Badger Pass Ski area finally opens

Mariposa Daily News

Last Updated on Friday, 27 January 2012 07:32

Two Major Routes to Yosemite National Park Remain Open to Visitors
Highways 140 From the West and 41 From the South Provide Easy Access to the Park and Mariposa County.
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Up-dated: SST Badger Pass Daily Ski Report for January 27, 2012
Badger Pass is located in Yosemite National Park.
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TODAY: Mariposa Museum And History Center To Host Children’s Book Author Wayne Hunt
This book is third in a series of children’s books and is titled: “Zack and the Validators: Good as Gold”. On Friday, January 27 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., join the author in this third in a series of children’s books with the same characters, aimed at the 8 to12 year old age group...
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New Developments on Federal Unemployment Extensions (Up-dated January 24, 2012)
Number of individuals who have run out of benefits is now over 608,500.
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Drought Summary for the Western United States: Up-dated January 24, 2012
Snow-water equivalent in the Sierra improved, although many stations were still in the 20th percentile or lower. Nevertheless, the precipitation provided a 1-category improvement in drought designation in the Sierra, with D2 (Severe Drought) reduced to D1 (Moderate Drought).
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Today in Area News
Mountain Area not immune to meth addiction
Read the Area News..

Around the Web
Why Romney, other wealthy investors, pay lower taxes on investments than they would on wages.
Why is investment income taxed less than wages?
And
The making of NASA's super hi-res blue marble Earth image

Olsen & Perea CEQA Reform Measure Passes Assembly (With Video)
AB 890 will streamline the process for cities and counties to make minor roadway safety improvements.
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California Governor Jerry Brown Twelve Point Pension Reform Plan
1. Equal Sharing of Pension Costs: All Employees and Employers
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League of California Cities: Conference Committee on Public Employee Pensions Discusses Hybrid Plans
...Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) advised the committee that a pension benefit is just one element of employee compensation and it is important to consider all of the elements of the total compensation package.
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Senator Berryhill Appointed To Committee On Invasive Species
The purpose of this committee is to investigate and discover the best ways of preserving California’s native plants and animals from non-native species.
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California December 2011 Pending Home Sales Index
California pending home sales lower in December; distressed sales rise as lenders push through more REOs, short sales, C.A.R. reports.
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Mariposa’s Catnip Society -- Neighbors Working Together To Save Cats And Kittens
The Catnip Society, founded in 2007, promotes the humane treatment of all cats in Mariposa County. The recent incident involving the 20 year old cat that froze to death in Bootjack could have been avoided if the owner had inquired about cat rescue organizations in Mariposa County. “The Catnip Society is an excellent example of neighbors helping neighbors...
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Mariposa Butterfly Festival Seeking Volunteers
...for the upcoming three day event that takes place during the first weekend in May. ...Thursday evening, February 9^th at the Miners Inn in Mariposa there will be a Butterfly Festival “Call for Volunteers” Meeting. Starting at 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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Plan Your Weekend
Weekend Special Edition Out & About
Special Weekend Out and About Edition

Merced Ranch Supply
NEW Ad with Special Pricing through Tuesday, February 14, on Valentine gifts like jewelry, clothing and much more!
See Sales Page...

Mariposa Habitat For Humanity To Hold Open House On January 29th
Habitat for Humanity of Mariposa County would like to invite the community to our Open House on Sunday, January 29^th. The event takes place from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at the Lutheran Church, 4469 Hwy 49 S. There will be food & tons of raffle prizes...
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Northern Mariposa County History Center Docents On The Go
A Docent Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon is being planned for January 31. The Northern Mariposa County History Center docents will get a chance to preview the new exhibits that will be unveiled to the public a few days later at the museum’s Gala Reopening...
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Yosemite National Park Announces the Release of the Finding of No Significant Impact for the Ahwahnee Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan
...A public scoping period for The Ahwahnee Comprehensive Rehabilitation Plan occurred from August 13 through September 30, 2009. Targeted scoping to museums, historical societies and preservation groups also occurred in January 2010.
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Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - National Park Service Lends A Hand To Mountain Yellow-legged Frogs
Staff at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks recently completed a decade-long project that allowed a population of imperiled mountain yellow-legged frogs to stage an impressive recovery. This was done through the removal of non-native fish from a large and challenging complex of high-elevation lakes and streams.
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Aerial Firefighters Gearing Up For The 2012 Wildland Forest Fire Season
Intermountain Helicopters of Sonora, California is also getting ready for an active fire season through an aggressive maintenance program on its Bell 212 and Bell 412 twin engine helicopters, according to Rick Livingston, Director of Operations.
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Assemblymember Olsen discusses the budget (Video)
Assemblymember Olsen discusses the Governor's proposed budget and the need for reforms that put people back to work.
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Governor Brown Releases Package of CEQA Reforms
As part of his ongoing efforts to spur job creation, streamline regulations and boost renewable energy, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today released a package of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reforms that will simplify and expedite the approval process for key job-creating projects in California.
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State of Union Address by President Obama (Full Text with Video)
Tax reform should follow the Buffett Rule. If you make more than $1 million a year, you should not pay less than 30 percent in taxes. And my Republican friend Tom Coburn is right: Washington should stop subsidizing millionaires. In fact, if you’re earning a million dollars a year, you shouldn’t get special tax subsidies or deductions.
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Congressman Denham Responds to President Obama's 2012 State of the Union Address
“In the past three years, America has witnessed the longest period of sustained high unemployment since the Great Depression. Americans have seen the negative impacts of the Administration’s policies..."
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C-SPAN: 2012 Republican Response to the State of the Union from Gov. Mitch Daniels (R-IN) (Full Text with Video)
“The President’s grand experiment in trickle-down government has held back rather than sped economic recovery. He seems to sincerely believe we can build a middle class out of government jobs paid for with borrowed dollars. In fact, it works the other way: a government as big and bossy as this one is maintained on the backs of the middle class, and those who hope to join it..."
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Congressman Cardoza's HOME Act Echoed in President's State of the Union Speech
This evening, President Obama introduced a new housing plan that will allow all homeowners who are current on their payments to be able to refinance their mortgage at the current historically low market rates, mirroring Congressman Dennis Cardoza’s (D-Merced) Housing Opportunity and Mortgage Equity (HOME) Act.
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Yosemite National Park Releases Environmental Assessment for Hiking to Half Dome
The Preferred Alternative is to keep the cables in place with their current configuration and implement daily use limits of 300 people per day.
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Yosemite HD - Stunning timelapse photography
Make sure you Full screen this video!
The Video...

Large Rockfall Indefinitely Closes Big Oak Flat Road (Hwy 120) In Yosemite National Park
Due to a large rockfall that occurred at approximately 11:30 last evening (1/22/12), the Big Oak Flat Road (the continuation of Highway 120) is closed in Yosemite National Park. The road is closed between the Foresta Junction on Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat Rd.) and the Highway 120/140 Junction...
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2011 Yosemite National Park Rock Fall Year in Review
Although not as newsworthy as those of recent years, many significant rock falls occurred in Yosemite in 2011. Probably the most spectacular rock falls originated from the north face of Middle Cathedral rock in July. Three distinct rock falls occurred over a period of several weeks, with a total volume of about 120 cubic meters (about 325 tons).
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Mariposa County December 2011 Unemployment Rate drops 1.2% from December of 2010
December 2011 had the second highest number of employed workers for the month of December in the county going back to at least 1990. December 2006 had 8,310 workers in the county, just ten more workers than December 2011.
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Offline Solar Answers A Few Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Energy
Everyday there is more and more talk about the advantages of solar energy as a way to minimize our dependence on utility companies and gain energy independence. Offline Solar has powered it offices and business facilities with solar energy since 1982. A regional leader in solar energy...
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Area News
Area News

Todays Weather

Last Updated on Friday, 27 January 2012 06:33

Mariposa for today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. East northeast wind at 6 mph becoming west southwest. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Northeast wind between 3 and 8 mph.
Mariposa topped out at 62 degrees yesterday at the Sierra Sun Times Weather Station.
Mariposa Saturday Weather: Sunny, with a high near 62. Northeast wind between 4 and 7 mph becoming calm.
Mariposa Sunday Weather: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. East northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm.
Read more about yesterday's weather and the extended outlook on the Weather Page.

Friday's Area Forecast
54 - 62 Today: Mostly cloudy to mostly sunny today depending upon location. The high temps will cool off a few degrees from Thursday's high temps over the area. Most Area Weather Stations are reporting overnight temps in the 40's.

Yosemite Valley: Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. East northeast wind between 10 and 13 mph becoming light.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 33. East northeast wind around 11 mph.
Complete Weather Coverage

Daily Sheriff Report

Last Updated on Friday, 27 January 2012 06:57

During the later morning hours a suspicious vehicle was noticed on Bear Valley Road, later during the afternoon hours on the 140 near Cathey's Valley and also during the evening hours on Hornitos Road.(Sounds very suspicious to us, especially with the report of a tree on fire on Hornitos Road during the evening hours!)
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Real Estate

Last Updated on Friday, 27 January 2012 04:14

Foreclosures made up 20% of home sales in 3Q 2011
That share is a significant decline from the same period in 2010, when foreclosed homes made up 30% of residential sales, but it's still a far cry from levels seen during healthier housing markets when foreclosures comprised less than 5% of sales.
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Agritourism

Last Updated on Sunday, 31 July 2011 13:58

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

California Farm Bureau

Last Updated on Friday, 27 January 2012 05:26

Firewood: Task force says, 'Buy it where you burn it'
Pests such as the goldspotted oak borer can destroy forests and kill trees across entire neighborhoods. The insects have been known to hop a ride on firewood, and unsuspecting people can move them into new areas when collecting wood for campfires or fireplaces. To halt the transportation of tree-killing pests, the California Firewood Task Force created public service announcements that encourage families to “buy it where you burn it,” meaning to purchase firewood locally.

CalPERS

Last Updated on Friday, 27 January 2012 05:29

San Jose council moves to end its pensions
...Constant said pensions are designed for retaining career employees, not short-term elected leaders. And Reed said the council should make retirement sacrifices as it asks the same from its workforce.
"We have to lead by example," Reed said.
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California Economy

Last Updated on Friday, 27 January 2012 05:47

Economy in U.S. Grows Less Than Economists Forecast as Consumers Hold Back
The U.S. economy expanded less than forecast in the fourth quarter as consumers reduced savings in order to boost spending and government agencies cut back, validating the Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates low for a longer period. Gross domestic product, the value of all goods and services produced, climbed at a 2.8 percent annual following a 1.8 percent gain in the prior quarter, Commerce Department figures showed today in Washington. The median forecast of 79 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News called for a 3 percent increase. Excluding a jump in inventories, growth was 0.8 percent.
Read More at Bloomberg...

United States Economy

Last Updated on Friday, 27 January 2012 05:46

Greek Debt Wrangle May Pull Default Trigger
Opposition to payouts on Greek credit-default swaps from European Union policy makers is softening as disputes over a voluntary debt exchange threaten to push the nation into default. Any agreement between the Greek government and the Washington-based Institute of International Finance on debt writedowns will only bind 50 percent of investors in the 206 billion euros ($270 billion) of notes being negotiated, Barclays Capital estimates. Hedge funds may resist a deal, seeking to get paid in full or compensated from insurance contracts.
Read More at Bloomberg...

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Mariposa County Government

Quick Stat: CalPERS had $225 billion at the end of December 2010. Assuming the projected 7.75% rate they should have about $242 billion at the end of December 2011.

The State of Mariposa County Roads 2008-2009
The 2008 PCI report has 27.2% of the roads in the Failed category, 27.5% of the roads in the Poor category, 18.3% of the roads in the At Risk category and 27% of the roads in the Good category. To maintain the roads at the average PCI of 50 that they have right now would require $5 million a year.
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A look at the Mariposa County Financial Audit for 2010
Quite a few of the listed items were not brought up at the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors meeting that was held on March 8, 2011 as the county auditor presented the report to the supervisors.
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New! 2010 Mariposa County Wages Chart
Listed are all the jobs in Mariposa County with total wages that were paid.
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New! Mariposa Public Utility District Wages for 2009
Listed are all the jobs in MPUD with total wages that were paid.
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January 25, 2011 - Mariposa County Landfill Needs an Additional $1,100,000
Allen Toschi said that currently the budget is balanced at $2.2 million. Several items are not included in that budget including building maintenance and machinery, professional services and service agreements that have all been cut from the budget. He said to keep the landfill limping along would cost $240,000 to $250,00 more a year. A realistic budget for performing maintenance and some new financed equipment would add another $280,000 to the budget, unfunded state mandates would be another $150,000 a year, plus the transfer stations at $70,000 for a total of $3.3 million. Anticipated revenues are running slightly above projections and should come in around $2.3 million leaving a net loss of $1,000,000. He said they have eleven employees now and need sixteen to eighteen that would add another $200,000 a year to the budget. That leads to a realistic budget of $3.3 million.
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Mariposa County Employee Retirement costs estimated to cost the Mariposa County Taxpayers $5,700,000 for the fiscal year 2011-2012
Yesterday's SST Poll Question was: What is the dollar amount that Mariposa County taxpayers will pay to CalPERS for the 2011-2012 Fiscal Year for the County Employees Retirement?
64% of the voters said it was over $5 million. They were correct as the number for the year is estimated at $5,700,000
Wonder why your roads are falling apart? Just look at the chart and you will see that since the year 2001-2002 when no Employer Misc. and Employer Safety payment was required as CalPERS was considered 'Super Funded', the costs have jumped up $5,000,000.
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Mariposa County and the CalPERS Unfunded Liability
The SST Poll Question was: What is the Unfunded Liability amount that Mariposa County owes CalPERS?
Almost 70% of the people who voted said it was over $17,000,000.
They were correct as the number is at $17,469,082.
Mariposa taxpayers get to pay 7.75% interest on that money. That equals over $1,300,000 a year.
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A Failed Driveway and Mariposa County Claims Immunity
Vaden and Beth Savage made a claim against Mariposa County on January 6, 2010 in the amount of $35,000 for construction defects that were passed by the building department without following building codes. The Mariposa County Board of Supervisors (BOS) heard the claim at a Public Hearing on February 16, 2010 and gave the Savage's hope that something would be resolved in their claim against the county.
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When You visit Mariposa or Yosemite stay at the 5th Street Inn…you'll be surprised how reasonable our rates are! We're within walking distance to Restaurants and Shops.

Let 'Gardener's Eden Nursery' Help With ALL Your Gardening Needs

Visit Happy Burger Diner in Mariposa, California

Have The Energy Doctor Help You Bring Your Home Energy Bills Down

Click Here For Offline Solar, "Offline Solar built on referrals, straight talk and trusted technology since 1982"

Visit Steve's Tropical Fish & Pond Supply in Coarsegold they have the mountains only selection of fresh & saltwater fish, turtles, pond supplies and low priced aquariums. Gift Certificates available.

Merced Ranch Supply For Ranch Goods, Work & Casual Wear And A Great Selection Of Boots

Photo Of The Day

Click the photo for the big photo

Half Dome in Yosemite National Park as viewed from the Tioga Road during January 2012

Jeannine Andre was up on the Tioga Road a few days ago and captured this image of Half Dome. Check out the horizon in this photo. Looks like you can see all the way over to the Coast Range!

With the recent snowfall in the high country we are all now left with great memories of being able to see the Sierra without snow in January. Thanks to all who have sent photos to the Sierra Sun Times so that we could share them with our readers.

Thanks for the photo Jeannine.

Weather

The Sierra Sun Times Weather Station is located in Mariposa, California

For Complete Weather Coverage

Mariposa County
Burn Day Information

1/27/2012 - Burn Day
NO PERMIT is required for RESIDENTIAL burning....
Permits ARE REQUIRED for COMMERCIAL and NON RESIDENTIAL burning...
For More Information
Call: (209) 966-1200
CAL FIRE - Burn Information

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