Remember, to start planning your Yosemite vacation, visit www.YosemiteThisYear.com.
WEATHER
High Wind Warning
High wind warning remains in effect from 4pm this afternoon to 4am Friday. A high wind warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 50 mph or gusts of 75 mph or more can lead to property damage.
High wind warning remains in effect from 4pm this afternoon to 4am Friday. A high wind warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 50 mph or gusts of 75 mph or more can lead to property damage.
Winds: North to Northeast winds of 20 to 40 mph with gusts to 60 mph. Localized gusts in excess of 75 mph are possible over ridges and through wind favored canyons.
Timing: Strong gusty winds will develop this afternoon and increase tonight. Very windy conditions will continue through Thursday night.
Locations include: Shaver Lake, Yosemite Valley, Mariposa, Oakhurst.
Impacts: There is a potential for very strong damaging winds with downed trees and power lines.
Yosemite Valley
Today: Sunny, with a temperature rising to near 51 by 11am, then falling to around 42 during the remainder of the day.
Today: Sunny, with a temperature rising to near 51 by 11am, then falling to around 42 during the remainder of the day.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. Windy, with a northeast wind between 34 and 44 mph, with gusts as high as 70 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 43. Windy, with a east northeast wind between 37 and 45 mph, with gusts as high as 70 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Windy, with a east northeast wind 42 to 45 mph decreasing to between 29 and 32 mph. Winds could gust as high as 70 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 48.
El Portal
Today: Sunny, with a high near 67.
Today: Sunny, with a high near 67.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. East northeast wind between 12 and 15 mph becoming calm. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 62. Southwest wind between 5 and 9 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Windy, with a east northeast wind 27 to 30 mph decreasing to between 13 and 16 mph. Winds could gust as high as 43 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 59.
Wawona
Today: Sunny, with a high near 59.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 29. North northeast wind 14 to 17 mph becoming south southeast 6 to 9 mph. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 53. West southwest wind between 7 and 9 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 29. East northeast wind around 11 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 56.
Tuolumne Meadows
Today: Sunny, with a temperature rising to near 40 by 11am, then falling to around 28 during the remainder of the day.
Today: Sunny, with a temperature rising to near 40 by 11am, then falling to around 28 during the remainder of the day.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 8. Wind chill values as low as -17. Windy, with a east northeast wind between 32 and 38 mph, with gusts as high as 60 mph.
Thursday: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 30. Wind chill values as low as -17. Windy, with a east northeast wind 34 to 37 mph decreasing to between 24 and 27 mph. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 7. Wind chill values as low as -11. Windy, with a northeast wind 33 to 36 mph decreasing to between 22 and 25 mph. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 40.
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HAPPENING TODAY
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HAPPENING TODAY
Combined Federal Campaign Event in El Portal
Chili Cook-Off & Pie Contest in the Small Breakroom in El Portal, today 11am-1pm. Judges needed for pie contest. Chili will be judged on People's Choice. (J. Harrison - 11/15)
Electrical Outage on Turtleback
There will be an electrical outage on 11/30/2011 affecting Turtleback Dome communications stations and the weather station. The outage is scheduled for 10 AM through completion of work by the contractor for the last phase of the new distribution line powering TBD. Communications stations will be on generator power. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we try to finish this project before weather becomes prohibitive. If you have any questions, please call Dan Raspotnik at 379-1236. (M. Christiansen - 11/30)
There will be an electrical outage on 11/30/2011 affecting Turtleback Dome communications stations and the weather station. The outage is scheduled for 10 AM through completion of work by the contractor for the last phase of the new distribution line powering TBD. Communications stations will be on generator power. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we try to finish this project before weather becomes prohibitive. If you have any questions, please call Dan Raspotnik at 379-1236. (M. Christiansen - 11/30)
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PARK AND PARTNER NEWS
Vehicle Sticker Distribution in El Portal
Permanent Stickers: issued to perm/ term employees and will be valid for 2012 through the end of 2014. Seasonal Stickers: issued to seasonal employees and will be valid only for 2012. To help with distribution we will be available in the El Portal Maintenance Complex at the small breakroom across from HR on Thursday 12/15 from 1000-1330. If your personal info has not changed since you got your last sticker stop by and we’ll get you a new one. If your info has changed including vehicles please pick up a card (white for perm, yellow for seasonal) ahead of time and have it filled out completely and legibly so we can make the process quicker. You can find the cards in the racks outside HR, inside the small breakroom by the phone or the large breakroom by the TV. (R. Lund - 11/30)
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Permanent Stickers: issued to perm/ term employees and will be valid for 2012 through the end of 2014. Seasonal Stickers: issued to seasonal employees and will be valid only for 2012. To help with distribution we will be available in the El Portal Maintenance Complex at the small breakroom across from HR on Thursday 12/15 from 1000-1330. If your personal info has not changed since you got your last sticker stop by and we’ll get you a new one. If your info has changed including vehicles please pick up a card (white for perm, yellow for seasonal) ahead of time and have it filled out completely and legibly so we can make the process quicker. You can find the cards in the racks outside HR, inside the small breakroom by the phone or the large breakroom by the TV. (R. Lund - 11/30)
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Yosemite Toy and Coat Drive
It is that time of year for the Toy Drive and Coat Drive which Yosemite has participated in the past several years. If you would like to donate any new toy, a new or used coat for a boy or girl (infant to 18 years of age), please bring your toys or used coats to the Resource Management Division at the El Portal Maintenance Warehouse and see Ami Knighten (379-1011), or in Yosemite Valley on the second floor in the Admin Building and see Rhonda Soden (372-0290). We will accept coats up until December 9, 2011. We will be accepting gifts up until December 16, 2011. (R. Soden - 11/30)
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EMPLOYEE NEWS
All Supervisors Meeting Next Tuesday
There is an All Supervisors Meeting at 10am on Tuesday, December 6th at the El Portal Community Hall hosted by the Bureau of Business and Revenue Management. Please send any agenda items to Lena McDowall by COB on Friday, 12/02. (Jill Modrak-Killian - 11/30)
There is an All Supervisors Meeting at 10am on Tuesday, December 6th at the El Portal Community Hall hosted by the Bureau of Business and Revenue Management. Please send any agenda items to Lena McDowall by COB on Friday, 12/02. (Jill Modrak-Killian - 11/30)
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CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Foresta Road Closure - Slide Repair Between Rancheria and Old El Portal CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Starting Monday, November 14th the Foresta Road will be closed between Rancheria and Old El Portal as crews complete a slide repair from a spring 2011 slide. The Foresta Road will be closed at 7:00 AM on November 14th and remain closed for approximately 2-3 months, while crews complete the stabilization work. The crews are planning to work 6-days per week, Monday thru Saturday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Due to the safety concerns, it will require a hard closure, meaning that throughout the duration of the project, there will be no access for pedestrians, bicycles, passenger vehicles, trucks, etc... Access will be limited to construction crews and emergency vehicles only. Trucks will also be using middle road to access CA St. Rte. 140, so please be cautious as you are traveling thru this area of Hwy. 140. Also, crews will be bringing in equipment and materials starting Thursday, November 10th, with intermittent single lane traffic control along Foresta Road. (M. Pieper - 11/10)
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ACTING DESIGNATIONS
Mark Jones will be acting Facilities Manager on Wednesday 09/30 through Thursday 12/01. He can be reached in the valley at 372-0545.
Greg Torres will be Acting Trails Supervisor 11/30 through 1/3. He can reached at 742 8811.
Jun Kinoshita will be Acting Branch Chief for Anthropology Programs Tuesday and Wednesday, 11/29-11/30. He can be reached at 379-1317.
Dale St Vincent will be Acting A.O. Monday, Nov 28 thru Thursday, Dec. 1. Dale can be reached at 379-1106.
Donna Dean will be the acting Human Resources Officer from 11/29 thru 12/5. Donna can be reached at 379-1814.
Kevin Killian will be acting Chief Ranger Nov. 29-Dec. 2. Ed Dunlavey will be acting Chief Ranger Dec. 3-7
Andy Fristensky will be Acting Deputy Chief of Interpretive Operations until further notice. He may be reached at 372-0599.
Jeffrey Trust will be Acting Yosemite Valley Field Interpretation Supervisor until further notice. He may be reached at 372-0307.
Jana Friesen McCabe will be Acting Branch Chief for Public Outreach and Engagement from November 15 to December 9. She can be reached at 372-0288.
Ron Watson will be the Acting Supervisory Information Technology Specialist until further notice. He may be reached at 379-1074.
Brenna Lissoway (379-1283) is on a detail as the Park Archivist. If you have need to access the Archives, or have archive related questions, you can call 379-1282 or 379-1104.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Yosemite National Park Child Care Centers Craft Bazaar
This Friday, Dec. 2, 11am-6:00pm. Curry Village Pavilion. Enjoy shopping locally, have lunch, enter raffle, and support local the kids! (L. Stewart - 11/30)
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Adam Burns Band at the Bug
The Adam Burns Band will be playing at the Bug Hostel in Midpines this Saturday, December 3rd, at 7 pm. Come early for dinner, or come even earlier for a spa and then dinner. (K. Ramsey - 11/30)
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Mariposa Christmas Craft Show
Friday and Saturday, December 2 - 3, 2011. Time: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday. Free parking and free admission. Mariposa County Fairgrounds - Buildings A, B and Redbud Room; 5007 Fairgrounds Dr. Over 85 crafters, great food, free parking, free admission, sponsored by Soroptimist International of Mariposa. All profits from this show are returned to the community in the form of student scholarships and service projects. (P. Weber - 11/30)
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NARFE December Meeting
The next National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), Chapter 2208, meeting will be held on December 5, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Miner's Inn Restaurant in Mariposa. Lunch can be ordered off the menu individually. The meeting will include lunch, a silent auction and installation of 2012 officers. There will also be a drawing for one free annual membership (for an active employee). For more information or to RSVP, contact Connie Waldron at 966-2403 or chawks53@yahoo.com. (A. Summerlin - 11/30)
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Holiday Cookie Exchange
Just a friendly reminder that the 2nd Annual Cookie Exchange and luncheon is Monday Dec. 5. Please bring 4 dozen cookies with recipes to share and you will come away with 4 dozen different cookies. The actual exchange will take place at 12:45pm. This fun event will take place at The Carabiner and Employee Recreation is providing the food. We need you to R.S.V.P. to Katie Zepp (372-1448) or Kristie Ratchford (372-1177) at the Learning Center so we can plan accordingly. (E. Brosk - 11/29)
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6th Street Cinema
Located upstairs in the historic Old Masonic Lodge on 6th Street, in downtown Mariposa. Film Entrance is $7 per film for non-members; non-member students pay $5. Monthly membership is $12 allowing film entry for $3 each. (Please note: we are not accepting credit cards this year.) This week: December 1 (Thursday) 7:30 p.m.: "One Man, Two Guvnors" sponsored by Carol Johnson. Filmed live From the stage at the National Theatre in London. This Thursday, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m. $15 gen. public; $12 SSC members; $10 students. Sponsored by Carol Johnson. This hilarious 5 star rated British play will be opening in New York on Broadway in the Spring...but you can see it now at the 6th Street Cinema. http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/64476/productions/one-man-two-guvnors.html. December 2 - 3 (Friday - Saturday) 7:30 p.m.: "Another Earth," (If you believe, or want to believe in parallel universes.) December 3 (Saturday) 9:30 a.m. Met Live in HD, Handel’s "Rodelinda," with Renée Fleming and Andreas Scholl. $22 gen. admission, $18 SSC members, $15 students. (T. Arfsten - 11/29)
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Focus on Fire Safety: Candle Fire Safety
With the holidays fast approaching and the increased usage of seasonal decorations, it is important to focus on candle fire safety and prevention. Because the majority of candle fires result from human error and negligence, candle fires and their associated casualties are preventable. If possible, avoid using lighted candles. If you must use candles, ensure that they are placed in sturdy holders. Keep candles away from children and pets. Be sure to extinguish candles after each use. Never leave burning candles unattended. By following a few candle fire safety tips, everyone can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
Causes and Circumstances of Home Candle Fires
On average, 42 home candle fires are reported every day. More than half of all candle fires start when something that could burn, such as furniture, mattresses or bedding, curtains, or decorations is too close to the candle. In one-fifth (20%) of candle fires, the candles are unattended or abandoned. Over one-third (36%) of home candle fires begin in the bedroom. Falling asleep is a factor in 12% of home candle fires and 36% of the associated deaths. December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 13% of home candle fires begin with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year. One-half of home candle fire deaths occur between Midnight and 6 am. Young children and older adults have the highest death risk from candle fires. The risk of fatal candle fires appears higher when candles are used for light.
Candle Safety Tips
Avoid using lighted candles. If you do use candles, ensure they are in sturdy metal, glass or ceramic holders and placed where they cannot be easily knocked down. Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Set a good example by using matches, lighters, and fire carefully. Children should never be allowed to play with matches, lighters, or candles. Never put candles on a Christmas tree. Extinguish candles after use and before going to bed. And NEVER leave burning candles unattended!
Remember, candle fires are preventable! In the event of a fire, remember time is the biggest enemy and every second counts! Escape first, and then call for help. Develop a home fire escape plan and practice it frequently with your family. Designate a meeting place outside. Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room. Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke, and try to keep your mouth covered. Never return to a burning building for any reason: it may cost you your life. Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. (J. Alviso - 11/29)
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No Bike Repair at Sal's
Sustainable Action will not be repairing bikes at Sal's until January to volunteers' work and holiday schedules. Sorry for the inconvenience! (K. McHugh - 11/29)
