WawonaNews.com - May 2024
Wawona School Returns From D.C. Trip
Wawona Wildcats wrapped up the school year in BIG ways! Thanks to the amazing support of the Wawona community, YC's Educational Grant, and Redwoods, the students were able to get out into our world and learn hands on. The 4th-6th graders spent a week in Washington D.C. experiencing our nation's capital in a way that can't be done through books and videos. They learned how to operate airplane bathrooms, briskly maneuver through airport crowds, navigate the Metro subway system and manage their own money for lunch & treats/souvenirs. All of those first time experiences on top of touring the White House, visiting the Monuments & Smithsonian museums, and for some, even getting in some fishing! (How many kids can say that?!) It was the trip of a lifetime and each student took something different from the experience.
Wawona Wildcats wrapped up the school year in BIG ways! Thanks to the amazing support of the Wawona community, YC's Educational Grant, and Redwoods, the students were able to get out into our world and learn hands on. The 4th-6th graders spent a week in Washington D.C. experiencing our nation's capital in a way that can't be done through books and videos. They learned how to operate airplane bathrooms, briskly maneuver through airport crowds, navigate the Metro subway system and manage their own money for lunch & treats/souvenirs. All of those first time experiences on top of touring the White House, visiting the Monuments & Smithsonian museums, and for some, even getting in some fishing! (How many kids can say that?!) It was the trip of a lifetime and each student took something different from the experience.
Glacier Point Road Open For The Season
Glacier Point Road has opened for the season. Four Mile Trail remains closed. Trails leaving from Glacier Point Road are still snowy. Hikers should be prepared with appropriate gear and for route finding including cross-country navigation using GPS with map and compass for backup.
Drinking water is not yet available at Glacier Point, but vault toilets are open.
Glacier Point Road has opened for the season. Four Mile Trail remains closed. Trails leaving from Glacier Point Road are still snowy. Hikers should be prepared with appropriate gear and for route finding including cross-country navigation using GPS with map and compass for backup.
Drinking water is not yet available at Glacier Point, but vault toilets are open.
Prescribed Burning Operations -Friday, May 17
Fire managers are planning to conduct prescribed burning operations on Friday, May 17, 2024, in the Wawona area. The 55 targeted acres, known as Studhorse units 1 and 2, are south of the Wawona community and two miles northwest of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. In order to maintain the safety of park visitors and allow fire management operations to be conducted, there are temporary trail closures in place. There are no anticipated road closures associated with this work.
Smoke may be present in the Wawona community and along the Wawona Road (Hwy 41) during and after burning operations. Fire managers work closely with park staff and the local air pollution control districts to time the burns to coincide with favorable weather and smoke dispersion conditions. Smoke impacts are always a consideration in the decision to begin any prescribed burning operation.
Last year, Yosemite fire crews successfully burned units 3, 4, and 5. Completion of the Studhorse units will enable the park to continue to prescribe burn within Mariposa Grove and reintroduce fire in the surrounding units to provide protection to the grove. Some of the first prescribed burns in Yosemite occurred in the Studhorse area in the 1970s.
Fire managers are planning to conduct prescribed burning operations on Friday, May 17, 2024, in the Wawona area. The 55 targeted acres, known as Studhorse units 1 and 2, are south of the Wawona community and two miles northwest of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. In order to maintain the safety of park visitors and allow fire management operations to be conducted, there are temporary trail closures in place. There are no anticipated road closures associated with this work.
Smoke may be present in the Wawona community and along the Wawona Road (Hwy 41) during and after burning operations. Fire managers work closely with park staff and the local air pollution control districts to time the burns to coincide with favorable weather and smoke dispersion conditions. Smoke impacts are always a consideration in the decision to begin any prescribed burning operation.
Last year, Yosemite fire crews successfully burned units 3, 4, and 5. Completion of the Studhorse units will enable the park to continue to prescribe burn within Mariposa Grove and reintroduce fire in the surrounding units to provide protection to the grove. Some of the first prescribed burns in Yosemite occurred in the Studhorse area in the 1970s.
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, CA
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of April 9.
3.3 – Accept Donations to YWECS
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
Public Hearing on the Local Control Accountability Plan and Budget for 2024-25
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, CA
- CALL TO ORDER
- ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
- CONSENT AGENDA
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of April 9.
3.3 – Accept Donations to YWECS
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATION ITEMS
- REPORT OF P-2 ATTENDANCE
- STAFF REPORTS
- BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS PROJECTS UPDATE
- FUNDRAISING EFFORTS
- BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
- FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Public Hearing on the Local Control Accountability Plan and Budget for 2024-25
- NEXT BOARD MEETING
- ADJOURNMENT
National Park Service Says Yosemite Contractor Endangered Visitors
Report: Aramark subsidiary's negligence led to injuries at historic Yosemite hotels
By Ashley Harrell - SFGATE, May 9, 2024
Failures on the part of the Aramark subsidiary contracted to run visitor services in Yosemite National Park have led to the deterioration of historic structures, resulting in injuries to a visitor and a staff member, according to United States Department of the Interior records.
Reports of the deficiencies come from last year’s National Park Service annual report on Yosemite Hospitality, a subsidiary of Aramark Corporation, which has been contracted to operate and maintain the various hotels, restaurants, gift shops and other attractions in the park since 2016. SFGATE obtained the document through a Freedom of Information Act request.
NPS initially awarded Yosemite Hospitality a “satisfactory” rating overall. But complaints about the services provided by the contractor, which included a visitor falling from a porch after a poorly maintained balcony railing broke, as well as the partial collapse of a dining room ceiling during meal service, led Superintendent Cicely Muldoon to revise the grade to “marginal,” the second year in a row the contractor has earned such a rating. Two “marginal” ratings in a row are technically grounds for termination of the park’s contract with the provider, according to the report.
“We acknowledge that we fell short of expectations and have already implemented action plans to address key areas by introducing new leadership roles, refining processes, and allocating additional resources,” Aramark spokesperson Sheena Weinstein told SFGATE by email. “We remain committed to working closely with the National Park Service to address these important aspects of our operations and improve the visitor experience.”
Report: Aramark subsidiary's negligence led to injuries at historic Yosemite hotels
By Ashley Harrell - SFGATE, May 9, 2024
Failures on the part of the Aramark subsidiary contracted to run visitor services in Yosemite National Park have led to the deterioration of historic structures, resulting in injuries to a visitor and a staff member, according to United States Department of the Interior records.
Reports of the deficiencies come from last year’s National Park Service annual report on Yosemite Hospitality, a subsidiary of Aramark Corporation, which has been contracted to operate and maintain the various hotels, restaurants, gift shops and other attractions in the park since 2016. SFGATE obtained the document through a Freedom of Information Act request.
NPS initially awarded Yosemite Hospitality a “satisfactory” rating overall. But complaints about the services provided by the contractor, which included a visitor falling from a porch after a poorly maintained balcony railing broke, as well as the partial collapse of a dining room ceiling during meal service, led Superintendent Cicely Muldoon to revise the grade to “marginal,” the second year in a row the contractor has earned such a rating. Two “marginal” ratings in a row are technically grounds for termination of the park’s contract with the provider, according to the report.
“We acknowledge that we fell short of expectations and have already implemented action plans to address key areas by introducing new leadership roles, refining processes, and allocating additional resources,” Aramark spokesperson Sheena Weinstein told SFGATE by email. “We remain committed to working closely with the National Park Service to address these important aspects of our operations and improve the visitor experience.”
II
I I I I
In In March, another Aramark subsidiary, Crater Lake Hospitality, received an “unsatisfactory” rating for 2023, following “marginal” ratings in 2022, 2021 and 2019, leading NPS to cancel that contract. But Yosemite has stopped short of firing its service provider, whose contract extends through 2033.
Instead, the report says the National Park Service will work with Yosemite Hospitality “to determine next steps in meeting outstanding contractual requirements,” while also conveying significant concerns about the contractor’s performance, specifically calling out the injuries that have resulted from the deterioration of historic buildings.
“Failures in Risk Management and Asset Management resulted in two separate injuries in 2023: one to a visitor and one to an employee,” the report states, in an explanation of why Muldoon decided to lower the score.
I I I I
In In March, another Aramark subsidiary, Crater Lake Hospitality, received an “unsatisfactory” rating for 2023, following “marginal” ratings in 2022, 2021 and 2019, leading NPS to cancel that contract. But Yosemite has stopped short of firing its service provider, whose contract extends through 2033.
Instead, the report says the National Park Service will work with Yosemite Hospitality “to determine next steps in meeting outstanding contractual requirements,” while also conveying significant concerns about the contractor’s performance, specifically calling out the injuries that have resulted from the deterioration of historic buildings.
“Failures in Risk Management and Asset Management resulted in two separate injuries in 2023: one to a visitor and one to an employee,” the report states, in an explanation of why Muldoon decided to lower the score.
The first of those injuries took place at the historic Wawona Hotel, where NPS employees identified “extensive deterioration and rot of railings” in evaluations in 2022 and 2023 and directed Yosemite Hospitality to make necessary repairs, according to the report.
“Despite extensive documentation and repeat findings, no significant action was taken to address these concerns and subsequently, in June, a guest fell from the porch of the Clark building of the Wawona Hotel after the railing failed when leaned on,” the report states.
Yosemite Hospitality didn’t inform park employees of the injury, according to the report. Instead, the National Park Service learned of it “through internal NPS channels,” and a general manager left his position shortly after, the report states. The report does not identify whether the general manager worked for NPS or Yosemite Hospitality.
“Despite extensive documentation and repeat findings, no significant action was taken to address these concerns and subsequently, in June, a guest fell from the porch of the Clark building of the Wawona Hotel after the railing failed when leaned on,” the report states.
Yosemite Hospitality didn’t inform park employees of the injury, according to the report. Instead, the National Park Service learned of it “through internal NPS channels,” and a general manager left his position shortly after, the report states. The report does not identify whether the general manager worked for NPS or Yosemite Hospitality.
SSGATE contacted the Yosemite National Park public affairs office, but a spokesperson said the park would not be able to respond to inquiries by publication time.
Two additional deficiencies at the park’s most iconic lodging, the Ahwahnee Hotel, also raised concern, according to the report. In February 2023, after heavy rains, a Yosemite Hospitality staff member reported a leak in the ceiling of hotel room 443, the report states. NPS requested that Yosemite Hospitality make repairs prior to renting out the room, according to the report, but an October inspection found that no repair had been made, and the room was still in use.
Then, in April 2023, a chunk fell from the ceiling in the Ahwahnee’s Solarium dining room during a meal, striking and injuring an employee.
Two additional deficiencies at the park’s most iconic lodging, the Ahwahnee Hotel, also raised concern, according to the report. In February 2023, after heavy rains, a Yosemite Hospitality staff member reported a leak in the ceiling of hotel room 443, the report states. NPS requested that Yosemite Hospitality make repairs prior to renting out the room, according to the report, but an October inspection found that no repair had been made, and the room was still in use.
Then, in April 2023, a chunk fell from the ceiling in the Ahwahnee’s Solarium dining room during a meal, striking and injuring an employee.
“The [Park] Service is extremely concerned about the risk to visitor and employee safety,” the report states.
Reached by text message, a former employee of Yosemite Hospitality said she wasn’t surprised to learn that the corporation hasn’t been adequately maintaining park facilities. That employee, slackliner and big-wall climber Hayley Ashburn, worked for the contractor as a hotel valet in 2023. She was there when part of the ceiling dropped, Ashburn said, but she wasn’t aware of an injury.
“When I worked at the Ahwahnee last year, part of the ceiling fell onto a guest’s dinner plate,” Ashburn said. “The staff members treated the hotel like the historical treasure that it obviously is, but upper management only cares about cash flow, and they will do whatever they can to keep spaces open and generating income.”
Ashburn pointed out that Aramark — a large corporation that also provides services for prisons, schools, hospitals, the SF Giants and other entities — has come under fire for its performance in prisons in particular. Problems at prisons in Ohio and Michigan included unsanitary conditions and inadequate food service, according to Prison Legal News, leading Michigan to terminate the company’s contract in 2015. Aramark was also fired by a Maryland prison in 2022 based on its performance, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Reached by text message, a former employee of Yosemite Hospitality said she wasn’t surprised to learn that the corporation hasn’t been adequately maintaining park facilities. That employee, slackliner and big-wall climber Hayley Ashburn, worked for the contractor as a hotel valet in 2023. She was there when part of the ceiling dropped, Ashburn said, but she wasn’t aware of an injury.
“When I worked at the Ahwahnee last year, part of the ceiling fell onto a guest’s dinner plate,” Ashburn said. “The staff members treated the hotel like the historical treasure that it obviously is, but upper management only cares about cash flow, and they will do whatever they can to keep spaces open and generating income.”
Ashburn pointed out that Aramark — a large corporation that also provides services for prisons, schools, hospitals, the SF Giants and other entities — has come under fire for its performance in prisons in particular. Problems at prisons in Ohio and Michigan included unsanitary conditions and inadequate food service, according to Prison Legal News, leading Michigan to terminate the company’s contract in 2015. Aramark was also fired by a Maryland prison in 2022 based on its performance, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Glacier Point Road Open To Bicycles Only for 4 Days
Glacier Point Road is open to bicycles as of today, Friday, May 10. Glacier Point Road will open to vehicles on Tuesday, May 14, at 8 am (conditions permitting). Trails leaving from Glacier Point Road are still snowy. Hikers should be prepared with appropriate gear and for route finding including cross-country navigation using GPS with map and compass for backup.
Drinking water is not yet available at Glacier Point, but vault toilets are open. (J. Trust)
Glacier Point Road is open to bicycles as of today, Friday, May 10. Glacier Point Road will open to vehicles on Tuesday, May 14, at 8 am (conditions permitting). Trails leaving from Glacier Point Road are still snowy. Hikers should be prepared with appropriate gear and for route finding including cross-country navigation using GPS with map and compass for backup.
Drinking water is not yet available at Glacier Point, but vault toilets are open. (J. Trust)
Possible Future Presidential Candidates Visit White House
Wawona School Field Trip Arrives in Washington D.C.
Transforming Paradise
My husband, John Broesamle, was a Wawona homeowner for many years before he passed away last June. This link is to the website for his upcoming book, Transforming Paradise, which includes a lot of Wawona history as well as that of the entire park. It covers the New Deal CCC era which was crucial in the development of Wawona and all of Yosemite.
Many thanks,
Kathy Broesamle
My husband, John Broesamle, was a Wawona homeowner for many years before he passed away last June. This link is to the website for his upcoming book, Transforming Paradise, which includes a lot of Wawona history as well as that of the entire park. It covers the New Deal CCC era which was crucial in the development of Wawona and all of Yosemite.
Many thanks,
Kathy Broesamle
Wawona Road Repairs (May 2nd-17th)
Beginning May 2nd and continuing through the 17th crews will be completing weekday repairs along the Wawona Road. May 2nd and 3rd crews will be cleaning up a road repair from last year located approximately 12-miles north of the southern Park Boundary or a couple miles north of the Mosquito Creek drainage. Beginning on Monday, May 6th and continuing thru Friday, May 17th crews will begin an emergency road repair approximately 9.4 miles north of the southern Park Boundary, or just below the Mosquito Creek Drainage. Crews will be working Monday thru Friday 7AM to 6PM. There will be flaggers with alternating single lane traffic control with 15-minute delays. Note that although crews will not be working at night, there will be single lane traffic control with lights and traffic signals. Please drive carefully when traveling thru this area over the next couple of weeks as there are multiple very sharp curves in this construction zone area. As a reminder, slow down, be patient, and use caution when approaching this area.
Beginning May 2nd and continuing through the 17th crews will be completing weekday repairs along the Wawona Road. May 2nd and 3rd crews will be cleaning up a road repair from last year located approximately 12-miles north of the southern Park Boundary or a couple miles north of the Mosquito Creek drainage. Beginning on Monday, May 6th and continuing thru Friday, May 17th crews will begin an emergency road repair approximately 9.4 miles north of the southern Park Boundary, or just below the Mosquito Creek Drainage. Crews will be working Monday thru Friday 7AM to 6PM. There will be flaggers with alternating single lane traffic control with 15-minute delays. Note that although crews will not be working at night, there will be single lane traffic control with lights and traffic signals. Please drive carefully when traveling thru this area over the next couple of weeks as there are multiple very sharp curves in this construction zone area. As a reminder, slow down, be patient, and use caution when approaching this area.
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–by: Trisha Jacobs, SNO
This year’s Shakespeare in Yosemite production, A Midsummer Yosemite’s Dream, will be performed in the Curry Village Amphitheater. Performances will be Friday, April 26 (5 pm), Saturday, April 27 (noon and 5 pm), and April 28 (noon).
A discovery in the Yosemite Archives of an unproduced 1934 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is inspiring this production. This new take on Shakespeare’s magical comedy will feature lots of music, dancing park rangers, and environmental stories. It will take characters back in time to 1934.
Filled with humor and heart, this musical adaptation imagines a collision of 1930s fairies with 2024 Ranger Mechanicals and lover-tourists. The cast includes UC Merced students, faculty, alumni, National Park Service, and Yosemite Hospitality employees. All behind the scenes and on stage.
Our shows are 90 minutes long. The programs actively feature music and address issues relevant to Earth Day and Yosemite.
Learn more: YosemiteShakes.ucmerced.edu.
Follow @YosemiteShakes on social media for updates: We are on Instagram (@YosemiteShakes), TikTok (@YosemiteShakes), Twitter (@YosemiteShakes) and Facebook (@ShakespeareinYosemite).
Shakespeare in Yosemite is a member of the Shakespeare Theatre Association (STA), EcoStage, and Broadway Green Alliance, and a founding member of the EarthShakes Alliance.
Shakespeare in Yosemite was founded in 2017 to bring short, accessible, and FREE productions of Shakespeare’s plays to Yosemite National Park for Earth Day and Shakespeare’s birthday each April.
Note that a reservation is required on April 27 and April 28 during peak hours (5 am – 4 pm) if you are staying outside of the park and entering in your own vehicle: go.nps.gov/reserve.
Check out this film of last year’s production of Romeo and Juliet in Yosemite.
This year’s Shakespeare in Yosemite production, A Midsummer Yosemite’s Dream, will be performed in the Curry Village Amphitheater. Performances will be Friday, April 26 (5 pm), Saturday, April 27 (noon and 5 pm), and April 28 (noon).
A discovery in the Yosemite Archives of an unproduced 1934 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is inspiring this production. This new take on Shakespeare’s magical comedy will feature lots of music, dancing park rangers, and environmental stories. It will take characters back in time to 1934.
Filled with humor and heart, this musical adaptation imagines a collision of 1930s fairies with 2024 Ranger Mechanicals and lover-tourists. The cast includes UC Merced students, faculty, alumni, National Park Service, and Yosemite Hospitality employees. All behind the scenes and on stage.
Our shows are 90 minutes long. The programs actively feature music and address issues relevant to Earth Day and Yosemite.
Learn more: YosemiteShakes.ucmerced.edu.
Follow @YosemiteShakes on social media for updates: We are on Instagram (@YosemiteShakes), TikTok (@YosemiteShakes), Twitter (@YosemiteShakes) and Facebook (@ShakespeareinYosemite).
Shakespeare in Yosemite is a member of the Shakespeare Theatre Association (STA), EcoStage, and Broadway Green Alliance, and a founding member of the EarthShakes Alliance.
Shakespeare in Yosemite was founded in 2017 to bring short, accessible, and FREE productions of Shakespeare’s plays to Yosemite National Park for Earth Day and Shakespeare’s birthday each April.
Note that a reservation is required on April 27 and April 28 during peak hours (5 am – 4 pm) if you are staying outside of the park and entering in your own vehicle: go.nps.gov/reserve.
Check out this film of last year’s production of Romeo and Juliet in Yosemite.
Pine Needle Pickup Scheduled for First Week of May
The Wawona Pine Needle Pickup is scheduled for the first week of May, beginning May 6, 2024. Beginning this year, the Mariposa County Public Works Department is implementing a new process. Eligible Wawona residents will be required to complete a signup sheet to have their piles picked-up.
Public Works staff will be available to answer questions, provide assistance, and collect completed signup sheets on Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 9:00 am to Noon at the Wawona Library. Completed signup sheets may also be submitted electronically by pressing the "Submit" button on the form, sent via U.S. Mail to the Public Works address provided on the form, or dropped off at the Public Works Department during normal business hours. All completed forms must be received by April 15, 2024.
Please see a copy of the informational letter and signup sheet below.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Samuel Cerveny
Deputy Director of Public Works
The Wawona Pine Needle Pickup is scheduled for the first week of May, beginning May 6, 2024. Beginning this year, the Mariposa County Public Works Department is implementing a new process. Eligible Wawona residents will be required to complete a signup sheet to have their piles picked-up.
Public Works staff will be available to answer questions, provide assistance, and collect completed signup sheets on Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 9:00 am to Noon at the Wawona Library. Completed signup sheets may also be submitted electronically by pressing the "Submit" button on the form, sent via U.S. Mail to the Public Works address provided on the form, or dropped off at the Public Works Department during normal business hours. All completed forms must be received by April 15, 2024.
Please see a copy of the informational letter and signup sheet below.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Samuel Cerveny
Deputy Director of Public Works
YOSEMITE-WAWONA ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, CA
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of March 12.
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
ACTION ITEMS
APPROVAL OF 2024-25 CALENDAR FOR YWECS
Consideration and action on the school calendar for the 2024-25 school year.
INFORMATION ITEMS
Second Interim Budget Report
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
5:30 P.M.
Wawona Elementary School
7925 Chilnualna Falls Road
Wawona, CA
- CALL TO ORDER
- ROLL CALL
MONTHLY ITEMS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
- CONSENT AGENDA
3.1- Approval of Agenda
3.2– Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of March 12.
3.3 - Approve Warrants/Payroll
3.4 – Accept Donations to YWECS
- HEARING OF PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
APPROVAL OF 2024-25 CALENDAR FOR YWECS
Consideration and action on the school calendar for the 2024-25 school year.
INFORMATION ITEMS
- STAFF REPORTS
- BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS PROJECTS UPDATE
- FUNDRAISING EFFORTS
- BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
- FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Second Interim Budget Report
- NEXT BOARD MEETING
- ADJOURNMENT
Roof Restoration Project Begins at Wawona Hotel
The roof restoration project is beginning at the Wawona Hotel soon. The construction will be focused on replacing the roof with a new fire-rated roof and upgraded flashings to protect the historic Wawona Hotel. The construction will only take place in the Main Building of Wawona Hotel and construction sound should be limited to the working hours of 8 AM - 5 PM Monday through Friday. At this time, there will not be any impacts on breakfast or lunch services. However, please note that during this roof restoration project, there may be some interruptions to the views from the main veranda, dining room, and select second-floor room as scaffolding will be present around the main building. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. (C. Layman)
The roof restoration project is beginning at the Wawona Hotel soon. The construction will be focused on replacing the roof with a new fire-rated roof and upgraded flashings to protect the historic Wawona Hotel. The construction will only take place in the Main Building of Wawona Hotel and construction sound should be limited to the working hours of 8 AM - 5 PM Monday through Friday. At this time, there will not be any impacts on breakfast or lunch services. However, please note that during this roof restoration project, there may be some interruptions to the views from the main veranda, dining room, and select second-floor room as scaffolding will be present around the main building. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. (C. Layman)
Spring Snowstorm 4/5
Hi there Wawona Friends,
The Wawona School is trying something new – an online auction – to raise the last few bucks needed to send the 4th – 6th graders on their Washington DC trip in a few weeks! You guys are my trusted guinea pigs.
We have some very cool items in the auction including a three night Airbnb stay in downtown Paso Robles, three beautiful hand made ”Wawona Wildcats” servings bowls, and an art print and two children’s books by Wawona School Parent Bodie Shaw.
Please check out the items at https://auctria.events/ywecsspringauction
The auction is open now and will close at 5 PM this Saturday April 6th. If you’re out of town and win one of the physical items we’ll be in touch to take payment over the phone and arrange shipping.
We’re also hosting a bake sale and showing off the auction items as highlighted in the flyer (attached and inserted here). Please forward and/or post freely and definitely let me know if you have difficulties with the link or auction site.
Thank you so much,
Katie
The Wawona School is trying something new – an online auction – to raise the last few bucks needed to send the 4th – 6th graders on their Washington DC trip in a few weeks! You guys are my trusted guinea pigs.
We have some very cool items in the auction including a three night Airbnb stay in downtown Paso Robles, three beautiful hand made ”Wawona Wildcats” servings bowls, and an art print and two children’s books by Wawona School Parent Bodie Shaw.
Please check out the items at https://auctria.events/ywecsspringauction
The auction is open now and will close at 5 PM this Saturday April 6th. If you’re out of town and win one of the physical items we’ll be in touch to take payment over the phone and arrange shipping.
We’re also hosting a bake sale and showing off the auction items as highlighted in the flyer (attached and inserted here). Please forward and/or post freely and definitely let me know if you have difficulties with the link or auction site.
Thank you so much,
Katie
Raw Roots
Hello Wawona full-time residents! It's that time of year again where we are close to growing local food and enjoying the spring bounty. We've had one successful year as a Wawona CSA with Raw Roots Farm and I'm looking to organize a second year!
Raw Roots Farm is a certified organic farm through CCOF growing in Cathey's Valley and selling at Mariposa Farmers Market. They organize a CSA program for Mariposa residents and Yosemite Valley residents. Last year was their first year establishing a Wawona CSA program.
This year, Raw Roots can offer 3 seasons/sessions for Wawona. Each season is $300. A share is plenty of vegetables for a family of 2-4.
May 1- June 26
July 3 - August 28
September 4 - October 30
If you are interested, please email me at [email protected]. Lauren at Raw Roots will email you the official details, signup, and invoice. You can sign up for one season at a time if you don't want to commit to the whole year. Once everyone has signed up with Raw Roots for Season 1, I'll organize a pick-up schedule so that one person heads to Mariposa per week to pick up the bags and deliver them back to Wawona. The system worked well last year and only involved 1-2 pickups per person for the whole year.
Happy to answer any other questions you may have via email!
Best,
Leigh
Hello Wawona full-time residents! It's that time of year again where we are close to growing local food and enjoying the spring bounty. We've had one successful year as a Wawona CSA with Raw Roots Farm and I'm looking to organize a second year!
Raw Roots Farm is a certified organic farm through CCOF growing in Cathey's Valley and selling at Mariposa Farmers Market. They organize a CSA program for Mariposa residents and Yosemite Valley residents. Last year was their first year establishing a Wawona CSA program.
This year, Raw Roots can offer 3 seasons/sessions for Wawona. Each season is $300. A share is plenty of vegetables for a family of 2-4.
May 1- June 26
July 3 - August 28
September 4 - October 30
If you are interested, please email me at [email protected]. Lauren at Raw Roots will email you the official details, signup, and invoice. You can sign up for one season at a time if you don't want to commit to the whole year. Once everyone has signed up with Raw Roots for Season 1, I'll organize a pick-up schedule so that one person heads to Mariposa per week to pick up the bags and deliver them back to Wawona. The system worked well last year and only involved 1-2 pickups per person for the whole year.
Happy to answer any other questions you may have via email!
Best,
Leigh