The air is thick with smoke tonight in Tuolumne County. Here are local updates.
The Oak Fire in the Cedar Ridge area north of Twain Harte is now 106 acres and 90% contained. All evacuation orders and recommendations have been lifted and things are optimistic.
As close as the Oak Fire is, though, it’s not where the smoke and ash is coming from. You can thank the Butte Fire in Amador and Calaveras counties for that. The Butte Fire has only been burning 30 hours and is now already 14,700 acres and only 10% contained. This fire started east of Jackson but has grown significantly, hour by hour.
The sky reminds me of the Rim Fire from two years ago. If you have air conditioning, now would be the time to use it and close up your house to avoid the ash and smoke. Diffuse some essential oils, particularly lemon, grapefruit and lavender. All helpful for the lungs and airways.
CAL Fire reports:
Road Closures: (Amador County) Clinton Road at Butte Mountain Road (Both Ends) Butte Mountain Road Cutoff at Clinton Road. Amador Lane at Clinton Road, Electra at SR 49, Ponderosa Road at Tabeaud, Access to Lake Tabeaud is closed; Hwy 88 at W. Clinton Road, Hwy 88 at Irish Town Road, Hwy 88 at Tabeaud Road, Hwy 88 at Aqueduct Circle, Highway 88 at Mount Zion
(Calaveras County) SR 26 and Hwy 49 at Mokelumne Hill East to Ridge Road, SR 26 and Ponderosa Road, SR 26 and Jesus Maria; SR 26 at Hwy 49, SR 26 at Lower Dorray Road.
View CAL FIRE’s 2015 Fire Map here for the latest information on fires throughout the state.
It’s cold, cold, cold in the mountains. It was about 27 degrees outside this morning. It’s warmed up to a current temperature of 31 degrees. Brrrrrrrrr
An animation showing seasonal snow changes.
We were expecting snow on Tuesday that didn’t arrive. The air force is still spraying chemicals overhead and I firmly believe that this is part of the problem. I believe they are trying to empty out this part of the country, to create their wildlife corridor that I’ve read so much about.
Apparently they can keep the snow away, but they aren’t able to control the cold.
Snow Play still has snow – well – rather ice. Fast Ice. So, if you plan to do some sledding be aware that the mountain is all ice. This is what they had to say on their website:
We have snow. We DO NOT have a lot; no one does. We need to be 100% honest with you. We are still in the middle of a drought, and we DO NOT have the 3-4 feet of snow we should. We are OPEN with the snow we have, but the hills are icy, hard…
It’s refreshing to see someone being honest with the public. These people are great! They have been packed lately. I hope we get some snow soon. They could make all the snow they want but California won’t allow it. It’s the craziest thing I’ve ever heard of. It’s a shame too. If he could stay open most of the winter, the kids would have fun stuff to do, local businesses would benefit and it would help tourism in the county.
Makes you wonder what they have against small businesses. Enjoy the snow while we have it. I have a feeling it’s going to be another rough year here.
If you are into acting and the creative arts, I’ve got good news Sierra Rep Jr. will host a Les Miz Youth Workshop. Sounds like it could be a lot of fun. Check out the details…
Sierra Repertory Theatre Jr. will offer a Spring Break Workshop March 24-28. Participants will learn and perform appropriate selections from Les Miserables, the breathtaking musical currently playing at Sierra Rep’s East Sonora Theatre.
“I am excited to introduce this musical to a group that may know nothing about it, the die hard fans, and everyone in between,” SRT Jr. Education Director Ralph Krumins said. “It’s going to be a week of hard work, but the end product is going to make everyone happy, sad, and proud to be a part of our musical theatre community.”
Sierra Rep invites participants and their families to see the full production after the workshop’s youth performance on Friday. Enrollment fee is $98 and includes price of admission for one ticket to Sierra Rep’s Les Miserables. Sign up forms are available on the Education page at www.sierrarep.org.
Upcoming Sierra Rep Jr. offerings include a summer workshop in July and August and a school tour of the new children’s musical Magic of Threes. To sign up for the summer workshop or learn more about having Sierra Rep visit your school, contact Ralph Krumins at education@sierrarep.org, as well as 209-532-0502 extension 123.
Sierra Rep’s production of Les Miserables plays through May 4 at the East Sonora Theatre. Tickets cost $26-42 depending on date, time and seating, with student and senior rates available. For tickets and information, visit Sierra Rep online or call the Box Office at 209-532-3120.
