Eastern Sierra News

Signage Acknowledging Timbisha Shoshone Ordered Removed From Death Valley Exhibits Just days after Death Valley National Park issued a press release celebrating the shared history and long-term relationship between the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe and Death Valley, the Trump administration has ordered the National Park Service to remove signage acknowledging the tribe from park exhibits. The directive instructs the National Park Service to remove or revise interpretive signage that recognizes the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe’s historical and ongoing connection to the land within Death Valley National Park.  Secretary’s Order 3431 directs federal land management agencies to conduct comparable audits of all content made available to the public. The order applies to exhibits at locations including the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, where language acknowledging the tribe’s homeland and continued presence has been displayed for years. The signage was developed through collaboration between the N...

Signage Acknowledging Timbisha Shoshone Ordered Removed From Death Valley Exhibits Just days after Death Valley National Park issued a press release celebrating the shared history and long-term relationship between the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe and Death Valley, the Trump administration has ordered the National Park Service to remove signage acknowledging the tribe from park exhibits. The directive instructs the National Park Service to remove or revise interpretive signage that recognizes the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe’s historical and ongoing connection to the land within Death Valley National Park.  Secretary’s Order 3431 directs federal land management agencies to conduct comparable audits of all content made available to the public. The order applies to exhibits at locations including the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, where language acknowledging the tribe’s homeland and continued presence has been displayed for years. The signage was developed through collaboration between the N...

Death Valley National Park reopens South Badwater Road DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – The National Park Service has reopened South Badwater Road as of Jan. 31 following months of closures due to extensive flash flood damage. Park officials urge visitors to drive cautiously, as hazardous conditions remain in some areas. The southern 45-mile segment of Badwater Road had been closed since Aug. 25 after severe flooding damaged the road. Additional storms in September, November, December and early January caused additional damage. National Park Service crews cleared piles of rocks and sand up to five feet deep and reused the material to stabilize eroded road shoulders. “We are pleased to reopen South Badwater Road, but there is still work to be done,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “Please stay alert and drive carefully when you visit the park.” Although the road is open, visitors may encounter missing pavement, loose gravel, soft or eroded shoulders, and short drop-offs at the pavement. The pa...

PICKLEBALL VS TENNIS SAGA CONTINUES, CHAMBER SHOWS SUPPORT OF VISITOR CENTER LOCATION Tyler's Bishop City Council Briefing: January 26, 2026 BISHOP, Calif. – The Bishop City Council met Monday night, January 26, for a long but mostly procedural session that started at 6:00 p.m. and adjourned around 8:55 p.m. Every seat in the chambers was full, with some people even standing. Only four council members were present, with Councilmember Karen Schwartz absent due to illness. Mayor Stephen Muchovej, Mayor Pro Tem Dennis Freundt, Councilmember Karen Kong, and Councilmember Jose Garcia proceeded with business. Routine stuff moved quickly. I recommend everyone read the Department Head Reports on the City of Bishop website—good snapshots of ongoing work in public safety, infrastructure, and community programs. Consent calendar (minutes, bills, department reports) passed 4-0 without debate. Two presentations were given to the Council and the public. One was a Presentation on the Valley...

If Monty Python and Newsies had a baby that show would be called... URINETOWN The Musical Show Information The Funniest, Awful Musical you'll Ever see Brought to you by the BUHS Theater Club Performance Schedule: - Feb 27 – 6:00pm - Feb 28 – 1:00pm and 6:00pm - Mar 1 – 1:00pm - Mar 6 – 6:00pm - Mar 7 – 1:00pm and 6:00pm Location: At the BUHS Theater Tickets & Credits Purchase Tickets at: https://our.show/buhs2026 or with this QR Code Music and Lyrics: Mark Hollmann Book and Lyrics: Greg Kotis https://sierrawave.net/urinetown-the-musical/

Press Release 01/30/2026 For immediate release Finance Committee Meeting On Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 4:00 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-3/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 30, 2026 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Public Relations Liaison Darcy Israel, (760) 878-0373 Ambulance Service Provider Sought REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO BE REISSUED Emergency medical service providers interested in obtaining exclusive operating rights for ambulance service in the Bishop area will have another chance to submit proposals to Inyo County.   The County is reissuing its Request for Proposals (RFP) on Saturday, January 31 to encourage more market participants to submit competitive bids. No significant changes to the originally issued RFP were made. The RFP is issued in coordination with the Inland Counties Emergency Medical Agency (ICEMA) to solicit response from firms interested in providing 9-1-1 ground emergency medical transportation in what is known as Exclusive Operating Area (EOA) 1.   Vendors who have registered as prospective bidders will be notified that the RFP was reissued. Parties have until March 31 to submit their proposals her...

BUHS Football Game Schedule 2026 Friday August 21 Fernley JV 4pm Var 7:00pm Friday August 28 Yerington JV 4pm Var 7:00pm Friday September 4 Mission Prep JV 4pm Var 7:00pm Thursday September 10 @ Burroughs JV 3:15pm Friday September 11 @ Burroughs Var 7:00pm Friday September 18 @ Tehachapi JV 5:00 Var 7:30pm Friday September 25 @ Ridgeview JV 5:00 Var 7:30pm Friday October 2 Immanuel Chr Var 7:00 Friday October 9 BYE   High Desert League Games Friday October 16 vs. Boron JV 4pm Var 7:00pm Friday October 23 @ Cal City JV 4pm Var 7:00pm Friday October 30 @ Rosamond JV 4pm var 7:00pm   CIF Postseason Friday November 6th CIF Central Section Round 1 Friday November 13th CIF Central Section Round 2 Friday November 20th CIF Central Section Semifinals Friday November 27th CIF Central Section Championship Friday December 4/5th CIF State Regionals Friday December 11/12th CIF State Championship     https://sierrawave.net/buhs-football-game-schedule-2026/

Last night, the BUHS boys soccer team hosted the Mammoth Huskies in a tightly contested matchup. The teams went into halftime deadlocked at 1–1. In the second half, Alexis Guerrero found the back of the net again, scoring the go-ahead goal to lift the Broncos to a 2–1 victory. Coach Landaverde said the match was very close and noted that the Broncos created — but missed — several scoring opportunities. The Broncos will wrap up their regular-season home schedule on Tuesday against Rosamond in a special Senior Night. The Lady Broncos kick off at 3 p.m., followed by the boys at 5 p.m. Come out and show your support for the Broncos in their final home game of the season. Player of the Game: Alexis Guerrero, who scored both goals in the win. https://sierrawave.net/buhs-boys-soccer-hosted-mammoth-huskies/

Area Forecast Discussion Owens Valley / Mammoth Lakes / Mono County / Death Valley Dennis Mattinson / Sierra Atmospheric Forecaster Synopsis - FRI JAN 30 2026 It goes on and on. Our dry weather, that is...Latest CPC (Climate Prediction Center) 8 - 14 day outlook, favors above average temperatures and below normal precipitation. So high pressure will strengthen and shift back over the West Coast next week! This dry pattern should last at least thru Feb 07. Temperature wise Bishop is looking at 10° above normal thru most of next week...DMATT Area Wide Temperatures Today: Bishop: 66 / 32 Big Pine: 66 / 35 Independence: 65 / 39 Lone Pine: 62 / 41 Olancha: 63 / 42 Mammoth Lakes: 53 / 31 Death Valley: 76 / 45 https://sierrawave.net/dennis-mattinson-sierra-atmospheric-forecast-january-30th/

Date: January 29, 2026 District: 9 - Bishop Contact: Michael Lingberg Phone: (760) 920-0280 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Traffic Advisory for the Week of 2/2/2026 EASTERN KERN, INYO, and MONO COUNTIES - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announces the following project work and traffic impacts for the week of February 2 – February 6.   Work schedules are subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/or materials, and/or construction-related issues. New Traffic Impacts Eastern Kern County - Canebrake Utility Work – On State Route 178 W from Isabella Walker Pass Road to Chimney Peak Road, utility crews will replace poles Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. There will be one-way traffic control, and drivers may experience 10-minute delays. - Keene Crack Seal Operation – On the westbound lanes of State Route 58 from the Keene Scales to Hart Flat Road, there will be intermittent lane closures while crews seal pavemen...

Inyo County Grant Awardees Announced Conversation with Gemini Extract text Based on the press release image provided, here is the extracted text: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COUNTY OF INYO P. O. DRAWER N • INDEPENDENCE, CALIFORNIA 93526 TELEPHONE (760) 878-0373 e-mail: dcarrington@inyocounty.us e-mail: disrael@inyocounty.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 29, 2026 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Public Relations Liaison Darcy Israel, (760) 878-0292 Inyo County Grant Awardees Announced The Inyo County Board of Supervisors is pleased to announce the recipients of 2026 Community Project Sponsorship Program (CPSP) competitive grants. Fifteen non-profit and not-for-profit entities from Bishop to Shoshone were recently awarded a total of $40,000 for events or programs taking place in calendar year 2026: Inyo County Search and Rescue – Range of Light Trail Races: $4,000 Eastern Sierra Artists – C5 Studios Youth and Community Programs: $4,000 Museum of Western Film History – Concert in t...

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 29, 2026 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Public Relations Liaison Darcy Israel, (760) 878-0373   Board of Supervisors to Discuss Golden Mussel Threat On Tuesday, February 3, the Inyo County Board of Supervisors will host a workshop to discuss how to address the significant threat to our local environment and economy posed by the Golden Mussel. The workshop will include a presentation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) as well as a discussion and review of a draft ordinance that will create regulations aimed at preventing an infestation in local waterways and surface water infrastructure.   An incredibly fast-spreading invasive species, the Golden Mussel has overtaken nearly the length of California in less than a year, posing a severe threat to fisheries and water infrastructure. Although other invasive mussel species already threaten local waterways, the Golden Mussel is considered a greater threat due to its ability to survive ...

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 29, 2026 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Public Relations Liaison Darcy Israel, (760) 878-0373   Board of Supervisors to Discuss Golden Mussel Threat On Tuesday, February 3, the Inyo County Board of Supervisors will host a workshop to discuss how to address the significant threat to our local environment and economy posed by the Golden Mussel. The workshop will include a presentation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) as well as a discussion and review of a draft ordinance that will create regulations aimed at preventing an infestation in local waterways and surface water infrastructure.   An incredibly fast-spreading invasive species, the Golden Mussel has overtaken nearly the length of California in less than a year, posing a severe threat to fisheries and water infrastructure. Although other invasive mussel species already threaten local waterways, the Golden Mussel is considered a greater threat due to its ability to survive ...

SPEEDWAY GAS STATION AT 466 SOUTH MAIN: PERMANENTLY CLOSED By Tyler Beadle Bishop, CA – January 26, 2026 For years, the Speedway gas station on the south end of Bishop – right at 466 South Main Street – has been a go-to spot for locals grabbing fuel, snacks, or a quick coffee on the way to the hills. But as of late November 2025, the pumps are gone, the tanks have been pulled, and the site is officially vacated. After digging through hundreds of pages from a California Public Records Act request to LADWP (the landowner), the story is clear: this closure is permanent. The lease – Business Lease No. BL-1507 – originally kicked off back in April 2010 with a 15-year term, meaning it was set to wrap up on March 31, 2025. It rolled month-to-month for a bit after that, but 7-Eleven (operating through its Speedway brand and legacy entities like Tesoro Refining & Marketing Company LLC) sent formal notice to LADWP on November 14, 2025: the station closed as of November 3, and the lea...

  Release date:     January 28, 2026 Contact:         PWR Public Affairs, pwr_public_affairs@nps.gov Death Valley National Park and Timbisha Shoshone Tribe Mark 25th Anniversary of Homeland Act DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Death Valley National Park, in partnership with the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe, will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Timbisha Shoshone Homeland Act on Jan. 30 with a public event recognizing a landmark moment in tribal sovereignty and park co-management. The event will feature a public program honoring the enduring relationship between the Tribe and the lands now encompassed by the park. Enacted in 2000, the Timbisha Shoshone Homeland Act formally recognized the Tribe’s ancestral ties to Death Valley, transferred lands to the tribe, and established a co-management framework for much of the park setting a national precedent for collaboration between tribes and the National Park Service. The public is invited to the celebration at 10 a.m. local time at the Furnace...

Area Forecast Discussion Owens Valley / Mammoth Lakes / Mono County / Death Valley Dennis Mattinson / Sierra Atmospheric Forecaster Synopsis - THU JAN 29 2026 Generally dry weather is on tap thru the end of the month and possibility thru first week of February. So mostly benign weather continues, outside of some high clouds from weak systems passing to our North. Sadly, there may be a pattern change, but right now it's off in the distant horizon, beyond the 7 - 10 day window...DMATT Area Wide Temperatures Today: Bishop: 63 / 32 Big Pine: 63 / 34 Independence: 63 / 39 Lone Pine: 60 / 40 Olancha: 61 / 41 Mammoth Lakes: 49 / 29 Death Valley: 74 / 44 https://sierrawave.net/?p=101407

Release date:    January 27, 2026 Contact:        DEVA_news@nps.gov, 760-786-3221 Death Valley National Park seeks public’s help identifying  illegal off-road driving on Eureka Dunes DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Death Valley National Park is seeking the public’s help to identify the individuals responsible for illegal off-road driving on Eureka Dunes in Death Valley National Park on Dec. 17. More than five miles of unauthorized vehicle tracks caused significant damage to rare and sensitive desert plants. The vehicle involved is believed to be a white 2021 Toyota Tacoma with California license plates, an equipment rack in the truck bed, and a black Fox Racing® cover on the tailgate. At least two individuals were in the vehicle when it was photographed driving on the dunes. “Eureka Dunes are a special place meant to be enjoyed on foot,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “They are protected from off-road driving by both park regulations and their designation as wilderness. Please help us ide...

  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 conduct the meeting without remote access. Regardless of remote access, writ...

Inyo National Forest, Pacific Southwest Region Forest Service News Release Public Information Officer: Kirstie Butler kirstie.butler@usda.gov 760-647-3004 www.fs.usda.gov/inyo Pile Burning Continues in Reds Meadow Bishop, California, January 27, 2026— Inyo National Forest employees will continue pile burning efforts in the Reds Meadow Valley starting tomorrow, January 28. Plenty of snow coverage and cold overnight temperatures have made for good conditions to continue this much needed forest health fuels reduction project. Crews will focus on area FH-1 tomorrow, for a total of 31 acres. As conditions allow, personnel will then move on to units FR-13, FR-14, and FR-15 (see attached map for unit locations). Smoke impacts are minimized as much as possible in coordination with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and National Weather Service meteorologists to ensure desired smoke dispersal. Smoke will be visible from Mammoth Lakes, Highway 395, ...

Area Forecast Discussion Owens Valley / Mammoth Lakes / Mono County / Death Valley Dennis Mattinson / Sierra Atmospheric Forecaster Synopsis - WED JAN 28 2026 Well I'm not going to lie to you, the weather doesn't look good for any precipitation. There's one big ridge centered over the Rockies, with the West Coast on the windward side of it. With this set up, if storms are able to push Eastward across the Pacific, they will hit the ridge and weaken greatly. And the next seven days look the same, with zero chances of perception in the Owens Valley and Mammoth....DMATT Area Wide Temperatures Today: Bishop: 61 / 29 Big Pine: 61 / 33 Independence: 62 / 36 Lone Pine: 59 / 37 Olancha: 60 / 37 Mammoth Lakes: 42 / 26 Death Valley: 73 / 42 https://sierrawave.net/dennis-mattinson-sierra-atmospheric-forecast-january-28th/

  SSDA January 27, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Nicole Newman, Ed.D. Email: nnewman@wheatlandhigh.org William A. Brown Appointed to SSDA Board of Directors, Representing Region 10   Sacramento, CA, January 27, 2026 - The Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA) is pleased to announce the appointment of William A. Brown, Superintendent of Lone Pine Unified School District, to its Board of Directors, representing Region 10, which includes Riverside, San Bernardino, Inyo, and Mono Counties.   Superintendent Brown was selected through a nomination process by SSDA members in Region 10. This reflects the confidence of district leaders and their desire for strong representation. SSDA President Dr. Nicole Newman said, “We are excited to welcome William Brown to the SSDA Board of Directors. His experience and commitment to public education make him a strong advocate for the small and rural districts and communities he will represent.”   With 30 years in public education, Superinte...

Feb. 18 & 19: Exceeding Customer Expectations Coming in February to the Eastern Sierra, the BRC is pleased to present a customer service seminar that was voted one of the top two seminars in the world in 2011 – it truly is an award winner! Facilitated by Eugene J. Wallace of BWI Learning, all employees, regardless of their duties, are invited to attend this engaging and enlightening 90-minute session. The focus is on both internal and external customer service and how to exceed expectations in every interaction. This session is more about “attitude” than “aptitude,” and is powerful in content, motivation, and… Dare we say?... Fun! To work around your staffing needs and ensure your whole team can attend, we are offering multiple dates/times and locations: - Bridgeport – Wednesday, February 18th, 8:00 am – 9:30 am – 355 Sagebrush Dr, Bridgeport, CA - June Lake – Wednesday, February 18th, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm – 90 W. Granite Ave, June Lake, CA - Bishop – Wednesday, February ...

Forest Service News Release Contact Title: National Press Desk SM.FS.pressoffice@usda.gov USDA Forest Service issues revised oil and gas leasing rule   New rule speeds leasing and permitting for federal oil and gas development (Washington, D.C., Jan. 27, 2026) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service finalized revisions to its regulation governing federal oil and gas resources on National Forest System lands. The revision modernizes and streamlines the process for managing energy development across millions of acres. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced the updated rule today, emphasizing the Trump Administration’s joint commitment to eliminating outdated and burdensome processes and advancing President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Orders on Declaring a National Energy Emergency and Unleashing American Energy. “President Trump has made it clear that unleashing American energy requires a government that works at the...

Area Forecast Discussion Owens Valley / Mammoth Lakes / Mono County / Death Valley Dennis Mattinson / Sierra Atmospheric Forecaster Synopsis - TUE JAN 27 2026 Sunny and cool, with slight warming this week, as high pressure remains in control. There's a slight chance of a weak system mid week, but don't expect much. Our dry pattern is likely to continue through the end of January, possibility beyond...DMATT Area Wide Temperatures Today: Bishop: 58 / 28 Big Pine: 59 / 31 Independence: 58 / 35 Lone Pine: 55 / 36 Olancha: 56 / 36 Mammoth Lakes: 44 / 24 Death Valley: 69 / 40 https://sierrawave.net/?p=101338