Eastern Sierra News

Area Forecast Discussion Owens Valley / Mammoth Lakes / Mono County / Death Valley Dennis Mattinson / Sierra Atmospheric Forecaster Synopsis - WED DEC 31 2025 - THRU FRIDAY Increasing cloud cover today, from a Northward bound low off the Baja coast. This system will be on the warm side, bringing a slight warming trend and light rain in the valleys / high elevation snow (~8,500 feet) to the mountains. Mammoth Main should pick up 1 - 3 inches by Thursday. A second colder system will push moisture into the area later Friday into Saturday. Mammoth Main should get 5 - 10 inches with this one by Saturday PM. More updates on Friday...DMATT Area Wide Temperatures Today: Bishop: 54 / 33 Big Pine: 55 / 37 Independence: 53 / 38 Lone Pine: 50 / 39 Olancha: 51 / 42 Mammoth Lakes: 42 / 33 Death Valley: 63 / 50 https://sierrawave.net/?p=100661

Inyo County Board of Supervisors REGULAR MEETING January 6, 2026 8:30 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 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 Board of Supervisors reserves the right to...

As of December 30, 2025, the County of Inyo Road Department has issued the following status updates for local roads: Storm Related Closures - Alpine Drive: OPEN. The road in Aspendell is open, though drivers are advised to be cautious of ice and snow. - Clay Rd.: CLOSED. Closed west from Hwy 127 due to storm flooding and damage; the road is not passable. - Furnace Creek Rd.: CLOSED. Closed from Old Spanish Trail Rd. to Tecopa Hot Springs because of flooding. - North Highway (Death Valley NP): CLOSED. Closed from HWY 190 to Death Valley Rd. due to flooding. - Wildrose Rd (Death Valley NP): CLOSED. The road is washed out with a 9-foot-deep cut; there is currently no anticipated opening date. - Old Toll Rd (Panamint Springs): CLOSED. Closed from HWY 190 to Ophir Rd. due to flooding from Storm Hilary; the road is completely gone in several areas with no anticipated opening date. Seasonal Winter Closures These roads are closed for the season and are expected to reo...

PSA: NEW E-BIKES, SAME SAFETY RULES! Quick Reference – Effective Sept. 10, 2025 Santa came to Bishop, and now there’s a LOT of shiny new e-bikes, e-scooters & electric boards zipping around. GENERAL RULES - PEDESTRIANS COME FIRST - Yield to people on foot. - Sidewalks are shared space – not racetracks. - UNDER 18? WEAR A HELMET! - It’s the law, kiddos! - SIDEWALK RULES MATTER - Class 1 & 2 e-bikes and electric boards are: - Up to 5 MPH, Signal when passing, dismount if unsafe. - No Class 3 e-bikes & e-scooters – on sidewalks. - Extra care near schools & events. - EXTRA CARE NEAR SCHOOLS & EVENTS - No sidewalk riding by schools (during school hours), parks during events, or posted areas. - BIKE PATH SPEED LIMIT - Max 15 MPH – Slow down & ride smart. - PARK LIKE A PRO - Don’t block sidewalks, driveways, or streets. No parking in landscaped areas or attaching to trees/plants. OUR GOAL: MAKE SURE KI...

Yesterday the Bishop Boys Varsity Basketball team played two games back to back games at home, starting at 10 am and 12 pm. First up was against Rio Hondo Prep who was kind of in the same boat as us seeing their football team go all the way to state championship in 2AA and having guys still recovering from the long season. It was a pretty close first half with the Broncos taking a lead into halftime 20-16. Out of the half the Broncos outscored Rio Hondo 17-10 to have a 37-26 going into the fourth quarter.  The would hold off Rio Hondo beating them 48-38. Leading scorers for the Broncos were Will Kemp scoring 13 followed by Carlos Sualez with 9, Emory Dondero had 8 points, Richie Talavera added 6, Dom Dondero and Jakobe Dondero both had 5, and Devaun Mitchell added 2.   The Broncos got a 30 minute break then right back at it against another good team in the Templeton Eagles. Last year the Eagles came to Bishop and beat the Broncos by 15 in a hard fought game. The Broncos came out fast a...

County of Inyo Road Department P.O. DRAWER Q | INDEPENDENCE, CALIFORNIA 93526 (760) 878-0201 | (760) 878-2001 FAX Road Status - 12/29/2025 🌧️ Storm Related Closures - Alpine Drive. – CLOSED Closed in Aspendell due to AVALANCHE WARNING and heavy snow. - Clay Rd. – CLOSED Closed west from Hwy 127 due to flooding from the recent storm. Clay Rd. is off Hwy 127 near the Nevada border, heading north towards Armargosa Valley. The road has sustained damage and is not passable. For your safety, please use caution around road crews during repairs. - Furnace Creek Rd.– CLOSED Closed from Old Spanish Tail Rd. to Tecopa Hot Springs due to flooding. For your safety, please be cautious of road crews during this muddy clean up. - North Highway – CLOSED (Death Valley National Park) Closed from HWY 190 to Death Valley Rd due to Flooding. - Wildrose Rd – CLOSED (Death Valley National Park) Washed out, impassable with a 9-foot-deep cut; closed from Trona Wildrose Rd into Rattlesna...

Area Forecast Discussion Owens Valley / Mammoth Lakes / Mono County / Death Valley Dennis Mattinson / Sierra Atmospheric Forecaster Synopsis - TUE DEC 30 2025 Slight warming starts today, as weak high pressure maintains its presence. As always though, things change with the weather, as two incoming storm systems are on the horizon. The first one could bring showers overnight Wednesday into Thursday. The second system won't be too far behind, with showers expected Friday into the weekend. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer...DMATT Area Wide Temperatures Today: Bishop: 57 / 29 Big Pine: 52 / 28 Independence: 57 / 37 Lone Pine: 54 / 38 Olancha: 56 / 42 Mammoth Lakes: 44 / 29 Death Valley: 67 / 47 https://sierrawave.net/?p=100639

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 29, 2025 CONTACT: Jason Scalese (916) 651-4614   Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil Announces 2026 Committee Assignments    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (R-Jackson) has accepted her new assignments on the following committees: ·    Vice Chair of the Agriculture Committee ·    Vice Chair of the Revenue and Taxation Committee ·    Governmental Organization Committee ·    Joint Committee on Fairs Allocation and Classification   “Thank you to our new Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón for your leadership and trust with these appointments. I’m looking forward to representing the families, farmers, and communities of Senate District 4," said Senator Alvarado-Gil. These assignments will allow Senator Alvarado-Gil to advance key issues for her rural district and the state:   - Agriculture Committee: This standing committee oversees legislation relating to agriculture, including farming, food production, and related industries crit...

  A Year of Momentum Reflecting on 2025, Ready for What’s Next! We kicked things off last January with a sold-out Power Lunch at Parallax, hosted our first Hispanic Business Association meeting, and introduced quarterly Chamber Open House sessions to stay better connected with you. We also launched our first “AI in Action” hands-on training. From the 4th of July Parade to a record number of nominations for our sold-out Business Excellence Awards Gala, 2025 has been full of momentum. With numerous Ribbon Cuttings, consistently packed Power Lunches, Business After Hours Mixers, we wrapped up the year with a hugely-attended Women in Business Holiday get together. Thank you to our members for believing in the Chamber and the work we’re doing. A special thank-you to our Board of Directors for their ongoing commitment, and to our sponsors for helping make community-wide events possible. As we close out the year, we want to recognize the hard work local businesses put into this town every d...

  In response to Kevin Kiley's Press Release, we did a little digging to find out what this meant for the future of the California's High-Speed Rail. Is it dead in its tracks. SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Governor Gavin Newsom and state officials have officially withdrawn the lawsuit challenging the federal government’s decision to rescind roughly $4 billion in funding for the long-delayed California High-Speed Rail project. Reuters   Newsom’s administration had filed the lawsuit in July 2025 after the U.S. Department of Transportation, under the Trump administration, pulled federal grant commitments for the rail project — a project originally intended to link San Francisco and Los Angeles with high-speed passenger rail. The suit sought to block the withdrawal and restore the funding, but with the recent dismissal the state has essentially conceded defeat in its legal fight over the federal funds. Reuters   Rather than continue litigation, the state will pursue other avenue...

  Rep. Kiley: Newsom Admits Defeat as California Drops High-Speed Rail Lawsuit WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Kevin Kiley (R-CA) released the following statement in response to California withdrawing its lawsuit challenging President Trump's $4 billion high-speed rail funding cut: "Governor Newsom has finally acknowledged reality. In 17 years, no track has been laid, while the projected cost has exploded to $128 billion," said Rep. Kiley. "This is an extraordinary failure of planning and accountability. Our federal transportation dollars should be used where they actually make a difference, like fixing our roads and investing in regional and local transit that Californians can depend on every day. It is well past time to wind this project down and redirect funding away from a train system that may never be built and toward real transportation needs." ### https://sierrawave.net/rep-kiley-newsom-admits-defeat-as-california-drops-high-speed-rail-lawsuit-press-relea...

  Rep. Kiley: Newsom Admits Defeat as California Drops High-Speed Rail Lawsuit WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Kevin Kiley (R-CA) released the following statement in response to California withdrawing its lawsuit challenging President Trump's $4 billion high-speed rail funding cut: "Governor Newsom has finally acknowledged reality. In 17 years, no track has been laid, while the projected cost has exploded to $128 billion," said Rep. Kiley. "This is an extraordinary failure of planning and accountability. Our federal transportation dollars should be used where they actually make a difference, like fixing our roads and investing in regional and local transit that Californians can depend on every day. It is well past time to wind this project down and redirect funding away from a train system that may never be built and toward real transportation needs." ### https://sierrawave.net/rep-kiley-newsom-admits-defeat-as-california-drops-high-speed-rail-lawsuit-press-relea...

Area Forecast Discussion Owens Valley / Mammoth Lakes / Mono County / Death Valley Dennis Mattinson / Sierra Atmospheric Forecaster Synopsis - MON DEC 29 2025 The weekend was all Bluebird. This, after Mammoth Main picked up near 72 inches and the summit near 100 inches of new snow, for a season total and the Main Lodge of 113 inches. Today we are presented with dry weather and warming temperatures. Those temps continue to warm up through Wednesday. We should see a return of more active weather around Jan 01. Stay tuned for updates on that...DMATT Area Wide Temperatures Today: Bishop: 53 / 24 Big Pine: 53 / 28 Independence: 54 / 32 Lone Pine: 53 / 34 Olancha: 53 / 36 Mammoth Lakes: 40 / 23 Death Valley: 68 / 41 https://sierrawave.net/dennis-mattinson-sierra-atmospheric-forecaster-december-29th/

Area Forecast Discussion Owens Valley / Mammoth Lakes / Mono County / Death Valley Dennis Mattinson / Sierra Atmospheric Forecaster Synopsis - MON DEC 29 2025 The weekend was all Bluebird. This, after Mammoth Main picked up near 72 inches and the summit near 100 inches of new snow, for a season total and the Main Lodge of 113 inches. Today we are presented with dry weather and warming temperatures. Those temps continue to warm up through Wednesday. We should see a return of more active weather around Jan 01. Stay tuned for updates on that...DMATT Area Wide Temperatures Today: Bishop: 53 / 24 Big Pine: 53 / 28 Independence: 54 / 32 Lone Pine: 53 / 34 Olancha: 53 / 36 Mammoth Lakes: 40 / 23 Death Valley: 68 / 41 https://sierrawave.net/dennis-mattinson-sierra-atmospheric-forecaster-december-29th/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 27, 2025 100 Women Who Care – Eastern Sierra Awards $9,500 to Freedom in Motion Therapeutic Riding Center BISHOP, CA – 100 Women Who Care – Eastern Sierra is proud to announce that Freedom in Motion Therapeutic Riding Center is the most recent recipient of its collective quarterly giving, receiving a gift of $9,500 to support its mission of providing healing through horses. Freedom in Motion offers equine-assisted services to individuals with physical, emotional, and developmental challenges. Their programs improve confidence, coordination, and social connection for clients of all ages, making a powerful impact in the lives of both participants and their families. “We are thrilled to support such an inspiring and compassionate program,” said Karine Croft, co-chair of 100 WWCES. “Freedom in Motion is helping people in our own community find strength, confidence, and healing, one ride at a time.” Each quarter, 100 Women Who Care Eastern Sierra gathers to ...

Easter Sierra Avalanche Center - Avalanche Report for 12/27 https://sierrawave.net/eastern-sierra-avalanche-center-avalanche-report-12-27-2025/

Perry Bamonte, guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, dies at 65. We will be playing some of The Cure Monday in your memory Monday morning when we return to the station. RIP Perry Bamonte, the longtime guitarist and keyboardist for the iconic British band The Cure, has died at the age of 65.   Bamonte, often known to fans as “Teddy,” was a key part of The Cure’s sound through much of the 1990s and early 2000s. He first joined the band’s inner circle in the mid-1980s as a road crew member and guitar technician before becoming a full-time band member in 1990. His versatility allowed him to move seamlessly between guitar, keyboards, and six-string bass, helping shape the band’s evolving live performances and studio work.   During his tenure, Bamonte contributed to several notable albums, including Wish, Wild Mood Swings, and Bloodflowers, and toured extensively, performing hundreds of shows worldwide. His atmospheric playing and understated stage presence became a familiar part of The Cu...

All County landfills will be closed on Wednesday, December 31 and Thursday, January 1 for the New Year holiday and open for their regular hours the rest of the week. https://sierrawave.net/inyo-county-requested-we-remind-you-of-upcoming-landfill-closures/

Power Outage Update: Mono County Remains Without Power from Mono City to Bridgeport Sierra Wave Media has confirmed with the Mono County Sheriff's Office that power has still not been restored to areas between Mono City and Bridgeport. As of the latest update, there has been no official word from Southern California Edison regarding when power will be restored. When asked about the timeline for resolution, the Sheriff's Office reported that they have not received any communication from the utility company. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay prepared for continued outages and await further updates. According to Southern California Edison’s website, there are currently over 31 confirmed power outages across the state. In response to the ongoing situation, the Warming Center has been relocated to the Lee Vining Community Center. Other locations like the Bridgeport Memorial Hall and June Lake Community Center are also designated as Warming Centers. As of now,...

We have confirmed with Mammoth Mountain that earlier today, Friday, December 26, during avalanche mitigation work, two ski patrollers were caught in an avalanche. Both have been transported to Mammoth Hospital. We will keep you informed as more information becomes available. Please stay to the facts and not create rumors. Pray for those involved. https://sierrawave.net/mammoth-mountain-snow-patrol-caught-in-avalanche/

  Area Forecast Discussion Owens Valley / Mammoth Lakes / Mono County / Death Valley Dennis Mattinson / Sierra Atmospheric Forecaster Synopsis - FRI DEC 26 2025 - THRU EARLY NEXT WEEK The Christmas snow dump in Mammoth continues until today, along with significant travel disruptions and gusty winds. Mammoth has seen up to 4"/hr at times, with the storm total so far at 61 inches. Mammoth is likely to see another ~20 - 30 inches at the Main Lodge by Saturday AM! The Main lodge was closed on Christmas Day, maybe opening today. For the Owens Valley, expect scattered showers and t-storms thru today. We should see bluebird skies over the weekend, as the last of the big storm clears the forecast area. In general, we should stay dry into the 1st of January...DMATT Area Wide Temperatures Today: Bishop: 53 / 19 Big Pine: 52 / 22 Independence: 53 / 25 Lone Pine: 51 / 28 Olancha: 52 / 31 Mammoth Lakes: 31 / 13 Death Valley: 69 / 49 https://sierrawave.net/dennis-mattinson-sierr...

  Date: December 24, 2025 District: 9 - Bishop Contact: Michael Lingberg Phone: (760) 920-0280   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Traffic Advisory for the Week of 12/29/2025   EASTERN KERN, INYO, and MONO COUNTIES - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announces the following project work and traffic impacts for the week of December 29 – January 2.   There will be no work on the state highway system on Thursday, January 1, in observance of New Year's Day.   Work schedules are subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/or materials, and/or construction-related issues.   Ongoing Traffic Impacts   Inyo County   ·    Meadow Farms ADA Project – On the northbound lanes of U.S. 395, traffic is reduced to one lane from just east of See Vee Lane to the bridge. All driveways remain accessible during construction. The southbound outside lane closure from Tu Su Lane to See Vee is anticipated to reopen on Monday. Bridge work over Bishop Creek...

  Date: December 24, 2025 District: 9 - Bishop Contact: Michael Lingberg Phone: (760) 920-0280   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Westbound State Route 58 FULLY CLOSED in Eastern Kern County Due to Flooding   What you need to know: Westbound State Route 58 is fully closed from Exit 172 near Mojave to Cameron Canyon Road east of Tehachapi due to flash flooding and debris on the roadway   EASTERN KERN COUNTY — Westbound State Route 58 is fully closed from Exit 172 near Mojave to Cameron Canyon Road east of Tehachapi due to flooding and debris on the roadway. There is no estimated reopening time. Caltrans crews will assess potential damage once conditions allow.   TRAFFIC IMPACT: In addition to the closures already noted, Exit 165 north of Mojave is also closed. No direct westbound route to Tehachapi is available from Mojave.   Follow us for the latest information on Facebook (Caltrans9), X/Twitter (@Caltrans9), and Instagram (@Caltransd9), or email us at D9PublicInfo@dot.ca.gov. To assist i...

  Area Forecast Discussion Owens Valley / Mammoth Lakes / Mono County / Death Valley Dennis Mattinson / Sierra Atmospheric Forecaster Synopsis - WED DEC 24 2025 - CHRISTMAS EVE Christmas is just around the corner and with that, a very dynamic pattern really begins. The storm train is leaving the station, and we should see several days of rain in the valleys and snowfall, heavy at times, in Mammoth thru Christmas day and the day after. Even Death Valley will get its share, with rain and T-storms thru Saturday. For Mammoth it's going to be snow heaven, as I am expect to measure snow amounts in the feet thru Friday. More updates on Friday..DMATT Area Wide Temperatures Today: Bishop: 53 / 32 Big Pine: 52 / 31 Independence: 53 / 35 Lone Pine: 51 / 37 Olancha: 52 / 41 Mammoth Lakes: 37 / 27 Death Valley: 70 / 54 https://sierrawave.net/dennis-mattinson-sierra-atmospheric-forecaster-weather-for-december-24th-2/

- NWinter Storm Warning issued for the Sierra and White Mountains Tuesday evening through Friday evening. Snow totals of several feet are likely in the highest elevations of the Sierra. https://sierrawave.net/nws-winter-storm-warning-eastern-sierra-and-white-mountains-risk-level-major/