Eastern Sierra News

August 29, 2025 For immediate release SIHD Special Board Meeting On Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 6:00 pm, the Southern Inyo Healthcare District Board of Directors will hold a Special Meeting at SIHD’s Conference room. A teleconference number will be available. The agenda will be available on the SIHD website www.sihd.org. The district encourages citizens to attend board meetings to stay updated on important community issues. https://sierrawave.net/sihd-special-board-meeting-3/

Press Release August 29, 2025 For immediate release Finance Committee Meeting On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. the Southern Inyo Healthcare District’s Board of Directors will hold their finance committee meeting. The agenda will be available on the SIHD website www.sihd.org. The district encourages citizens to attend board meetings to stay updated on important community issues. https://sierrawave.net/sihd-finance-committee-meeting/

Just a special thanks to Supervisors Trina Orill and Jen Roeser for getting the recent slurry seal work done in MeadowCreek I on Bear Creek and neighboring Lazy A and Rocking W Drive. Inyo County public works and street department and the contractor did a great job of coordinating the street shutdowns so residents could park off-site and still be able to come-and-go in a semi-normal convenient fashion. Striping and crosswalk marking and stop lines will follow, along with MeadowCreek II and connectors, but it's a start after many years of requests to get the work done. Hats off, Ladies! And your Inyo County crew.... Regards, Stan Smith Bishop https://sierrawave.net/from-stan-smith-sharing-appreciation-to-great-work/

Inyo County Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Recommended Budget Available in Digital Format An interactive, digital version of the entire Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Inyo County CAO Recommended Budget is now available online through an interactive, online format at https://2526budget.inyo.gov. While this is the second time Inyo County is making its Budget Book available in this format, it’s being hosted on a new platform this year, OpenGov. The goal of the digital budget book remains the same: to make the government budgeting process more transparent and easier to understand – from start to finish. The book’s release is an opportunity for the public to review the proposed $169 million spending plan before it’s brought to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, September 9 for the start of budget hearings at 9 a.m. The Board may continue the hearings for up to 14 days if necessary. At the conclusion of the hearings, the Board will be asked to approve the CAO Recommended Budget – with additions, subtrac...

The Broncos matched up with Lone Pine high school and Burroughs high school this week. Varsity split 1-1 beating Lone Pine in 3 and then losing to Burroughs in 3. The team was led by Riley VanNest in Aces and Assists and Madi Benninger lead the team in kills. JV played their first match against the Burroughs and hustled for every point but were defeated in 2. https://sierrawave.net/broncos-volleyball-vs-lady-eagles-lone-pine/

Area Forecast Discussion Owens Valley / Mammoth Lakes / Mono County / Death Valley Dennis Mattinson / Sierra Atmospheric Forecaster Synopsis - FRI AUG 29 2025 Reduced t-storm coverage the weekend, with possible areas of smoke and poor visibility (Garnet Fire). T-storms possible mid next week, as High pressure takes up residence over 4-Corners. Good idea then to check the weather next week, if you are planning any outdoor activities...DMATT Area Wide Temperatures Today: Bishop: 89 / 54 Big Pine: 88 / 60 Independence: 89 / 65 Lone Pine: 88 / 67 Olancha: 91 / 70 Mammoth Lakes: 69 / 47 Death Valley: 110 / 90 https://sierrawave.net/?p=97106

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release August 28, 2025 Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality With the increase of lightning caused wildfires in the Sierra Nevada, the counties of Alpine, Mono and Inyo are experiencing smoke impacts which have the potential to continue through the end of summer and into fall. Depending on weather patterns, wildfires can produce extended periods of smoke which can pose serious health risks. The purpose of this communication is to provide detailed information on smoke pollution, focusing on health concerns related to air quality and approaches you can take to reduce exposure. Tracking Smoke Conditions You can tell when there is smoke in the area, but the intensity and concentration change constantly with wind and weather. Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District (GBUAPCD) continually monitors air quality in numerous locations in Mono and Inyo counties and posts air quality data on their website. For current air quality conditions, health advisories ...

Mary “Jo” Josephine Butler Core Jo was born 12/25/1935 in Paris, Arkansas and passed 08/25/2025 in Bishop, CA. Jo grew up in Paris Arkansas where she met her childhood sweetheart, Jim. When they were young, Jo’s family left Arkansas for Oregon and Jim’s family moved to Ventura County. They reconnected in high school where they ultimately married. While Jo raised the kids, Jim grew up in the ranks of the title business, when they, together with son Jerry, bought and created Inyo-Mono Title Company in 1983. Many remember Jo as being Jim’s personal secretary for the Title Company’s Mammoth office and together they helped arrange construction financing for Mammoth’s regrowth for forty years. Jo and Jim were married for 57 years at Jim’s passing in 2010. Jo is preceded in death by husband, James “Jim” Core, Mother, Lesta Rhea Hice, Father, Loyd Garner Butler, Brothers: Bobby Hice and Melvin Hice. Jo is survived by: Son, Jerry and Debbie Core, Daughter, Judy and Rick Markham, Si...

Please note that the Board will be in closed session – and the Zoom feed will be paused – from 8:30-10 a.m. during the August 5 meeting. These meetings are accessible to the public both in person and, for convenience, via Zoom webinar. The Zoom webinars are accessible to the public at https://zoom.us/j/868254781. The meetings may also be accessed by telephone at the following numbers: (669) 900-6833; (346) 248-7799; (253) 215-8782; (929) 205-6099; (301) 715-8592; (312) 626-6799. Webinar ID: 868 254 781. Anyone unable to attend the meeting in person who wishes to make either a general public comment or a comment on a specific agenda item may do so by utilizing the Zoom "hand-raising” feature when appropriate during the meetings (the Chair will call on those who wish to speak). Generally, speakers are limited to three minutes. Remote participation for members of the public is provided for convenience only. In the event that the remote participation connection malfunctions for any re...

Bishop City Council Meeting Recap: August 25, 2025 Hey Bishop, here is a breakdown summary of the August 25, 2025, Bishop City Council meeting. With Mayor Karen Kong absent, Mayor Pro Tem Stephen Muchovej led the meeting, which kicked off at 6:01 p.m. Here’s the rundown. Public Comment: Bishop A-Frame was Still a Hot Topic Public comment was brief, with a few residents voicing strong support for keeping the A-frame building. It’s a recurring issue that’s clearly on people’s minds, but since it wasn’t on the agenda, the council listened without taking action. Expect this to come up again. Consent Calendar: Routine Items Pass Smoothly The council unanimously approved (4-0) the consent calendar, tackling routine business in one motion. This included minutes from July 14 and 28, 2025, a personnel status change report, the 2025-2026 full-time salary schedule, and an updated agreement with Rojas Public Affairs at $2,500 a month. That Rojas deal is notably cheaper than the $3,500–$...

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Caporusso/Caporusso Communications justin@caporussocommunications.com (916) 412-0571 MEDIA ADVISORY WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Mono County Jail Project WHEN: Tuesday September 2, 2025 - 1:00 PM WHERE: 221 Twin Lakes Road, Bridgeport, CA WHO: Representatives from the Mono County Board of Supervisors, Public Works Department, Sheriff's Office, and project Contractors and Vendors WHY: The County is initiating construction on a long-planned, essential public safety facility designed to meet modern standards and address the County's criminal justice needs. DETAILS: A brief program will precede a traditional shovel-ready photo opportunity marking the official start of construction. The media is invited to attend the brief ceremony. PURPOSE: The new Jail is needed to replace the existing, outdated facility in Bridgeport. It will provide better support for inmates and will help the County meet the requirements of Assembly Bill 109, which shi...

Forest Service News Release Contact: sm.fs.mediadeskr5@usda.gov Labor Day Top tips to help prevent human-caused wildfires BISHOP, Calif., August 27, 2025 — As our nation gears up for the holiday weekend, Labor Day, Inyo National Forest encourages everyone to help prevent human-caused fires with a few helpful tips while visiting public lands. Nationally, 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans, including half of all wildfires on national forests. Keep these tips in mind to help prevent human-caused wildfires: Leave fireworks at home Fireworks are never permitted on the Inyo National Forest. Keep vehicle safety in mind Do not drive or park on dry grass. Hot exhaust pipes or sparks can start a fire. When pulling a trailer, be sure safety chains and other metal parts aren’t hanging from your vehicle – loose chains can drag and cause sparks. Drown your campfire Where campfires are allowed, choose a site with an existing ring. Fire pits in established campgrounds are the best sp...

Please note that the Board will be in closed session – and the Zoom feed will be paused – from 8:30-10 a.m. These meetings are accessible to the public both in person and, for convenience, via Zoom webinar. The Zoom webinars are accessible to the public at https://zoom.us/j/868254781. The meetings may also be accessed by telephone at the following numbers: (669) 900-6833; (346) 248-7799; (253) 215-8782; (929) 205-6099; (301) 715-8592; (312) 626-6799. Webinar ID: 868 254 781. Anyone unable to attend the August 5 Board meeting in person who wishes to make either a general public comment or a comment on a specific agenda item may do so by utilizing the Zoom "hand-raising” feature when appropriate during the meetings (the Chair will call on those who wish to speak). Generally, speakers are limited to three minutes. Remote participation for members of the public is provided for convenience only. In the event that the remote participation connection malfunctions for any reason, the Boar...

In an effort to keep the Bronco Booster President (my wife) happy, could you please widely publicize the upcoming Bronco Booster Club's upcoming fall colors car show? The Boosters took on the endeavor last year after the Owens Valley Cruisers were looking for someone to step in and take over. Last year's show was a hit. Here are the details: Bishop Bronco Booster Club Fall Colors Car Show October 3-5 All proceeds benefit the Bishop High School Booster Club. Register your classic vehicle online at: Sportsites https://sierrawave.net/arnie-weve-answered-the-call-of-desperation-help-arnie-palu-a-happy-wife-is-a-happy-life/

Boys JV Football Fall 25-26 · Friday, August 22, 2025 8/22 @ 4:30p Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Final Bishop Union - - - - 19 Fernley - - - - 14 Game Stats Bishop Union Bishop Union Passing # Athlete Name C Att Yds C% Avg TD Int Lng QB Rate Team Totals 4 9 58 .444 14.5 2 0 37 105.6 11 Wyatt Miears (So) 4 9 58 .444 14.5 2 0 37 105.6 Bishop Union Rushing # Athlete Name Car Yds Avg Lng 100+ TD Team Totals 31 112 3.6 57 0 1 1 Clifton Paco (Fr) 9 -8 -0.9 5 0 7 Dominic Barlow (Fr) 4 11 2.8 6 0 11 Wyatt Miears (So) 7 20 2.9 13 0 1 13 Angel Santana (So) 4 16 4.0 12 0 25 Oscar Henriquez (Fr) 4 49 12.3 57 0 42 Zane Nicholson (So) 3 24 8.0 17 0 Bishop Union Receiving # Athlete Name Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Team Totals 4 58 14.5 37 2 7 Dominic Barlow (Fr) 1 37 37.0 37 1 13 Angel Santana (...

This week on Skippable News, Jason sits down with Bishop Police Chief Nate Derr to chat about the new city rules for e-bikes and scooters, why “no-touch” cell phone laws matter, and a whole lot more. We also get to know Stephane Rubio from the Eastern Sierra Continuum of Care, diving into how they’re making a difference in our community. Hadley and Lori from Inyo County Health and Human Services stop by to share highlights from the August LifeNight and give us the inside scoop on what’s planned for next week’s event. And for all the music fans, Jason connects over Zoom with Jeremy from Dogs in a Pile, who are bringing their sound to June Lake Jam Fest. From local updates to community programs to live music, this episode really has a little bit of everything. Trust us—you won’t want to skip it! https://youtu.be/3kCT8EhtwOI https://sierrawave.net/dont-skip-this-weeks-skippable-news/

Area Forecast Discussion Owens Valley / Mammoth Lakes / Mono County / Death Valley Dennis Mattinson / Sierra Atmospheric Forecaster Synopsis - WED AUG 27 2025 Scattered t-storm chances continue today thru Thursday, with the primary concern still flash flooding. Most moisture begins to depart the area Thursday, leaving chances of isolated t-storms to deal with. By the weekend, there remains less than a 20% chance of t-storms, so nicer weather looks likely...DMATT Area Wide Temperatures Today: Bishop: 86 / 49 Big Pine: 85 / 55 Independence: 86 / 61 Lone Pine: 85 / 63 Olancha: 89 / 66 Mammoth Lakes: 65 / 46 Death Valley: 109 / 88 https://sierrawave.net/?p=97057

“The bloom may be brief, but the memory of its beauty will last a lifetime.” – Doe Zantamata What is a superbloom? Superblooms happen right here in the Owens Valley. The Death Valley has superblooms that have been reported on very often. A Death Valley Superbloom requires years of dry, seemingly barren land. Land that for years gives no evidence that any life is possible. Then, once about every 10 years, the weather shifts and rainfall goes a little longer into spring. Long enough that the spring wind is mild enough to not dry out sprouts. This weather shift causes a superbloom where long dormant wildflower seeds that have dried in the dirt under the dessert sun for years, are able to germinate, grow and cover the desert floor with bright wildflowers. I believe I was born at the perfect time where I came into my own at the as hip hop culture and music was getting off the ground. By the time I was 12, groups like Eric B and Rakim, Run DMC, EPMD and more were exposing the world to this n...

Bishop Lions will be serving hot dogs, hamburgers and cheeseburgers, and semi-world famous corn dogs this week at the Tri-County Fair. Hours Thursday and Friday, 3pm to close. Saturday and Sunday 11am to close. Beverages and candy will also be available and served by friendly Lions at the front window of the Lions food booth near the Main Arena entrance. Back window will open for the invited honors students Sunday and again during the demolition derby Sunday evening. Please be patient with Lions - we are trying out our new Blackstone grills from High Country Lumber and we are working on a new credit card system at our windows! Please bring cash if you can just to be sure......... If you have some old eyeglasses sitting around the house ready to be discarded, please don't throw them away but bring them to the Lions food booth any day during the fair and give them to a Lion in the window. You'll get a grin and a big THANK YOU! The Bishop Lions thank you for your supp...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 26, 2025 CHP CRACKS DOWN ON IMPAIRED DRIVERS THIS LABOR DAY WEEKEND SACRAMENTO—The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will flood roadways with all available officers this Labor Day weekend in an aggressive effort to stop impaired drivers before they cause harm. The CHP’s annual Labor Day Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) begins Friday, Aug. 29, at 6:01 p.m. and runs through Monday, Sept. 1, at 11:59 p.m. The effort coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which continues through Sept. 1. “Every available CHP officer will be on the road this Labor Day weekend with one mission: to stop impaired drivers before they harm themselves or others. If you choose to drive under the influence, expect to be stopped, arrested and held accountable. No excuses, no warnings. Lives are on the line.” -Commissioner Sean Duryee The dangers of impaired driving are clear. Over the past five years...

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Caporusso/Caporusso Communications justin@caporussocommunications.com (916) 412-0571 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Eastern Sierra Mussel Prevention Collective to Launch Pilot Program This Labor Day Weekend to Protect Local Waters from Invasive Species EASTERN SIERRA, Calif. - (August 26, 2025) – A new coalition of federal and state agencies, and local governments, the Eastern Sierra Mussel Prevention Collective, announced today that it will establish two watercraft inspection and decontamination (WID) stations over Labor Day weekend. This pilot project is a proactive effort to protect the region’s pristine lakes and rivers from the rapidly spreading threat of aquatic invasive species (AIS), including the recently detected Golden Mussel. The Eastern Sierra Mussel Prevention Collective is a joint effort between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the U.S. Forest Service, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), Southern California Edison...

Walk For Life Event Details California Indian Days Walk For Life Friday, September 26th, 2025 15th ANNUAL Suicide takes an enormous toll on families and friends, leaving our communities across Indian Country devastated by this national crisis. American Indian/Alaska Natives are disproportionately affected by suicide at rates surpassing all other racial/ethnic groups. Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death among our people of all ages. Toiyabe hopes to unite our communities with the common goals of preventing suicide and stigma that surrounds depression and mental health disorders. - Check In at 6:00am - Opening Prayer/Presentation at 6:30am - Walk starts at 7:00am Route will begin and end at Toiyabe Indian Health Project Everyone Is Welcome Questions? Contact Toiyabe Youth Prevention (760) 873-6394 EXT 303 Please dress accordingly in comfortable clothing and good walking shoes. Sunscreen and hats are recommended. Beverages will be provided. www.toiyabe.us (760) 873-63...