Yosemite Photos, Video and News

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PARKING ADVISORY FOR BIG TIME GATHERING - AUG. 13-15
The park is excited about the upcoming Yosemite Indian Big Time Gathering,
August 13 - 15, 2010.

Please be advised that all government and personal vehicles and equipment
must be removed from the Yosemite Valley Maintenance Building's parking lot
(east of the SAR Cache and south of the fueling pumps) by COB Thursday,
August 12, 2010.

 Additionally, please remove all personal vehicles from the area due west
of the Village of Ahwahnee (along the fence) to allow for event staging.

Thank you, and we appreciate your cooperation in helping to clear these
locations, so that event participants may begin gathering to set up by
Friday afternoon, August 13, 2010.

Eric Gabriel, Yosemite Valley District Ranger, is the primary logistical
point of contact for this event should you need to discuss questions or
concerns.
Phone: 209-201-6573 or through park dispatch 209-379-1992.
(Superintendent's Office - 8/11/10)
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GALEN CLARK TRIBUTE: Tonight, Friday, August 13th, 8 p.m. at Le Conte
Memorial (Valley Shuttle Bus Stop 12). Free admission.
Come hear Yosemite Conservancy's Tom Arfsten portray Galen Clark, in this 1
hour program offered by the Sierra Club. Galen Clark, known as "Mr.
Yosemite" in his time, is famous for "discovering" the Mariposa Grove, for
persuading people of influence to create the Yosemite Grant, for opening
the first tourist "hotel" on the site of the Wawona Golf Course, and for
being Yosemite's First Guardian, administering the Yosemite Grant well
before the National Park Service was even conceived. A friend an
inspiration to John Muir, hear Galen Clark reminisce about his life in this
informative, poignant, and humorous performance, this Friday evening. Come
early, seating is limited. (T. Arfsten - 8/13/10)

Construction Update
Tioga Road - Culvert Work with Minimal Delays (August 18 - September 2,
2010)
A contractor will begin work cleaning out culverts along Tioga Road next
week on Wednesday, August 18th. Work will likely begin at Crane Flat and
move east. This project will continue through September 2, 2010. Work will
occur Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 5:00 pm. Expect up to 15 minute delays
along the Tioga Road during this project. (M. Ortiz - 8/13/10)
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Hetch Hetchy Kiosk and Security Update Project: This project is scheduled
to start on Monday Aug. 16. More information forthcoming! (M. Ortiz -
8/12/10)
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UPDATE - El Portal Complex Photovoltaic (PV) 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.  The contractor's staging area is located by the Wastewater
Treatment Plant, where they will keep their material, equipment and tools.
        Last week - Update:   Working continued prepping for the module
        structures on Building J (Open storage/Archives) and excavation
        for conduit runs near the Planning Trailer. PIA/Suntrek also
        started work (drilling the wall anchors for module structures) on
        the wall surrounding the warehouse, and the uncovered storage area
        south of the Machine Shop.
        Today and Tomorrow - Impacted areas (Thursday - Sunday): Everyone
        parking government vehicles near the Machine Shop side of the
        wall, please park elsewhere or at the very least, park your
        vehicle 20 feet back from the wall during the days of
        construction. The affected areas will be signed "No Parking" for
        those days. A small area near the Planning Trailer will also be
        signed "No Parking" during work days due to construction.
        Coming soon: Trenching for the new PV systems and work on the
        carports will continue through August. Work to begin setting the
        Photovoltaic panels will most likely not start until later in the
        month.

IMPORTANT - Get Creative to Avoid Extra Cars at the EP Complex : During
contracted work days (Thursday - Sunday) 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:   All products including solar panels, inverters,
racking, conduit, wiring, combiner boxes, and metering equipment are
manufactured in the U.S.A.  (M. Ortiz - 8/12/10)
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Wawona Road Rehabilitation (June 1 - November 2010):
**Please use caution when driving along the Wawona Road - there are many
locations of unpaved surfaces.

UPCOMING PAVING SCHEDULE:
*The nights of August  15 and 16, contractors will be paving the 2nd layer
of asphalt between Wawona Campground and the Glacier Point Road
intersection (Chinquapin).
*The night of August 15, contractors will be pulverizing asphalt between
Bridalveil Fall and the Wawona Tunnel (to approximately 3 miles south of
the tunnel). This area will remain unpaved for one week.
*The nights of August 17, 18 & 19 contractors will be paving the first lift
layer of asphalt between Chinquapin and the Rostrum.
*The nights of August 22 and 23 the first layer of asphalt will be placed
between Bridalveil Fall and the Wawona Tunnel.

     *Today's locations of work:  Today, there will be placement of curb
     in the area that runs a half mile north of the South Entrance to
     approximately a mile north of the Wawona Campground.  This will cause
     the bulk of traffic delays during the day.
     *Sunday night's locations of work: Sunday night, they will be paving
     the 2nd layer of asphalt between Wawona Campground and the Glacier
     Point Road intersection (Chinquapin). As they begin paving the second
     layer there will be uneven traffic lanes - please drive carefully.
     There will also be work on  the water system improvements at the
     Glacier Point Road intersection (Chinquapin). Contractors are at
     their final couple hundred feet of completion for the water line.
     Contractors will also be pulverizing the road in the area that runs
     approximately 3 miles south of the Wawona Tunnel to Bridalveil Fall.

-For all Yosemite road construction information and updates, visit the
park's website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/roadwork.htm

-For daily traffic control updates, call the park information line at (209)
372-0200 (then press 1, and 1 again). (M. Ortiz - 8/13/10)
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UPDATE: Integrated Utility Master Plan [IUMP] (to be completed by the end
of 2010)
Mozingo Construction (contractor) is currently working on the removal of
abandoned and old utilities south of Superintendent's Bridge (between the
river and Southside Drive) near the bicycle path. The bike path will be
closed intermittently due to work utilizing heavy equipment.

Next week: Contractors will be mobilizing for the river crossing - related
portions of the project next week. Stay tuned for exact locations and
timeline.

The removal of abandoned utilities is a large part of the IUMP  work in
Yosemite. IUMP utility replacement work involves the relocation of old
failing utilities (water, power, sewer) from sensitive environmental areas
and relocating the new utilities into new integrated utility corridors
underneath roads and pathways. This allows meadow and wetland habitat to
revert back to pristine conditions.

Allison Sierra (ASI) was awarded the contract for the new North Pines sewer
lift station project that is to start shortly before the campground closes
for the season. Stay tuned for more information as the project time nears.
(M. Ortiz - 8/12/10)
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Wawona Tunnel (ongoing)
Candelaria Construction (contractor) is continuing the installation of the
new venitlation and fire alarm systems throughout the tunnel. (M. Ortiz -
8/3/10)
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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
Helicopter Use in Hetch Hetchy Next Week A helicopter will be working in
the Hetch Hetchy area Monday, August 16th through Thursday, August 19th
assisting in the removal of the old USGS Falls Creek stream gage from
Yosemite Wilderness. Flight coordination will be through Yosemite Dispatch
and the Crane Flat Helibase. There will be a total of 6-8 flights between
the helipad near the backpacker camp and the work site near the top of
Wapama Falls. Questions or concerns can be addressed to Jim Roche at
379-1446. (J. Roche - 8/13/10)
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Yosemite National Park to Waive Entrance Fees on August 14 and 15
Yosemite National Park, along with all other national parks across the
country, will offer free entrance on Saturday, August 14 and Sunday, August
15, 2010.  This fee free weekend is a great opportunity for people to visit
and enjoy America’s public lands.

Fees being waived for the August 14 and 15 weekend include only the fees
associated with entrance into Yosemite National Park. All other fees
associated with camping, lodging or activities within the park are not
waived. The fee waiver is good for August 14 and 15 only. (K. Cobb -
8/13/10)

Acting Designations
Jim Roche will be the Acting Branch Chief for Physical Science and
Landscape Ecology on Friday, August 13.  Jim can be reached at 379-1446.
(J. Meyer - 8/13/10)
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David Pettebone will be Acting Branch Chief for Visitor Use and Social
Sciences on Friday, August 13th.  He can be reached at 209-379-1433.  I
will also be available on my cell phone throughout the day. (B. Meldrum -
8/13/10)
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On Friday, August 13, Tori Seher will be the acting Branch Chief of
Wildlife Management.  She can be reached at 372-0476. (S. Thompson -
8/13/10)
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Tolley Gorham will be acting Communications Branch Chief while I am on
annual leave 11-13AUG10. (D. Thorpe - 8/11/10)
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Jim Donovan will be the Acting Division Chief for the Planning Division
August 13th, 16th and 17th.  Jim may be reached by telephone at 379-1450 or
if unavailable you may leave a message with Doyle Harrison at 379-1110. (D.
Harrison - 8/11/10)
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Randy Fong will be Acting Division Chief of Project Management from
Thursday, August 12, 2010, through Friday, August 13, 2010.  Randy can be
reached at 379-1022, or you may leave a message with Sarah Henderson at
379-1202. (S. Henderson - 8/10/10)
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Niki Nicholas, Chief of Resource Management, will be acting Superintendent
from August 6-August 15. (D. Neubacher - 8/2/10)
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Jessica Middleton is Acting Branch Chief for Anthropology & Archeology 8/9
through 8/13. (L. Kirn - 8/9/10)
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Russ Kish will be acting Trails Supervisor Aug. 4 - 18.  Russ can be
reached at 209-742-3540.(S. Baudaux - 8/4/10)
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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. Lorene Schafer, August 9 - 13, (379-1873),
Dayna Jackson, August 16-17 (379-1872).  (P. Lendvay Humphrey - 7/29/10)
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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

 Yosemite Job Announcements
 To view jobs currently open at Yosemite National Park, please visit
 http://sharepoint.yose.nps.gov/admn/hr/default.aspx

 Title(Embedded image moved to file: pic24951.gif)Use SHIFT+ENTER to open
 the menu (new window).
                              Expires(Embedded image moved to file:
 pic10314.gif)Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).(Embedded image
 moved to file: pic11975.gif)(Embedded image moved to file: pic31200.gif)
 Prescribed Fire Specialist (RX/fuels) GS-0401-09 HRF 10-302F
 8/25/2010
 Contract Specialist, GS-1102-07/09, (HRF 10-310)(Embedded image moved to
 file: pic28307.gif)Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
                           8/25/2010
 Prescribed Fire Specialist (RX/fuels) GS-0401-09 HRF 10-301F(Embedded
 image moved to file: pic31089.gif)Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new
 window).                           8/25/2010
 Dispatcher (Public Safety), GS-2151-05, (HRF 10-312)(Embedded image moved
 to file: pic07462.gif)Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
                         8/23/2010
 Legal Instruments Examiner, GS-0963-06, (HRF 10-319)(Embedded image moved
 to file: pic10125.gif)Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
                         8/19/2010
 Administrative Support Assistant, GS-0303-06/07 (HRF 10-331)(Embedded
 image moved to file: pic08307.gif)Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new
 window).                             8/19/2010
 Biological Science Technician, GS-0404-08, (HRF 10-292)(Embedded image
 moved to file: pic17243.gif)Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
 8/16/2010
 Park Ranger (I), GS-0025-09, (HRF 10-299)(Embedded image moved to file:
 pic28679.gif)Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
                               8/16/2010
 Motor Vehicle Operator, WG-5703-08, (HRF 10-263)(Embedded image moved to
 file: pic12106.gif)Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
                          8/13/2010
 Motor Vehicle Operator, WG-5703-08, (HRF 10-264)(Embedded image moved to
 file: pic20825.gif)Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
 8/13/2010
 Contract Specialist GS-1102-11 (HRF 10-311)(Embedded image moved to file:
 pic31893.gif)Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
                             8/13/2010

 (I. Keheley - 8/13/10)

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Required Fire Extinguisher Training
As a reminder to all, the Fire Extinguisher Education Course is available
on DOI Learn and should be completed by 9/30/2010.  This course is due to
be completed by all employees as per the Superintendents Memo dated 6/7/10.
This course is also available on CD from the Fire Prevention Office at
372-0413 or 375-9541 for those employees without access.  This course is
informative and takes about 30 minutes to complete. Employees will need to
login to DOI LEARN and review their "My Required Courses" section to see
the assignment. You can find it at the DOI learn site after searching for
"Extinguisher" and the "2010 NPS Annual Fire Extinguisher Education" will
appear on the list. This will be a recurring requirement each year to meet
Superintendent and OSHA mandates.

To obtain additional information or to schedule hands-on training, call Don
Coffman at 372-0413 or Jack Alviso at 375-9541.  Thank you for your support
of this fire prevention effort. (D. Mills - 8/12/10)
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DETAIL/TEMPORARY PROMOTION OPPORTUNITY (Permanent NPS Yose Employees)
The Division of Facilities Management / Utilities Branch has an opportunity
for a detail/temporary promotion (if qualified) to Administrative Support
Assistant, GS-0303-05 at the El Portal Waste Water Treatment Plant
(EPWWTP).

This opportunity requires that you can type 40 words per minute (wpm).

To be considered, you are required to have your current supervisor's
approval.

The employee selected for this detail/temporary promotion opportunity will
provide support and assistance to the EPWWTP supervisor and staff.
Knowledge in written and verbal communication is essential. Primary tasks
include receiving and appropriately processing phone calls, scheduling
appointments/maintaining calendar for supervisor, receive and process
incoming correspondence, take and transcribe notes at meetings and
maintaining confidentiality and professionalism at all times.  Knowledge of
a number of programs utilized in the Park, as they relate to the clerical
and administrative support functions, is a key part of the duties of this
position (for example Quicktime, Federal Personnel/Payroll system (FPPS),
GovTrip, Operations Formulation System (OFS), Project Management
Information System (PMIS), Facility Management Software System (FMSS)).
Skill in computer use and programs and the ability to use a variety of
office equipment and associated software are a necessity.  You are required
to type at least 40 words per minute.

If interested in being considered for a detail or temporary promotion (if
qualified) for the Administrative Support Assistant, GS-0303-05, please
submit your complete resume to Roxanne Zirkle in the Human Resources Office
no later than COB Tuesday, 08/20/10.  Please be sure to have your
supervisor's approval.  Don't forget to indicate your typing speed in your
resume.

Questions about this position?  Call George Harders, Supervisor, at
379-1828 or Paul Laymon at 379-1077.  Questions about how to apply, call
Roxanne Zirkle at (209) 379-1816. (R. Zirkle - 8/12/10)

Community News
Cancellation - YOSEMITE WINTER CLUB has canceled the Tenaya Picnic
scheduled for Sunday, August 15th. Sorry for any inconvenience! (B. Armon -
8/13/10)
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Annual Big Time Gathering: The local community and general public are
invited to attend the 37th annual Yosemite Big Time Gathering being held
this year August 14th & 15th, 2010. This event takes place in the Village
of Ahwahnee located behind the Yosemite Museum and Visitor Center. The
songs and dances of Native Californian dance groups will be presented both
days. Local vendors and others will display/sell their arts and crafts in
the employee parking area across from the Village. This is a good
opportunity to enjoy, learn, and support the heritage of Native Californian
Peoples. For this event, gov't and personal vehicles are asked to be moved
from the gov't employee parking area by 6:00pm Friday evening. Questions?
Contact Phillip Johnson - 209/372-0303. (P. Johnson - 8/13/10)
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El Portal Music Festival
When: August 14
Where: El Portal Community Hall
Time: Doors open at 5:30. Music starts at 6:30.
Mark your calendars for the “(not quite) 10th Annual El Portal Music
Festival” with special guests The Heavy Guilt, a San Diego-based roots band
featuring El Portal favorite Al Howard. After the band, DJ 5Min_Crush
(Dylan Macintosh) will be filling the dance floor with his unique blend of
electro dance rock. Look for updated announcements with more artists and
ticket price in the coming weeks.
Tickets will be available at the door. A delicious Mexican meal will be
available for purchase from Angel and Norma at the event from 5:30 – 8:30.
Cash bar provided by YEA. No outside alcohol permitted.  Sponsored by
ElPortalLive and the El Portal Community Association. (M. Carr - 8/10/10)
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NOURISHING THE SOUL
When: Sunday August 15, 2010
Where: Downtown Yoga, Mainstreet Mariposa
Time: 10am-1pm
What: Yoga, Reflective Journal Writing, Locally Produced and Catered Meal -
Instructor:  Heather Sullivan
Theme:  Abundance
Cost:  $40 or trade
Please contact Heather for meal count or questions:  heathasulli@yahoo.com
Join us for a wonderful morning of community, creativity, conversation and
connection.  Great thing to do morning after El Portal Music Festival! (H.
Sullivan - 8/10/10)
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Groveland this week
Saturday (8/14)
     String Singers at Evergreen Lodge. The String Slingers play their
     very own blend bluegrass, old-time and rowdy, original material. The
     Slingers perform a dancey mix of old-time duets, by Ella and Meghan,
     rockin' acoustic originals by David, and songs from Buckingham
     Mountain by Andy. They have played together since the winter of 2008
     and have toured packed venues all over California. The Slingers are
     best known for stompin’ boots and slingin’ strings! Admission is
     free. For more information, call (209)­ 379-2606.
     For Your Musical Enjoyment Pine Mountain Lake 19th Hole Lounge is
     pleased to present "Highway 99 Band" OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! 8 pm to
     Midnight! Admission is free.
     Shrimp Fest 2010 – All you can eat. Louisiana-Style Shrimp Boil
     and/or Sausage w/ all the Trimmings, Served Family Style. Live
     Auction and Raffle Prizes Galore. Live Music. Saturday, August 14,
     2010. Refreshments @ 5:00 p.m., Dinner at 6:00p.m. PML Equestrian
     Center. $25 adults; $10 kids 12 and under. For more information call
     Jim Thayer @ 962-5007 or Barry Scales @ 962-7156.
     Movies in the Park: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 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!
     Farmers Market every Saturday at Mountain Sage with great local
     produce, homemade treats, artisans, crafts, impromptu music and more.
     Starts 8am.
Saturday - Sunday (8/14-15 )
     Stuff the Buss From: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Where: Mary Laveroni
     Park. Make a difference in your community. Please bring your
     donations of school supplies. For further information, call Wynette
     at 962-5225. Presented by the Tenaya Parent Club for the Big Oak
     Flat-Groveland Unified School District.

Hotel Charlotte hosts an early bird special Sunday-Thursday nights through
September 16th. Guests who are seated before 6:15 pm and mention they saw
our Early Bird Special will receive a "Chef's Choice" complimentary
dessert....just for dining early.

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.

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.
For more events and details, see www.HotelCharlotte.com/events.html (Hotel
Charolotte - 8/12/10)