News

Peer resort tour focuses on customers

March 7, 2013

Shiny baubles, new technologies are far less important than making visitors feel welcome

Fourteen Mono County movers and shakers returned this week after a five-day “peer resort” tour of four family-oriented Vermont ski resorts.

What was the takeaway from the trip?

“It’s the chicken. It’s always been the chicken,” said Mono County Supervisor Larry Johnston about whether ski resorts need amenities or great customer service.

Snow creates Mammoth envy

March 7, 2013

As the rest of the Sierra slides slowly into drought, Mammoth bucks the trend

California is sliding closer to a true drought after a record dry January and February failed to increase the winter snowpack, but the Mammoth area is bucking the state trend and is close to 90 percent of normal for this time of year.

Finding the dirt in Mammoth

March 6, 2013

‘Community Garden’ idea blossoms throughout county

Community gardens are sprinkled along the Eastern Sierra, with one conspicuous missing link: Mammoth.

Erin Hamilton, undaunted by a lack of soil, intense sunlight, arid conditions, and a short summer season, is working on connecting the dots by starting a community garden in Mammoth, modeled after those already established in Crowley, Lee Vining, and Bridgeport.

Yosemite river management plans draw fire

March 6, 2013

Mono Supe Fesko: ‘This is just asinine’

While much of Yosemite National Park lay under its cold winter snow, discussion over its future heated up last week.

Following strident commentary from the Mono County Board of Supervisors dealing with the Tuolumne and Merced Wild and Scenic River Plans, park officials came to Mammoth Saturday morning, Feb. 23, to explain the controversial plans and answer questions.

Sexual assault in Mammoth

March 4, 2013

A 21-year-old female from Mammoth was sexually assaulted at 1:40 a.m. on Feb. 20 just outside The Tap bar.

A tall, skinny male of unknown race, his face obscured by the hood of his black puffy jacket, approached her from behind and grabbed her breasts.

Footprints took officers from near the bar toward a condominium complex on Meridian where they became jumbled with other footprints.

Devils Postpile helps local economy

March 4, 2013

A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that nearly 100,000 visitors in 2011 spent $3,642,000 in Devils Postpile National Monument and in communities near the park.

That spending supported 43 jobs in the local area.

“Devils Postpile National Monument helps sustain the local economy with ecotourism,” Superintendent Deanna Dulen said. “The national monument brings visitor spending to the surrounding communities and helps support local jobs.”

Half Dome day use permits available

March 4, 2013

Half Dome cables day use permits for the 2013 hiking season will be available for reservation starting today, March 1, through Sunday, March 31, Yosemite National Park officials announced.

Permits to hike to the top of Half Dome are required. Reservations will be distributed via a lottery system. Successful parties will be notified in early April.  

A maximum of 300 hikers will be allowed on the Half Dome cables per day.

Record-setting dry spell about to break

March 1, 2013

Forecasters predict a foot of snow for midweek

Snow dance, anyone?

Having endured the two driest back-to-back, mid-winter months in recorded history, Mammoth and the Eastern Sierra may get a break beginning Tuesday night, March 5, and Wednesday, March 6, according to the National Weather Service.

How much snow will fall is up in the air, so a good, old-fashioned snow dance still would be appropriate.

Center Stage for ‘New Shady Camp’ staging area

February 22, 2013

Snowmos win big in new Forest Service plan

The Forest Service this past week unveiled an ambitious plan for a new staging area for motorized vehicles at the popular Shady Rest Staging Area.