Yosemite Daily Report for Nov. 29

Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Tuesday, November 29, 2011

WEATHER

Yosemite Valley
Today: Sunny, with a high near 59. 
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. 
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 50.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 41.

El Portal
Today: Sunny, with a high near 77. 
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 37. 
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. 
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 59.

Wawona 

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. 
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 29. 
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. 
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 51.

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HAPPENING TODAY

Yosemite Art Center Reception
This week brings the last two days of the Yosemite Art Center 2011 season. Don’t miss your chance to see this year’s employee resident art show, get art supplies at 30% off (residents/employees and YC donors), and toast the end to another great Yosemite Art Center Season. Come by and join us for the end of the show artist’s reception Tuesday November 29th from 5PM-8PM at the the Art Center to raise a glass in celebration of a great year and great show. Those who have work in the show be prepared to take it home with you as the art center closes for the winter until March of 2012. (A. Allen - 11/28)

Family Fun Night at the El Portal School – Paint Your Own Pottery
Looking for the perfect holiday gift for family and friends? Then come to Family Fun Night at the El Portal Elementary School on Tuesday, November 29 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. You can choose from an assortment of ceramics, including coffee mugs, plates, ornaments, and vases and a fun selection of colorful glazes for painting. Your masterpieces will be ready to pick up by December 16 th (after they have been fired in the kiln). The cost of each item ranges from $2 - $16 to cover the cost of materials. Quantities are limited so come early for the best selection. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Henrietta DeGroot at 379-9011. This event is sponsored by the El Portal Elementary School Student Council and Parent Teacher Group. (H. DeGroot - 11/28)

Big Oak Flat Road Delays
Mather Roads will be conducting road maintenance today on the Big Oak Flat Road, expect traffic delays. (B. Brantley - 11/29)

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PARK AND PARTNER NEWS

Submit Your Nominations for the Yosemite Conservancy Award

Yosemite Conservancy is accepting nominations for the Yosemite Conservancy Award until December 1, 2011. The Yosemite Fund Award was created in 1991 to recognize annually the efforts of an individual in the Yosemite community who has done exemplary work to significantly enhance the value of Yosemite National Park or the visitor experience. This tradition continues in 2011 as the Yosemite Conservancy Award. The award, along with a certificate of commendation and $1,000 will be presented to the recipient at a special reception. A one-page nomination should include: Name of nominee, reasons for nomination, list of accomplishments of nominee, and name, phone number and address of person submitting nomination. When nominating an individual, please remember the following guidelines: The nominee must be a member of the Yosemite community, must not have previously received the award, and must be living. The award is made to a single individual and members of the Award Committee and Yosemite Conservancy staff are not eligible. If the nominee’s contribution is performed on the job, his or her efforts must be above and beyond what is required by that job. Please submit nominations in writing to Schuyler Greenleaf, PO Box 99, El Portal, CA 95318, or by emailing to schuyler_greenleaf@contractor.nps.gov. (S. Greenleaf - 11/28)

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CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Foresta Road Closure - Slide Repair Between Rancheria and Old El Portal
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 

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.

Scott Gediman will be the Acting Chief of Staff between Nov 10 and Nov 29, 2011. If you have any questions, please give him a call at 209-372-0248 or email.

Kevin Killian will be the acting chief ranger Nov 19-29.

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

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. See these links for more info. https://www.facebook.com/OneManTwoGuvnors and http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/64476/productions/one-man-two-guvnors.html. (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)
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For Rent
Very nice, Large, 1 bedroom apartment plus extra room totaling 1100 sq. ft. Unfurnished except for stove & refrigerator in rural, (Bootjack area) Mariposa. Apartment adjoins another home but has separate entrances. Available Dec. 3rd. $595 per month plus utilities. $300 cleaning deposit required. (209) 742-5933. (Y. Radanovich - 11/28)
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NatureBridge MyGarbology (corrected)
Did you know that the average American throws away 4.4 pounds of trash every day? Much of that could be diverted from landfills using the simple rules we all learned years ago: reduce, reuse, recycle. NatureBridge (formerly Yosemite Institute) is challenging classrooms and families to have fun while learning to reduce the trash they send to landfills with MyGarbology , an interactive online game and resource center. With MyGarbology, you can learn the backstory of all of our trash, including surprising facts about the link between oil and bottled water. Have fun while you explore the world of Garbology at naturebridge.org/garbology. (M. Carrr - 11/28) 

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