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Thursday 12-31-09
Mobile Home Saved in Midpines
“Any day you can save seventy-five percent of a mobile home (from fire)
is a good day.” Those were the words of a seasoned fire captain
following a mid-day residential structure fire in Midpines this past
Wednesday.
Mariposa News - Mobile Home Saved in Midpines
Mariposa County Supervisor Jim Allen – Dist. 5, 2009 Year in Review
One of the first orders of business on the Board of
Supervisors is to select members to be appointed to represent Mariposa
County on many Boards for the region and State...
SIERRA
SUN TIMES
Mariposa County Supervisor Kevin Cann–Dist. 4,
Looks Back on 2009 and Forward to 2010
First, I can’t believe it has been a year since Jim Allen and
I were newly sworn in. I am extremely appreciative of the returning
Board members and Jim for helping me matriculate from the Federal system
to local government. One of my most pleasant surprises is the overall
quality and commitment of the administrative staff that supports the
Board.
SIERRA SUN TIMES
Leroy Radanovich's
Mariposa Life:
George Radanovich
George’s announcement the other day came as a shock on one
hand and
totally understandable on another. We have known how difficult Ethie’s
battle has been, and knowing the love and respect that George has always
had for his family and his wife and child, it comes as
being entirely within character.
George Radanovich
Department of Water Resources Announces First Snow
Survey Results of 2009/2010 Winter Season
Lake McClure is 40% Full
Tamarack Flat
is at 84% of Average
SACRAMENTO -- The Department of Water Resources (DWR) first
snow survey of the 2009/2010 winter season indicates snow water content is
85 percent of normal for the date, statewide. This time last year, snow
water content was 76 percent of normal statewide.
Mariposa News - Department of Water Resources Announces First Snow
Survey Results of 2009/2010 Winter Season
Local Author
on Public Radio
On Wednesday, January 6, at 7:00 P.M., KVPR (89.3 FM) will kick
off its 2010 season of "Valley Writers Read" with C.B. Mosher
reading his short story "Slide." Mr. Mosher resides in Mariposa,
and has published several stories, non-fiction, and a novel. He teaches
Short Story writing classes at the Mariposa Arts Council.
Mr.Mosher's Website
http://greaterstory.com/
Mr. Mosher will also be teaching a writing class
in Mariposa beginning in January 2010
Mariposa News - Short Story Writing Workshop
Plan Your Weekend
Goldrushcam Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National
Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras
County
A Little Shaker Yesterday
A microearthquake occurred at 11:33:53 AM (PST) on
Wednesday, December 30, 2009. The magnitude 2.2 event occurred 12 km (7
miles) WNW of Yosemite Lakes, CA.
Earthquake
Planning Commission Agenda for the First
Meeting of January
Agenda 1-080-2010
Proposal: Hike Vehicle Fees To Pay For State Parks - cbs13.com
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:
If Mariposa County Schools proposed a Parcel Tax to help the Schools,
would You approve it?
24% Yes
76% No
A parcel tax would require a 2/3 (66%)Majority Vote
Badger Pass Is Open
Daily Ski Report on the Sierra Sun Times
Badger Pass Ski Report: Located In Yosemite National Park, Daily
Updated Ski Reports
In the Area News:
Editorial: Support Tourism,
Dave
Uberuaga: Still waiting for a decision: Rainier or Yosemite?
Another
Calaveras County Shooting May Be Linked to Serial Gunman,
Habitat seeking donations for massive subdivision,
Calaveras
Tourism Remained Strong in 2009...
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
Stray cattle were out wandering around on
Triangle Road.
An assault and battery on Colorado Road led to someone getting a ride to
the pokey for awhile.
On Leonard Road someone was being harassed...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Thursday's Forecast
51-59 Today: Partly sunny to mostly
cloudy today depending upon location. The clouds will thicken during the
day leading to a slight chance of rain near Yosemite this evening. High
temps today will be around six degrees warmer than Wednesday's high
temps. Temps this morning are in the mid 30's
at most reporting stations.
Yosemite Valley: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. East northeast
wind around 6 mph becoming calm. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a
low around 32. East southeast wind between 6 and 8 mph.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
Key Home Price Index Rises
for Fifth Month
The S&P/Case-Shiller home-price index increased 0.4 percent
from the prior month on a seasonally adjusted basis, after a 0.2 percent
rise in September, the group said today in New York. The gauge was down
7.3 percent from October 2008, the smallest year- over-year decline
since October 2007.
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
KOIN Center Trades Below Loan Value
PORTLAND-New York Life Insurance Inc. has sold a downtown
class A office building here this week for less than it was owed. The
lender took back the 415,000-square-foot (net rentable) building from a
CalPERS joint venture that paid $108 million for the 25-year-old
property and two adjacent parcels in 2007 using a $70-million
acquisition loan that went into default this summer. The new owner is
America Pacific International Capital Inc., a multi-national private
corporation that has been headquartered in Portland since 1998. Company
chairman Wilson Chen tells GlobeSt.com the short-sale price was
between $50 million and $60 million.
KOIN Center Trades Below Loan Value
California Farm Bureau
Christmas tree growers report a mixed season
California Christmas tree growers are reporting a mixed season.
The California Christmas Tree Association says the first weekends of the
season were good and trees were selling well. However, the third weekend
storm kept many consumers away. Snow and ice closed some roads in the
foothills where the Christmas tree farms are located. Those growers
never caught up as consumers shopped where they could find trees. Final
Christmas tree sale numbers will be available in April.
California Economy
Nuclear plant near Fresno planned
Reporting from Sacramento - A French company and a group of
Central Valley investors announced Tuesday that they had signed a letter
of intent to build one or two nuclear power plants near Fresno.
latimes.com
United States Economy
Stock market closes the books on a 'lost decade'
Yet today also ends by far the worst decade for stocks
overall since World War II. At 10,548 on Wednesday, the Dow Jones
industrial average was up 20% for the year -- but still 8% below its
level at the end of 1999.
The last time the Dow failed to make any net progress in a decade was in
the 1930s, when it sank 39% during the Great Depression.
latimes.com
Wednesday 12-30-09
In the Area News:
Merced
Irrigation District must redo 2 studies,
Lode’s
ambulance regulatory agency in flux,
Turlock's Emanuel Medical Center gets to heart of matter,
Hoffman
Comments On Rancheria Staff Reductions...
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
The Mariposa Bear was causing some sort of
problems on 49 North.
Vandalism was reported on Hornitos Road and on Lehamite Falls Road.
A vehicle was vandalized on Schaffer Road.
On Crystal Aire Drive a dog killed two cats...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes
Canceled:
NOAA has extended the Winter
Weather Advisory until 4:00 P.M. today
Snow level:
4,700 feet.
New Years Eve
is looking cloudy with just a slight chance of rain near Yosemite.
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Wednesday's Forecast
44-52 Today: High
temps today will be inline with Tuesday's high temps. Rain spreading
over the area today but by this evening we may see a partial clearing of
the clouds in the area. Temps this morning are in the low 40's
at most reporting stations.
Yosemite Valley: Rain and snow likely. Snow level 4800 feet. Cloudy,
with a high near 40. South wind 5 to 8 mph becoming west. Chance of
precipitation is 70%. Total daytime snow accumulation of around an inch
possible. Tonight: A chance of rain and snow showers. Snow level
5300 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Northeast wind at 6 mph
becoming west southwest. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no
snow accumulation expected.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
Key Home Price Index Rises
for Fifth Month
The S&P/Case-Shiller home-price index increased 0.4 percent
from the prior month on a seasonally adjusted basis, after a 0.2 percent
rise in September, the group said today in New York. The gauge was down
7.3 percent from October 2008, the smallest year- over-year decline
since October 2007.
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
* Mariposa County taxpayers should also
be infuriated as their roads fall into disrepair and more of their tax
dollars goes to pensions. Some of the current board members sat back and
watched the now $13M additional money owed to PERS build up higher and
higher, like a mountain of debt, year after year. Former Board members
also sat back and watched this mounting debt build up from a surplus to
$13M in the hole in about six years.
CalPERS: Clean house
Something has gone horribly wrong with the California Public
Employees’ Retirement System. The 1.6 million local and state government
workers and retirees who rely on the pension giant should be deeply
worried. State taxpayers who are going to have to bail out CalPERS
should be infuriated. In area after area, CalPERS has been a
disaster.
SignOnSanDiego.com
California Farm Bureau
Farm Bureau seeks Congressional action on immigration and estate tax
reform
Farmers and ranchers hope to persuade Congress to act on
immigration and estate tax reform in 2010. California growers need a
guest worker provision in any immigration reform package to assure
adequate labor supplies. Farm Bureau will also urge Congress to act on
estate tax reform. Although the estate tax disappears for a year January
1, it returns at a lower exemption rate in 2011. Growers will seek an
estate tax exemption for farmland as long as the land remains in
agricultural production.
Congressman George Radanovich
Statement on Decision to Not Seek Re-Election in 2010
“During the past 15 years that I have
been a Member of Congress representing
my friends, family and neighbors from
our Central Valley, not a day goes by
that I don’t feel a sense of pride and
honor in being their voice in our
nation’s capital...
Mariposa News - Congressman George Radanovich Statement on Decision
to Not Seek Re-Election in 2010
Senator Cogdill Applauds Congressman Radanovich’s
Service to Valley and Sierra Residents
“Whether it’s fighting against the man-made drought to ensure
California has a reliable water supply or protecting hard-working
taxpayers’ dollars, George has been a devoted public servant and I’ve
been proud to partner with him on several issues important to our
region...
Mariposa News - Senator Cogdill Applauds Congressman Radanovich’s
Service to Valley and Sierra Residents
California Economy
PG&E Customer Revolt May Threaten Rollout of Obama’s
Smart Grid
PG&E Corp., owner of California’s largest utility, halted
meter installations in Bakersfield, north of Los Angeles, after hundreds
of customers complained that readings weren’t accurate...
Bloomberg.com
United States Economy
GMAC Said to Discuss U.S. Aid Package of $3 Billion or
More
Dec. 30 (Bloomberg) -- GMAC Inc., the home and auto lender
that counts the U.S. government as the largest stakeholder, is
discussing with the Obama administration a third bailout of $3 billion
to $4 billion, said a person familiar with the matter.
Bloomberg.com
Tuesday 12-29-09
In the Area News:
Cultural
Conversation With Royal Robbins,
Scientists say most salmon runs rise this year,
Columbia
hotels deal in the works?
Staff
flooded with FEMA map questions..
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
During the late evening hours a prowler was reported on Bullion Street.
A suspicious vehicle was observed on Campbell Way during the morning
hours.
Someone on Schilling Road reported a suspicious phone call...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
Could be dense fog this morning in the Modesto
area.
Rain late this evening.
NOAA has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for tonight.
Snow level
:
4,500 feet for late Tuesday night.
New Years Eve
is looking cloudy.
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Tuesday's Forecast
44-52 Today: Cooler
today by around six degrees from Monday's high temps. Some locations may
see sunshine today while other areas are clouded in. Clouds will
increase during the afternoon hours leading to rain later this evening. Temps this morning are in the 30's
at most reporting stations.
Yosemite Valley: A slight chance of rain and snow showers before
10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Calm wind. Chance of
precipitation is 20%. Tonight: Rain and snow. Low around 34.
South southeast wind between 3 and 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is
80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
California housing market turns corner
...Single-family home prices in California rose for the
eighth consecutive month in October. The median cost of an existing,
detached house gained 0.3 percent from the previous month to $297,500.
Prices dropped about 3.2 percent from a year earlier, compared with
annual declines of 7.3 percent in September and 17 percent in August...
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
CalPERS: Most Israeli VC funds still have negative returns
According to CalPERS, the Carmel fund raised in 2000 has a positive
return on investment of 9%, with a potential multiple of 40%. The Gemini
III Fund, raised in 2000, has reached break-even. The Pitango IV Fund,
raised in 2004, has a return of 5%
However, the Apax Israel fund raised in 1999 has a negative return of
10.3%, and a paper write-off of 30%. The Pitango III Fund has a negative
return of 11%, and a paper write-off of 50%, and the JVP IV Fund has a
negative return of 4%, and a paper write-off of 20%
CalPERS: Most Israeli VC funds still have negative returns
California Farm Bureau
Sheep to Shawl
Below the Warner Mountains, where Modoc County spreads
majestically across Surprise Valley and the Nevada desert beyond, sheep
graze among the sage and women gather wool to spin and weave. It's a
time-honored partnership between sheep farmers and artisans that dates
back more than 10,000 years.
Sheep to Shawl
California Economy
United States Economy
Fed proposal: Let banks invest in 'CDs'
Washington - The Federal Reserve on Monday proposed allowing
banks to invest in the equivalent of certificates of deposit at the
central bank, a move that would help the Fed mop up money pumped into
the economy and prevent inflation from taking off later.
latimes.com
Monday 12-28-09
Remembering Alinda Franklin
Alinda Franklin is one of the reasons Yvonne and I call
Mariposa home.
She always had a smile on her face and was ready to volunteer in any
capacity she could. She could line up parade participants in an orderly
fashion and help put on a fun, music filled party every year for the
Annual Cousin Jack’s Birthday Party.
SIERRA
SUN TIMES
Mariposa County Fire Department
Log
Saturday,
December 19th
to Friday, December
25th
2009
Dec. 20 ●Fire; Structure Fire call on
Parambelle - #32 Ponderosa Basin, #29 Lushmeadows, #22 MPUD Rescue● EMS
call on Morningstar - #37 Bootjack● EMS call on Hwy 140 - #21 Midpines●
Mariposa News - Mariposa County Fire Department Log
A Sad Day
Alinda Boyce
Franklin
From Glenn Franklin:
Friends,
Alinda completed her journey last night, Sunday Dec. 27th at 7:30pm.
While this beautiful person, who touched so many of our lives will be
missed by all, she is in a better place and no longer suffering.
There will be no service. Her wish was to have a celebration of life
with food, family, friends and music, here in Mariposa at the “Cousin
Jack & Alinda” Arts Park. I will update you all when a date has been
set.
Mariposa News - Alinda Boyce Franklin
GOLDEN
OAK LIONS DONATE TO MCHS GRIZZLY BANK
The Golden Oak Lions donated
$200 to the MCHS Grizzly Band to help offset the cost of transportation to
their band competitions.
Mariposa News - GOLDEN OAK LIONS DONATE TO MCHS GRIZZLY BANK
From the Email Bin
Thanks Joe
Aanestad hopes to help dredge miners - ContraCostaTimes.com
Update Dec.
27, 2009
Alinda Boyce Franklin
Alinda completed her creative career with
the closing of her store in downtown Mariposa Oct. 31, 2009 to focus on
her health.
A few weeks ago, during the heavy snow, her family thought it best to
move her to Salinas with her daughter Ericka.
Mariposa News - Alinda Boyce Franklin
To Dovetail with Sunday's Poll:
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:
Have You visited the State Mining and Mineral
Museum during 2009?
46% Yes
54% No
Badger Pass Is Open
Daily Ski Report on the Sierra Sun Times
Badger Pass Ski Report: Located In Yosemite National Park, Daily
Updated Ski Reports
In the Area News:
Yosemite's Nonprofits Joining Forces,
Sparks
fly in bid for electricity contracts for Manteca, Ripon and Escalon,
Herbs
Past and Present by Charles Garcia...
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
Grand theft of money was reported from the 140 near El Portal.
An easement dispute was taking place on 49 North near Coulterville.
During the afternoon hours suspicious circumstances were observed on
Lakeside Drive and earlier in the day at the Miners Inn...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
Chance of rain showers the next few days.
New Years Eve
is looking cloudy.
Snow level today 4,600 feet for Tuesday morning.
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Monday's Forecast
48-56 Today: Mostly
cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers later this
morning, then this evening another chance of showers. Warmer today by
three to four degrees from Sunday's high temps. Temps this morning are in the 30's
at most reporting stations.
Yosemite Valley: A slight chance of rain and snow showers. Snow
level 4700 feet rising to 5200 feet. Cloudy, with a high near 42. East
wind around 7 mph becoming southwest. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight: A chance of rain and snow showers before 4am. Snow level
5100 feet lowering to 4600 feet. Cloudy, with a low around 26. Calm
wind. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than
one inch possible.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
Proposed guidelines for
reverse mortgages spell out potential pitfalls for homeowners
Reporting from Washington - If you, your relatives or
friends are contemplating applying for a reverse mortgage in 2010, check
out the new guidelines proposed this month by the federal regulatory
agencies for financial institutions.
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
How CalPERS strategy backfired
...Once the fund's star asset class, the real estate
portfolio of the $201.1 billion California Public Employees' Retirement
System lost nearly half its value during the one-year period ended Sept.
30. The fund's real estate consultant, Pension Consulting Alliance Inc.,
predicts losses will continue for at least another year...
Pensions & Investments
California Farm Bureau
Small town forms the heart of pear country
Sacramento is known for many things—a rich culinary scene,
unique scenery, and a wealth of history. Just a stone's throw away from
California's capital those words describe another Central Valley
city—the agricultural oasis known as Courtland. Along the Sacramento
River Delta, as Forty Niners came searching for riches during the Gold
Rush, some found riches in farming. Now it's up to people like Tim
Neuharth to keep that history alive by farming the land that has given
him and his family so much.
Small town forms the heart of pear country
California Economy
PG&E ballot measure is a stealthy power play
The proposed Taxpayers Right to Vote Act illustrates what
California's initiative process has come to. It's a plaything of
powerful interests using deception to line their pockets.
latimes.com
AND
$5.7 billion in unclaimed property owed to 11 million-plus Californians
Twenty California legislators are among millions of residents
eligible for a slice of $5.7 billion that the state wants to give to
rightful owners – all they have to do is ask.
Sacramento Bee
United States Economy
Mortgage Anxieties Mean Fannie-Freddie Limbo as Fed Pulls Back
The approaching withdrawal of Fed support in the form of the
mortgage-bond purchases risks “a very, very scary situation,” said
Meredith Whitney, founder of Meredith Whitney Advisory Group LLC in New
York. Mortgage rates would soar, endangering the economic recovery, if
private buyers failed to step in to buy the companies’ debt, she said.
Bloomberg
Sunday 12-27-09
Update Dec.
27, 2009
Alinda Boyce Franklin
Alinda completed her creative career with
the closing of her store in downtown Mariposa Oct. 31, 2009 to focus on
her health.
A few weeks ago, during the heavy snow, her family thought it best to
move her to Salinas with her daughter Ericka.
Mariposa News - Alinda Boyce Franklin
Website of the Day
A History of the
Yosemite Firefall
Sunday Game Day
New Game Added To The
Game Page
MAH
JONG!
You Tube Clip of the Week
Maria Lebrado and Yosemite National Park
A little more rain today and Mariposa will have had six inches of rain
for the month of December and also almost 33 inches of rain for the
calendar year.
Goldrushcam Current Local Weather Conditions For The Western Yosemite
Region
Mariposa Merry Mountain Christmas Bicycle Winners
The winners of the Huffy
Pro Thunder bicycles are Heather Lynn Picton and
Tonya Venderweide. The bicycles were donated by Coast Hardware Do It
Best.
Merry
Mountain Christmas Parade Winners
Floats:
Other: Mariposa Probation
Equestrian:
Mounted Group: Mariposa Mountain Riders
Mounted Single Rider, Senior: Melissa Moors – Butterfly Café
Mounted Single Rider, Junior: Merced Rodeo Committee
Rolling Entries:
Antique Cars: Valley Vintage Car Club
Decorated Motor Vehicle: MPUD
Decorated Motor Vehicle: Puppy Love
Truck Pulling Wagon: Grand Marshalls
Animal Drawn Vehicles: Clampers
Equipment: Cal Fire
Other: Lon Richards
Novelty: Ted Hogan
Bands:
Mariposa Grizzly Band
High School Drum Major – Garret Simpson
Junior High Drum Major – Melissa Caputo
Marching Teams:
Drill
Teams, Youth: Boy Scouts Troop and Cub Scout Pack 94
Drill Teams, Adult: Relay for Life
Marching Groups: Mariposa Girl Scouts
Comic & Novelty: Ted Hogan
Other: E. Clampus Vitus
Grand Prize Sweepstakes:
Experimental Aircraft Association
Executive Directors Favorite:
Mariposa Widders aka Hazel’s Girls
Most Unusual: Mariposa Sheriff’s Dept
Most Presidential: Mariposa Auto Trim
Favorite Routine: E. Clampus Vitus with Flag
Plan Your Weekend and News Year Eve
Goldrushcam Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National
Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras
County
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:
Did You Receive A Gift Card This Christmas?
36% Yes
64% No
Badger Pass Is Open
Daily Ski Report on the Sierra Sun Times
Badger Pass Ski Report: Located In Yosemite National Park, Daily
Updated Ski Reports
In the Area News:
Car-deer
collisions common, but avoidable,
Jardine:
Long-derailed train back on track,
Modesto-area stores open early, but to few shoppers...
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
Someone who was bitten by a dog ended up at
John C. Fremont E.R.
Counterfeit currency was reported from Coakley Circle.
At 1:30 in the morning corporal injury to a spouse was reported from
Circle Drive...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
Chance of rain showers the next few days.
New Years Eve
is looking cloudy.
Snow level today 5,000 feet.
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Sunday's Forecast
44-54 Today: Showers
likely in the morning...then slight chance of showers in the afternoon.
Chance of showers 60 percent. Two to three degrees cooler
today from Saturday's high temps. Temps this morning are in the 30's and
40's at the reporting stations.
Yosemite Valley: A 40 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high
near 41. Southeast wind between 4 and 7 mph becoming calm. Tonight:
A slight chance of rain showers. Snow level 5000 feet. Mostly
cloudy, with a low around 31. Light south southwest wind. Chance of
precipitation is 20%.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
The Real Estate Yo-Yo
Continues
It's been another yo-yo year for home sales across the
country with new homes staying on the market while existing homes are
being bought up.
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
* Mariposa, Exactly. Where did the
money go? Now we the taxpayers pay over $1,000,000 extra a year to
CalPERS for about 19 more years because of incompetence in our local
government.
Patricia Fink: Not all public employee pensions are
created equal
When times were flush, public agencies
who do contract with CalPERS fail to mention that their contributions to
the fund were forgiven or greatly reduced. CalPERS investment earnings
were sufficient to cover pensions. Those same agencies, however, spent
those monies rather than setting aside rainy-day funds. And when the
market earnings proved insufficient to cover costs, those agencies were
asked to once again pony up their share of coasts. And through poor
planning and other circumstances, the funds were not there...
Santa Cruz Sentinel
California Farm Bureau
Modified grapefruit juice won't interfere with medicine
Research scientists have found a way to change the chemistry
of grapefruit
juice so that the juice does not inhibit the work medications do for
some patients. Until now consumers have had to stop drinking grapefruit
juice when using the pharmaceuticals to control conditions such as high
cholesterol and others. By pulverizing edible mushrooms and adding that
material to the grapefruit juice the compounds that interfere with the
medications are neutralized without changing the taste of the juice.
It's not clear how soon processors may adopt these new procedures.
California Economy
A plan for getting California's fiscal house in order
A forecast last month from the nonpartisan Legislative
Analyst's Office pegged the budget deficit facing the state now at $20.7
billion, including a $6.3-billion hangover from the current year and a
$14.4-billion shortfall for 2010-11. Last week the governor called for
more deep cuts in state programs and said he would appeal for federal
aid to help close the gap.
latimes.com
United States Economy
The Big Economic Stories of 2009, and What’s to Come
Last year, most Americans felt as if they had been hit in the
head by a 4-iron. Wall Street nearly collapsed. The economy plunged into
its deepest recession in decades. As housing prices sank, many
homeowners realized that they owed more on their mortgages than their
homes were worth. Millions lost their jobs, and even those who didn’t
hunkered down, burying their wallets in the backyard.
NYTimes.com
Saturday 12-26-09
As we wind down 2009,
a look back at the thirty eight special photo galleries we
produced so far this year, brings back memories of all the good times
that make Mariposa County a special place to live.
Goldrushcam
Photo Gallery
From the Email Bin:
Thanks Joe
For the Gold Dredgers:
dredge-90033-suction-mining.html
Short Story Writing Workshop
The Mariposa County Arts Council’s Short
Story Writing class will begin on Wednesday, January 13th and continue
through February 17th at 6:00 pm. Tuition is $49 for six weeks
of instruction. For enrollment, registration and scholarship information,
contact the Mariposa County Arts Council at (209) 966-3155.
Mariposa News - Short Story Writing Workshop
TUOLUMNE MEADOWS - WINTER CONDITIONS UPDATE
December 23, 2009
Ski Conditions and Weather: This week had a little bit
of everything weather-wise. We had very warm temperatures over the weekend
with bright sunshine putting a sun crust on top of the snow. Then Monday we
got a cold, windy storm dumping 10 inches of new snow on us. There are now
snowdrifts and wind crust between the soft snow. Touring is quite good.
Caution is advised on any steep terrain due to the shallow snowpack and wind
loading.
Mariposa
News - TUOLUMNE MEADOWS - WINTER CONDITIONS UPDATE December 23, 2009
Plan Your Weekend and News Year Eve
Goldrushcam Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National
Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras
County
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:
Where You A Good Boy Or Girl This Year?
75% Good
6% Bad
19% Very Bad
Badger Pass Is Open
Daily Ski Report on the Sierra Sun Times
Badger Pass Ski Report: Located In Yosemite National Park, Daily
Updated Ski Reports
In the Area News:
Debbie Croft: Holiday travels,
Fast-melting sooty snow may have impact on state's water supply,
Watchful farmers see San Joaquin Valley streams improve,
Many still work on Christmas Day,
Valley Springs shooting spree shocks town....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
The caller from Piney Creek Road had
concerns about the welfare of someone's cats.
Another call came in from Hernandez Drive about a water leak.
During the afternoon hours suspicious circumstances were occurring
on Triangle Road...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
40% chance of rain Saturday evening and then a 30%
chance of rain on Sunday.
Snow level 5,500 feet lowering to 5,200 feet on Sunday.
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Saturday's Forecast: Cloudy
47-55 Today: Looking at
a mostly cloudy day with the high temps falling by six plus degrees for
the day. Chance of rain during the evening hours.
Temps this morning are mostly in the 30's.
Yosemite Valley: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. South wind
between 6 and 11 mph. Tonight: A chance of rain and snow showers.
Snow level 5500 feet. Cloudy, with a low around 32. South wind between 6
and 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no snow
accumulation expected.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
The Real Estate Yo-Yo
Continues
It's been another yo-yo year for home sales across the
country with new homes staying on the market while existing homes are
being bought up.
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
Billions in Pension Payments Loom for Struggling State Budgets
PBS NewsHour | Dec. 25, 2009 | PBS
California Farm Bureau:
California avocado growers can't help but marvel at what a
difference a year makes.
Last year's avocado crop suffered a variety of weather- and
water-related blows. The final yield totaled a mere 150 million
pounds—the smallest crop since 1975.
Avocado crop recovers; farmers focus on marketing
California Economy
Green economy grows in the Golden
State.
From 1995 to 2008, the number of green businesses in California has expanded 45 percent and green
jobs have increased by 36 percent, according to the report by
Next 10
(.PDF File) and Collaborative
Economics. While total jobs fell 1 percent from 2007 to 2008, green
jobs grew 5 percent. The report, "Many
Shades of Green: Diversity and Distribution of California’s Green
Jobs," (.PDF File)provides the
most comprehensive green jobs accounting to date.
United States Economy
Citigroup’s Crystal Ball Too Fogged Up to Work: Jonathan Weil
Dec. 24 (Bloomberg) -- When
the Treasury Department shelved its plans to sell $5 billion of
Citigroup Inc. common stock in a public offering last week, the news
came only two days after the bank had said the sale was a go. The delay
was a reminder that predicting the future can be a tough exercise.
Bloomberg.com
Friday 12-25-09
In the Area News:
Search Continues For Calaveras Shooter,
Officials Urge Residents To Be Careful With Fireplace Ashes,
Prospecting for Christmas....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
During the very early morning hours the
Mariposa Bear was causing some sort of problems on Tip Top Road.
A sick cat was on Davis Road.
In Catheys Valley an owner of seven cats relinquished the ownership of
them......
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
Chance of rain Sunday
A Gorgeous Day Today:
53-61 Today: Sunny and warmer
today by three plus degrees with a few clouds floating overhead.
Temps this morning are mostly in the 30's.
Yosemite Valley: Sunny, with a high near 47. East wind between 5 and
13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy,
with a low around 29. East southeast wind between 3 and 9 mph.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
The Real Estate Yo-Yo
Continues
It's been another yo-yo year for home sales across the
country with new homes staying on the market while existing homes are
being bought up.
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
CalPERS Applauds
Senate On Health Care Reform Action
The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) today
expressed strong support for today’s Senate action that advanced
national health care reform one step closer for all Americans.
CalPERS Applauds Senate On Health Care Reform Action
California Farm Bureau:
The little garden
with big hopes
Agriculture teacher Dane White walked through the greenhouse at
Galt High School one spring day and plucked a tiny strawberry from a
plant near the front door. He handed it to one of the students
responsible for growing it, who then devoured his “class project” almost
immediately.
The little garden with big hopes
Senator Dave Cogdill:
*Does a Chambers support mean that all the
members voted on an issue or a person? Or is it just the Board of
Directors?
Fresno Chamber Gives Perfect Ranking
With a record number of Californians receiving
unemployment checks rather than paychecks, I firmly believe that job
creation should be the top priority of the Legislature. I’m proud to
announce that the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, which tracks issues
important to area businesses, recently ranked me with a perfect score of
100% for their annual legislative report card. Click
here
to see how other local, state and federal elected officials scored.
California Economy
Cal's Reich on the Local Economy -- And
His Own Struggles Navigating It
Mr. Reich, an economist
who has served in three presidential administrations, including as
labor secretary under President Bill Clinton, bought his Bay Area
home in 2006 -- just in time to see the local property market
flounder and the regional economy tank.
WSJ.com
United States Economy
Many Will Not Feel Effect of Health Care Changes
...But what about the roughly 160 million workers and
their dependents who already have health insurance through an employer?
For many people, the result of the long, angry health care debate in
Washington may be little more than more of the same...
NYTimes.com
Thursday 12-24-09
Updated:
The TRAN documents have been uploaded
Mariposa County Schools and the School Tax Revenue Anticipation
Note (TRAN)
...In a nut shell, The TRAN money was given to the
County in July, 2009 with according to the County, there were no
instructions in the Email with what to do with the funds. So it was
just put into the schools general fund money not separated into separate
accounts, that would have needed signatures to tap into...
SIERRA
SUN TIMES
Mariposa County School Tax Revenue Anticipation Note (TRAN)
The County Treasurer was chosen to receive the School
District TRAN money this year because of it can provide a higher rate of
return on investments. The money was wired to the County Treasurer
on July 6, 2009 with instructions to credit $409,174.18 to Mariposa
County Board of Education and $995,152.03 to Mariposa County Unified.
Mariposa News - Mariposa County School Tax Revenue Anticipation Note
(TRAN)
H1N1 Flu Clinics Coming Up
CalChamber Releases List of New Laws Affecting Businesses
in 2010
The following is a list of new laws that have recently gone into
effect or will take effect in 2010:
CalChamber Releases List of New Laws Affecting Businesses in 2010 -
California Chamber of Commerce
Plan Your Weekend and News Year Eve
Goldrushcam Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National
Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras
County
Check the Roads
Road Conditions or call 1-800-427-7623
As of 5:00 A.M. CalTrans has restrictions on the 108.
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:
Have You Been Vaccinated For H1N1 Flu?
28% Yes
31% No, Not Yet
40% Refuse
Badger Pass Is Open
Daily Ski Report on the Sierra Sun Times
Badger Pass Ski Report: Located In Yosemite National Park, Daily
Updated Ski Reports
Agritourism in New York:
“Feed Your Soul’s overall goal is to look at the fact that
culinary tourism and agri-tourism are the two fastest growing
areas of tourism in the world right now,” she said. Last summer’s tours
included one with professional chefs another with those interested in
the subject of locally grown food.
Niagara Gazette - BEST CHEFS: Niagara chefs sought for Nickel City
competition
A Little Shaker Yesterday
A microearthquake occurred
at 7:41:13 PM (PST) on Wednesday, December 23, 2009.
The magnitude 2.6 event occurred 7 km (4 miles) W of Yosemite Lakes, CA.
The hypocentral depth is 0.1 km (0.1 miles)Earthquake
In the Area News:
Ex-Fresno mayor likely to make primary run against Radanovich,
Trio charged in mine thefts,
Calaveras County Board Chair Reflects On '09-....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
A sick stray cat was reported on Coakley
Circle.
Petty theft was reported from the 140 near Mariposa and Meadow Lane.
Mail was found on Grayling Road.
Someone in Mariposa reported a scam.....
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
Slight chance of rain Sunday
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Thursday's Forecast
50-58 Today: Sunny and
warmer today by six plus degrees.
Temps this morning are mostly in the high 20's to low 30's.
Yosemite Valley: Sunny, with a high near 46. East northeast wind
between 10 and 13 mph becoming calm. Tonight: Clear, with a low
around 28. East wind around 6 mph becoming calm.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
The Real Estate Yo-Yo
Continues
It's been another yo-yo year for home sales across the
country with new homes staying on the market while existing homes are
being bought up.
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
A Bigger Risk Than Emerging Markets: Staying Out
At the California Public Employees' Retirement System, or Calpers,
the largest pension fund with more than $195 billion in assets, emerging
markets "will have an increasingly larger share of our portfolio,"
according to spokesman Clark McKinley.
The fund has a little more than 11% of its stock allocation in emerging
markets and in a sign of its commitment to enlarging that share, CalPERS
is moving to a global benchmark from a U.S.-biased benchmark for
publicly traded stocks.
Still, such a disproportionate amount of inflows last year has a growing
number of market participants calling for a correction when investors
readjust their portfolios.
WSJ
California Farm Bureau:
Sparkling wine sales increase
Shoppers continue to look for value, especially for the holidays,
and that's helping sales of California sparkling wines. Sales have risen
6 percent so far this year, according to wine market analyst Jon
Fredrikson. Value priced sparkling wines from California have sold
particularly well, whereas imports of French champagne have dropped 28
percent.
Senator Dave Cogdill:
Ensuring Government Works for the
People
Take a front seat for democracy in action by
ensuring government works for the people and not the other way around.
Recently, voters approved a landmark ballot measure that will change the
way legislative district lines are drawn. The approval of this measure
creates a Redistricting Commission, compromised of 14 citizens who will
decide exactly where legislative boundaries lie.
We Draw The
Lines
California Economy
Schwarzenegger Seeks Obama’s Help as
Budget Gap Defies Solution
Dec. 24 (Bloomberg) --
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wants President Barack
Obama to help ease large- scale cuts to the most populous U.S.
state’s already diminished social programs amid a $21 billion
anticipated deficit.
Bloomberg.com
United States Economy
Uncertain Roles for Consumers and Housing in the Recovery
Consumers and housing are usually the forces that help
dig the United States economy out of a downturn, but their role in the
current recovery remains uncertain, government reports released
Wednesday indicated.
NYTimes.com
Wednesday 12-23-09
Plan Your Weekend and News Year Eve
Goldrushcam Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National
Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras
County
Low temps this morning are in the 20's
Brrr!
"Moose" Honored
with 2009 Yosemite Fund Award
San Francisco, Calif. December 21, 2009 –Few
people have a passion for Yosemite National Park like Jonathan "Moose"
Mutlow. For the past seven years, he’s become well-known for teaching kids
about nature, responding to emergencies and for a unique study called
"SPLAT Goes the Weasel," which resulted in a new bear protection
program...
Mariposa News - "Moose" Honored with 2009 Yosemite Fund Award
CONSERVATION LANDSCAPING TECHNIQUES NOW AVAILABLE
With the shortest day of the year behind
us, have you thought about ways to jump start your home landscape this
spring? Do you need fresh ideas for an attractive and inviting yard that’s
affordable and easy to maintain? Now is the time to start planning, and the
Upper Merced River Watershed Council’s Conservation Landscaping Project was
designed with you in mind!
Mariposa News - CONSERVATION LANDSCAPING TECHNIQUES NOW AVAILABLE
Call to Artists Mariposa Rotary Club’s 6th Annual “Fine Art & Wine
Festival” May 22, 2010
The Mariposa Rotary Club invites artists to submit an image that
will be used for our posters, postcards and general advertising.
The ability to furnish the art in a digital format for publishing is
requested, but not necessary for the contest.
Mariposa News - Call to Artists Mariposa Rotary Club’s 6th Annual “Fine
Art & Wine Festival” May 22, 2010
Check the Roads
Road Conditions or call 1-800-427-7623
As of 5:00 A.M. CalTrans has restrictions on the 108.
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:
Do You Blog?
8% Yes
85% No
7% What is a Blog?
Badger Pass Is Open
Follow the Daily Ski Report on the Sierra Sun Times
Badger Pass Ski Report: Located In Yosemite National Park, Daily
Updated Ski Reports
Agritourism in Tennessee:
...So as they wait, they make a home and find ways to make
the farm profitable. Agri-tourism is a big part of their plans. They've
sold Christmas trees. Horse trail rides have been sold. They're building
a petting zoo...
Marshall County Tribune:
In the Area News:
Radanovich Says Payoffs Are Buying Healthcare Votes,
Stanislaus County Grand Jury: 3 should quit Hughson's council,
Lode unemployment highest since 1990s,
County gears up for tax decrease....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
On Pilot Peak Road the caller reported
observing suspicious circumstances.
Over on Sierra Pines Drive a dog attacked a goat.
During the evening hours a suspicious person was noticed on
Chowchilla Mountain Road....
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
Christmas Eve and
Christmas Day: No Rain.
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Wednesday's Forecast
43-51 Today: Sunny and
warmer today by a few degrees.
Temps this morning are mostly in the 20's.
Yosemite Valley: Sunny, with a high near 38. East northeast wind 18
to 21 mph decreasing to between 6 and 9 mph. Winds could gust as high as
25 mph. Tonight: Clear, with a low around 19. East wind between 9
and 13 mph.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
C.A.R. reports November home sales increased
4.7 percent; median home price increased 5.8
percent
LOS ANGELES (Dec. 22) – Home sales increased
4.7 percent in November in California
compared with the same period a year ago,
while the median price of an existing home
rose 5.8 percent, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION
OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) reported today.
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
*So how is CalPERS doing?
Total CalPERS Fund
Market Value:
$200.5 Billion
Reflects market value, as of market close on 12/21/2009.
End of 2005: $200.9 Billion.
Could have made more in a Money Market Account. Plus they are still
sitting on $13.5 Billion in Real Estate.
California Farm Bureau:
CDFA announces it will temporarily raise milk prices
California dairy farmers, who have been devastated
financially by low milk prices brought on by the global recession, will
get a temporary boost in the minimum price of milk starting in January.
CDFA announces it will temporarily raise milk prices
California Economy
Schwarzenegger to seek federal help for
California budget
Facing a budget deficit of more than
$20 billion, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to call for deep
reductions in already suffering local mass transit programs, renew
his push to expand oil drilling off the Santa Barbara coast and
appeal to Washington for billions of dollars in federal help,
according to state officials and lobbyists familiar with the plan...
latimes.com
United States Economy
November home sales leap
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- After surging 10% in
October, sales of existing homes jumped again in November, growing 7.4%
compared with October to an annualized rate of 6.54 million units,
according to the National Association of Realtors.
CNN
Tuesday 12-22-09
Reminder: Today:
No Board of Supervisors meeting today
Christmas Weather Forecast
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are looking fabulous for the area.
Watch the Sierra Sun Times as we track Santa on Christmas Eve.
Stanislaus County to end EMS alliance
"What does this mean for the rest of us?" Mariposa County Administrative Officer Rick Benson said, "Whenever a
big player pulls out of an agreement, it will cause concerns."
Modbee.com
Tom Medema Selected as Chief of Interpretation and
Education at Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park Superintendent Dave Uberuaga has announced that Tom
Medema has been selected as the Chief of Interpretation and Education at
the park. Tom has been in the position in an acting capacity for well over
a year and will officially begin his duties in January, 2010.
Mariposa News - Tom Medema Selected as Chief of Interpretation and
Education at Yosemite National Park
NORTHERN MARIPOSA COUNTY HISTORY CENTER HAPPENINGS
Gail Tyler Gets a Whopper of a
Christmas Present
Gail Tyler was delighted to learn that she
held the winning ticket drawn at the History Center’s December 13th
Breakfast. Shawn Shimer had tirelessly spun the basket containing over
200 tickets.
Mariposa News - NORTHERN MARIPOSA COUNTY HISTORY CENTER HAPPENINGS
Stanislaus National Forest to Hold Motorized Travel
Management Meetings
Sonora, Calif., (December 21, 2009)…The
Forest Service today announced a reminder of the dates, times, and locations
for two upcoming public meetings that will provide information on the
recently announced Stanislaus National Forest (NF) Motorized Travel
Management (MTM) Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision.
Mariposa News - Stanislaus National Forest to Hold Motorized Travel
Management Meetings
Check the Roads
Road Conditions or call 1-800-427-7623
As of 5:00 A.M. CalTrans has restrictions on the 108.
Check it out
Clara Barton NHS Virtual Museum Exhibit:
Social Media Attracting More Women Bloggers | News10.net | Sacramento,
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:
Are Gravel Roads Good For The Environment?
63% Yes
37% No
Badger Pass Is Open
Follow the Daily Ski Report on the Sierra Sun Times
Badger Pass Ski Report: Located In Yosemite National Park, Daily
Updated Ski Reports
Agritourism in Africa:
There are many African states
with vast tracts of land that are not used to produce food. As a
consequence, agri-tourism is taking root where foreign nationals
who can better utilise land in Africa are acquiring such land for export
production.
Africa
2009 – Bridging the knowledge divide - The Zimbabwe Telegraph
In the Area News:
Yosemite's Maria, Miwok or Paiute?
,
New youth center arrives in Groveland,
Lode owner gets one more last chance....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
A dog was reported as lost on Indian Peak Road.
On Coakley Circle a landlord and a tenant were having issues.
The caller from Darrah Road reported counterfeit money...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
Christmas Eve and
Christmas Day: No Rain.
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Tuesday's Forecast
40-50 Today: Sunny
and cooler today with the high temps dropping ten plus degrees from
Monday's high temps as a Northern jet of cool air enters the region.
Temps this morning are mostly in the 30's.
Yosemite Valley: Today: A 30 percent chance of snow before 10am.
Partly cloudy, with a high near 36. West wind between 11 and 14 mph
becoming calm. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch
possible. Tonight: Clear, with a low around 19. East northeast
wind between 13 and 17 mph.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
C.A.R. extends its Mortgage Protection Program through December 2010
Program has benefited more than 3,100 first-time home buyers in
California
LOS ANGELES (Dec. 21) – The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.)
today announced it is extending its Mortgage Protection Program (MPP)
for first-time home buyers through Dec. 31, 2010. To date, C.A.R. has
approved benefits for 3,122 first-time home buyers at no cost to the
consumer.
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
*Risky bets sometimes lose, but it is so much easier with other peoples
money
Tishman’s $5.4 Billion
Boomerang Gives Speyer Lesson
Florida anticipated a return of almost 14 percent on its investment,
according to the memo. Calpers, the California state pension fund,
projected a 13.5 percent rate of return on its $500 million
investment, according to a document provided by agency spokesman
Clark McKinley.
Bloomberg.com
California Farm Bureau:
Avocado crop recovers; farmers focus on marketing
California avocado growers can't help but marvel at what a
difference a year makes.
Last year's avocado crop suffered a variety of weather- and
water-related blows. The final yield totaled a mere 150 million
pounds—the smallest crop since 1975.
Avocado crop recovers; farmers focus on marketing
Governor Schwarzenegger Announces County Awards to Combat IHSS Fraud
12/21/2009 - Gov. Schwarzenegger held
a press conference with Sacramento County District Attorney Jan
Scully and announced $26.5 million in awards to counties across the
state to help combat and reduce fraud in the In-Home Supportive
Services program.
Read More
About Combating IHSS Fraud
California Economy
Small-business bankruptcies rise 81% in
California
...As credit lines
have shrunk and consumers have cut back on spending, thousands of
small businesses have closed their doors over the last year. The
plight of struggling firms has been aggravated by the reluctance of
banks to lend money, said Brian Headd, an economist at the Small
Business Administration's office of advocacy...
latimes.com
United States Economy
Home mortgage foreclosures rise in third quarter
Home mortgage foreclosures and delinquencies were up in the
third quarter despite greater efforts to help homeowners. Defaults on
modified loans were also high.
Mortgage problems rose during the third quarter, with 6.2 percent of all
loans seriously delinquent (60 days or more past due) and an additional
3.2 percent of all loans in the process of foreclosure. Delinquency
among prime mortgages – the largest and highest-quality category – rose
significantly.
The Christian Science Monitor
Monday 12-21-09
Agritourism in Maryland:
...Dernoga said he has testified before state lawmakers in
favor of changing the laws in the past and plans to do so again if a
measure is introduced.
"This council has been the most supportive council of all time of
agricultural pursuits and agricultural preservation," he said.
The Prince George's County Farm Bureau will also throw its support
behind any measure that could help local wineries succeed, said
organization President Yates Claggett.
"A profitable farm preserves itself," he said.
Agritourism measures approved
In the Area News:
Yosemite ranger's fame is building,
Salvation Army gives grandmother hope,
Cox Is Latest Republican To Endorse Denham....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
During the very early morning hours someone who was trespassing on Crown
Lead Road was picked up and sent to the pokey.
A resident on Cedar Avenue reported a gas leak in the house.
A burglary was reported on Harris Cut-Off Road......
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
* Snow level could be down to 3,000 feet on
Tuesday
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Monday's Forecast:
52-62 Today: Mostly
cloudy today as a weather system with rain makes it's way over the
region. Could see light rain during the day with increasing chances as
we move through the day into the evening hours. Cooler
today by a few degrees from Sunday's high temps. Seeing lots of temps
this morning in the 40's.
Yosemite Valley: Today: A 40 percent chance of rain after 10am.
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. South southwest wind between 7 and
16 mph. Tonight: Rain. Snow level 5400 feet lowering to 4900
feet. Low around 29. Southwest wind between 10 and 16 mph. Chance of
precipitation is 100%.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
Mortgage
Rates Rises, 30-Year Near 5%
Frank Nothaft, Freddie's chief economist, noted rates
followed yields on Treasurys, which have risen in recent days on a
litany of political and economic news. He added that the 30-year rate
has been below 5% for nearly two months, which has contributed to a wave
of refinancing activity...
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
CalPERS earnings fall behind other pension funds
The CalPERS investment portfolio, after losing $100 billion from its
peak in October 2007, has rebounded $40 billion since the market low
last March and is now about $202 billion.
But a consultant told the CalPERS board last week that the fund’s
investment returns, when compared with other large pension funds, ranked
in the bottom 7 percent during the last year and the bottom 10 percent
during the last five years.
Calpensions
California Farm Bureau:
Diesel rule requires odometers to be checked on Jan. 1
It's not a News Year's Day tradition that anyone looks
forward to but, with the first reporting deadline looming to comply with
the state Air Resources Board rule to regulate diesel truck emissions, a
California Farm Bureau Federation specialist reminds farmers and
ranchers to record the odometer readings of qualifying agricultural
vehicles in their fleets.
Diesel rule requires odometers to be checked on Jan. 1
California Economy
California's unemployment rate shrinks -
but so do the number of jobs
The rate falls slightly to 12.3% last
month from 12.5% in October, but only because thousands of
discouraged workers have left the labor force or even moved out of
state.
latimes.com
United States Economy
Taxpayers Help Goldman Reach Height of Profit in New
Skyscraper
During the past year, Goldman Sachs’s profits and
compensation outstripped those of its rivals. The firm, now the nation’s
fifth-largest bank by assets, reported a record $8.44 billion in
earnings for the first nine months of 2009 after setting aside $16.7
billion to pay employees. That comes to $527,192 for each person on
the payroll, almost eight times the median U.S. household income.
Bloomberg.com
Sunday 12-20-09
We were going to post these
in
the
morning but then the RED phone rang and it
was Santa. He said he would like to see the photos tonight, so we hung
up the phone, put down the cookies and here they are.
A
Sierra Sun Times Special Edition 2009 MERRY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS WITH
SANTA
A Sierra Sun Times Special Edition:
2009 MARIPOSA MERRY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS PARADE
On Saturday, December 19, the 2009 Mariposa Merry
Mountain Christmas Parade was held on a beautiful sunny day.
The festivities had to be rescheduled from a dreary
rainy Saturday the week before.
A
Sierra Sun Times Special Edition: 2009 MARIPOSA MERRY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS
PARADE
Get Ready Mariposa,
The Good Old Days May Return!
Roll up the pavement: Gravel is making a comeback
A fabulous day in Mariposa yesterday
with the sun
shining over the county as the Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce
hosted a excellent parade while the Lions did a great job on the evening
events at the Courthouse
that featured Santa.
Supervisor Brad Aborn was one of the Judges for the Parade and
was also in attendance at the Courthouse to present some of the parade
trophies. The bon fire kept us warm on the outside while the hot
chocolate warmed the inside which was much needed after a brisk ride on
the Coyote Springs Ranch wagon.
Happy faces were all around as the younger ones stood in line for a
chance to whisper to Santa what they would like for Christmas. Some of
the children had lists to give to Santa to make sure he would not
forget.
Plan Your Weekend
Today you can count birds in Yosemite
or enjoy a breakfast with the Don Pedro Fire Brigade
Goldrushcam Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National
Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras
County
Missing
From Catheys Valley!
If found please return to his home on Highway 140
Thank you,
Shannon
Badger Pass Is Open
Follow the Daily Ski Report on the Sierra Sun Times
Badger Pass Ski Report: Located In Yosemite National Park, Daily
Updated Ski Reports
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:
Should Mariposa County offer Advertising on the
Fire Trucks?
31% Yes
69% No
California Economy report issued by the
Public Policy Institute of
California
Mentions among other things:
Don’t pin all hopes on one industry.
Some hyped industries fail to take off at all. Economic development
policy needs to nurture both the new, innovative industries that might
constitute California’s next boom as well as established, steadily
growing industries such as health care.
Agritourism in Iowa:
*Interesting, A Party Room...
Vintners here says business is booming
Today, Tucker Hill is one of the 81 wineries licensed in
Iowa. Their so-called "native wines" make up 5.2 percent of all wine
sales in the state and now account for $11.7 million in sales. The
industry is also an economic force for agritourism. Many wineries,
including Tucker Hill, offer wine tasting events and have a wine shop
and party room available for celebrations, receptions, reunions,
after-hours business meetings and other functions.
Vintners here says business is booming
In the Area News:
Debbie Croft: Teens' Christmas caroling party,
Outcry, budget strains spur talk of new retirement limits for Stanislaus
County employees,
Wood Ashes As A Garden Fertilizer....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
A loose aggressive dog was running around
Meadow Lane.
A caller from the Coulterville area reported a phone scam.
During the afternoon hours suspicious circumstances were reported from
Woodland School and later from Napa in Mariposa.....
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
* A really good chance of rain Monday Evening
and Tuesday
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Sunday's Forecast:
56-62 Today: Partly
sunny to mostly cloudy today depending on elevation as once again a low
cloud deck is hanging around the area. Once the low clouds clear away
the high temps should be up a few degrees over Saturday's high temps.
Could be pockets of fog this morning in some locations. High clouds will
be streaming in today leading the mostly cloudy conditions this evening. Yosemite Valley:
Partly sunny, with a high near 52. South wind between 7 and 13 mph.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. South wind between 9
and 11 mph.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
Mortgage
Rates Rises, 30-Year Near 5%
Frank Nothaft, Freddie's chief economist, noted rates
followed yields on Treasurys, which have risen in recent days on a
litany of political and economic news. He added that the 30-year rate
has been below 5% for nearly two months, which has contributed to a wave
of refinancing activity...
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
CalPERS' 3rd quarter
return at 8.6%
CalPERS' overall investment performance in the third quarter was 8.6%,
according to a report presented by Wilshire Associates to the $198.9
billion system's investment committee today.
That was below the 12.2% actuarial rate of the California Public
Employees' Retirement System, Sacramento, as well as under the
Wilshire large fund universe's 11.6% median return for large public
pension funds and the 11.4% Wilshire TUCS median return for all public
funds.
Pensions & Investments
California Farm Bureau:
Beef 101
Don’t know the difference between a short rib and a rib eye? Well
you’re in luck, because we’re going to answer the age-old question of
'where’s the beef?'
Beef 101
California Economy
California is known for its recurrent booms and busts
The State’s
long-term job growth rates will likely parallel the national rate,
states the California Economy report issued by the
Public Policy Institute of
California
(PPIC)According to the PPIC, the perception that California loses
businesses and jobs to other states is a misleading indicator of the
overall performance of the California economy. California actually
loses very few jobs to other states; only 0.06 percent of
California’s 18 million jobs go to other states. Business expansion,
contraction, and closure are far more responsible for jobs gained or
lost, rather than relocation.
Public Policy
Institute of California
(.PDF File)
United States Economy
*Should government be run like
a business?
Time to privatize the Postal Service?
..."We need to find a way to sustain this
organization into the future," Maher said.
Higher rates? Guaranteed. Reduced service? Inevitable. Some legislative
changes, including, perhaps, billions in bailout cash? Probably
unavoidable.
And then what? Considering that the postal service reaches every
household in the country, there must be some way this could be
leveraged with marketers and other business interests.
latimes.com
Saturday 12-19-09
STATE ANNOUNCES 2010 AS THE
YEAR OF THE CHECKPOINT
Just in time for the upcoming holiday travel
season, state traffic safety officials continued to tighten their firm
grip on drunk drivers today by and declaring 2010 as “The Year of the
Checkpoint" and announcing a record $8 million in grant funding to 148
law enforcement agencies for DUI checkpoints – up from $5 million in
2009.
Mariposa News - STATE ANNOUNCES 2010 AS THE YEAR OF THE CHECKPOINT
Plan Your Weekend
WOW!
Parades and other Fun Events Today
including a Party at the SPCA and the
Mariposa Symphony Orchestra plays this evening
Goldrushcam Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National
Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras
County
Yosemite National Park Announces Release of the
Parkwide Communication Data Network Environmental Assessment
The purpose of the proposed project is to upgrade
Yosemite’s internal communications system with more reliable, modern
technology and create an efficient communications backbone to support
all the park communication needs.
Mariposa News - Yosemite National Park Announces Release of the Parkwide
Communication Data Network Environmental Assessment
Yosemite Association Announces Exciting Roster of
Winter Outdoor Adventures for 2010
...Guided naturalist hikes on
snowshoes, a winter ecology program at the cozy Ostrander Hut, assisting
rangers with a snow survey, two winter photography courses, and a series
of moonlight snowshoe programs are just a sampling of the wide range of
affordable learning adventures offered by the acclaimed non-profit
organization, Yosemite Association (YA) during 2010.
Mariposa News - Yosemite Association Announces Exciting Roster of Winter
Outdoor Adventures for 2010
Mariposa County Unemployment Report For November 2009
Although the Unemployment numbers in
Mariposa County continue on their seasonal rise, there were more workers
employed this November in the Leisure and Hospitality field than last
November, which dovetails with the Tourism Bureaus rising Bed Tax
dollars although the two numbers are off by a month.
The Mariposa County Unemployment rate for November
2009 stood at 11.4 % (Prelim). A Rise
of 1.5% from the October 2009 (revised 9.9 %) report
and 2.4% higher than November 2008.
1,090 residents were out of work. That is 110 More residents who were
unemployed compared to October 2009.
SIERRA
SUN TIMES
Badger Pass Is Open
Follow the Daily Ski Report on the Sierra Sun Times
Badger Pass Ski Report: Located In Yosemite National Park, Daily
Updated Ski Reports
Stockton Sells Ad Space on City Fire Truck | News10.net | Sacramento,
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:
What County Has the Roughest Roads?
10% Madera
75%
Mariposa
9% Merced
6% Tuolumne
Agritourism in Florida:
Federal aid bringing hope to U.S., local dairy farmer
To cushion some of the roller-coaster effect of plunging and
then-soaring costs, the Dakins have added agri-tourism, a retail store,
and a bottling operation at their Myakka operation. The farm’s
home-grown milk products are now sold at all 16 Florida locations of
Whole Foods Market and at some Sweet Bay supermarkets.
BradentonHerald.com
In the Area News:
Mariposa: Meet Mary Colliver, 90. Keeps an eye on
kindergarteners at the school.,
John Muir Laws shares his love of art and nature with area students,
Council may cut insurance,
Dangerous expedition planned to Wolfe's cabin....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
Trespassing hunters were observed on Miami
Mountain Road.
Possible poachers were observed on Aqua Fria Road.
The caller from Dexter Road reported fiduciary elder abuse.
Mail tampering was reported from the Mariposa Post Office.....
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
* Possible rain Monday Evening
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Saturday's Forecast:
44-54 Today: Partly sunny
to mostly cloudy today depending on elevation as a low cloud deck is
hanging around the area. Cooler today today by a degree or two but again
depending if you are under the cloud deck like some locations
were yesterday. Yosemite Valley: Mostly sunny, with a high
near 49. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph. Tonight:
Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. Southeast wind around 7 mph.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
Mortgage
Rates Rises, 30-Year Near 5%
Frank Nothaft, Freddie's chief economist, noted rates
followed yields on Treasurys, which have risen in recent days on a
litany of political and economic news. He added that the 30-year rate
has been below 5% for nearly two months, which has contributed to a wave
of refinancing activity...
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
Kern County's
retirement liability tops $1 billion
Kern County's retirement system now owes its retirees $1.2 billion more
than it has.
Actuarial recommendations indicate supervisors need to invest an extra
$35 million in pensions in the 2010-2011 fiscal year in an attempt to
shore up the gap -- hiking the annual county contribution to retirements
to $170.8 million.
Bakersfield.com
California Farm Bureau:
CFBF delegates
tackle issues, fine-tune policies
Finding broad solutions to the state's ongoing water problems
drew plenty of discussion last week as delegates to the California Farm
Bureau Federation Annual Meeting fine-tuned the organization's water
policy.
CFBF delegates tackle issues, fine-tune policies
*Mariposa County according to a study needs $5M a
year just to maintain it's roads. The roads get less than a $1M a year
from the County.
The County pays more servicing the $13M CalPERS Debt than it does on
your roads.
League of California Cities:
Cities to Share First Ever Statewide
Report on Local Streets and Roads Condition
$71 Billion Statewide Shortfall Projected Over the Next
10 Years
A recent study found that California's local streets and
roads are at risk and that the condition will rapidly deteriorate
further without a major statewide investment. The study, conducted by
the League, California State Association of Counties (CSAC), County
Engineers Association of California and other key local transportation
stakeholders will be the topic of discussion at council meetings and
media events in January.
League of California Cities
California Economy
California’s Unemployment Rate Decreases
to 12.3 Percent
SACRAMENTO
– California’s unemployment rate was
12.3 percent in November, and nonfarm payroll jobs decreased by
10,200 during the month, according to data released today by the
California Employment Development Department (EDD) from two separate
surveys.
Mariposa News - California’s Unemployment Rate Decreases to 12.3
Percent
United States Economy
*Trading has Slowed Way
Down but yet the Market Continues Higher
NYSE Trading Surges to Record on Expiration, S&P 500
Changes
U.S. trading has slowed as the S&P 500 rebounded from
a 12- year low in March, with average monthly volume falling 36 percent.
Fewer than 7.87 billion shares changed hands each day on U.S.
exchanges during November, the lowest month average since August 2008,
Bloomberg data show. Analysts including Mary Ann Bartels at Bank of
America Corp. say the slowdown in volume was a bearish sign following
the S&P 500’s 63 percent surge.
Bloomberg.com
Friday 12-18-09
Mariposa County Unemployment Report For November 2009
Although the Unemployment numbers in
Mariposa County continue on their seasonal rise, there were more workers
employed this November in the Leisure and Hospitality field than last
November, which dovetails with the Tourism Bureaus rising Bed Tax
dollars although the two numbers are off by a month.
The Mariposa County Unemployment rate for November
2009 stood at 11.4 % (Prelim). A Rise
of 1.5% from the October 2009 (revised 9.9 %) report
and 2.4% higher than November 2008.
1,090 residents were out of work. That is 110 More residents who were
unemployed compared to October 2009.
SIERRA
SUN TIMES
Soroptimist International of Mariposa Concludes Another
Successful Year
Soroptimist International of Mariposa had another busy
year fund-raising, volunteering and donating for the benefit of local
service projects, scholarships, youth groups, search and rescue
efforts, and many other vital community services.
Mariposa News - Soroptimist International of Mariposa Concludes Another
Successful Year
Mariposa County Population Decreases
According to the California Department of Finance,
Mariposa County has experienced a population decrease from 2008 to 2009.
Figures from 2008 put the counties population at 18,354 residents and
the new figures for 2009 show a decrease of 102 residents for a total
population of 18,252 residents.
Mariposa News - Mariposa County Population Decreases
Mariposa opens Hilmar tourney with win - Sports - Modbee.com
Badger Pass Opens Today
Follow the Daily Ski Report on the Sierra Sun Times
Badger Pass Ski Report: Located In Yosemite National Park, Daily
Updated Ski Reports
Sac Home To Some Of The Roughest Roads In The US - cbs13.com
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:
Do You Drink Mariposa Town Water or Bottled Water?
34% Town Water
66% Bottled Water
Plan Your Weekend
And What a Busy Weekend it is in Mariposa
County
Goldrushcam Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National
Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras
County
Reminder: Today:
The Planning Commission Meeting that was Scheduled for Friday is
Cancelled
Agritourism in Virginia:
Agritourism Brings Boost for Augusta County
Weddings and horseback riding may seem unrelated, but their both a part
of what's bonding tourism and agriculture in Augusta County.
Agritourism Brings Boost for Augusta County
In the Area News:
A festive night at the symphony,
Trophy Buck Shot in Anderson Flat Area,
Water district preps for more dry wells....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
Someone dumped some junk on Sebastopol
Road.
Vandalism was reported at the History Center in Coulterville.
Theft of a credit card was reported on Triangle Road.
An assault and battery was reported from Ranchito Drive....
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
* Watch Out For Patchy Lower Elevation Fog
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Friday's Forecast: Clouds Moving In and
Cooler
53-61 Today: Partly sunny
today with patchy morning fog. Clouds moving in during the day will lead
to mostly
cloudy conditions this evening. Cooler today today by four plus degrees
over Thursday's high temps. Temps this
morning are in the low 30's to high 30's depending on elevation. Yosemite Valley:
Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. East northeast wind between 3 and 10
mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. East southeast
wind between 3 and 8 mph.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
Home construction rebounds from 6-month low
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Home
building rebounded from a six-month low in November, with improvement in new home construction in all sections of the
nation, according to a government report issued Wednesday...
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
*Good
Thing Mariposa County Tourism Is Doing So Well, Forget Your Roads, They
Got Premiums To Pay
After further research on this
item the long term care is paid by the employee if they wish to have a
policy.
Long-Term Care Benefits
We confused this with the retirement health care benefits that are paid
by the county for the retired employee which can cost the county
hundreds of dollars a month depending on the coverage the retired
employee selects.
So the above statement is still correct, it is just that the county does
not pay for long term care.
Higher
premiums OK’d for CalPERS long-term care
The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) is
increasing the premiums for its long-term care insurance, beginning in
mid-2010. Some premiums will jump 22 percent.
Central Valley Business Times
California Farm Bureau:
28th annual CFBF photo contest
Through the lens of their cameras, California Farm Bureau
Federation members entering the 28th annual photo contest expressed
pride in the state's rich agricultural heritage and a determined
optimism for its future.
CFBF Photo
Contest
California Economy
More homes are poised to hit the market
A supply of 1.7 million
homes headed for sale because of foreclosure or delinquency looms
over the nation's housing market, which could dampen progress toward
recovery should the Obama administration fail in its efforts to aid
struggling homeowners, researchers said.
latimes.com
United States Economy
Senate Panel Backs Bernanke for a Second Term at Fed
WASHINGTON — The Senate Banking Committee voted
Thursday to approve the nomination of Ben S. Bernanke for a second
four-year term as chairman of the Federal Reserve.
NYTimes.com
Thursday 12-17-09
Major Yosemite Nonprofits to Merge
The Yosemite Fund and Yosemite Association Approve Formation of a
Unified Organization Dedicated to Supporting Projects and Programs in
Yosemite National Park
San Francisco, December 17, 2009 – The Yosemite Fund and
Yosemite Association, two of Yosemite National Park’s major nonprofit
groups, are forming a unified nonprofit that will make it even easier to
support projects and programs that preserve park resources and enrich the
visitor experience.
Mariposa News - Major Yosemite Nonprofits to Merge
Footnotes from North County – by Lyle Turpin, Mariposa
County Supervisor District 2
Here we are, 2009 coming to a close, as we
have taken part and enjoyed all the festive activities this month of
December with much community enthusiasm and good spirit.
Mariposa News - Footnotes from North County – by Lyle Turpin, Mariposa
County Supervisor District 2
Email Warning
We have received an Email this morning that purports to be from a local
business owner, but the Email address is a fake. We would advise you if
you get emails like this do not open the link
as it could be malicious.
With the Opening of Badger Pass on Friday the Sierra Sun Times Badger
Pass Daily Ski Report is Back Online
Badger Pass Ski Report: Located In Yosemite National Park, Daily
Updated Ski Reports
Mariposa
With Video
CHP Employee Injured in Rollover Accident | KSEE 24 News - Central
Got Good Water?
Water Systems in Mariposa County, CA - Interactive Feature - The New
York Times
AND
What’s in Your Water - Interactive Feature - The New York Times
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:
Is the Drought in California 'man made' as Congressman George Radanovich
Proclaims?
58% Yes
42% No
Plan Your Weekend
And What a Busy Weekend it is in Mariposa
County
Goldrushcam Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National
Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras
County
Reminder: Today:
Midpines Planning Advisory Committee Meeting
On the Agenda: The Fire Station, YARTS Bus Shelter and Tony and Rita
Kidd will talk about the lessons they learned from the Catheys Valley
Specific Plan Process
Agenda (.PDF File)
Reminder: Friday:
The Planning Commission Meeting that was Scheduled for Friday is
Cancelled
Agritourism in Calaveras County:
Trial date set in ongoing Trinitas battle
*An Olive Orchard and a Golf
Course
The 280-acre course in the Wallace area is embattled because
county officials say it was built without proper review on land zoned
for agricultural purposes. The Nemees contend the county gave the
project its blessing and that it qualified as “agritourism” because it
also houses an olive orchard
Union Democrat | Sonora News
In the Area News:
Two Yosemite nonprofits to merge,
Interactive database: See licensing and disciplinary records for every
nurse,
Santa's
Express needs ham, turkey, help,
Sanitary district files lien on Ironstone owner....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
A resident on Davis Road wants to adopt a
dog.
Vandalism was reported on Main Street in Coulterville.
Vandalism was reported at the History Center in Coulterville.
During the early evening hours suspicious circumstances were observed on
Jeffery Lane in Coulterville...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Thursday's Forecast: Mostly Sunny and
Warmer
57-65 Today: Mostly sunny
today with a few clouds moving in during the day leading to partly
cloudy conditions this evening. High temps should be up a few degrees
over Wednesday's high temps. Temps this
morning are in the 30's and 40's depending on elevation. Yosemite Valley:
Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. East wind around 6 mph becoming calm.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. East wind around 6
mph becoming calm.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
Mortgage
lenders cancel more foreclosures in November
Under intense pressure to help more people
stay in their homes, mortgage lenders canceled far more scheduled
foreclosures in November than in the previous month, according to a
report Tuesday....
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
CalPERS avoids giving state $1 billion rate shock
The CalPERS board yesterday approved a plan that avoids a $1.2 billion
increase in pension payments sought by the Schwarzenegger
administration, which opponents suggested was an attempt to boost
support for a pension reform initiative.
Moody’s lowered the bond rating of CalPERS and CalSTRS last week from
“Aaa” three notches to “Aa3,” saying market losses during the last two
fiscal years will “exacerbate long-term projected actuarial funding
shortfalls,” the Wall Street Journal reported
Cal pensions
California Farm Bureau:
Sierra snowpack improves
Weekend storms have increased the Sierra snowpack, and California
Department of Water Resources officials say it is a good start to the
season. However, they add this does not mean the drought has ended. The
overall snowpack for the Sierra is 95 percent of average for this date.
That compares favorably to the 17 percent of average last year at this
time. The Pacific Ocean El Nino current gives hope to farmers and urban
dwellers alike for above-average precipitation, at least in the Central
and Southern Sierra.
From the Governor's Office
Special Advisor David Crane Holds Interactive Media Briefing on
Managing California's Debt Service
11/17 - The Governor's Office held a
live media briefing to discuss California's debt service and the
importance of managing it effectively in order to protect vital state
programs, boost jobs and economic growth...
Office of the Governor :: Video
California Economy
*Read This
California Bonds Fail on Advice Bill
Lockyer Couldn’t Refuse
Dec. 17 (Bloomberg) -- For
California Treasurer Bill Lockyer, the offer from Goldman Sachs
Group Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Citigroup Inc. was too good to
refuse.
Bloomberg.com
United States Economy
4 Big Mortgage Backers Swim in Ocean of Debt
And the total risk they pose to the taxpayer far
exceeds that of the big banks. Fannie and Freddie, in the final days of
the year, are even said to be negotiating with the Treasury about
greatly expanding the money available to them.
NYTimes.com
Wednesday 12-16-09
Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Continue the Appeal on the
Fractionalized Parcels until the January 19th, 2010 Meeting
At the December 15, 2009 Board of Supervisors meeting
the BOS with Supervisor Janet Bibby not in attendance decided to
continue their action on the Appeal of the Planning Director’s
Determination Regarding a Portion of Certificate of Compliance
Application for Twelve Fractionalized Patents until the January 19, 2010
Board of Supervisors meeting.
SIERRA
SUN TIMES
Plan Your Weekend
And What a Busy Weekend it is in Mariposa
County
Goldrushcam Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National
Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras
County
Mariposa County H1N1 Flu Update Presentation at the
12/15/2009 Board of Supervisors Meeting
At the Board of Supervisors meeting Mariposa County
Health Officer Dr.Mosher said that Out Patient visits to the clinic have
fallen off now for two to three weeks. The daily visits have dropped to
the single digits instead of over twenty a day that they were seeing a
few weeks ago...
SIERRA
SUN TIMES
At the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors meeting yesterday on CA 12 -
The CAO Rick Benson
recommended rejection of the claim by Bryce Johnson for $550,000
was pulled from the agenda with no reason given.
Consumer Price Index Up .4% for November
Over the last 12 months the index
increased 1.8 percent before seasonal adjustment, the first positive
12-month change since February 2009. Electricity, Gas and Food were
attributed to the increase.
*Merry Mountain Christmas
Has Been Rescheduled - Parade and
Other Activities Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009
A Sierra Sun Times Presentation Welcome to a Mariposa Country Christmas
Feds warn state Healthy Families deal may not work - Fresno News -
abc30.com
Sanofi Recalls 800,000 Swine Flu Shots on Potency
Dec. 15 (Bloomberg) -- Sanofi-Aventis SA recalled
800,000 doses of swine flu vaccine after testing showed the potency of
the batches was too low, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention said today.
Bloomberg.com
Yosemite
The lower Mist Trail and the Four Mile Trail are
closed for the season.
Hundreds Take Part in Household
Hazardous Waste Collection
About 350 area households took advantage of the opportunity
to dispose of hazardous materials lying around their homes and garages
during the free household hazardous waste collection sponsored by the
Mariposa County Department of Public Works.....
Mariposa News - Hundreds Take Part in Household Hazardous Waste
Collection
Tree Recycling Program Makes It Easy to Be Green
The Mariposa County Department of Public Works is making it even easier for
County residents to green up their holiday season by offering free disposal
of Christmas trees at the Landfill.
The public is invited to bring their Christmas trees to the Landfill
between Dec.....
Mariposa News - Tree Recycling Program Makes It Easy to Be Green
Reminder: Tomorrow:
Midpines Planning Advisory Committee Meeting
On the Agenda: The Fire Station, YARTS Bus Shelter and Tony and Rita
Kidd will talk about the lessons they learned from the Catheys Valley
Specific Plan Process
Agenda (.PDF File)
Reminder: Friday:
The Planning Commission Meeting that was Scheduled for Friday is
Cancelled
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:
Should Your Employer Have Access To Your Emails At Work?
58% Yes
42% No
Agritourism in Iowa:
Farm grows memories along with trees
The Howell Tree Farm, as well as the family's adjacent
greenhouse and floral business, isn't only about flowers in the spring
and summer, pumpkins in the fall and Christmas trees in the winter.
It's about agritourism, which, depending on the season, means a
petting zoo for kids, fresh asparagus, eggs and rhubarb, hayrack rides,
a corn maze, an O-scale model railroad running through a wintry scene, a
visit from Santa Claus.
The Des Moines Register
In the Area News:
Books chronicle Levy investigation,
Students learn a variety of lessons at Camp Green Meadows,
Angels
Camp’s postmark is a hot commodity,
State gives $5.9 million for Calaveras roadwork....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
A runaway juvenile report from Silva Road
resulted in an arrest.
Child abuse was reported from Quail Lane.
Water was leaking on Mueller Road.
During the morning hours three pups were found on Fiske Road...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
*Slight Chance of Showers Today near Yosemite.
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Wednesday's Forecast: Cloudy
54-64 Today: Mostly cloudy
today with a few sprinkles or possibly a shower over some locations with the high temps
rising a few degrees over Tuesday's high temps. Temps this
morning are in the 30's and 40's depending on elevation. Yosemite Valley:
A slight chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high
near 48. East southeast wind at 7 mph becoming west. Chance of
precipitation is 20%. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around
30. East southeast wind between 5 and 8 mph.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
Southern
California home prices and sales improve in November
Data released Tuesday showed the Southland housing market gaining
strength in the traditionally slow month of November. The median price
paid for a Southern California home increased 1.8% in November from
October, to $285,000, according to MDA DataQuick...
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
Pensions and partying
like it’s 1999
Californians questioning why their state budget is in perpetual red ink
need look no further than the California Public Employees’ Retirement
System’s (CalPERS) implicit forecast in 1999 that the Dow Jones
Industrial Average would reach 25,000 by 2009, 595,000 by 2049 and 28
million by 2099 and that its investment earnings would rise alongside.
SignOnSanDiego.com
California Farm Bureau:
Editorial: Leveraging
our grassroots influence: For positive results
Farm Bureau is grassroots. If there is any term that
has been the mantra of Farm Bureau, it is this word—grassroots. It
defines what has led the California Farm Bureau to celebrate 91 years of
existence as the single largest "general" agricultural membership
organization.
Editorial: Leveraging our grassroots influence: For positive results
Radanovich Lauds Congressional
Forum in Fresno on Valley Man Made Drought
Washington, Dec 14 -
Congressman George Radanovich (R-Mariposa) today released the following
statement after Rep. Doc Hastings (WA-04), ranking member of the House
Natural Resources Committee and Rep. Tom McClintock (CA-04), ranking
member of the Water and Power Subcommittee, announced that they will
hold a congressional forum on resolving the San Joaquin Valley water
crisis in Fresno, California on Monday, January 25, 2010.
Mariposa News - Radanovich Lauds Congressional Forum in Fresno on Valley
Man Made Drought
California Economy
California Taxes Fall Short of November Target by $439 Million
Dec. 16 (Bloomberg) --
California’s finances resumed a decline in November, adding to the
state’s resurgent deficit as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger readies
a spending plan that will need to erase a $21 billion gap.
Bloomberg.com
AND
Kern's wind energy boom 'a gold rush'
The wind turbines that
first started appearing on ridges of the Tehachapi Mountains in the
early 1980s have been just a footnote in the energy story of
power-hungry California.
Bakersfield.com
United States Economy
A Tax Break for Citigroup Comes With Repayment of Bailout
After months of discussions, the
Internal Revenue Service granted an
exemption late Friday that allowed Citigroup to
preserve a $38 billion tax benefit it stood to
lose if it repaid the government. The decision
essentially waived a longstanding rule that
disqualified certain tax breaks if a significant
ownership stake changed hands in an effort to
discourage outside investors from buying tax
benefits.
NYTimes.com
Tuesday 12-15-09
Agritourism in California:
*In case you missed this yesterday
Hamburger Farm educates and entertains
From simple and comforting to sophisticated and elegant--hamburgers are
easy to enjoy. Over the years they have become an icon of American
cuisine. And at one special farm in the Central Valley, kids of all ages
get to find out what goes into making the all-American meal.
Hamburger Farm educates and entertains
In the Area News:
Rain And Snow Encore Tuesday & Wednesday,
Wooden roses make for a crafty bouquet,
Task force coordinator’s goal is suicide prevention
....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
On Rainbow View Road neighbors were having
a bit of a problem.
Three loose horses were out running around Ernst Road.
During the evening hours a prowler was reported on Carstens Road...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
*Chance of Showers late Tuesday near Yosemite. Then a better chance of
Showers on Wednesday over the county.
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Tuesday's Forecast: Cloudy
49-59 Today: Mostly
cloudy today with the high temps inline with Monday's high temps. Most locations are reporting temps in the 30's
this morning. Yosemite Valley: Mostly cloudy, with
a high near 47. South wind around 10 mph. Tonight: A 20 percent
chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. South wind
between 7 and 9 mph.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
New
foreclosure alternatives program
The U.S. Dept. of the Treasury recently announced the Home Affordable
Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA), which provides instructions for
lenders and servicers participating in the Making Home Affordable
Program and Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP).
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
Senator Dave Cogdill
Receives a Top Honor from the California National Guard
The California National Guard Adjutant General today presented
Senator Dave Cogdill (R-Modesto) with the Guard’s second highest
meritorious award, the California Medal of Merit.
Mariposa News - Senator Dave Cogdill Receives a Top Honor from the
California National Guard
CalPERS
Retiree health care:
can $118 billion debt be cut?
...The federal court ruled that San Diego’s
retiree health obligation is not a “vested right” like public employee
pensions, which are widely believed to be protected by court rulings
that allow cuts only if replaced by something of equal value....
If a sweeping package of spending cuts and tax increases is
not enacted, the draft said, the city should consider bankruptcy.
The San Diego County Taxpayers Association held a forum on municipal
bankruptcy in October.
Calpensions
California Farm Bureau:
A bounty of beans—and more
For the past 40 years, Ron Kelley has had a finger in
farming. He’s an agricultural production consultant, which is just a
fancy term for plant doctor for farmers. And what started out as a hobby
a few years ago has now turned into a 25-acre U-pick farm.
A bounty of beans—and more
California Economy
Are we being shortchanged by TARP repayments?
..."There's
the potential for another shoe to drop in commercial real estate
loans that could involve massive losses," observes Robert R. Bliss,
a former Federal Reserve bank economist now teaching at Wake Forest
University. "They may be acting hastily."
latimes.com
United States Economy
Poll Reveals Havoc of Unemployment on Workers and Family
More than half of the nation’s unemployed workers have
borrowed money from friends or relatives since losing their jobs. An
equal number have cut back on doctor visits or medical treatments
because they are out of work.
NYTimes.com
Monday 12-14-09
Need A Job?
Last Day to Apply at the RCD
Monday Special SlideShow:
A Sierra Sun Times Special
Edition - A Historic Stamp Mill Removal in Mariposa County
In Mariposa County,
during the Summer of 2008, the devastating Telegraph Fire destroyed
trees, homes and over 34,000 acres of land before it was contained. The
fire roared through private property, National Forest land and Bureau of
Land Management (BLM) land during the days that it burned.
A
Sierra Sun Times Special Edition - A Historic Stamp Mill Removal in
Mariposa County
Weekend Storm Totals
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County
Foothills / Yosemite
Save America’s
Treasures Grant Program Announces $9.5 Million in Awards
Today, the President’s Committee
on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) and the National Park Service (NPS), jointly
announced the awarding of $9.5 million in federal competitive Save America’s
Treasures (SAT) grants, which are made in collaboration with the National
Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH),
and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Mariposa News - Save America’s Treasures Grant Program Announces $9.5
Million in Awards
* The very interesting item in reviewing
sites in California that have received funding is the Fremont Adobe in
Mariposa, known commonly today as the Gold Coin. The funding was awarded
in 2004 in the sum of $148,152.00 What happened to this funding is very
curious as it is listed as 'Funded.'
What an impressive scene on the 140 on
Thursday afternoon as many Merced County sheriff vehicles along with
probation vehicles were headed back into Mariposa after the Shop with a
Cop program at Wal-Mart in Merced
With Dodge Ridge and Sierra Summit Open For The
Season, Badger Pass Will Be Opening On December 18
Passes are available here
Badger Pass Ski Resort Tickets - Badger Pass Tickets
Check the Roads
Road Conditions or call 1-800-427-7623
As of 5:00 A.M. CalTrans has restrictions on 108.
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:
Should Mariposa County install Surveillance Cameras ?
81% No
19% Yes
Agritourism in Virginia:
Agritourism: Inside the buzz
* Campgrounds? Not in Mariposa
County according to the committee.
...“Agritourism as a term is new, but the concept has been
around for a long time,” said Elaine Lidholm with the Virginia
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, who grew up on a farm
outside St. Louis, Mo., in the 1950s and 1960s, and watched her parents
develop a very informal agritourism business with a dedicated
campground and log cabin to accommodate visitors and harvest
festivals that brought people out to the farm to buy their produce...
Augusta Free Press
In the Area News:
Rain And Snow Encore Tuesday & Wednesday,
Wooden roses make for a crafty bouquet,
Task force coordinator’s goal is suicide prevention
....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
Someone who was making noise on Mariposa Creek Circle received a
Warning.
A report was filed on someone who cut down a Christmas Tree
on Lakeside Road.
A request for a snow plow was called in from Foresta Road during
the late morning hours...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
*Possible rain late Tuesday
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Monday's Forecast: Some Sun and Warmer
Temps
48-58 Today: Mostly
sunny today with the high temps rising 5-6 degrees. Clouds will be
thickening during the day leading to mostly cloudy conditions during the
evening hours. Most locations are reporting temps in the 30's
this morning.
Yosemite Valley: Partly sunny,
with a high near 44. East wind between 6 and 9 mph becoming calm.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. East wind between 5
and 8 mph.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
US home sale listings fell again in November
NEW YORK(Reuters) - The number of U.S. homes listed for sale fell more
than 2 percent in November compared to October, according to real estate
brokerage ZipRealty
...
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
Moody's Cuts Calpers' Rating by Three Notches to Aa3
Calpers may be paying a price for its decision to help financially
strapped local California governments.
The downgrade, made Thursday, in part reflected Calpers' recent spike in
unfunded liabilities, following the fund's negative 24% return for the
year ended in June. Calpers, the nation's largest public fund with about
$200 billion in assets, last month delayed its efforts to offset those
liabilities by agreeing to defer an increase in local-government
contributions to the fund from 2011 until 2012.
WSJ.com
California Farm Bureau:
Hamburger Farm educates and entertains
From simple and comforting to sophisticated and elegant--hamburgers are
easy to enjoy. Over the years they have become an icon of American
cuisine. And at one special farm in the Central Valley, kids of all ages
get to find out what goes into making the all-American meal.
Hamburger Farm educates and entertains
California Economy
Sacramento donations to Salvation Army down by a third
Fighting a recession and
an increasingly cashless society, the charity's "bell ringers" in
Sacramento County have collected 32 percent less donations so
far this year compared with last year, said coordinator David
Bentley.
The charity's annual holiday toy drive collected only 600
items this year, he said, compared with 5,000 in 2008.
Sacramento Bee
United States Economy
Defaults to Rise as Credit Issues Remain, Greene Says
Dec. 11 (Bloomberg) -- The next six months will bring
more credit-card and mortgage defaults, said Mark Greene, chief
executive officer of FICO, maker of the credit-scoring formula most
widely used by U.S. lenders.
Bloomberg.com
Sunday 12-13-09
Weather Report from Mariposa Pines
As of 7:00 A.M.
29 degrees with 3" of overnight snow.
Thanks Tom.
Sunday Special SlideShow
Snow in Yosemite by Linda Gast
This Weeks You Tube Video
A Mine in Mariposa County
Check the Roads
Road Conditions or call 1-800-427-7623
As of 5:00 A.M. CalTrans has restrictions on the 41 before entering the
Park on Highway 120 and on 108.
Rainfall since Midnight at the Sierra Sun Times Weather Station:
.67" as of 6:15 A.M.
Total rainfall since December 10: 3.9"
Read About Yesterday's Parade Canceling Weather
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County
Foothills / Yosemite
According to the United Way of California 24.9% of Mariposa County
Families Live Below Self- Sufficiency Standards
Download the report.
It is a .PDF File and scroll down to page 139 where the study proves how
education makes a difference in your living standards
in Mariposa County.
United Ways of
California - Home
Make Your Weekend Plans
Today: The big Auction at Odella's Antiques
and Breakfast in Coulterville.
Goldrushcam Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National
Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras
County
Letter to the Editor – The Mariposa
County High School Grizzly Band to Perform their annual Fall/Holiday
Concert
Tuesday December 15th, at 7:00 p.m. there will be a special event
in the Fiester Auditorium. The Mariposa Middle School Band directed by
Mrs. Christina Tiner, and the award-winning ‘Pride of the Sierra’, The
Mariposa County High School Grizzly Band; will be performing their
annual Fall/Holiday Concert.
SIERRA SUN TIMES
Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Meeting for December 8, 2009
The Five Year Housing Element gets adopted
SIERRA
SUN TIMES
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:
Would a ski shuttle service to Badger Pass increase tourism
for Mariposa County?
68% Yes
32% No
Agritourism in Tennessee:
Rental reindeer add holiday party magic in
Middle TN
Over time, they plan to develop an agri-tourism business
to include a Santa's workshop display with vintage toys to complement
the reindeer, Swenson said.
The Tennessean
In the Area News:
Parks step up permit game, so be ready,
Strategic Defaults: Walking away from a mortgage,
Holiday Décor Courtesy of Mother Nature,
Utica Park getting permanent kitchen....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
A tree was down on Triangle Road near 49 South during the early evening
hours that had both lanes blocked for awhile.
A dogs versus goats call from somewhere on the 49 resulted in a trip to
Impound where the dogs could dry out.
A possible burglary was reported on Jalapa Way during the evening
hours...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
NOAA Winter Storm Warning will Expire at 10:00 A.M.
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Sunday's Forecast: Cloudy With Showers
42-52 Today: Cloudy
with showers. Chance of showers 70 percent. Cooler today by a few
degrees. Overnight temps are in the high 30's to low 40's at most
locations.
Yosemite Valley: Snow
showers, mainly before 4pm. High near 41. Southwest wind between 10 and
15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Total daytime snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible. Tonight:
A 20 percent chance of snow showers before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with
a low around 23. South southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
US home sale listings fell again in November
NEW YORK(Reuters) - The number of U.S. homes listed for sale fell more
than 2 percent in November compared to October, according to real estate
brokerage ZipRealty
...
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
*At the end of 2005 CalPERS had
$200.9 B.
Now as of 12/09/2009, They have $200.5B
Almost four years with zero growth and a long term strategy of
investments returning 7.75% a year.
California Farm Bureau:
Government steps up its immigration enforcement work
As the federal government clamps down on employers with increased
audits and added pressure to enroll in an employment verification
program, farm groups say the problem remains that farmers and ranchers
need an effective system that aids in hiring workers legally.
Government steps up its immigration enforcement work
California Economy
Hunger in California
The letter was sent soon
after the USDA released a report showing that only 48% of those
eligible received food stamps in 2007 in California, one of only two
states that failed to register at least half of their eligible
residents for the program. (Illegal immigrants are not eligible.)
The top eight states enrolled more than 80%; in Missouri, virtually
every eligible resident received nutrition assistance.
latimes.com
United States Economy
Rates Are Low, but Banks Balk at Refinancing
Mortgage rates in the United States have dropped to their
lowest levels since the 1940s, thanks to a trillion-dollar intervention
by the federal government. Yet the banks that once handed out home loans
freely are imposing such stringent requirements that many homeowners who
might want to refinance are effectively locked out.
NYTimes.com
Saturday 12-12-09
Kudos to P.G.&E for the use of the 'lift' to put up the
lights at the Mariposa Museum and History Center
11:00 A.M.
The Merry Mountain Parade and Festival is Postponed until Further
Notice.
All Courthouse Events are cancelled
Tell your friends :-)
The Windows on the World - Books and Art Store still is
celebrating their 2nd Anniversary today.
The glimmer of hope from the Weather Service has kind of closed as a
look on radar shows rain on the way
NWS radar image from San Joaquin Valley, CA
Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Meeting for December 8, 2009
The Five Year Housing Element gets adopted
SIERRA
SUN TIMES
Year to year rain totals are now over 29" of rain for the area as the
Sierra Sun Times Weather Station records .12" of Overnight Rain
(Not Seasonal Rain Totals, which run from July through June)
Leroy Radanovich's
Mariposa Life:
Windows on the World - Books and Art adds Watkins Room
Gallery as it Celebrates 2nd Anniversary in Mariposa
Windows on the World-Books and Art, is celebrating two
years in business this month with the opening of their Watkins Room
Gallery. The official celebration will happen this coming Saturday from
10:00
AM to 9:00PM.
Windows on the World - Books and Art
Make Your Weekend Plans
Merry Mountain Christmas Today in Mariposa and Windows on the
World 2nd Anniversary. On Sunday the big Auction at Odella's Antiques
and Breakfast in Coulterville.
Goldrushcam Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National
Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras
County
Update
Coordinated Attack Saves Midpines Home
A textbook fire attack coordinated by three fire agencies was
responsible for saving most of a residential structure and the
occupant’s personal possessions.
Mariposa News - Coordinated Attack Saves Midpines Home
Sierra Star - New shuttle service from Oakhurst to Badger Pass
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:
Would High Speed Rail Be Beneficial To Mariposa
County?
58% No
26% Yes
15% Possibly
Agritourism in Tennessee:
Horticulture/agritourism conferences set
Back by popular demand, “Agritourism in Action” sessions will
feature agritourism operators who will share lessons learned from their
agritourism experiences. “Panels of operators will discuss innovative
farm tours and creative farm animal attractions and will answer
questions from conference participants,” according to Bruch. “Additional
conference sessions will address labor regulations, business structures,
USDA Animal Exhibitor Regulations and the new agritourism liability
law.”
Horticulture/agritourism conferences set
In the Area News:
Debbie Croft: Winter wonderland and more,
Handmade 40 years ago, Christmas display reappears,
Columbia meeting to address business recruitment,
Board, parks face off over rec money....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
The Mariposa Bear was out on Fournier Road causing some sort of
problems.
Possible mail theft was reported from Tip Top Road.
Credit card fraud was reported from Stout Lane....
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
NOAA has issued a Winter Storm Warning
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Saturday's Forecast: Periods Of Showers/Rain
46-56 Today: Rain...breezy.
High temps inline with Friday's highs. Southeast winds around 25 mph
with gusts to around 40 mph in the afternoon. Tonight...Rain...colder.
Lows 34 to 44. Overnight temps are in the mid 40's at most
locations.
Yosemite Valley: Rain.
Snow level 5100 feet. High near 41. South southwest wind between 13 and
17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Tonight: Snow. Low around 29. Breezy, with a southwest wind between
14 and 23 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is
100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
US home sale listings fell again in November
NEW YORK(Reuters) - The number of U.S. homes listed for sale fell more
than 2 percent in November compared to October, according to real estate
brokerage ZipRealty
...
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
CalPERS winner wants investment change
The Bee and others reported this week that CalPERS’ real estate
holdings lost 49 percent of their value during the year ending last June
30, according to a consultant, and several unidentified managers have
been or will be terminated.
McFarland Partners left after a $1 billion loss on the bankrupt
LandSource residential project near Los Angeles. The relationship with
BlackRock reportedly is being reviewed after a potential $500 million
loss on a New York apartment complex.
Calpensions
California Farm Bureau:
Commentary: Ag Vision initiative plans for a vibrant
agricultural future
Our world is in constant flux. New technologies, pressing demands,
limited resources, evolving contradictions and constantly changing
markets are today's norm. Amid these changes, agriculture is being
profoundly affected and that has implications for the economy and
culture of the citizens of our state.
Commentary: Ag Vision initiative plans for a vibrant agricultural future
President Obama Proposes Expanded
Funding for Infrastructure, Job Creation, Energy Efficiency
Cities Urged to Contact Congressional Representatives to Push
for Funding
Help for Small Businesses.
Tax credits
for hiring new workers, or keeping workers on the payroll, are seen as
measures that must deliver funding to cash-starved businesses as soon as
possible - in 2010, not 2011.
League of California Cities
California Economy
State speeds up payments to 121,000 long-term jobless Californians
The jobs agency will also
be sending out claim forms and a note about the automatic
application to eligible individuals, including 164,000 more
Californians expected to use up their benefits by the end of the
year, she said.
latimes.com
United States Economy
Black Friday Verdict: As
Expected, Number of Shoppers Up, Average Spending Down
-Americans Spent $41.2 Billion Over Holiday Weekend-
Washington, November 29, 2009 –As the closely-watched Black Friday
weekend winds down, a National Retail Federation survey conducted over
the weekend confirms the expected: more people spent less. According to
NRF’s Black Friday shopping survey, conducted by BIGresearch, 195
million shoppers visited stores and websites over Black Friday weekend*,
up from 172 million last year. However, the average spending over the
weekend dropped to $343.31 per person from $372.57 a year ago. Total
spending reached an estimated $41.2 billion.
National Retail Federation
Friday 12-11-09
NOAA has updated the Winter Warning and has issued a Special Weather
Statement
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Update
Coordinated Attack Saves Midpines Home
A textbook fire attack coordinated by three fire agencies was
responsible for saving most of a residential structure and the
occupant’s personal possessions.
Mariposa News - Coordinated Attack Saves Midpines Home
Structure Fire in Midpines on Thursday is Stopped in it's Tracks by the
Mariposa County Fire Department and CalFire
With 100 gallons of water the Mariposa County Fire Department
(Company 21 Midpines) and CalFire extinguished a attic fire in a 500
square foot rental home that was 500 feet down a steep and icy driveway
off of Colorado Road today.
Preliminary cause was a faulty wood stove vent that caused the flames to
spread to the attic and vent through the roof. There were no civilian or
firefighter injuries and the Structure loss was about 20 percent.
Members from Mormon Bar, Midpines, Bootjack, Catheys Valley and MPUD
assisted with salvage and overhaul.
This Mornings Rainfall in Mariposa as of 6:00 A.M. at the
Sierra Sun Times Weather Station:
.76" Of Rain
The Weather Service has offered a slight
glimmer of hope for Saturday's Merry Mountain Christmas Parade and other
scheduled festivities. Just possibly we may get a break in the rain as
one system moves out and another comes in.
Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda - 12-15-09
*Fascinating to watch how
much money of your taxpayer dollars the CAO Rick Benson and Supervisors
Brad Aborn and Lyle Turpin have spent on trying to keep this employee
from coming back to work. Now how will they vote on this back pay issue?
The lawyers make the money and your roads fall into ruin.
On the Agenda:
CA-12 Recommend the Rejection of Claim No. C09-19 Filed by Bryce Johnson
for $550,000 and Authorize the Board of Supervisors Chair to Sign the
Notice of Rejection (County Administrative Officer/Personnel/Risk
Manager)
Mariposa News - Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda - 12-15-09
Stanislaus National Forest Supervisor Susan Skalski's
Opinion Editorial, Motorized Travel Management Record of Decision
12/3/09
Today, it is hard to find the road “less
travelled.” In part, due to the impact of many people’s pursuit of creating
their own less travelled road (or trail), every National Forest and
Grassland in the nation has embarked upon the effort to designate roads
and trails for motorized public use.
Mariposa News - Stanislaus National Forest Supervisor Susan Skalski's
Opinion Editorial, Motorized Travel Management Record of Decision
12/3/09
Make Your Weekend Plans
Merry Mountain Christmas On Saturday in Mariposa and Windows on the
World 2nd Anniversary. On Sunday the big Auction at Odella's Antiques
and Breakfast in Coulterville.
Goldrushcam Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National
Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras
County
High Speed Rail Authority Relents on Wrong Route | California Progress
Report
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:Who is more knowledgeable about climate change?
64% Al Gore
26% Neither
10% Sara Palin
Agritourism in New York:
* Has Mariposa County surveyed all
of our local ranchers and farmers on what they want from Ag-Tourism? Or
are they letting folks without a farm or ranch or even wanting to do any
form of Agtourism make decisions on what Agtourism will be in Mariposa
County?
DACP announces January agricultural forum
The DACP has covered considerable ground since its founding
almost two years ago from mapping Durham’s land use and surveying
local farmers to honing in on ways for the town to take advantage of
and capitalize on its natural assets.
The Daily Mail
In the Area News:
Old Yosemite poem book identifies Paiute,
Chamber Of Commerce Looks To Increase Membership,
School bus teeters on edge of cliff....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
Out on Watt Road it was a dog versus a dog as they were disagreeing
about something or other.
At two in the morning suspicious circumstances were observed
on Sherlock Road.
During the morning hours an unknown person was in the yard of a
residence on Boyer Road...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
NOAA has issued a Winter Storm Watch
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Friday's Forecast: Clouds and Showers
44-54 Today: Mostly
cloudy today with a 50% chance of showers, mainly before 10:00 A.M. High temps should be
inline with Thursday's high temps. A 50% chance of showers tonight with the temps in the
mid 30's to low 40's. Snow level around 5,000 feet. Overnight lows are running around
the mid 30's to mid 40's.
Yosemite Valley: Today:
Showers, mainly before 10am. High near 42. South southwest wind between
7 and 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Tonight: Rain
likely. Cloudy, with a low around 33. South wind between 8 and 10 mph.
Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
US home sale listings fell again in November
NEW YORK(Reuters) - The number of U.S. homes listed for sale fell more
than 2 percent in November compared to October, according to real estate
brokerage ZipRealty
...
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
CalPERS, CalSTRS see long-term credit ratings
lowered
Reporting from Sacramento - Hurt by big investment losses, California's
two biggest state-run pension funds lost top long-term credit ratings
from Moody's Investors Service on the insurance they sell to municipal
governments to make it easier for them to sell bonds.
latimes.com
California Farm Bureau
CFBF president stresses outreach and involvement
Saying that the future of farming lies in the hands of farmers,
California Farm Bureau Federation President Doug Mosebar called on
members of the state's largest farming organization to expand their
political involvement and public outreach so that consumers and elected
leaders understand the importance of protecting family farms.
CFBF president stresses outreach and involvement
California Economy
Few troubled mortgages being modified permanently
...Nevertheless, members
of a House committee this week slammed mortgage servicers for not
doing more to help avoid foreclosures and threatened to take tougher
action, such as allowing judges to reduce the amount of principal
owed on a mortgage during bankruptcy.
"I don't buy the White House's latest attempt to prod servicers into
doing loan modifications," said Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles).
"I don't think the jawboning and the trying to embarrass these
servicers into doing the right thing works."
latimes.com
United States Economy
Oversight Panel Backs Geithner’s Bailout Plan
While big banks are mostly stabilized, he told the
panel on Thursday, the program is needed to help reduce home
foreclosures and for a new initiative to get capital to smaller banks so
they, in turn, will lend money to the credit-starved small businesses
that create most jobs.
NYTimes.com
Thursday 12-10-09
Structure Fire Today in Midpines is Stopped in it's Tracks by the
Mariposa County Fire Department and CalFire
With 100 gallons of water the Mariposa County Fire Department
(Company 21 Midpines) and CalFire extinguished a attic fire in a 500
square foot rental home that was 500 feet down a steep and icy driveway
off of Colorado Road today.
Preliminary cause was a faulty wood stove vent that caused the flames to
spread to the attic and vent through the roof. There were no civilian or
firefighter injuries and the Structure loss was about 20 percent.
Members from Mormon Bar, Midpines, Bootjack, Catheys Valley and MPUD
assisted with salvage and overhaul.
Make Your Weekend Plans
Merry Mountain Christmas On Saturday in Mariposa and Windows on the
World 2nd Anniversary. On Sunday the big Auction at Odella's Antiques
and Breakfast in Coulterville.
Goldrushcam Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National
Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras
County
There were multiple reports yesterday of broken
water pipes around the county
Possibly Icy in Some Locations This Morning
Check the Roads
Road Conditions or call 1-800-427-7623
As of 5:00 A.M. CalTrans has restrictions on the 41 before entering the
Park.
Leroy Radanovich's
Mariposa Life:
Windows on the World - Books and Art adds Watkins Room
Gallery as it Celebrates 2nd Anniversary in Mariposa
Windows on the World-Books and Art, is celebrating two
years in business this month with the opening of their Watkins Room
Gallery. The official celebration will happen this coming Saturday from
10:00
AM to 9:00PM.
Windows on the World - Books and Art adds Watkins Room Gallery as it
Celebrates 2nd Anniversary in Mariposa
Mariposa County Fire Department - Thank You for the
Opportunity to Serve
Each month throughout 2009 a
safety article and information about how to prevent accidents in and
around the home, as well as safety concerns when traveling was submitted
to local publications. It is our hope that you and your family and
friends have benefited from these safety tips.
Mariposa News - Mariposa County Fire Department - Thank You for the
Opportunity to Serve
More Snow Photos from Monday's Snow in Mariposa County
Mariposa News - Snow Photos - Monday, December 7, 2009 Part Two
Al Gore rebuts Palin's climate change claims - Politics- msnbc.com
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:
Should the taxpayers have paid for this mailing
from George Radanovich?
93% No
7% Yes
AND
Informational or political? Frankly ... - Bee Editorials - Modbee.com
Mariposa Symphony Orchestra's
Festive Holiday Concert 2009
Saturday, December 19 at 7:00 PM
The Mariposa Symphony Orchestra's Festive Holiday Concert 2009 featuring Mendelssohn's Fifth Symphony and holiday classics in the Fiester Auditorium of Mariposa County High School. Information/tickets: the Mariposa County Arts Council, Inc., at (209) 966-3155 (M-F, 9/AM-5/PM) at 5009 Fifth Street (adjacent to The Pizza Factory) in Mariposa. Tickets: $6 for adults and $4 for students and are also available at the Mariposa County Visitors Center across from the Miners Inn; call the Visitors Center at (209) 966-7081 for hours.
Agritourism in Ohio:
Young Farmer Award
Brandon and Julie Weber of Jackson County won the statewide Outstanding
Young Farmer award. The eighth generation farmers raise tomatoes in high
tunnel greenhouses, as well as other vegetables and pumpkins. They also
host farm tours, and created a corn maze and other agritourism
events on their vegetable farm.
Farm and Dairy
In the Area News:
Merced City School District revenues down $3.7M from early
projections,
Parks closer to getting Prop. 40 funds,
Local WIC program picked up for nation....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
On Windy Hollow Road a couple of neighbors were involved in a dispute.
Vandalism was reported from the Schilling Ranch.
A runaway juvenile was reported from the high school in Mariposa...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
*The change begins today as the rain returns in earnest this evening and
into Friday. Saturday is looking really wet.
The forecast so far is a predicted six inches of water in Yosemite
Valley. That equals around six feet of snow for the high country.
NOAA has issued a Winter Storm Watch
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Thursday's Forecast: Cloudy With Rain Moving In
43-51 Today: Mostly
cloudy today with a 40% chance of rain. High temps should be a
few degrees warmer than Wednesday's high temps. As of this morning
(4:30) there is light rain on the radar but no rain gauges are showing
any measurements yet. Possibly a snow flurry or two this morning until
the temps warm up a few degrees. Rain tonight with the temps in the
30's. Overnight lows are running around ten degrees warmer than
Wednesday mornings low temps.
Yosemite Valley: A
chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. East northeast wind
5 to 8 mph becoming south southwest. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Tonight: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 28. East southeast
wind between 5 and 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
Decline in home values levels off
Nationwide, homes lost $489 billion in value from January to November, a 1.9 percent drop. That number was dwarfed by last year's stunning $3.6 trillion decline, a 12.8 percent drop...
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
The pain with pensions
Some of the other changes the city managers are recommending include
having employees contribute at least 5 percent of their salaries to
pensions.
Tracy Press
California Farm Bureau
Wenger elected CFBF president
A farmer from Modesto has been
elected president of the California Farm Bureau Federation. Paul
Wenger was elected Wednesday by delegates to the organization's annual
meeting in Anaheim. Wenger becomes the 15th president of the state's
largest farm organization. He grows walnuts and almonds. A cattle
rancher and farmer from Linden, Kenny Watkins, was elected first vice
president of the Farm Bureau, and an olive farmer from Oroville, Jamie
Johansson, was elected second vice president.
Webcast of Governor Schwarzenegger's Green Jobs
Briefing
12/9/2009 - The Governor was
briefed by Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Victoria
Bradshaw and staff on their efforts to boost job opportunities for
Californians in the clean-tech sector.
California Economy
Job growth in California is going green
The report from Next 10,
a nonprofit research group in Palo Alto, explores California's "core
green economy," including areas such as research and advocacy,
finance and investment, energy efficiency, recycling and building.
The study, to be released today, determined that the number of green
companies surged 45% from 1995 to 2008, and total jobs in areas such
as energy efficiency, renewable fuels and clean tech grew 36%.
During the same period general employment in the state expanded just
13%.
latimes.com
United States Economy
U.S. Foreclosures to Reach 3.9 Million in Second Record
Year
Dec. 10 (Bloomberg) -- Foreclosure filings in the U.S.
will reach a record for the second consecutive year with 3.9 million
notices sent to homeowners in default, RealtyTrac Inc. said.
Bloomberg.com
Wednesday 12-09-09
Jerseydale reports 12 degrees this morning
More Snow Photos from Monday's Snow in Mariposa County
Mariposa News - Snow Photos - Monday, December 7, 2009 Part Two
Slightly Warmer this Morning
As of 5:55 A.M.
At the SST Weather Station we are reading 21.3 degrees. Yesterday
we were down to 20.3 degrees
Drive Slow, It Is Icy In Some Areas
Check the Roads
Road Conditions or call 1-800-427-7623
As of 5:00 A.M. CalTrans has restrictions on the 41 before entering the
Park and Highway 120 from Groveland to the Park and on the 108 from
Twain Harte heading East.
Groveland Residents in the Cold After Storm | News10.net | Sacramento,
California | News
At the Board Of Supervisors meeting yesterday, Supervisor
Lyle Turpin mentioned that about 700 Greeley Hill residents have been
without power for 24 Hours.
Heavy Snow Fell in Mariposa County | Video | abc30.com
CAL FIRE Region Chief Candace Gregory Announces Retirement
After more than 30 years with the California Department of Forestry and
Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Chief Candace Gregory has announced her
retirement.
Mariposa News - CAL FIRE Region Chief Candace Gregory Announces
Retirement
Bocuse d’Or Contestants Are Announced
Percy Whatley, 40, of the Ahwahanee in Yosemite, Calif. is
selected as one of the chefs to represent the United States in
prestigious cooking contest.
Diner’s Journal Blog - NYTimes.com
Radanovich frank on waste - Local - Modbee.com
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:
Is the House wasting time and money on the Salahis?
63% Yes
22% Who are the Salahis?
14%No
TODAY
Wednesday December 9, 2009 at the Sixth Street Cinema - "Speak," in partnership with Mountain Crisis Services
FREE ADMISSION, in partnership with Mountain Crisis Services
December 9, 3:15 p.m.
Starring Kristen Stewart
In the middle of a party the summer before she
enters high school, smart, spirited Melinda (Kristen Stewart) inexplicably calls
911.
Mariposa News - Wednesday December 9, 2009 at the Sixth Street Cinema - "Speak," in partnership with Mountain Crisis Services
Agritourism in California:
Leopold Award recognizes farmers' stewardship work
Bill and Kay Burrows
Holistic management begins with the recognition that all ecological
systems are part of an even larger system, which encourages farming and
ranching practices that more accurately mirror the natural environment.
Today, thanks to their commitment to improving the ecological diversity
of their land, Bill and Kay Burrows have a thriving agritourism base,
Leopold Award recognizes farmers' stewardship work
In the Area News:
Radanovich frank on waste,
Exchequer Dam relicensing: FERC panel backs changes to scope
of Merced River study,
Auditor-Controller office receives award....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
On Gusano Way a couple of neighbors were having s dispute over property
lines.
On Triangle Road a dog was running in traffic.
During the early evening hours a broken water pipe was reported from
the 5th Street Inn....
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
*The next system is forecast for late Thursday night and will be a
warmer rain than what we experienced on Monday. Snow levels around 5,300
feet. Saturday so far is looking very wet.
NOAA has issued a lower elevation Freeze Warning
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Wednesday's Forecast: Sunny and Warmer
39-49 Today: Sunny today
with clouds moving in during the day leading to partly/mostly cloudy
conditions during the evening hours. Should see a warm-up in the high
temps today by a few degrees. Tonight's low temps will be dependent on
the amount of cloud cover. Thick clouds will be make for warmer
night time temps compared to the last couple of mornings, while thin
clouds will lead to another cold night. Seeing low temps this
morning in the mid teens to low twenty's.
Yosemite Valley:
Mostly sunny, with a high near 36. Wind chill values as low as -1. East
northeast wind between 5 and 8 mph becoming calm. Tonight: Mostly
cloudy, with a low around 22. East southeast wind between 3 and 6 mph.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
House
Democrats push bill to use TARP funds for homeowner mortgage relief
House Democrats are seeking to tap the government's massive bailout fund
to help homeowners who have lost their jobs and are struggling to make
their mortgage payments.....
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
CalPERS real estate down 49% in year
State worker pension giant CalPERS got this ugly report from its
financial consultants on its real estate bets in its most recent
quarterly report …Real estate losses equaled a -30.1% return during the
quarter and a - 48.7% return in the year ended June 30. Ten-year profits
were still +4.4%.
CalPERS real estate down 49% in year
California Farm Bureau
Low State Water Project allocation underscores crisis
Three years of drought and mounting environmental restrictions have
added up to the lowest estimated State Water Project deliveries in
history. The announcement came last week, as efforts to address the
crisis continued on a number of fronts.
Low State Water Project allocation underscores crisis
Governor Holds Press Conference to Discuss Race to the Top
Legislation
12/8/2009 - Governor Schwarzenegger
discussed the importance of immediate Assembly action on Race to the
Top legislation.
Read More
California Economy
California's jobless rate is peaking,
experts say
California's jobless rate
is close to peaking, but the recovery will be sluggish, with
employers not expected to resume hiring until at least next spring,
according to new forecasts by UCLA and other analysts.
latimes.com
United States Economy
Americans Grow More Pessimistic on Economy, Nation’s
Direction
The economy is the country’s top concern, with
persistently high unemployment the greatest threat the public sees.
Eight of 10 Americans rate joblessness a high risk to the economy in the
next two years, outranking the federal budget deficit, which is cited by
7 of 10. An increase in taxes is named as a high risk by almost 6 of 10.
Fewer than 1 in 3 Americans think the economy will improve in the next
six months. They are pessimistic that the government will succeed in
reducing unemployment or lowering the budget deficit.
Bloomberg.com
Tuesday 12-08-09
H1N1 (Swine) Flu Vaccine Available For Children Under 10 Who Need Their
2nd H1N1 (Swine) Flu Vaccine
Cold and Icy this Morning
12 degrees in Jerseydale.
So far at 5:00 A.M. Tuolumne Meadows is reporting 18 degrees below zero!
Mariposa is around 20 degrees. Up in Lushmeadows we are seeing a report
of 15 degrees. Tonight is predicted to be even colder!
Check the Roads
Road Conditions or call 1-800-427-7623
As of 5:00 A.M. CalTrans has on Highway 41 from almost Coarsegold to
Yosemite, driving restrictions.
Yesterday's Wild Weather Report:
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County
Foothills / Yosemite
AND
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
AND
Mariposa News - Snow Photos - Monday, December 7, 2009
Reminder: Today:
Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda
- 12-8-09
Update to the Housing
Element of the Mariposa County General Plan
Mariposa News - Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda - 12-8-09
Mariposa County Health
Department H1N1 Status Report
House panel to consider subpoenaing Salahis - KGPE - CBS TV47
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:
*Very interesting that 27% said that Bin Laden was dead.
Where is Bin Laden?
54% Pakistan
27%Dead
19%Afghanistan
Yosemite Roads
Due to the current winter conditions the Mariposa Grove Road and Chowchilla Mountain Road are currently closed to public motor vehicle traffic. The Glacier Point Road is closed for the season. The Badger Pass Road (Chinquapin to Badger Pass) is open for official administrative traffic with chain control restrictions posted at Chinquapin.
Wednesday December 9, 2009 at the Sixth Street Cinema - "Speak," in partnership with Mountain Crisis Services
FREE ADMISSION, in partnership with Mountain Crisis Services
December 9, 3:15 p.m.
Starring Kristen Stewart
In the middle of a party the summer before she
enters high school, smart, spirited Melinda (Kristen Stewart) inexplicably calls
911.
Mariposa News - Wednesday December 9, 2009 at the Sixth Street Cinema - "Speak," in partnership with Mountain Crisis Services
In the Area News:
Yosemite National Park Announces Badger Pass Ski Shuttle from
Oakhurst,
Valley counties rank high on economic hardship index,
Repairs in store for historic High Country cabin....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
From Piney Creek Road a caller had some questions.
On Ponderosa Way it was an emergency as a dog needed a pill.
Malicious mischief was reported from Coakley Circle...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
*Time to dry out for a couple of days, but then a wet pattern returns on
Thursday with a warmer rain than Monday's weather along with more
predicted precipitation.
NOAA has issued a lower elevation Freeze Warning
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Tuesday's Forecast: Clear and Cold
34-44 Today: Sunny
today with the high temps inline with Monday's high temps. Tonight's
temps should range from 20-30 degrees.
Yosemite Valley:
Mostly sunny, with a high near 29. East northeast wind between 6 and 9
mph becoming calm. Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19.
East wind around 5 mph becoming calm
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
New
Rules for Reverse Mortgage Counselors
OLDER homeowners who are considering a reverse mortgage can now get more
help in the decision-making process.....
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
Retirement benefits: CalPERS’ changing role
A survey reported by the
nonpartisan Legislative Analyst in 2004 compared pensions in California
and four other states. An employee who began work at age 34 and earned
$60,000 in the last year before retiring at 65 would annually receive:
*Over $49,000 in Mariposa plus up to 2% a year
Cost of Living raise.
California $46,500, Texas $40,775, Oregon $29,606, Illinois $28,913, and
Illinois $28,410.
Calpensions
California Farm Bureau
Dedication, innovation earn awards for young farmers and
ranchers
An almond farmer from Denair and a lettuce marketer from Salinas
earned statewide honors for achievement and service, as the California
Farm Bureau Federation recognized award winners from its Young Farmers
and Ranchers program.
Dedication, innovation earn awards for young farmers and ranchers
Governor Delivers Remarks at Virgin Galactic's
Unveiling of SpaceShipTwo
12/7/2009 - Gov.
Schwarzenegger delivered remarks at Virgin Galactic's unveiling of
SpaceShipTwo, the world's first commercial manned spacecraft, at the
Mojave Air and Space Port.
United States Economy
Consumer borrowing falls for 9th straight month
...The Fed says consumer credit
fell at an annual rate of $3.5 billion in October, although that's
significantly lower than the $9.3 billion decline that economists had
expected...
latimes.com
Monday 12-07-09
Agritourism in the World:
Australia:
*Fascinating, A
Tourist Experience Review
Mrs. Parker-Price said there were now three exciting
projects underway – the identity project to position the valley in the
tourist sector, the agritourism project to help landowners enter the
tourist market, and the tourist experience review.
launch of the Mary Valley local directory
In the Area News:
Merced County begun by defender of Texas,
Graffiti mars Valley national park,
Roads And Water Will Highlight Tuolumne County Supervisors
Meeting,
Angels water project takes a step forward....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
A couple of neighbors on Silver Lane were causing a disturbance.
Dead animals were reported from Hernandez Road.
Someone found some property at the Christmas Tree Lot in Mariposa......
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
*A Really Big Change is Coming For Today and Through The Week As We Will Get Wet and
Much Cooler Temps Are
Also In The Forecast. Possible Snow Down To Catheys Valley!
NOAA has issued a Winter Storm Warning Until Midnight Tonight
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Monday's Forecast: Colder With Rain and Snow
35-45 Today: Rain
and snow. Snow accumulation up to 9 inches. Snow level 3500 feet. Colder
today by around eight degrees from Sunday's high temps. Tonight...Rain
and snow in the evening. Colder. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Total
snow accumulation up to 11 inches. Snow level 2500 feet. Lows 24 to 34.
Yosemite Valley:
Snow, mainly before 4pm. High near 27. South southwest wind between 13
and 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is
90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 7 to 11 inches possible.
Tonight: A 50 percent chance of snow showers before 9pm. Mostly
cloudy, with a low around 16. West southwest wind at 8 mph becoming
north northwest. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
Trying to modify your home loan
The federal program allows eligible borrowers a modified loan payment of
no more than 31 percent of their monthly gross income. The starting
interest rate can be as low as 2 percent, and the term can be up to 40
years. The government provides financial incentives for the lenders and
for borrowers, including up to $5,000 for those who make timely payments
for five years.....
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
Still Climbing That Mountain:
As of 12/02/09
$202.4 Billion.
High was $260 Billion.
At the end of 2005: $200 Billion.
A long way from expected returns of 7.75% a year.
Total Returns 10 year period as of September 2009 3.66%
California Farm Bureau
Inspiration is just outside your door
Turn garden gleanings into centerpieces fit for a
holiday or an everyday table.
Inspiration is just outside your door
United States Economy
Options Signal Stock Peril as Analysts See Profits
Dec. 7 (Bloomberg) -- Forecasts for the fastest U.S.
earnings growth in 15 years are failing to convince options traders that
the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index will extend its biggest rally since the
1930s.
There’s an 80 percent chance stocks will plunge next year, John P.
Hussman, whose $5.5 billion Hussman Strategic Growth Fund beat 99
percent of peers in 2008, wrote in a posting on his Web site Nov. 30.
Albert Edwards, Societe Generale SA’s London-based global strategist,
wrote in a Dec. 1 research note that U.S. equities will fall below their
March lows as the global economy weakens.
Bloomberg.com
Sunday 12-06-09
Agritourism in the United States:
Jerseyans understate Garden State's charms
Peter Furey of the Farm Bureau, a 15,000-member
agricultural group, said the poll underscores the importance of
promoting "agritourism" and open space preservation, noting voters
narrowly approved a $400 million open space bond two weeks ago.
NJ.com
In the Area News:
Jardine: Veteran 'lucky' his ship didn't come in,
No open enrollment for rental assistance, Dark Skies
discussion dims....
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
Someone lost their black dog on Country Lane.
A shoplifter was in custody on Coakley Circle during the afternoon
hours.
The caller from Trabucco Road had some concerns about a child.....
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
Wrap those Outside Pipes!
*A Really Big Change is Coming For Early Monday and Though The Week As We Will Get Wet and
Much Cooler Temps Are
Also In The Forecast. Possible Snow Down To Catheys Valley!
NOAA has issued many Warnings and Watches for this morning and for the
next few days.
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Sunday's Forecast: Cooler and Cloudy
43-53 Today: Partly
sunny to mostly cloudy today as a new weather system moves into the area.
High temps will be cooler by six to eight degrees today compared to
Saturday's high temps. Possible rain/ snow late tonight. We are seeing low temps this
morning in the high 20's to low 30's at most reporting
locations.
Yosemite Valley: Increasing clouds,
with a high near 41. South wind 5 to 8 mph increasing to between 15 and
18 mph. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph. Tonight: Snow likely
after 11pm. Cloudy, with a low around 20. South wind between 11 and 14
mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New
snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
Weak
real estate market has many paying less property tax this year
For
property owners whose tax bill hasn't come down with the real estate
market, relief is in store next year because of deflation....
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
Governor to give CalPERS more funds than it
asked for
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who's crusading to overhaul employee
pensions, is choosing to absorb a major increase in the state's
contribution to
CalPERS next year despite a looming budget deficit.
Sacramento Bee
California Farm Bureau
'Tis the season
How to care for your farm-grown fresh Christmas tree
At the heart of one of our favorite holidays is the
traditional, fresh Christmas tree. More than 20,000 farmers across the
United States produced nearly 25 million trees last year for homes and
businesses.
'Tis the season
League of California Cities
League Leadership Sets 2010 Strategic
Priorities
The League's board of directors met in a joint session
with the leaders of the divisions, departments, policy committees and
caucuses of the League on Nov. 18 through Nov. 20 to chart a strategic
course for 2010.
League of California Cities
California Economy
Loans to small business key to economy: Google CEO
Executive Eric Schmidt said
Wednesday the single most important thing for the economy is to get
lending to small and midsize businesses going again.
MarketWatch
AND
NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO STOP RACING
Dr. Glen W. Thomas, California Secretary of Education
It has now been 16 weeks since
Governor Schwarzenegger called a special session of the legislature
to ensure California meets the Race to the Top competitiveness
requirements outlined by President Obama, and we are running out of
time.
FlashReport - Presented by Jon Fleischman
United States Economy
Geithner Rejects Goldman Sachs Assertion It Didn't Need
U.S. Help
Dec. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Treasury Secretary Timothy
Geithner disputed claims by Goldman Sachs Group Inc. executives that the
bank could have survived the financial crisis without government help
and said it and other Wall Street firms should show some restraint in
handing out bonuses this year.
Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s investment bank
are set to pay record combined bonuses this year, according to analysts’
estimates.
Bloomberg.com
Saturday 12-05-09
Agritourism in the United States:
*High Speed Internet and
Agri-Tourism, Neither of which Mariposa County has.
Landrieu Offers Input for National Broadband Plan
WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United
States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., Chair of the Senate Committee on
Small Business and Entrepreneurship, today sent a letter to the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) offering her comments on the impact of
broadband technology on small business growth and economic development.
In addition to spurring growth among the nation's
small businesses, Senator Landrieu noted that broadband expansion has
the ability to boost tourism in rural parts of the country.
Landrieu Offers Input for National Broadband Plan
In the Area News:
Bed tax goes before supervisors again,
County’s leaders mull second round on hotel, motel tax,
Supervisors hammer out county strategies
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
A burglary was reported on Standard Mill Road and from Tip Top Road.
Someone was being harassed on Whitmore Drive.
On Forest Drive someone had some wood stolen.....
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
*A Change is Coming For Monday and Into Next Week As We Will Get Wet and
Much Cooler Temps Are
Also In The Forecast. Possible Snow Down To Catheys Valley!
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Saturday's Forecast: Cooler With Clouds
50-60 Today: Cooler today by a few
degrees with clouds moving into the area leading to mostly cloudy
conditions by this evening. We are seeing low temps this morning in the
mid 30's at most reporting
locations.
Yosemite Valley: Partly sunny, with a
high near 48. Calm wind becoming west southwest between 13 and 16 mph.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. East wind between 3
and 6 mph.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
Now's
really the time to buy a home, many say
Mortgage rates are hovering at historic lows, home prices are just
starting to edge up from total collapse, and the government is offering
tax breaks to first-time and move-up buyers....
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
'It is at a critical stage':
Lodi, other San Joaquin cities explore pension reform
..."Public employees need to wake up and
smell the coffee. ... There have been other pension plans that have
collapsed — and let's not be so smug to think that cannot happen to this
one — so we need to take a hard look at it," Hansen said...
'It is at a critical stage'
California Farm Bureau
Winning photos tell stories of California agriculture
A Central Coast rancher who calls her camera her
family's "memory maker" has earned the top prize in the annual
California Farm Bureau Federation photo contest.
Winning photos tell stories of California agriculture
League of California Cities
Support Local Infrastructure
Components of Potential Federal Jobs Package
There have been increased discussions in our nation's capital
about the development of a potential "jobs package." This package may
come together over the next several weeks as members of Congress and
President Obama have expressed concerns about the high unemployment
level.
League of California Cities
Congressman Radanovich to Obama: If You Are
Serious about Job Creation, Start with 40,000 Ag Jobs in San Joaquin
Valley
Washington, Dec 3 - Congressman
George Radanovich (R-Mariposa) today, as
President Barack Obama held a Jobs
Summit at the White House, and following
the California Department of Water
Resources (DWR) announcement of 5
percent total contracted water
deliveries for 2010, asked the President
to save 40,000 jobs in California’s San
Joaquin Valley by waiving Endangered
Species Act (ESA) regulations on the
Delta pumps.
Mariposa News - Congressman Radanovich to Obama
California Economy
Chain stores get 'big lump of coal'
In an unexpected step
backward, the nation's leading retailers suffered a sales slump in
November -- a poor start to the holiday season and an ominous sign
for the fragile economic recovery.
latimes.com
United States Economy
Banks Take Losses on Short Sales as Foreclosures Soar
Pressure is building to approve short sales as the
number of delinquent mortgages has grown to 3.2 million and an estimated
7 million foreclosures loom in the next two to three years, according to
Irvine, California-based RealtyTrac Inc., which compiles and sells U.S.
mortgage delinquency data.
Bloomberg.com
Friday 12-04-09
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:
Your Favorite Season in Yosemite?
41% of the voting Enjoy all the Seasons
20% of the voting Fall.
18% of the voting Winter.
18% of the voting Spring.
2% of the voting Summer.
Leroy Radanovich's
Mariposa Life:
Yosemite Mariposa History Photography
Robert Chaponot has joined me on the web site:
http://www.yosemitemariposahistory.com under the tab fine art. By
clicking on Robert Chaponot photography you can see and purchase any
variety of prints from his catalog.
Yosemite Mariposa History Photography
From the Email Bin
Thanks Joe
Gold miners frustrated by ban on suction dredges» Redding Record
Searchlight
Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda
- 12-8-09
Update to the Housing
Element of the Mariposa County General Plan
Mariposa News - Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda - 12-8-09
National Unemployment Rate Drops
The unemployment rate edged down to 10.0 percent in
November, and nonfarm payroll employment was essentially
unchanged (-11,000). Additionally, after revision, the estimates of job
loss for September and October were smaller than reported last month.
*You think it was possibly attributed to Short Term Christmas Hiring?
Weekend Weather Forecast
Gorgeous!
No Rain Until Late Sunday Night At the
Earliest, more likely after Midnight. But it will be a cold rain with
possible snow down into the Catheys Valley area.
Plan Your Weekend
Soroptimist Christmas Craft Show begins this
Morning at 9:00 A.M.
Bingo this Evening at the Senior Center
Goldrushcam Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National
Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras
County
Reminder: Today
Planning Commission Meeting
12-04-09
Silvertip Amended Site Plan
SilverTip Resort Village Project
(.PDF File)
Yosemite:
The John Muir Trail from Clark Point to the
Panorama Trail (the ice cut) is closed for the season due to icy
conditions. The Mist Trail remains open.
AND
Fiore Family Tribute at the Curry Village Pavilion on December 5, 2009
Nic
Fiore Tribute
Reminder: Saturday
Fish Camp Advisory Council Meeting
Fish
Camp Agenda - December 5, 2009
(.PDF File)
ARTHUR CARHART NATIONAL WILDERNESS TRAINING CENTER:
Social Network Launched For Wilderness
Community
The goal of this social network, built
through the Ning platform, is to connect federal wilderness managers,
related state and local government agency employees, academics,
researchers, K-12 educators, and position-holding members of
wilderness-related non-governmental organizations around the topic of
wilderness management and stewardship.
Mariposa News - ARTHUR CARHART NATIONAL WILDERNESS TRAINING CENTER
Social Network Launched For Wilderness Community
Agritourism in the United States:
North Dakota Has Grants
APUC is a program of the North Dakota Department of
Commerce that administers grant programs for researching and developing
new and expanded uses for North Dakota agricultural products. The grants
can be used for basic and applied research, marketing and cooperative
marketing utilization, farm diversification, nature-based agri-tourism,
technology, agricultural prototype and technical assistance.
APUC grants four funding requests totaling $212,862 Farm and Ranch
Guide: Regional News
In the Area News:
Charges added in Levy murder,
$19,000 in grants awarded by Calaveras Community Foundation,
Mother Lode Unemployment Numbers Continue To Climb
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
A locked gate was reported on Buffalo Gulch Road.
A deputy was called out to Ponds Way to check on a Truant.
During the afternoon hours petty theft was reported from Coakley Circle.....
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
*A Change is Coming For Sunday and Into Next Week As We Will Get Wet and
Much Cooler Temps are
also in the Forecast.
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Friday's Forecast: Sunny and Nice
55-63 Today: Sunny today with the high
temps inline with Thursday's high temps. Possible low elevation patchy fog. We are seeing low
temps this morning in the mid to low 30's at most reporting
locations.
Yosemite Valley: Today: Mostly sunny,
with a high near 56. Calm wind becoming southwest between 5 and 8 mph.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. Light east wind.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
Rates
on 30-year mortgages set new record low
WASHINGTON — The average interest rate for
a 30-year mortgage dropped to a record low of 4.71 percent this week,
pushed down by an aggressive government campaign to reduce borrowing
costs...
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
Beverly Hills
City Council To Review Pension Reform Effort
“‘Sustainability’ is a big buzzword these days when it comes to
cities,” said Mirisch. “But we shouldn’t only try to achieve
environmental sustainability; we must also focus on economic
sustainability. The current pension and retirement health care system
for public employee sector is simply not sustainable–not in this
economy, not in any economy. The issue is a ticking time bomb and we
should address the matter sooner rather than later.”
...the system needs to be affordable to the taxpayers
on a long-term basis...
Beverly Hills Courier
California Farm Bureau
Bee Decline Continues
Beekeepers continue to report bee losses in California
and other states due to colony collapse disorder, mites and other
infestations. A University of California bee expert says the number of
healthy hives continues to decline. Drought conditions throughout the
country had made 2009 the lowest honey producing year ever. California
almond farmers need bees in their orchards in February to pollinate
their trees. How many bees are needed is uncertain because of water
shortages in almond growing areas.
Governor's Remarks Regarding Water Conservation & Rebuilding CA's Water
System
Governor's
Remarks Regarding Water Conservation & Rebuilding CA's Water System
California Economy
When an Insurance Giant Funds a Ballot Measure, Watch Out For Your
Wallet
Insurance rates for millions
of Californians will jump dramatically if Mercury Insurance has its
way. The auto insurance giant is circulating a proposed initiative
that would allow insurers to surcharge people with a lapse in their
auto insurance, even if the reason for the lapse was that they had
stopped driving for a time.
California Progress Report
United States Economy
High and Low Finance - A Primer on Why Many Home Loan
Modifications Fail
...Those decisions will affect
just how fair the program is seen to be. If the banks allow those who do
not submit documents to get by without doing so, it will appear unfair
to those who told the truth about their income, and paid more than they
might otherwise have been required to pay. If they do not, the wave
of foreclosures could devastate more neighborhoods...
NYTimes.com
Thursday 12-03-09
Plan Your Weekend
Goldrushcam Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National
Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras
County
Stanislaus National Forest Motorized Travel Management
Decision Released
Sonora,
Calif., (December 3, 2009)…The
Forest Service today announced that Forest Supervisor Susan Skalski has
signed a Record of Decision approving the selection of Modified Alternative
1 for the Stanislaus National Forest (NF) Motorized Travel Management (MTM)
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Mariposa News - Stanislaus National Forest Motorized Travel Management
Decision Released
Lots
of grants available if one looks for them
USDA grant to benefit Mich. produce farmers - The Detroit News
AND
KYF - Know Your Farmer,
Randy Bolt, Park Interpretive Specialist with the California Mining and
Mineral Museum, presented a hour long Power Point
demonstration at the Yosemite Bug yesterday evening as the Upper
Merced River Watershed Council held a discussion on the history of Gold
Mining and it's long lasting effects on the environment.
Mr. Bolt mentioned about the heavy metals that
were used during mining and also the naturally occurring toxic elements
that were then ground up fine like powder through the mining process,
that then was dumped on the ground thus creating leaching into the soils
and rivers. More on this later.
Over sixty people turned out
at the Sixth Street Cinema yesterday evening as
Windows on the World Books & Art and the Sixth Street Cinema presented An
Evening With Shelton Johnson. Mr. Shelton was signing his book
"Gloryland' after everyone enjoyed watching a short film on the Buffalo
Soldier program Mr. Shelton performs in Yosemite National Park. More on
this later.
Yesterday's Poll Results:
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST:
How are you paying for Christmas?
61% of the voting said cash
30% of the voting said not buying
9% of the voting said Credit Cards.
Agritourism in the United States:
New Jersey
Ag Secretary Kicks Off Christmas Tree Season
Growers also are encouraged to add their farms to the
state’s agritourism web site,
www.visitnjfarms.org. There, they can list information about their
farm, including items for sale, hours of operation, directions, and
special events.
Cape May County Herald
In the Area News:
Shelton Johnson: Tale of a buffalo soldier,
City Council hears pitch for two-cart recycling program,
Berryhill to run for Cogdill's Senate seat,
Chamber Warns Of Statewide Document Filing Scam
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
During the noon hour a suspicious vehicle was noticed on Maravilla
Drive.
A disoriented subject was out on Indian Peak Road during the early
evening hours.
Also during the evening hours a civil dispute was reported on Buffalo
Gulch Road....
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
*A Change is Coming For Sunday and Into Next Week As We Could Get Wet and Cooler Temps are
also in the Forecast.
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Thursday's Forecast: Sunny and Cooler
54-62 Today: Sunny today with the high
temps dropping one to three degrees from Wednesday's high temps. Possible low elevation patchy fog. We are seeing low
temps this morning in the mid to low 30's at most reporting
locations.
Yosemite Valley: Sunny, with a high
near 55. East northeast wind between 13 and 17 mph, with gusts as high
as 21 mph. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 27. East wind
between 15 and 18 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
State ruling to cut most property taxes
State officials say that property taxes will probably fall for most California property owners next year due to deflation, the first such property tax cut since Prop. 13 took effect three decades ago...
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
Budget-busting pension costs: Is there a fix?
...Years of double-digit investment
earnings led to the belief that generous pension benefits, notably SB
400 in 1999, could be paid for by investments with little or no need for
increased contributions from employers or employees.Now a historic
market crash has punched a big hole in pension funds. Government
agencies face years of increased pension contributions to make up for
the losses, threatening funding for other programs.
Calpensions
California Farm Bureau
On Yuba River, an accord satisfies farmers, fish flows
After more than 20 years of
wrangling, a coalition of agricultural, environmental and fisheries
interests reached agreement on instream flows for a 25-mile stretch of
the Yuba River—and the resulting Lower Yuba River Accord has been
successful enough to merit praise from participants and observers, plus
an environmental award from Gov. Schwarzenegger.
On Yuba River, an accord satisfies farmers, fish flows
Congressman Radanovich Statement After
President’s Speech on Afghanistan
Washington, Dec 1 - Congressman
George Radanovich (R-Mariposa) released
the following statement after President
Barack Obama’s speech on moving forward
with a new strategy in Afghanistan and
the addition of 30,000 American soldiers
in the region.
Mariposa News - Congressman Radanovich Statement After President’s
Speech on Afghanistan
California Economy
Home buyers will have to lay out more cash for an FHA mortgage
Reporting from Los Angeles and
Washington Alejandro Lazo -- Thousands of Southern California home
buyers, and millions nationwide, will have to come up with more cash
and reach higher minimum credit scores to get a government-backed
mortgage under changes unveiled by the Federal Housing
Administration.
latimes.com
United States Economy
Fudging Losses Is Easy When the FDIC Does It, Too: Jonathan Weil
Dec. 3 (Bloomberg) -- No wonder so many banks are
delaying their losses. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. keeps showing
them how, by doing the same thing with its own.
...Specifically, the FDIC said there were 552 banks
with $345.9 billion of assets on its problem list as of Sept. 30 --
almost 7 percent of all U.S. banks. That was up from 171 banks with
$115.6 billion of assets a year earlier.
Bloomberg.com
Wednesday 12-02-09
At the Board of Supervisors
meeting yesterday the BOS voted 5-0 to not pursue the property they had
been looking at to purchase for the Bridgeport Fire Station. The BOS
gave direction to the Planning Dept to look at the Frank Long property
and come back with a staff report.
Also the BOS gave direction to Public Works to pursue a grant that would
build a Multi-Purpose Gym building on the Field of Dreams property. The
Airport Proposal for a fixed base operator at the airport was continued
until next week. On the second reading of the Building Code, that also
was continued until two weeks as there were discrepancies between the
draft copy the BOS was given and the Building Department staff draft.
Also put off was the Resolution for Action on the Fractionalized Patents
as a letter came into the Department and County Counsel needs time to
review it. That is scheduled to come back on December 15, 2009.
Yesterday's Poll Results:
A Surprise
Yesterday's unscientific poll on the SST on
What is more important?
71% of the voting went to the Economy
29% of the voting went to Decrease the troops in Afghanistan.
0% of the voting went to Increase the troops in Afghanistan.
Stanislaus National Forest to Hold Motorized Travel Management
Meetings
Sonora, Calif., (December 1, 2009)…The Forest Service
today announced a reminder of the dates, times, and locations for five
public meetings that will provide information on the upcoming Stanislaus
National Forest (NF) Motorized Travel Management (MTM) Environmental
Impact Statement and Record of Decision. The release of the decision and
legal notice is expected this week.
Mariposa News - Stanislaus National Forest to Hold Motorized Travel
Management Meetings
Reminder: Today:
Shelton Johnson Book Signing at the Sixth Street Cinema and Mine Waste:
The History of Gold Mining in Mariposa County at the Bug
Sierra
Sun Times Out And About In Mariposa County; A Monthly Listing Of Things
To Do In Mariposa County
Boys
High School Basketball
Mariposa 63, Summerville 47
Modbee.com
Local DMV's Will Be Closed On All Friday's in
December
From the Email Bin
If you receive a message from the CDC
about a 'Vaccination Profile' it is a Phishing Scam! DO NOT open
this email! The CDC does NOT send out unsolicited emails asking for your
personal information.
snopes.com: CDC Vaccination Profile
Mariposa's Merry Mountain
Christmas Activities
Make Merry on December 12th starting at 1:00 P.M. with the Merry Mountain
Christmas Parade. Watch as the Grinch is arrested by the Sheriff’s Office.
No bah humbug here, the “Spirit of Christmas” is in Mariposa!
Mariposa News - Mariposa's Merry Mountain Christmas Activities
A Little Shaker Near Shaver Lake
A microearthquake occurred at 6:49:07
AM (PST) on Tuesday, December 1, 2009.The magnitude 2.3 event occurred 6
km (4 miles) WSW of Shaver Lake, CA. The hypocentral depth is 41 km (26
miles.
Earthquake
Agritourism World Wide:
3 unexpected destinations for riding like a wild west cowboy
*Mariposa?
Gadling.com
In the Area News:
Supervisor seeks to combine county jobs,
Groveland Man Found Dead In Lake Don Pedro,
Sonora Christmas Festival
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
The caller from Buffalo Gulch Road had questions regarding an easement
road.
During the noon hour a verbal dispute was taking place on Greeley Hill
Road.
On Daffodil Drive a couple of neighbors were also having a dispute...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
*A Change is Coming For Sunday As We Could Get Wet and Cooler Temps are
also in the Forecast.
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Wednesday's Forecast: Sunny and Cooler
55-65 Today: Sunny today with the high
temps dropping one to three degrees from Tuesday's high temps. Possible low elevation patchy fog. We are seeing low
temps this morning in the 30's at most reporting
locations.
Yosemite Valley: Sunny, with a high
near 60. East wind at 6 mph becoming west. Tonight: Clear, with a
low around 37. East wind between 3 and 6 mph.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
October
sales and price report
Existing, single-family home sales increased 1 percent in
October to a seasonally adjusted rate of 562,400 units on an annualized
basis....
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
Long Beach council begins look at
pension reform
LONG BEACH - The City Council dipped its toe
into the pension reform waters Tuesday afternoon, but it isn't making
waves yet.
As the costs of employee pensions mount in Long Beach, the council has
joined other governmental entities around the state in re-examining the
generous pension system. Long Beach's citywide pension costs have jumped
from $51.9 million in 2005 to $78.2 million in the last fiscal year and
are expected to hit $96.9 million in the 2012 fiscal year.
ContraCostaTimes.com
California Farm Bureau
State Water Project customers to get 5 percent of
allocations
As dry weather continues, the State Water Project told customers
they can expect only five percent of their
allocations in 2010. That's the lowest initial allocation in project
history. Last year the initial amount was 15 percent and by May that had
increased to 40 percent. The initial allocation reflects low carryover
storage levels in the state's major reservoirs. The allocation will be
updated monthly reflecting how much precipitation falls. The State Water
Project delivers water to customers in the southern San Joaquin Valley
and southern California.
Governor & First Lady Preside over the CA Hall of
Fame Induction Ceremony
12/1/2009 - Gov.
Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver presided over the
California Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. For information
regarding the 2009 inductees, please visit
www.californiamuseum.org.
California Economy
Regional indicators rise slightly
For the second quarter in a row, an index of
economic activity in Southern California
rose. The Southern California Leading Economic
Indicator increased by 0.22 percent in the third
quarter, according to economists at Cal State
Fullerton.
ECONOMY; Regional indicators rise slightly
United States Economy
Economic data point to fragile recovery
The uneven nature of the economic recovery was on
display again Tuesday with the release of mixed data on pending home
sales, manufacturing and construction spending.
latimes.com
Tuesday 12-01-09
From the Email Bin
If you receive a message from the CDC
about a 'Vaccination Profile' it is a Phishing Scam! DO NOT open
this email! The CDC does NOT send out unsolicited emails asking for your
personal information.
snopes.com: CDC Vaccination Profile
Mariposa's Merry Mountain
Christmas Activities
Make Merry on December 12th starting at 1:00 P.M. with the Merry Mountain
Christmas Parade. Watch as the Grinch is arrested by the Sheriff’s Office.
No bah humbug here, the “Spirit of Christmas” is in Mariposa!
Mariposa News - Mariposa's Merry Mountain Christmas Activities
Mariposa Symphony Orchestra
-
Solemn, Festive, Joyous, Giddy:
Holiday Music
The Mariposa
Symphony Orchestra's annual Festive Holiday Concert will be presented Saturday,
December 19 at 7:00 in the Fiester Auditorium of Mariposa County High
School, led by the orchestra's Founding Music Director and
Conductor, Les Marsden. Tickets are now on sale for this highly popular
event....
Goldrushcam -
Mariposa Symphony Orchestra, Solemn, Festive, Joyous, Giddy: Holiday
Music
Mariposa County Fire Department
Log
Saturday,
November 21st
to Friday, November
27th
2009
Nov. 21 ●EMS call on Darrah Road - #37
Bootjack●
Nov. 22 ●EMS call on Hwy 49S - #37 Bootjack●
Nov. 23 ●EMS call Worman Road - #32 Ponderosa Basin● EMS call on
School House Road - #23 Catheys Valley●
Mariposa News - Mariposa County Fire Department Log
December Senior Menu at the Senior Center in Mariposa
Mariposa News - Mariposa County Senior News
H1N1 flu cases decline, but still taking heavy toll -- latimes.com
This article is right inline with what Mariposa County
Health Officer Dr. Mosher recently commented on about the H1N1 Flu:
Mariposa County H1N1 Flu
Update
For November 25, 2009 | SIERRA SUN TIMES
Christmas Present For Prop. 13 Property Owners
Looks like your property taxes will be going down.
Assessors are waiting on a
official notification that will come through a “Letter
to Assessors” released in December.
For More Information:
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
Reminder: Tuesday:
Board of Supervisors Meeting
December 1, 2009
Numerous Items on the Agenda
including Bridgeport Fire Station
Mariposa News - Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda - 12-1-09
NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARKS PROGRAM 2009 NHL Photo
Contest Underway
More than 150 photos of NHL’s from across the country have been
received, each representing an aspect of our nation’s diverse heritage.
Mariposa News - NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARKS PROGRAM 2009 NHL Photo
Contest Underway
A Little Shaker Near Coarsegold Yesterday
A microearthquake occurred at
5:10:35 AM (PST) on Monday, November 30, 2009.
The magnitude 1.7 event occurred near Coarsegold, CA - 7 km (4
miles) SSW...
Information
Agritourism In Canada:
Tourism surveys to be mailed out this week
The project will develop a series of recommendations
aimed at strengthening the tourism market in Hastings County and
providing a clear direction for its future. Thirteen tourism-related
sectors including retail, accommodations, parks and trails, agri-tourism
and food and beverage will be evaluated.
Belleville Intelligencer
In the Area News:
Disabled Climber Takes on El Capitan,
Down economy doesn’t dampen local craft fairs,
Remote cabin triggers heated controversy
Mariposa News, Area News, California News, USA
News, World News
Sheriff Report
Also during the evening hours a burglary was reported on Triangle Road.
A deputy was called out to check out an open door on Lehamite Fall
Street
during the noon hour.
Someone was drunk in public on Watt Road......
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT
Weather Report
Time to get the Wood Stove Tuned Up and Flue Cleaned.
A Gorgeous Day Today:
Tuesday's Forecast: Sunny
58-66 Today: A repeat of Monday's
weather. Sunny today with the high temps within a degree or two of
Monday's highs. Possible low elevation patchy fog. We are seeing low
temps this morning in the 30's at most reporting
locations.
Yosemite Valley: Sunny, with a high
near 59. East wind at 6 mph becoming west northwest. Tonight:
Mostly clear, with a low around 31. East southeast wind around 5 mph
becoming calm.
Mariposa News - Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa /
Madera County Foothills / Yosemite
Real Estate News
Recession spurs first
time property tax reductions
Most California homeowners will see a slight decline in property tax
bills, according to Board of Equalization (BOE) preliminary estimates of
a negative inflation factor, or deflation, of 0.237 percent, it was
announced today by BOE Member Bill Leonard...
Sierra
Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County
CalPERS
CalPERS board member should be fined, watchdog agency says
Charles Valdes should pay $12,500 for receiving campaign
donations that exceed California limits, the Fair Political Practices
Commission urges.
latimes.com
California Farm Bureau
Stay safe by purchasing produce that is local and
legal
Although a quick stop at a roadside stand may save
time and money, it could also be harmful to one's health if those
products were stolen from a farmer.
Stay safe by purchasing produce that is local and legal
United States Economy
Card Firms Add Inactivity Fees to Slow Revenue Loss on
Defaults
Credit card issuers, facing the highest level of
delinquencies since April, according to Moody’s Investors Service, are
reviving inactivity charges and reworking other fees in an effort to
stem declining revenue.
Fees have proliferated since President Barack Obama signed the Credit
Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act May 22, Hardekopf
said, which sets limits on rates and other terms for credit cards.
“These are for-profit companies,” Hardekopf said. “They want to make as
much money as possible. This new law has tied their hands, in their
view.”
Bloomberg.com
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