for the 2022–23 school year.
INFORMATION ITEMS
- STAFF REPORTS
Wawona Students Explore Joshua Tree National Park
As part of their National Park studies, students and their families set out to the high desert. They camped among the monzogranite boulders, participated in a ranger led hike, visitor’s Ryan’s Ranch and spent a morning climbing with guides. Some of the students were fortunate enough to see their first Roadrunner! A huge thank you once again for the Yosemite Conservancy Education Grant!!
As part of their National Park studies, students and their families set out to the high desert. They camped among the monzogranite boulders, participated in a ranger led hike, visitor’s Ryan’s Ranch and spent a morning climbing with guides. Some of the students were fortunate enough to see their first Roadrunner! A huge thank you once again for the Yosemite Conservancy Education Grant!!
Yosemite Fire Fall/Winter Projects 2022-2023
With the arrival of the fall (autumn) season, Yosemite National Park is awaiting cooler temperatures and precipitation in the forecast. When these favorable conditions are predicted, fire managers plan to build on the 50+ years legacy of prescribed burning by conducting several projects in Yosemite Valley, Crane Flat, and Studhorse (Wawona) areas, as conditions allow. In addition, pile burning is also planned in several other locations throughout the park.
Prescribed burning is an efficient and effective way to mitigate the risk of large wildfires by decreasing excessive fuel build-up which reduces fire intensity and protects infrastructure and natural resources. These projects also improve wildlife habitats, encourage sprouting of seedling sequoia trees, restore cultural burning practices, mitigate future smoke impacts, and create more drought and fire resilient forests.
Each burn unit has been strategically defined within the park and includes weather parameters and firing/burning patterns to ensure objectives for each unit will have a high potential for success. Yosemite fire and resource management personnel will monitor all prescribed burns to evaluate achievement of goals and help guide future prescriptions.
Smoke will be present during and after prescribed burning operations. Fire managers work closely with park staff and the local air pollution control districts to time the prescribed burns to coincide with favorable weather and smoke dispersion conditions. Smoke impacts are always a consideration in the decision to begin any prescribed burning operation. Burning will only be conducted under favorable dispersal conditions.
Updates will be emailed and posted on social media in advance of the work.
There are three maps attached for your reference.
Yosemite Public information map HERE
Air Quality information available HERE and is now available in Spanish - click or tap the globe icon on at the top of the map
Thank you for your continued support!
Yosemite Fire Information
[email protected]
go.nps.gov/yosefire
Facebook @YosemiteFire
Twitter @YosemiteFire
Instagram @YosemiteFire
Download all attachments as a zip file
Yosemite Fire Fall/Winter Projects 2022-2023
With the arrival of the fall (autumn) season, Yosemite National Park is awaiting cooler temperatures and precipitation in the forecast. When these favorable conditions are predicted, fire managers plan to build on the 50+ years legacy of prescribed burning by conducting several projects in Yosemite Valley, Crane Flat, and Studhorse (Wawona) areas, as conditions allow. In addition, pile burning is also planned in several other locations throughout the park.
Prescribed burning is an efficient and effective way to mitigate the risk of large wildfires by decreasing excessive fuel build-up which reduces fire intensity and protects infrastructure and natural resources. These projects also improve wildlife habitats, encourage sprouting of seedling sequoia trees, restore cultural burning practices, mitigate future smoke impacts, and create more drought and fire resilient forests.
Each burn unit has been strategically defined within the park and includes weather parameters and firing/burning patterns to ensure objectives for each unit will have a high potential for success. Yosemite fire and resource management personnel will monitor all prescribed burns to evaluate achievement of goals and help guide future prescriptions.
Smoke will be present during and after prescribed burning operations. Fire managers work closely with park staff and the local air pollution control districts to time the prescribed burns to coincide with favorable weather and smoke dispersion conditions. Smoke impacts are always a consideration in the decision to begin any prescribed burning operation. Burning will only be conducted under favorable dispersal conditions.
Updates will be emailed and posted on social media in advance of the work.
There are three maps attached for your reference.
Yosemite Public information map HERE
Air Quality information available HERE and is now available in Spanish - click or tap the globe icon on at the top of the map
Thank you for your continued support!
Yosemite Fire Information
[email protected]
go.nps.gov/yosefire
Facebook @YosemiteFire
Twitter @YosemiteFire
Instagram @YosemiteFire
Download all attachments as a zip file
