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WawonaNews.com - October 2015

       House Back on the Market - For Sale by Owner

For sale by owner.  3 bd, 2 bath. All furnishings included. River view.  Click here for more information and photos.


                         A Weekend Walk in the Park

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Photograph taken Oct. 3 at the Fissures


​YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL Board of Directors Meeting

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Wednesday, October 7, 2015, 6:30 pm
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, California

​AGENDA   
  1. CALL TO ORDER
  2. ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
  1. CONSENT AGENDA
NOTE: The Board will be asked to approve all of the following items by a single vote, unless any member of the Board or of the public asks that an item be removed from the consent agenda and considered and discussed separately.
  1. Approval of agenda
  2. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting, 9/23/2015
  1. Financial reports
    1. Monthly approval of warrants  (Action needed)
    2. Financial Report
    3. Salary Report
  2. HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
The public may address the Board on any matter pertaining to the school that is not on the agenda.  Unless otherwise determined by the Board, each person is limited to five (5) minutes.  There will be no Board discussion and no action will be taken unless listed on a subsequent agenda. 
ACTION ITEMS
  1. Discuss and approve year round calendar for next school year
  2. Next audit is October 20 and 21.
  3. DNC/NPS Grant;
    1. Sign grant agreement
    2. Establish protocol for overnight trips: parent chaperons, pets, money allotted, school rules, background checks for volunteers
    3. Update on grant including vans, field trips, gear, etc. and additional REI grant
    4. Field trip expenses: credit card vs. reimbursement and staff access to credit card for trips and camping arrangements, gas purchases
  4. Discuss transportation issues and approve any policy that may be needed, including insurance
    1. YARTS
    2. Decision on a purchase, lease or finance of a van
 
 
INFORMATION ITEMS 
  1. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
  2. STAFF REPORTS
12.1.L CAP Update
  1. NEXT MEETING DATE
  2. CLOSED SESSION   Personnel/Negotiations/Litigation
NOTE:  The Board will consider and may act upon any of the following items in closed session.  Any action taken will be reported publicly at the end of the closed session as required by law.
14.1.Employee Negotiations (Gov. Code 54957.6)
14.2.Personnel (Gov. Code 54957)
  1. RECOVENE IN OPEN SESSION:  ANNOUNCE CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS
  2. ADJOURNMENT

PG&E Tree Work in Wawona District Beginning September 28

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PG&E has rescheduled dead tree takedowns along their power lines in Wawona beginning September 28. Scheduled takedowns of dead tree connects September 30 will require an additional power outage that day for all Wawona areas. Please watch out for workers and equipment!  (B. Mattos)





YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

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Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, September 23, 2015, 6:30 PM
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, California

AGENDA   

1.       CALL TO ORDER
2.       ROLL CALL

MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS

3.       CONSENT AGENDA

NOTE: The Board will be asked to approve all of the following items by a single vote, unless any member of the Board or of the public asks that an item be removed from the consent agenda and considered and discussed separately.

3.1.    Approval of agenda
3.2.    Approval of minutes of the regular meeting, 09142015
4.       Financial reports
4.1.    Monthly approval of warrants  (Action needed)
4.2.    Financial Report
4.3.    Salary Report
5.       HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD

The public may address the Board on any matter pertaining to the school that is not on the agenda.  Unless otherwise determined by the Board, each person is limited to five (5) minutes.  There will be no Board discussion and no action will be taken unless listed on a subsequent agenda. 

ACTION ITEMS

6.       Discuss and approve $40/day for drama teacher Pat Edwards
7.       Discuss and make recommendations on the DNC/NPS Grant money and transportation options.
8.       Continue discussion on budget items for 7th grade curriculum 

INFORMATION ITEMS 

9.       BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
9.1.    Golf tournament results
10.   STAFF REPORTS
10.1.L CAP Update including FRL students and the funding that results from that
10.2.Upcoming field trips
11.   NEXT MEETING DATE
12.   CLOSED SESSION   Personnel/Negotiations/Litigation

NOTE:  The Board will consider and may act upon any of the following items in closed session.  Any action taken will be reported publicly at the end of the closed session as required by law.

12.1.Employee Negotiations (Gov. Code 54957.6)
12.2.Personnel (Gov. Code 54957)
13.   RECOVENE IN OPEN SESSION:  ANNOUNCE CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS
14.   ADJOURNMENT


Library Hours

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Wawona Bassett Memorial Library Hours Labor Day 2015 through Memorial Day 2016 209-375-6510 Internet  & Wi-Fi Available  Monday:  Noon – 5 PM

Wednesday:  Noon – 5 PM
Friday:  Noon – 5 PM
Saturday:  10 AM – 3 PM
Closed Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Holidays



Yosemite Fire Update #22, September 21, 2015


Tenaya (37 46.091 x 119 34.641 – Mariposa Co., 7200’ El. 8/7).  This wildfire began on the afternoon of September 7, 2015.  It is contained at 415 acres. Folsom Type 2 crew is staffing the fire with 16 firefighters.  Interior hotspots continue to burn down.

Fire activities include light mop-up to hold and secure the fire line.  Firefighters are adhering to Minimum Impact Suppression Techniques (MIST).  They are looking for opportunities to tie fire line into granite rock, trails, and other natural barriers with the least impacts to the environment, cultural and historical features.

All trails are open in the area.  Trail condition signs are posted at trail heads.  All Hikers are advised to hike through area quickly and stay on the trail through the fire area.  

Other fires being monitored:

Cathedral (37 51.078 x 119 25.120 – Tuolumne Co., 9400’El., 8/2). This is near the John Muir Trail to Cathedral Lakes.  The perimeter is continues to smolder and creep through lodgepole pine needles and logs and has good potential to grow until it hits natural barriers.  The fire is 37 acres.  

Middle (37 51.538 x 119 41.194 - Tuolumne Co., 8043’El., 7/27). It is west of White Wolf and south of the Middle Tuolumne River.  It is at 134 acres.  The fire is being staffed by Bandelier Wildland Fire Module.

White Cascade (37 54.926 x 119 23.780 - Tuolumne Co, at 9000’ el., 7/3).  This remote fire is within Tuolumne Meadows and is approximately 49 acres, and backing into Conness Creek and to the south.

All visitors are urged to be diligent in any use of fire, including smoking.  And be sure all fires are out! As with all fires, staff and visitor safety is of paramount importance.  Each fire, regardless of size, is assessed for the appropriate course of action.

All roads within the park remain open.

Air Quality has improved over the last week however periodic smoke may continue to be visible from all fires.  The Rough Fire south of Yosemite is at 70% containment, but continues to produce smoke from hot spots, interior to the fire perimeter.

For other air quality information: http://www.californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ & http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.main & http://www.mariposa.org/aqi

For additional fire Information

                         Missing Dog.  Need Your Help!

Missing pug.  Jackie, the Wawona Hotel sous chef's dog got out Wednesday.  If you find "Johnny"  please call Jackie or Lisa at the Wawona Hotel. 209-375-6556
Thank you!


Tree Work in Wawona along PG&E overhead power lines

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PG&E plans to begin removal of dead and dying trees along their overhead power lines in Wawona on Monday, September 14th. Ongoing forest fire near Jackson may delay forestry contractors.  (B. Mattos)



Yosemite Fire Update #20, September 13, 2015

Tenaya (37 46.091 x 119 34.641 – Mariposa Co., 7200’ El. 8/7).  This wildfire began on the afternoon of September 7, 2015, and is being suppressed.  The fire is located along the Lehamite Creek Trail from the north rim of the Valley to the Tioga Road.  The fire is at 502 acres with 70% containment. 

The Incident Commander noted that firefighters continued to make progress on holding the perimeter line and putting out spot fires.  Minimal fire spread has occurred as firefighters make progress in containing the fire. The fire continues to creep through surface fuels and the understory of trees.  Existing spot fires were mitigated and no new were found.  The firefighter efforts at the heel or anchor point continue to hold as they make good progress along both flanks of the fire.  There were no air tanker flights yesterday.

Fire activities include light mop-up to hold and secure the fire line.  Firefighters are adhering to Minimum Impact Suppression Techniques (MIST).  They are looking for opportunities to tie fire line into granite rock, trails, and other natural barriers with the least impacts to the environment, cultural and historical features. Snags (standing dead trees), which are safety hazards to firefighters by falling, are being preserved when possible.  Yosemite Resource Advisors are assigned to the fire to assist firefighters.

Fire managers anticipate significant resource demobilization within the next few days. Assisting organizations and cooperators include the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other National Park Service resources.  There are 270 personnel committed to the fire.
Risks include firefighter and visitor safety, and to the Tioga Road.  A closure of the road would negatively affect the local communities that rely on park visitation, including the communities of Lee Vining, Mammoth Lakes, Groveland and Mariposa.  

There have been 2 minor injuries.  There is no threat to structures. There is no estimated full containment and the cause is being investigated.

Yosemite thanks all fire crews, engines, pilots and overhead who responded to the Tenaya Fire.

A Safety Closure, issued by the park superintendent, is in place. It will remain in place until rescinded.  All trails on the north rim of Yosemite Valley south of the Tioga Road and east of Yosemite Creek are closed. Trail blocks are in place – please adhere to their warnings of exclusion.  Currently no roads are closed within the park.  

Other fires being monitored:

Cathedral (37 51.078 x 119 25.120 – Tuolumne Co., 9400’El., 8/2). This is near the John Muir Trail to Cathedral Lakes.  The perimeter is actively smoldering and creeping through lodgepole pine needles and logs and has good potential to grow until it hits natural barriers.  The fire is 37 acres.  

Middle (37 51.538 x 119 41.194 - Tuolumne Co., 8043’El., 7/27). It is west of White Wolf and south of the Middle Tuolumne River.  It is at 71 acres.  Yosemite Fire Crew 1 and Saguaro Wildland Fire Module are assigned to this fire.

White Cascade (37 54.926 x 119 23.780 - Tuolumne Co, at 9000’ el., 7/3).  This remote fire is within Tuolumne Meadows and is approximately 30 acres.

All visitors are urged to be diligent in any use of fire, including smoking.  And be sure all fires are out! As with all fires, staff and visitor safety is of paramount importance.  Each fire, regardless of size, is assessed for the appropriate course of action.

Yosemite, as other mountain areas, continues to experience air quality impacts due to regional fires. Mariposa County Health Department/Air Pollution Control District has issued an Air Quality Alert. This alert extends throughout the entire Central Valley of California.  Smoke levels are in the Unhealthy Range. The county suggests remaining indoors or minimizing outdoor activities as much as possible.  This condition is expected to continue through the next several days. Visit http://www.mariposa.org/aqi

For other air quality information: http://www.californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ & http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.main

For additional fire Information

Yosemite Fire Update #19, September 12, 2015


Tenaya (37 46.091 x 119 34.641 – Mariposa Co., 7200’ El. 8/7).  This wildfire began on the afternoon of September 7, 2015, and is being suppressed.  The fire is located along the Lehamite Creek Trail from the north rim of the Valley to the Tioga Road.  The fire remains at 455 acres with 25% containment.   

The Incident Commander noted that firefighters continued to make progress on holding the perimeter line and putting out spot fires.  Minimal fire spread is expected and line construction continues on the west flank.  Crews have begun direct line construction across the head of the fire. The fire continues to flank across slopes, creep through surface fuels and the understory of trees.  Single tree torching was also noted. Existing spot fires were mitigated and no new were found.  The firefighter efforts at the heel or anchor point continue to hold as they make good progress along both flanks of the fire.  Firefighter actions were able to reduce the need for air tanker operations.

Although fire retardant has been employed in the suppression of the Tenaya Fire, firefighters are adhering to Minimum Impact Suppression Techniques (MIST).  They are looking for opportunities to tie fire line into granite rock, trails, and other natural barriers with the least impacts to the environment, cultural and historical features. Snags (standing dead trees) which are safety hazards to firefighters by falling, are being preserved when possible.  Yosemite Resource Advisors are assigned to the fire to assist firefighters.

Firefighting resources assigned are adequate for accomplishing the objectives of the fire.  Fire managers anticipate significant resource demobilization within the next few days. Assisting organizations and cooperators include the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other National Park Service resources.  There are 270 personnel committed to the fire.

Risks include firefighter and visitor safety, and to the Tioga Road.  A closure of the road would negatively affect the local communities that rely on park visitation, including the communities of Lee Vining, Mammoth Lakes, Groveland and Mariposa. 

There has been one minor injury.  There is no threat to structures. There is no estimated full containment and the cause is being investigated.

A Safety Closure, issued by the park superintendent, is in place. It will remain in place until rescinded.  All trails on the north rim of Yosemite Valley south of the Tioga Road and east of Yosemite Creek are closed. Trail blocks are in place – please adhere to their warnings of exclusion.  Currently no roads are closed within the park.  

Other fires being monitored:

Cathedral (37 51.078 x 119 25.120 – Tuolumne Co., 9400’El., 8/2). This is near the John Muir Trail to Cathedral Lakes.  The perimeter is actively smoldering and creeping through lodgepole pine needles and logs and has good potential to grow until it hits natural barriers.  The fire is 37 acres.  

Middle (37 51.538 x 119 41.194 - Tuolumne Co., 8043’El., 7/27). It is west of White Wolf and south of the Middle Tuolumne River.  It is at 71 acres.  Yosemite Fire Crew 1 and Saguaro Wildland Fire Module are assigned to this fire.

White Cascade (37 54.926 x 119 23.780 - Tuolumne Co, at 9000’ el., 7/3).  This remote fire is within Tuolumne Meadows and is approximately 30 acres.

All visitors are urged to be diligent in any use of fire, including smoking.  And be sure all fires are out! As with all fires, staff and visitor safety is of paramount importance.  Each fire, regardless of size, is assessed for the appropriate course of action.

Yosemite as other mountain areas continues to experience air quality impacts due to regional fires. Mariposa County Health Department/Air Pollution Control District has issued an Air Quality Alert. This alert extends throughout the entire Central Valley of California.  Smoke levels are in the Unhealthy Range. The county suggests remaining indoors or minimizing outdoor activities as much as possible.  This condition is expected to continue through the next several days. Visit http://www.mariposa.org/aqi

For other air quality information: http://www.californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ & http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.main

For additional fire Information

                         Tenaya Fire Time-Lapse Video



Yosemite Fire Update #18, September 11, 2015

Tenaya (37 46.091 x 119 34.641 – Mariposa Co., 7200’ El. 8/7).  This wildfire began on the afternoon of September 7, 2015, and is being suppressed.  The fire is located along the Lehamite Creek Trail from the north rim of the Valley to the Tioga Road.  The fire is currently at 455 acres with 25% containment.   

The Incident Commander noted that fire activity has moderated today in part due to the aviation assets and crews on scene.  The fire continues to flank across slopes, creep through surface fuels and the understory of trees.  Single tree torching was also noted. Short range spotting was observed due to variable winds; however firefighters and helicopter water drops were able to put these out.  The firefighter efforts at the heel or anchor point continue to hold as they make good progress along both flanks of the fire.  Firefighter actions were able to reduce the need for air tanker operations.

Although fire retardant has been employed in the suppression of the Tenaya Fire, firefighters are adhering to Minimum Impact Suppression Techniques (MIST).  They are looking for opportunities to tie fire line into granite rock, trails, and other natural barriers with the least impacts to the environment, cultural and historical features.

Assisting organizations and cooperators include the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other National Park Service resources.  There are 241 personnel committed to the fire.

Risks include firefighter and visitor safety, and to the Tioga Road.  A closure of the road would negatively affect the local communities that rely on park visitation, including the communities of Lee Vining, Mammoth Lakes, Groveland and Mariposa. 

There has been one minor injury.  There is no threat to structures. There is no estimated full containment and the cause is being investigated.

A Safety Closure, issued by the park superintendent, is in place. It will remain in place until rescinded.  All trails on the north rim of Yosemite Valley south of the Tioga Road and east of Yosemite Creek are closed. Trail blocks are in place – please adhere to their warnings of exclusion. 

Currently no roads are closed within the park.  

Other fires being monitored:

Cathedral (37 51.078 x 119 25.120 – Tuolumne Co., 9400’El., 8/2). This is near the John Muir Trail to Cathedral Lakes.  The perimeter is actively smoldering and creeping through lodgepole pine needles and logs and has good potential to grow until it hits natural barriers.  The fire is 37 acres.  

Middle (37 51.538 x 119 41.194 - Tuolumne Co., 8043’El., 7/27). It is west of White Wolf and south of the Middle Tuolumne River.  It is at 41 acres, and smoke may be visible from Tioga Road.

White Cascade (37 54.926 x 119 23.780 - Tuolumne Co, at 9000’ el., 7/3).  This remote fire is east of Glen Aulin High Sierra camp, east of Conness Creek, and west of Tuolumne Meadows, and is approximately 30 acres. Smoke may be visible in Tuolumne Meadows.

All visitors are urged to be diligent in any use of fire, including smoking.  And be sure all fires are out!

As with all fires, staff and visitor safety is of paramount importance.  Each fire, regardless of size, is assessed for the appropriate course of action.

Yosemite continues to experience periodical air quality changes due to regional fires. Numerous large fires are burning along the entire western part of the United States and transport winds are carrying smoke across a large region. This pattern may continue for the next few days. The Rough Fire, south of Yosemite, is now the largest fire burning in California.  We urge everyone to consider air quality when planning outdoor activities.

For More Information

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Taro's party has been postponed due to the Tenaya fire incident. The tentative date is October 30th.
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