Subscribe
to the E-Star!

Community Briefs for August 12, 2010 edition

(Updated: Thursday, August 12, 2010, 12:02 PM)

Free entrance into Yosemite

Yosemite National Park will offer free entrance Saturday, Aug. 14 and Sunday, Aug. 15.

Fees being waived include only the fees associated with entrance into Yosemite National Park.

Coarsegold Mixer

All Coarsegold Chamber members, and business and home-based business owners are invited to the Coarsegold Chamber Mixer, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19 at the Coarsegold Historic Village.

There will be food and networking opportunities. Details: Lorin Brown or Judy Wood (559) 642-2262.

Oakhurst health fair

A health fair, sponsored by Cornerstone and Family Counseling Services, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 at the Oakhurst Community Park.

There will be whooping cough vaccinations, blood-pressure checks, vision screening, health information booths, food, a silent auction, a bounce house and live music.

The Cancer Society, Heart Association and Diabetes Association will be there as well as other local health care professionals.

Details: (559) 641-6321.

Madera County Industry Survey

The Madera County Economic Development Corporation recently released a report detailing a survey that was conducted with 44 local businesses. The survey's goal was to help the corporation and the local work force keep current business and attract new business. The following are findings reported in the survey:

Unemployment has doubled in Madera County since 2006 when it was at 7%. As of 2009, unemployment was at 14%. In 2009, the annual average unemployment rate in Madera County was 5% higher than the national average and 3% higher than California's average.

According to the report, Madera County is one of the fastest growing counties in California in total income and population. Population has risen from 143,810 in 2006 to 152,331 in 2009. In 2006, median home price was $302,500 and in 2009, median home price was $140,000.

According to the report, Madera County's retail sales grew at an above average rate from 2000 to 2008 and the percentage growth over that period was 50.3% compared to California's 19.2%. but in 2008, retail sales went down 7.7%.

The executive summary of the report is available by calling the Madera County Economic Development Corporation at (559) 675-7768.

Madera County Fair entries due Aug. 17

Local residents hoping to compete in the 2010 Madera District Fair must have entries submitted by Tuesday, Aug. 17.

Entry forms and exhibitor's handbooks are still available at the Sierra Star on Crane Valley Road (426) and for viewing and entering online at maderafair.com.

The handbooks contain information on competitions, guidelines for submitting items and all applicable dates.

Competitions are available for both individual and group entry and include numerous competitions for class projects. County educators are encouraged to utilize fair time competition as part of their curriculum.

The majority of fair entries must be received by Aug. 17, with the exception of a limited number of entries in the floriculture department.

Competition for the 2010 fair will include many long-time favorites as well as several recent additions in the five major areas of livestock, floriculture, photography, California living and agriculture.

Details: Madera District Fair office, (559) 674-8511 maderafair.com.

Public meetings for Tuolumne River Plan

Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher has announced several public meetings regarding the Comprehensive Management Plan for the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River. The public meetings will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 20, Sept. 10, 11, 17, and 18 at Parsons Memorial Lodge in Tuolumne Meadows.

In 1984, the Tuolumne River became a federally protected Wild and Scenic River. Yosemite National Park is currently drafting a management plan for the 54 miles of the Tuolumne River that flows through the park. The Tuolumne River Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be released for public comment in late 2010 or early 2011.

The meetings will include a slideshow presentation, followed by a short walk to the Tuolumne River. Visitors should allow 30 minutes to walk to Parsons Memorial Lodge from the Tioga Road.

Details: nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/trp.htm.

Solomon's Porch gathering

The next Solomon's Porch gathering is at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20 at the Oakhurst Community Center, 39800 Road 425B. Jon Hardin from Frontiers will share about the historic Moravians in a talk titled "Community that Counts -- Back to the Future." All meetings are open to the public and are free of charge.

Almost 300 years ago, a small group of European Christians known as the Moravians banded together to pursue Christ and his mission. Hardin is the National Communications Specialist for Frontiers

Details: Donald Telian, (559) 641-7838 or visit SolomonsPorchOakhurst.wordpress.com.

Slope fire spreads slowly in Yosemite

The Slope Fire, a lightning-caused fire in Yosemite National Park, continues to burn in the area of Harden Lake. The fire was spotted July 25 and is currently at 597 acres. The fire has spread minimally last week due to fuel type and recent rain in the area. Yosemite fire crews are continuing to manage the Slope Fire for the purpose of ecological benefits.

Very little smoke is visible in the surrounding area.

The Harden Lake area and the trail to Pate Valley from Harden Lake are closed due to fire activity. Fire crews will assess the trail near Harden Lake later today to determine when it will open to the public. The White Wolf trailhead to Pate Valley and Lukens Lake remain open.

Cooperating agencies in the managed fire include the San Francisco Water Quality and Public Utilities Commission at Hetch Hetchy and the Tuolumne County Air Pollution Control District.

Details: nps.gov/yose/fire.

Sierra Tel Mariposa

The Sierra Tel Business Center at 5108 Highway 140, Mariposa, is undergoing remodeling for a new Golden State Cellular store opening soon. Printing, shipping and other services for Mariposa residents can be arranged by calling the Oakhurst Business Center at (559) 642-4444.

STI modems may still be picked-up, dropped off or exchanged at the location.

Sierra Telephone, Sierra Tel Internet and Golden State Cellular will host a mixer at 5:30 p.m. at the Mariposa store on Sept. 28.