Rim Fire reports include multiple geography errors




Being in New York or other remote locations apparently makes it hard to avoid the many geography errors that have crept in to reporting on this month’s massive Rim Fire. As the size of the local blaze sent the story to the top of news reports, reporters and editors on deadline have introduced some mistakes that stand out to residents […]

Permanent fix eyed for Highway 140




California Department of Transportation planners say two things are certain about the rockslide fix for Highway 140 near El Portal. One, the remedy will not be a bridge and bypass on the Merced River’s north side. That matter was settled when Gov. Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 1973 back on July 13. The legislation authorizes construction impacts on the protected […]

2012 agriculture values surge




In the recent report released by the Mariposa County Department of Agriculture, the value of agriculture production in Mariposa County increased 12.1 percent over 2011, setting an alltime high in total estimated value of $35,422,000. That is an increase of $3.8 million over the previous year. The report was presented to the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors by Agriculture Commissioner/Sealer […]

Transgender K-12 students win rights



Boys who dress like girls, and girls who dress like boys, can use the bathrooms of their choice at school this year, with Gov. Jerry Brown’s signature on a bill recently. Transgender students can also choose to play on boys’ or girls’ sports teams, according to Assembly Bill 1266, which became law on Aug. 12. Students from the elementary level […]

Mariposa Rotary Club gets budget update from Benson





County Administrative Officer Rick Benson last week presented Mariposa Rotarians with a budget breakdown on county government. CAO Benson also covered his role in the administration of laws, policies and rules made by the county board of supervisors. Benson’s work touches every department over which the board has any authority. His job is complex. As the county’s chief administrator, Benson’s […]

Fire Council offers aid



The Mariposa County Fire Safe Council still has resources available for weed eating and removal of light hazardous fuels (pine needles, leaves, and weeds) from within residents’ defensible space (100′ around every residence) for those who qualify. For those who don’t qualify for the complete free service, the council will come out to the residence and pick up smaller piles […]

Justice scholarships awarded



Fuel reduction pays



The Forestry and Fuels Committee of the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts along with the California Board of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service, reviews programs that deal with forestry and fire prevention measures in both federal and state agencies throughout the state. One of the most important programs it monitors is the California Forest Improvement Program (CFIP), which […]

Auction invite



My name is Erin Bryson and I am a fourth-year member of the Cathey’s Valley 4-H Club. I would like to cordially invite you to the 2013 Mariposa County Fair Livestock Auction taking place Sept. 1 at 3 p.m. in the Strathearn Pavilion. This year I am showing two lambs and one pig. Depending on how well I do at […]

Grand jury primer



The history of grand juries in America dates back to the early 1600s and has been a part of our democracy providing a voice for citizens. Historically, the grand jury, which was known as “the voice of the community” or “the people’s panel” was a way of injecting the common sense of individuals who made up the community into government […]