Daily Report - Yosemite National Park Thursday, November 18, 2010
Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Weather
Yosemite Valley
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. South southwest wind between 15
and 17 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. South wind around 10 mph.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of rain after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high
near 48. South wind between 10 and 17 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Friday Night: Rain. Low around 35. South wind around 14 mph, with gusts as
high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
El Portal
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. South wind around 15 mph, with
gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. South southeast wind between
7 and 10 mph.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of rain after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high
near 59. South southeast wind between 10 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as
18 mph.
Friday Night: Rain. Low around 33. South southeast wind between 11 and 13
mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Tuolumne Meadows
Today: Mostly sunny, with a temperature falling to around 40 by 5pm.
Breezy, with a southwest wind between 20 and 24 mph, with gusts as high as
34 mph.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Breezy, with a southwest wind
around 23 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.
Friday: A chance of rain and snow after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high
near 38. Breezy, with a south southwest wind between 20 and 25 mph, with
gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow
accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Friday Night: Snow. Low around 16. Windy, with a south southwest wind
between 21 and 30 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of
precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.
Wawona
.Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. South wind around 14 mph, with
gusts as high as 18 mph.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. South southeast wind between
6 and 9 mph.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of rain after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high
near 55. South southeast wind between 9 and 13 mph.
Friday Night: Rain. Low around 31. South southeast wind around 11 mph.
Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Happening Today
Ted Orland- Scenes of Wonder and Curiosity
The community is invited to attend an Artist's Reception for Ted Orland
today, Thursday, November 18, from 3:00pm -5:00pm at the Ansel Adams
Gallery. Refreshments and drinks will be served.
Orland's hand-colored black & white photographs follow in the West Coast
tradition of fine craft printmaking; and, at the same time, engage a wide
range of contemporary subject matter. This unique and unusual exhibit
should surprise even those who think they have seen all types of landscape
photography.
Orland is also an accomplished author, having written Man and Yosemite and
Art and Fear with David Bayles. Don't miss this opportunity to meet him!
For a preview of Orland's work, click here:
http://www.anseladams.com/TedOrlandC_s/87.htm. (KatieS-11/15/10)
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Please join us for a potluck get-together for Burcu Hinchberger today,
Thursday, November 18, at 2:00pm, in the El Portal small
breakroom/lunchroom across from the Human Resources Office. We would
liketo take a moment to recognize her service with the Human Resources
office at Yosemite National Park, before the Hinchberger's depart for
Natchez Trace. If you would like to make a presentation or contribute a
potluck item, please contact the Human Resources office at (209) 379-1805.
(A.Long-11/18/10)
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Pile Burning resumes today in Wawona -- Approximately 20 to 40 debris
piles of vegetation are being burned in the Bill’s Hill and Camp Wawona for
the next few days.
Favorable smoke dispersion is predicted with no stagnation in the forecast
by the National Weather Service. A significant winter storm is predicted
for the weekend.(G.Wuchner-11/17/10)
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World Liberty Contract Services will be continuing brush removal on the
Big Oak Flat and El Portal Roads around Foresta and Cascades . Brief
periods of traffic control will be in effect on weekdays through
November. Staff may view further descriptions of the work:
http://sharepoint.yose.nps.gov/intp/Shared%20Documents/Planning,%20Project,%20and%20RMS%20Fact%20Sheets/Roadside%20Brushing_9.10.pdf
(B.Mattos - 11/9/10)
Park & Partner News
All Operational Project Managers: The project submission deadline for the
December project review is Friday, November 26, 2010. Please have the
signed Project Creation Authorization Form (PCAF), completed Project
Effects Questionnaire (PEQ), required vicinity and site maps, and any other
supporting drawings, photos, etc., for categorically excluded projects that
you want considered at this meeting submitted no later than the above date.
Pre-planning all aspects of your project including consulting subject
matter experts will allow your project to move through the process smoothly
and efficiently. You can find the necessary compliance forms on Share
Point and the Environmental Planning and Complaince website on YoseNet.
http://sharepoint.yose.nps.gov/proj/compliance/operational/default.aspx
We have updated the Project Effects Questionaire and can send it to you
electronically.
Once you have entered your project into PEPC and are ready to move forward,
please notify me so I can put it on the agenda. I will not assume the
project is ready to go until you have informed me that all the planning has
been completed and it is ready to be reviewed at the Monthly Planning Forum
(.R.Kennec-11/18/10)
Acting Designations
Mark FIncher will be Acting Branch Chief for Wilderness from 11/17-11/29
while Mark Marschall is on annual leave. Mark Fincher can be phoned at
372-0219.
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Mary Kline will be the Acting Chief of Interpretation & Education Nov. 15 -
Dec. 6. She can be reached at 372-0645.(T.Medema-11/15/10
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Tom Tobin will be the Acting Branch Chief for Contracting from Nov 19-26.
Tom can be reached via email at 379-1040. (L. Schafer - 11/08/10)
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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 -
06/03/10)
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Ed Dunlavey will be the Acting Operations Branch Chief and Deputy Chief
Ranger until further notice. (C. Cuvelier - 09/07/10)
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Ken Stowell will be in charge of PCO until Monday, November 22. Ken's
number is 372-0533, or you may leave a message with Tammy Lawhon at
379-1271.
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Ansley Rothell or Heather Cave should be contacted from Nov 19-Dec 6 for
any Emergency Communications Center needs. (N.Bissmeyer-11/18/10)
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Sonny Montague is Acting Branch Chief for Anthropology from November 22
through 26. (L.Kirn-11/18/10)
Employee News
Take shelter from the cold rain and snow this Friday night at the Yosemite
Bug. John Friedrich, Kim Carr and their daughter Rosie are moving to the
other jewel of the Sierra (Lake Tahoe). They are hosting a farewell jamoree
starting at 5pm. Colorado Road will be performing at 7pm. They will be
joined by other celebrated local musicians! Hope to see you there.
(J. Friedrich-11/18/10))
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This week's Safety Topic is Housekeeping. As we approach a new season, we
all need to take time to declutter our work spaces and vehicles. Have a
safe day!(C.Ronay-11/17/10)
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Yosemite has a large turnover of employees, and many who will be leaving us
for the winter. Mail will continue to be addressed to these individuals.
All mail addressed to the National Park Service should be BUSINESS mail,
not personal mail. Unless you know for a fact that mail is from "Mom" or
"Aunt Harriet" the mail is meant for your OFFICE, not the individual whose
name is on the envelope. (We still receive mail for deceased employees and
some who have retired 20 years ago or more.) That mail will still be sent
to the appropriate office that employee last worked for because it should
be business. . We do not want you to miss important correspondence just
because Joe Whatshisname is no longer with us. In the case of this
morning, it was an invoice rightfullly addressed to NPS for items purchased
when "Joe" was still employed here.
It is legal for you to open this mail. It is agency mail, not individual
mail. You are the mail agent for your office, just as Denise and I are the
mail agents for the National Park Service and have authority to open any
vaguely addressed pieces. I have confirmed this authorization with Bill
Carroll, the United States Postmaster, so feel free to open "Joe
Nolongerworkshere" mail! (DHale-11/17/10)
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Is there a large format scanner in the park? One that would scan large 24"
x 36" (E size) drawings? (S.A.McCabe-11/17/10)
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I am very pleased to announce that Wesley Wills has accepted a GS7 term
Archeological Technician position with the Branch of Anthropology in the
Division of Resources Management and Science. Wes has a B.A. in
Anthropology from Sonoma State University and will be completing a Masters
in Cultural Resources Management there this academic year. He has has been
a seasonal here at Yosemite for the past three years. Please join me in
congratulating Wes on his first term position! (N.S.Nicholas-11/16/10)
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I am very pleased to announce that David Curtis has accepted a GS7 term
Archeological Technician position with the Branch of Anthropology in the
Division of Resources Management and Science. Dave has a B.A. in
Anthropology from University of New Mexico and is working on a Masters in
Cultural Resources Management at Sonoma State University. Dave has
worked as a seasonal Archeological Technician at Yosemite, Point Reyes, and
Mojave over the past six years. Prior to his NPS experience Dave has
worked as an Archeologist for the Colville National Forest, WA and the
Bureau of Indian Affairs, AK.Please join me in congratulating Dave on his
first term position! (N.S.Nicholas-11/16/10)
I am very pleased to announce that Barbara Bane has accepted a GS9 term
Archeologist position with the Branch of Anthropology in the Division of
Resources Management and Science. Barbara has a Bachelor's degree in Art
History from Rice University, and a graduate certificate in Geographic
Information Systems and a Masters degree in Anthropology from Northern
Arizona University. For the past two years she has worked as a Staff
Archeologist for a consulting firm in Reno, Nevada and before that Barbara
worked seasonal positions as an Archeological Technician for the Flagstaff
Area Monuments, Chaco Canyon, and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Please
join me in welcoming Barbara to Yosemite! (N.S.Nicholas-11/16/10)
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Please Join us for a potluck get-together for Burcu Hinchberger on
Thursday, November 18, at 2:00pm, in the El Portal small
breakroom/lunchroom across from the Human Resources Office. We would like
to recognize her service with the Human Resources office at Yosemite
National Park before the Hinchberger's depart for Natchez Trace. If you
would like to make a presentation or contribute a potluck item, please
contact the Human Resources office at (209) 379-1805. (A. Long-11/17/10)
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Mike Hinchberger is going to NATR in Jackson, Mississippi.Wish Mike & Burcu
well by stopping by the Fazio residence at 9013 Ponderosa Lane. on
Saturday, November 20, 2010 starting at 3:00pm.Pheasants, beverages will be
served Bring stories, lies and something to share !(L.Fazio-11/16/10)
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Construction Update
Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station Improvements (August 16 - November 2010)
Abide International (contractor) began work Monday, August 16 to upgrade
the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station. During the past week, crews installed
insulation, the vapor barrier, and the dry wall in the kiosk. They also
installed new exterior lights and drains for the new HVAC unit. In
addition, crews poured the new concrete for the walkway and walk-up window.
(M. Ortiz - 11/16/10)
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Wawona Road Rehabilitation (May 3 through November 2010):
Work will be ongoing through the month, as long as weather allows. Please
use caution when driving along the Wawona Road - there are multiple
locations where work is being completed at this time.
NOTE: **Striping south of Chinquapin, snow pole installation, grading for
paved ditches, stone and riprap work, manhole work, shoulder work, final
asphalt work, along with culvert work will continue throughout this week
with crews doing an internal inspection on Thursday (11/18). Delays of up
to 30-minutes throughout the corridor will still be in place for the
remainder of this week.
-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 - 11/16/10)
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Update - El Portal Complex Photovoltaic (PV) System (July 22, 2010 -
January 2011)
Paragon Industrial Applications (PIA) [contractor] began work at the El
Portal Complex area on July 22, 2010. To minimize potential traffic and
parking problems, PIA is working Thursday - Sunday.
Last Week's Progress:
PIA subcontractor, Suntrek Solar, almost finished paneling
carports 9, 10 and 11 (those across from the gas pumps).
PIA electricians were also busy installing florescent lighting
fixtures beneath the carports. Some of the existing underground
wiring for the street lights was destroyed by the large drill
rig brought in for pier footings so PIA electricians are also
repairing street light circuits. As of today (11/15) most of
the existing street lights including the lights above the gas
pumps will be working again. The new lights inside the carports
will most likely be ready for use within the next two weeks.
The structural steel workers completed the upper deck parking
(carports 6 and 7). The last remaining portion of the upper
deck parking (carport 8) is still being fabricated in Southern
California and will probably be on site and installed during
the first week in December. With the steel work complete for
carports 6 and 7, the painters were able to begin priming and
painting the structure yesterday.
The contractor has installed 1,780 (240 watt) panels so far.
There will be 2,820 panels installed by the end of this
project.
Due to the recent good weather, the contractor is still on
schedule to complete the project in January 2011.
Parking:
Many normal parking areas adjacent to the gas pumps will be
available to park employees, but some parking east of there
near the Planning Trailer will have to be restricted to "No
Parking -Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday" as the
electricians put up light fixtures. In addition, the upper deck
parking will be off limits to parking until construction ends.
Overall, the upper deck will remain a off limits construction
area until carports 6 and 7 are complete. (M. Ortiz -
11/15/10)
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Update - Drilling for the Glacier Point Water Well (November 3 - 19, 2010)
Work began November 3 digging a new well near Glacier Point. Well
completion is expected by November 19 but is dependent upon factors that
include: weather, reaching water, the depth of the water, and associated
tasks to determine capacity, collect ongoing data, winterizing of the well
and associated site clean-up . Delays this week have occurred due to recent
weather. Beginning next season (after well testing), trenching alongside
the existing road and along existing utility alignments will take place to
connect the new water well to the existing utility system. The well is
being constructed to replace the surface water sources currently used for
the Glacier Point drinking water system. If you have any questions please
contact Russ Balch 379-1089 or Colter Chisum 379-1068. PEPC #25201(R.
Balch - 11/12/10)
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Integrated Utility Master Plan [IUMP] (2010 - 2011)
Removal of Old, Abandoned Utilities Embedded in the River, within Meadows,
and within Campgrounds
Phase 3B - Mozingo Construction (contractor) is finishing up with the
river-crossing related portions of the project. The removal of the lift
station near Lower River has also been completed. You will notice work
being done primarily around The Ahwahnee. (Phase 3B to be completed by the
end of 2010)
Update - Phase 2B - Allison Sierra (contractor) began work in the North
Pines Campground area on November 1. This is continuing work to replacing
old and outdated utilities and removing abandoned utilities from
environmentally sensitive areas.This phase includes work within the
following areas, and highlights include:
North Pines Campground
- New lift station and related accessories to be located
near Campground Entrance Kiosk.
- Removal and replacement of existing sanitary sewer
system.
Southside Drive and Upper Pines Corridor (including Clark
Bridge)
- Installation of water, sewer, communication, and
electrical utilities through and across Clark Bridge (between North
and Upper Pines Campgrounds)
Backpacker’s Camp Utilities
- Installation of new vault toilets (removal of current
flush toilets). Because the gravity sewer line serving the
Backpacker's Camp bathroom crosses Tenaya Creek and is impacting the
creek flowage, this sewer line will be removed from the creek
bed. This will require that existing bathroom with flush toilets to
be removed and replaced with vault toilets. (M.Ortiz -
11/9/10)
Community News
The last night of YEA Board Elections is tonight. That's Thursday, November
18. Look for the table in the community hall with the Ballot Box. You must
be a current member to vote. We do take member renewals ($5) and new member
signups ($10) on the spot. Come out and show your support for your
community! There will be no voting by mail this year.
New Board members will be announced at the YEA Winter Semi-formal & Social
on December 17. YEA hosts with hors d'oeuvers by Crab Cake, beer and wine
with live music.
Mark your calendars and plan to attend this semi-formal, kid-free event!
(M.dale-11/18/10)
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6TH STREET CINEMA is located upstairs in the historic Old Masonic Lodge
(under historic renovation) on 6th Street in downtown Mariposa. Entrance is
$7 per film for non-members; non-member students pay $5. Monthly membership
is $12 allowing film entry for $3 each. Special performances and broadcasts
have alternate pricing structures. Recorded Information: 209 966-1333.
Staff: 209 742-6666. Visit our website: http://www.sixthstreetcinema.org or
e-mail us: sixthstreetcinema@sti.net. (Note: Due to ongoing construction,
our temporary entrance is on the driveway side of the building).
This week: November 19 - 20 (Friday - Saturday) 7:30pm: THE KIDS ARE ALL
RIGHT. (Rated R: 104 minutes)
A heartfelt new comedy from acclaimed director Lisa Cholodenko, starring
Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, and Mark Ruffalo. Two teenaged children
(Alice in Wonderland's Mia Wasikowska and Journey to the Center of the
Earth's Josh Hutcherson) get the notion to seek out their biological father
and introduce him into the family life that their two mothers (Bening and
Moore) have built for them. Once the donor (Ruffalo) is found, the
household will never be the same, as family ties are defined, re-defined,
and re-re-defined. It's a movie about basic things, with the suggestion
that the most vulnerable families are the ones least protected by custom
and tradition. They have to find their strength from within. The New York
Times raves that it's "a generous, nearly note-perfect portrait of a modern
family." Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Sixth Street Cinema! (T.
Arfsten-11/18/10))
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Got Yarn??? Your scraps, any color, any size will be converted into thick,
warm, colorful patchwork blankets for the needy in our community!!! Just
drop your donations off at either the El Portal or Yosemite Valley Post
Offices. Many thanks for your community spirit and compassion!
(D.Hale--11/17/10)
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Get ready to hunker down and spend your cold & snowy evenings at the
Carabiner! Open Sun-Thurs from 5pm-11pm and Friday & Sat until Midnight.
This Saturday is Casino Night with games from 7-10pm. The prize raffle
will be right after the chip exchange. We're giving away Ahwahnee and
Mountain Room comps, backpacks, Smartwool, free rent (DNC employee), a
solar-powered-light-up-water-bottle and more!!!! Look for fun times up
there all winter long brought to you by your friends at Employee
Recreation! Please email ebrosk@dncinc.com to be added to our mailing list
and receive your own copy of the monthly activity calendar.
(E.Brosk-11/17/10)
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