Community News · Tuolumne County
The Tuolumne Utilities District Board of Directors voted 4-0 on Tuesday to approve a negative declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act, clearing a key step toward finalizing a long-sought federal water contract with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Under the proposed agreement, TUD would gain access to purchase up to 2,500 acre-feet per year from New Melones Reservoir and could subcontract another 3,500 acre-feet to the Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California, running through Dec. 31, 2051 with a possible 25-year renewal. The contract would reduce TUD's reliance on PG&E's Main Tuolumne Canal, which supplies about 95% of the district's water and was damaged by a February winter storm that cut off supply for roughly two weeks. The effort traces back to a 1972 settlement agreement between the federal government and one of TUD's predecessor agencies.
Public Safety
The NWS Sacramento issued a winter weather advisory on Thursday, Oct. 29, valid from Saturday at 8 a.m. through Sunday at 7 a.m. for Sierra Nevada areas above 5,000 feet across Sierra-Nevada-Placer, El Dorado-Amador-Northern Alpine, and Calaveras-Tuolumne-Southern Alpine counties. Snow accumulations of up to 8 inches are expected above 7,000 feet, with up to 12 inches at the highest peaks and minor accumulations possible down to 6,000 feet. The heaviest snowfall is forecast for Saturday evening into Sunday, with snow levels dropping from 7,000–8,000 feet to 6,000–7,000 feet overnight. Officials urge drivers on Interstate 80 and Highway 50 to slow down and watch for icy roads and slippery surfaces.
Public Safety · Mariposa County
Tioga Road (Highway 120 through Yosemite) and Glacier Point Road are temporarily closing at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, due to forecast snow in Yosemite National Park. The National Weather Service expects rain in Yosemite Valley and snow at higher elevations through Sunday, Nov. 1, with a 100% chance of precipitation on Saturday, Oct. 31. Park officials said they will evaluate road conditions after the storm passes and urged visitors to call 209-372-0200 for updates before traveling. The closures come amid above-normal precipitation expected across California from a strengthening El Niño pattern.
Community brief · Tuolumne County
Organizers of Tuolumne County's 44th annual Children's Holiday Party, set for Dec. 12, are collecting used and new bicycles at Les Schwab Tire Center, 14885 Mono Way in East Sonora, from Monday through Dec. 4. The event will distribute approximately 110 new bicycles, 35 skateboards, and 20 to 30 refurbished bikes to children identified through the Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools Office and local social service agencies. Copperopolis…
