Daily Report - Yosemite National Park Friday, July 30, 2010
Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Friday, July 30, 2010
Weather
Yosemite Valley
Today: Sunny, with a high near 92. Light wind becoming southwest between 11 and 14 mph. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 56. West southwest wind between 10 and 13 mph becoming light.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming west southwest between 11 and 14 mph. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. West southwest wind 7 to 11 mph becoming southeast.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 94. Southeast wind 8 to 10 mph becoming west southwest.
El Portal
Today: Sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming southwest between 8 and 11 mph.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 58. West wind at 9 mph becoming east.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 95. East wind 5 to 11 mph becoming west southwest.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 56. West southwest wind around 9 mph becoming east.
Sunday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. East southeast wind around 10 mph becoming southwest.
Wawona
Today: Sunny, with a high near 93. Southeast wind at 11 mph becoming west southwest.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 49. West northwest wind at 9 mph becoming east southeast.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 93. Calm wind becoming west southwest between 8 and 11mph.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 47. West southwest wind 6 to 9 mph becoming east.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 93. East southeast wind 6 to 9 mph becoming west southwest.
Tuolumne Area
Today: Sunny, with a high near 72. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph increasing to between 14 and 17 mph. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. South southwest wind 13 to 16 mph decreasing to between 5 and 8 mph. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 74. Light wind becoming west southwest between 14 and 17 mph. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. Southwest wind 13 to 16 mph decreasing to between 5 and 8 mph. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 75. Southwest wind between 3 and 11 mph.
Happening Today (see Community News below for other events happening today)
Tioga Road Work: The Mather road crew will be performing road maintenance on theTioga Road starting at the Tenaya Lake area and working east. Expect short traffic delays. Thanks for your cooperation. (B. Brantley - 7/23/10)
Construction Update
UPDATE - Hwy. 120 (East of Tioga Pass)
Guardrail work will resume today, Monday 7/26/10 starting at Warren Creek & continue east. This work is expected to be completed by Fri 7/30/10 and may cause minimal delays. (M. Ortiz - 7/26/10)
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El Portal Complex Photovoltaic System ( July 22, 2010 - December 2010)
Paragon Industrial Applications (PIA) [contractor] started moving material and equipment into the El Portal Complex area on July 22, 2010. To minimize potential traffic and parking problems, PIA has agreed to work Thursday - Sunday.
- This week beginning Thursday, July 29 the contractors will be moving people on site to begin trenching and structure work. PIA will be moving into their staging area (by the Wastewater Treatment Plant) with material, equipment and tools. On Friday July 30 the contractor will be excavating and cutting pavement in the area of the Planning Trailer in the North part of the Complex. The construction area will be flagged and coned. Employees should plan on parking at least 50 yards from the Planning Trailer.
- Next month: Trenching for the new PV systems and work on the carports will begin in August. Work to begin setting the Photovoltaic panels will most likely not start for another month.
IMPORTANT - Get Creative to Avoid Extra Cars at the EP Complex : This week, the area near the Planning Trailer will be impacted beginning Friday, July 30. El Portal Complex employees are strongly encouraged to carpool, use the bus, ride your bike or walk to work during construction days as there will be a noticeable decrease in parking during construction. Specific locations of work will be posted throughout the project. NOTE: Please remember to park Government vehicles in appropriate locations and avoid taking over the limited parking available for personal vehicles (perimeter of complex).
INTERESTING PROJECT FACT: Renewable Solar Energy generated by this project will not generate carbon dioxide that is a typical by-product of other sources of electrical power (consider that 1,000,000 lbs. of CO 2 per year will not be added to the atmosphere). (M. Ortiz - 7/29/10)
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Wawona Road Rehabilitation (June 1 - November 2010):
**Please use caution when driving along the Wawona Road - there are numerous unpaved surfaces.
Paving work has begun on the Wawona Road. Contractors started north of Wawona Campground, and they will be alternating lanes every night going north. Just south of Chinquapin, the waterline is being placed so there is no pavement there.
- *Today's work: Today, there will be placement of concrete curb in the area that runs between the Glacier Point Road intersection (Chinquapin) and the Wawona Tunnel.
*Sunday night's work (8/1): On Sunday night, there will be work on pulverization between the Glacier Point Road intersection (Chinquapin) and the Wawona Tunnel as well as paving between the Wawona Campground and the Glacier Point Road intersection (Chinquapin). There will also be work on the water system improvements at Chinquapin.
*Monday's work (8/2): On Monday, there will be placement of curb in the 3 mile section that begins approximately a half mile north of the South Entrance.
-For all Yosemite road construction information and updates, visit the park's website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/
-For daily traffic control updates, call the park information line at (209) 372-0200 (then press 1, and 1 again). (M. Ortiz - 7/29/10)
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Integrated Utility Master Plan [IUMP] (to be completed by the end of 2010)
Mozingo Construction (contractor) is currently working on the new sewer lift station at the Ahwahnee Hotel as well as some of the fire hydrants and valving on Ahwahnee Drive. Further work on the abandonment of old utilities has been put on hold.
Allison Sierra (ASI) was recently awarded the contract for the new North Pines sewer lift station project that is to start shortly after the campground closes for the season. (M. Ortiz - 7/26/10)
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Wawona Tunnel (ongoing)
Candelaria Construction (contractor) will be controlling traffic in the Wawona Tunnel tonight and the rest of the week for installation of a new fire alarm system in the Wawona Tunnel. The traffic control will be between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am. Candelaria will be using a pilot car for traffic movement through the tunnel.(M. Ortiz - 7/26/10)
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Tecoya Housing (to be completed by October 1, 2010)
Allison Sierra (ASI) [contractor] will be working in the Lower Tecoya area to replace old and failing water, sewer, and power lines and remove them from sensitive ecological areas. This contractor (ASI) was also awarded the contract for the new North Pines sewer lift station project that is to start shortly. (M. Ortiz - 7/26/10)
Park and Partner News
Summer Branch Drop: The failure of a large, apparently sound oak limb at Cedar Court this week appears to be from early onset of summer branch drop. With warm temperatures and light winds in the forecast it's time for another summer branch drop advisory. Summer branch drop is a widely-observed, poorly-understood phenomenon where large horizontal or leaning limbs or stems suddenly break and fall. It seems to occur more on hot, calm afternoons of late summer, and may be associated with heavy foliage and/or heavy seed crops. Recommendations on hot, still, late summer afternoons include: do practice situational awareness; don't leave immobile people (infants, elderly, etc.) directly under large oak trees; do run away if you hear a sharp crack in an overhead oak tree; do report witnessed tree failures. Residents and workers who are under oaks daily may have a higher exposure to risk of tree failure than visitors. For additional information about tree hazards and tree hazard management in Yosemite National Park please go to the following URL: http://www.nps.gov/archive/
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FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING: The Fire Prevention Office will be conducting Fire Extinguisher/Fire Prevention Training at the Big Oak Flat Entrance kiosk main office on Wednesday August 4th @ 1500 hours . Training is open to all NPS employees. For Additional Information: Jack Alviso, Fire Prevention Officer: 209-375-9541. (J. Alviso - 7/30/10)
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New Quarter Launched in Yosemite National Park
About 1,200 people attended a ceremony in Yosemite Valley today to launch the new Yosemite Quarter. United States Mint Director Edmund Moy, Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher, other elected officials and guests spoke at the event.
The ceremony culminated with Moy and Neubacher placing the ceremonial quarter on the coin display, marking the official start of circulation for the quarter. After the ceremony, quarters were given to children by Neubacher and Moy. There was a commemorative cake, baked at the Ahwahnee Hotel featuring Yosemite Quarter design in chocolate. The Yosemite Ranger Mounted Patrol and local musician and historian Tom Bopp also participated in the ceremony.
A quarter exchange was held in which attendees at the event could obtain first day issue rolls of the Yosemite Quarter. This was sponsored by the Yosemite Credit Union, a Division of Valley First Credit Union.
The Yosemite Quarter was the third coin released as part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. This is the first year of the United States Mint’s new 12-year initiative to honor 56 national parks and other national sites across the country. The Yosemite Quarter design features El Capitan and the Merced River. Editors Note: Photos of the event are available by emailing Kari_Cobb@nps.gov or by calling 209-372-0529 (K. Cobb - 7/30/10)
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TUNE IN TO SEE TOM BOPP LIVE DURING THE BROADCAST PREMIER OF HIS MOVIE
Who: Tom Bopp
What: Broadcast premier of Vintage Songs of Yosemite – The DVD with Tom Bopp live in the studio
When: 7pm, Sunday, August 1, 2010
Where : KVPT Valley Public Television, Fresno, CA
Why: KVPT Summer Pledge Drive
A colorful, musical gift from Yosemite’s past. Yosemite entertainer Tom Bopp brings to life 100 years of the Yosemite Experience with archival films, rare photos, vintage music and stories, and a spine-tingling re-creation of Yosemite’s Fire Fall. Tom Bopp has been entertaining Yosemite’s guests at the Wawona Hotel and The Ahwahnee since 1983.
Artist Bio:
Tom Bopp has entertained and educated Yosemite’s guests at the Wawona Hotel and The Ahwahnee since 1983. His interest in Yosemite’s cultural history led him to develop interpretive events and programs over two decades (for the Yosemite National Park Centennial in 1990, the Camp Curry Centennial in 1999, The Ahwahnee 75th Anniversary in 2002), and most recently a film documentary called Vintage Songs of Yosemite.
Born in southern California (1957) and raised in Torrance, Tom studied classical piano for 10 years and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA in Music Theory & Composition.
Tom’s repertoire is an eclectic but by no means comprehensive mélange, representing his shifting tastes in music, or as he puts it, a short attention-span.
Whether he’s performing cabaret songs, antique salon music, cowboy ditties, leftovers from long-ago classical piano lessons, Depression-era tunes, or ragtime, spontaneity is the thing Tom likes best.
In April, 2005 Tom provided the entertainment for a small dinner party that included Vice President and Mrs. Cheney. (Tom wishes to point out that respect for the office does not imply an endorsement of policy).
In January, 2006 Tom was honored by his employer, Delaware North Corporations, with the newly created Legacy Award of Service Excellence. Out of some 40,000 worldwide associates, only seven received the award -- one for each of DNC's seven divisions -- of which Tom represents Parks & Resorts. The award was presented at DNC's Spirit Of Vision Awards Gala in Orlando.
On December 17, 2008, Tom was awarded the annual Yosemite Fund Award "in recognition of the significant effort he has made to enhance the value of Yosemite National Park as a national treasure."
Tom’s eclectic tastes are represented on five CDs available on the internet at YosemiteMusic.com. His first movie, "Vintage Songs Of Yosemite - The DVD" is based on his multi-media performances by the same title, presenting the first century of the Yosemite Experience through vintage music, stories, art, photography, and the only complete iteration of the Fire Fall on film. In addition to nightly performances at the Wawona Hotel, Tom performs winters at Yosemite’s Ahwahnee Hotel. (S. Gediman - 7/30/10)
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Yosemite Fire Update:
Slope fire is now at 60 acres, with 36 fire personnel committed to it. They are camping out at White Wolf. Smoke impacts were minimal, but visible from Tioga Road.
The Wildcat2 and Tuolumne are in patrol status with little activity or spread. Some smoke is locally visible as interior pockets continue to burn.
For Additional Information: Fire Information and Education Office: (209) 372-0480 or online:
- Yosemite website: www.nps.gov/yose/fire
NASA satellite images of smoke: http://rapidfire.sci.gsfc.
USGS regional webcam images of smoke movement: http://sierrafire.cr.usgs.gov/
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YOSEMITE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES #38: Tuolumne Alpine Studies With Michael Ross July 30 – August 1, 2010
Michael has honed his Tuolumne region expertise during his 33 seasons as a Yosemite Conservancy naturalist, and is delighted to share the best parts of Yosemite’s highest country. You’ll feel the challenges of life at altitude yourself, as you explore the geology, history, and alpine flora and fauna of the Sierra crest. Day hikes will allow plenty of discovery time for the intensity of life at the top of the range.
Please contact Holly @ 209-379-2317 X17 or Pete 209-379-2317 X12 for more information. NPS goes for free. (H. Kuehn - 7/29/10)
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Park Wide toner and ink jet cartridge recycling is finally here. In accordance with the efforts to make Yosemite National Park a greener work environment the Supply and Property Management Branch (SPMB) has implemented a used toner and ink jet cartridge recycling program. To recycle your used toner or ink jet cartridges place the used cartridge in a sealable box and deposit it in the appropriate container located at one of our designated recycling centers . We currently have three recycling centers conveniently located in the Yosemite Valley mail room, El Portal mail room and the SPMB warehouse . Please do not leave used waste toner or leaking containers in the receptacle. (D. St. Vincent - 7/29/10)
Acting Designations
Dave Pettebone will be Acting VUSS Branch Chief on Friday, July 30th. He can be reached at 209-379-1433. (B. Meldrum - 7/30/10)
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Historical Landscape Architect Amy Hoke (379-1425) will be acting Branch Chief for History, Architecture & Landscapes on Friday, July 30, 2010. (D. Humphrey - 7/29/10)
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Greg Stock will be the Acting Branch Chief of Physical Science and Landscape Ecology on Friday, July 30. Greg can be reached at 379-1420. (J. Meyer - 7/29/10)
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The following staff will be Acting A.O. while Katariina is out of the park from July 29 - August 17, 2010. Dayna Jackson, July 29-30, (379-1872), Dale St. Vincent, August 1 - 6 (379-1106), Lorene Schafer, August 9 - 13, (379-1873), Dayna Jackson, August 16-17 (379-1872). (P. Lendvay Humphrey - 7/29/10)
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Mike Yochim will be the Acting Division Chief for the Planning Division July 29th and 30th. Mike may be reached by telephone at 379-1441 or if unavailable you may leave a message with Mae Frantz at 379-1218. (D. Harrison - 7/28/10)
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Elexis Mayer will be Acting Division Chief of Project Management during the week of Monday, August 2, 2010, through Friday, August 6, 2010. Elexis can be reached at 379-1377, or you may leave a message with Sarah Henderson at 379-1202. (S. Henderson - 7/30/10)
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Historical Landscape Architect Daniel Schaible (379-1295) will be acting Branch Chief for History, Architecture & Landscapes on Monday, Aug. 2, 2010. Historical Architect Sueann Brown (379-1222) will be acting Branch Chief for History, Architecture & Landscapes from Tuesday, Aug. 3 thru Monday, Aug. 9, 2010.
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Jim Bacon will be the Acting Division Chief for the Planning Division August 2nd. Jim may be reached by telephone at 379-1375 or if unavailable you may leave a message with Mae Frantz at 379-1218. (D. Harrison - 7/28/10)
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Mike Yochim will be the Acting Division Chief August 3rd, 4th and 5th. Mike may be reached by telephone at 379-1441 or if unavailable you may leave a message with Mae Frantz at 379-1218. (D.Harrison - 7/28/10)
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Until further notice, Brenna Lissoway (379-1283) will be the Acting Park Archivist while Paul Rogers is on a detail as the Acting Regional Archivist (PWR). If you have need to access the Archives, or have archive related questions, you can also try calling at 379-1282 or 379-1104. (J. Bayless - 6/3/10)
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Until further notice, Lorene Schafer (379-1873) will be the Acting Chief for Contracting and Procurement . If you have contracting related questions and don't already have a point of contact, please call Helli Tucker at 379-1368. Please continue to route purchase request (PR) packages to Lorene for Acquisition Approval in IDEAS.
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Until further notice, Ed Dunlavey will be the acting Operations Branch Chief and Deputy Chief Ranger.
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Until further notice, Cindy Whitten will be the acting Human Resources Officer - 209/379-1878.
Employee News
Farewell Party: Yosemite Protection staff is holding a going away party for Ranger Les Kwiatkowski. He is leaving Yosemite to head to the deserts of Lake Mead. Please join us at the Early Intake Pool (Hwy 120 to Cherry Lake Rd, 12 miles, follow signs to Early Intake) for a pool party and barbeque on August 9. The party will commence at 1800 cop-time (6p). Burgers, veggie burgers, and chicken will be cooked on the grill. Bring a dish to share, a swimsuit and a story to tell. RSVPs appreciated, but not necessary. - Greg Moore 379-1888. (G. Moore - 7/30/10)
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Job Opportunity: Facilities Asst: F/T position for Field Science school in Yos Natl Park. Experience in carpentry, plum, elect, etc. Exc benefits/work environment. Valid Drv Lic reqd. Ph: 209-379-9514x20 or Email: facilitiessearchyos@
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CLOSES TODAY: DETAIL/TEMPORARY PROMOTION OPPORTUNITY – Permanent NPS YOSE employees -
The Division of Facility Management has an exciting opportunity for a detail/temporary promotion (if qualified) to Facility Services Assistant GS-1603-06 .
Applicant selected for this detail/temporary promotion would provide support to the Buildings and Grounds Facility Manager. This assignment will provide an opportunity to work with a broad range of people in support of park operations. Skill in written and verbal communication is essential. Primary tasks include maintaining the FMSS and related databases to support branch functions, preparing reports, updating program costs, tracking and maintaining Branch budget, monitoring obligations and expenditures to ensure the proper allocation of funds, scheduling appointments for Branch Chief, and providing administrative support including timekeeping, travel management, records and information management, and purchasing.
If interested in being considered for a detail or temporary promotion (if qualified) for the Facility Services Assistant GS-1603-06, please submit your resume to Amanda Burnham in the Human Resources Office no later than Friday July 30, 2010 . Please make sure to have your supervisor’s approval.
Questions about the position, call Tom Darcy, Buildings and Grounds Facility Manager
Phone 209-379-1076. Questions about how to apply, call Amanda Burnham at (209) 379-1815. (A. Burnham - 7/30/10)
Community News
Groveland this week
7/30 Tom Sawyer, a Free Movie sponsored by Friends of the Library in the Lower Mary Laveroni Community Park.
7/31 For Your Musical Enjoyment Pine Mountain Lake 19th Hole Lounge is pleased to present "Detours" OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! 8 pm to Midnight
7/31 Movies in the Park: Astro Boy in Lower Mary Laveroni Community Park. Weekly movies in the park sponsored by the Yosemite Chamber of Commerce. Great family fun, bring a blanket and buy your popcorn, candy, hotdogs and soda at the park. Great prices!
7/31 Farmers Market every Saturday at Mountain Sage with great local produce, homemade treats, artisans, crafts, impromptu music and more. Starts 8am.
8/4 DJ Steve Truempy at Evergreen Lodge. With his turntables and extensive vinyl (yes, we said vinyl) collection, you will find yourself being transported through an array of musical genres and moments in time. Enjoy a fun night out with a date, hit the dance floor with the locals, or do both when Steve Truempy plays his records in the tavern. Admission is free. For more information, call (209) 379-2606.
The Iron Door Saloon offers a kids eat free on Tuesdays, a pool tournament on Wednesdays, Karaoke on Thursdays and live bands on Friday and Saturday night.
Dori’s Tea Cottage is now open until 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, serving fine wines, champagne and hors d'oeuvres in our courtyard. If you are planning to have dinner at one of our local restaurants, stop in for a pre-dinner glass of wine and appetizers. We have added several specialty desserts to our menu. Try our one of our ice cream truffles in either raspberry sorbet encased in white chocolate with a dark chocolate drizzle, or a vanilla ice cream truffle covered in dark chocolate and drizzled in milk chocolate. Both truffles pair nicely with our Prosecco Sparkling Wine Brut. And our new Rockslide brownie pairs perfectly with our new Terra d’Oro Zinfandel Port. A perfect way to finish off your evening!
For more events and details, see www.HotelCharlotte.com (Hotel Charlotte - 7/30/10)
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TONIGHT - Free Movie Night!!! 7:30 pm on Friday, July 30th at Yosemite Community Church. Showing of "Amazing Grace", the story of William Wilberforce life's work to abolish slavery in the British Empire. Free popcorn and soda! Everyone is welcome.
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YARD SALE
- When: Saturday, July 31
Time: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: K 15 Stables - DNC residential area (shuttle stop #18)
Items include: Climbing gear, Cannondale Women's mountain bike, Dell computer, gas grill with propane tank, guitar w/case, food processor, coffee maker, stereo system, humidifier, dust buster, CDs & DVDs, books, maps, pots & pans, kittchen utensils, lamp, water bottles, inflatable raft, Women and Men's clothing (Patagonia, Mammut, Prana, North Face, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear and more). Also available: 11 foot zodiac-style Mercury boat ($400) (M. Hansen - 7/29/10)
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