Yosemite Photos, Video and News

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Due to a wet weather forecast for Friday through the weekend, the date for
the Annual Christmas Bird Count has been changed to today, Thursday,
December 16, 2010.  Below is a list of locations and meeting times.  The
remainder of the information, as stated in the news release below, remains
the same.

El Portal - Leader: Michael Ross
Meeting Time/Location: 0830 at EP Community Hall

Foresta - Leader: Andy Steele
Meeting Time/Location: 0730 & 0945 at Triangle, entrance to Big Meadow
(before red barn)

Yosemite Valley West - Leader: Jeff Davis
Meeting Time/Location: 0700 at Tunnel View

Yosemite Valley East - Leader: Sarah Stock
Meeting Time/Location: 0830 at Visitor's Center

Yosemite West/Badger Pass - Leader: Steve Thompson
Meeting Time/Location: 0830 at Chinquapin
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Yosemite News Release
December 15, 2010
For Immediate Release

Media Contacts:
Scott Gediman 209-372-0248
Kari Cobb 209-372-0529

Yosemite National Park Participates in 111th Annual Christmas Bird Count

Joining tens of thousands of volunteers from across the country, Yosemite
National Park is participating in the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) to
be held on Thursday, December 16, 2010. This is the 79th year that Yosemite
is participating in the CBC and the park has contributed over 90,000
observations to this fun and important conservation event.

Volunteers will be assigned to different areas throughout the park to
observe and count a wide variety of bird species. This important event
helps Yosemite National Park Biologists, and biologists throughout the
country to assess the varieties and quantities of birds observed. Results
of the bird count will be published in the National Audubon Society Field
Note.

Visitors planning to participate in this event are asked to bring
binoculars, field guide, lunch, plenty of warm clothes, sturdy shoes, and a
$5 registration fee (money used to support the publication of the count
results). This all day event culminates in a potluck dinner in Yosemite
Valley at the Girl’s Club (County Library) where the group will share their
observations from the day.

Last year’s event had 47 participants who counted and identified 1,771
birds of 59 species in the park. Highlights included Williamson's sapsucker
along the Old Big Oak Flat Road Trail; an orange-crowned warbler in East
Yosemite Valley; three Cassin's finches on Turtleback Dome; and four wren
species (canyon, Bewick's, house and winter), all in El Portal except for
the winter wren observed on the Old Big Oak Flat Road Trail. Participants
saw species missed the previous year, such as a great blue heron, northern
pygmy-owl, white-headed woodpecker, and cedar waxwing, but missed the huge
flocks of American robins and band-tailed pigeons typical of other years.

People interested in attending the event are asked to contact CBC
organizer, Sarah Stock at 209-379-1435 or by email at sarah_stock@nps.gov
.(K.Cobb-12/16/10)
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There will be a scheduled power outage this Thursday, 16 Dec from 4:30pm to
11:00pm for generator transfer switch installation at Crane Flat.
The gas pumps will be effected and gas will not be available.  Please plan
accordingly. (D.Evans-12/15/10)

Park & Partner News

TUOLUMNE MEADOWS
WINTER CONDITIONS UPDATE
December 15, 2010

Weather: (December 8 through December 14)
High temp: 60° (Dec 12)
Low temp:  10° (Dec 8)
New Snow: 10”
Rain: 0.23”
Total settled snow depth: 25” as of December 15

Ski Conditions and Weather: It was quite a mixed bag of weather in Tuolumne
this week, with two days of rain and one day of snow. Daytime high
temperatures ranged from the mid-30’s all the way up to 60 degrees. We have
a pretty solid base now, about 15 inches above the ground, consisting of
rain saturated snow that has re-frozen and been covered with new snow.
Forecasts are calling for heavy snow this weekend, so there’s a good chance
that we will be adding significantly to our local snowpack. Snow levels
have been high the past couple weeks, and the next storms are predicted to
continue that pattern. Even though we haven’t gotten a report from the east
side, we suspect that the snow line is still in the vicinity of Warren
Fork. So skiers coming in from Lee Vining should be prepared to walk mostly
bare pavement the first 3 miles or so above the road closure gate.

Avalanche and Snowpack Conditions: For the latest avalanche advisory for
this area go to www.esavalanche.org for the Eastern Sierra Avalanche
Center. The ESAC site is updated several times a week and more often during
weather events.

Wildlife: We have seen very little wildlife recently, just the usual tracks
of coyotes, pine martens, weasels, squirrels, mice, and hares, along with
birds such as Mountain Chickadees, Brown Creepers, Red-breasted Nuthatches,
Common Ravens, and Clark’s Nutcrackers. Coyotes have dug numerous holes in
the snow around the meadows, no doubt searching for mice or other edibles
at the bottom of the snowpack.

A Friendly Reminder: If you have any ski related or weather questions feel
free to call (209) 372-0450 between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm. If we are out
skiing, leave a message and a phone number so we can return your call.
(Jeff and Kathi, the Tuolumne winter rangers).  (J.Kamps-12/16/10)

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Badger Pass Daily Snow Report
Wednesday, December 16, 2010

Downhill Operations
Base Depth: 34”-40”
New Snow: 10”
Snow Conditions: Powder, Packed Powder
Forecast: Partly Sunny
Temperature:      High 34 Low 27
Runs Groomed: Bruin, Eagle, Rabbit,  Badger,Turtle, Red Fox
Lifts Open: Turtle, Bruin, Eagle, Badger
Runs open: All
Many features (10) in our terrain park!!! Come and try them out.

Cross Country Conditions
Groomed XC trails:  Freshly groomed tracks from Badger Pass to Glacier
Point on Friday evening December 10 and to Bridalveil Creek the evening of
Wednesday, December 15, 2010.
XC trail snow conditions:  Excellent
Tubing Hill: Not open yet. We need more snow. (S.Costello-12/16/10)
**************************************************
Community Update: Yosemite Medical Clinic
As most of you are aware, the contract with Tenet Healthcare Corporation to
operate the Yosemite Medical Clinic, in Yosemite Valley, expires on
December 31, 2010.  The National Park Service (NPS) is working in
conjunction with the United States Public Health Service (PHS) to staff the
clinic and provide clinical care and other medical services previously
provided by Tenet.  During the transition, the following will be in effect
as of January 1, 2011:

     The Yosemite Medical Clinic building will be closed for approximately
     one month in order for NPS to renovate the building (flooring,
     painting, energy improvements, etc.).
     A triage emergency medical services station, staffed by Yosemite
     National Park Paramedics, will be in place in the parking lot of the
     medical clinic during the construction phase of the transition.
     The triage station will be staffed from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with
     paramedics on call 24 hours per day.  On-duty paramedics will treat
     and transport emergent conditions, or inform residents and visitors
     of their options for non-emergent medical needs.  There will be a
     telephone near the trailer where visitors and employees will be able
     to call for medical assistance after hours.
     The Yosemite Medical Clinic phone number, 209-372-4637, will be
     answered by NPS staff to assist with emergency medical inquires.
     Routine medical care, such as check-ups, flu shots, and prescription
     refills, will not be available until the PHS staff have arrived in
     the park.  Park residents and visitors are advised to obtain these
     services outside of the park during the transition.
     For traumatic injuries or emergent illnesses, ambulance service will
     be available 24-hours per day.
     It is anticipated that the clinic will be staffed by PHS doctors and
     nurses by March 2011.
     (Prepared by the Public Affairs Office, Yosemite National Park
209-372-0248)(K.Cobb-12/15/10)

**************************************************
Yosemite News Release
December 14, 2010
For Immediate Release

Media Contacts:
Scott Gediman 209-372-0248
Kari Cobb 209-372-0529

Three Climbers Rescued on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park
Technical Rescue was a Multi-Agency Effort

Three rock climbers were rescued yesterday afternoon from the wall of El
Capitan in Yosemite National Park, culminating a two day rescue operation.
Sarah Land, 24 from Oakhurst, California, Walker Mackey, 25, and Rio
Mackey, 23, both from Boulder, Colorado were lowered down the wall of the
7,563 foot granite monolith after spending the night on the wall of El
Capitan.  Walker and Rio were not injured and Land sustained moderate
injuries.

National Park Service Rangers were assisted in the technical rescue effort
by and Army National Guard Chinook helicopter from Stockton, California, a
California Highway Patrol (CHP) helicopter from Auburn, California, and a
private helicopter from Columbia, California.

At 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 12, Yosemite Emergency Communication
Center received a call from Land asking for assistance.  While climbing, an
approximately a 200 pound rock dislodged and struck Land.  At first, they
attempted to finish the climb.  However, due to Land’s injuries, she called
back at approximately 2:30 p.m. and asked Yosemite National Park Rangers
for assistance.  With daylight dwindling, Park Rangers were not able to
bring in a helicopter or initiate the rescue and the trio were forced to
spend the night on the wall.

On Monday morning, Yosemite National Park contacted the Law Enforcement
Division of the California Emergency Management Agency seeking assistance
in the rescue effort.   They contacted the Army National Guard, who
dispatched a Chinook helicopter to Yosemite Valley to assist in the rescue
efforts.  The military helicopter transported rescue personnel to the top
of El Capitan, where National Park Rangers Matt Stark and Chris Bellino
were lowered to the injured climbers.  Once the Rangers were with the
climbers, the group was lowered to the base of El Capitan.  A CHP
helicopter then short-hauled Land to El Capitan Meadow where she was
transported out of Yosemite Valley.

Completing the rescue mission on Monday was critical due to dwindling
weather conditions, including fog covering Yosemite Valley and impending
snowfall at the higher elevations.  Over 30 Yosemite National Park Rangers,
Yosemite Search and Rescue Team Members, and others assisted in this
complex technical rescue, putting their lives at risk to rescue the
climbers.

Yosemite National Park extends gratitude to the Law Enforcement Division of
the California Emergency Management Agency, the Army National Guard, the
California Highway Patrol, and Intermountain Helicopters for their
assistance in this rescue effort.
Editors Notes: Photos of the rescue are available by emailing
Kari_Cobb@nps.gov (K.Cobb-12/15/10)
**************************************************
Yosemite News Release
December 13, 2010
For Immediate Release

Media Contacts:
Scott Gediman 209-372-0248
Kari Cobb 209-372-0529

Yosemite National Park Announces Changes to the
Interim Program for Half Dome Cables Day Use Permits
Permits to Ascend Cables will be Required Seven Days Per Week

Yosemite National Park announces that Day Use Permits to climb the Half
Dome cables will be required seven days per week for the 2011 summer season
to increase visitor safety on the cables.

Over the past several years, the popularity of the hike has resulted in
large numbers of people using the Half Dome cables, particularly on
weekends and holidays.  Saturdays and holidays averaged 840 visitors per
day, while peak days saw up to 1200 people using the cables.  These large
numbers of hikers generated significant safety concerns and there was a
fatality and serious injuries sustained by park visitors due to these
crowded conditions.

The park instituted an interim program for climbing the Half Dome cables in
2010 to address these serious safety concerns.  Day Use Permits were
required to use the cables on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
during the 2010 season.  Although the interim program worked well on the
permit days, visitor use on the cables during days in which permits were
not required reached peak weekend levels, analogous to peak days before
permits were required.

Therefore, to address the consistent crowded conditions on the Half Dome
cables, Day Use Permits will be required seven days per week for the 2011
summer season.  The Half Dome cables are generally in place from mid-May
through mid-October, depending on snowpack and weather conditions.

The Half Dome Day Use Permits will be available starting March 1, 2011 for
climbing the cables in May and June, 2011.  Subsequent permits will be
available at the beginning of each month for permits three months in
advance.  Reservations for a permit can be made through www.recreation.gov
or by calling 1-877-444-6777.  Each person climbing the Half Dome cables
will be required to have their own permit.  Up to four permits may be
obtained under one reservation.  The permits are free, however, there is a
non-refundable $1.50 service charge for each permit obtained.

During this interim program, visitor use and impacts are being monitored.
Yosemite National Park Rangers are studying visitor use and safety,
assessing the visitor experience, and compiling data that will be analyzed
by park managers.  An Environmental Assessment process for a long-term plan
for the Half Dome cables began public scoping in spring 2010.

A visitor use study on the 2010 Half Dome Cables Day Use Permit is
available at http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/half-dome-cables.htm.
To learn more about the Half Dome hike please visit
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/halfdome.htm (K.Cobb-12/15/10)
************************************************
The El Portal Complex is missing the set of Fire Alarm System Drawings that
were kept in the complex control room.  The drawings are in a standard size
RED 3 ring plastic binder.  If anyone knows where they might have been
moved to, please give me a call.  Or just return them to the Telecomm Shop.
(D.Clingenpeel-12/16/10)

Acting Designations

During the holidays, the following people will be Acting Branch Chief,
Vegetation and Ecological Restoration:  Dec 16 to 17 - Joy Baccei
(209-379-3289); Dec 20 - Lisa Acree (209-379-2177);  Dec 21 - Joy Baccei
(209-379-3289);  Dec 22 to 23 - Liz Ballenger (209-379-3282);  Dec 27 to 29
- Carol Knipper (209-379-1097).  (L. Acree-12/16/10)
**************************************************
Alan Hawksley will be Acting B&G Branch Supervisor Dec. 17-30; Matt
Bablitch will be Acting Historic Preservation Shop Supervisor Dec. 10-30;
Greg Schmaus will be Acting Parkwide Projects Shop Supervisor Dec. 20-22;
Mark Jones will be Acting Parkwide Operations Shop Supervisor Dec. 15-23.
(T.Darcy-12/15/10)
**************************************************
A.O. Acting assignments: 12/16-17 - Cindy Baker (x1839); and 12/28-30 -
Cindy Whitten (1868); and Dan Sohn (x1173). Katariina will be available by
cell phone and email. (P.L.Humphrey-12/16/10)
**************************************************
Charles Cuvelier will be the Acting Superintendent on Wednesday 12/15 and
Thursday 12/16.  He can be reached at 372-0211.
**************************************************
Dave Humphrey (379-1029) will be Acting Chief of Resources Management and
Science Wednesday, Dec 15  thru noon Thursday (Dec 16).
**************************************************
Lou Summerfield is Acting Chief of Facilities Management  December 13 - 17.
(L.Dapprich- 12/15/10)
**************************************************
Irwin Bomba will be the Acting Construction Branch Chief for the Project
Mgmt. Division Dec. 20 - 23.   Irwin is available by phone in his Yosemite
Valley office at 372-0475.  If unavailable you may leave a message with PM
Division Office at 379-1202 or 379-1371. (M. Wichmann-12/1410)
**************************************************
Heather Cave will be Acting Emergency Communications Center Manager Dec 14
- 21.
**************************************************
Jeremy Brown will be Acting Trails Supervisor Dec. 13 - Jan. 3. (D. Kari -
12/10)
**************************************************
Rachel Lewis  (Bravo 10) will be  Acting Wilderness Patrol Supervisor  from
12/11-12/26.  Rachel can be reached at the Wilderness Patrol Office at
372-0360, the Wawona Ranger Station 375-9520, or through Dispatch. (D. Abbe
12/10/2010).
**************************************************
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
call 379-1282 or 379-1104. (J. Bayless - 6/3/10)
**************************************************
Lisa Acree (379-2177) will be Acting Branch Chief for Vegetation and
Ecological Restoration Dec. 13-15.
**************************************************
David Pettebone (209-379-1433) will be Acting Branch Chief for Visitor Use
and Social Sciences for the week of December 13.  He can also be reached on
his cell throughout the week.
**************************************************
Scott Jackson is Acting Branch Chief for Anthropology December 13 - 16;
Steve Thompson is Acting Branch Chief on Friday, December 17.
Paul DePascale is Acting Branch Chief for Anthropology December 20 - 24.
Jennifer Hardin is Acting Branch Chief for Anthropology December 27 - 31.
(L.Kirn-12-13-10))
**************************************************
Jana Friesen McCabe will be Acting Branch Chief for Public Outreach and
Engagement until December 30. (D.Sisson-12/14/10)
**************************************************
Mike Yochim will be the Acting Division Chief for the Planning Division
Dec. 14--Dec. 23.  Mike is available by phone in his El Portal office at
379-1441.  If unavailable you may leave a message with Doyle Harrison at
379-1110.  (D.Harrison 12/13/10)
**************************************************
Acting Branch Chiefs for Contracting & Procurement  for the month of
December.
Dec. 15-17-Jody Auerbach;  Dec. 20-24-Tom Tobin;  Dec. 27-Jody Auerbach;
and Dec. 28-30-Gina Bissmeyer. (L.Schafer 12/15/10)

Employee News

Chili CookOff great success  We made $127.85 that will help many people.
Thanks to all who donated this year and participated in our programs. Happy
Holidays!
All the chillis brought in for the contest were fantastic.  But, it was a
contest, so someone had to WIN!
Pat Lendvay-Humphrey won for best Chili containing Meat
Ami Knighten for her delicious vegetarian version
We plan on working on that cookbook so it will be ready for our next CFC
Campaign.  We have our SharePoint site where you can post your contribution
for this project.  We'll have a folder under shared documents for recipes.
See below for Silent Auction Winners.
FC5 Gift Set - Jennifer Rudesil; New Year Champagne Bucket - Jen
Rudesil;Cookie Mix Gift Basket - Andrea Summerlin;
Shea Butter Blends - Mylee Williams;Shea Butter Duo - Jen Rudesil;Ginger
Citrus Candle - Marie Matheson;Wine Gift Set - Mark Norbey;Chinese Liqueur
Set - Paul DePascale;RE9 Advanced - Leonor Perez;Spa Gift Basket - Lindsey
Prell;Sushi Gift Pkg - Angie Long;RE9 Advanced for Men - Jen Rudesil;Gift
Basket (Jam, Tea, Granola) - Marty Nielson;
Robert Browning - Niki Nicholas;Tennyson - Niki Nicholas;Women's Thoughts -
Connie Waldron;Oliver Twist - Amy Hoke;NoJocaRoca - Karen Kolbeck;Chick
Whisk - Roxanne Zirkle;Necklace, Light Blue Cross - Roxanne Zirkle;Walking
Stick - Danny Schaible;Necklace, Blue/Green - Marie Matheson; Earrings -
Jeanne Darcy
If you have not already picked up your items, please contact Gina
Bissmeyer.

So, until next year....in the words of Roy Rogers and fitting for Yosemite!
Happy Trails to you.......  (J.Harrison-12/16/10)

**************************************************
Glenn and Donna Dean have returned to Yosemite (home to them) after time in
Death Valley and Texas.  The Yosemite Human Resources Office AND Safety
Office are excited to welcome back two wonderful and talented employees.
Donna returned in the position of Human Resource Specialist and Glenn as a
Safety Specialist.  Please give them a warm welcome when you see them!
(C.G.Ronay-12/16/10)
**************************************************
Up to 120-day DETAIL/TEMPORARY PROMOTION OPPORTUNITY - Wildlife Biologist
(GS-9 or 11), Yosemite National Park - Yosemite National Park is seeking
candidates to temporarily fill the role of Wildlife Biologist for up to120
days, beginning in early January 2011. This position will serve as the lead
bear biologist for the park and will supervise wildlife technicians,
interns and volunteers. Several different people may be selected for the
detail position over the next six months.

This position open to qualified YOSE employees and is located at Yosemite
Valley within the Branch of Wildlife Management, Division of Project
Management. Please contact Steve Thompson, Branch Chief more information at
(209) 379-1437 or Steve_Thompson@nps.gov  or Niki Nicholas, Division Chief
at (209) 372-0472 or Niki_Nicholas@nps.gov.

Please submit the following documents to Amanda Burnham in the Yosemite
Human Resources Office by the close of business on Friday, December 17,
2010.   Resumes may be faxed or e-mailed directly to Amanda’s attention.
Amanda may be reached at (209) 379-1815.

-  a resume/application
-  a one-page letter of interest
-  a SF-50B – Personnel Action
-  e-mail message or approval from supervisor

Yosemite Human Resources Office
P.O. Box 700-HR - Attn:  Amanda Burnham
El Portal, CA   95318
 Phone:   (209) 379-1805
Fax:   (209) 379-1800
e-mail:   Amanda_Burnham@nps.gov

We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Kind Regards, Donna Dean
Human Resources Specialist   (D.Dean-12/15/10)
**************************************************
Please join us in welcoming Mr. William (Will) Buttry our new Contract
Specialist Trainee to Yosemite.  Will is a law student who will be
completing his final year of law school as an employee here through the
Student Career Employment Program (SCEP).  Next time you're in the area
stop by and introduce yourself, and help Will learn more about the Park.
Will's number is 379-1207. (L. Schafer- 12/15/2010)
**************************************************

The Mail Room staff has incoming mail for Joan Hacqua and Lorah Patterson
from the Student Conservation Association.  Does anyone know where they
work?
The EP Mailroom also has a returned Certified Mail Receipt addressed to
Teri Skelton but, I don't know this person.  Please let me know if you know
Teri Skelton.

The majority of Interoffice mail is still addressed only to a "name",
sometimes only a first name. Office locations and Districts need to be
listed to assure efficient handling and delivery.
The mail room clerks are not so much interested in WHO the Interoffice Mail
is addressed to.  As is the United States Postal Service, we are mainly
interested in WHERE the mail is to go!   Once the mail has reached its
DESTINATION, it can be distributed to the addressee. We simply do not have
the time to research names.  We are a large government agency with similiar
offices in EACH District.
Unless your interoffice mail is correctly addressed, the chances are your
mail is going to take more time to get to its destination.

Help us to serve you better   We may not personally know EVERYONE in
Yosemite, but we DO know offices!  We thank you in advance for your
assistance and cooperation.   Violators will be fined two homemade
chocolate chip cookies.  Have a festive holiday season and a prosperous New
Year!  (D.Hales-12/16/10)
**************************************************
The warm glow of candles can help set the mood for holiday celebrations,
but did you know that a home fire caused by candles is reported in the
United States every 34 minutes? The majority of candle fires result from
human error and negligence. Candle fires and the damage they can cause are
preventable.
-If possible, avoid using lighted candles.
-If you must use candles, place them in sturdy holders.
-Keep candles away from children and pets.
-Extinguish candles after each use.
-Never leave burning candles unattended.
Learn what you can do to prevent a tragic candle fire from starting in your
home at www.usfa.fema.gov/winter/. (J.Alviso-12/15/10)
**************************************************
We are still looking for applicants to detail 2-4 weeks on the Natl. Rx
Helicopter that is based in SER. Due to the need for more applicants, I am
extending the deadline to apply to the program until December 22. Please
share this with your folks who are working on their taskbooks as helicopter
managers, helicopter crew members or who are fully qualified in those
positions and are looking for additional career opportunities. Feel free to
contact me if you have any questions. 404-507-5643 wk or 770-598-2359
cell(M.Gallagher-12/15/10)
**************************************************
Reminder - If you have not read the previous email regarding Health Reform
Changes for Federal Benefits Programs Effective January 1, 2011
On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
As a result of this legislation, Federal employees will soon see important
improvements in their Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage,
including expanded family member eligibility and enhanced benefits.
Because of the Affordable Care Act, beginning January 1, 2011:

     Ø      Children will be eligible for coverage under their parent’s
     FEHB Program Self and Family enrollment until they turn age 26.
     Ø      All FEHB Program plans will cover recommended preventive care
     services without additional out-of-pocket costs to enrollees.
     Ø      All FEHB Program plans have eliminated any lifetime limits and
     annual limits on essential health benefits.
     In addition:
     Ø      All FEHB Program Plans will cover comprehensive smoking
cessation benefits that include coverage for counseling, medications,
multiple quit attempts with no annual or lifetime limitations
and no enrollee cost sharing.
You can also visit www.opm.gov/insure for up-to-date information about all
the Federal Benefits Programs.
If you are planning on adding your  "new dependent's" (adult children) back
on your policy.(A.Long-12/15/10)

**************************************************
Rental Information:  Rental info submitted to the Housing Management Office
is available on the SharePoint Site:
http://sharepoint.yose.nps.gov/admn/housing/Lists/Private%20Rentals/AllItems.aspx
 (y.radanovich-12/15/10)

Construction Update

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. Contractors will be working Monday -
Thursday, beginning December 6, 2010.
           Last Week's Progress, Parking, and more:
                       The PV contractor ran conduit and conductor in
                       carports 9, 10, and 11, and on the upper parking
                       deck carports (6, 7, and 8).
                       Four of the concrete pads for the PV transformer
                       and the larger inverters were poured.
                       Suntrek worked to put up more panels on the upper
                       parking deck carport (#7).
                       There is a total of panel count of approximately
                       1900 installed at this point.
                       Because the contractors are now working Monday -
                       Thursday, there are many more government employees
                       around the work site. Please use extreme caution
                       when you are near the construction areas. Please do
                       not cross through the barrier tape or enter the
                       "hard hat only" zones without your hard hat.

Overall, the Design/Build Install Renewable Energy Equipment at the El
Portal Complex  is proceeding on schedule.  (M. Ortiz - 12/13/10)

Community News

6TH STREET CINEMA is located upstairs in the historic Old Masonic Lodge 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