Wednesday 6-24-09

Governor Joins First Lady to Deliver Remarks at Opening of Abraham Lincoln Exhibition
"You know, this exhibit about this extraordinary man, Abraham Lincoln, is really so relevant today. This man has been so pivotal to our nation, and certainly was brought more into the consciousness of Americans by our current president, President Obama, who talked about him during the election and talks about him today from the White House."
Governor Joins First Lady to Deliver Remarks at Opening of Abraham Lincoln Exhibition

California Economy
Study: Recession will claim 1 Million California jobs
Job losses in California will top 1 million before the recession ends this fall, according to the latest California and Metro Forecast released Wednesday by the Business Forecasting Center at the University of the Pacific in Stockton.
Study: Recession will claim 1 Million California jobs
AND
California has to lean harder on Obama
'If I am not for myself, who shall be for me?" Hillel, the Jewish sage, famously asked.
It's a question that needs to be heard in Sacramento, where too many of the state's elected officials seem resigned to denying medical care to 1 million children, cutting college scholarships, shutting the state's parks, throwing welfare recipients into the streets and laying off 60,000 state employees.
Los Angeles Times

United States Economy
Gerstner Says Short-Term Gains Should Be Taxed at 80%
“If you buy something -- a stock or a bond -- in the morning, and you sell in the afternoon, the tax probably ought to be 80 percent,” said Gerstner, also a former chairman of Carlyle Group, the world’s second-largest private equity firm.
Bloomberg.com
AND
Health Tax to Cover More Americans May Cut Benefits
Obama, 47, has asked Congress to finish work by Oct. 1 on the largest proposed expansion of government involvement in U.S. health care since Medicare was created in 1965. Five congressional committees are drafting versions of the legislation that has to be adopted by both the House and Senate.
Bloomberg.com

The State of Mariposa County Roads 2008-2009
Mariposa County hired Nichols Consulting Engineers, Chtd in June of 2008 for $92,500 to conduct a ‘road inventory’ and ‘condition survey’ of 360 center-line miles of paved roads in the county. The firm did not do a study on the county dirt roads.
SIERRA SUN TIMES

Leroy Radanovich's
Mariposa Life:
We are always better off if our political offices are contested. It has been a long time since Congressman George Radanovich has been seriously challenged for the 19th District Seat. Win or lose, this
challenge should revitalize interest in our local political representation.
RACE FOR CONGRESS

Plan Your Weekend Today
Mariposa News - Fiesta Mexicana and the Mariposa Symphony Independence Day Spectacular in the Park
The Fiesta Mexicana is held at the Fish and Game Hall in Bootjack.
AND
Goldrushcam  Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras County

Reminder: Today:
Yosemite National Park Invites Public To Open House
The National Park Service welcomes those interested to attend an Open House in Yosemite Valley on Wednesday,
June 24, 2009 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Auditorium.
The public is invited to the Open House to:
Talk to park staff and listen to presentations given throughout the day,
Review newly released documents and reports,
Submit comments on proposed projects and ongoing implementation efforts,
Meet project managers to discuss the Yosemite Institute Environmental Education Campus Draft
Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) now open for Public Review - Park staff will be available at
both the Henness Ridge and Crane Flat sites to answer questions between 1:00 and 4:00 pm, as well as at the Open House in the Valley.
Visitors attending the Open House will have the entrance fee waived.

Yosemite
Wawona Campground has re-opened for the 2009 season
AND
Bears are very active in Yosemite Valley. Curry Village has had the most bear activity this week with 9 incidents. Bears have been in Upper, Lower, and North Pines nightly, often before dark. If you are camping in Yosemite, please treat your bear locker like you would your refrigerator at home. Open it to get what you need, then close and latch it immediately. Stay close to any food that is out. Bears have also been seen this week around the park at Crane Flat, White Wolf, and Tuolumne Meadows.
INTERESTING BEAR FACT
Black bears can run up to 30 miles per hour, are great swimmers, and are very comfortable in trees.

In the Area News:
Emergency rescue by the Merced River,
Lopez Charges Help Bring Closure To Fire That Destroyed “Big Whiskey,”
Mother Lode Fair opens Friday
and more...
Area News

Sheriff Report
The CHP reported during the very early morning hours that a car was stuck between the temporary bridges on the 140 near El Portal.
Financial abuse was reported from Aurora Road.
Vandalism was reported on Creel Road.
A resident on Little Bear Road reported identify theft..
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT

Weather Report 
Another Gorgeous Day:
89-99 Today: 
Sunny and warmer today by a couple of degrees.
Yosemite: SUNNY IN THE MORNING THEN BECOMING MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS 83 TO 93 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...64 TO 74 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY. TONIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 47 TO 57 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...38 TO 48 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
Time to Tune-Up Your Water Cooler & Check Your Air Conditioner!
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County Foothills / Yosemite

Real Estate News
Home-Price Recovery in U.S. May Be Undermined by Appraisals
Flawed appraisals are derailing real estate sales and depressing values across the U.S., the National Association of Realtors said yesterday as it reported that existing home prices declined 17 percent in May from a year earlier.
Sierra Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County

Budget Busting Pensions Must Be Reined In
On a daily basis, we are seeing alarming news about the pension crisis in towns and cities across the state of California and the nation. What the heck is going on? In a nutshell, while you were out living your life, your local and state politicians were making pension promises that extend many years into the future. And, in many cases, the required funding simply is not in place. To make things worse, these promises were made to our firefighters, police and other employees of the government. These are the people who make everything in a given town work.
Seeking Alpha

Senator Dave Cogdill sent the following letter to State Controller John Chiang requesting a voluntary reduction in his salary:
June 22, 2009
The Honorable John Chiang
Controller, State of California
300 Capitol Mall, Suite 1850
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Controller Chiang:
At this time of fiscal crisis, it is imperative that we all do our part to ease the historic deficit facing the state. I am writing to request a 5 percent decrease in my Senate salary effective July 1, 2009. Please ensure that my paycheck reflects this.
I share your concern for immediate action from the Legislature to enact a comprehensive budget solution. Please know that I am committed to achieving a responsible budget that will help our state move forward. I know this will be a challenge, but the consequences of inaction will only cause the difficult decisions before us to become even more painful.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 916-651-4014.
Yours truly,
Dave Cogdill
Senator, District 14

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Addresses 2009 National Conference on Volunteering and Service
“I created the first-in-the-nation Cabinet Secretary for service and volunteering to help make service a part of everything we do - and at this unique time in our history, the call to action has never been more important,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “Volunteerism is a very powerful force in California and it’s my hope that with champions of service in the White House, like First Lady Michelle Obama, it gains strength across the nation.”
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

California Economy
Haves and have-nots diverge on views of economic revival
The "green shoots" idea of a budding economic turnaround has resonated with Americans of mid- and upper-income levels in recent months, a Pew Research Center survey found.
But the lowest-income folks don’t buy it. Their perception of the economy has worsened since winter, despite some better data on consumer and business activity.
Haves and have-nots diverge on views of economic revival

United States Economy
Risk of ‘Large’ Drop Prompts Stock Hedging, Morgan Stanley Says
June 24 (Bloomberg) -- Investors are returning to the options market to hedge against declines in equities amid signs the chance of “large” falls is increasing as the economic recovery falters, according to Morgan Stanley analysts.
Bloomberg.com

Tuesday 6-23-09

On Saturday 6-21-2008 the Lightning Caused Fires Began in Mariposa County
Follow the timeline of the fires as the SST  reported on the status of the fires last year.
(Scroll down to the 21st of June then scroll back up the page)
Sierra Sun Times - Mariposa June 2008 Archives
Fire Photos begin here on June 22, 2008
GOLDRUSHCAM PHOTO GALLERY

Reminder: Today:
Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda - 6-23-09
On the Agenda:
Presentation by Nichols Consulting Engineers, Chtd. on County Road Pavement Management,
Authorize the Board of Supervisors Chair to Sign a Letter to the Governor to Support Continued Funding of the California State Mining and Mineral Museum .
Authorize the Board of Supervisors Chair to Sign a Letter to the Sierra National Forest Supervisor Providing Comments Regarding the Motorized Travel Management Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)
Mariposa News - Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda - 6-23-09

From the Email Bin
California's Gold
KVPT - Fresno
Half Dome / Yosemite Railroad / Yosemite Buildings
Thursday, June 25, 8 pm
Join Huell for three back-to-back specials on Yosemite. First, he documents his 17 mile round trip trek, along with other avid hikers, to conquer Yosemite’s Half Dome. Then it’s an exciting 4-mile railroad excursion on Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. At 9:30, he takes a look at the history of Yosemite through some of the many buildings that dot the valley floor.

Mariposa County Fire Department Log
Saturday, June 13^th to Friday, June 19^th
June 13·Vehicle Accident call on Usona Road - #37 Bootjack, #22 Rescue MPUD· EMS call on Yosemite Oaks - #21 Midpines·
Mariposa News - Mariposa County Fire Department Log

Coulterville Fire Brigade, 40 Years and Still Cookin’
Looking for a fun way to celebrate the July 4^th holiday? Want to save on gas and avoid sitting on the freeway with all the holiday traffic? Want to have a BBQ and some great family fun without having to do all the work? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, read on.
Mariposa News - Coulterville Fire Brigade, 40 Years and Still Cookin’

Yosemite National Park Invites Public To Open House
The National Park Service welcomes those interested to attend an Open House in Yosemite Valley on Wednesday,
June 24, 2009 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Auditorium.
The public is invited to the Open House to:
Talk to park staff and listen to presentations given throughout the day,
Review newly released documents and reports,
Submit comments on proposed projects and ongoing implementation efforts,
Meet project managers to discuss the Yosemite Institute Environmental Education Campus Draft
Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) now open for Public Review - Park staff will be available at
both the Henness Ridge and Crane Flat sites to answer questions between 1:00 and 4:00 pm, as well as at the Open House in the Valley.
Visitors attending the Open House will have the entrance fee waived.

Reminder: Today:
Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce Business Mixer on Tuesday June 23, 2009 at Sal's Mexican Restaurant.
Goldrushcam  Out And About In Mariposa County  A Monthly Listing Of Things To Do In Mariposa County

Jordan Creek Prescribed Broadcast Burn- Groveland Ranger District Beginning June 29, 2009
Depending on weather and fuel conditions, ignition of the prescribed burn is expected from June 29 through mid July, 2009. Once ignited, the prescribed burning is expected to continue for several days. Burning is contingent on weather, fuel moisture, and air quality.
Mariposa News - Jordan Creek Prescribed Broadcast Burn- Groveland Ranger District Beginning June 29, 2009

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS DECLARED THE WEEK OF JUNE 21ST THROUGH 27TH TO BE LIGHTNING SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK
IN THE UNITED STATES...THERE ARE AN ESTIMATED 25 MILLION CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING FLASHES EACH YEAR. WHILE LIGHTNING CAN BE FASCINATING TO WATCH...IT IS ALSO EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. EACH ONE OF THOSE 25 MILLION FLASHES IS A POTENTIAL KILLER.
Mariposa News - THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS DECLARED THE WEEK OF JUNE 21ST THROUGH 27TH TO BE LIGHTNING SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK

In the Area News:
Budget Shortfall Hits Calaveras County Cal WORKs Program,
Seven Businesses Forced To Close At Columbia State Park,
Tuolumne Sheriff Wants Your Input
and more...
Area News

Sheriff Report
On Rastro Way some suspicious circumstances were observed
during the morning hours.
On White Rock Road some suspicious circumstances were observed
during the evening hours.
During the afternoon hours a dog was in a vehicle at Napa in Mariposa.
During the early evening hours some ATV's were out on the Harris Cut-Off Road...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT

Weather Report 
Another Gorgeous Day:
88-98 Today: 
Sunny and warmer today by 7+ degrees.
Yosemite: SUNNY. HIGHS 81 TO 91 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...61 TO 71 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
 .TONIGHT...CLEAR. LOWS 41 TO 51 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...33 TO 43 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
Time to Tune-Up Your Water Cooler & Check Your Air Conditioner!
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County Foothills / Yosemite

Real Estate News
'Vanilla' home loans could benefit borrowers
If President Barack Obama gets his way, consumers who take out mortgages would automatically get a "plain vanilla" loan — such as a traditional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage — unless they opted for a riskier variety.
Sierra Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County

California Economy
Losses of factory jobs in California blamed on regulation
A report to be issued today by the Milken Institute attributes the departure of 79,000 manufacturing jobs between 2003 and 2007 to onerous regulations and high taxes.
Los Angeles Times
AND
Economy makes roommates of elders and their adult children
...Census figures show that California's elderly population is exploding twice as fast as the rest of the state's population – and it's expected to grow even faster as the baby boom generation continues aging. Yet proposed state budget cuts could slash services that help the elderly stay in their own homes...
Sacramento Bee

United States Economy
Insiders Exit Shares at the Fastest Pace in Two Years
...Sales by CEOs, directors and senior officers have accelerated to the highest level since June 2007, two months before credit markets froze, as the S&P 500 rebounded from its 12-year low in March. The increase is making investors more skittish because executives presumably have the best information about their companies’ prospects.
“If insiders are selling into the rally, that shows they don’t expect their business to be able to support current stock- price levels,” said Joseph Keating, the chief investment officer of Raleigh, North Carolina-based RBC Bank, the unit of Royal Bank of Canada that oversees $33 billion in client assets. “They’re taking advantage of this bounce and selling into it.”
Bloomberg.com
AND
Maersk Says Container Market to Drop by More Than 10% This Year
June 23 (Bloomberg) -- A.P. Moeller-Maersk A/S, owner of the world’s largest container shipper, said cargo volumes may drop more than 10 percent this year and show no growth in 2010 as the industry suffers a “completely unprecedented” decline.
Bloomberg.com

Monday 6-22-09

Mariposa County Fire Department Log
Saturday, June 13^th to Friday, June 19^th
June 13·Vehicle Accident call on Usona Road - #37 Bootjack, #22 Rescue MPUD· EMS call on Yosemite Oaks - #21 Midpines·
Mariposa News - Mariposa County Fire Department Log

A nice video link of Yosemite Waterfalls in the Spring
was sent to us be Cagara Digital Media. Thanks

Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce Business Mixer on Tuesday June 23, 2009 at Sal's Mexican Restaurant.
Goldrushcam  Out And About In Mariposa County  A Monthly Listing Of Things To Do In Mariposa County

SULTRY SUMMER SHINDIG Music Festival, Car - Bike Show and More
On the first simmering day in August, tiny Coulterville Park will be sizzlin’.  The 7 year old Sultry Summer Shindig Music Festival, which added the Show Your Chrome_sm  motorcycle show a few years back, now has a hot new car show added to the mix!  With a craft area and activities for kids, pie eating contests, all sorts of food, beverage and merchandise vendors and a treasure hunt, the day long event is as hot as it gets!  All this and more for just a $5 voluntary donation to help build a permanent stage in the park. 
Mariposa News - SULTRY SUMMER SHINDIG Music Festival, Car - Bike Show and More

Yosemite National Park - Dick Ewart Receives Barry Hance Memorial Award
Dick Ewart has been named the recipient of the 2009 Barry Hance Memorial Award. Ewart, a Yosemite National Park ranger, received the award at an all employee meeting attended by approximately 300 people, including several past Barry Hance Award recipients. 
Mariposa - Yosemite News - Yosemite National Park - Dick Ewart Receives Barry Hance Memorial Award

In the Area News:
Open Letter to Congressman Radanovich,
Nic Fiore dies: 'Mr. Badger Pass,' ski teacher,
Father's Day Fly In Hosts P-51 Mustang Fighter Planes
and more...
Area News

Sheriff Report
Squatters were reported on Colorado Road.
Out on Rastro Way a vehicle was vandalized.
Someone on Miami Mountain Road was reported as trespassing.
Down at the Railroad Flat Campground some folks were stranded during the evening hours...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT

Weather Report 
Another Gorgeous Day:
81-91 Today: 
Sunny and warmer today by 6+ degrees.
Yosemite: SUNNY...WARMER. HIGHS 76 TO 86 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...54 TO 64 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
 .TONIGHT...CLEAR. LOWS 45 TO 55 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...32 TO 42 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
Time to Tune-Up Your Water Cooler & Check Your Air Conditioner!
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County Foothills / Yosemite

Real Estate News
Land Deals Help Builders Stay Alive
...Lennar, based in Miami, was one of the largest home builders in states hit hardest by the housing collapse -- California and Florida. As the housing market was heading toward a cliff, it pulled off two complicated deals that got lots of risky land off its books before the market fell apart. The buyers: Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund and the California Public Employees Retirement System, the giant pension fund known as Calpers..
Sierra Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County

California Economy
New Report Shows Devastating Economic Impacts from Proposed HHS Cuts
The Governor’s proposed budget includes dramatic cuts, including the elimination of Healthy Families, CALWORKS, Adult Day Health Centers , as well as major cuts to IHSS home care and many other programs. In addition to the human impacts, the Governor’s budget cut proposals to health and human services would have dramatically negative economic consequences:
California Progress Report
AND
Dairy-Cow Kill to Double Milk Price on Biggest Slump Since 1980
June 22 (Bloomberg) -- Dino Giacomazzi, whose great- grandfather started the Giacomazzi Dairy in Hanford, California, in 1893, said he had no choice in February but to slaughter 100 cows, or 11 percent of his herd. Rising feed prices and a world surplus meant it cost as much as $17 to produce $10 of milk.
Bloomberg.com

United States Economy
TIPS Gain in Market’s Worst Year; Validation of Pimco
A day after the Labor Department said on June 18 that its consumer price index fell 1.3 percent in the year ended in May, the most since 1950, BlackRock Inc. issued a special report on why investors should purchase Treasury Inflation Protected Securities. Bill Gross, manager of the world’s biggest bond fund at Pacific Investment Management Co., calls TIPS attractive and says Treasuries are among the worst places to invest.
Bloomberg.com

Sunday 6-21-09

Sunday Guest Writer
James Heth
There have been many outstanding Americans that were the bedrock of being American, beginning with the framers of our wonderful constitution.  Then in every conflict following there have always been several that made outstanding contributions to the American cause.
A REAL AMERICAN - Chief Joseph

The National Park Service is offering free admission to Yosemite National Park this weekend
The park service will offer additional fee-free weekends on July 18-19 and Aug. 15-16. The fee waiver includes entrance fees, commercial tour fees and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as camping reservations, tours and concessions will still apply.

Plan Your Weekend
Goldrushcam  Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras County

In the Area News:
Sunday Drive: Yosemite's Tioga Road,
Bodie, the last great ghost town ,
60th Lumber Jubilee celebrates Sierra's lumberjack heritage,
Gaga over goat cheese
and more...
Area News

Sheriff Report
During the afternoon hours someone on Jessie Street heard shooting in the area.
At Lake McClure someone was making threats to someone else during the afternoon hours then a few hours later the Sheriff was called out to the campgrounds to investigate suspicious circumstances taking place...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT

Weather Report 
Another Gorgeous Day:
75-85 Today:
 Sunny and cooler today by 5+ degrees.
Yosemite: SUNNY. HIGHS 70 TO 79 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...47 TO 57 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
TONIGHT...CLEAR. LOWS 42 TO 52 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...26 TO 36 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
Time to Tune-Up Your Water Cooler & Check Your Air Conditioner!
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County Foothills / Yosemite

Real Estate News
Lower home values mean lower tax revenue
...But this boon for homeowners will mean the loss of millions of dollars in property tax revenue, a pot that gets divvied up among K-12 schools, counties, cities, redevelopment agencies, community colleges and special districts - all already squeezed by California's financial crisis and the economic downturn.
Sierra Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County

Senator Dave Cogdill
Help Wanted: Rooting Out Government Waste
Ensuring government spends your tax dollars effectively should be the Legislature’s top priority. Earlier this year, I voted to cut state spending by $16 billion. Even considering inflation, this is the largest single government spending reduction in state history. With the global economic crisis continuing to erode the state’s budget, lawmakers must cut $24 billion more this year, and you can help us find additional savings.
Based on the suggestion of a taxpayer, the Governor created a website where Californians can report their ideas for cutting government waste. While anyone can submit their suggestions – even anonymously – the Governor is calling for the people on the front lines of government, state workers, to point out examples of how the state can stretch more of your hard-earned tax dollars.

California Economy
Local Governments Remain Vulnerable as Budget Vote Looms: Illegal Grab of Gas Tax, Redevelopment Funds in Play
As a budget proposal moves closer to a vote on the Senate and Assembly floors, California cities and the League continue to lobby to protect local funds from being used to close the state's $24.3 billion budget deficit. The proposed take of local gas tax funds, which total a combined $2.750 billion over the next two fiscal years, are of paramount concern to cities. A proposal to borrow local property taxes is not currently on the table, but cities need to be on alert should this proposal re-emerge.
League of California Cities
AND
California Consumer Confidence Spikes Up To Pre-Recession Level
ORANGE, CA — The Anderson Center’s California Composite Index of Consumer Confidence increased by more than 12 points in the second quarter of 2009 from the first quarter. The index of 70.7 is the best reading of California Consumer Sentiment in over a year. An index level below 100, however, reflects a higher percentage of pessimistic consumers as compared to those who are optimistic.
Consumer Confidence  (.PDF File)
AND
California Poverty Rate Projected to Reach 17 Percent; Nearly 6.7 Million People
-- The share of impoverished children who are aided by cash grants declined from 74 percent in 1991 to 51 percent in 2008. If current enrollment rates in public assistance programs continue, there are projected to be 1.5 million impoverished residents in Los Angeles County and 5.1 million in California without cash aid when impacts of the recession peak.
MarketWatch

United States Economy
Discover CEO Says Card Reform Raises Fees, Cuts Perks
...Nelms told analysts on a conference call Discover will pull back “dramatically” on offers to transfer balances from competing cards at discounted rates, and that the discounts may not last longer than six months. Some banks have offered balance transfers at 0 percent rates that last more than a year...
Bloomberg.com

Saturday 6-20-09

Leroy Radanovich's
Mariposa Life:
QUITE TIRING
This morning, while drinking my coffee, I watched C-Span. Without
a doubt, this public channel teaches us more about what is wrong than
right about our governing body.
Agri-Tourism
At the present time our county Board of Supervisors is considering
adding, at least legitimately, Agri-Nature Tourism as a land use in
our General Plan. The main problem has been and continues to be how
to define Agri-Nature. 
Quite Tiring and Agri-Tourism

White Wolf and Tuolumne Campgrounds are Open
The Tuolumne campground will all be available on a first come first serve basis, approx. 100 sites will remain closed due to wet conditions. On July 1st 1/2 of the 304 sites at Tuolumne Meadows will be available by advance reservations only.

The National Park Service is offering free admission to Yosemite National Park this weekend
The park service will offer additional fee-free weekends on July 18-19 and Aug. 15-16. The fee waiver includes entrance fees, commercial tour fees and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as camping reservations, tours and concessions will still apply.

Plan Your Weekend
Cousin Jack Birthday party on Saturday
Goldrushcam  Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras County

Reminder: Today:
Become a Trained Weather Spotter!
SKYWARN Class Saturday, June 20 - Have you ever wondered what the clouds overhead have inside them? National
Weather Service meteorologist James Brotherton will be teaching a 2 hour weather observation class on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at Sierra Pines Church in Oakhurst. There is NO CHARGE for the class and participants will learn about clouds, lightning and other weather features. The session begins at 10:00 am sharp and will conclude at noon.Sierra Pines Church is located between Oakhurst and Ahwahnee at 40855 Covey Court -- from Oakhurst, take Hwy 49 2.5 miles north.

Stanislaus National Forest Receives Economic Recovery Funding for Forest Roads Maintenance and Bridge Construction
Secretary Tom Vilsack released the national package for roads maintenance and decommissioning and associated watershed restoration on June 2, 2009.   A total of 106 roads projects, funded at more than $228 million, are located on Forest Service land in 31 states. The Stanislaus will receive $1,153,000 from this latest round of project funding.
Mariposa News - Stanislaus National Forest Receives Economic Recovery Funding for Forest Roads Maintenance and Bridge Construction

Respected Public Opinion Researcher to Gauge Interest in Constitutional Convention
Fresno, CA – Whether or not attendees at the Central Valley California Constitutional Convention Summit will support a call for a convention remains to be seen. A well-respected behavioral scientist, Dr. Gary Manross of the Strategy Research Institute, will conduct a polling exercise during next week’s Summit to gauge attendees’ support for a convention and their priorities for structural reform.
Mariposa News - Respected Public Opinion Researcher to Gauge Interest in Constitutional Convention

In the Area News:
Mariposa: When arriving at the property of John and Charleen Mullen; Beautifully lived simple life,
Reducing fire risk depends on communitywide efforts,
Columbia Airport Ready For Father's Day Fly In
and more...
Area News

Sheriff Report
A sick deer was observed on Bullion Street.
Closing in on the Midnight hour, dogs that were barking on Narcisco Way were keeping the neighbors wide awake and not in a good mood.
On Evergreen Lane some ATV's were running around on the road during the evening hours.
Petty theft was reported from Fiske Road...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT

Weather Report 
Another Gorgeous Day:
80-90 Today: 
Mostly sunny with clouds moving in during the day leading to partly cloudy conditions for this evening. Cooler today by 11+ degrees.
Yosemite: SUNNY IN THE MORNING THEN BECOMING MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS 74 TO 83 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...50 TO 60 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY. TONIGHT...PARTLY CLOUDY. BREEZY. LOWS 42 TO 52 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY... 29 TO 39 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY..
Time to Tune-Up Your Water Cooler & Check Your Air Conditioner!
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County Foothills / Yosemite

Real Estate News
Inflation worries, mortgage rates ease
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.38 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending June 18, down from 5.59 percent last week and 6.42 percent a year ago.
Sierra Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County

Senator Dave Cogdill
Rewarding New Homebuyers
Working to restore a bright spot in California’s gloomy housing market, I voted in favor of a tax credit now available to new homebuyers. This tax incentive provides for a non-refundable tax credit (up to $10,000) for the purchase of a qualified principal residence.
As a result of the state and national housing crisis, new home construction and sales have stagnated.  This credit will help stabilize the housing market and motivate homebuilders to resume new home construction, which, in turn, will create new jobs.  In addition, this incentive also will stabilize the market and prevent further declines in home values.
This tax credit has been a success, with more than 9,000 Californians applying for the credit since March of this year. I’ve joined with my colleague, Senator Bob Dutton, to coauthor legislation to extend this tax incentive so we can create more jobs as we help more Californians achieve the dream of homeownership.

California Economy
67 Cities Decry the State's Illegal Budget Proposals and Support Legal Action to Thwart the Unconstitutional Raids of Local Funds
Less than a week after t he League released a legal opinion from a prominent local law firm which concluded that the proposed seizure of almost $1.7 billion in city and county motor vehicle, or gas tax funds, to help close the state's budget deficit is unconstitutional, 67 cities immediately passed resolutions authorizing the city attorney to cooperate with the League, other cities and counties in pursuing litigation to have any raid of local gas tax funds declared unconstitutional and invalid. There are an additional 30 cities poised to take this same action in coming weeks with many more expected.
 League of California Cities

Friday 6-19-09

Mariposa County Unemployment for May 2009.
10.2%, a .9% Drop from April 2009 but 3.6% higher than May 2008.
California Unemployment: 11.2% for May 2009. That is .2% higher than April 2009 and 4.7% higher than May 2008. The above data are preliminary numbers and are not seasonally adjusted.

Leroy Radanovich's
Mariposa Life:
NIC FIORI
Yosemite and Mariposa County seldom have had an icon of such personnel magnitude as Nic Fiori, who passed away this week. He was not of politics or government, yet his position in our community, state and nation would rival many of the more significant participants of our lives.
NIC FIORI

From the Email Bin
Yosemite icon leaves the slopes, the passing of Nic Fiore

Reminder: Today:
Planning Commission Meeting
June 19, 2009 Government Center
@ 9:00 A.M.
June 19, 2009 Agenda

Mariposa Symphony Orchestra, News Of The Mariposa Symphony Orchestra
Mariposa Symphony Orchestra will perform in the beautiful Mariposa County Park Amphitheatre to celebrate Independence Day!
The performance will begin at 7:00 pm on Saturday, June 27th.
Advance ticket purchase will be available at the Mariposa County Arts Council
$6 adults and $4 youth.
Mariposa Symphony Orchestra, News Of The Mariposa Symphony Orchestra

Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda - 6-23-09
On the Agenda:
Authorize the Board of Supervisors Chair to Sign a Letter to the Governor to Support Continued Funding of the California State Mining and Mineral Museum .
Authorize the Board of Supervisors Chair to Sign a Letter to the Sierra National Forest Supervisor Providing Comments Regarding the Motorized Travel Management Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)
Mariposa News - Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda - 6-23-09

Plan Your Weekend
Cousin Jack Birthday party on Saturday
Goldrushcam  Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras County

Reminder: Tomorrow:
Become a Trained Weather Spotter!
SKYWARN Class Saturday, June 20 - Have you ever wondered what the clouds overhead have inside them? National
Weather Service meteorologist James Brotherton will be teaching a 2 hour weather observation class on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at Sierra Pines Church in Oakhurst. There is NO CHARGE for the class and participants will learn about clouds, lightning and other weather features. The session begins at 10:00 am sharp and will conclude at noon.Sierra Pines Church is located between Oakhurst and Ahwahnee at 40855 Covey Court -- from Oakhurst, take Hwy 49 2.5 miles north.

Yosemite Art Exhibit to Feature Diverse Works by Artists-in-Residence
A unique art exhibit is opening on June 20, 2009 at the Yosemite Museum Gallery. The exhibit features work from seven professional artists, all part of the Artists-in-Residence program. The program, established over 20 years ago, is coordinated by Yosemite Renaissance.
Mariposa - Yosemite News - Yosemite Art Exhibit to Feature Diverse Works by Artists-in-Residence

Yosemite National Park - Ranger Saves Lives Of Two Visitors
Ranger Dan Abbe was flagged down by park visitors south of the tunnel on Wawona Road while on his way to work in Yosemite Valley on Tuesday, May 26th. They told him that there was a truck over the side of the road and on fire, and that there were people still inside.
Mariposa - Yosemite News - Yosemite National Park - Ranger Saves Lives Of Two Visitors

In the Area News:
14-Yr-Old Boy Drowns at Bass Lake, From the Sierra to the Sea,
Groveland: Newly elected BOFG board studies budget,
Home Sales Increasing In Tuolumne County
and more...
Area News

Sheriff Report
During the very early morning hours on Clouds Rest Road a verbal dispute led to an individual getting a lift to the County Jail for the night.
Someone was making threats on Leonard Road.
On Jackass Ridge Road a burglary was reported during the morning hours.
Petty theft was reported from Mormon Bar Crossing Road.
Malicious mischief was reported from Montana Del Oro Road...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT

Weather Report 
Another Gorgeous Day:
91-101 Today: Sunny and hot with the high temps rising today by around five+ degrees over Thursday's high temps.
Yosemite: SUNNY IN THE MORNING THEN BECOMING MOSTLY SUNNY. BREEZY. HIGHS 88 TO 94 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...59 TO 69 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
 TONIGHT...MOSTLY CLOUDY IN THE EVENING THEN BECOMING PARTLY CLOUDY. SLIGHT CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS. CHANCE OF
 PRECIPITATION 20 PERCENT.
Time to Tune-Up Your Water Cooler & Check Your Air Conditioner!
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County Foothills / Yosemite

Real Estate News
Good news for Bay Area home prices
Bay Area home prices rose from April to May, the second straight monthly gain and a surefire sign that the cold-cocked real estate market is finally coming around.
Sierra Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County

Senator Dave Cogdill
Maximizing the State’s Land Assets
With my background in the private sector as the owner of a successful real estate appraisal company, I’ve been chosen to lead a new Select Committee on Surplus Property. This committee will serve a timely purpose as the Governor has proposed selling seven state-owned properties, which his office estimates could bring in $1 billion.
While selling surplus properties isn’t the panacea to the current budget crisis, it does play an important role as a long-term fiscal solution. The committee will examine the surplus properties the state currently owns and develop a strategic plan for how the state should handle these properties. The committee will hold its first hearing at the State Capitol on June 25.

Congressman George Radanovich - Democrats Vote to Continue California Drought
Congressman George Radanovich (R-Mariposa) voted in favor of an amendment to the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill that will put a temporary hold on the June 4, 2009 Biological Opinion on the Long–Term Operations of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project in California issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service. 
Mariposa News - Congressman George Radanovich - Democrats Vote to Continue California Drought

California Economy
Governor Delivers Speech to Update Californians on Status of the State Budget
"...But the decline in our revenues is not just because of the economy. It’s also because we have an outdated tax system and a very volatile tax system and I will talk about that later on. But, because of that, we have seen huge deficits. Just this last February we were dealing with a $42 billion deficit and now we are dealing with an additional $24 billion deficit. And so, out of the $42 billion, the Legislators did really a good job, Democrats and Republicans, to solve $36 billion of that budget deficit but $6 billion went before the voters..."
Governor Delivers Speech to Update Californians on Status of the State Budget

Thursday 6-18-09

Leroy Radanovich's
Mariposa Life:
NIC FIORI
Yosemite and Mariposa County seldom have had an icon of such personnel magnitude as Nic Fiori, who passed away this week. He was not of politics or government, yet his position in our community, state and nation would rival many of the more significant participants of our lives.
NIC FIORI

Back Online!
2:30 P.M.
After a miscommunication with Sierra Tel Internet

Yosemite - Crane Flat Campground
will open for the season on Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 12 noon. The campground will initially be open on a first-come, first-serve basis only. On July 1, one half of the campground will be open firstcome, first-serve, and one half will be available by advanced reservations (which began to be taken on February 15).

Barry Hance Memorial Award given in Yosemite National Park
Acting Yosemite Superintendent Dave Uberuaga announced today that Dick Ewart is the recipient of the 2009 Barry Hance Memorial Award.  Ewart, a Yosemite National Park Ranger, received the award at an all employee meeting today attended by approximately 300 people, including several past Barry Hance Award recipients.
Mariposa - Yosemite News - Barry Hance Memorial Award given in Yosemite National Park

Glacier Point Road Rehabilitation Project to Begin in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park will be reconstructing part of the Glacier Point Road beginning this Monday, June 22, 2009.  Work will consist of the rehabilitation, restoration, and resurfacing of the road, including repaving and drainage improvements to include 5.1 miles of the road from the Chinquapin intersection to Badger Pass Ski area.
Mariposa - Yosemite News - Glacier Point Road Rehabilitation Project to Begin in Yosemite National Park

In the Area News:
14-Yr-Old Boy Drowns at Bass Lake,
Yosemite ski great Nic Fiore dies at 88,
Columbia businesses set to close,
Jail staffing will cost county $4M more
and more...
Area News

Sheriff Report
Out on Red Flat Road in Coulterville someone was shooting.
During the late afternoon hours suspicious circumstances were taking place on
Allred Road.
Someone was observed trespassing on Sunrise Lane.
During the evening hours an attempted burglary was reported from Woodland Drive..
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT

Weather Report  (Older)
Another Gorgeous Day:
80-90 Today: 
Mostly sunny with the high temps rising today by about four degrees over Tuesday's high temps.
Yosemite: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Partly cloudy, with a high near 64.
Time to Tune-Up Your Water Cooler & Check Your Air Conditioner!
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County Foothills / Yosemite

Real Estate News
Southern California home prices rise slightly in May
Southern California's median home price rose slightly in May for the first time in nearly two years. But the increase was more reflective of a change in the types of homes sold than an end to falling values, a real estate research firm reported Wednesday.Sierra Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County

CalPERS
CalPERS softens hit on local governments
The CalPERS board approved a plan to ease rate hikes for local governments and schools, a first move to repair a big hole punched in pension funds by the stock market crash.
Calpensions

Senator Dave Cogdill Honored As Legislator of the Year by The Associated General Contractors
Senator Dave Cogdill (R-Modesto) and Assemblyman Mike Villines (R-Clovis) tonight were honored by The Associated General Contractors (AGC) as Legislators of the Year. The group also recognized the efforts of Cogdill’s deputy chief of staff, Erin Guerrero, and Villines’ director of policy and fiscal, Deborah Gonzalez.
Mariposa News - Senator Dave Cogdill Honored As Legislator of the Year by The Associated General Contractors

California Economy
Forecast for California: gradual clearing
An economic recovery will begin in the second half of this year, but many Californians won't feel the benefits until 2010, forecasters from Chapman University said Wednesday.
That's because the Golden State is in its deepest and most profound recession since the Great Depression, dragged down by sluggish construction activity in both the residential and nonresidential markets.
Los Angeles Times
AND
Can the U.S. Government Afford to Let California Fail?
...Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says the state should abolish its welfare program. Doing so would save $1.3 billion and rip a large gaping hole in the safety net that now keeps more than 500,000 California families like the Sandovals out of homeless shelters...
TIME

United States Economy
U.S. Economy: Leading Indicators Shows Slump Easing
June 18 (Bloomberg) -- The index of U.S. leading economic indicators rose in May for a second consecutive month and a regional factory gauge climbed more than forecast in June, showing the worst recession in five decades may soon end.
Bloomberg.com

Wednesday 6-17-09

Karen Robb, the Contract Committee Staff Person for the Agricultural Nature Tourism Advisory Committee presented a Power Point Demonstration to the The Board of Supervisors and the public yesterday.
The program was about the definition and what is permitted under Ag-Nature Tourism that the committee put together over several meetings to come up with standards for the county. Not many people were present in the audience for this meeting.
The BOS after listening to Karen Robb and adding their comments advanced this to the Ag-Advisory Board who will now look at it. Then it heads to the Planning Commission and finally back to the BOS before being adopted in the county.
More information can be found on the Mariposa County website.
Agricultural Nature Tourism Advisory Com.

In yesterday's photo of the day we made a mistake!
We identified the animal as a Horse when it was a Mule. We think now we were only half right as a Mule is the offspring of a female horse and a male donkey according to Wikipedia.
Thanks to the Emails alerting us of the difference's.

Plan Your Weekend Today
Goldrushcam  Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras County

Reminder: Today:
Midpines
There is a scheduled Midpines Planning Advisory Meeting on Wednesday June 17, 2009, but you would be hard pressed to find an Agenda online at the Official County Website
Mariposa County, CA - Official Website

Planning Commission meeting
June 19, 2009 Government Center @ 9:00 A.M.
June 19, 2009 Agenda

National Park Service Gears Up For 2009 Fire Season
According to forecasters at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, Idaho, both the number and size of fires that have so far occurred this year are running well ahead of year-to-date averages for the past decade, and the prospects are that there will be above normal fire potential this summer in parts of Washington and California.
Mariposa News - National Park Service Gears Up For 2009 Fire Season

Yosemite National Park Fires Update #11 – June 15, 2009
Spring continues to hold fire season at bay, although eight fires are in some form of burning (most are smoldering), The Smith, Harden and Whitethorn fires will be hiked into tomorrow. These three fires now have the greater potential for growth, The weather is predicted to warm slightly by mid week and then cool again for the weekend.
Mariposa - Yosemite News - Yosemite National Park Fires Update #11 – June 15, 2009

Yosemite Institute
The public meeting for the Yosemite Institute Environmental Education Campus DEIS will be on Wed. June 17th (4-8 pm) at Golden Gate National Rec. Area, Upper Fort Mason, in Building 201 (Park Headquarters), in the 1st floor conference room.
Yosemite National Park - Environmental Education Campus (U.S. National Park Service)

In the Area News:
Valley foreclosures keep rising,
1,300 new freshmen plan to enroll in the fall at UC Merced,
So, how much space does chicken need?,
County ag revenues down 6 percent in ’08
and more...
Area News

Sheriff Report
Credit card fraud was reported from Silver Bar Road.
A resident on Mueller Road reported a possible scam.
An attempted burglary occurred on Creek View Road and on Boyer Road.
Petty theft was reported from Wilburs Way.
On Royal Oaks Court a neighbor reported that someone was possibly shooting unsafely..
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT

Weather Report 
Another Gorgeous Day:
80-90 Today: 
Mostly sunny with the high temps rising today by about four degrees over Tuesday's high temps.
Yosemite: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Partly cloudy, with a high near 64.
Time to Tune-Up Your Water Cooler & Check Your Air Conditioner!
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County Foothills / Yosemite

Real Estate News
California's $100 Million Credit For New Homes Almost Gone
To aid the battered state's economy - and, at the same time, whittle bloated inventory - the Golden State's leaders set aside $100 million for qualified buyers of new homes. Sierra Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County

CalPERS
CalPERS plan to blunt effect of losses slated for vote
Without action, cities, counties and other public entities would be hit next year with large increases in their annual CalPERS contributions -- jumping from 16.9% of total payroll this July to 24.8% next July.
Under the proposal, called a smoothing policy, the public entities would pay a substantially smaller increase next year -- 19.7% of total payroll.
"By deferring pension contributions," the governor said, "CalPERS would not only be gambling that its investment earnings in this economy would grow faster than its pension obligations, but it would also be using our kids' money to do so because they would be the ones stuck footing the bill."
CalPERS plan to blunt effect of losses slated for vote - Los Angeles Times

California Economy
Crushing Blow to Local Jobs and California's Economy
The Budget Conference Committee took action yesterday to raid local transportation revenues with devastating consequences for job loss and economic recovery in the state. The action would “take” $986 million of the local share of the gas tax from the Highway User Tax Account (HUTA) to pay for general fund bond debt service in Fiscal Year 2009-10. The Conference Committee also took action to redirect $745 million of the local share in Fiscal Year 2010-11. To be clear – this action does not include paying back these monies to cities and counties. Further, there is a shared concern with the cities that this will result in a permanent loss of this local portion of the gas tax.
Crushing Blow to Local Jobs and California's Economy

United States Economy
Suitcase With $134 Billion Puts Dollar on Edge: William Pesek
...It would be terrible news for the White House. Other than the U.S., China or Japan, no other nation could theoretically move those amounts. In the absence of clear explanations coming from the Treasury, conspiracy theories are filling the void...
Bloomberg.com

Tuesday 6-16-09

Mariposa County Fire Department Log
Saturday, June 6^th to Friday, June 12^th 2009:
June 6^th
●Fire Call; Illegal Burn on Silva - #37 Bootjack●
Mariposa News - Mariposa County Fire Department Log

Reminder: Today:
Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda 6-16-09
Mariposa News - Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda - 6-16-09
AND
Ag-Nature-Tourism Discussion at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 beginning at 2:00 p.m.
The Board of Supervisors will consider the recommendations of the Mariposa Agriculture Tourism Advisory Committee for amendments to County Code for Agritourism and Agri-nature Tourism.  The Board of Supervisors will consider adoption of a resolution initiating an amendment for processing (authorizing staff to process the amendment through the public hearing process).  Limited packets are available at Mariposa County Planning.  Please contact the Planning Department for information at (209) 966-5151.  Planners – Karen Robb and Sarah Williams.
Agricultural Nature Tourism Advisory Com.

Yosemite
Unofficially we are hearing that this person's body has been located in the Merced River:
On May 15, 2009 Katrin Lehmann is believed to have fallen into the river below the Nevada Falls footbridge around 3:30 p.m. The 31-year-old is 6’ tall, weighs 150 pounds, has brown hair and brown eyes.

Missing Employee Found Dead in Yosemite National Park
Christopher Hale, 23, of Gainesville, Florida was found dead today in Yosemite National Park. Hale, who had been reported missing since yesterday morning was found by Park Rangers at 1:00 p.m. this afternoon. It appears that Hale fell from an unnamed cliff face above Mirror Lake in eastern Yosemite Valley. The exact cause of death and other details remain under investigation.
Hale was an employee of DNC Parks and Resorts at Yosemite, Inc., the park’s primary concessionaire. He was in training in Yosemite Valley and was slated to work at White Wolf.

Victim of Half Dome Fatality Identified
At about 3:40 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2009, Yosemite Emergency Communications Center received 911 calls regarding an individual who had fallen from the cables on Half Dome. Manoj Kumar, a 40 year old male from San Ramon, California, had gone to the top of Half Dome and was descending. Day time weather conditions mirrored those of the last several weeks with clouds developing midday with afternoon showers.
Mariposa News - Victim of Half Dome Fatality Identified

Yosemite
User Capacity Management Program for the Merced Wild and Scenic River Corridor.
NEW
2008 Field Monitoring Guide

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Surprise Tour Bus Inspection Concludes With More Violations
The previously reported surprise two-day commercial bus inspection in the park concluded last Thursday. The operation,
conducted by park staff in conjunction with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the California Highway
Patrol, uncovered numerous violations. A total of 55 buses were inspected. On Wednesday, officers and rangers inspected
24 buses and cited 15 for unsafe operation. Another 31 buses were inspected on Thursday, with 14 cited for violations. Of
the 55 buses, five were taken out of service for problems with emergency windows, a non-functioning lever, logbooks that
had not been kept, a non-functional tire, and non-operational emergency exits. These five were from Coach America,
Franciscan Lines, Incredible Adventures, Meow Group and Bangee Fleet. Only the buses and drivers were taken out of
service – not the companies.

Sequoia National Park - Rangers Rescue Man Who Fell Into Kaweah River
On Saturday, May 30th, a volunteer river rover radioed dispatch to report that a 23–year-old man had fallen into the Kaweah River near the Hospital Rock picnic area, which is inside Sequoia’s southwestern boundary.
Mariposa News - Sequoia National Park - Rangers Rescue Man Who Fell Into Kaweah River

Become a Trained Weather Spotter!
SKYWARN Class Saturday, June 20 - Have you ever wondered what the clouds overhead have inside them? National
Weather Service meteorologist James Brotherton will be teaching a 2 hour weather observation class on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at Sierra Pines Church in Oakhurst. There is NO CHARGE for the class and participants will learn about clouds, lightning and other weather features. The session begins at 10:00 am sharp and will conclude at noon.Sierra Pines Church is located between Oakhurst and Ahwahnee at 40855 Covey Court -- from Oakhurst, take Hwy 49 2.5 miles north.

In the Area News:
Death on Yosemite's Half Dome occurred amid 'perfect storm' of circumstances,
Free National Park Weekends Start Saturday,
TuCare To Host Community Safety-Net Faire
and more...
Area News

Sheriff Report
Loose dogs were out running around on Dogtown Road.
(And the problem is?)
A resident on Evergreen Lane reported a possible scam.
During the evening hours someone was trespassing on Coakley Circle.
Also during the evening hours someone left a BBQ unattended...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT

Weather Report 
Another Gorgeous Day:
76-86 Today: 
Mostly sunny in the morning becoming partly cloudy by this evening. High temps are going to be warmer than Monday's highs by three to four degrees today. Yosemite: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. Chance of T-storms during the evening hours is 20%.
Time to Tune-Up Your Water Cooler & Check Your Air Conditioner!
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County Foothills / Yosemite

Real Estate News
Housing Starts in the U.S. Soared in May; Permits Also Rose
June 16 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. builders broke ground on more houses than forecast, as multifamily units surged and single- family units rose by the most since January 2006.
Sierra Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County

CalPERS
CalPERS to put less in stocks, raise bet on private equity
In the wake of financial markets' meltdown, a new asset allocation plan approved by the Sacramento-based pension fund's board Monday reduces the proportion of publicly traded foreign and domestic stocks in the $184-billion portfolio to a target of 49% of total assets, from the previous target of 56%.
Los Angeles Times

California Economy
S&P Warns May Cut California Rtgs Unless Budget Gap Addressed
In putting California's debt on credit watch with negative implications, S&P said its structural budget gap may lead to acute liquidity strain, payment delays, or issuance of instruments in lieu of cash payments, and warned it may lower California's ratings below the A category unless the state addresses the problem.
Article - WSJ.com

Monday 6-15-09

Half Dome Hikers Rescued
After a hiker fell to his death on a slippery wet with rain Half Dome in Yosemite National Park on Saturday June 13, 2009 many other hikers had to spend the night on Half Dome until rescue equipment could be utilized to bring some of the hikers down on Sunday morning after the weather cleared.
Mariposa News - Half Dome Hikers Rescued

Accountability over the Bryce Johnson Debacle?
Will their be any accountability for the over $145,000 (And possibly a lot more) that it cost to keep Mr. Johnson off of the job? That stated dollar figure does not include any County Staff time spent on this case. County Counsel work is already included in his salary but no records are kept of staff time besides the County Counsel, on copying and filing and anything else involved in this case.
SIERRA SUN TIMES

Local historian Tom Phillips, presented a Power Point program at the Mariposa Museum and History Center on Sunday June 14, 2009 on a Tour of the Las Mariposas Grant.
Mr. Phillips through a series of photos along with engaging narrative that had many in the audience volunteering information on the 'Old Days' from stories they heard as they grew up in the county about areas that were included in the grant. Tom displayed photos from the 1860's up until as recently as 2009 depicting how the area, buildings and roads have changed over time. Tom even displayed a photo of  an encampment called Carson that was located between Mariposa and Mount Bullion. If you missed the talk, you can still purchase a hard copy of the history of the grant that Mr. Phillips has assembled into a book with all proceeds going to the Museum and History Center.

In the Area News:
"I'm blown away," said Ashford, who is from Coarsegold, Calif - Giant tuna on Red Rooster III no record, but still worth crowing about,
How much space for hens? Industry wants specifics,
Tea party protest on spending, taxes
and more...
Area News

Sheriff Report
Petty theft was reported from Jeannine Lane in Mariposa.
Out on 49 South someone was making obscene gestures.
Grand theft was reported from Main Street in Coulterville...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT

Weather Report 
Another Gorgeous Day:
73-83 Today: 
Mostly sunny in the morning becoming mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. High temps within a degree or two of Sunday's high temps.
Yosemite: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Chance of T-storms during the evening hours rises to 40%.
Time to Tune-Up Your Water Cooler & Check Your Air Conditioner!
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County Foothills / Yosemite

Real Estate News
Leading Online Foreclosure Database Releases Latest Statistics on Real Estate Market
NEW YORK, June 12 /PRNewswire/ -- According to research by ForeclosureListings.com, during the last two years, the housing market has been suffering due to increasing numbers of foreclosure properties glutting the market. While this has been bad for homeowners who are losing their properties at unprecedented rates, investors have benefited from this trend.
Sierra Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County

CalPERS
Retirement’s future: pension vs. 401(k)
About a dozen chief executive officers of public employee pension funds met in Chicago last month to get acquainted and discuss ways to defend the traditional pension model.
Calpensions

California Economy
Gasoline price surge comes at bad time
"The gasoline rise is like a tax we feel very painfully every time we go to a gas station," said Ed Leamer, director of the UCLA Anderson Forecast. For consumers struggling to regain their confidence, "it adds uncertainty. It will tend to retard the economic recovery and make it less powerful."
Los Angeles Times

Sunday 6-14-09

The hiker was identified as a 40-year-old California man, Manoj Kumar.
Hiker killed at Yosemite's Half Dome - UPI.com


Reminder: Today:
A Virtual Tour of the Las Mariposas Grant
Local historian, Tom Phillips will give a historical overview of old Mariposa illustrated with interesting historical photos, tomorrow Sunday, June 14,  at 2 pm.  The free program will be at the Mariposa Museum and History Center.
Mariposa News - A Virtual Tour of the Las Mariposas Grant

Sunday Special SlideShow
Muskrat Love By Linda Gast
Gliding through the water in my kayak I heard little sounds like baby puppies.  It seemed to be coming from an old stump at the side of the marsh.  I paddled as quietly as I could and was surprised to see a furry animal staring at me with beady little eyes. 
Sierra Sun Times - Muskrat Love By Linda Gast

Sunday Special Guest Writer
James Heth
Today we are exposed to a many unpleasant shows on television.  Much of what appears on our screens is not only in bad taste but is outright disgusting. There is one program however that when it comes to bad taste and outright vulgarity surpasses all the others and that is the so-called, “Jerry Springer Show."
The Jerry Springer Show

Central Valley Constitutional Convention Summit
California’s constitution was designed to be a living document- a document that could be revisited when it no longer met our needs as citizens. Our state founders realized that conditions change over time and wisely added provisions that would allow for such modification.
Mariposa News - Central Valley Constitutional Convention Summit

The 'Moving Wall'
Meeting at the Greeley Hill Community Hall on Tuesday June 16, 2009 at 7:30 P.M. to discuss the future display of the 'Moving Wall.' This is a half-scale replica of the Washington D.C. Vietnam Memorial.
Goldrushcam  Out And About In Mariposa County  A Monthly Listing Of Things To Do In Mariposa County

Fiesta Mexicana and the Mariposa Symphony Independence Day Spectacular in the Park - On June 27, 2009
If you are going to the Mariposa Symphony Independence Day Spectacular
in the Park, dine with us at Fiesta Mexicana from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. or take out  from 3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. for a delicious picnic on the lawn in Mariposa Park. We  heard this worked well at our last Fiesta/Patriotic Concert night. If
you eat in we will do our best to help you leave in plenty of time for the concert.
Mariposa News - Fiesta Mexicana and the Mariposa Symphony Independence Day Spectacular in the Park

AUGUST 1ST SULTRY SUMMER SHINDIG
Classic Cars, Fancy Bikes, Live Music, Games and Chance to Win an ATV
Four great bands, all sorts of food, beverage and merchandise vendors, contests, a bounce house and the Show Your Chrome_sm Bike and Auto Show will “heat up” Coulterville on August 1^st… the first Saturday in August.
Mariposa News - AUGUST 1ST SULTRY SUMMER SHINDIG
Classic Cars, Fancy Bikes, Live Music, Games and Chance to Win an ATV

Midpines
There is a scheduled Midpines Planning Advisory Meeting on Wednesday June 17, 2009, but you would be hard pressed to find an Agenda online at the Official County Website
Mariposa County, CA - Official Website

Ag-Nature-Tourism Discussion at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 beginning at 2:00 p.m.
The Board of Supervisors will consider the recommendations of the Mariposa Agriculture Tourism Advisory Committee for amendments to County Code for Agritourism and Agri-nature Tourism.  The Board of Supervisors will consider adoption of a resolution initiating an amendment for processing (authorizing staff to process the amendment through the public hearing process).  Limited packets are available at Mariposa County Planning.  Please contact the Planning Department for information at (209) 966-5151.  Planners – Karen Robb and Sarah Williams.
Agricultural Nature Tourism Advisory Com.

Plan Your Weekend
Goldrushcam  Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras County

In the Area News:
Yosemite hiker dies in fall from Half Dome,
Sustaining Our Resources For Future Generations,
Valley farmers at pivotal point in search for more efficient ways to use water
and more...
Area News

Sheriff Report
During the later morning hours a burglary was reported on East Westfall Road and suspicious circumstances were observed on Ashworth Road.
On Spring Creek Road a suspicious vehicle was noticed.
On French Camp Road someone was having fun skeet shooting
while annoying the neighbors...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT

Weather Report 
Another Gorgeous Day:
73-83 Today: 
Mostly sunny after morning clouds with the high temps rising a couple of degrees today over Saturday's high temps.
Yosemite: Partly cloudy today.
Time to Tune-Up Your Water Cooler & Check Your Air Conditioner!
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County Foothills / Yosemite

Real Estate News
Leading Online Foreclosure Database Releases Latest Statistics on Real Estate Market
NEW YORK, June 12 /PRNewswire/ -- According to research by ForeclosureListings.com, during the last two years, the housing market has been suffering due to increasing numbers of foreclosure properties glutting the market. While this has been bad for homeowners who are losing their properties at unprecedented rates, investors have benefited from this trend.
Sierra Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County

CalPERS
Union donors got CalPERS deals while leader was board member
...It was not a pay-to-play scheme, Harrigan insisted, and he never let the donations influence his decisions to either support or reject CalPERS investments...
Sacramento Bee
Big pensioners: should they be named?
The website, californiapensionreform.com, has a searchable database with the names of more than 5,000 persons receiving pensions of $100,000 or more through the California Public Employees Retirement System.
Calpensions

California & United States Economy
The latest state budget update report from the National Conference of State Legislatures paints a bleak picture for FY 2010, FY 2011 and possibly beyond. States already have closed a monumental gap of more $102 billion for FY 2009. The outlook for FY 2010 is $121.2 billion based on projections by 42 states and Puerto Rico. NCSL has compiled an interactive map to show the gaps for the next two fiscal years.
SL Magazine Spotlight: Budget with Map
AND
State Tax Performance 
(.PDF File)

Fabulous
Lilly Sold Drug for Dementia Knowing It Didn’t Help, Files Show
June 12 (Bloomberg) -- Eli Lilly & Co. urged doctors to prescribe Zyprexa for elderly patients with dementia, an unapproved use for the antipsychotic, even though the drugmaker had evidence the medicine didn’t work for such patients, according to unsealed internal company documents.
Bloomberg.com

Saturday 6-13-09

Yosemite
The Tuolumne Meadows Stables operated by DNC opened Friday June 12, 2009
Offering 2-hours rides through Yosemite's High Sierra at 9:00 am, Noon, and 3:00 pm with weather and trail conditions permitting. Office hours are from 7:00 am - 5:30 pm. We encourage visitors to call 372-8427 in advance to reserve a ride, or they may go directly to the stables and sign up. The 4-hour rides may be available next week, please call to inquire.
AND
Free art classes at the Yosemite Art & Education Center
Enjoy expert instruction by a professional artist in the spectacular scenery of Yosemite Valley! Our volunteer artist this week is Janice Powell Shedd, teaching Watercolor Workshop. The Art Center, located just south of the Village Store, is open for its 25th season. We are open 9:30am to 4:00pm Wednesday through Saturday only, offering free classes from 10am to 2pm. Bring your own supplies or buy them at the Center. Sign up in advance by stopping by the Center, or call 372-1442. Space is limited! Kids 10-12 are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Kid’s Kraft Classes are offered Sundays from 11am to noon for ages 9-12. For additional information and the complete schedule of classes for 2009, go to: http://www.yosemite.org/116/Art- Education-Center.htm or, give us a call at 372-1442. Happy painting!
NPS
AND
User Capacity Management Program
(NPS mentioned it is uploaded but we do not see it as of this morning)
The User Capacity Management Program 2008 Field Monitoring Guide has been posted.
Yosemite National Park - User Capacity Management Program
AND
Yosemite National Park - Merced Wild and Scenic River (U.S. National Park Service)
AND
Revised Merced River Plan Litigation Update: March 28, 2008
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Ruling

Highway 140 near Miller Road, possible fatality at 6:00 P.M. on Friday Evening
vehicle down embankment.

A Virtual Tour of the Las Mariposas Grant
Local historian, Tom Phillips will give a historical overview of old Mariposa illustrated with interesting historical photos, tomorrow Sunday, June 14,  at 2 pm.  The free program will be at the Mariposa Museum and History Center.
Mariposa News - A Virtual Tour of the Las Mariposas Grant

Friday Update-Sierra National Forest Motorized Travel
Management Process
The Sierra National Forest has scheduled one more drop-in workshop  for Saturday, June 13th at the Sierra National Forest Headquarters, 1600 Tollhouse Road in Clovis.   Forest Service employees will be on hand from 10am-3pm to answer questions regarding the Draft....... 
Mariposa News - Friday Update-Sierra National Forest Motorized Travel Management Process

Mariposa Pines / Jerseydale
Fire Safe Meets
The next Mariposa Pines / Jerseydale Fire Safe Committee regular membership meeting will be held on June 24 at the Jerseydale Fire Service Station at 7 pm. Refreshments will be served.
Mariposa Pines News

Plan Your Weekend
New Additions!
Goldrushcam  Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras County

In the Area News:
“Where the Hell is Groveland?” Car Show Story,
Calaveras County Designates Infant Safe Surrender Sites,
Modern miners go high-tech in quest for gold
and more...
Area News

Sheriff Report
The Mariposa Bear was out an about yesterday as he was causing problems on Schilling Road and on the 140 near Mariposa.
On Speckled Court a couple of folks were having a dispute about an easement.
(Know the law on Easements before buying or renting.)
Grand theft was reported from Sullivan Road.
A vehicle was reported stolen from Wilburs Way...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT

Weather Report 
Another Gorgeous Day:
71-81 Today: 
Partly sunny to mostly cloudy and cooler by a degree or two today. Isolated showers early in the morning... Then isolated thunderstorms in the late morning and afternoon. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
Yosemite: Mostly cloudy. Scattered thunderstorms and showers in the morning and afternoon hours. Chance of precipitation 40 percent.
Time to Tune-Up Your Water Cooler & Check Your Air Conditioner!
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County Foothills / Yosemite

Real Estate News
Mortgage Insurers to the Rescue?
With more homeowners facing the threat of losing their homes to foreclosure -- and more defaulting clients to cover -- mortgage insurance companies are stepping in to help them stay put. "As a mortgage insurance company we stand in the borrower's shoes," says Michael Zimmerman, senior vice president of investor relations at MGIC Investment, a mortgage insurer."If the borrower loses the home to foreclosure, we have to pay."
Sierra Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County

California Economy
Governor Delivers Speech on Status of State Budget
Now, as I stand before you here today, we are in the midst of the greatest economic decline and recession since the Great Depression. As a matter of fact, in the past 18 months we have seen one-third of the world’s wealth literally evaporate. As a matter of fact, today I heard in the news also that there is literally $1.3 or $1.4 billion in America just gone—trillion dollars, $1.3 to $1.4 trillion dollars, just gone.
Governor Delivers Speech on Status of State Budget
AND
Budget Conference Committee Takes Local Gas Tax For Two Years: Proposal Would Devastate City Street Maintenance and Traffic Safety
No Decision yet on Proposal to Borrow Local Property Taxes
The committee rejected a Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) proposal to borrow Prop. 42 (sales tax on gas) funds. The committee also approved the release of $700 million in remaining Prop. 1B local street and road funds, of which $258 million remains available for cities. No action has yet been taken by the committee on the Governor's proposal to borrow local property taxes under Prop. 1A. The committee also left open an LAO proposal to take half of the VLF money dedicated to local public safety.
League of California Cities

Friday 6-12-09

Friday Update-Sierra National Forest Motorized Travel
Management Process
The Sierra National Forest has scheduled one more drop-in workshop  for Saturday, June 13th at the Sierra National Forest Headquarters, 1600 Tollhouse Road in Clovis.   Forest Service employees will be on hand from 10am-3pm to answer questions regarding the Draft....... 
Mariposa News - Friday Update-Sierra National Forest Motorized Travel Management Process

Mariposa Pines / Jerseydale
Fire Safe Meets
The next Mariposa Pines / Jerseydale Fire Safe Committee regular membership meeting will be held on June 24 at the Jerseydale Fire Service Station at 7 pm. Refreshments will be served.
Mariposa Pines News

Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda 6-16-09
Selected highlights:
2:00 p.m. CALENDAR
Presentation of Agritourism Advisory Committee Recommendations for Agritourism and Agri-Nature Tourism Ordinance...
Mariposa News - Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda - 6-16-09

2009 Acorn Cooperative Preschool Graduation
Acorn Cooperative Preschool celebrated the end of the school year (June 11) at the Mariposa Fairgrounds with a potluck, children's activities, special musical performances and a graduation.  The young students sang and danced "Ballin' the Jack" on stage, teachers read stories by students in the preschool's Sprouts program.......
Mariposa News - 2009 Acorn Cooperative Preschool Graduation

El Portal Pool Closed
El Portal Pool will be closed June 13 & 14 due to no staff and will open June 15, 2009 & 12pm.

Plan Your Weekend
New Additions!
Goldrushcam  Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras County

Sac State study claims state parks pay for themselves
A team of researchers at Sacramento State University have released a new research numbers on Monday they say shows that the state parks system more than pays for itself by generating sales tax revenue.
In the face of a $24 billion budget deficit, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed cutting all $150 million in annual general fund money to the parks system. Under the administration's plan, 220 of the state's 279 parks would be closed for at least two years.
Capitol Weekly

In the Area News:
Mission accomplished: Briton, paralyzed in Iraq war, pulls himself up El Capitan for charity,
Merced Theatre on historic register,
San Andreas gets peek at restored ‘oldest courthouse,'
Recovery Act Funding Will Be Used To Plant Trees In Angels Camp
and more...
Area News

Sheriff Report
A dead barn owl was discovered at the Mariposa Airport.
Someone was observed trespassing on Leonard Road and on Ganns Coral Road.
Petty theft was reported from out on Dogtown Road.
During the afternoon hours a suspicious person was hanging around the
Bagby Boat Ramp.
Also during the afternoon hours someone was requesting a deputy at
the park in Coulterville...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT

Weather Report 
Another Gorgeous Day:
72-82 Today: 
Mostly sunny with the high temps inline with Thursday's high temps with skies turning mostly cloudy during the evening hours.
Yosemite: Mostly cloudy. Scattered thunderstorms and showers in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.
Time to Tune-Up Your Water Cooler & Check Your Air Conditioner!
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County Foothills / Yosemite

Real Estate News
S.J. home prices head up
STOCKTON - Fierce competition over declining inventory in San Joaquin County's housing market led to a 17 percent dip in May home sales, but for the first time since California's real estate bubble burst two years ago, there was an increase in the median sales price
The countywide median price was $155,000 in May, up 6.5 percent from $145,000 in April, according to the Grupe Real Estate-Trendgraphix monthly sales report based on Multiple Listing Service data.
Sierra Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County

Senator Cogdill Announces Appointment to Select Committee on Surplus Property
I’m proud to have Senator Kehoe join the team of dynamic lawmakers serving on this committee. Senator Kehoe has never shied away from examining complex issues facing the state and I appreciate the insight she will bring to the committee’s work,” said Senator Cogdill.
Mariposa News - Senator Cogdill Announces Appointment to Select Committee on Surplus Property


California Economy
California seen missing budget deadline again
Schwarzenegger on Wednesday sounded like congressional Republicans of the 1990s by threatening a government shutdown. He said it is an option if lawmakers steer toward an emergency loan to help keep the state's finances afloat rather than concentrate on closing the budget shortfall.
Reuters

United States Economy
Mortgage Rates in U.S. Rise to Highest Since November
The average 30-year rate jumped to 5.59 percent from 5.29 percent a week earlier, Freddie Mac, the McLean, Virginia-based mortgage buyer, said today in a statement. The 15-year rate averaged 5.06 percent.
Rising rates may deepen the U.S. housing slump by sidelining people who want to refinance or purchase a house. U.S. mortgage applications fell last week to the lowest since February and shares of the largest homebuilders have dropped 11 percent since May 1 on concern more expensive home loan payments will turn away prospective buyers.
Bloomberg.com

World Economy
Europe Industrial Production Declines by Record 21.6%
...The global economy will contract for the first time since World War II this year as the fallout from the financial crisis leads companies to scale back production and run down stocks, the World Bank predicts. The European Central Bank this month kept its benchmark interest rate at a record-low 1 percent and will soon buy bonds in a bid to improve the flow of credit...
Bloomberg.com

Thursday 6-10-09

2009 Acorn Cooperative Preschool Graduation
Acorn Cooperative Preschool celebrated the end of the school year (June 11) at the Mariposa Fairgrounds with a potluck, children's activities, special musical performances and a graduation.  The young students sang and danced "Ballin' the Jack" on stage, teachers read stories by students in the preschool's Sprouts program.......
Mariposa News - 2009 Acorn Cooperative Preschool Graduation

Plan Your Weekend
New Additions!
Goldrushcam  Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras County

Mariposa - Les Marsden
District 19 Cross Partisan Race - 6/10/09 - Fresno News - abc30.com

From the Email Bin
Update on the Half Dome Rescue: There were two visitors who stayed with Gina on the ledge.  They maintained contact with rescuers with her status and made sure she was warm and didn't go into shock: Kiley Schmit and Rick Powell.

Surprise Bus Inspections Conducted in Yosemite National Park
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in conjunction with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and the National Park Service (NPS) held a surprise inspection for all commercial for hire multiple passenger tour buses in the park. The purpose of these unannounced inspections is ensure visitor safety through safe operation of tour buses in an attempt to reduce chances of crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving tour buses bringing passengers to Yosemite National Park. 
Mariposa - Yosemite News - Surprise Bus Inspections Conducted in Yosemite National Park

El Portal Burn
Preparations are being made by fire crews to burn grass in El Portal. The burning operation will be a one day project, beginning Thursday, June 11, 2009.
The atmosphere is conducive to smoke dispersal. The purpose of this burn project is to remove available fuel for defensible space. The location will be the slope behind houses between the Post Office and water tanks. Crews have been in the area this week preparing the ground by weed whacking and placing hose lines behind the homes.

In the Area News:
El Capitan - Video - Soldier nears end of charity climb,
County slashes budget,
Stewardship Council Selects Tuolumne County For Kennedy Meadows
and more...
Area News

Sheriff Report
A bus stop was vandalized on Highway 49 North.
A resident on Pine Lake Drive reported the theft of a camper shell.
A bunch of mules were on Highway 49 South during the afternoon hours.
And Finally, During the evening hours a call came in from Mykleoaks about someone refusing to leave...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT

Weather Report 
Another Gorgeous Day:
73-83 Today: 
Mostly sunny and warmer by around six degrees today with skies turning partly cloudy during the evening hours.
Yosemite: Partly sunny becoming mostly cloudy during the afternoon/evening hours.
Time to Tune-Up Your Water Cooler & Check Your Air Conditioner!
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County Foothills / Yosemite

Real Estate News
Industry Pushes to Extend Home-Buyer Tax Credit
The Business Roundtable is calling on Congress to increase the credit to $15,000 and extend it to all home buyers. "What is being billed as a recovery is not showing up in the cash register yet," says Richard A. Smith, chief executive of Realogy Corp. and a member of the Business Roundtable. Realogy is the parent of real-estate brokers Century 21 and Coldwell Banker.
Sierra Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County

California Economy
California tax revenue continues to ebb
Mark July 28 on your calendar. That’s the date when California, the world’s eighth largest economy, goes broke – and then it gets worse. The date is set by state Controller John Chiang in a letter to the governor and leaders of the Legislature. “In the absence of legislative action, the state will not have sufficient cash to meet all of its payment obligations on July 28. By July 31, the cash deficit will increase to a negative $2.78 billion,” says Mr. Chiang in his letter.
Central Valley Business Times
AND
SF Beige Book sees few signs of recovery
Economic activity on the West Coast and in Hawaii slowed further from mid-April through May, according to the latest Beige Book issued by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.
Pacific Business News

United States Economy
Dollar’s Reserve Status May Deteriorate, Roubini Says
The dollar’s status has come into question as leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and China discuss substituting other assets for their dollar holdings amid a ballooning budget deficit that keeps the U.S. dependent on foreign financing. China alone owns about $744 billion of U.S. Treasury bonds among its $2 trillion of foreign-exchange reserves.
Bloomberg.com

Wednesday 6-10-09

Bryce Johnson Disability Retirement set Aside By Mariposa County Supervisors
The BOS yesterday voted to accept (5-0) the Administrative Law Judges proposed decision along with some technical changes to set aside the Disability Retirement on Bryce Johnson effective June 10, 2009
Cost to County Taxpayers so far: $145,825

Catheys Valley Community Plan Continued Until July 14, 2009
The Catheys Valley Community Plan was presented to the BOS and the public last night at the Government Center beginning at 6:40 P.M. and continued until shortly after Midnight as many speakers had things to say about the plan. The BOS decided to continue the meeting until July 14, 2009 at 6:30 P.M. at the Government Center as they would like quite a few items (some legal and others to be cleared up by County Counsel and the Catheys Valley Planning Advisory Committee.) More later

Mariposa Symphony Orchestra's Annual Independence Day Spectacular
America's 233rd birthday will come one week early as the Mariposa Symphony Orchestra's annual "Independence Day Spectacular" Concert raises the roof.  Or rather: the sky, as this concert will be held outdoors at the Amphitheatre at Mariposa Park.   It all begins at 7:00 PM on Saturday, June 27.
Mariposa News - Mariposa Symphony Orchestra's Annual Independence Day Spectacular

Deadline nears for cost sharing to upgrade engines
Farmers in the following 36 counties are eligible to apply for the program: Alameda, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa,
Deadline nears for cost sharing to upgrade engines

Yosemite National Park - Visitor Rescued From Cables On Half Dome
On the afternoon of Saturday, June 6th, Gina Bartiromo, 35, slipped while descending the Half Dome cables and slid approximately 150 feet down the east face, coming to rest on a small ledge.
Mariposa - Yosemite News - Yosemite National Park - Visitor Rescued From Cables On Half Dome

Yosemite National Park - Bicyclist Killed In Crash With Car
Yosemite Valley rangers responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a bicyclist on the afternoon of May 29th.  Sung Mo Ku, a 52-year-old South Korean citizen, was riding a mountain bike eastbound on South Side Drive, a two-lane, one-way road, when the accident occurred.
Mariposa - Yosemite News - Yosemite National Park - Bicyclist Killed In Crash With Car

Yosemite National Park - Memorial Day Brings Crowds, Multiple Incidents
Rangers dealt with big crowds and numerous incidents over the Memorial Day weekend. There was heavy traffic throughout the park on all three days. Lines at entrance stations throughout the park began forming as early as 7 a.m. and continued until late in the afternoon.
Mariposa - Yosemite News - Yosemite National Park - Memorial Day Brings Crowds, Multiple Incidents

Lighting Sparked Fires In Yosemite National Park Update: June 8, 2009
Yosemite National Park continues to experience thunderstorms, rain and some snow which has slowed fire growth greatly. One new fire was detected over the weekend. No closures are associated with these fires, and smoke production has been minimal. All of these fires are within the Park Boundary.
Mariposa - Yosemite News - Lighting Sparked Fires In Yosemite National Park Update: June 8, 2009

Write your legislator today:
The California State Mining and Mineral Museum is one of the State Parks listed to be closed
Save Our State Parks

In the Area News:
Sheriff's Department forced to release man suspected in double homicide,
Management Contract Approved For Tuolumne County Transit,
Sheriff seeks to clear up details of May shooting
and more...
Area News

Sheriff Report
During the midnight hour a prowler was reported on Old Highway South Road
near Catheys Valley.
Petty theft was reported from East Whitlock Road.
During the later morning hours suspicious circumstances were
observed on Dogtown Road.
An assault and battery occurred at the Skate Park...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT

Weather Report 
Another Gorgeous Day:
74-84 Today: 
Mostly cloudy with the high temps within a degree or two of Monday's high temps. Isolated thunderstorms in the late morning and afternoon. Chance of thunderstorms 20 percent.
Yosemite: Mostly cloudy. Isolated showers early in the morning. Scattered thunderstorms in the late morning and afternoon. Scattered snow showers in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation 50 percent. Snow level above 8000 feet.
Time to Tune-Up Your Water Cooler & Check Your Air Conditioner!
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County Foothills / Yosemite

Real Estate News
More options for Home Affordable refis
Homeowners seeking to refinance a mortgage owned or guaranteed by Freddie Mac under the Obama administration's Making Home Affordable program will soon be able to use any lender affiliated with Freddie Mac, and roll up to $5,000 in closing costs into their new mortgage
Sierra Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County

Assemblyman Tom Berryhill Speaks Out Against Borrowing
SACRAMENTO - Assemblyman Tom Berryhill (R-Modesto) became the first legislator to join with www.saveyourcity.net  to publicly oppose borrowing from local governments as a solution to the budget crisis.
Mariposa News - Assemblyman Tom Berryhill Speaks Out Against Borrowing

California Economy
Battle lines being drawn over California’s budget crisis
...“So anyone that talks about it in a hallucinatory way and thinks that we have reserves of $4.5 billion is totally wrong, because we have no reserve, no rainy day fund. It's a $24 billion problem that they need to solve. It's that simple,” says Mr. Schwarzenegger...
Battle lines being drawn over California’s budget crisis

Tuesday 6-9-09

Mariposa Symphony Orchestra's Annual Independence Day Spectacular
America's 233rd birthday will come one week early as the Mariposa Symphony Orchestra's annual "Independence Day Spectacular" Concert raises the roof.  Or rather: the sky, as this concert will be held outdoors at the Amphitheatre at Mariposa Park.   It all begins at 7:00 PM on Saturday, June 27.
Mariposa News - Mariposa Symphony Orchestra's Annual Independence Day Spectacular

Tuesday Special:
Leroy Radanovich's
Mariposa Life;
El Portal has a market again. A little more than a year ago, the El Portal Market burned to the ground, depriving this community of many things. A year later, the new market is housed in the Park Service building just south of the gas station in El Portal. The old market had a wonderful history, following its lineage back to the beginnings of El Portal, the Hennessy Ranch and the building of the Yosemite Valley Railroad.
EL PORTAL MARKET

Reminder: Today:
Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda - 6-9-09
Highlights:
Catheys Valley Plan @ 6:30 P.M.,
Bryce Johnson - Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda June 9th 2009.
Total Waste Hauling Agreement for North County
Mariposa News - Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda - 6-9-09

Write your legislator today
Save Our State Parks

From the Email Bin
Paraplegic Marathoner Still Has Mountain To Climb : NPR

The Mariposa County BOS talks about the 'Green Economy' but they are way behind the curve:
Mapping the Green Economy: California

7th Annual Sultry Summer Shindig
Hot Bands, Shiny Bikes and New This Year…Sizzlin’ Cars! Four hot bands, food, beverage and merchandise vendors, contests, a bounce house and the Show Your Chrome_sm Bike and Auto Show will liven up Coulterville on August 1^st…
Mariposa News - 7TH ANNUAL SULTRY SUMMER SHINDIG

Mariposa Pines/Jerseydale Fire Safe "Fiesta Mexicana" Update‏
Finishing touches are being put on Fiesta Mexicana fundraiser enchilada dinner and raffle to be held on June 27 at Bootjack Fish and Game Hall from 4-8 pm. The planning committee has met for the last time to make certain that everyone will have a great time enjoying the fare of hand made enchiladas, rice, beans, chips and salsa, and beverages. To round out the meal, build-your-own sundaes will also be on tap for only $2.
Mariposa News - Mariposa Pines/Jerseydale Fire Safe "Fiesta Mexicana" Update

Yosemite
BEAR ACTIVITY SUMMARY
There have already been 7 bears hit by vehicles this year. Please obey speed limits and pay attention while driving!Bears have been VERY active this spring. Bear incidents have remained high in the Yosemite Valley Campgrounds, Curry Village, and Housekeeping Camp. Additionally bears have been seen along the roads between Yosemite Village and El Capitan, wandering through picnic areas and at the base of climbing routes. Additionally in the past two weeks we have started to see backcountry incidents. If you are on a day hike do not leave your pack unattended. If you are backpacking, please carry a food storage canister.
INTERESTING BEAR FACT
Bears can see color, and their vision is likely equal to that of human vision. They have good night vision and can easily
move around at night. If you can see food in a vehicle, it is likely that a bear can too!
AND
Pile Burning In Yosemite National Park
Pile Burning - Pile will continue through this week. Emphasis is being placed on Old El Portal today, Monday 6/8/09 to complete standing piles near Buckeye Ct and the water tanks. This work is in preparation for the grass burn project and training for later this week as the grasses continue to dry out. NPS
Mariposa - Yosemite News - Pile Burning In Yosemite National Park

Display Of Artificial Sequoias Opens At Fresno Airport
...Dave Uberuaga, acting superintendent of Yosemite National Park, also welcomed the display, saying that it underscored the area’s natural riches and that he hoped it would encourage residents to explore them with renewed interest...
Mariposa News - Display Of Artificial Sequoias Opens At Fresno Airport

In the Area News:
Surf’s Up in Groveland,
Miwoks call Yosemite Indians “Them”,
CHP releases some details of tractor accident
and more...
Area News

Sheriff Report
A burglary was reported from Holtzel Road.
Vandalism occurred at Lake McClure.
During the evening hours suspicious circumstances was reported from Sierra Drive.
A landlord and a tenant were failing to see eye to eye on East Whitlock Road...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT

Weather Report
Another Gorgeous Day:
74-84 Today: 
Mostly cloudy with the high temps within a degree or two of Monday's high temps. Isolated thunderstorms in the late morning and afternoon. Chance of thunderstorms 20 percent.
Yosemite: Mostly cloudy. Isolated showers early in the morning. Scattered thunderstorms in the late morning and afternoon. Scattered snow showers in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation 50 percent. Snow level above 8000 feet.
Time to Tune-Up Your Water Cooler & Check Your Air Conditioner!
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County Foothills / Yosemite

Real Estate News
California Housing Finance Agency offers deal for first-time buyers
First-time homebuyers in California can now take advantage of a new mortgage option called Cal30, a fixed rate, 30-year loan, offered through the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) beginning today.
Sierra Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County

CalPERS
Total CalPERS Fund
Market Value
$182.9 Billion
Reflects market value, as of market close on 06/05/09.
Down from a high of $260B
Still down almost 30% from the high,
possibly increasing the contribution rate for Mariposa County in 2010-2011 by hundreds of thousands of dollars.
AND
Calpers to expand private-equity, VC investments
...Under the proposed plan, Sacramento-based Calpers would invest 49 percent of its money in stocks, which includes hedge funds, another 19 percent in bonds, 10 percent in real estate and 5 percent in inflation-protected Treasuries...
Calpers for the first time also plans to keep 2 percent of its money in cash, up from its traditional zero cash policy.
Reuters

Congressman George Radanovich and Congressman Mike Thompson Introduce Bill to Include Vine and Tree Farmers in Stimulus Relief
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included a provision to help businesses quickly recover the cost of new capital investment, including property used for farming.  Unfortunately, the final bill did not include permanent crops like trees and vines as a type of investment that qualifies for the tax break because they don’t harvest within the first year.
Mariposa News - Congressman George Radanovich and Congressman Mike Thompson Introduce Bill to Include Vine and Tree Farmers in Stimulus Relief

Leading the Nation Into a Digital Textbook Future
This initiative has the potential to save California's schools millions of dollars. The average textbook costs about $75 to $100 per student.  For a school district with about 10,000 high school students, the use of free digital textbooks in just science and math classes could save up to $2 million dollars.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

The Economy
Is JP Morgan A Bank Or A Government Funded Casino
That was what was meant to be, but our banking institutions seem to have lost all ballast to what a bank is meant to be doing and its responsibility to its depositors and the public which in this instance helped it stay alive.
Raymond J. Learsy: Is JP Morgan A Bank Or A Government Funded Casino

Monday 6-8-09

7th Annual Sultry Summer Shindig
Hot Bands, Shiny Bikes and New This Year…Sizzlin’ Cars! Four hot bands, food, beverage and merchandise vendors, contests, a bounce house and the Show Your Chrome_sm Bike and Auto Show will liven up Coulterville on August 1^st…
Mariposa News - 7TH ANNUAL SULTRY SUMMER SHINDIG

Mariposa Pines/Jerseydale Fire Safe "Fiesta Mexicana" Update‏
Finishing touches are being put on Fiesta Mexicana fundraiser enchilada dinner and raffle to be held on June 27 at Bootjack Fish and Game Hall from 4-8 pm. The planning committee has met for the last time to make certain that everyone will have a great time enjoying the fare of hand made enchiladas, rice, beans, chips and salsa, and beverages. To round out the meal, build-your-own sundaes will also be on tap for only $2.
Mariposa News - Mariposa Pines/Jerseydale Fire Safe "Fiesta Mexicana" Update

Network of Care Launch in Mariposa
On Monday June 1, 2009 the
Network of Care website launch took place at the Government Center in Mariposa. This website is a joint venture with Mariposa County Human Services and Trilogy which owns and operates the Website.
The website is divided into eight specific areas from Domestic Violence to Public Health to a Senior Section with links to Mariposa County services and services outside of the County. Also a Library of many thousands of  health topic articles are also available.
With a small audience in attendance (that included Supervisors Jim Allen and Kevin Cann) Jacqueline Zimmer, National Sales Manager of Trilogy gave a demonstration of the Network of Care site for Mariposa County. Jacqueline mentioned that the website was built with a $2.5M grant  and that multiple counties and cities use the website with each one geared toward that city or county. 
Also included in the website is a secure section that you can use to enter in your personal information that can then be viewed only by people you want to share the information with.  This is a very welcome addition to Mariposa County as the Internet information age continues to expand in Mariposa County.

Les Marsden Announces Candidacy for the 19^th Congressional District
Mariposa, Ca. – Les Marsden (Democrat) will announce his candidacy for the United States Congress representing California’s 19^th Congressional District on Wednesday, June 10 at the Mariposa County Courthouse Park, at 9:00am.
Mariposa News - Les Marsden Announces Candidacy for the 19th Congressional District

In the Area News:
Filmmaker Ken Burns sees national parks as 'democratic ',
New Yorker story about Bronco Wine has wrong emphasis, Franzia says ,
Spiders Are Garden Guardians
and more...
Area News

Sheriff Report
A resident on Schoolhouse Road reported an Internet scam.
Trespassing was taking place on Lakeside Road during the morning hours.
On Ben Hur Road the smell of gas was reported...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT

Weather Report
Another Gorgeous Day:
74-84 Today: 
Mostly sunny today with the high temps rising three to four degrees over Sunday's high temps. Yosemite: Partly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of thunderstorms and snow showers in the afternoon. Highs 63 to 73 at 5000 feet... 52 to 62 at 8000 feet.
Time to Tune-Up Your Water Cooler & Check Your Air Conditioner!
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County Foothills / Yosemite

Real Estate News
Economic View - Why Home Prices May Keep Falling
...But something is definitely different about real estate. Long declines do happen with some regularity. And despite the uptick last week in pending home sales and recent improvement in consumer confidence, we still appear to be in a continuing price decline...
Sierra Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County

CalSTRS- The fighting fiduciaries
... Despite the four-year run of double-digit returns, the CalSTRS chief investment officer, Chris Ailman, told the benefits committee last week that as of May 1 returns averaged 3.7 percent for the last decade and 7.5 percent for the last 20 years. For the current fiscal year that began last July, Ailman said, “Right now we are at about a negative 22 percent with, obviously, about four weeks left in June.”
Calpensions

California Economy
Workers' comp insurance about to jump
... Over the past two months, half a dozen insurers have notified the state of their intention to raise their workers' comp rates by 10 percent to 33.9 percent. In Sacramento today, the Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau, an advisory panel largely composed of insurance representatives, will present its case for lifting a statewide benchmark for insurance rates by 23.7 percent – the biggest jump in 30 years.
Workers' comp insurance about to jump

World Economy
China’s Pockets Aren’t Deep Enough During Crisis: William Pesek
And then, of course, there’s China’s $768 billion of U.S. Treasuries. Any major drop in the dollar’s value will leave China’s government with huge losses. For all the chest-thumping in Beijing about how China has leverage over the U.S., there’s little China can do but hope for the best. Bloomberg.com

Sunday 6-7-09

Les Marsden Announces Candidacy for the 19^th Congressional District
Mariposa, Ca. – Les Marsden (Democrat) will announce his candidacy for the United States Congress representing California’s 19^th Congressional District on Wednesday, June 10 at the Mariposa County Courthouse Park, at 9:00am.
Mariposa News - Les Marsden Announces Candidacy for the 19th Congressional District

Food for Thought:
Property Taxes are expected to return about $175,000 more in 2009 than was collected in 2008.
January-May 2009 Bed Tax down 16.5% compared to January-May 2008.
$394,430.
January-May 2009 Sales Tax down 8% compared to January-May 2008. $32,000.
Mariposa County Board of Supervisor for District 4 Kevin Cann (also retired from Yosemite Park where he was the Deputy Superintendent of Yosemite National Park) maintains that when he worked for the park, the park did not put a lot of emphasis on the winter financial numbers as the weather can play havoc with visitation. Tourism Executive Director Jeff Hentz at last Tuesday's BOS meeting said that Tourism is going through uncharted waters as some tourism areas in the United States are in crisis mode. Mr. Hentz also mentioned that the Bed Tax is down between 5-6% for the full year to year date. (May 2008- May 2009)

Sunday Special Guest Writer: James Heth - Another Mariposa Treasure
There are many treasures in and about Mariposa. Springs explosion of wild flowers this year is a good example and of course, the blue patches of Baby Blue eyes that turn hillsides into wondrous canvases, are certainly major community treasures.
Mariposa News - James Heth - Another Mariposa Treasure

Special Sunday SlideShow
Linda Gast:
Caution Cattle Drive 
You don't see that sign too often, but this is Mariposa County and there are lots of cattle so it shouldn't be too much of a surprise.  Driving along Bear Valley Road returning to Mariposa from Hornitos we came upon the yellow caution sign sitting by the side of the road.
Sierra Sun Times - 2009 MARIPOSA COUNTY LONGHORN CATTLE DRIVE By Linda Gast

Gold Miners take Notice:
President Grant's Mining Law Needs Real Reform
There’s a good chance that this Congress will pass a law reforming one of the largest, oldest giveways on the books – the General Mining Law of 1872. It’s only taken more than a hundred years to get here and yet some proposals appear poised to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Taxpayers for Common Sense

Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda - 6-9-09
Highlights:
Catheys Valley Plan @ 6:30 P.M.,
Bryce Johnson - Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda June 9th 2009.
Total Waste Hauling Agreement for North County
Mariposa News - Mariposa County Board of Supervisors Agenda - 6-9-09

Williamson Act Subventions Slated for Elimination
This is worth around $200,000 a year total  to Mariposa County but was already cut 10% last year by the State.
As indicated previously, with the state facing a deficit of approximately $24 billion, the Williamson Act is again slated for elimination to help resolve the state deficit. The Davis and Schwarzenegger Administrations have consistently proposed the elimination of the subvention payments to counties under the Williamson Act in their proposed state budgets...
Mariposa News - Williamson Act Subventions Slated for Elimination

Plan Your Weekend
Goldrushcam  Out And About Weekend Edition Covering Yosemite National Park, Mariposa, Eastern Madera County, Tuolumne County and Calaveras County

In the Area News:
Tuolumne County Budget Proposal Would Cut Nearly 100 Positions,
Big Trees State Park could get the ax,
Motorcyclists ride for muscular dystrophy
and more...
Area News

Sheriff Report
On Maguire Street a cat was reported injured.
A hiker was reported lost near Half Dome in Yosemite.
A couple of horses were reported missing from Bear Clover Road.
Out on Indian Peak Road a resident reported the theft of mail...
MARIPOSA COUNTY DAILY SHERIFF REPORT

Weather Report
Another Gorgeous Day:
71-81 Today: 
Warmer today by around six to seven degrees with mostly sunny to mostly cloudy skies depending on your location in the County. Yosemite has a 20% chance of thunderstorms and snow showers.
Time to Tune-Up Your Water Cooler & Check Your Air Conditioner!
Sierra Sun Times - Weather Forecast For Mariposa / Madera County Foothills / Yosemite

Real Estate News
Former subprime lenders stand to profit again
Former top executives from Countrywide Financial, once the nation's largest mortgage firm and a poster child for loose lending standards, have launched a company to buy distressed mortgages from banks and the government at a discount, modify the loans so borrowers can afford them and pocket the profits from reselling them.
Sierra Sun Times Real Estate - Homes and Land For Sale In Mariposa County

Governor Delivers Keynote Address at Commencement Ceremony at Charles Drew University
...And today each of you is living your own American Dream. So remember, anything is possible. Reach for the stars. You are all winners. Just look at the awesome impact of one individual who reached for the stars, the university’s namesake, Dr. Charles Drew. (Applause) think about that...
Governor Delivers Keynote Address at Commencement Ceremony at Charles Drew University

United States Economy
Despite Improving, Job Front Remains Grim
Has the job market been this bad before?
Only a handful of times since the Great Depression. The economy has shed six million jobs since the start of 2008. That's almost one out of every 20 jobs, making the current decline the worst drop in a half century. Unemployment has doubled since the start of the downturn, with 14.5 million people looking for jobs in May. The jobless rate is likely to approach, and maybe even surpass, 10% by year end.