Yosemite Photos, Video and News

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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)

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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)
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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)

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Badger Pass Daily Snow Report
Date:       Tuesday, December 15, 2010

Downhill Operations
Base Depth: 24”-30”
New Snow        4” – 8” Expected
Snow Conditions: Powder, Packed Powder
Forecast:  20% Scattered Snow Showers
Temperature:       High 33 Low 24
Runs Groomed:  Bruin, Eagle, Rabbit,  Badger,Turtle
Lifts Open: Turtle, Bruin, Eagle, Badger
Runs open: All
Many features (11) 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
Tuesday, December 14, 2010.
XC trail snow conditions:  Excellent
Tubing Hill: Not open yet. We need more snow.(S.Costello-12/15/10)

Acting Designations

Charles Cuvelier will be the Acting Superintendent on Wednesday 12/15 and
Thursday 12/16.  He can be reached at 372-0211.
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Dave Humphrey (379-1029) will be Acting Chief of Resources Management and
Science today thru noon Thursday (Dec 16).
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Lou Summerfield is Acting Chief of Facilities Management  December 13 - 17.
(L.Dapprich- 12/15/10)
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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)
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Heather Cave will be Acting Emergency Communications Center Manager Dec 14
- 21.
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Jeremy Brown will be Acting Trails Supervisor Dec. 13 - Jan. 3. (D. Kari -
12/10)
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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).
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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)
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Lisa Acree (379-2177) will be Acting Branch Chief for Vegetation and
Ecological Restoration Dec. 13-15.
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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.
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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))
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Jana Friesen McCabe will be Acting Branch Chief for Public Outreach and
Engagement until December 30. (D.Sisson-12/14/10)
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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)
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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

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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)

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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
temporary entrance is on the driveway side of the building). This will be
the final programs for the year. We wish you all a joyous season!
This week:
December 16 (Thursday) 7:30pm STING: "ON A WINTER'S NIGHT". (Free
Admission)
Filmed live from England's Durham Cathedral, Sting is joined by guest
musicians including Kathryn Tickell (Northumbrian pipes and fiddle), Peter
Tickell (fiddle) and Julian Sutton (Melodeon), plus esteemed performers
from around the world. Producer, Robert Sadin conducted this ensemble of 35
musicians which includes string and brass sections. The concert conjures
the mood and spirit of the season with a diverse collection of songs,
carols and lullabies spanning the centuries.
 December 17 -18 (Friday - Saturday) 7:30pm "INCEPTION".
To begin to understand this film, you must first remember that it's
director, Christopher Nolan, previously gave us the film "MEMENTO," which
was told backward about a man who had lost his short term memory. Nolan
spent ten years writing this screenplay about a corporate raider (Leonardo
DiCaprio)  who infiltrates the minds of men to steal their ideas. Now he is
hired by a powerful billionaire to do the opposite: to introduce an idea
into a rival's mind. The film weaves its way through dreams within dreams,
and keeps the audience off balance and riveted, right through to the
ending. (Rated PG-13; running time 148 minutes)
 December 18 (Sunday) 1:00pm 'POLAR EXPRESS." (Free Admission)
Based on children's author Chris Van Allsburg's modern holiday classic of
the same name, the film tells the story of a boy who longs to believe in
Santa Claus but finds it quite difficult to do so. This all changes,
however, on Christmas Eve, when a mysterious train (Tom Hanks is the
conductor) visits Billy in the middle of the night, promising to take him
and a group of other lucky children to the North Pole for a visit with
Santa. (Rated G; 100 minutes). (T.Arfsten-12/15/10)
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You're Invited--Yosemite Employee Association presents the 9th Annual
Semi-formal Winter Social, Friday, December 17 from 5pm to 10pm at the
Cedar Lodge in El Portal. Music by The Adam Burns Band, hors d'oeuvers by
CrabCakes and host bar by YEA. Members $20, non-members $25. Enjoy a
child-free evening or even stay the night (ask Cedar Lodge for the discount
for Winter Social attendees). For more information stop by the bar at Sal's
this Thursday or contact any YEA Board member. We're looking forward to
seeing you there. (M.Dale-12/14/10)
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For Rent-  3 bedroom/2 bathroom, unfurnished home on Silva Road (near
Highway 49S).  $1,000/month plus utilities + $1,000 cleaning deposit.
Contact Glen @ 209 626-6335. (Y.Rradanovich-12/14/10)
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For Rent  Adjoining duplex to main house.  One bedroom/one bathroom; shared
laundry room.  1100 square feet; very clean.  $650 month.  Bootjack area.
Call Chet at 742-5933 or email:  chet@sti.net.(Y.Rradanovich-12/14/10)
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For Rent:  3bd/2ba mobile w/deck and carport - available on December 15th.
$850/month; $850 rent deposit. Preferably no dogs or cats; however one cat
is ok.  Quiet occupants preferred.  Call Kristi at (cell) 559-696-2284.
(Y.Rradanovich-12/14/10)