WawonaNews.com November 2023
Hi all,
We realized that the original October date we set for 2024 was on Yom Kippur, so we have changed that to the last weekend in September.
Mariposa County will also try to schedule WTPAC meetings on the Fridays of these weekends
Fri. April 5, 2024 WTPAC at 9 am WAPPOA Board meeting 3 pm
Sat. April 6, 2024 WAPPOA General Meeting 9 am (location TBD)
Fri. May 31, 2024 WTPAC at 9am WAPPOA Board meeting 3 pm
Sat. June 1, 2024 WAPPOA General meeting 9 am (location TBD)
Fri. Sept. 27, 2024 WTPAC at 9 am WAPPOA Board meeting 3pm
Sat. Sept. 28, 2024 WAPPOA General Meeting at 9 am (location TBD)
We realized that the original October date we set for 2024 was on Yom Kippur, so we have changed that to the last weekend in September.
Mariposa County will also try to schedule WTPAC meetings on the Fridays of these weekends
Fri. April 5, 2024 WTPAC at 9 am WAPPOA Board meeting 3 pm
Sat. April 6, 2024 WAPPOA General Meeting 9 am (location TBD)
Fri. May 31, 2024 WTPAC at 9am WAPPOA Board meeting 3 pm
Sat. June 1, 2024 WAPPOA General meeting 9 am (location TBD)
Fri. Sept. 27, 2024 WTPAC at 9 am WAPPOA Board meeting 3pm
Sat. Sept. 28, 2024 WAPPOA General Meeting at 9 am (location TBD)
Man, 29, who squatted in Yosemite National Park vacation home for MONTHS while armed with sawed-off shotgun and ammo is sentenced to five years in prison
By RUTH BASHINSKY FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
PUBLISHED: 16:13 EDT, 31 October 2023 | UPDATED: 16:22 EDT, 31 October 2023
A 29-year-old man, who squatted in a private residence in Yosemite National Park for months was sentenced to more than five years in prison on weapon charges, federal prosecutors said.
Devin Michael Cuellar was sentenced to five years and three months on Monday after he was convicted of felonious possession of a sawed-off shotgun, ammunition while squatting on private property, the U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of California said.
From May through September 2021, Cuellar lived in the home located on Koon Hollar Road in Wawona, a community within Yosemite National Park.
A 29-year-old man, who squatted in a private residence in Yosemite National Park for months was sentenced to more than five years in prison on weapon charges, federal prosecutors said.
Devin Michael Cuellar was sentenced to five years and three months on Monday after he was convicted of felonious possession of a sawed-off shotgun, ammunition while squatting on private property, the U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of California said.
From May through September 2021, Cuellar lived in the home located on Hollar Road in Wawona, a community within Yosemite National Park.
Though the home's exact location or property size was not disclosed, homes in the area range from $279,000 upwards to $7.9 million.
The median listing price in the Wawona region runs an average of $1.09M, according to Redfin Real Estate Group.
Cuellar of Oakhurst, a community located approximately 30 minutes from Yosemite.
The investigation was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program launched by the DOJ in May 2021 to reduce violent crime.
The name of the property owner was not disclosed, but she called authorities in August 2021 to report that her home had been broken into and vandalized.
She told investigators she had last been at the property in April, prosecutors said.
When authorities searched the property, about a week later, they found mail addressed to Cuellar and stolen items, court documents revealed.
In October 2021, the property owner contacted authorities again to report that a shotgun had been found inside a closet that did not belong to her, prosecutors said.
Cuellar denied he was in Wawona, telling authorities he hadn't been there 'in years,' according to court documents, the news outlet reported.
But, it was revealed that an underage female accomplice of Cuellar, had been interviewed.
The young woman admitted she knew the daughter of the property owner and that she stayed there with Cuellar.
It is unclear if the accomplice was charged in the crime, as well.
The case was part of an investigation by the National Park Service and assisting agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service.
Additional agencies include, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the California Department of Justice's Bureau of Forensic Services, and the Madera County Sheriff's Office.
In May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening of Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The program is designed to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence with the goal of making neighborhoods safer for everyone.
- Devin Michael Cuellar, 29, was sentenced Monday to more than five years in prison for firearms possession and squatting at a home in Yosemite National Park
- Cuellar broke into the private residence located on Hollar Road in Wawona during the summer of 2021
- The property owner contacted authorities in August 2021 when she made the discovery; drug paraphernalia and weapons were found
- Cuellar was previously convicted of carjacking and possessing controlled substances for sale, and was banned from possessing firearms and ammunition
By RUTH BASHINSKY FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
PUBLISHED: 16:13 EDT, 31 October 2023 | UPDATED: 16:22 EDT, 31 October 2023
A 29-year-old man, who squatted in a private residence in Yosemite National Park for months was sentenced to more than five years in prison on weapon charges, federal prosecutors said.
Devin Michael Cuellar was sentenced to five years and three months on Monday after he was convicted of felonious possession of a sawed-off shotgun, ammunition while squatting on private property, the U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of California said.
From May through September 2021, Cuellar lived in the home located on Koon Hollar Road in Wawona, a community within Yosemite National Park.
A 29-year-old man, who squatted in a private residence in Yosemite National Park for months was sentenced to more than five years in prison on weapon charges, federal prosecutors said.
Devin Michael Cuellar was sentenced to five years and three months on Monday after he was convicted of felonious possession of a sawed-off shotgun, ammunition while squatting on private property, the U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of California said.
From May through September 2021, Cuellar lived in the home located on Hollar Road in Wawona, a community within Yosemite National Park.
Though the home's exact location or property size was not disclosed, homes in the area range from $279,000 upwards to $7.9 million.
The median listing price in the Wawona region runs an average of $1.09M, according to Redfin Real Estate Group.
Cuellar of Oakhurst, a community located approximately 30 minutes from Yosemite.
The investigation was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program launched by the DOJ in May 2021 to reduce violent crime.
The name of the property owner was not disclosed, but she called authorities in August 2021 to report that her home had been broken into and vandalized.
She told investigators she had last been at the property in April, prosecutors said.
When authorities searched the property, about a week later, they found mail addressed to Cuellar and stolen items, court documents revealed.
In October 2021, the property owner contacted authorities again to report that a shotgun had been found inside a closet that did not belong to her, prosecutors said.
Cuellar denied he was in Wawona, telling authorities he hadn't been there 'in years,' according to court documents, the news outlet reported.
But, it was revealed that an underage female accomplice of Cuellar, had been interviewed.
The young woman admitted she knew the daughter of the property owner and that she stayed there with Cuellar.
It is unclear if the accomplice was charged in the crime, as well.
The case was part of an investigation by the National Park Service and assisting agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service.
Additional agencies include, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the California Department of Justice's Bureau of Forensic Services, and the Madera County Sheriff's Office.
In May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening of Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The program is designed to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence with the goal of making neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Philomena Terry Obituary
Philomena (Mae) Ann Terry
June 15, 1925 - October 4, 2023
Mae Terry is (again) with her loving husband Bud, on October 4, 2023. Mae Terry (Grado) was born to Anthony and Maria Grado in Philadelphia, PA on June 15, 1925. She was last surviving sibling of ten children born to Sicilian immigrants who settled in San Francisco. While attending Balboa High in San Francisco; the bond of deep love between Mae and Bud began(1941). With energy and vitality they worked hard, entertained with friends and family and raised five Children. At the age of 12, Mae started camping in Yosemite Valley. Then, Mae and Bud grew the annual camping tradition (Yosemite Valley), the entire Family camped, hiked, mired at God's works and bonded. Ultimately, their love of Yosemite motivated them build a house in Wawona. Mae had many other interests and loves: cooking Sicilian style food for Sunday Night Dinners, playing horse shoes, bowling, travel to Hawaii, Mexico and Italy and the occasional trip to Tahoe to play "Wheel of Fortune" (slot machine) or roulette. Mae was an avid 49er fan in fact she was a known quantity at tail gate events at "the Sitck" throughout the heyday of Niner dominance…Mae even appeared on the local news many times as she cooked her pasta and steak in pre-game spirit! Mae was a well known member in the Our Lady of Angels (Burlingame) community. At 98 she outlived most of her colleagues but in her charming way continued to make new friends from every generation, she even safely and surely drove herself to the store and appointments even renewing her license this past May! Mae is survived by sons Les (and his wife Susan-deceased), Dennis (Juliet), Richard (Laura), Greg (Ahna), daughter Cindy Rockwell; grandchildren Elizabeth, Aimee (Joe), Tim, Andrea (Brad), Ryan (Katie), Michael (Sara), Brent, Lauren and Ricky, Gracie; and great grandchildren Tripp, Devin, Quinn and Benny, predeceased by son Christopher and granddaughter Jacky Mae.
Family and friends may visit on on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, after 4:00pm to 8:00pm at CHAPEL OF THE HIGHLANDS, El Camino Real at 194 Millwood Drive, Millbrae, CA, with a vigil service at 7:00pm. Internment private. A memorial mass will be offered on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Angels Church, 1721 Hillside Dr., Burlingame, CA.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Capuchin Franciscan Retirement, 1345 Cortez Avenue, Burlingame, CA 94010.
Philomena (Mae) Ann Terry
June 15, 1925 - October 4, 2023
Mae Terry is (again) with her loving husband Bud, on October 4, 2023. Mae Terry (Grado) was born to Anthony and Maria Grado in Philadelphia, PA on June 15, 1925. She was last surviving sibling of ten children born to Sicilian immigrants who settled in San Francisco. While attending Balboa High in San Francisco; the bond of deep love between Mae and Bud began(1941). With energy and vitality they worked hard, entertained with friends and family and raised five Children. At the age of 12, Mae started camping in Yosemite Valley. Then, Mae and Bud grew the annual camping tradition (Yosemite Valley), the entire Family camped, hiked, mired at God's works and bonded. Ultimately, their love of Yosemite motivated them build a house in Wawona. Mae had many other interests and loves: cooking Sicilian style food for Sunday Night Dinners, playing horse shoes, bowling, travel to Hawaii, Mexico and Italy and the occasional trip to Tahoe to play "Wheel of Fortune" (slot machine) or roulette. Mae was an avid 49er fan in fact she was a known quantity at tail gate events at "the Sitck" throughout the heyday of Niner dominance…Mae even appeared on the local news many times as she cooked her pasta and steak in pre-game spirit! Mae was a well known member in the Our Lady of Angels (Burlingame) community. At 98 she outlived most of her colleagues but in her charming way continued to make new friends from every generation, she even safely and surely drove herself to the store and appointments even renewing her license this past May! Mae is survived by sons Les (and his wife Susan-deceased), Dennis (Juliet), Richard (Laura), Greg (Ahna), daughter Cindy Rockwell; grandchildren Elizabeth, Aimee (Joe), Tim, Andrea (Brad), Ryan (Katie), Michael (Sara), Brent, Lauren and Ricky, Gracie; and great grandchildren Tripp, Devin, Quinn and Benny, predeceased by son Christopher and granddaughter Jacky Mae.
Family and friends may visit on on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, after 4:00pm to 8:00pm at CHAPEL OF THE HIGHLANDS, El Camino Real at 194 Millwood Drive, Millbrae, CA, with a vigil service at 7:00pm. Internment private. A memorial mass will be offered on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Angels Church, 1721 Hillside Dr., Burlingame, CA.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Capuchin Franciscan Retirement, 1345 Cortez Avenue, Burlingame, CA 94010.
Yosemite Valley Prescribed Burning
Yosemite Fire crews are planning to conduct prescribed burning operations in Yosemite Valley with two units in focus this week. The first is YV-04 along Northside Drive between the Valley Woodlot and Pohono Bridge. There will be a one lane traffic closure on Tuesday, October 17 along Northside Drive as crews work to accomplish approximately 22 acres.
The second unit is YV-10W located near El Capitan Crossover and is approximately 44 acres. There will be a one lane traffic closure on Southside Drive beginning Thursday, October 19 as well as a parking area closure of El Capitan Crossover.
Prescribed burns mimic the natural fire regimes that many ecosystems have adapted to over time. They help maintain the health and diversity of forest ecosystems, promoting growth of fire-adapted plants, improving soil fertility, and reducing invasive species. They are conducted under supervision of experienced fire managers who carefully evaluate and monitor conditions and work closely with the local air pollution control districts. The fire and smoke map can be found online at https://fire.airnow.gov and air quality and smoke information in Yosemite can be found online at: Current Air Quality and Smoke Monitoring - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Thank you for your continued support,
Yosemite Fire Information
[email protected]
go.nps.gov/yosefire
Facebook @YosemiteFire
Twitter @YosemiteFire
Instagram @YosemiteFire
Yosemite Fire crews are planning to conduct prescribed burning operations in Yosemite Valley with two units in focus this week. The first is YV-04 along Northside Drive between the Valley Woodlot and Pohono Bridge. There will be a one lane traffic closure on Tuesday, October 17 along Northside Drive as crews work to accomplish approximately 22 acres.
The second unit is YV-10W located near El Capitan Crossover and is approximately 44 acres. There will be a one lane traffic closure on Southside Drive beginning Thursday, October 19 as well as a parking area closure of El Capitan Crossover.
Prescribed burns mimic the natural fire regimes that many ecosystems have adapted to over time. They help maintain the health and diversity of forest ecosystems, promoting growth of fire-adapted plants, improving soil fertility, and reducing invasive species. They are conducted under supervision of experienced fire managers who carefully evaluate and monitor conditions and work closely with the local air pollution control districts. The fire and smoke map can be found online at https://fire.airnow.gov and air quality and smoke information in Yosemite can be found online at: Current Air Quality and Smoke Monitoring - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Thank you for your continued support,
Yosemite Fire Information
[email protected]
go.nps.gov/yosefire
Facebook @YosemiteFire
Twitter @YosemiteFire
Instagram @YosemiteFire
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, Oct, 10 2023
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 September 12.
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, Oct, 10 2023
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 September 12.
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
- PRESCHOOL DISCUSSION
- STAFF REPORTS
- BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS PROJECTS UPDATE
- FUNDRAISING EFFORTS
- BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
- FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- NEXT BOARD MEETING
- ADJOURNMENT
High Sierra Camps Reopening in 2024
We are thrilled to announce the reopening of the Yosemite High Sierra Camps experience for the 2024 season! The Lottery opens on October 9th.
The High Sierra Camps are a beloved Yosemite tradition, and we know many of you cannot wait to get back out to enjoy these camps. We will be opening the High Sierra Camps with a reimagined experience to more fully align with their original purpose - to educate and protect our wilderness. With our strong commitment to environmental sustainability and protection, we’re excited to share details on the 2024 High Sierra Camps experience.
The 2024 loop will begin at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge and then travel by foot (with an NPS guide or self-guided) to Glen Aulin, May Lake, Sunrise Lake and finish back at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge for the full five-night loop of the High Sierra Camps. After evaluating and working closely with the National Park Service to look at all possible alternatives, it was determined that the beloved Vogelsang and Merced Lake camps will be suspended for the 2024 season, as operating them would’ve come with negative impacts on our Wilderness.
The High Sierra Camps are an experience unlike any other. They are an introduction to the backcountry and wilderness of Yosemite, in a way that is accessible and responsible. Yosemite Hospitality and the National Park Service work in close partnership to protect and share the backcountry with those who want to experience it in this way. We take our role as stewards very seriously and actively work to protect the resources for generations to come.
The 2024 season is an opportunity to go back to the roots of the High Sierra Camps and focus on the education and protection of these unique landscapes.
We look forward to welcoming you at the High Sierra Camps this upcoming season!
Best,
Yosemite Hospitality
The High Sierra Camps are a beloved Yosemite tradition, and we know many of you cannot wait to get back out to enjoy these camps. We will be opening the High Sierra Camps with a reimagined experience to more fully align with their original purpose - to educate and protect our wilderness. With our strong commitment to environmental sustainability and protection, we’re excited to share details on the 2024 High Sierra Camps experience.
The 2024 loop will begin at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge and then travel by foot (with an NPS guide or self-guided) to Glen Aulin, May Lake, Sunrise Lake and finish back at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge for the full five-night loop of the High Sierra Camps. After evaluating and working closely with the National Park Service to look at all possible alternatives, it was determined that the beloved Vogelsang and Merced Lake camps will be suspended for the 2024 season, as operating them would’ve come with negative impacts on our Wilderness.
The High Sierra Camps are an experience unlike any other. They are an introduction to the backcountry and wilderness of Yosemite, in a way that is accessible and responsible. Yosemite Hospitality and the National Park Service work in close partnership to protect and share the backcountry with those who want to experience it in this way. We take our role as stewards very seriously and actively work to protect the resources for generations to come.
The 2024 season is an opportunity to go back to the roots of the High Sierra Camps and focus on the education and protection of these unique landscapes.
We look forward to welcoming you at the High Sierra Camps this upcoming season!
Best,
Yosemite Hospitality
Flu Vaccine Clinic in Wawona
We are adding a stop on to our Flu Vaccination schedule!
Our Mobile Health Clinic will be traveling to Wawona on Friday, October 20th, to provide Flu Vaccines at the Wawona Bassett Memorial Library, 7971 Chilnualna Falls Rd, Wawona 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
We hope to see you there!
We are adding a stop on to our Flu Vaccination schedule!
Our Mobile Health Clinic will be traveling to Wawona on Friday, October 20th, to provide Flu Vaccines at the Wawona Bassett Memorial Library, 7971 Chilnualna Falls Rd, Wawona 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
We hope to see you there!
