Local News

Dark Sky Festival was a success – Largest attendance in thirteen-year history of the event

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Clear skies, telescopes, and engaging speakers combined for a stellar experience at this year’s Dark Sky Festival in Death Valley National Park. The programs had a total attendance of 5,568. Many people stayed for all three days and enjoyed multiple programs.

The Dark Sky Festival included auditorium talks, field trips, astrophotography workshops, night sky tours and other presentations held from February 10 through 12.  Over 1,500 people looked through telescopes hosted by the Las Vegas Astronomical Society.

“It was exciting to see so many people travel to Death Valley to enjoy the night sky,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “This was a special opportunity for the public to interact directly with top scientists studying the planets and stars. And Death Valley National Park is an ideal place for this, because the park has supported a lot of planetary science research.”

The event’s partners included the Ames Research Center, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Death Valley Natural History Association, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Las Vegas Astronomical Society, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, and SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence).

The festival is an annual celebration of space and planetary science in one of the darkest locations in the United States. Dates for the 2024 Dark Sky Festival have not been set yet.

www.nps.gov/deva-  

Death Valley National Park is the homeland of the Timbisha Shoshone and preserves natural resources, cultural resources, exceptional wilderness, scenery, and learning experiences within the nation’s largest conserved desert landscape and some of the most extreme climate and topographic conditions on the planet. Learn more at www.nps.gov/deva.  

(Photo Below: Ralph Lorenz, from the John Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, talks about the exploration of Venus. NPS photo by J. Hallett)

(Photo below: Michael Tuite from NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory leads a guided field program at Mars Hill in Death Valley. NPS photo by J. Hallett )

Badwater Road & Shoshone Entrance Re-opened

 

 

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – Badwater Road and CA-178 opened on December 7. This provides direct access to Death Valley National Park from Shoshone, CA via the park’s southeast entrance. Some park roads remain closed as recovery continues from a series of flash floods in August and September.

“This opens up the southern end of the park,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “People can now visit Ashford Mills and enjoy the popular hikes in Sidewinder and Willow Canyons.”

Many unpaved roads in the southern end of the park also reopened on December 7, including Harry Wade, Owls Hole, West Side, Trail Canyon, Hanaupah Canyon, Johnson Canyon, Queen of Sheba Mine, and Galena Canyon Roads. The National Park Service (NPS) warns drivers to expect rougher conditions than normal, especially on the 4×4 roads.

The popular 4×4 route through Warm Springs over Mengel Pass to Goler Wash is only partially open. No through traffic is allowed between Warm Springs Camp and Butte Valley until the road route is re-established by the NPS.

North Highway, Mud Canyon Road, Titus Canyon Road, Racetrack Road, and some other roads remain closed while debris continues to be removed and they are made safe for travel. More information on park roads is online: nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

 

LA KINGS ANNOUNCE HISTORIC NEW ICE RINK PARTNERSHIP IN MAMMOTH LAKES

The New “LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes” Will be Located Within the Town’s Brand-New Community Recreation Center and is Set to Open to the Public in 2023

LOS ANGELES – December 7, 2022 – The Town of Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT), and Mammoth Lakes Recreation have launched an historic new, community-driven partnership with National Hockey League (NHL) franchise, the LA Kings. As part of the expansive, multiyear partnership, brokered by AEG Global Partnerships, the partners have teamed up to launch “LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes”– the Town’s first indoor Olympic-sized ice rink.
The forthcoming “LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes” will operate within a newly constructed, multi-use Community Recreation Center (CRC) that is set to open to the public in 2023.

Additionally, as part of the agreement, MLT will continue its longstanding relationship as an official partner of the LA Kings.
For more than 20 years, Mammoth Lakes has been actively searching for a permanent home for an indoor ice rink and multi-use facility – one that would enhance the quality of life for residents
and visitors with year-round access to high-quality and innovative indoor recreational program offerings and activities. This transformational partnership will bring the Town’s long-awaited
vision to life and is a demonstration of the partners’ mutual support and commitment to the health and well-being of the community as well as the growth of hockey and ice sports in the region.

“We could not be prouder to be working in partnership with Mammoth Lakes Tourism, Mammoth Lakes Recreation and the Town of Mammoth Lakes to bring LA Kings Ice to Mammoth Lakes,” said LA Kings President and Hall of Famer Luc Robitaille. “We know this project will have a lasting and positive effect on the Mammoth Lakes community and we are delighted to help elevate the quality and experience of ice sports for its residents and visitors, many of whom are also avid hockey fans and players.”

The CRC, located at Mammoth Creek Park, will be a 40,000 square foot Sprung Performance Arena enclosing the brand new “LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes.” The CRC will be open and available to the public year-round, with the new ice rink operating annually each winter season between the months of October and April. During the summer months, the Olympic-sized rink will be transformed into a fully programmable, multi-use RecZone, which will serve as the hub
for the expanding Parks and Recreation Department’s summer camps and programs.

To maximize operational efficiencies and to assist in the development of year-round programming, American Sports Entertainment Company, LLC (ASEC), one of the largest independent owner/operators of ice rink facilities in the United States, have been contracted by the Town to deliver year-round technical and operational consulting services for the facility.

Broad community input from local residents and industry experts alike helped inform and build the programming playbook for “LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes.” Based on this feedback, daily
drop-in or frequently programmed on-ice activities at the facility will include public skating, youth and adult hockey, figure skating, and learn to skate lessons as well as the expanding curling
program. The rink will also serve as the home of Mammoth Lakes Youth Hockey and theMammoth Stars. Mammoth Lakes Youth Hockey is an all-volunteer and USA Hockey-sanctioned
program providing in-house and travel hockey for the youth of the greater Eastern Sierra region. Residents and visitors of Mammoth Lakes will also be able to enjoy a multitude of court sports, community events and recreational activities programmed throughout summer delivering all recreation, all the time!

“This partnership with the LA Kings, an iconic NHL franchise, represents an incredible opportunity for the community of Mammoth Lakes,” said Daniel C. Holler, Town Manager. “The powerful collaboration with Mammoth Lakes Tourism and Mammoth Lakes Recreation to bring the LA Kings to Mammoth Lakes reflects the Town’s commitment to deliver world-class recreation amenities for both residents and visitors by strategically partnering with the best of the best.”

Under the agreement, the LA Kings brand will be prominently featured at “LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes” including distinctive signage throughout the facility and in center-ice. The LA
Kings will also advance its youth hockey development initiatives via LA Kings Youth Hockey camps hosted at the rink as well as unique on-site programming designed to promote hockey and increase accessibility of the sport amongst local youth.

“Combined with community driven and professionally branded programming, the new ‘LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes’ operated by the Parks and Recreation Department and supported by ASEC, will be a game-changer for recreation in Mammoth Lakes,” stated Stuart Brown, Parks and Recreation Director for the Town. “We are thrilled to welcome the LA Kings and ASEC to our community to help us infuse a lifelong love of hockey and ice sports for youth, adults and the young at heart.”

As an official partner of the LA Kings, MLT will have prominent brand exposure during March and April LA Kings home games at Crypto.com Arena, and across the team’s digital channels. The
partnership also provides a significant opportunity for MLT to introduce visitors from Los Angeles and around the world to the Town, along with some of its best sights and attractions. Mammoth
Lakes is known for its year-round natural beauty and this partnership further promotes MLT’s new, “The Real Unreal” marketing campaign and reinforces the Town’s position as a world-class travel destination.

“We are honored to be a part of the team helping to bring ‘LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes to life,’ said Scott Emery, Vice President, AEG Global Partnerships. “This project and partnership has been many years in the making and will be an invaluable resource for so many. We look forwardto the positive impact it will have on the community for years to come.”

Mammoth Lakes Wins 2022 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Award for “Best Ski Town”

 

Mammoth Lakes, Calif. (December 2, 2022) — Mammoth Lakes, California has won the honor of “Best Ski Town” in North America in the 2022 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Award Contest.
Mammoth Lakes is home to Mammoth Mountain and surrounded by the Eastern Sierra wilderness that Ansel Adams made famous. With a long history as a basecamp for adventurers, Mammoth Lakes has kept its laid-back charm as major investment over the last decade brought a host of new dining, lodging, air service and activity options that provide for an exceptionally well-rounded visitor experience. Not to mention, the local ski and snowboard season is one of the longest in the country, often extending to the Fourth of July.

Mammoth Lakes was one of 20 nominated North American mountain towns chosen by an expert panel which included a combination of editors from USA TODAY and 10Best.com, relevant expert contributors, and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties. After four weeks of public voting, Mammoth Lakes came out on top, named the “Best Ski Town” of 2022. The top ten
included:
1. Mammoth Lakes
2. Banff
3. North Conway
4. Stowe
5. Banner Elk
6. Park City
7. Jackson Hole
8. Telluride
9. Aspen
10. Ketchum

“This impressive honor further reinforces Mammoth Lakes as the country’s premier mountain destination,” said John Urdi, Mammoth Lakes Tourism’s Executive Director. “With prime snow conditions extending well into the spring months, the world-famous Mammoth Mountain ski resort, miles of snowy terrain to explore, and endless family-friendly winter activities, Mammoth Lakes sets the standard for all mountain ski towns. Mammoth Lakes is accessible with air service from hundreds of cities across the country, making it easier than ever to access.”

Check visitmammoth.com for more information and to get started booking a Mammoth Lakes
vacation.

About USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards Nominees for all categories are chosen by a panel of relevant experts which include a combination of editors from USA TODAY; editors from 10Best.com; relevant expert contributors; and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties. The nomination panel for each award category is displayed on its associated contest page. All voting is digital and the 10Best Readers’ Choice Award contest is accessible on the 10Best.com website.

10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased, and experiential travel content of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world. The core of the site’s uniqueness is its team of local travel experts: a well-traveled and well-educated group who are not only experts in their fields – and their cities – but discriminating in their tastes. These local experts live in the city they write about so the content is constantly updated. 10Best.com averages 5 million visitors per month. It was acquired by USA TODAY in January of 2013.

KEN HARRISON, KIBS NEWSMAN HAS PASSED AWAY

With heavy hearts, the KIBS/KBOV family is sad to announce the passing of our News Director, Ken Harrison. Ken left this world early on the morning of July 21st, holding the hand of the love of his life and devoted partner, Sonya Hernandez. Ken leaves behind, sons Johnny Harrison and Trevor Harrison; sister Brenda Robinson; niece’s Cheri Noel, Kandi Archibald, and nephew Greg Kennedy. 

As well as Sonya and her son, Chase.
We are devastated by his passing, and relieved his suffering is over.
Ken lived his life to the brim in service to others. He will be forever remembered for his work in Unity Church, involvement and commitment to his home town community and in the community of Bishop,  where he found a second chance to live his best life in a place he had always loved, with a job and partner he adored.
Always ready to lend a hand to inform, entertain and connect with others, he lived several lives in his one lifetime. Truly making  a lasting and profound difference in the lives of so many. Ken wore many hats and touched many lives – as a father, partner, writer, broadcaster, DJ, comedian, angler and mentor to the masses.

Ken Harrison was a good man.

 

We will remember our friend Ken with love and affection.

In lieu of flowers, donations to help Sonya with Ken’s final expenses can be sent to Sonya Hernandez, care of KIBS.

KIDS FISHING FESTIVAL

The 33rd Annual  KIDS FISHING FESTIVAL returns to Mammoth’s SnowCreek Resort ponds from 8am-1pm on July 30th. Rods & reels are provided as are guides to help the kids catch our 1 pound trout with Power bait supplied by Berkley. There are several educational booths from the CA. Dept. of Fish & Wildlife such as a casting booth, archery lessons, dissection, and lots more. The Mammoth Lakes Lions Club offers donuts, orange juice and coffee plus the Latin Market will have their Mexican food truck. This FREE event is sponsored by Eastern Sierra Artists and the Town of Mammoth Lakes. Go to KidsFishFest.com for more information or call 760-937-2942. No advance registration is required.

Bishop Chamber Golf Fun Day

The Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with Bishop Country Club for a fun afternoon of golf, games and great food! Slated for Saturday, July 30th. This golf event is not your typical tournament, but it will be a whole lot of fun for players of all skill levels!


Each hole will feature a different game with prizes for each two-person team. Everyone who plays will also be entered into a raffle for big prizes, including cash, gift certificates, and a brand new Ashley furniture rocking recliner! All players will also be treated to a delicious barbecue dinner.

Cost is just $50 per person and includes golf games, cart, raffle entry and dinner! Check-in begins at 3pm with golf games starting at 4pm. This event is open to everyone – members, non-members, good golfers & hackers too! Proceeds will benefit the Bishop Chamber of Commerce, a community based non-profit organization that works hard to improve our local economy. Space is limited, so register today by following the golf fun day link on www.bishopvisitor.com.

Fairview Fire Update from the BVFD

At 2:45 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2022, the Bishop Fire Department was dispatched to Fairview Circle for a

structure fire. When the first unit arrived at the scene, three structures were already fully engulfed, with

fire rapidly spreading into the nearby brush and neighboring residences due to windy, dry conditions.

Seeing the magnitude of the incident, Bishop Fire requested mutual aid from throughout the region.

Southern California Edison cut electricity to the surrounding area, and CalFire immediately directed their

units towards the spreading vegetation fire to protect nearby neighborhoods.

Friday’s high winds, along with narrow access areas, propane tank involvement, and a lack of nearby fire

hydrants severely hampered firefighting efforts. Firefighters were forced to withdraw from Fairview

Circle and had to fight the fire from Watterson Road. Seventeen water tenders made multiple trips to

draft sites and fire hydrants to provide enough water to suppress the blaze.

Tumbleweed Lane and Indian Creek Drive were evacuated as the fire spread. These evacuation orders

were lifted later in the evening once forward progression of the fire was stopped. The Watterson Road

area remained evacuated until mid-afternoon on Saturday as fire crews continued mop-up efforts.

Firefighting resources remained at the scene throughout the night Friday, all day Saturday, and continue

to patrol the area as needed.

Nine residences and approximately 20 outbuildings were destroyed in the fire. Four additional

residences were damaged. The cause of the incident remains under investigation, and is believed to be

accidental in nature.

One firefighter suffered smoke inhalation during the Fairview incident. The firefighter was transported

to Northern Inyo Hospital by Symons Emergency Services and was released later Friday night after

treatment. One civilian was injured.

“Our hearts go out to everyone who lost their homes and were displaced by this fire,”

said Bishop Fire Chief Joe Dell. “We are extremely grateful to everyone who stepped up to help fight this

fire, and to everyone who continues to help those affected.”

The Bishop Fire Department would like to extend a huge thank-you to the numerous agencies that

responded from throughout the Eastern Sierra to help fight the Fairview Fire, including Big Pine,

Independence, Lone Pine, White Mountain, Chalfant Valley, June Lake, Antelope Valley, Wheeler Crest,

Mammoth Lakes, Long Valley, CalFire and the Inyo National Forest. The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office,

Symons Emergency Services, Reach Air Medical Services, the Bishop Police Department, Inyo County

Health and Human Services, Mountain Warfare Training Center (Pickel Meadows), the Los Angeles

Department of Water and Power, Indian Creek Mutual Water Company, Bishop Public Works and the

American Red Cross also provided assistance during and after the fire.

Additional thanks go to Two Brothers from Italy in Big Pine, who shut down their restaurant to make

pizzas that they then donated to the firefighters, Vons of Bishop, which donated sandwiches, snacks and

water, and the countless other groups and individuals who came forward to support the firefighting and

recovery efforts.

MULE DAYS IS HERE

MULE DAYS IS BACK FOR ITS 52nd YEAR WITH THE MAGNIFICENT, TALENTED MULE! WATCH AMAZING CLINICS WITH UNIQUE PRESENTATIONS! CATCH THE MULE’S AGILITY IN THE MANY COMPETITIONS! MULE DAYS HAS GREAT ENTERTAINMENT, VENDORS FOR SHOPPING, AN AMAZING PARADE AND LOTS OF FOOD…EVEN FREE MUSIC BY POPULAR DAVE STAMEY! BRING YOUR RV TO THE FAIRGROUNDS FOR FUN CAMPING! YOU CAN BOOK EVERYTHING ON LINE AT MULEDAYS.ORG OR CALL 760-872-4263.

Jim Butler Days

IT’S TIME TO COME TO THE 51ST ANNUAL JIM BUTLER DAYS IN TONOPAH, NEVADA, HONORING THE TOWN’S SERBIAN ANCESTRY! MAY 22ND TO MAY 30TH! HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE FRIDAY WHEN TONOPAH WILL BE ROCKIN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN WITH LIVE MUSIC AND STREET DANCE! SATURDAY IT’S THE NEVADA STATE MINING CHAMPIONSHIPS, SANCTIONED HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT, PARADE AND MORE! SUNDAY DON’T MISS THE EXCITING STAMPEDE RODEO! MONDAY IS THE VFW MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY. CHECK OUT JIMBUTLERDAYS.COM AND PLAN NOW!

Bishop Bronco’s Buck Kern Valley

Bishop Bronco’s defeated the visiting Kern Valley Broncs on Tuesday, April 19.

The  Broncos got things moving in the first inning when Reese Dondero homered on a 0-1 count, scoring three runs.

Jake Frigerio got the start for Bishop Broncos. The fireballer surrendered four runs on three hits over two innings, striking out two. Acie Valdivia shoved from the mound for 3 innings, giving up 2 hits and striking out one.

Caleb Gillem collected four hits in four at-bats, as Bishop Broncos defeated Kern Valley 18-6 on Tuesday. Gillem singled in the first, singled in the second, tripled in the third, and singled in the fourth.

Bishop Broncos got things moving in the first inning when Reese Dondero homered on a 0-1 count, scoring three runs.

The Bishop Broncos collected 18 hits on the day. GillemAcie ValdiviaJamisen WolfeJonathan ThomsonDondero, and Frigerio each had multiple hits for Bishop Broncos. Kennedy Batchelder led Bishop Broncos with five stolen bases, as they ran wild on the base paths with 12 stolen bases.

Here are the stats . . .

  • Jake Frigerio, 2-4, single and a triple, 2 RBIs, 2 stolen bases
  • Riley Eropkin, 1-3, single
  • Reese Dondero, 2-4, single and homeroom, 3 RBIs
  • Albert Cano, 1-1 single
  • Jonathan Thomson, 2-2, both singles
  • Acie Valdivia, 3-4, 2 singles and a double, 2 RBIs
  • Caleb Gillem, 4-4, 3 RBIs, 2 stolen bases
  • Kennedy Batchelder, 1-2, 2 RBIs, 5 stolen bases
  • Bodie Garcia, 1 RBI
  • Jamisen Wolfe, 2-2, 2 RBIs, 2 stolen bases.

Our 7 – 0  undefeated-in-league Broncos head to take on the 1 – 4  Frazier Mountain Falcons on Friday.

Listen to AM 1230 KBOV for complete game coverage with play-by-play announcer Adam Gonzalez. Live coverage starts with “Broncos Live” at 3:00 PM.

Game Photos Courtesy of Gary Young Photography

LADWP Sues Air Pollution District To Protect Native Artifacts

The City of Los Angeles filed a motion against the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District to ensure the protection of significant cultural resources on the Owens Lake playa.

The motion is in response to a July 21, 2021, GBUAPCD  Order, and subsequent fining more than $500,000 in penalties, directing LADWP to begin dust mitigation on an artifact-dense cultural resource site known as Sibi Patsiata-wae-tü Cultural Resource located on the playa.

LADWP says this Order violates both GBUAPCD’s own regulations and the sovereignty of at least one Native American Tribe

GBUAPCD’s violation of its own regulations, coupled with public objections  – including those from the Fort Independence Tribe of Paiute Indians, who stated that “the Tribe’s concerns, as a sovereign nation, were disenfranchised,” by the Order – forced LADWP to seek legal action.

LADWP’s motion requests that the California Superior Court immediately instruct GBUAPCD to rescind its order, which is both culturally insensitive and in legal violation of the Owens Lake 2014 Stipulated Judgement and 2016 State Implementation Plan.

Anaselmo Collins, LADWP Senior Asst. General Manager stated, “In issuing this Order, GBUAPCD broke a promise that it made to the public, regulators, LADWP, and the Fort Independence Tribe of Paiute Indians that it would regulate fairly, in accordance with scientific evidence, and with respect for culturally significant land. While we are disappointed this issue could not be resolved outside the courts, LADWP is dedicated to finding a solution to protect the Native American Cultural Resource Area at Owens Lake.”