Today: Mariposa County Unified School District Regular Board Meeting Agenda for May 17, 2012
 Agenda And Agenda Packet And Agenda Packet Addendum.
Also, MCOE Regular Board Meeting: Agenda And Agenda Packet.

California State Parks Foundation Announces Grants to Help Keep State Parks Open
Funding will help nonprofit partners across the state keep 15 parks open for one year.
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Travis Blagg accepts position of Sierra Foothill Charter School Principal in Cathey's Valley
Blagg is currently under contract with Mariposa County Unified School District (MCUSD), where he has worked as a teacher and teaching principal since 2005.
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Sierra Foothill Charter School in Cathey's Valley Wins "Green" Grant in Statewide Competition
The $2,000 grant was awarded for the proposed project "Rainwater Harvesting in the Land and Legacy Garden." The proposal was submitted by teacher Caroline Korn. Work on the rainwater harvesting project is already underway at the school.
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Amgen Tour of California rolls through Mariposa on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 (Video)
During the early afternoon hours the Amgen Tour of California bicycle riders raced through Mariposa on their way from Sonora to Oakhurst and finishing the stage in Clovis.
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Photos of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California at the Bagby Grade, Mariposa County by Linda Gast
Photographer Linda Gast captured these images of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California as the bicycle riders were on the Bagby Grade in Mariposa County.
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Photos of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California at the Bagby Grade, Mariposa County
Photographer Les Overstreet captured these images of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California as the bicycle riders were on the Bagby Grade in Mariposa County.
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Mariposa Thursday Weather Forecast
A gorgeous day with a few clouds in the area and the high temps dropping around seven degrees from Wednesday's high temp of 85 degrees at the SST Weather Station. The weekends high temps will range from a high of 80 on Saturday to around 84 degrees on Sunday.
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Plan Your Weekend
Weekend Special Edition Out & About
Special Weekend Out and About Edition

Mariposa County Fire Dept. Call Log
Monday, May 7 thru Sunday, May 13

Welcome 'Mariposa Mountain Rendezvous' to the Sierra Sun Times

Mariposa Mountain Rendezvous Open-Air Weekend Market To Set-Up Shop In Mariposa
Mariposa Mountain Rendezvous is a new open-air weekend market in Mariposa. It's intended to benefit the entire community of Mariposa and its visitors. Please join them throughout the Summer from Friday evening through Sunday for fun and exciting new crafts and art. Their opening day will be on Saturday, May 19th...
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New Open-Air Marketplace 'Mariposa Mountain Rendezvous' Seeks Vendors
Vendors for Mariposa Mountain Rendezvous are being sought for weekends from May through October. This open-air marketplace is scheduled to run on Friday evenings as well as Saturday's & Sunday's from 8 a.m. until dark...
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Mariposa County Daily Sheriff and Booking Report Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Oregon Man Assaults Mariposa Women After Road Rage Incident - Suspect Still At Large
On Tuesday, May 15th, 2012 at about 9:30 a.m., a man identified by Mariposa County deputy sheriff’s as Mr. Richard A. Schreffler (35 yrs old), from Medford, Oregon, instigated an altercation as the result of a road rage event. Reportedly, Schreffler was driving recklessly causing a conflict with a local woman at the 49’er shopping center in Mariposa...
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Rural Counties Testify Against Fire Fee Implementation
Today, the Regional Council of Rural Counties (RCRC), with the help of one of its board members, testified before a regulatory hearing, strongly voicing objections to imposing fees on structure owners in the State Responsibility Area (SRA)...
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Congressman Jeff Denham Welcomes President’s Approval of Tracy Solar Energy Bill
“Investing in this type of job creation project is key to the Valley’s economic recovery. It’s not a Republican issue, it’s not a Democrat issue – it’s an American jobs issue,” said Denham.
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CalPERS Board Approves State and School Contribution Rates
CalPERS adjusts employer contribution rates every year. In 2012-13, the State will pay 19.7 percent of payroll toward the pension cost of Tier 1 Miscellaneous employees, up from 18.2 percent last year. Without phase-in, the State would pay 20.5 percent of payroll.
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Governor Brown and First Lady Honor Staff Sgt. Thomas K. Fogarty
Staff Sgt. Thomas K. Fogarty, 30, of Alameda, CA, died May 6, in Ahmad-Kheyl, Afghanistan, from injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.
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Governor Brown and First Lady Honor Sgt. John P. Huling
Sgt. John P. Huling, 25, of West Chester, OH, died May 6, while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
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California farmers focus on immigration reform, farm bill in Washington
 "Peak harvest season is approaching, and California farmers and ranchers will depend on 400,000 employees to cultivate and harvest fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, livestock and other products," California Farm Bureau President Paul Wenger said.
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Letter to the Editor - Who were these young people?
The night of the fire a group of young people were on Fifth Street. Some number of these young people had the intelligence and courage to know it would be appropriate to break down the front door of the Mariposa County Arts Council and rescue what they could. Because of their effort we now have...
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Yosemite National Park Offers Free Entrance Passes to All Active Duty United States Military Members and Dependents
To show appreciation for those who serve in the United States (U.S) Military, the National Park Service (NPS) will begin issuing an annual pass offering free entrance to all 397 national parks for active duty military members and their dependents. The annual pass will be offered for the first time beginning Saturday, May 19, 2012, which is Armed Forces Day...
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Yosemite National Park Announces Innovative Program to Address Transportation Issues
Park Working with Gateway Communities to Expand Visits to the Yosemite Region and Reduce Traffic Congestion.
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Prescribed Fire Scheduled in Yosemite National Park on May 16, 2012
Wawona Prescribed Fire Postponed
The planned prescribed fire scheduled for today in the Wawona area has been postponed. Due to an unsettled weather pattern and concern for the safety of the community, the 846 prescribed fire will not occur. A later date for the prescribed fire is forthcoming.
First Burn of Season Scheduled for Northwest Wawona.
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New 2012-13 Principal at Mariposa Elementary School
Mariposa County Unified School District would like to announce that Jared Pierce will be joining our District as the Principal of Mariposa Elementary School, beginning with the 2012-13 school year.
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Mariposa County Daily Sheriff and Booking Report Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Around the Web
(SST: A smaller store than the remodeled Pioneer Market.)
Pleasanton council approves Walmart grocery store
In the end, the council majority found no legal justification to bar Walmart from moving into the 30,000-square-foot building zoned for grocery stores.
Read More at the Mercury News...

New Free Military Public Lands Pass Launched
As part of the Joining Forces initiative to support our nation’s service members and their families, several U.S. government agencies will announce an annual pass to active duty service members and their dependents, granting free access to more than 2,000 national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests, and other public lands around the nation in the coming years.
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State Schools Chief Issues Statement on Governor's May Revision
"Today's May Revision raises the stakes for California's public schools, which now need the help of voters to prevent more than $5 billion in cuts and a dramatically shortened school year" Tom Torlakson.
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CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® reports Spring 2012 home buying season off to a strong start
California home sales and median price both jumped in April, with sales shooting up to their highest level in more than two years, and the median price rising above $300,000 for the first time in 16 months. Read More...

State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Urges Parents to Vaccinate Children and Prevent Whooping Cough
For the 2012-13 school year and future years, the pertussis booster immunization requirement applies to students entering or advancing into the seventh grade.
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Mariposa Friends Of The Fairgrounds Present Summer Fest 'Suds And Sausage Sampler'
Please join us for the 2012 Mariposa Summer Fest on Saturday, June 16, at the Mariposa Fairgrounds 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. This is an event of sampling different sausages and beers. Tickets are $35 per person and entitle you to taste all the different selections... All the proceeds benefits the Mariposa Fairgrounds...
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Gold Rush Trading Post To Sponsor First Annual Mariposa Treasure Hunt On June 2, 2012
The First Annual Mariposa Treasure Hunt will be held on Saturday June 2, 2012 at 'May Rock' in Mt. Bullion... The event will be a seeded metal detecting hunt and there will be prizes, and a raffle benefiting the 'Mariposa Gem & Mineral Club'.... We will have items for you to find such as American coins, relics, and a few small gold nuggets...
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Live The Dream! EAA International Learn To Fly Day In Mariposa On May 19
The world of flight offers fun, freedom and experiences unlike anything else in the world. And you’re invited to participate as Chapter 1261 of the Experimental Aircraft Association hosts an International Learn To Fly Day event at Mariposa Airport on Saturday, May 19...
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Leroy Radanovich's Mariposa Life - Recent Events: Fires and the Sign Ordinance
First of all I want to extend my sorrow to the owners and employees of the seven businesses that were lost during the Pizza Factory Fire.
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Fire Assessment Meeting concerning the Fire in the downtown Mariposa Historic District (With Video)
On Monday afternoon, May 14, 2012 a meeting was held at the MPUD Fire Station on Highway 49 North at 3:30 P.M.
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2012 Wildfire Risk Assessment
The Mariposa Fire Safe Council hosted the annual Wildfire Risk Assessment event in the community of Ponderosa Basin, on Friday, May 4, 2012. The assessment is part of the Council’s efforts to educate the public on fire safety and prevention and to conduct Defensible Space inspections...
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Combining Fire Safety With Bird Friendliness
Learning to become more observant of seasonal wildlife activities can make us better stewards of the land, while at the same time practicing fire-safety. Herein lies a win-win combination for us and the animals with which we share the land... Mariposa County Master Gardeners Association is pleased to present: COMBINING FIRE SAFETY & BIRD FRIENDLINESS, on Saturday, May 19...
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MCHS Drama Club in partnership with the Academic Boosters Club present: Scenes on the Apron featuring special musical guest The Adam Burns Band on Friday, May 18, 2012
“Scenes on the Apron” will include a variety of comedic skits adapted for the stage from T.V. shows including Saturday Night Live and Portlandia.
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CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) reports California housing affordability continues to rise in the first quarter of 2012
The percentage of home buyers who could afford to purchase a median-priced, existing single-family home in California rose to 56 percent in the first quarter of 2012, up from 55 percent in fourth-quarter 2012.
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Two Men Arrested For Alleged Sexual Assault Of Mariposa Girls
On May 9th, 2012 the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation at the Mariposa Middle School into the reported sexual assault of three juvenile girls that occurred during mid-February earlier this year. The investigation has resulted in the arrest of two adult males...
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Tragic Accident On Darrah Rd. Takes Life Of Kern County Bicyclist
On May 13, 2012 at approximately 9:42 a.m., Suzanne J. Rivera (47yrs) was pronounced deceased at the John C. Fremont Hospital. Suzanne succumbed to traumatic injuries sustained during a bicycle accident that occurred during a bicycle race...
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Missing 6 Year Old Child Found In Dawn Lake
May 13th, 2012 at approx. 4:52 p.m. The Mariposa County Sheriff's Office was advised of a 6 year old missing child, Isaiah Rodriguez, who reportedly possibly fell into Dawn Lake, located in the Lush Meadows sub-division, Mariposa County. The child's family and friends immediately started searching the lake...
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Letter to the Editor - Thanking the Firefighters
Another disaster in our beloved town proves once again what an outstanding fire department we have.
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Mariposa Historic District Fire May 12, 2012 (Photos with Video)
By Saturday evening many truckloads of debris had been hauled to a special location at the Mariposa County Landfill.
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Fire in Historic Downtown Mariposa
Photos & 2 Videos added

History of the Pizza Factory Building in Mariposa by Tom Phillips
This building on the corner of 5th Street and Charles Street was originally three buildings.
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Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center establishes a fund for the "Pizza Fire"
The Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center is establishing a fund for those who have just lost their jobs
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Letter to the Editor - Support the Mariposa Arts Council
Mariposa Fire -- When you read the news and look at the awful photos, if your first thought is: how can I help? The best way to help the Mariposa County Arts Council is to become a member.
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Rural Counties, Including Mariposa, May Get to Keep Their Post Offices After All
The U.S. Postal Service this week announced a new strategy to keep the nation’s smallest post offices open for business, while providing a framework to achieve significant cost savings as part of the plan to return the organization to financial stability.
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New Developments on Federal Unemployment Extensions (Up-dated May 11, 2012)
One of the extension programs, typically the final round of extensions known as the FED-ED here in California, is now coming to an end.
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Coulterville Odd Fellows To Hold A Breakfast and Raffle On May 19, 2012
On Saturday, May 19, 2012 the Coulterville Odd Fellows will be having a breakfast and raffle from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Lodge located at 5030 Main Street in historic Coulterville. On the menu is biscuits and sausage gravy and breakfast burritos with...
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Mariposa Museum & History Center Sunday Talk - 'Finding Connections In Nature' With John Muir Laws
Please join us on Sunday, May 20^th as we welcome John Muir Laws, who will provide an illustrated lecture designed to inform and inspire appreciation for myriad astounding relationships between plants and animals in the Sierra Nevada. Mr. Laws will also discuss...
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Volunteer Tutors Sought For Adult Literacy Program
The Mariposa County Library is looking for people who would like to share their love of reading and make a difference in someone’s life by volunteering as tutors in the Read and Succeed adult literacy program. Math tutors are also being sought... Prospective tutors must attend an hour-long orientation and a full-day training session. The next orientation is scheduled for Monday, May 21...
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Area News
Area News

Mariposa for today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming west between 7 and 10 mph. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 46. West wind between 6 and 9 mph becoming calm.
Mariposa topped out at 85 degrees yesterday at the Sierra Sun Times Weather Station.
Mariposa Friday Weather: Sunny, with a high near 76. Calm wind becoming west northwest between 8 and 11 mph
Mariposa Weekend Weather: Sunny, with highs near 80 on Saturday to 84 degrees on Sunday.
Read more about yesterday's weather and the extended outlook on the Weather Page.

Thursday's Area Forecast
75 - 85 Today: Mostly sunny with the high temps dropping from Wednesday's high temps over the area by around seven degrees. Most Area Weather Stations are reporting overnight temps in the 50's.

Yosemite Valley: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. East southeast wind 5 to 8 mph becoming southwest between 13 and 16 mph. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 45. West southwest wind between 12 and 15 mph becoming calm. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Complete Weather Coverage

This section will no longer be updated daily due to Agritourism regulations in Mariposa County

California farmers focus on immigration reform, farm bill in Washington
"Peak harvest season is approaching, and California farmers and ranchers will depend on 400,000 employees to cultivate and harvest fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, livestock and other products," California Farm Bureau President Paul Wenger said.
Read More...

CalPERS ignores Brown, delays pension payment
The CalPERS board yesterday raised the annual state payment for state worker pensions $213 million to a total of $3.7 billion, rejecting Gov. Brown’s request for a bigger increase to avoid a “loan” costing “$145.9 million over the next 20 years.”
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Foreclosures Plunge to Five-Year Low in U.S. Recovery: Mortgages
...The number of default, auction and seizure notices sent to homeowners in April totaled 188,780, down 14 percent from a year earlier and 5 percent from the previous month, according to RealtyTrac Inc. It was the lowest tally since July 2007, before the onset of the biggest housing crash in seven decades, the.Irvine, California-based data seller said today in a report.
Read More at Bloomberg...

Greece Heads to Elections With Euro, Bailout at Stake
...The political standoff has reignited concern the country will renege on pledges to cut spending as required by the terms of its two bailouts worth 240 billion euros ($306 billion) negotiated since May 2010. That could leads to funding being cut off and Greece ultimately leaving the euro area.
Read More at Bloomberg...