Eastern Sierra News

Northern Inyo Healthcare District Board of Directors Special Meeting, March 4th https://sierrawave.net/nihd-board-of-directors-special-meeting-march-4th/

California Highway Patrol (CHP) News Release regarding a fatal solo vehicle collision. https://sierrawave.net/chp-press-release/

Baseball Recap: Bishop Union Starts off Right with Win over Del Oro By Team Reports Source MaxPreps Bishop Union had to travel to play their first game of the season, but the final result was worth the trip. They were the clear victors by a 15-0 margin over the Del Oro Suns on Friday. The Broncos have seen this before: they got the W the last time they saw the Suns, too. Ben Kemp looked comfortable as he pitched 1.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Reuben Nicholson Hits (Career) 02/27/26 @ Del Oro 4 04/11/25 vs Boron 3 04/01/25 @ Rosamond 3 03/28/25 @ North 3 05/16/25 @ Foothill 2 On the hitting side, Will Kemp and Reuben Nicholson did most of the damage at the plate: Will went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and two RBI, while Nicholson went a perfect 4-for-4 with one triple, one stolen base, and two RBI. Those four hits gave Nicholson a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Brayden Leeson, who went 1-for-3 with two runs, ...

https://sierrawave.net/celebration-of-life-for-john-t-cocherell/

February 27, 2026

Bartimaeus The Blind Beggar In my first year as a vice principal in 2006, I asked my principal what I needed to learn or do to become a principal. I have always been ambitious. At the time, my goal was clear — I wanted to build my tool belt and be ready when the opportunity came to be a principal. He told me, “The first thing you have to do is let people know what you want to do.” Fast forward twenty years. I’m sitting in church and my pastor is telling the story of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar. According to scripture, Bartimaeus wanted to see. When his moment came, he started shouting for help. The crowd tried to silence him, but he only yelled louder. Eventually, he was called forward. He threw off his coat, clearly stated what he wanted, and he received his sight. That sermon brought me right back to the advice I was given as a brand-new vice principal. Here are the lessons that stood out to me. - Use whatever you have. We all have skills and abilities. You are where you are be...

February 27, 2026

FLOCK SAFETY SURVEILLANCE CONCERNS, NEW SEWER & WATER RATES FOR 2026, & MORE. (Tyler's City Briefing: February 23, 2026) BISHOP, Calif. – The Bishop City Council convened Monday evening, February 23, 2026, for a session marked by strong public engagement on surveillance concerns, utility rate debates, and community preservation efforts. The meeting opened with Mayor Stephen Muchovej noting appreciation for the many locals who stepped up to help one another during the recent storms, offering thanks to the community for their support for one another. Public Comment proved to be one of the evening's highlights and most spirited segments. Numerous residents voiced strong opposition to the City's current contract with Flock Safety (often referred to as FLOCK), raising concerns and rumors about potential AI-driven facial recognition, broad surveillance capabilities, long-term data storage, and related privacy/security issues. A representative from the Small Business...

Suspicious Vehicle Investigation Yields Major Narcotics Discovery On February 15, 2026, at approximately 7:34 a.m., Deputies Moran and Ogas of the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check at the Mobil Gas Station, 380 N. Main Street in Lone Pine. A concerned citizen reported a vehicle parked in the lot with the engine running and the driver unresponsive behind the wheel. Upon arrival, deputies observed a male subject, later identified as Emmanuel Hernandez Torres, unconscious in the driver’s seat. A methamphetamine bong was visible in the cup holder. The subject was determined to be under the influence of a central nervous stimulant but was not in medical distress. He was taken into custody without incident. After securing Torres, deputies conducted a search of the vehicle. They located two separate bags containing a substance suspected to be methamphetamine, along with items commonly associated with the use and sale of controlled substances. The suspected metham...

Area Forecast Discussion Owens Valley / Mammoth Lakes / Mono County / Death Valley Dennis Mattinson / Sierra Atmospheric Forecaster Synopsis - FRI FEB 27 2026 There's a slight chance of rain in the Owens Valley and snow showers in Mammoth on Monday, from another teaser system. Other than that, it will be 74° in Bishop today and 92° in Death Valley. The Sierra is starting to thaw, and it's only the end of Feb! The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) continues to favor above average temperatures and below average precipitation in its 6 - 10 Day outlook. Is Spring here already?...DMATT Area Wide Temperatures Today: Bishop: 74 / 42 Big Pine: 74 / 44 Independence: 74 / 49 Lone Pine: 73 / 51 Olancha: 75 / 50 Mammoth Lakes: 58 / 38 Death Valley: 92 / 62 https://sierrawave.net/?p=102215

Date: February 26, 2026 District: 9 - Bishop Contact: Michael Lingberg Phone: (760) 920-0280 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Traffic Advisory for the Week of 3/2/2026 to 3/6/2026 EASTERN KERN, INYO, and MONO COUNTIES - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announces the following project work and traffic impacts for the week of March 2 – March 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 - Red Rock Canyon Crack Sealing – On State Route 14 from Abbott Drive in Red Rock Canyon State Park to approximately 2.5 miles north, the outside lane and shoulder in both directions will intermittently close while crews seal pavement cracks Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Drivers may experience brief delays. - Rosamond Boulevard Off-Ramp Delineation Work – On State Route 14 at the northbound Rosamond Boulevard off-ra...

Southern California Edison to the Rescue Bishop, CA A cable line was dangling low and Edison came to the rescue to get it up out of the way. Fowler Street in front of the High School. https://sierrawave.net/southern-california-edison-to-the-rescue/

SIHD Board Meeting Notice The Southern Inyo Healthcare District issued a public notice on February 26, 2026, regarding changes to their Board of Directors meeting schedule. The notice states that the regular board meeting previously scheduled for March 10th is canceled. In its place, three special meetings will be held on March 3, 2026. The afternoon begins with the Personnel Committee Meeting at 3:30 p.m., followed by the Finance Committee Meeting at 4:00 p.m., and concludes with a Special Board Meeting at 4:30 p.m. https://sierrawave.net/sihd-board-meeting-notice/

- Heat Risk increases to Minor today and spreads across desert valleys through Sunday. - Minor Heat Risk means there is an increased risk of heat-related illness for those extremely sensitive to heat, especially those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. This includes people who are not acclimated to the heat yet (which makes early-season heat so dangerous) as well as tourists in town from cooler climates. - Minor Heat Risk also includes people who are unable to take frequent breaks in the shade and who are consuming alcohol, caffeine, or other drugs. - Elevated heat-related messaging is encouraged. https://sierrawave.net/nws-heat-risk-increases-to-minor-today/

Area Forecast Discussion Owens Valley / Mammoth Lakes / Mono County / Death Valley Dennis Mattinson / Sierra Atmospheric Forecaster Synopsis - THU FEB 26 2026 Our little "nothing" storm (with windy weather here and there) passed through yesterday in Mammoth. The Main Lodge may be squeezed out an inch or so. Today your temps look to be downright toasty (for this time of year) thru the weekend. Like we won't feel a true Winter Pattern for sure! It should stay that way thru at least Saturday. We could see a teaser of a storm Sunday or Monday, with little moisture...DMATT Area Wide Temperatures Today: Bishop: 71 / 39 Big Pine: 72 / 43 Independence: 73 / 46 Lone Pine: 70 / 49 Olancha: 72 / 49 Mammoth Lakes: 54 / 35 Death Valley: 91 / 59 https://sierrawave.net/?p=102187

BLAKE JONES TROUT DERBY SET FOR MARCH 21, 2026, IN BISHOP, CA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The 2026 Blake Jones Trout Derby is set for Saturday, March 21st in Bishop. Since 1968, the event has been a favorite Eastern Sierra tradition. Event organizers are busy gathering prizes, arranging for supplemental fish planting, and finalizing details to ensure this year’s derby is a huge success. Online registration is now open, and the Chamber expects hundreds of participants to compete for approximately $10,000 in prizes, including float tubes, coolers, barbecues, rod-and-reel combos, and plenty of other great gear provided by the event’s ever-generous co-sponsors. The derby continues to draw both visitors and locals. The Bishop Chamber of Commerce strives to ensure the event remains sustainable so future generations can continue to enjoy the fun of fishing. Organizers have introduced a Catch & Release category and a special raffle prize for participants who collect trash while they’re...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 25, 2026 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Public Relations Liaison Darcy Israel, (760) 878-0373 Townhall Meeting Coming to Big Pine Fourth District Inyo County Supervisor Jennifer Roeser will host an informational community gathering on Wednesday, March 4 beginning at 6 p.m. in the Big Pine Town Hall, 150 Dewey St. The townhall meeting will include presentations from the following: Inyo County Emergency Services Manager Lisa Cox, discussing emergency alert systems; Eastern Sierra Council of Governments Wildfire Coordinator Kristen Pfeiler, sharing community wildfire defense strategies; and Inyo/Mono Firewise USA Coordinator Beth Burnam addressing wildfire risk reduction. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet new Inyo County Administrative Officer David Fraser and participate in a question-and-answer session with Supervisor Roeser. #### https://sierrawave.net/townhall-meeting-coming-to-big-pine/

PRESS RELEASE Save the date! Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site is hosting their 5th annual women’s History Day event Saturday March 7th 11:00-3:00. This year’s theme is Women Physicians on the Western Frontier. Docents will be in the Library and Arts Center to portray and describe the lives of frontier women who served the medical needs of early mining and railroad communities. Train rides will be running for the occasion as well. Don’t miss this! Call (760) 873-5950 for additional information. https://sierrawave.net/laws-railroad-museum-and-historical-site-5th-annual-womens-history-day/

Remembering Mule Days Icon at the State of the Union WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Kevin Kiley (R-CA) hosted Claudia Tanner as his guest at last night's State of the Union address, honoring the life and legacy of her late husband, Bobby Tanner - a central figure in the history of Mule Days and a beloved member of the Eastern Sierra community. "Thank you very much Congressman Kiley for this very generous invitation and for remembering my husband," said Tanner. "I know he would be very excited for us." CLICK HERE to download the full clip of Claudia talking about what the experience meant for her and her husband's legacy. CLICK HERE to read more about Bobby Tanner's life and accomplishments. ### https://sierrawave.net/remembering-mule-days-icon-at-the-state-of-the-union/

February 24, 2026

Inyo County Board of Supervisors REGULAR MEETING March 3, 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 ...

February 24, 2026

WEEKEND MOVIE MUSEUM OF WESTERN FILM HISTORY Saturday, February 28th Show Starts: 10:00am Encore Screening: 1:00pm Featured Films Bruce Gentry (1949) Chapter: 3, "Fiery Furnace" Filmed at: Lone Pine and Lone Pine Airport Camel Spiders (2011) Presented by: Roger Corman Filmed at: Lone Pine, Olancha, Aberdeen, and along Highway 395 Contact & Location Address: 701 S Main St. Lone Pine, CA Phone: (760) 876-9909 Website: https://museumofwesternfilmhistory.org/events-2/ https://sierrawave.net/weekend-movie-museum-of-western-film/

February 24, 2026

Area Forecast Discussion Owens Valley / Mammoth Lakes / Mono County / Death Valley Dennis Mattinson / Sierra Atmospheric Forecaster Synopsis - WED FEB 25 2026 Mammoth got a little snow from a decaying AR yesterday, tapering off early today. When I say a little, I'm not kidding. With snow levels very high, say 10,100 feet, only the summit saw several inches of heavy snow. The Owens Valley of course stayed dry. Later today we dry out and warm up thru the weekend, with Bishop hitting 72° Friday and Saturday...DMATT Area Wide Temperatures Today: Bishop: 69 / 37 Big Pine: 70 / 41 Independence: 71 / 45 Lone Pine: 70 / 48 Olancha: 70 / 48 Mammoth Lakes: 47 / 33 Death Valley: 86 / 57 https://sierrawave.net/?p=102147

Area Forecast Discussion Owens Valley / Mammoth Lakes / Mono County / Death Valley Dennis Mattinson / Sierra Atmospheric Forecaster Synopsis - TUE FEB 24 2026 Today, a warm storm (decaying AR) pushes into our area, with very high snow levels (10,300 feet) in Mammoth. So little or no snow is expected at the Main Lodge and maybe 3 - 6 inches at the Summit. By later Wednesday that storm is out of here, leaving behind dry weather Thursday thru end of the work week...DMATT Area Wide Temperatures Today: Bishop: 53 / 38 Big Pine: 54 / 41 Independence: 60 / 44 Lone Pine: 61 / 46 Olancha: 65 / 47 Mammoth Lakes: 45 / 37 Death Valley: 61 / 54 https://sierrawave.net/?p=102122

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Opt-Out of mailed County Voter Information Guides Inyo County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar Danielle M. Sexton announces a new Opt-Out Program from receiving printed Local Voter Information Guides by mail. This program supports environmental responsibility, safeguards voter privacy, and empowers voters to choose how they receive election materials. Under California Elections Code §13300, county elections officials must mail every registered voter a local Voter Information Guide. However, §13300.7 allows voters to opt out if they prefer to access the guide electronically by email or on the county elections website. Key Benefits of Opting Out - Reduces County Spending: The program is free to voters, and it saves taxpayers’ money by reducing printing and postage expenses. - Convenience to Voters: Access your guide online anytime, anywhere up to 40 days prior to each election. - Flexibility: Change your preference to opt out or opt back in at any time. ...

Sandra Irene Sepsey-Whiteley (Hancock) Age 81 September 1, 1944 – February 8, 2026 Sandy passed away at home in Fallon, NV after a long 9-year battle with small cell lung cancer. She was a beacon of light, joy and love for her family and everyone who knew her. She was born in Springfield, Illinois to parents Robert and Avo Hancock. As a child she spent time in Germany where her father, a US Army Air Corps captain, participated in the Berlin Airlift Operations. When her father was assigned to March AFB, the family settled in Riverside, CA where she grew up and attended local schools. She graduated from Riverside Poly High School in 1962. Shortly thereafter she began a family with her then husband Walter McAlister. They had three children, Kristine, Robert and Karen. She became a single mother shortly thereafter, raising her family alone until she remarried Franklyn Sepsey in 1988. Sandy was a strong, independent woman. After moving to Independence, CA, she worked in local stores...

Congressman Kevin Kiley Invites Wife of Late Mule Days Legend to State of the Union Address WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Kiley (R-CA) will host Claudia Tanner as his guest at Tuesday night’s State of the Union address, honoring the life and legacy of her late husband, Bobby Tanner – a central figure in the history of Mule Days and a beloved member of the Eastern Sierra community. Bobby Tanner’s contributions to Mule Days are woven into the fabric of the event itself. As the son of Bob Tanner, one of Mule Days’ founders, Bobby was involved from the very first show in 1970, when at just 10 years old he led a pack string in the inaugural parade. Over the decades, he became one of the event’s most recognizable and celebrated figures. “Mule Days is an iconic part of the Eastern Sierra, and Bobby Tanner was at the very heart of it,” said Congressman Kiley. “His dedication, skill, and leadership helped build an event that brings people together from across the country and around the...