Eastern Sierra News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 30, 2026   CHP URGES DRIVERS TO ‘SLOW THEIR ROLL’ DURING HOLIDAY ENFORCEMENT PERIOD   Speeding continues to endanger lives on California roadways, making it a priority for the California Highway Patrol in its efforts to make roads safer.    SACRAMENTO— The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is reminding motorists to slow down and drive responsibly as they head out for Independence Day celebrations statewide. To address unsafe driving and keep California’s roads safe, the CHP will conduct a Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) from July 2 at 6 p.m. to July 5 at 11:59 p.m., with an emphasis on combating speeding.   During last year’s 78-hour Independence Day HEP, CHP officers responded to more than 850 speed-related crashes. Tragically, at least seven of those collisions resulted in the loss of life, and nearly 400 crashes resulted in injuries to those involved. In addition, CHP officers made 1,311 arrests for driving under the influence – an average of one DUI arrest...

June 30, 2026    Landfills to be Closed on Friday     All county landfills will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, for the Fourth of July Holiday.  Landfills will be open to the public on Saturday, July 4. The landfills will be open for regular hours the rest of the week.       https://sierrawave.net/105266-2/

Forest Service News Release Contact: SM.FS.pressoffice@usda.gov   Forest Service publishes proposed rule to redefine, streamline guidance for employees   Changes to manual, handbooks to simplify direction, more quickly make management decisions   Washington, D.C., June 30, 2026—The U.S. Forest Service is inviting public comment on a proposed rule to modernize its directives system – the agency’s internal documentation that guides how employees carry out their work. The proposal would redefine the agency’s manual and handbooks to reduce procedural burdens, encourage innovation and return decision-making authority to employees closest to the land. “Today, the Forest Service maintains more than 900 chapters of national guidance and thousands of additional regional and unit-level supplements,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “Half of these directives are more than 20 years old, and many exceed 100 pages in length. By streamlining our directives, we can empower local decision-mak...

Area Forecast Discussion Owens Valley / Mammoth Lakes / Mono County / Death Valley Dennis Mattinson / Weather & Atmospheric Forecaster Synopsis - TUE JUN 30 2026 We remain under a trouging pattern, which should keep temps closer to average. Along with this expect those persistent afternoon Zephyr winds. By the holiday weekend, a ridge of high pressure builds over the West. This should allow temps by Sunday in Bishop to reach 98°. Very near normal for the first part of July...DMATT Area Wide Temperatures Today: Bishop: 88 / 51 Big Pine: 88 / 56 Independence: 90 / 61 Lone Pine: 88 / 63 Olancha: 91 / 64 Mammoth Lakes: 68 / 41 Death Valley: 108 / 82 https://sierrawave.net/?p=105252

    Red White & You The 4th of July Parade starts at 11am this Saturday, led by Grand Marshal Deena Kastor and a record 55+ parade entries. Thanks to Mammoth Lakes Tourism, the Town of Mammoth Lakes, High Country Lumber (Float Competition Sponsor), and our Uncle Sam Sponsors—Cerro Coso Community College, Holiday Haus Motel, and Edelweiss Lodge, as well as all our sponsors—for helping bring this community tradition to life. Put on your red, white and blue, find a spot along Old Mammoth Rd. or Main St, and come celebrate. Watching the parade is FREE and everyone is welcome! >>> Click here for info Plan Ahead On the morning of the 4th, allow extra time to get around. Main Street will close at 9am, one hour earlier than in previous years, with additional hard road closures to enhance safety along the parade route. Past detours via Forest Trail and Sierra Blvd (Morrisons corner) won't be available this year. After 10am, when Old Mammoth Rd closes, traveling from one side of...

Forest Service News Release Contact: SM.FS.pressoffice@usda.gov   Identities Released of Three Firefighters Who Died Responding to Knowles Fire in Colorado   Departments of the Interior and Agriculture coordinating support for families, crews and communities    MESA COUNTY, Colo.—Federal wildland fire officials are releasing the identities of three firefighters who died while responding to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado on Saturday. The firefighters were assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew and were engaged in initial attack operations on the Knowles Fire when the incident occurred. The deceased firefighters have been identified as: - Emily Barker, 38, of Clinton Township, Michigan, assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Rifle Helitack. - Nick Hutcherson, 27 of Glendale, Arizona, assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Kaibab National Forest. - Sydney Watson, 26, of Warrior, Alabama, assigned to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Rifle Helitack. Two additional firefighters were inj...