FIFTH STREET FIRE

‘Better’ Pizza Factory rising from the ashes


Workers on Friday put down the first concrete to rebuild the Pizza Factory restaurant and attached buildings. Three months after the spectacular blaze, the restaurant is on track to reopen by May, owner Ron Willey said this week. “The whole idea with this new structure is that when you walk in, you won’t even know (the fire) happened,” he said. […]

Water weather



Feline deaths prompt concern




A neighborhood is up in arms about a number of cats that have been found dead. The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office has assigned a detective to the case, but so far, investigators haven’t been able to determine if the deaths were intentional or due to a disease. Terry Alice, president of the local SPCA, said she was contacted by a […]

WEATHER WATCH

It’s not hot, it’s blazin’


The county weathered its hottest summer spell in years this past week. Temperatures exceeded 110 degrees for sustained periods at El Portal—the county’s hot spot. “You definitely suffer,” El Portal resident Ned LeBlond said. “When it gets to the middle of the day, you usually bounce from one swamp cooler to another— or you head to the river.” El Portal […]

Accused ‘jacker pleads guilty




Nearly a year has passed since a local woman and her young daughter were terrorized on a deserted Mariposa County road. Now, one of the men responsible for that terror has pleaded guilty to the crime and faces eight years in state prison and the possibility of de- portation. Joe Jesus Villasenor appeared in Mariposa County Superior Court on Aug. […]

CAL FIRE says pay now, appeal later




On Monday, the State of California started issuing bills for the new State Responsibility Area (SRA) fees. On Tuesday, the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors heard from CAL FIRE Chief Nancy Koeperich, who updated the board on the bill which residents will soon see in their mailboxes. While CAL FIRE does not benefit from the fee, it has been charged […]

DA announces early retirement




As of Nov. 1, Mariposa County will have a new district attorney. The seat is not on the ballot this year, but an early retirement announced by District Attorney Bob Brown will have someone else in the job by then. Brown, who was elected to the post in November of 2001, and took office in January of 2002, announced his […]

WILD ANIMAL PHOTO FEATURE

Wild side photos can be seen here

The GAZETTE’S wild animal feature debuts here today. The animal editor is pleased to report that the paper has received a zoo of responses. If you ever doubted that lions, tigers and bears are out there—rest assured that they are. Everything from bears to bobcats, raccoons and mountain lions are welcome. Birds, reptiles—even insects—qualify for consideration. Participating residents are reminded […]

Sheriff’s Daily Dispatch Log



Aug. 6: There was a nuisance bear on Sherlock Road. •Grand theft was reported at Pioneer Village. •There was a neighbor dispute on Sherrod Road. •Harassment was reported from Meadow Lane. Aug. 7: •A raccoon was trapped on Guadalupe Creek Road. •Assault with a firearm was reported from Triangle Road. •Someone was camping at the county park. •There was a […]

Art contest added to 2012 Tomato Fest



The Sierra Artists Gallery is partnering with the Tomato Fest committee to present a tomato art contest. The three categories are professional, hobbyist or junior (under 18 years of age). Organizers are accepting the first 20 applicants in each category. Any of the following media will be accepted: mixed media color (pastel, colored pencil), black and white (pen, ink, graphite, […]