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Local News

Paradise Fire Department Fundraiser is a success

Paradise Fire Says Thanks

The fundraiser this past weekend at Hidden Creeks Ranch was a big success.  Organizers have pinned a letter of thanks.

The Paradise Fire Protection District‘s First Annual Fire Engine Red Fundraiser on Saturday, June 6, 2015, was a great success.  The weather was gorgeous and everyone enjoyed a lovely outdoor evening at Roxanne Tallman’s Hidden Creek Ranch with fabulous food prepared by Classy Cowgirl Catering and breads from Great Basin Bakery, fine wines by Eberle Vineyards, Mastro Scheidt Family Cellars, and Shadow Ranch Winery, delicious beer by Mountain Rambler Brewery, and lively music performed by the Idle Hands String Band.

We are most grateful to our Event Sponsors who gave our fundraising efforts a big boost: Lions Clubs International Foundation, Bishop Welding Supply, Evan & Kathie Russell, Lorraine Heneghan, Tom & Laura Talbot of the Bishop Veterinary Hospital, Debbie & Steve Blair of Chalfant Big Trees, and Jerry & Debbie Core of Inyo Mono Title Company.

We would also like to thank the more than 80 businesses and individuals who supported our efforts by donating to the Silent Auction and Raffle.  We are very grateful to everyone who attended the Fire Engine Red Fundraiser, bid in the Silent Auction, and purchased raffle tickets.

Thanks to all of the tremendous support from this community, we more than attained our goal of matching funds for the Cal Fire Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Program to purchase new wildland firefighting equipment for the Paradise Fire Protection District.

Thank you ALL for making the PFPD’s First Annual Fire Engine Red Fundraiser such an outstanding success!

Ann Klinefelter
PFPD Board Chair

cover photo by Gary Young, taken after the round fire

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Community News, KIBS/KBOV Announcements, Local News

Paradise Fire District Fundraiser

Paradise FD holding Fundraiser June 6th

Paradise Fire Protection District is holding their First Fire Engine Red Fundraiser Saturday, June 6, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hidden Creek Ranch, Bishop.

Seeing a need to augment funding to purchase necessary life saving tools, Paradise Fire Protection District is stepping up to the plate.

The recent Round Fire made very apparent the District’s vulnerability to wild fires, especially after four years of drought. Ann Klinefelter said, “We desperately need new wild land firefighting equipment. We are applying for a 50/50 matching grant through the Cal Fire Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Program to purchase approximately $20,000 worth of equipment. “ And she added, “To raise our portion of the funds, the PFPD Board is holding the First Annual Fire Engine Red Fundraiser on June 6, 2015. Our goal is to raise $10,000, while bringing our community together for an evening of fun and good cheer. We are asking for your help!”

Join your friends and neighbors for a special evening featuring wine tasting by Eberle Vineyard, Mastro Scheidt Family Cellars, and Shadow Ranch Winery; beer tasting by Mountain Rambler Brewery; appetizers and desserts by Classy Cowgirl Catering; live music by Idle Hands; and a chance to win fabulous prizes in the Silent Auction and Raffle.

Event tickets are $60 each and Raffle Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $20.

Event tickets are limited! Stop by Spellbinder Books in Bishop, Mammoth Lakes Foundation in Mammoth or Tom’s Place Resort to purchase dinner and raffle tickets.

Give these fundraising efforts a big boost by becoming Event Sponsor: for $500 donation you will receive 4 complimentary event tickets and 4 complimentary raffle tickets, your name and logo in the event program.

For more information call: Ann Klinefelter at 760-387-2673

cover photo by Gary Young, www.garyyoungphotography.com

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Local News

Disaster Assistance for Round Fire

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents Affected by the Round Fire

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to California businesses and residents affected by the Round Fire that occurred February 6 – 12, 2015, U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet announced today. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Edmund G. Brown, Jr.’s designated representative, Mark S. Ghilarducci, on March 5, 2015.

The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Alpine, Fresno, Inyo, Madera, Mono and Tuolumne counties in California; and Douglas, Esmeralda, Lyon and Mineral counties in Nevada.

“SBA is strongly committed to providing California with the most effective and customer-focused response possible, and we will be there to provide access to federal disaster loans to help finance recovery for businesses and residents affected by the disaster,” said Contreras-Sweet. “Getting our businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.”

“Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters whose property was damaged or destroyed by this disaster,” said SBA’s Fresno District Director Carlos G. Mendoza. “Beginning Thursday, March 12, SBA representatives will be on hand at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application,” Mendoza continued. The center will be open on the days and times indicated. No appointment is necessary.

MONO COUNTY
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Crowley Lake Community Center
58 Pearson Road
Crowley Lake, CA 93546

Opens Thursday, March 12
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Closes Wednesday, March 25

Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 2.625 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 1.813 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339. For more information about SBA’s disaster assistance programs, visit http://www.sba.gov/disaster.

The filing deadline to return applications for property damage is May 11, 2015. The deadline to return economic injury applications is December 11, 2015.

cover photo by Gary Young

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Community News, Local News

Excess Round Fire donations will be sold this weekend

A Benefit Sale for Round Fire Relief Efforts is this Weekend

Organizers will give victims one last chance to pick up donated items before the sale Saturday and Sunday.

According to the Bishop Chamber of Commerce, the morning after the Round Fire generous donors began dropping off donations of clothing, shoes, bedding, toiletries and other items to aid those displaced from Paradise and Swall Meadows.   The fire claimed one home in Paradise and numerous homes in Swall Meadows.

The Salvation Army, Tri-County Fairgrounds, Bishop Chamber and many devoted volunteers have been working diligently for weeks to sort and display the items. Dozens of families have picked up items and expressed true gratitude.

The outpouring of support has been phenomenal – so much so that more items have been collected than can possibly be used by the fire families.

Organizers will hold a “Community Benefit” sale with the remaining items this weekend at the Home Economics Building, Tri-County Fairgrounds. Proceeds from the sale will benefit both the local Salvation Army and the Round Fire Relief Fund. Hours for the Community Benefit Sale will be Saturday, March 7th, 9am until 6pm and Sunday, March 8th, 12noon until 4pm.  Only cash and checks will be accepted.

Organizers indicate that the sale will feature an amazing selection of clothing for men, women & children; shoes of all sizes and so much more! All proceeds will benefit both the Salvation Army and the Round Fire Relief Fund.

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Community News, Local News

MHS hosting Dinner for Round Fire Victims

Mammoth High School hosting Free Dinner for Swall Meadows

SWALL MEADOWS FIRE RESIDENTS DINNER
Hosted by: Mammoth High School Culinary Arts
On March 6, 2015, from 5:30 – 7:30 PM, Mammoth High School will be hosting a free chili dinner, with a vegetarian option, for residents of Swall Meadows affected by the recent fire.   MHS is inviting all residents of Swall Meadows affected by the recent fire to a Chili Dinner hosted by their Culinary Arts classes.  It would be their pleasure to have folks join them for some good food and fellowship with neighbors. The dinner will be held in the Mammoth High School MPR on March 6 from 5:30-7:30.  Staff and students will be serving and staff will be providing tasty, homemade desserts. Please join them at whatever time is convenient for you and your family.   They can also arrange for take home plates if you prefer.
For specific dietary restrictions or requests, please contact Trish Qualls at (760)934-8541 ext. 298 or email at tqualls@mammothusd.org.

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Community News, Local News

Round Fire Wednesday Update

Round Fire is 98% contained

 

Acres: 7,000
Containment: 98%
Structures Destroyed: 40 (39 in swall meadows, 1 in Paradise)
Structures Damaged: 5
Structures Threatened: No Immediate Threat
Injuries: 4 firefighters
Cause: Under Investigation
Personnel Assigned: 100+

Current situation: Smoking debris may be seen on the western edge of the fire. This debris does not pose a threat to residents.

Re-population of the Paradise and Swall Meadows communities began at 4:00pm on Monday. Residents of Paradise and Swall Meadows will need a valid form of identification to receive their access pass. Access passes can be obtained by the Mono County Sheriff’s Office personnel at the Command Post located at Pine Creek Road and Lower Rock Creek Road. Passes are necessary for all entry into the area. At this time, only residents of Paradise and Swall Meadows can gain entry into these communities.

Officials are asking that residents use extreme caution in and around damaged and destroyed homes. Structural instability, hot ash pockets, and fire weaken chimneys pose a risk for injury. Remember to use gloves and a dust mask when working around fire debris.

American Red Cross: The Red Cross is available in two locations to assist victims in their recovery process. A mobile unit is staged at the Wheeler Crest Fire Department in Swall Meadows. The Red Cross is also housed at the Crowley Lake Community Center.

Utilities: SCE is still in the communities working extremely hard to restore and maintain power for all residents. If for some reason you remain without power, please be patient with SCE as they work to ensure complete power is restored. They have been working literally around the clock to repair all damage in the fire areas.

Donations and resources: There are several donation centers in and around Mono and Inyo Counties. Please visit https://gis.mono.ca.gov/roundfire for complete information and a list of available locations. Officials sincerely THANK EVERYONE for the generosity during this very devastating fire.

Cooperative agencies that remain on scene to ensure safety of all the residents of Swall Meadows and Paradise: Cal Fire, Inyo National Forest (USFS), BLM, Wheeler Crest Fire Department, Paradise Fire Department, Inyo County Sheriff’s Office, Mono County Sheriff’s Office, CHP, CalTrans, Cal OES.

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Community News, Local News

Round Fire Tuesday Update

Round Fire Update, Residents allowed in

From Cal Fire:

Acres: 7,000
Containment: 95% (full containment expected today)
Structures Destroyed: 40 (39 in swall meadows, 1 in paradise)
Structures Damaged: 5
Injuries: 4 firefighters
Cause: Under Investigation
Personnel assigned: 100+
Evacuations: Lifted

From The Mono County Sheriffs department:

Current Situation: Re-population for the residents of Paradise and Swall Meadows began Monday at 4:00pm. For all residents that still need to re-enter, you will need a pass to get in. Please visit the Command Post located at the entry point of Pine Creek Road and Lower Rock Creek Road. Mono County Sheriff’s Office personnel will issue you the entry pass. Please have proper identification with you. Residents can come and go from the communities. Remember to take your pass with you so you may gain re-entry. Residents are allowed up to two additional people to help with re-population. Please ensure these individuals are with you. Please remember to drive slowly and with caution in the escort lines into the communities. Be attention to work crews and personnel on scene.

Residents will need to use extreme caution in and around damaged and destroyed homes. Structural instability, hot ash pockets, and fire weakened chimneys pose a risk for injury. Please use the the utmost caution.

Red Cross: The American Red Cross is now stationed in two locations. They are directly on scene with a mobile unit at Wheeler Crest Fire Department in Swall Meadows. If any residents need immediate assistance, please visit the mobile unit. They are also stationed at the Crowley Lake Community Center.

Donations: There has been a phenomenal response to those willing to give to this devastating incident. Please visit https://gis.mono.ca.gov/roundfire for the most up-to-date donation sites.

Utilities: Verizon cell service went back online Monday evening. All phone services are up and running. Please note that interruption in service may happen as continued work is done. Please be patient as crews continue to work. Thank you to SCE for their 24/7 response to fixing all the burned power poles and restoring the power to the communities.

Cooperating agencies: Cal Fire, Inyo National Forest (USFS), BLM, Wheeler Crest Fire Department, Paradise Fire Department, Inyo County Sheriff’s Office, Mono County Sheriff’s Office, CHP, Caltrans, CalOES

The assistance center in Bishop located at the Patio building at the fairgrounds, organized by the Salvation Army, Tri county fair and Bishop Chamber of commerce is open from 10-3 daily.  They have received a large amount of donations and those who need supplies are encouraged to stop by for assistance.

Photo by Gary Young Photography

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Community News, Local News

Round Fire Monday Update

Round Fire Monday Update

UPDATE (12:00 noon)

Cal Fire was confirming that residents of Paradise will be allowed into the community at 1pm today, however Mono County SO is now saying….Southern California Edison (SCE) is not ready to re-population Paradise at this time. There are still power lines down and no power within the community. SCE is close to restoring power. We cannot allow re-population until all utility needs are met.  We are anticipating for re-population of the community of Paradise at 4:00pm today. We are sorry for any inconveniences but please be patient, both communities will be re-populated today – first Paradise and then Swall Meadows.

Progress continues as crews work to fully contain the Round Fire which claimed 40 homes this weekend. The fire is now 85% contained. 39 homes in the Swall Meadows community and one home in Paradise were destroyed after the fire broke out Friday afternoon. Very high, erratic winds moved the fire north from it’s origin at the Schober ranch in Round Valley.  Winds in the area were gusting well over 70 mph. The official cause of the fire remains under investigation.

According to Cal Fire, with numerous hazards still existing, access to the area is restricted. Cal Fire spokesperson Liz Brown says, “The evacuation is still in effect as downed power lines make re-entry hazardous for homeowners. The community of Paradise may be repopulated as early as this morning if infrastructure needs are met. Trees damaged by fire are being assessed and tagged as hazards for removal.”

A total of 4 firefighters have been injured in the firefighting and mop up effort. All of the injuries are considered minor.

The evacuation center is the Crowley lake community center.

In Bishop the Salvation Army, Chamber of Commerce and Tri-County Fair have been receiving donations. Organizers thank the community for the outpouring of support, but note that the donation center at the tri county fair grounds has reached maximum capacity. They are now concentrating on distribution. If you have items to donate, please hold on to them, noting there will be a need later, once the displaced families are more settled in to their temporary housing arrangements. At this point gift cards of any kind are a great donation, as they require no storage space and allow victims to acquire exactly what they need. Organizers would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of love, support and compassion for our friends and neighbors.

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Community News, Local News

Round Fire Update

Round Fire Update

Sunday, February 8th, 12:30 pm Update

The containment percentage is holding at 65, however officials at cal fire are hopeful that number will increase significantly as work continues today.  Over 500 firefighters remain committed to the effort.  The mandatory evacuation of swall meadows and paradise remains in place due to hazards in the area.   Cal Fire spokespersons Bennett Milloy said that fire damaged trees are a major safety concern along with 50 plus utility poles that Southern California Edison is working to stabilize.  Milloy said that erratic winds are also a major concern.  The spokesman for Cal fire said that getting residents back to their homes is a priority, but the area must be secured.

In regards to donations, Tawni Thomson at the Bishop Chamber of Commerce indicates that the community has donated items in almost overwhelming fashion.  Thomson says that right now the best way to give is to donate gift cards to local businesses.  The donation center at the patio building at the tri-county fair continues to receive donations of basic items, but right now the best way to give is to donate gift cards.  Thomson says the need go give will be ongoing, and a better assessment of what is needed will be clear in coming days.  Thomson also urges those who need assistance to please come to the patio building to receive what the community has so generously donated.   Those who would like to donate money can do so through alta one federal credit union  on north main street Bishop.

Sunday, February 8th, 7:45am

Official update from Cal Fire on the Round Fire as of the morning briefing:

Location: Paradise and Swall Meadows
Acreage: 7,000 acres
Containment: 65% (estimating full containment on Tuesday)
Injuries: 3 firefighters (minor injuries)
Cause: Under Investigation
Structures Destroyed: 40 residences destroyed / 5 damaged
Current structures threatened: No immediate threats
Total personnel assigned: 500+

Current situation: downed powered lines make re-entry for homeowners hazardous and unsafe. A re-population plan is being created and we will provide that information as soon as it is available. Until the area is safe, no homeowners will be allowed entry into their homes.

Evacuation Center: Crowley Lake Community Center. Red Cross will also be at the community center today to help with immediate financial aid for any homeowner who lost their home.

Cooperating agencies: Cal Fire (lead), Inyo National Forest, Paradise Fire, Inyo County Sheriff’s Office, Mono County Sheriff’s Office, CHP, Caltrans

Verizon update: There was a fiber optic line that was burned in the area of Swall Meadows. Verizon crews are working cooperatively with fire personnel to get the line fixed. Please be patient as Verizon crews work to restore cell phone service in the midst of this fire.

Fire Information Line: (909) 881-6949

From the Salvation Army,

Any Victims of the Round Fire – this includes any and all people that have lost their homes in the Swallow Meadows and Paradise areas: We can help you. We have been working with the Bishop Chamber of Commerce along with the Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fairgrounds and we have emergency shelter, clothing, bedding, toiletries and food. There are other things we can help with, please call us. We can even help you with your livestock if need be. Please give us a call at 760-872-2124 or come by to our office at 621 W. Line Street, in Bishop.

For those wanting to donate – donations of clothing, bedding, dog/cat food and toiletries (anything that you can think of that you may need if you were in this situation) can be taken to the Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fairgrounds Patio Building. Any donations of food, please bring to The Salvation Army at 621 W. Line Street. After Sunday, February 8th, all donations can be dropped of at The Salvation Army at 621 W. Line Street. For more information how you can help, please give us a call at 760-872-2124.

The Bishop Vet hospital, pampered pooches and relaxing fur kennels are offering pet boarding for those in need.

gary swall

 

gary round

 

gary chopper

Photos by Gary Young

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Community News, Local News

Round Valley Fire

Fire claims several homes

1:30 pm Saturday, February 7th, Update
Cal Fire is now confirming that 39 structures have been lost as a result of the Round Fire.  The acreage total is listed at 7,000 with two injuries reported, both to firefighters.  One firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation Friday night and one firefighter suffered a fall today during mop up.
A community meeting will be held tonight at 6pm at the Round Valley School.  Fire fighting officials will be on hand to brief the community on the fire fighting effort.

Victims who have been displaced by the fire can contact the Salvation Army.  760-872-2124.  The Salvation army can provide shelter and has access to clothing, food and other essentials.  They are also receiving tax deductible  donations to help those in need.

The preliminary count shows 20 homes have been lost in the community of Swall meadows and Paradise.  The fire broke out Friday afternoon near the Schober ranch in Round Valley, the cause of the fire remains under investigation.  High, erratic winds quickly grew the fire to over 7,000 acres.  Officials at Cal fire indicate that the total number of homes lost could climb once a better evaluation is conducted today.  “We anticipate that number to increase” says Cal fire spokesperson Liz Brown.

The tri-county fair grounds in Bishop is accepting donations for those who lost their homes in the fire. Clothing and basics will be accepted at the patio building beginning at 9:30.

Cal Fire is reporting injuries to one firefighter who suffered smoke inhalation battling the fire in swall meadows.

from cal fire…Significant rain stopped the forward rate of the fire around 2am. Downed power lines and venting propane tanks make re-entry for residents dangerous.

agencies on the fire include…Inyo USFS, Paradise Fire Dept., Inyo County Sheriff, Mono County Sheriff, CHP, LADWP, BSHOP Fire, Big Pine Fire, Independence Fire, Lone Pine Fire, Long Valley Fire, Wheeler Crest Fire, Edison and CDCR

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