Frogs, Faith, and Reason ~ By John MacWillie, Ph.D

Frogs, Faith, and Reason ~ By John MacWillie, Ph.D

Angels Camp, CA…Summary: Bret Harte High School and its Board (BHUHSD) is being challenged by a student who objects to a school policy prohibiting the discussion of religious issues (e.g., “Creationism” and “intelligent design”) in natural science classes. The student and his attorney argue that this prohibition is an unconstitutional restriction of his right to […]

Yes, There is Actually a Winter Storm System Approaching

Yes, There is Actually a Winter Storm System Approaching

Arnold, CA….Ladies & Gents we actually have a storm system approaching….West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada Today Partly cloudy. Highs 39 to 54 higher elevations…50 to 60 lower elevations. Prevailing south winds up to 15 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the afternoon. Tonight At lower elevations, a slight chance of rain showers in the […]

Calaveras County Rotary Clubs Team Up for Santa’s Express

Calaveras County Rotary Clubs Team Up for Santa’s Express

Murphys, CA…The​ 4​ Rotary Clubs of Calaveras County joined together​ this weekend​ to deliver Christmas Dinners to​ ​​those in need who live in Calaveras County. The​se​ Rotary ​Clubs ​raise​d​​ over​ $6,000 to assist the Resource Connection in their​ ​ ​”​Santa’s Express​”​ Christmas Dinner event​, with the Rotary Clubs​ driving and delivering food all throughout Calaveras […]

Mind Matters Has Had Another Great Year in 2017

Mind Matters Has Had Another Great Year in 2017

Murphys, CA…December – gifts, parties, school vacations, religious celebrations, hustle and bustle. But, December is also the end of the year, a time to reflect on what has happened in 2017. Mind Matters has had a good year, serving between 250-300 clients. Our Board of Directors remains stable, skilled, and dedicated. Our staff remains professional […]

White House Tree Trimming Cold Open – SNL

White House Tree Trimming Cold Open – SNL

Washington, DC…White House Tree Trimming Cold Open – SNL Donald (Alec Baldwin), Melania (Cecily Strong), Ivanka (Scarlett Johansson), Donald Jr. (Mikey Day) and Eric Trump (Alex Moffat) trim the tree with help from Kellyanne Conway (Kate McKinnon), Sarah Huckabee Sanders (Aidy Bryant), Mike Pence (Beck Bennett) and more.

CDPH Issues Guidelines on How to Reduce Exposure to Radio Frequency Energy from Cell Phones

CDPH Issues Guidelines on How to Reduce Exposure to Radio Frequency Energy from Cell Phones

Sacramento, CA…As smartphone use continues to increase in the U.S., especially among children, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today issued guidance for individuals and families who want to decrease their exposure to the radio frequency energy emitted from cell phones. Although the scientific community has not reached a consensus on the risks of […]

A Blustery Day For Our Area…Slight Chances of Precipitation Ahead

A Blustery Day For Our Area…Slight Chances of Precipitation Ahead

Arnold, CA…It is a blustery day along the West Slope of the Northern Sierra Nevada. Today Mostly sunny. At higher elevations, a slight chance of snow showers in the morning. Breezy, cooler. Highs 29 to 44 higher elevations…44 to 54 lower elevations. Prevailing northeast winds 5 to 15 mph increasing to 10 to 25 mph […]

Ring In The New Year with The Fabulous Bill Welles Band…Limited, Intimate Seating so Get Your Tickets Early

Ring In The New Year with The Fabulous Bill Welles Band…Limited, Intimate Seating so Get Your Tickets Early

Arnold, CA…Live Music and dancing with the Fabulous Bill Welles Band. This is a special event and will not be open to the public without advanced purchase tickets. There will be limited seating. We’ll be serving specialty drinks at the bar, providing an intimate ambiance and a lovely night to ring in the new year! […]

Change in Weather Pattern Soon? Colder Temps on the Way But No Lifts Running Yet!

Change in Weather Pattern Soon?  Colder Temps on the Way But No Lifts Running Yet!

Bear Valley, CA…Based on current conditions and weather outlook, our operations team has determined that we will not be able to open lifts/trails for this weekend, December 16th and 17th. At this time, we continue to make snow and crossing our fingers that we continue to get longer periods of cold temps for ideal snowmaking […]

What To Do If You Get the Flu? ~ Pharmacist Patrick Crosby of Meadowmont & Groveland Pharmacies

What To Do If You Get the Flu?  ~ Pharmacist Patrick Crosby of Meadowmont & Groveland Pharmacies

Arnold & Groveland, CA…What To Do If You Get the Flu? I’m guessing that the flu isn’t on your top-10 wish list, right? But just in case you get sick this flu season, here’s a list of 10 things you can do to help ease your symptoms—and to stop the flu in its tracks and […]

SilverSneakers is Now Available at Big Trees Fitness & Give The Gift of Fitness.

SilverSneakers is Now Available at Big Trees Fitness & Give The Gift of Fitness.

Arnold, CA…We stopped by Big Trees Fitness and Melissa Wagner told us about the SilverSneakers that Big Trees Fitness just qualified for. SilverSneakers is a complete program that is available to most seniors at no cost. SilverSneakers is a fitness program for adults 65+ comes free with qualifying health plans, giving you unlimited access to […]

Executive Summary of Proposed Mark Twain Health Care District & Dignity Health

Executive Summary of Proposed Mark Twain Health Care District & Dignity Health

San Andreas, CA…Mark Twain Health Care District (District) and Dignity Health propose to restructure the relationship by which Mark Twain Medical Center (MTMC) leases its hospital facilities from the District and by which MTMC is governed. The restructuring would establish a new long-term lease between MTMC and the District to: • Maintain the continuity of […]

Winter Sports History Night Honoring Mark Phillips & Ski Racing at Bear Valley is December 16th

Winter Sports History Night Honoring Mark Phillips & Ski Racing at Bear Valley is December 16th

Bear Valley, CA…The Ebbetts Pass Historical Association (EPHA) hosts the annual Winter Sports History Night at the Bear Valley Lodge on December 16, 7pm. Mark Phillips will be given the Peter Brinkman Award for outstanding contributions to winter sports in the Ebbetts Pass area. A retrospective of the history of ski racing in the area […]

Restoring the Original Intent of the Wilderness Act to Allow Bicycles in Wilderness Areas

Restoring the Original Intent of the Wilderness Act to Allow Bicycles in Wilderness Areas

Washington, DC…The House Natural Resources Committee today voted to pass H.R. 1349 by Congressman Tom McClintock. The bill would restore the original intent of the Wilderness Act to allow bicycles and other forms of human-powered locomotion in wilderness areas at the discretion of local land managers. Bicycles were originally permitted in wilderness areas from the […]

Fuelwood Collection Ends on Stanislaus National Forest Dec. 15

Fuelwood Collection Ends on Stanislaus National Forest Dec. 15

Sonora, CA…Anyone who was waiting for the right day to collect fuelwood on the Stanislaus National Forest has until Dec. 15 to resupply their fuelwood. After that, collecting fuelwood will not be permitted until April 16, 2018. This year dead and down wood is available at no cost, but collectors need a fuelwood permit for […]

Mi-Wok Ranger District Front Desk on Stanislaus National Forest Closes Dec. 18

Mi-Wok Ranger District Front Desk on Stanislaus National Forest Closes Dec. 18

Sonora, CA…The front desk at the Mi-Wok Ranger District office will close indefinitely beginning Dec. 18. The office had been open on Fridays since June. Forest Supervisor Jason Kuiken made the decision to close due to limited staff and the fact that Mi-Wok receives the fewest visitors during the winter season. “The forest must scrutinize […]

Hey Good People! The December 13th Bear Valley Update from Mattly Trent

Hey Good People!  The December 13th Bear Valley Update from Mattly Trent

Bear Valley, CA…December 13th, 2017 46F @ 5am SSW winds 0-7mph Base Total 7″ Season Total 2017/18 – 17″. 38F at the base area currently and the wet bulb temps for snow making are aligning currently as I look outside my office window and the meadow snow guns are making snow. The high today looks […]

Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship

Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship

Murphys, CA…Join us in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the light of the world. A traditional candlelight service with lessons and carols, children’s time, a message, and Holy Communion, open to all. Come early for a piece of Jesus’ birthday cake. O come, let us adore him — Christ the Lord!

Yosemite Conservancy Names Mark Marschall to Lead its Volunteer Program

Yosemite Conservancy Names Mark Marschall to Lead its Volunteer Program

San Francisco, CA…Forty-year National Park Service Employee Brings a Deep Understanding of Yosemite National Park to His New Role. Yosemite Conservancy announced that Mariposa resident and long-time National Park Service ranger Mark Marschall will lead its volunteer program. “Mark brings a deep understanding of Yosemite National Park to his new role as volunteer program manager. […]

Seasonal Road and Trail Closures on Stanislaus National Forest Begin Dec. 15

Seasonal Road and Trail Closures on Stanislaus National Forest Begin Dec. 15

Sonora, CA…Seasonal road and trail closures on the Stanislaus National Forest begin Dec. 15 and will remain in effect until April 14, 2018. The STF Motor Vehicle Use Map indicates which roads and trails will be closed and may be picked up at any ranger district office, or by visiting the STF’s maps webpage at […]