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Community News, Local News

Northern Inyo Hospital Not Panicking After Five New COVID-19 Cases

Northern Inyo Hospital held a press conference on Thursday, April 16, 2020, in response to the five new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county. All cases were confirmed at the hospital, bringing the total amount of victims to seventeen.

Dr. Stacey Brown could not comment on whether or not the cases were all connected, but did say that each patient’s tests were confirmed to be in the same batch of testing kits that were sent to LabCorp in Phoenix, Arizona. “Those five positive cases were in a batch of twelve people that we tested last weekend,” Brown said.

The Rural Health Clinic Director added that he is not overly alarmed by the five cases. It is more likely that the test results were confirmed at the same time and less likely that every person tested came down with the virus at the same time. Brown said, “The new confirmed cases is not diagnostic of a surge, but more of a testing glut. Usually five to eight tests per day is what we send out for lab analysis. With just one data point to look at and five tests confirmed, I can’t say we are in a surge.”

Turnaround time for testing results will be faster than the usual two days it takes to receive coronavirus testing outcomes. The in-house testing has been approved for the hospital to use, which will allow for patients to find out whether or not  they have the virus in approximately an hour. “As of today, we have in-house testing via nasal swab available,” Brown remarked.

Interim Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Will Timbers, added that the healthcare district has also implemented antibody testing, which will let patients know whether or not they have built up immunity to COVID-19. “Antibody testing in-house is available as well. However, we are not entirely sure how accurate it is right now,” Timbers said.

California Governor, Gavin Newsom recently said in a press conference that in order to lessen up on societal restrictions and go back to some semblance of normal life, he would need to see a decrease in hospitalizations and ICU admissions. The governor outlined “the six critical indicatiors” the state would need to see in order to consider modifying the Stay-at-Home guidelines.

When asked whether or not there has been an increase or decrease in hospitalizations locally, Dr. Timbers said there has been a moderate increase of admissions to the hospital, but not enough to warrant alarm. “Volumes have been up marginally, but nothing that is coming at all close to taxing our resources,” Timbers expressed.

It has been well documented that the majority of cases of COVID-19 are considered by the medical community to be mild, with eighty-one percent of patients reporting mild symptoms. However, just because it is deemed to be a mild case, does not mean that many of the individuals who come down with the sickness do not experience tremendous pain and discomfort.

Timbers also spoke about the misconception that many people have when it comes to what the word “mild” means relating to coronavirus. “Mild, severe,  and critical are used to classify illness in the medical community. Eighty-one percent of people who have COVID-19 are determined to be a mild case based on if they have mild viral pneumonia or no pneumonia. Mild cases in the medical community is not what the majority of the public would perceive as a mild,” Timbers remarked.

Community News

Mammoth Dog Licensing Clinic

Mammoth Dog Licensing Clinic

submitted by the Mammoth Lakes Police Department
June 9, 2016

Mammoth Lakes, CA – On Saturday, June 18, from 3:00 to 4:30 PM, the Mammoth Lakes Police Department will be renewing Town of Mammoth Lakes dog licenses for the upcoming fiscal year and offering discounted vaccinations and microchipping. Dr. Gaylon TeSlaa and the staff of Alpen Veterinary clinic will be on hand with low cost vaccinations and microchipping for both dogs and cats.
California law requires all dogs over the age of 4 months to be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. If you live within the limits of the Town of Mammoth Lakes, you are required to license your dog. Sorry for you loss bologna exist whip
If your dog does not need a rabies update, you may purchase just the required license – $20 if your animal is spayed/neutered; $50 if they’re unaltered. Please bring proof of spay/neuter and current rabies vaccination (if applicable). Discounted microchipping will also be available for $10. If you are paying by check and will be purchasing a license and vaccinations, please remember that you will be paying two separate bills.

For everyone’s safety, your dog must be leashed and your cat in a carrier. If your animal doesn’t do well with others, please leave them in your car until you complete the paperwork and the vet will come to your vehicle to administer the shots.

You may now purchase 2016-17 TOML dog licenses at the MLPD Business Office Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. Please bring proof of spay/neuter and current vaccinations.

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Local News

Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District pushing Fuel Reduction

MLFPD Encouraging Reduction of Wildland Fire Fuels

May 18, 2016
Submitted by Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District

Now that the winter snows have melted from much of town, the Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District (MLFD) reminds residents of your responsibility to keep your property wildland fire safe. Long term residents are aware of the wildland fire incidence that can occur around town and especially with windy, hot, dry summers. From just about anywhere in town one can see the results of previous fire activity and the scars that have been left behind. In addition, the warmer temperatures are revealing the significant number of dead trees that are located in and around town.

Establishing and maintaining defensible space around our property is all of our responsibilities. We are all part of the team that will protect our community should we find ourselves in the situation of a wildfire threatening town. A well-maintained landscape enhances the beauty and value of any property— and just as importantly, the work serves as a fuel break. The goal is to keep your landscape lean, clean and green. The following steps can reduce your home’s vulnerability from the threat of wildfire and reduce your use of irrigation.

ZONE 1: 30 feet or more adjacent to the home and beyond attachments such as wooden decks.
Within the first 10 feet of the home, use nonflammable landscaping materials (rock, pavers), or low level annuals or perennials less than 18 inches in height. There should be nothing flammable within 10 feet of the home.
Keep this area lightly irrigated and free from dead or dry vegetation, combustible debris, and accumulations of leaf and needle litter. Plants should be carefully spaced, low growing and free of vegetation high in resins, oils, and waxes that burn easily. Mow lawns regularly.
Prune all trees up 1/3 the height of the tree or so the lowest limbs are 10-15 feet from the ground. If adjacent to a structure, prune up to the eave level. Clearance shall be a minimum of 10 feet from chimneys/stovepipes. Keep roof surfaces clear.
Thin out living vegetation 30 to 50% within this zone to decrease fire intensity and continuous path of travel.
Allow space between tops of trees to reduce the risk of crown fire.
Keep firewood stacks/piles at least 30 feet from the home. If this is not possible, from June 1 to September 30, cover entire woodpile with properly secured, fire resistive, California State Fire Marshal tagged tarp.
Water plants and trees as needed to ensure they are healthy. Do not use finely shredded mulch and mulch should be wetted periodically.
Areas around and above propane tanks need to be kept clear of vegetation for 10 feet.

ZONE 2: Approximately 30 to 100 feet from the home (if your property size permits).
Leave approximately 30 feet between clusters of two to three trees, or approximately 20 feet between individual trees. Do not remove more than 1/3 of the crown density.
Limit vegetation that serves as a link between low level vegetation and tree tops (ladder fuels).
Prune trees so branches and leaves are at least 10-15 feet above the ground.
Give yourself added protection with “fuel breaks,” such as gravel walkways, and lawns.
Remove any dead or dying material from yard and break up continuous patches of brush species to slow fire advance and decrease heat productivity.

forest 1
photo provided by MLFPD. Before Fuels reduction work.
forest 2
Photo Provided by MLFPD. After fuels reduction work.

Property owners who are unable to do this work themselves are encouraged to hire a licensed professional who both understand this information and can apply it to the property. MLFD maintains a list of qualified contractors that can perform this work.

Failure to comply with the regulations and clear your property in a timely fashion is not only expensive, but endangers the lives and homes of your neighbors, the community, and the firefighters who protect them.

If you would like more information on this or any other fire safety related matter, please feel free to contact the Mammoth Lakes Fire Department at (760) 934-2300.

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Local News

Mammoth’s Jesus Morales praised for saving freezing man

Winter Exposure Incident with Good Outcome

March 14, 2016
submitted by the Mammoth Lakes Fire Department

There was an incident that occurred recently in Mammoth Lakes where a snow removal operator observed what appeared to resemble a body located under a dusting of new fallen snow and stopped to investigate. What he found was an individual lying in a fetal position outside a local business partially covered with snow. He was unable to get a response and notified 9-1-1.

The operator, a Mammoth Lakes local, Jesus Morales, an employee of Construction Specialty, was at the business to remove snow when he observed what looked like a person lying on the ground outside the business. The individual was lying in close proximity to some clothing. It appears that the individual had shed some of their outer clothing (as is sometimes common when an individual gets exposed to the later stages of hypothermia) and laid down near the front door of the business sometime during the nighttime hours.

The call to 9-1-1 resulted in a response from Mono County Paramedics, Mammoth Lakes Fire, Mono County Sheriff’s Department, and Mammoth Lakes Police Department. The individual was evaluated, found to be semi-comatose but combative, and was transported to Mammoth Hospital. While the individual’s core body temperature was found to be just over 82 degrees, the individual has made a complete recovery. This is a surprising, but welcome outcome, as a human body with a core temperature of around 82 degrees usually does not fair so well.

This incident has a successful outcome due to an individual seeing something that was not right, and the willingness of this individual to take the necessary action to seek the appropriate care such that a life was saved. Mr. Morales is a caring community member for being observant and choosing to get involved to make a difference.

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Local News

Mammoth, Know your Limit

Mammoth PD continues the “Know your Limit” program

submitted by Mammoth Lakes Police Department

Know Your Limit Before Driving Impaired

Mammoth Lakes, CA – The Mammoth Lakes Police Department is continuing its Know Your Limit impaired driving prevention program. On Friday, February 26, 2016, from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM, the Mammoth Lakes Police Department, in partnership with Mono County Behavioral Health and Mammoth Taxi, will be conducting another Know Your Limit event in the Village at Mammoth.

Know Your Limit is designed to help potentially impaired drivers make informed decisions as to whether or not they are capable of operating a motor vehicle safely. Officers will be present in front of Lakanuki (6201 Minaret Road) with several PAS devices and educational material. Citizens will be offered the opportunity to submit to a voluntary PAS test, also known as a breath test. The results will be provided to the citizen, along with information on driving under the influence and a token for a free taxi ride provided by Mammoth Taxi. The tokens have been paid for by Mono County Behavioral Health and can be used the night of this event or any other night for a ride home provided that the ride is within the town limits. If the taxi ride is outside town limits (i.e., Main Lodge, the Bluffs, or Crowley Lake), the token is only good for its face value of $5.

This educational program offers citizens the opportunity to learn more about alcohol consumption and its effect on their breath alcohol content. MLPD hopes that by providing citizens with a better understanding of their own limits on alcohol consumption that they will choose not to drive if they are above the legal limit.

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Local News

Trees Damage Mammoth Homes

Trees Damage Mammoth Lakes Residences

submitted by Mammoth Fire Protection District
February 19, 2016

On Thursday, February 18, 2016 there were two incidents of falling trees that damaged structures as a result of the strong winds that were associated with the storm that left in excess of a foot of snow in town. The Mammoth Lakes Fire Department, Mammoth Lakes Police Department, Mono County Paramedics all responded to each of the incidents and fortunately there were no injuries as both residences were occupied.

At 8:56AM a report came into the Mono County Sheriff’s Dispatch Office of a tree that struck a home on at 230 Hillside Drive. Upon arrival, responding units found a Jeffrey Pine had broken off very close to the ground and struck both a single family home and condominium building. The tree significantly damaged the home and resulted sufficient damage to one condo unit such as to render it un-occupiable. There was also the smell of propane in the area of the damage and tanks serving both structures were turned off. In both cases there were occupants in the affected structures and one adult received a minor cut to their nose and cheek which did not require medical treatment. The home and the unit were evaluated by Town of Mammoth Lakes Building Staff and determined that the residences could not be occupied. All of the affected occupants were able to find housing.

tree 1
Photo provided by the Mammoth Fire Protection District

At 11:26am Mammoth Lakes Fire/Police along with Mono County Paramedics responded to the report of a fallen tree at 248 Mammoth Slopes Drive. On arrival one tree, approximately 60’ tall was down on the roadway between buildings J and L; a second tree, approximately 120’ tall, was directly adjacent to the tree that had gone down, and was now leaning heavily toward building L. Responding crews immediately started evacuations of buildings L, K, and M, all of which were potentially in the fall path of the tree given the strong and erratic winds. Additionally, crews established an exclusion zone and shut off propane to the evacuated buildings.

tree 2
Photo provided by the Mammoth lakes fire protection district.

The Incident Commander worked with the property manager to relocate occupants, and to have an assessment of the tree by tree service specialists. At approximately 1327 the tree fell into building L at low speed, coming to rest on the peak of the structure. At the time of this release MLFPD had released the scene to property managers. There were no reported injuries. Two engines, two command vehicles, and one ambulance responded to the call with 13 personnel.

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Local News

Mono County Earthquake

3.8 Earthquake in Mono County

by Arnie Palu
February 15, 2016

The USGS is confirming a 3.8 earthquake struck just minutes prior to 8am today.  The USGS indicates the earthquake was located 8 miles south-east of the Town of Mammoth Lakes.  The quake had a depth of 5 km.   No damage has been reported, however folks reported feeling the minor quake in the greater Mammoth area.

USGS Details
Magnitude:                        3.8
Depth:                            5 km
Time near the Epicenter:          15 Feb 2016  07:42:53
Location with respect to nearby cities:
13 km (8 mi) SE of Mammoth Lakes, California

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Local News

Don’t Get Scammed

Mammoth PD warns of “SCE” Scam

submitted by the Mammoth Lakes Police Department

Community Crime Alert – “SCE” Scam

 Mammoth Lakes, CA – The Mammoth Lakes Police Department seeks to warn the public regarding the prevalence of an aggressive phone scam. MLPD has received multiple reports that involve contact via telephone as an individual posing as Southern California Edison (SCE). The caller claims that they will disconnect your power due to non-payment if you don’t pay the bill immediately. They may ask for this in the form of a pre-paid credit card.

 If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be SCE, the following should be considered:

–      SCE will never demand immediate payment or ask you to wire money via Western Union or through a pre-paid credit card to prevent your electricity from being shut off. They will never require you to use a specific or single form of payment and does not accept Green Dot or Vanilla reloadable debit cards.

–      Be vigilant in verifying the identity and affiliation of the person contacting you, even if your caller ID indicates the phone call is from SCE. You can verify by calling SCE at 1-800-655-4555.

–      Scams work best when the victim doesn’t have time to think through things. The caller may seem believable and rush you. Take your time, don’t panic, and don’t pay. There is no situation where you should give your payment or personal information to an unsolicited caller.

If you receive this or a similar call and have questions about whether it is a scam, notify law enforcement immediately and don’t make any payments or other concessions prior to doing so. Anyone with information about these phone calls is encouraged to call MLPD or report a tip on our website.   www.mammothlakespd.org

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Local News

Pile Burning at June Lake and Mammoth Lakes

Pile Burning set near June Lake and Mammoth Lakes

submitted by Deb Schweizer
 Public Affairs Officer, Inyo National Forest
February 2, 2016

Crews will be pile burning in two locations today.  Firefighters hope to complete 17 acres of piles near the Double Eagle Resort in June Lake today.

Crews will also be burning near the Sherwin Creek Road and Sherwin Creek Campground in Mammoth Lakes in the next few days, where there are at total of 194 acres of piles.  In addition to taking advantage of the recent snow to safely complete the much needed fuel reduction, the crews are also using the favorable forecast for good smoke dispersal. Expect to see smoke near both towns and from Hwy 395.

Cover Photo, Inyo National Forest file photo.

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Local News

Mammoth PD is a Safe Trade Station

Mammoth PD Safe Trade Station Initiative

Submitted by Mammoth Police Department

Mammoth Lakes, CA – The Mammoth Lakes Police Department announced today that it has joined the SafeTrade initiative for safer completion of online transactions. SafeTrade is a simple program for police departments to encourage transactions at their facilities, for classified sites to strengthen their safety and security initiatives, and for users to insist on “SafeTrade” by conducting their transactions at a local police office.          

Citizens may use the Mammoth Lakes Police Department’s lobby during business hours (Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 5 PM) and the parking lot directly in front of the building to conduct transactions under camera surveillance. Mammoth Lakes Police Department officers and personnel do not get involved in, enforce, guarantee, or become a party in any way to the transactions of the individuals trading. Under no circumstances may someone conduct a transaction involving the sale of any weapon, medications, or any illegal items at the police department.

There are a few ways you can ensure your transaction is a positive one:

–      Ask for and accept cash only. Never accept checks, money orders or money wires as these are commonly associated with fraud.

–      Be cautious when buying or selling high value items.

–      Ask questions. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

–      Never give out your address or invite a buyer to your home.

–      Meet in a well-lit public place and let someone know where you are going. Buyers or sellers should reconsider conducting business with anyone who refuses to meet near a police station.

A SafeTrade sign has been placed in the front window of the Mammoth Lakes Police Department to be a reminder of the emphasis on providing the station as a safe environment for citizens involved in online transactions.

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Local News

Pile Burning Today

Inyo National Forest burning Piles

Submitted by the Inyo National Forest

Fire crews will continue with pile burning on the Dry Creek Unit and hope to burn 55 acres of piles today (Wednesday, January 13th)  and tomorrow (Thursday, January 14th) weather conditions permitting.

The Dry Creek Unit is located west of the Crestview Rest Area. Visitors and residents may see smoke north of Mammoth Lakes and west of Hwy 395.

Pile burning safely reduces fuels that can lead to larger, more destructive fires under hot and dry conditions.

Cover Photo, File Photo provided by the Inyo National Forest

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Local News

MLFPD offers Fire Safety Tips

Holiday Fire Safety

submitted by the Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District.

Decorating homes and businesses is a basic part of the holiday season. Unfortunately, these same decorations may increase your chances of fire. An estimated 250 home fires involving Christmas trees and another 170 home fires involving holiday lights and other decorative lighting occur each year. These types of fires result in several deaths and numerous injuries. Following a few simple fire safety tips can keep electric lights, candles, and Christmas trees from creating a tragedy. Learn how to prevent a fire and what to do in case a fire starts in your home. Make sure all exits are accessible and not blocked by decorations or trees. Help ensure that you and your family have a fire safe holiday season.

Christmas Trees

What’s a traditional Christmas morning scene without a beautifully decorated tree? If your household includes a natural cut tree in its festivities, make sure that you – “keep the tree watered.” Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. A dry and neglected tree can be a serious problem. Keep your tree well-watered and remove from the structure if many needles begin falling from the tree.

When selecting a tree look for a fresh tree that is green with needles that are hard to pull back from the branches and do not break. The trunk should be sticky to the touch and cut 1 inch from the truck before placing in a watered stand. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground and if many needles fall off, the tree was cut too long ago, has dried out.

Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Do not put your cut tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

Use Only Nonflammable Holiday Decorations

All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents. If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Maintain Your Holiday Lights

Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.

Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets

Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.

Do not leave holiday lights on overnight or unattended!

Don’t Block Exits

Ensure that trees and other holiday decorations do not block an exit way. In the event of a fire, time is of the essence. A blocked entry/exit way puts you and your family at risk.

Never Put Wrapping Paper in the Fireplace

Wrapping paper in the fireplace can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire. Wrapping paper may also contain toxins that are not safe to breathe if allowed to burn.

Beware of Snow Covered Ponds/Lakes

While snow covered ponds and lakes may appear inviting, prior to the recent storms, ice development was marginal and in many places did not thicken to adequately support significant weight. As a result persons may obtain a false sense of security when looking at a snow covered lake. With the holidays quickly approaching, emergency responders want to ensure that the word is out there that this may not be the year to venture out on snow covered lakes, at least not at this point in the winter season. Please be extra careful around our lakes and be very observant of children and pets.

The Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District wishes you a very happy and safe holiday season. For more information or for any questions pertaining to fire related issues, please feel free to contact the Mammoth Lakes Fire Department at 934-2300.

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