YLP Community News
Got Joy? Try a California Native Plant
by LESLIE LIPTON In the spring I make coffee, feed the birds, and wander in my garden. I’ve been known to lose my coffee cup. Why? The joy disorients me. My mostly-native YLP garden explodes with color and life. Buzzing calms my overactive...
Madera County spike in new cases
https://sierranewsonline.com/madera-county-reports-4-more-cases-thursday-14-new-cases-this-week
What’s good for the goose
... is good for the gosling On some mornings, before the sun peeks over Revis Mountain, you can hear them honking from a mile away. Even when they are not around, you know they have been here because of the calling cards they distribute across every inch of grass. An...
About 2020 election changes
OFFICIAL YOSEMITE LAKES PARK BUSINESS In response to questions received prior to the open YLOA Board of Directors meeting Tuesday, May 26, regarding the upcoming election, the board provided the following information: The changes to Davis-Stirling brought sudden...
A book for each grad
A YLP couple have launched a nonprofit called The MJ Project with the mission "To inspire teens with choice, a book, and the confidence to imagine what could be." As a part of that project, Leslie Lipton and Tom Nelson are making this generous offer to Class of 2020...
Prescribed burn coming to 41
Jaime WilliamsFire Prevention SpecialistCalifornia Department of Forestry and Fire ProtectionMadera-Mariposa-Merced Unit Coarsegold- The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), in cooperation with California Highway Patrol, CAL TRANS, Pacific...
State: keep pools closed
PER STATE DIRECTIVE, POOL CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. During the shelter in place directive, the governor issued an order requiring PUBLIC pools to be closed. Per Davis-Stirling newsletter, HOA pools were not considered PUBLIC, and thus opening the pool and/or hot...
LOL cancels 2020 events
By Diane MahanLadies of the Lakes 2020 presidentLadies of the Lakes board has decided to cancel all community events the remainder of the year, and while we are hoping to resume club meetings in September, only time will tell. For those of you that look...
YLP nixes snake assist
YLP Security will no longer handle calls from YLOA households asking for help in removing rattlesnakes. The change was made because of worker's compensation restrictions, according to YLOA Human Resources Manager Krista Brown. Rattlesnake situations are now the...
YLOA board election notice
OFFICIAL YOSEMITE LAKES PARK BUSINESS This year we have six qualified candidates running for four open seats on the Yosemite Lakes Owners' Association Board of Directors. Sue Beck Todd BenzieRebecca Brannon Kathleen MillerRandy SacksKen Sartain The four...
YLOA board OK’s new budget
OFFICIAL YOSEMITE LAKES PARK BUSINESS On Tuesday, April 28th, the YLOA Board of Directors voted 6-1 to pass the budget for the 2020/2021 fiscal year. The new budget includes a modest increase to homeowners assessments of $6.17/month — primarily to...
It’s nesting time
s Can you remember your first nest? I can remember mine. I was in the fifth grade. A hummingbird made a nest on a slender tree branch right outside my second floor bedroom window. It was so close I could have raised the window and touched it, but I didn’t dare. The...
Coronavirus: Latest YLP news
(This page will be updated whenever there is new local information) The ONLY OFFICIAL source of information about how YLP is dealing with COVID-19 is yosemitelakespark.org and direct YLOA communications. The situation is dynamic as new information...
YLP Q&As
YLOA and YSPUC General Manager Jonathan Penrose invites members of the YLP community to email him questions about YLP matters and he will answer them in a live chat at 6 p.m. each Tuesday at yosemitelakespark.org. Just email to QA@yloa.org or QA@yosemitelakespark.org....
Look for: Official YLP Business
To: All YLOA members and the YLP community Please look for this on our social media communications: OFFICIAL YOSEMITE LAKES PARK BUSINESS ALL OTHER SOURCES should be considered to be the personal opinion of the social media poster and often do not accurately...
2020 annual election packet
It's a challenging time, but the business of our community continues — and for YLP in April, that means preparing for annual Board of Directors elections. After publishing the official notice of election a few days ago, we're now providing the complete packet for...
‘Lord of the Rings’ readings
During this time of 'shelter in place,' the opportunities for entertainment and social interaction with those in our community is severely curtailed.Join our general manager, Jonathan Penrose, for a social reading of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic "Lord of the...
Notice of election
Fairway Cafe goes to card-only payment
Starting Friday, the Fairway Cafe will accept only phoned-in orders using credit or debit card.
Wild turkeys on parade
March is mating season, and adult males are on parade, hoping to hook up with one or more willing hens. The pageantry is equally theatrical as it is captivating.
Why social distancing is crucial in YLP
Be smart. Be safe. And PLEASE take the recommendations from the CDC and health professionals seriously.
Prudence, not panic
These are unprecedented times for most of us here in YLP…
The pied-billed grebe
Last fall, I fell in love while walking around Blue Heron Lake. The object of my infatuation? Let me show you…
YLOA board takes actions
The YLOA Board of Directors took the following actions at the regular Feb. 25, 2020 meeting
Madera County growth boom
According to the latest government data, Madera County is outpacing other similar-sized counties, both in California and around the western U.S., in terms of economic growth.
Native plants grow in YLP
An enthusiastic group has begun what they hope will be a transformative project to beautify YLP in a new, more natural, and less water-dependent way.
The Hunchback of YLP:
Standing or flying, black-crowned night herons keep their head tucked in, which gives them a hunchback appearance.
Oakhurst Hwy 41 project
SierraNewsOnline: A major construction project will impact traffic along Oakhurst’s main artery — Highway 41.
Valentines for WWII vet
A World War II veteran, age 104, is asking for a few cards and letters to be sent his way this Valentine’s Day.
Wheeler’s 2020 priorities
SierraNewsOnline: District 5 Supervisor Tom Wheeler thinks 2020 is going to be “another up year” for eastern Madera County.
The bluebird
Bluebirds have long been celebrated as a symbol of renewal, prosperity, and happiness…
YSPUC budget for 2020
The Yosemite Spring Park Utility Co. Board of Directors meeting on on Dec. 29 approved a new budget for 2020. Read the overview and view the budget…
New YLOA rules OK’d
The YLOA Board of Directors on Sunday, Dec. 29, approved new Membership Meeting and Voting Rules to comply with new California law…
Diving into YLP’s water
Did you know that, a few weeks ago, we had men swimming around inside YLP’s many water tanks?
Important notes for YLOA members
YLOA members are asked to read and respond to the following requests…
Trucks’ new logo
Look for the new YLP labels on our trucks …
Group hike Dec. 14
Everyone’s invited to join the Trails and Recreation Committee’s next group hike on Saturday, Dec. 14.
New election rules open for comments
New rules governing YLOA elections are now posted for public comment for the next four weeks.
Bylaws/DORs vote, new policies
Results from the bylaws/DORs “proxy” vote, 3 new board policies, North Dome paving update…
Talking turkey
THE BIRD MAN: We’re gonna talk turkey. Wild turkey, actually…
Voice or no voice?
About the Voting Proxy form and the need to update our bylaws/DORs …
The secret world of the phainopepla
THE BIRD MAN: The first time I saw a phainopepla, I was with an Audubon outing in the Coachella Valley, outside of Palm Springs…
Boutique boosts scholarships
Ladies of the Lakes would like to thank the community for supporting our Holiday Boutique….
Burglary suspect sought
SierraNewsOnline: Police search for suspect in YLP home invasion…
Roofin’ the stalls
YLOA’s Maintenance employees work last week on new, badly needed roofing for the Equestrian Center stalls…
Trail clearing
The Trails and Recreation Committee volunteers were hard at work Oct. 24…
Outage impact on YLP’s water
YSPUC manager Ken Harrington explains the impact of the outage last month on YLP’s water system.
Living with outages
Yosemite Lakes Park this past week got a taste of what some are calling the “new normal”…
YLP golf news
Fall has arrived, temperatures have dropped, and the 2019 Club Championship has been completed…
YLP couple killed
A couple from Yosemite Lakes Park were killed Sunday night near Bass Lake after their Jeep was reportedly struck by a falling tree.
Meeting format change
Starting Tuesday, YLOA members will get their own forum time for questions during monthly board meetings….
Deck renewal
Check out the photo gallery of our refurbished clubhouse deck, front and back!
Town Hall on YLP Roads
View the video and the slide presentation from the Oct. 22 event that drew an audience of 60-70.
Community hike
A guided community hike has been scheduled by the Trails and Recreation Committee for Saturday, Nov. 16.
Found items
Call Security if you have left items from YLP Live events or are missing keys.
Albatross on Hole 1
An amazing feat was accomplished Oct. 1 at the YLP Golf Course.
Red-tailed hawk
Yosemite Lakes is prime redtail country, and they are year ‘round residents…
Rigatoni Dinner fun
View our photo gallery from the 2019 Ladies of the Lakes Rigatoni Dinner to benefit Madera County Fire Department Station 10!
Health & Safety Fair
You don’t want to miss this event Saturday — plus a LUNCH BUFFET!
About those helicopters
We have received many calls regarding the flyover of a helicopter in the YLP area.
Welcome, River Creek golfers!
Players from River Creek Golf Course in Ahwahnee are coming to join us on Sept. 18…
Jackson denied parole
Convicted YLP arsonist Kenneth Jackson has again been denied early parole.
Fire damages YLP house, car
YLP resident praises work by firefighters, help from neighbors to put out house fire Friday.
Encounter with a rattlesnake
Larry Mackey recalls his harrowing ordeal…and shares some advice for others.
The turkey vulture
With a name like “turkey + vulture”, you get no respect. Yet, this widespread New World vulture deserves a closer look.
Busy, productive summer in YLP
It has been a busy summer for our staff here at YLOA and YSPUC as we continue to revise and modernize our operations.
Slow down on Lilley Mountain!
On Lilley Mountain Drive our Pipeline Replacement Project crew is installing new water main and traffic is limited to a single lane…
Sign up for text alerts!
Did you know we publish YLP Alerts for water outages, road hazards and other incidents affecting public safety?
Board training set
With a new YLOA Board of Directors about to begin work for 2019-2020, President Rebecca Brannon wishes to announce…
YLP-River Creek tourneys
A long-held tradition is coming back to YLP…
Collection efforts pay off
We have received $75,000 so far in upfront payments…
Blackhawk Lake open
Here are the new procedures for getting access to the lake…
Last-Tuesday meetings
YLOA and YSPUC monthly board of director meetings will be on the LAST Tuesday of the month starting this month…
Glacier Point Road to close in ’21
Fresno Bee reports: Glacier Point Road in Yosemite National Park will be closed for road construction in 2021.
New office hours
Office hours for YLOA and YSPUC are now 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Water, power and YLP
Water is the lifeblood of our community and delivering safe, reliable water is the mission of YSPUC.
The western kingbird
The western kingbird, a robin-sized “flycatcher,” is an easy bird to spot.
Tackling water main leaks
Our water company and pipeline crew have been working hard to repair an unusually high number of water main leaks on Lilley Mountain Drive.
YLOA has new board
YLOA and YSPUC have new boards of directors for 2019-2020.
2 from YLP reopen quilt shop
SierraNewsOnline: Stitching and sewing fans rejoice: Bear Paw Quilts & More is back in business.
Be a pooper scooper
A friendly reminder to dog walkers on the trail around Blue Heron Lake to please clean up Fido’s deposit
Great golfing!
CONGRATS: Sandy Ralph and Sharon Cargill Hunsbarger took part in the Pacific Women’s Golf Association Spring Partners Tournament.
Fire insurance rates going up
Local news outlets report that many homeowners in the foothills, including YLP, are seeing their home and fire insurance rates rocket up.
Welcoming touches
Near the front gate of the Equestrian Center, there is a triangle-shaped flower bed that for years was just full of weeds and some dying bushes.
YLP arsonist up for parole
The Madera County District Attorney’s office has announced that Kenneth Jackson is again scheduled for a parole hearing, and public comment is being sought.
Come play at our improved golf course!
Over the past 8 months many improvements have been made to the Golf Course here at YLP.
The bald eagle
The thrill of observing a bald eagle closeup is like watching a fireworks display. It is an awe inspiring experience one is unlikely to forget.
Power shutoff prep
What if PG&E shuts off power in YLP? We have your answer, and an emergency supply checklist:
To our volunteers!
For the last several years we have been blessed to have six beautiful hanging baskets on the back patio of the clubhouse.
Our phones are swamped!
Since installing our new phone system there has been a dramatic increase in the number of calls we are receiving…
Clubhouse projects under way
A lot’s happening at the clubhouse this summer.
The California quail
What’s not to love about the California quail, our official State Bird?
Grab and go bag
It’s time to go through your grab and go bag…
Car wash & bake sale success for Fire Station 10
Sunday’s car wash and bake sale for Madera County Fire Station 10 called a huge success — see photo gallery.
Movin’ ahead in June
June is a busy month as we wrap up our 2018 Fiscal Year and prepare for 2019-2020. I’m pleased to report several positive developments.
Director ballot set
Three YLOA members in good standing will be on the ballot for the annual election in July.
Of cars and horses
Picture this: You are riding your motorcycle up Corral Drive on a warm Saturday afternoon.
LOL new-member luncheon
Ladies of the Lakes held their May meeting and annual new-member luncheon Monday.
Financial packets go out
The Financial Packet and Annual Disclosures for 2019-2020 are now on their way to members.
Station 10 strengthens
We are truly fortunate to have a paid-call firefighter station smack dab in the heart of Yosemite Lakes Park.